Trainers Toolbox

Mirna Smidt
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Dec 30, 2025 • 22min

#20 - Designing With Intentionality For Better Workshops

Intentionality in training design is what separates average workshops from powerful learning experiences.In this episode, we talk about what it means to design with purpose – and how to stay aligned with your training goals while staying flexible to the group.It is all about bringing your workshops to a whole new depth, and being more strategic in the way you do design. (And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-designing-with-intentionality-for-better-workshops/🧠Dive deep into intentional learning design with our Train the Trainer course: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/💡Mirna’s TEDx talk about living life more intentionally - The way to fulfilled life 🎁Keep on learning with weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬Say hi, stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Dec 16, 2025 • 23min

# 19 - Self Check-in: Reset Your Focus & Energy In Under a Minute

If you would ask me what is one ultimate most powerful exercise for self-management and building more self-awareness - I would tell you this one!It will work as a quick reset between sessions or during a long day, as a way to deepen focus and manage emotions, as well as help you build more awareness of your needs and patterns. And it doesn't stop there - share it with your participants, too, in the context of self-leadership, wellbeing, connecting with others or many other workshop topics. In this episode, I guide you through a simple self check-in process to help you get centered, focused, and ready to lead.I am also exploring how you can get creative and adapt it for diverse purposes and reshape it before sharing it with your participants.(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-self-check-in-reset-your-focus-and-energy-in-under-a-minute/🔬🧘 Learn more tools like this in the Positive Psychology Toolbox course https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/positive-psychology-tools-for-trainers/👣 Dive deep into shaping emotional journeys for your participants on an online course on Emotional Journey Design: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotional-journey-design-course/ 🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Dec 2, 2025 • 47min

#18 - How To Handle Difficult Situations In a Workshop

Every trainer eventually faces tricky moments in the training room. In this episode, I unpack how to stay grounded and navigate participant behaviors that might throw you off. You’ll learn mindset shifts and practical tools to handle it with clarity and confidence.(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-how-to-handle-difficult-situations-in-a-workshop/👣 Join the community of trainers & facilitators to exchange tips & ideashttps://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/🧠Master the art and science of training on Train the Trainer: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/👻Practice advanced facilitation skills in our Facilitation Bootcamp: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-facilitation-training/ 💡Discover more of great tips about Opening:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/struggling-with-difficult-participants-do-this-instead/🎙️Podcast Ep. 16 – Workshop opening: Grab attention & build engagement:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-workshop-opening-grab-attention-build-engagement/ 🎁Keep on learning with weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Nov 18, 2025 • 23min

#17 - Follow-up That Works: Turn Learning Into Action

Learning doesn’t end when the session does – that’s when the real work begins. In this episode, I share 5 smart strategies to support participants after the workshop and help them turn insight into action. Bring your workshops from learning to a real-world impact!(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episode-17-follow-up-that-works-turn-learning-into-action/💡Learn how make learning truly stick on Train the Trainer course: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/👣 Join the Trainers Conversations community to keep exploring smart follow-up tools & ways together with a group of other inspiring experienced trainers: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/🎁Keep on learning with weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Nov 4, 2025 • 34min

#16 - Workshop Opening: Grab Attention & Build Engagement

The opening of a workshop is a place where you set the stage that makes or breaks the learning experience. It is the moment when you shape participants’ motivation, engagement, the way they interact, and their level of activity in the workshop.In this episode, we look at how to design powerful openings that build motivation, connection, and credibility right from the start - as well as how to pick your priorities to ensure that your opening becomes the perfect stage exactly for your workshop.(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up). Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-workshop-opening-grab-attention-build-engagement/💡 Dive into the art and science of impactful training design & delivery - join me on Train the Trainer: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/train-the-trainer-course/🎁 📕 Start exploring the practical side of science of emotions in learning with this insights-packed e-book:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotions-best-for-learning-ebook/👣 Learn how emotions shape and deepen the learning in an online course on Building Emotional Journeys: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotional-journey-design-course/ 🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Oct 21, 2025 • 27min

