Facilitating on Purpose

Beth Cougler Blom

How do you create workshops and courses that people really want to attend, where they're highly engaged and actually learn something? The answer is through facilitation. Facilitators exist wherever learning happens. And great facilitation involves getting clear on what you're doing with your groups, why you're doing it, and how to do it with purpose and intention. Tap into this podcast, "Facilitating on Purpose", as your go-to resource to becoming and being a better facilitator, wherever you work. Join facilitator and learning designer Beth Cougler Blom and her guests to explore ideas about designing and facilitating learning. You'll gain insights such as how to plan more effectively, build connection with participants, and include meaningful activities. Level up your facilitation skills at http://facilitatingonpurpose.ca/.

  1. What Does Facilitation Feel Like Right Now? with the IAF Future Now community

    3D AGO

    What Does Facilitation Feel Like Right Now? with the IAF Future Now community

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom shares a conversation with members of the IAF Future Now community about what facilitation feels like right now. With Beth intentionally stepping out of the discussion, this group of younger facilitators reflects on authenticity, emotional depth, trust, and how facilitation can feel both challenging and deeply rewarding in a noisy, fast-changing world. The Future Now members also talk about: Dropping professional masks and becoming more authentic Holding space for emotion, tension, and vulnerability Moving from monologue to dialogue by asking better questions Trusting participants and the wisdom already in the group Why facilitation feels especially important amid chaos and change Thank you so much to Bryan Guzmán and the IAF Future Now community for being willing to try something new with this episode! Connect With all the Guests Starling Jaquan - Florida, USA | LinkedIn Lily Asch - Budapest, Hungary | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Olesia Maibakh - Moscow, Russia | LinkedIn Andrea Bota - Bucharest, Romania | LinkedIn Dr. Felix Wittke - Berlin, Germany | LinkedIn Timothy Gichia - Nairobi, Kenya | LinkedIn Annagrace Rwehumbiza - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Website | LinkedIn Elena Zurli - Rome, Italy | LinkedIn Moushumi Dey - Bangalore, India | LinkedIn Links From the Episode Bryan Guzmán, Innovation Facilitator and Future Now Community Lead | LinkedIn IAF Future Now Community Liberating Structures Beth's keyword notes she took while listening to this episode Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    51 min
  2. Comics as a Tool for Learning with Alina Pete

    MAR 25

    Comics as a Tool for Learning with Alina Pete

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Alina Pete about the power of comics to teach, connect, and tell stories. They explore how comics can invite people into learning through joy, creativity, and representation, and how Alina's community-engaged work supports storytelling, language, and cultural connection in Indigenous contexts. Beth and Alina also talk about: Alina's journey into comics, animation, and visual effects Comics as an accessible medium for teaching and sharing knowledge Indigenous representation in modern stories, technology, and pop culture Community collaboration, story stewardship, and cultural responsibility Using drawing to open people up in workshops, gatherings, and hard conversations Connect with Alina Pete Website: alina-pete.com Alina's published books Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alinapete.bsky.social Instagram: @alinapete_art Links From the Episode Scott McCloud Weregeek comics archive Wapos Bay films Can I Pet Your Werewolf Alina's TEDx talk: Using comics and storytelling to engage memory and bring fun back to learning Holmaco First Nation Formline art Woodlands style art The 'Really Strange' Boxset by Steve Haines, art by Sophie Standing Richtung 22 Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    54 min
  3. Engaging with Visual Facilitation with Nora Sheffe

    MAR 11

    Engaging with Visual Facilitation with Nora Sheffe

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Nora Sheffe about using visuals in facilitation to create more engaging, inclusive, and participatory learning experiences. They explore how visuals can support connection and clarity in both in-person and virtual settings, even for facilitators who do not see themselves as artists. Beth and Nora also talk about: Expanding visual facilitation beyond drawing Making workshops more accessible through tactile and visual design Simple ways to use visuals online with everyday tools Helping participants engage through movement, voting, and co-creation Embracing imperfection when building visual skills Connect with Nora Sheffe: Website: https://sheffeconsulting.com/ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norasheffe/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheffe-consulting-inc/posts/ Links From the Episode: Manal Sayid Visual Explorer cards Bikablo (incl. Martin Haussmann and Frank Wesseler) Heather Martinez Ghost Ranch, New Mexico Christina Merkley The Grove Consultants Abby Wilkymacky Universal Design for Learning Lita Currie Rosanna von Sacken Lisa Rothstein Sam Bradd Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    52 min
  4. Everyday Acts of Facilitation with Beth Cougler Blom interviewed by Joseph Diaz

    FEB 25

    Everyday Acts of Facilitation with Beth Cougler Blom interviewed by Joseph Diaz

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom is interviewed by Joseph Diaz about Beth's upcoming second book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation, and how facilitation shows up far beyond workshops and meeting rooms. Together they explore Beth's story-driven approach to writing a guidebook-memoir that helps readers notice the facilitation happening in life's ordinary moments—and use that noticing to learn facilitation skills or deepen their practice. Beth and Joseph also talk about: How journaling everyday moments shaped the book's direction The three types of readers the book is written for, from accidental to occasional to experienced facilitators Why inner work and self-care are everyday acts of facilitation What performance, introversion, and authenticity have to do with facilitation style Some of the chapter themes that may matter the most right now Connect with Joseph Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephadiaz/ Talk Learning with Me podcast  Join the L&D Collective (including Joseph's book club) Connect with Beth Cougler Blom Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Links From the Episode Beth's book coach, Adrienne Dyer Beth's book cover designer, Emily Johnston at Artio Design Co EP 43 Writing a Book in the Field with Beth Cougler Blom Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    54 min
  5. Making Early Connections with Participants with Nathy Ravez

