Shows
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 27: Peel the OnionEpisode 27: Peeling Back the Layers. Visual Frameworks for Deeper ThinkingIn this episode of Rethink: The Podcast, we’re digging beneath the surface. Nicki Hambleton explores the power of the onion metaphor to unpack complexity and reveal what’s really going on.Using visual thinking strategies, we peel back the outer layers of what’s being said, how it’s being said and dive into the beliefs, emotions and assumptions hidden underneath. You'll learn how to work through each layer to reach deeper clarity, greater empathy and more meaningful solutions.🔍 Whether you're coac...2025-07-2809 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 20: Can't say it? Draw it! How Metaphors Make Emotions VisibleEpisode 20: Can't say it? Draw it! How Metaphors Make Emotions VisibleWhat do you do when words just aren’t enough? When feelings are swirling and thoughts feel tangled? In this second episode of our Visual Thinking for Wellbeing mini series, I explore how visual metaphors can help you make sense of complex emotions, stress and confusion.We’ll unpack why drawing what you feel can offer clarity, comfort and even humour in challenging moments. With real-life examples, a guided reflection and creative prompts this episode...2025-07-2107 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 26: Rethink Thinking with A1Episode 26: Rethink Thinking with AI with guest Nici Foote, founder of Unbarrier MeIn this episode of Rethink the Podcast, I’m joined by Nici Foote, founder of Unbarrier Me, an educator and creative problem-solver who helps schools, multi-academy trusts, and teachers build inclusive, future-ready learning environments using tools that are practical, neurodivergent-friendly, and genuinely engaging.We explore how both of us are weaving AI into our creative processes, not to replace thinking, but to enhance it. From uploading style references and prompts into ChatGPT, to us...2025-07-2122 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 25: The Conversation Catcher.Ep 25: Framing the Conversation. How a Folded Paper Game Can Guide Deeper Thinking What do you do when a conversation feels like too much to hold? In this episode, I share the moment that led to creating MapChat, a visual way to map conversations as they unfold. Then I introduce the Conversation Catcher, a simple, playful tool for opening up reflective conversations when mapping isn’t practical. Whether you're coaching, checking in, or just trying to get unstuck, this tool can help bring clarity, one question at a time.Dow...2025-07-1409 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 24: Visual Frameworks – Making the Invisible VisibleEpisode 24: Visual Frameworks – Making the Invisible VisibleDo you ever feel like your brain’s full but nothing’s clear?In this episode of RETHINK, we dive into visual frameworks: simple, shape-based tools that help you organise messy thinking, untangle ideas and make better decisions. Whether you're planning a project, navigating a tricky conversation, or just feeling overwhelmed, frameworks offer scaffolding for your thoughts.I walk you through 5 clear steps to build your own visual framework (no drawing skills required) and explain how to match the shape to the kind of challe...2025-07-0706 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 23: The Switch. Becoming visible again.Episode 23: The Switch. Becoming visible again.What happens when you step back into a space you love and suddenly feel seen again?In this reflective episode, Nicki shares what attending the Jigsaw24 Education Summit unlocked for her: a quiet but powerful moment of clarity, confidence, and reconnection. From feeling on the fringes of education to realising the power of her work anew, she explores how one simple conversation flipped the switch and helped her become visible again.Whether you’re a creative, educator, or someone whose work doesn’t fit into a neat box...2025-06-3007 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 22: Can a Picture Say 1000 Words?Episode 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 learningWhether you're an educator, team leader o...2025-06-1609 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE FrameworkEpisode 21: From Fog to Focus using the SEE Framework to Clear OverwhelmOverwhelmed? Stuck in a mental fog? In this third episode of the Visual Strategies for Wellbeing series, Nicki shares 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.You’ll learn how to:Dump out the overwhelm (visually!)Use vis...2025-06-0906 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 19: Resetting the Stressed out Brain🎙 Part 1 of 5 in the Visual Thinking for Wellbeing SeriesEpisode 19: Resetting the Stressed out BrainWhen the pressure piles up and your brain feels like it’s short-circuiting, how do you find clarity? 