The hosts break down what actually works on LinkedIn in 2026, including intel Dan picked up at LinkedIn's headquarters. They cover why hashtags are dead, how the first 30 minutes after posting determine your reach, the exact character limits for hooks (62/62/50), and why replying to comments on your own posts matters more than most people think. Aaron makes the case for video content after one low-effort video drove 70-80% of his annual impressions, while Dan argues for text-first posts and evergreen articles.Timestamps- **0:01:02** — Dan on the basics: why replying to your own commenters still matters more than anything- **0:03:02** — John on using bold photography and black-and-white images to stop the scroll- **0:04:39** — Breakdown of every engagement type on LinkedIn and what each one signals to the algorithm- **0:07:49** — How engagements create a network effect: the math behind impressions stacking- **0:10:12** — The 30-minute window after posting and why your replies during that time matter most- **0:12:17** — Hashtags are dead: what LinkedIn's own team told Dan at HQ- **0:14:13** — Tagging people and brands: when it helps, when it's creepy, and the missing feature LinkedIn needs- **0:19:30** — Content formats that work: carousels are out, writing is back, and the selfie fatigue problem- **0:23:30** — The hook formula: 62 characters on line one, 62 on line two, 50 on line three before the cutoff- **0:31:50** — Aaron's case for video after one clip drove 70-80% of his yearly impressionsCo-hosts- **Aaron Makelky** — [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-makelky-m-a-ed-038b852a3/)- **Dan Yu** — [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/danoyu/)- **John Lovig** — [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnlovig/)## Links- [FutureProof You Website](https://futureproof-you.com)- [FutureProof You on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/futureproof-you)

This episode is brought to you by ReadSpeaker. Learn more about how ReadSpeaker aligns with UDL. In this episode, we talk with Matt Winters, a leader from the Utah State Board of Education about how artificial intelligence is shaping the future of teaching and learning. We explore Utah’s statewide approach to AI, what it means for educators and students, and how schools can balance innovation with responsibility. This conversation offers practical insights and big-picture thinking for anyone curious about the role of AI in education. TranscriptResources:USBE Artificial Intelligence ReadSpeaker and UDL 

In this episode, Barb is joined by Lisa Danahy, founder of Create Calm, owner of Radiant Child Yoga, and author of Creating Calm in Your Classroom. Lisa brings over 30 years of experience as a yoga therapist and educator, blending mindfulness, neuroscience, and real-world school practices. Together, they explore how viewing behavior through a nervous system lens can transform the way principals support students, staff, and parents. You’ll learn why self-regulation is the foundation of effective leadership, how co-regulation reduces reactivity in schools, and simple, practical strategies—like breath and movement—that can be embedded into the school day without sacrificing expectations or accountability.Connect with Lisa at Create Calm.

 You cannot lead a team until you can lead yourself. In this episode, we break down the 3 Pillars of Humble Self-Leadership: Radical Self-Observation, Value-Based Navigation, and Intellectual Plasticity. We explore the neuroscience of the Insular Cortex and how self-awareness prevents the "Status Threat" from hijacking your leadership. Learn why the most effective leaders aren't the ones with the loudest voices, but the ones with the strongest internal compass. Discover how to use the Navigate Power to align your daily habits with your deepest values, turning humility into your greatest professional edge. 

Returning guest Dmitry Goldfinch from GW Pro discusses their VR training platform's latest developments: 25 modules with multiplayer capability, new non-VR options for Chromebooks and basic laptops, and a teacher-focused educator guide aligned with national CTE standards. He spotlights their partnership with Kentucky Virtual Academy's 250-headset remote learning program and preview upcoming soft skills training that adds workplace communication scenarios to practical modules.Guest Links:LinkedIn:GW Pro Dmitry GoldfinchWebsite: gwpro.ioGet in touch with Shannon:Putman XR ConsultingLinkedIn: Dr. Shannon Putman