The Action Factory Podcast

The Action Factory

Welcome to The Action Factory Podcast. I’m Michael Dawson, drawing on my experience growing up in the care system, working across NHS, local authority, and mental health settings, and developing what became The Solutions Toolkit at The Action Factory. In this podcast, I share insights from my own journey on both sides of the care system. Together, we explore what really works when communicating with young people in your care. Skills from Solution Focused Brief Therapy, NLP and clinical hypnosis.

  1. #140 P10 Free NLP Course -The Power and Potential of NLP in Youth Care.

    JAN 5

    #140 P10 Free NLP Course -The Power and Potential of NLP in Youth Care.

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... I'm Michael Dawson from 'The Action Factory,' and I'd like to welcome you to the final session of my free audio course, 'NLP in Residential Youth Work.' In today's episode, we'll be summarizing some of the key points from the past ten weeks. Our journey began with the question: Can NLP be effective in residential youth work? I believe the answer is a resounding yes! Over the last nine weeks, we have successfully simplified some of the most intricate NLP concepts into understandable components. While our goal wasn't to create NLP masters, I'm confident we've successfully adapted many of these strategies for use in residential youth work. A big thank you to everyone who has followed this journey, and please do share how you get on with these new strategies. Remember to subscribe to the Action Faction Podcast for more enlightening content. Your support and feedback are crucial in helping us reach and support more individuals in the field of youth work. NLP is just one aspect of my specialized training course, "The Solutions Toolkit." This innovative framework is tailored for residential youth workers like you. Don't forget to check out the free team version available on our website. As always I invite you to get this weeks. DIGITAL DOWNLOAD  (No email required) Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

    15 min
  2. #139 P9 Free NLP Course. Substance abuse the NLP Connection.

    12/29/2025

    #139 P9 Free NLP Course. Substance abuse the NLP Connection.

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... I’m Michael Dawson from The Action Factory and once again I welcome you to another session on my free audio course. NLP in residential youth work. My aim with this series is to provide commutable sized lessons that can be listened to on the bus and practiced at work.  This episode is filled with insights and tools essential for youth workers confronting a critical challenge in our field: substance abuse.  As youth workers, we find ourselves being the support and guidance to those grappling with substance-related challenges. In our discussion today, we focus on the transformative power of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) and its role in breaking the cycle of substance abuse. We'll explore how incorporating NLP strategies into your work can provide a unique and effective approach to addressing drug-related problems among youth.  This episode not only offers practical NLP techniques but also shares personal experiences and insights into the various factors that may lead young individuals towards substance use. NLP is just one of the disciplines that feature in my specialised training course, "The Solutions Toolkit," It’s an innovative framework custom-built for residential youth workers like you.  Remember to check out the free team version on the website. As always I invite you to get this weeks DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (No email required) Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

    19 min
  3. #138 - P8 Free NLP Course. From Negative to Positive Peer Pressure in Youth Work.

    12/22/2025

    #138 - P8 Free NLP Course. From Negative to Positive Peer Pressure in Youth Work.

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... Welcome to our complimentary audio training, "NLP in Residential Youth Work," accessible through this podcast. Each episode is designed to be delivered in commutable chunks, offering practical insights that can be immediately applied in your professional setting. I’m Michael Dawson from the Action Factory, and in this episode, we delve into the intricate dynamics of peer pressure in residential youth settings and its impact on youth behavior. Drawing upon the profound insights from the book "Connected" by James Fowler and Nicholas Christakis, along with a pivotal study by Solomon Asch, we aim to offer a comprehensive understanding of this phenomenon. We’ll discuss strategies that can be seamlessly woven into the daily practices of residential youth establishments to cultivate a nurturing and supportive environment. In today's podcast: 1. A deeper insight into the mechanics of peer pressure in residential youth environments, and strategies to steer them towards beneficial outcomes. 2. An overview of the Solutions Toolkit and guidance on customizing NLP techniques for your specific work environment. 3. An exploration of positive reinforcement techniques, the importance of fostering positive identities, and the critical role of comprehensive staff training. 4. Innovative approaches to reframe the narrative around negative peer pressure, guiding it towards more constructive paths. This episode is designed to equip you with actionable knowledge and tools that can be directly applied to enhance your professional practice in residential youth work.  Prepare to engage with the dynamic world of peer pressure and learn how to leverage it for positive transformation. NLP is just one of the disciplines that feature in my specialised training course, "The Solutions Toolkit." It’s an innovative framework custom-built for residential youth workers like you.  Remember to check out the free team version on the website. As always I invite you to get this weeks  Digital Download  (No email required) Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

    22 min
  4. #137 P7 Free NLP Audio Course - Anchoring and its uses in residential youth work.