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 overwhelmWhy visuals offer a shortcut to calm and clarityThree simple sketches you can do (no drawi...2025-05-2605 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 18: Hack your Brain with Visual ThinkingEpisode 18: Hacking Your Brain with Visuals, with Brendon O’BrienWhat if you could turbocharge your thinking just by drawing it out?In this episode of rethink: the podcast, I’m joined by visual facilitator Brendon O’Brien of Cue Vision to explore how visual thinking isn’t just a creative tool, it’s a cognitive superpower.Brendon talks us through the science behind how visuals help us remember more, communicate clearly and even rewire our brains. From dual coding to cognitive load, external memory fields to third-po...2025-05-1928 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 17: Rethink note-taking in 5 steps.In this episode, I’m taking you right back to where it all began, 2012, a new iPad, and a conversation over lunch that changed how I think, listen, and learn.That was the moment I discovered the power of visual note-taking. Not just as a fun way to doodle in the margins, but as a strategy that genuinely helped me remember, reflect and make sense of what I was hearing.I’ll walk you through my 5 Step Method: a simple, visual approach you can literally hold in your hand, while...2025-05-1209 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 16: Design your Day - Map your time to match your mindEpisode 16 Design Your Day: Map Your Time to Match Your MindDo you ever get to the end of the day and think… what did I actually do?Busy, yes. But productive? Not quite.In this episode of rethink: the podcast, we explore a simple but powerful visual strategy to help you take back control of your day, without the overwhelm.I’m sharing how visual planning (instead of endless to-do lists) can help you design your day to match your energy, reduce stress and prio...2025-05-0507 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 15: Map your mood- See It, Understand It, Shift ItFeeling 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.Perfect for leaders, professionals, creatives and lifelong learners ready to rethink how they navigate their energy, mood, and mindset each day.And you can download a free template to start mapping your mood! We all need a r...2025-04-2807 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 14: The 5 Myths about Visual Thinking busted!The 5 Visual Thinking Myths Busted: Why You're Already More Visual Than You ThinkDescription: Think you're not a 'visual thinker'? Think again. In this episode, we bust five common myths about visual thinking — from the belief that it's only for artists, to the idea that it slows you down. You'll discover why visual thinking is a power tool for clearer ideas, faster learning, and better collaboration — and why you’re already more visual than you realise.This episode includes quick interactive actions you can try today to rethink how you work...2025-04-2107 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 13: The Recap - Looking back on the first 12 episodesFeeling overwhelmed by ideas? Or just joining the podcast now and wondering where to begin? This special recap episode is your chance to pause, zoom out, and connect the dots from Episodes 1 to 12.In Rethink The Recap, I walk you through the stepping stones we’ve travelled so far, how we’ve moved from chaos to clarity using visual thinking tools, creative strategies and inclusive ideas that spark action.Each cluster of episodes builds on the last, from brain dumps and thought threads, to concept maps, storyboarding and strategies for neurodivergent brilliance. Whether you'r...2025-04-1407 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 12: Rethinking PresentationsTired of bullet-point overload and slide decks that send your audience to sleep?In this episode, we flip the focus from listener to leader and rethink how we design and deliver presentations. Whether you’re leading a meeting, teaching a class, or pitching an idea, your slides shouldn’t be your script. They should be your support act.We’ll explore:Why reading from slides leads to disengagementHow to reduce cognitive overload, especially for neurodivergent mindsThe science behind what makes visuals more effectiveA practical 5-step framework to design presentations that land with every b...2025-04-0710 min
Shifting Schools: Conversations for K12 EducatorsThe Joy of Learning With Visual Notes In this conversation, Tricia Friedman and Nicki Hambleton discuss the significance of visual note-taking, and why it is increasingly more necessary for our learners. They discuss the process of creating visual notes, the importance of fun in learning, and how visual note-taking enhances listening skills. Nicki shares her experiences and insights on how to overcome hesitation in visual note-taking and its potential connection to wellness initiatives in organizations. Big Ideas Visual note-taking can help clarify thoughts about AI. Engaging in fun activities enhances the learning experience. The process of visual note-taking is as important as the outcome. Slowing down c...2025-03-3126 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 11: Rethinking Note-taking to Ease OverloadEpisode 