#15 - Flow: The Secret Ingredient For Effortless Learning

Flow 🌊 is the ideal state for learning: it makes learning feel effortless and much faster and more effective than any other state.But flow doesn’t happen by chance. In this episode, we explore what flow really is, why it matters for learning, and how trainers can set the conditions for it.If you want your workshops & courses to feel more focused, immersive, and energizing – this one’s for you.(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the brief summary of the episode for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-flow-the-secret-ingredient-for-effortless-learning/📖 Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi: Flowhttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/66354.Flow📚 Crazy for books? Download free ULTIMATE BOOKLIST FOR TRAINERS AND FACILITATORShttps://www.trainers-toolbox.com/ultimate-booklist-for-trainers-signup/👣 Dive in deeper and explore flow and optimal states in learning on Optimal emotions for learning online course: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotional-journey-design-course/   🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Oct 7, 2025 • 36min

#14 - Designing Emotional Journeys For Deeper Learning

Emotions aren’t just a nice add-on in learning – they’re central to what people remember, how they process and if they will truly apply what they learned.In this episode, we explore one of my favorite topics: how to leverage emotions within a workshop to make learning deeper and more memorable, and how to design emotional journeys that support learning. It will all be about practical tips from the science of learning and positive psychology. (And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about how to make training effective coming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-designing-emotional-journeys-for-deeper-learning/📘Download the ebook Emotions best for learning and how to create them:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotions-best-for-learning-ebook/👣 Learn & practice how to design emotional journeys for your learning events and workshop:: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/emotional-journey-design-course/   🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday: https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Say hi and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Sep 23, 2025 • 28min

#13 - Metaphors In Workshops: How I Use Them And Examples I Love

Metaphors are one of the most powerful yet simple tools for trainers. They makeconcepts more memorable and clear, and boost engagement and interest in yourworkshop.Today, I share 5 of my favorite metaphors that I use often, why they work so well, andhow to use them to make abstract concepts stick.In this episode, I also have a special gift for you - you’ll get access to a visual Miro boardfull of ready-to-use metaphor ideas.(And remember to subscribe ☝️to stay tuned on more episodes about storytellingcoming up).📘 Download the episode handout for main learnings & to keep reflecting:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/podcast-episodes-metaphors-in-workshops-how-i-use-them-and-examples-i-love/🎁 🔥Get access to Miro board with 15+ diverse metaphors: https://miro.com/app/board/uXjVIlGbwXI=/?share_link_id=651425784617Password: TrainersConversationsJoin me in the Trainers Conversations community, where we share and exchangefacilitation tools and ideas, such as our favorite metaphors:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/trainers-conversations-community/👻 Enrich your workshops with enchanting stories and metaphors - join me me for thefull experience of diving deep into the craft of storytelling:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/advanced-storytelling-course-for-trainers/🧠 Metaphors and stories are one of several tools we cover in Brain Based LearningMasterclass - join me or purchase the recording:www.trainers-toolbox.com/brain-based-masterclass💡Keep on learning with me 2h long masterclasses on diverse topics for trainers, packedwith insights and ideas - check for currently available topics:www.trainers-toolbox.com/masterclasses🎁 Keep on learning with a weekly newsletter every Wednesday:https://www.trainers-toolbox.com/newsletter/💬 Connect and stay in touch: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mirnasmidt/
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Sep 9, 2025 • 38min

#12 - Books: Best Storytelling Books For Trainers & Insights From Them

Discover powerful storytelling techniques that can elevate your training sessions. Learn how to engage your audience emotionally with personal anecdotes and relatable details. Explore the art of raising stakes to captivate listeners and enhance the clarity of your narrative. Delve into insights from four influential books, unlocking practical tips that transform the way you tell stories. Overcome the challenges of incorporating storytelling into your sessions and embrace a community eager to share the journey of storytelling mastery.
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26 snips
Aug 26, 2025 • 29min

#11 - The Trainer’s Guide To Storytelling (In Workshops)

Discover how storytelling transforms workshops into vibrant learning experiences. Dive into techniques for crafting engaging narratives, including essential elements like conflict and tension. Learn to use vivid, sensory language that captivates your audience. Explore how these storytelling skills can enhance participant engagement and retention. Join a community of learners eager to improve their storytelling capabilities and get ready to make your sessions unforgettable!

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