    12/15/2025

    #137 P7 Free NLP Audio Course - Anchoring and its uses in residential youth work.

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... Ever wondered how a song, a scent, or even a festive conversation could act as an 'anchor' to evoke certain feelings? We're going to uncover the concept of 'anchoring' and demonstrate how it can be used to trigger uplifting responses and diminish negative ones. Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work. I'm your host, Michael Dawson, welcome back to another exciting episode of our Action Factory podcast. Today, we'll be diving deep into the transformative power of Neurolinguistic Programming, or NLP, in the realm of youth work.   Discussing: - The concept of 'anchoring' in NLP. - The use of anchoring in various fields, including stand-up comedy and sports. - How anchoring can be used in youth work. - Practical applications of anchoring in your interactions with young people. As the festive season is just around the corner, we'll also discuss how holiday conversations can serve as anchors for pleasant memories and experiences. Get ready to not only understand the theory of anchoring but also to learn its practical applications in your interactions with youth. So, whether you're a seasoned youth worker or just starting your journey in this field, I hope this episode promises to offer valuable insights and practical tools to enhance your skills.  As always I invite you to get this weeks DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (No email required) Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

    16 min
  5. #136 P6 Free NLP Course - The limits of limiting beliefs in young people.

    12/08/2025

    #136 P6 Free NLP Course - The limits of limiting beliefs in young people.

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work. I'm your host Michael Dawson, and today we delve deep into the powerful world of beliefs and how they shape our lives. This episode is specifically tailored for those of us who are in the front lines of residential youth work, dealing with young lives every day, and helping them navigate the often complex world of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In today's episode, we're exploring the profound impact of beliefs on our actions, especially in the context of residential youth work. I'll talk about two boys who, despite similar upbringings, developed different belief systems leading their lives to take drastically different turns. I'll also unravel how beliefs, right from core to surface level, can influence our readiness to take risks or explore new things. I want to know how we can adopt or adapt Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) techniques into residential youth work. I'll delve into the importance of relationships, the power of visualization, the impact of positive and negative reframing, and why being a trusted source is so crucial. In this episode, you'll learn: - How beliefs, from core to surface level, influence our actions and behaviors. - The role of Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in residential youth work. - The importance of relationships. - The power of visualization and reframing. - How to adapt NLP techniques to provide valuable support to young people in residential youth work. You won't want to miss this enlightening discussion on leveraging NLP to empower both young people and youth workers. As always I invite you to get this weeks NOTES (No email required) Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

    20 min
  6. #135 P5 Free NLP course - Goals amongst Chaos in youth work

    12/01/2025

    #135 P5 Free NLP course - Goals amongst Chaos in youth work

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... Welcome to another session in our free ten part training course, Neurolinguisitc programming in residential youth work. Every week I'll deliver what I call commutable chunks of information. I aim to offer amazing ideas that you can listen to on the bus and practice at work. In this episode, we're set to explore the remarkable power of goal setting and the influence of positivity in the field of residential youth work. We'll uncover how to utilize the SMART principles, NLP techniques, and a plethora of other tactics to inspire youngsters to envision their accomplishments and genuinely claim their goals. We'll also talk about the power of reshaping pre-existing beliefs, how this can lead to a shift in outlook, and how this empowers young individuals to attain their dreams. This episode is a must-hear for youth workers or anyone enthusiastic about uplifting the next generation. We'll delve into how fostering sincere relationships with young people can have a considerable impact on their personal development journey. Prepare to uncover fresh perspectives, tactics, and much more in this enlightening episode. Key takeaways from this episode include: - The effectiveness of SMART criteria and NLP techniques in motivating youth. - The role of reframing existing beliefs in altering perspectives and achieving aspirations. - The importance of fostering authentic relationships. - The transformative power of goal setting in residential youth work. - Strategies and tactics to inspire young people to take ownership of their dreams. As always I invite you to get this weeks Download NOW (No email required) Visit the website to join our community at www.theactionfactory.com , share ideas and strategies and access lots of free training.

