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podcast by makeshapes about learning, transformation, and the future of work

Shapeshifters

Join us as we hunt for Shapeshifters – passionate individuals determined to (re)discover ways to transform people, organizations and communities for good. We’ll explore how these wayfinders are shaping the way we think, learn, interact, and collaborate together. Conversations spanning thought leaders, pioneering practitioners, community builders, movement sparkers, and more.

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Recent episodes

Transforming perspectives in talent, learning & development

Join us as we pick the brains of the brightest minds, focusing on transformation and learning.

What we talk about
Mike Courian, host of Shapeshifters
Your host

Hosted by Makeshapes co‑founder and Chief Curiosity Officer Mike Courian

Mike lives in Auckland, New Zealand, with his wife and three kids. In his free time, you might find Mike running or learning something new—like Python.

What guests are saying

Kind words from our guests

“It was by far one of the most authentic, insightful podcast chats I’ve ever had. I greatly enjoyed your approach.”
JD Dillon

JD Dillon

Author, Speaker · 50+ podcast guest appearances

“This was a great chat, Mike. I appreciate so much your thoughtful questions and listening and just tickling my brain this! Thank you.”
Anamaria Dorgo

Anamaria Dorgo

Founder of L&D Shakers · 30+ podcast guest appearances

“Just wanted to say how much I appreciated the entire experience. You were absolutely amazing as a host. I honestly think you helped me say what I meant more clearly than I could’ve alone. That’s rare, and generous.”
Dave Stevens

Dave Stevens

Chief Learning Officer, Advanced Learning Strategies

“If you’re ever in Sydney give me a shout. Let’s grab a cuppa or a beer!”
Dominic Price

Dominic Price

Work Futurist · TED speaker

“Mike, Etienne and I really enjoyed the podcast. Thank you for your good interviewing, it was a great conversation!”
Beverly Wenger-Trayner

Beverly Wenger-Trayner

Author, Consultant · social learning theorist (25+ yrs)

“I really enjoyed our conversation. You have a very natural, warm hosting style.”
Michelle Ockers

Michelle Ockers

Chief Learning Strategist · 200+ episode podcast host

“I listened to the podcast and after I got over the personal cringe of myself I actually felt quite proud of it! We really had a great conversation and I think you were really skilled in taking it different directions.”
Barbara Harvey

Barbara Harvey

Head of Learning, Growth Faculty

“This was such a great conversation, Mike. Thank you so much. It was really, really fun.”
Kayla Nalven

Kayla Nalven

Founder of TED@Work

Signals & sparks

A collection of articles and humans that inspire Makeshapes

Do We Make Better Group Decisions When Our Hearts Synchronize?

Michael Platt

Director, Wharton Neuroscience Initiative

Learning from others is good, with others is better

The Royal Society

Sara De Felice, Antonia F. de C. Hamilton, Marta Ponari and Gabriella Vigliocco

4 steps to having more “aha” moments

HBR

Dr. David Rock and Josh Davis PhD

The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters (BOOK)

Priya Parker

Author, Speaker, Facilitator

Ideas change everything (VIDEO)

Chris Anderson

Curator @ TED

An Expert on Trust Says We’re Thinking About It All Wrong

Rachel Botsman

Leading expert on trust, author, writer and curator

Introduction to communities of practice

Etienne and Beverly Wenger-Trayner

Social Learning Theorists & Founders of the Social Learning Lab

Online Collaborative Learning Theory

Linda Harasim

Research and Innovator in Social Media and Online Education

Vygotsky’s Theory of Cognitive Development

Saul McLeod

Author, Editor, PhD in Psychology

Searching for wayfinders of a new future

Shapeshifters

Shapeshifters is the flagship podcast from Makeshapes, the group learning platform on a mission to transform group learning for the modern workplace.

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