11Do you leave meetings feeling frazzled? Find yourself scribbling furiously only to end up with unreadable notes and a foggy memory?You’re not alone.In this episode, I share how sketchnoting became a game-changer for my neurodivergent brain. Not just a creative outlet, sketchnotes helped me learn to listen differently—focusing on meaning, calming the overwhelm, and capturing ideas I’d actually use.We’ll explore:Why all-talking meetings cause cognitive overloadWhat sketchnoting really is (hint: it’s not about being an artist!)Th...2025-03-3111 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent Brilliance!Episode 10: Seeing Differently – How Visual Thinking Unlocks Neurodivergent BrillianceWhat if the very thing you once saw as a struggle was actually your strength?In this episode, I share a personal story about discovering I likely have dyslexic thinking and how that realisation helped me reframe not only my challenges but also my greatest gifts. From struggling to retain information through spoken word to thriving with colour-coded mind maps and visual metaphors, I explore how visual thinking can transform the way neurodivergent minds learn, lead, and create.You’ll also get a ste...2025-03-2410 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 9: Seeing the Big Picture- Visual Thinking meets Business StrategySeeing the Big Picture: Visual Thinking Meets Business StrategyHow do you make big ideas stick?In this episode I talk to Paul Vincent, Global Leader in Service Design, Randstad Enterprise. Paul set himself a challenge: to create 25 Questions for 2025, a series of thought-provoking prompts designed to help leaders, businesses, and individuals rethink the future.But how do you make complex ideas engaging? That’s where our collaboration began. Instead of using stock images, we started crafting custom visuals that tell a story—turn...2025-03-1719 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 8: Designing for the Mind- How Spatial Organisation Shapes ThinkingBad design is CRAP. No, really—there’s an actual design principle called CRAP: Contrast, Repetition, Alignment, and Proximity. If you’re not using these, your spatial organisation might be working against you.In this episode of rethink: The Podcast, we explore how spatial organisation transforms the way we think, communicate, and design—whether in presentations, learning materials, or even how we arrange our workspaces.What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ Why the CRAP principles...2025-03-1012 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 7: Picture This! How Storyboarding brings ideas to life.Ever struggled to structure your thoughts or explain an idea clearly? What if you could break it down visually—step by step—just like a storyboard?In this episode of rethink: The Podcast, we explore how storyboarding can transform the way you think, communicate, and bring ideas to life.📌 What you’ll discover:🔹 Why storyboarding works for different types of thinkers—from creatives to leaders.🔹 How breaking an idea into 3 or 5 panels makes it clearer and more actionable.🔹 The science behind storytelling & visuals—and why our brains love th...2025-03-0312 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 6: See the Big Picture with Visual MetaphorsEver struggled to explain a complex idea? What if you could capture it in a single, powerful image?In this episode of rethink: the Podcast, we explore how visual metaphors can transform the way we think, communicate, and problem-solve.📌 What you’ll discover:🔹 How metaphors help make abstract ideas concrete.🔹 The power of turning concepts into visual journeys.🔹 Real-world examples, including my work with Paul Vincent on the 25 Questions for 2025 project.🔹 How graphic facilitators like Brendon O’Brien and Ralph Mann bring ideas to life...2025-02-2314 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 5: Concept Mapping for Better ThinkingEpisode 5: Concept Mapping for Better ThinkingFeeling overwhelmed by scattered ideas and messy notes? Ever struggled to pull everything together and make sense of your thoughts? You’re not alone!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!🔹 2025-02-1611 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 4: Thought Threads: Creating Space for Every VoiceEver been in a meeting where only the loudest voices dominate? Thought Threads is a spatial, silent brainstorming technique designed to ensure every idea gets seen and valued—especially for introverts, reflective thinkers, and neurodiverse team members. In this episode, we explore how visual, anonymous ideation can turn scattered thoughts into structured collaboration. Learn how to cluster, connect, and amplify ideas using this inclusive visual thinking approach.Tune in and discover how to weave your team’s ideas into a powerful collective web of insights!...2025-02-0908 min
The Standing Apart Podcast#6 - How can people in the education sector do things differently?Standing Apart, hosted by Nigel Ridpath, focuses on the theme of differentiation - both personally and in a business sense.
