We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?
rethink the podcast is your guide to smarter work, clearer conversations and better problem-solving, powered by visual strategies that work.
Listen to the latest episode below
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Overwhelmed by complexity?
Struggling to make ideas stick or get your voice heard?
Take a listen to one of the previous episodes to hear (and see) how visual thinking can help you.
Ep.22: Can a Picture Say 1000 Words?
Visual thinking isn’t just about drawing, it’s about showing meaning. And sometimes, one powerful image can communicate what paragraphs of text struggle to explain.
In this episode, Nicki explores how using visual thinking and the Power Image strategy can:
Replace text-heavy presentations, reports and student portfolios
Reduce cognitive load for your audience
Support neurodivergent and EAL learners
Bring greater clarity to leadership communication, team conversations and classroom learning
Whether you're an educator, team leader or creative thinker, you'll take away simple, practical steps to rethink how you share information and discover how one image can truly say 1000 words.
Ep. 21: From Fog to Focus
In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki introduces the SEE Framework: a powerful visual tool to help you go from frazzled to focused. Whether your brain feels like it has 73 tabs open or you're facing a big decision that feels impossible to start, this episode helps you make sense of the chaos.
Ep. 20: Can’t see it? Draw it!
In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, visual thinking expert Nicki Hambleton explores how visual metaphors can help you manage emotional overwhelm, reduce stress and make sense of complex feelings.
Discover how drawing your thoughts, whether it's a monkey on your back or a storm cloud, can turn invisible emotions into visible, understandable insights.
Part of the Visual Thinking for Wellbeing mini-series, this episode offers practical ideas, creative prompts and personal stories to help you get it out of your head and onto the page.
Ep.19: Resetting the stressed out brain
In this episode, the first in a five-part series on visual thinking for wellbeing, we explore what happens in the brain when stress takes over and how simple drawing strategies can help you reset.
We’ll look at:
What neuroscience tells us about overwhelm
Why visuals offer a shortcut to calm and clarity
Three simple sketches you can do (no drawing skills needed!)
Whether you’re a student feeling stuck, or someone who just needs a mental breather, this episode offers a pen-and-paper lifeline when your brain’s had enough.
Ep. 18 Hack your Brain
From dual coding to cognitive load, external memory fields to third-point communication, Brendon and I talk about how to hack your brain with visual thinking.
Why visuals “hack” your brain and boost memory
How drawing helps you process, understand and act
What happens when teams see the problem instead of just talking about it
Simple ways to get started. You don't need to be an artist!
Ep 17: rethink note-taking in 5 simple steps
Discover the 5-step visual note-taking method that boosts memory and clarity based on Dual Coding Theory. Try it with a free download!
Ep. 16 Design your Day
Design your Day: Map your time to match your mind
Feeling busy but not actually productive?
In this episode of rethink: the podcast, Nicki Hambleton introduces Visual Day Mapping — a practical strategy to plan your time around energy, not just tasks.
Learn how to sketch your day, match work to your natural rhythm, and bring more clarity, focus, and breathing space into your daily flow.
Ep. 15 Map your Mood
Map Your Mood: See It, Understand It, Shift It
Feeling overwhelmed but can't pinpoint why?
In this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, Nicki Hambleton introduces Mood Mapping — a simple visual strategy to track emotional patterns, manage stress, and boost self-awareness.
Learn how to plot your energy and mood visually, spot hidden trends, and adjust your work and life with more clarity, kindness, and control.
Ep. 14 The 5 Myths about Visual Thinking
Bust 5 common myths about visual thinking and discover why visuals aren't just for creatives. Learn how visual strategies can boost clarity, collaboration, and creativity in work, learning, and leadership.
Ep 13 Rethink - The Recap
Recap the journey so far in Rethink: The Podcast. Explore visual thinking tools, drawing as strategy, concept mapping, and support for neurodivergent thinkers. A perfect place to start or reflect before diving into what’s next.
Ep. 12: Rethinking Presentations
Is your presentation helping—or overwhelming—your audience? In this episode, Nicki shares five ways to rethink your slides using visuals, clarity, and science-backed design for every brain in the room.
Clear slides = clear minds.
Ep. 11: Rethinking Note-taking to Ease Overload
In Episode 11 of rethink: the podcast, I explore how sketchnoting became my secret weapon—not just for remembering things, but for listening in a way that’s calm, focused, and actually works.
I share:
✅ Why traditional notes don’t help overloaded brains
✅ The science behind why sketching works
✅ How sketchnoting trains you to listen for meaning, not everything
✅ My simple steps to get started—even if you “can’t draw”
Whether you’re neurodivergent, easily distracted, or just tired of chaotic meetings… this one’s for you.
Ep. 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent Brilliance
Discover how visual thinking supports neurodivergent minds. Learn how concept mapping can help reduce overload and unlock creativity.
Ep.9: Visual Thinking Meets Business Strategy
Seeing the Big Picture: Visual Thinking Meets Business Strategy
How do you make complex ideas stick?
In this episode of rethink: the podcast, I team up with business strategist Paul Vincent to explore how visual thinking transforms communication. We unpack the power of questions over statements, how custom visuals engage audiences, and why blending strategy with visuals creates deeper impact.
Ep 5: Concept Mapping for better thinking
In this episode of rethink: the podcast, I explore how concept mapping can transform your thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills by mirroring the way your brain naturally organises information.
🔹 Why mapping works – backed by neuroscience & Gestalt theory
🔹 Different types of concept maps – it’s not just mind maps!
🔹 How to use mapping effectively – from learning and planning to creative thinking
🔹 Who benefits most – students, professionals, teams, and neurodivergent thinkers
Ep.4: Thought Threads – Creating Space for Every Voice
Thought Threads sketchnote explaining the visual thinking strategy which allows all voices and ideas to be heard.
Episode 3: Drawing - The Superpower for Thinking
Think you can’t draw? Think again! 🎨
Most of us stop drawing around age 7 to 9, the last time we truly enjoyed it. But what if drawing isn’t about art—it’s about thinking? In this episode of rethink, I explore how sketching can boost memory, enhance problem-solving, and clarify ideas.
📌 Science-backed insights:
✅ The Drawing Effect – How sketching helps you remember twice as much
✅ Dual Coding Theory – Why combining visuals + words makes ideas stick
✅ Doodling for Focus – How simple scribbles keep your brain engaged
Plus, I’ll share practical ways to use drawing in daily life—even if you think you "can’t draw"! And keep an eye out for my upcoming video on how to draw simple, easy images Nicki-style.
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