    FEB 11

    Making Early Connections with Participants with Nathy Ravez

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Nathy Ravez about making connections with participants—both early in our interactions with them and ongoing through the workshop—and why what happens before the workshop often matters just as much as what happens during it. Beth and Nathy explore simple, practical ways to build trust and collaboration from the very first moments, so people arrive feeling seen, included, and ready to work together. Beth and Nathy also talk about: Using short pre-workshop interviews to learn who's in the room Helping participants understand why they're there and what they bring Building trust even when there's tension, resistance, or hierarchy in the mix Choosing activities strategically to support collaboration, not just fun   Engage with Nathy Ravez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathyravez/ Website: https://laworkshoppeuse.com/ Podcast: There's a Workshop For That!   Links From the Episode: EP 10 Facilitating Connection with Jan Keck EP 14 Connection Before Content with Chad Littlefield Said Saddouk on Linkedin EP 36 The State of Facilitation 2024 Report with Deborah Rim Moiso Learn about Jan Keck's upcoming book   Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    54 min
  6. Self-Directed Learning and the Meaningful Togetherness Framework with Letícia (Schuli) Schuelter

    JAN 28

    Self-Directed Learning and the Meaningful Togetherness Framework with Letícia (Schuli) Schuelter

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Letícia (Schuli) Schuelter, a Brazilian experience designer and community builder, about her framework for meaningful togetherness and how self-directed learning shaped her career path. Beth and Letícia also talk about: Saying yes to unexpected opportunities as a path into facilitation work Lessons from self-directed learning communities The evolving role of community building, weaving, and design Four pillars for creating magical and memorable group experiences Putting nature at the centre of our design processes Engage with Letícia (Schuli) Schuelter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticiaschuli/ A Case for Meaningful Togetherness article by Letícia Schuelter Links From the Episode UDESC - Universidade de Design do Estado de Santa Catarina Alex Bretas Arquiteturas de comunidades de aprendizagem autodirigida, article by Alex Bretas in which Alex describes architectures for a self-directed learning journey and community  Alex Bretas on self-directed learning (YouTube video) Ecoversities Network Book about Black Mountain College Community weaving Terry Irwin TEDx talk: Design a Worldview for Social Impact bell hooks' All About Love book The Bloom Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    52 min
  7. Facilitators as Conscious Leaders with Chanchal Garg

    JAN 14

    Facilitators as Conscious Leaders with Chanchal Garg

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Chanchal Garg about what it means to facilitate as a conscious leader and how truth-telling, vulnerability, and intention shape the way we work with groups. Beth and Chanchal also talk about: How inner safety and self-soothing help facilitators take interpersonal risks Why truth-telling is a leadership act and a personal practice The balance between vulnerability and influence in group settings How narratives from childhood shape how we lead The power of naming what's happening in the room Engage with Chanchal Garg Website: https://chanchalgarg.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chanchalgarg22/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chanchal_unearthed Links From the Episode Paul Gilbert's Three System Model Stanford Facilitator Training Program T-groups with Chanchal Garg Self-Compassion by Kristen Neff Conscious Style Guide (Conscious editing/language) EP 46: Creating the Habit of Inclusive Language with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    48 min
  8. How to Convince People to Lecture Less and Engage More with Beth Cougler Blom

    2025-11-26

    How to Convince People to Lecture Less and Engage More with Beth Cougler Blom

    In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom answers a listener's question about how to help people shift from lecture-style delivery to a more engaging, participatory approach to facilitating learning. Drawing from years of experience supporting faculty and facilitators, Beth shares practical strategies for supporting others in embracing active learning methods. Beth also talks about: Establishing a culture of continuous improvement Using goal setting and debriefing to grow facilitation skills Taking a coach approach to support others Explaining why active learning works using plain language Encouraging facilitators to let go of control and learn alongside their participants Links From the Episode EP 4 Facilitation is the New Coaching with Moe Poirier Design to Engage: How to Create and Facilitate a Great Learning Experience For Any Group with Beth Cougler Blom EP 47 The Pivotal Role of Learning Outcomes with Beth Cougler Blom EP 19 Choosing Activities with Beth Cougler Blom Instructional Skills Workshop Universal Design for Learning Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

    38 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

How do you create workshops and courses that people really want to attend, where they're highly engaged and actually learn something? The answer is through facilitation. Facilitators exist wherever learning happens. And great facilitation involves getting clear on what you're doing with your groups, why you're doing it, and how to do it with purpose and intention. Tap into this podcast, "Facilitating on Purpose", as your go-to resource to becoming and being a better facilitator, wherever you work. Join facilitator and learning designer Beth Cougler Blom and her guests to explore ideas about designing and facilitating learning. You'll gain insights such as how to plan more effectively, build connection with participants, and include meaningful activities. Level up your facilitation skills at http://facilitatingonpurpose.ca/.

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