Episode 6 focuses on the education sector. We take a look at what's happening in schools in the most deprived areas, inspired by this article by Elaine Dunkley and producer, Kate McGough. I interview Nicki Hambleton, former Head of Art at UWCSEA in Singapore, about how one of the top schools in the world innovates.
I also reveal who is Superhero of the Week.
Nicki's podcast on Visual Thinking can be found here.
2025-02-0327 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 3: Drawing - The Superpower for Thinking🎙️ Episode 3: Drawing – The Superpower for ThinkingThink 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 visua...2025-02-0206 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 2: Rethink Brainstorming & Spark ConnectionsCrazy 8 is designed to help you rethink brainstorming and spark connections and it is fast, fun, and full of ideas. Whether you’re working alone or in a team, this quick and creative technique gets ideas flowing and uncovers patterns you might not see otherwise.We all need a rethink once in a while, so why not start today?2025-01-2709 min
reThink: How you think, work and thriveEpisode 1: Welcome to reThink: Why Thinking Visually Can Change Everything—Even on a Podcast!Episode 1: Welcome to reThink: Unpacking Ideas, Innovation, and InsightsIn this first episode of reThink, I introduce you to the heart of the podcast—exploring creative ways to reimagine ideas, improve processes, and gain fresh insights. You’ll learn what the three pillars of reThink—Ideas, Innovation, and Insights—really mean and how they can help you navigate your work, learning, and team dynamics.I’ll also share a bit about my background as a teacher and coach, how I discovered the power of visual thinking, and the story behind MapChat™, my method for helping othe...2025-01-1909 min
Ignite EdTech PodcastMay 5 2023 - Episode 123 - Nicki HambletonMay 5 2023 - Episode 123The Ignite EdTech Podcast with @mrkempnz1. Introduction2. EdTech Tool of the Week - Stop Motion Studio3. EdTech Tip of the Week - Creation over Consumption4. Interview with Nicki Hambleton5. Subscribe, Rate and ShareIf you have a question that you want answered on the podcast please emailinfo@igniteedtech.com2023-05-0524 min
Dinis Guarda YouTube Podcast Series - Powered by citiesabc.com and businessabc.netNicki Hambleton, Apple Distinguished Educator & Founder of NiH ConsultancyNicki Hambleton is the Founder of NiH Consultancy and an Apple Distinguished Educator with over three decades of experience in teaching globally. She is an expert in integrating Technology and Art authentically in the classroom and using those for visual note taking. Nicki is also a trained Cognitive Coach and consultant in visual arts, thinking and learning strategies. She teaches sketchnotes to students and adults through dedicated workshops and presentations and has authored a collaborative eBook on the process of taking notes digitally with other educators.Nicki Hambleton Interview Topics1. Please start by t...2023-04-1156 min
Learning2Autonomy, Mastery and PurposeAn interview with Nicki Hambleton. Follow her on twitter @itsallaboutart and watch her talks at:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pQdNNa0_0WM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdmPkv4xzlM2022-02-1522 min