    20 min
  7. #134 P4 Free NLP Audio Course - Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work

    11/24/2025

    #134 P4 Free NLP Audio Course - Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work 🔊 Welcome back to the Action Factory Podcast, the hub for all things related to residential youth work! In this episode, "Mastering Communication in Residential Youth Work," we continue our enlightening journey through our audio course on NLP in residential youth work.  Designed as 'commutable chunks' of wisdom, these sessions are perfect for on-the-go learning, whether you're on the bus or taking a break at work. 🌟 Highlights: - Dive into the NLP Communication Model: The diverse ways we process information, crucial for both you and your clients. - Decode Dominant Systems: Recognizing dominant sensory systems - visual, auditory, and kinesthetic - can drastically improve your communication skills. - Practical Observations: Observe clients and colleagues to identify their communication styles, and perhaps uncover your own! - Interactive Elements: Consider ways to apply these concepts in everyday interactions. - Enhance Your Toolkit: Gain insights into how adapting your communication style to match others can create more meaningful and effective interactions in your work. 🌐 For newcomers, don't forget to check out our website at https://www.theactionfactory.com to grab your fascinating free download and stay updated with our upcoming product launches. ⏰ This episode promises to be succinct yet packed with valuable insights, respecting your time and catering to the fast-paced nature of what you do.  👥 We unravel the intricacies of the NLP communication model, tailored specifically for the dynamic field of residential youth work. Learn to identify and adapt to various communication styles, enhancing your ability to connect with and support the young people in your care. 📝 Remember, downloadable notes and additional resources are available to supplement your learning journey. No email required, CLICK HERE.  The BIG Four Download You're welcome to join our community, and share your thoughts. Stay tuned for an episode that promises to transform the way you communicate and connect in your professional world. See you there! 🌟🎧

    15 min
  8. #133 P3 Free NLP Audio Course - Revolutionize Youth Work with Body Language using the SMILE Toolkit!.

    11/17/2025

    #133 P3 Free NLP Audio Course - Revolutionize Youth Work with Body Language using the SMILE Toolkit!.

    Welcome to another Action Factory Podcast with me, Michael Dawson. Before we begin this episode, here's a quick reminder: Don't miss my 30-minute webinar 'The BIG 4 in Youth Work.' You'll also get two powerful tools and my popular 'Brief Therapy Toolkit' eBook—already a hit with nearly 40,000 youth workers. Click below to subscribe and watch!"  WATCH THE FREE WEBINAR   Now, let's get started... Body Language, NLP and residential Youth Work. I’m Michael Dawson, and welcome to another episode of the Action Factory podcast where we are deep into the free audio course, “Neurolinguistic Programming in Residential Youth Work”. For ten weeks, we will be breaking down NLP tools and examining ways of incorporating them into your daily work. I call them 'commutable chunks' because each episode can be listened to on the bus and practiced at work. This week, we delve into the transformative world of youth work through the power of body language. I'll discuss the SMILE Toolkit, which I developed as a body language hack. It's become my secret weapon in revolutionizing how I approach residential work, and I’m excited to share its potential with you. Youth work is no longer just about counseling and guidance. It's about truly understanding and connecting with the young individuals we work with. It's about decoding the unspoken, understanding their silent cries, their hidden joys, their unexpressed fears, and so much more. This podcast is your guide to understanding neurolinguistic programming, a key tool in reshaping youth work. Join me as I dive into the world of non-verbal communication, uncovering how small shifts in body language can make a significant impact. We'll explore practical applications of the SMILE Toolkit in a residential setting, revealing how you can harness this potent tool to revolutionize your work with youth. I'll be sharing valuable insights and tips, and discussing real-life examples and cases. Moreover, I'll be offering this free training to help you master the nuances of body language and neurolinguistic programming. Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting in the youth work sector, this podcast will provide you with the knowledge and skills you need to foster a deeper connection with the young people you work with and truly make a difference in their lives. So, join me in the greatest job in the world, as we revolutionize youth work, one gesture at a time. Don’t forget to hit that subscribe button to make sure you don’t miss out on any of our upcoming sessions. And remember, the supporting notes are just a click away, ready to enhance your learning experience. Visit us at www.theactionfactory.com Grab the FREE DIGITAL NOTES

    18 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Action Factory Podcast. I’m Michael Dawson, drawing on my experience growing up in the care system, working across NHS, local authority, and mental health settings, and developing what became The Solutions Toolkit at The Action Factory. In this podcast, I share insights from my own journey on both sides of the care system. Together, we explore what really works when communicating with young people in your care. Skills from Solution Focused Brief Therapy, NLP and clinical hypnosis.