Vertical Playpen

High 5 Adventure Learning Center
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Want to learn more about Adventure and Experiential Education? Then this podcast is for you! Listeners of this podcast will get; - Adventure Programming Theory - Facilitation Tips - Activity Ideas - Industry Career Advice - Interviews from Industry Professionals High 5 Adventure Learning Center is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, teams, schools, communities and businesses improve the way they live, learn and work together. Connect with us at high5adventure.org

  1. 5d ago

    Comfort vs Familiarity | Dr. Beau Lotto

    In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of risk, trust, and personal evolution with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Beau Lotto. Using the classic Challenge Zone Model as a jumping-off point, we unpack a crucial yet often overlooked distinction: the difference between comfort and familiarity. Why do we so often choose familiar pain over unfamiliar growth? Dr. Lotto shares how our brain's reliance on past perceptions shapes our future history, and why breaking out of the "familiarity trap" requires an environment built on genuine connection, trust, and psychological safety. Whether you're a leader trying to foster creativity in the workplace, an educator guiding others through uncertainty, or simply someone looking to expand your own boundaries, this conversation offers radical insights into how we can step out of panic, embrace uncertainty, and become truly evolvable. Key Topics Covered: The Comfort Zone vs. Familiarity: Why the "devil you know" feels safer than stepping into the stretch zone—even when it hurts. Context & Dynamic Boundaries: How culture, leadership, and emotional safety change the shape of our panic and challenge zones. The Shared Nature of Risk: How trust functions as a mutual agreement in high-stakes environments, from outdoor education to circus arts. Becoming Evolvable: Dr. Lotto introduces the principles of self-awareness, agency, and his AI platform designed to help us navigate personal transformational growth. Learn more about Dr. Lotto - https://www.beaulotto.com/ https://www.evolvable.me/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  2. Aug 11

    Adventure and Uncertainty | Dr. Beau Lotto

    What if adventure isn't just an activity, but a fundamental way of perceiving the world? In this episode, host Phil links up with world-renowned neuroscientist and author Dr. Beau Lotto to unpack how our brains process risk, perception, and uncertainty. Drawing on two decades of experience in outdoor and adventure education, Phil explores how experiential learning directly impacts the brain—and why traditional, step-by-step educational models often fall short. Together, they dive deep into the power of "awe and wonder," the distinction between exploration and adventure, and how the language educators use can either shrink or expand a learner's potential. Beau shares insights from his pioneering research—including his work with young students as published scientists—to show how play and curiosity can transform fear into courage. Whether you are an outdoor guide, classroom teacher, or leader trying to help others step outside their comfort zones, this conversation offers a fresh, science-backed framework for facilitating deep, transformative growth. Key Topics Covered: Defining Adventure vs. Exploration: Why true adventure means stepping into the unknown without a fixed destination. The "River" Metaphor: Understanding life as a moving current where control is an illusion, but navigation is a skill. Awe and Wonder as Catalysts: How finding magic in the common triggers brain plasticity and encourages intelligent risk-taking. The Power of Intentional Language: How small words like "just" can unintentionally dismiss a learner's effort or heighten their anxiety. Rethinking Traditional Education: Moving away from memorizing answers to teaching students how to think in an ever-changing world. Fostering Courage Over Confidence: Why supporting someone through uncertainty requires empathy, celebration, and smart scaffolding—not shame.  Learn more about Beau - https://www.beaulotto.com/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  3. Aug 4

    Workshop Design | Mehdi En-Naizi

    *Anyone using your VPP15 code - https://facilitators-corner.com/workshopdeck - will receive a 15% discount off* In this episode, Mehdi and Phil explore the art of workshop design, emphasizing the importance of understanding the 'why' behind activities, the value of mastering core facilitation techniques, and how to grow as a facilitator through deliberate practice and reflection.   The importance of understanding the 'why' behind facilitation activities Mastering core facilitation techniques and frameworks The value of deliberate practice and experimentation in facilitation The Six Cs framework for effective workshops: Connection, Clarity, Creativity, Commitment, Celebration, Callback The role of reflection and iteration in facilitator growth Learn more about Mehdi - https://facilitators-corner.com/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  4. Jul 28

    Tree Nets | Sean Campbell

    In this episode, Sean Campbell from Canopy Craft shares his journey from childhood curiosity to professional tree net crafter. We explore the art, craft, safety standards, and community aspects of tree net making, along with practical tips for beginners. Sean's journey into tree net crafting The importance of safety standards in tree nets Community and gatekeeping in the tree net scene Techniques for tensioning and weaving tree nets Balancing art, craft, and safety in rope work Learn more about Canopy Craft and Tree Nets - https://canopycraft.thinkific.com/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  5. Jul 21

    How to Teach Knot Tying

    Phil shares his approach to teaching knot tying, emphasizing practical techniques, error recognition, and effective teaching strategies. Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  6. Jul 14

    Facilitation Fails

    Phil shares personal stories and lessons learned from facilitation mistakes, emphasizing the importance of transparency, adaptability, and continuous growth in experiential education. Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  7. Jul 7

    SOPs, LOPs and IIPs

    Phil Brown explains the 'Spheres of Acceptable Practice' model to help understand industry standards, local procedures, and instructor preferences in adventure and climbing safety. This episode covers how to navigate safety protocols, industry regulations, and personal techniques to ensure safety and compliance.   Spheres of Acceptable Practice model Industry safety standards and regulations Local operating procedures and vendor guidelines Instructor preferences and industry nuance Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

  8. Jun 30

    What AI knows about Adventure Education

    This episode is a little different. We gave NotebookLM access to our website and training literature and asked a simple question: what are the benefits of adventure and experiential education? The result? A deep dive into why challenge, reflection, and adventure experiences continue to be such powerful tools for growth. And yes — everything you hear in this episode is AI. Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
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About

Want to learn more about Adventure and Experiential Education? Then this podcast is for you! Listeners of this podcast will get; - Adventure Programming Theory - Facilitation Tips - Activity Ideas - Industry Career Advice - Interviews from Industry Professionals High 5 Adventure Learning Center is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, teams, schools, communities and businesses improve the way they live, learn and work together. Connect with us at high5adventure.org

Information

  • Creator
    High 5 Adventure Learning Center
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    335
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Vertical Playpen

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