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. APR 21

    Embracing Play | Rebecca Courtney

    Rebecca Courtney shares her journey of valuing influence, experimenting with playful activities, and redefining success in facilitation. In this episode we discuss; Rebecca's motivations for transitioning from AJ&Smart to solo consulting How her background in teaching influences her facilitation style The importance of play in adult learning and overcoming resistance Strategies for introducing playful exercises in serious corporate settings The role of reflection in reinforcing playful activities' value Creative ways to adapt when room setups or materials are not ideal The impact of pressure and time limits on creative spontaneity Tips for closing workshops effectively without vague final summaries Navigating the balance between influence and neutrality as a facilitator How to cultivate a facilitator flow state and trust your intuition Rebecca Courtney's Website & Toolkit Newsletter Signup Rebecca on LinkedIn Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    32 min

  2. APR 14

    How Neuroscience Can Transform Schools | Lisa Riegel

    In this insightful interview, Lisa Riegel shares her journey from education to neuroscience, emphasizing the importance of understanding brain science to transform educational systems. Discover practical strategies for creating engaging, relevant, and supportive learning environments that foster student and teacher well-being. Learn more about Lisa and her work - https://lisariegel.com/ Connect with the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    30 min

  3. APR 7

    The Campfire Method | Jan Keck

    Phil is joined by Jan Keck to explore innovative approaches to group facilitation, risk-taking, and designing impactful activities. Jan shares practical frameworks like the 'campfire method' and 'risk ramp' to help facilitators create safer, more engaging spaces that encourage authentic participation.   The campfire analogy for reflection and learning Replacing traditional icebreakers with meaningful activities The concept of a 'risk ramp' to gradually increase participant comfort The importance of setting clear promises and expectations Strategies for effective time management in facilitation Pre-order the book here - https://www.jankeck.com/campfire-campaign/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org Little Green Straw Activity -  Group Size: 8–30 participants Time: 10–15 minutes Materials: A small object (traditionally a green straw/pen, but any small item works) Setup: Have the group stand or sit in a circle. One person (or the facilitator) secretly "hides" the pen somewhere on or near themselves while others close their eyes or look away. Challenge: Participants open their eyes and try to find the "hidden" pen—without anyone moving or obviously revealing it. Once someone spots it, they do not announce it. Instead, they quietly sit down (or give a subtle signal) indicating they've found it. The round ends when most of the group has found the object. Progression: Run multiple rounds, increasing difficulty: Start with moderately hidden Move to more obvious-but-overlooked placements Final round: place the pen in plain sight (e.g., behind the facilitator's ear, on their shoulder, or clipped visibly) This usually produces the "aha" moment—participants realize they were overthinking or searching too hard. Debrief Questions: What strategies did you use to find the pen? When did you feel most/least successful? What made the final round difficult, even though it was more visible? How did your assumptions affect what you were looking for? Where do we miss "obvious" things in real work or life?

    29 min

  4. MAR 31

    Everyday Acts of Facilitation | Beth Cougler Blom

    In this interview, Beth Cougler Blom discusses her book 'Everyday Acts of Facilitation,' emphasizing the human, interpersonal, and mindset skills essential for effective facilitation. The conversation explores how facilitation is rooted in communication, authenticity, and everyday moments that foster connection and learning beyond traditional activities.   The essence of facilitation as communication and micro-moments The importance of human humanness and authenticity in facilitation The role of mindset and self-awareness in effective facilitation How everyday life experiences shape facilitation skills The challenge of defining and marketing facilitation to broader audiences Find out more about Beth and her publications - https://bcblearning.com/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    28 min

  5. MAR 24

    Real vs Fake Jobs on Challenge Courses | Lisa Hunt

    Lisa Hunt explores the concepts of real and fake jobs in challenge course programming, emphasizing the importance of meaningful participation and efficient resource use. Lisa discusses how to identify essential tasks, avoid unnecessary ones, and foster genuine engagement among participants. Distinction between real and fake jobs in challenge courses Strategies for meaningful participant engagement Resource management and safety in adventure programming Lisa's Conversation with Ken Demas Contact the podcast - podcast@high5aventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    9 min

  6. MAR 17

    Authentic Connection and Neurodivergent Facilitation | Robb Armstrong

    In this conversation, Phil Brown and Robb Armstrong explore the intersections of experiential education, personal growth, and community building. They share insights on the importance of authentic connections, the value of one-on-one mentorship, and navigating neurodivergence in professional and personal life. The importance of authentic human connections The impact of neurodivergence on facilitation and leadership Building community through play and empathy Reach out and connect with Robb - armstrong.robb@gmail.com Questions for the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    23 min

  7. MAR 10

    Group Dynamics | Chris Ortiz

    Chris Ortiz and Lisa Hunt explore the intricacies of team dynamics and group behavior. They discuss the importance of understanding group dynamics in various roles, including education and facilitation. The conversation delves into Kurt Lewin's equation of behavior, the impact of expectations on participant engagement, and the role of emotional intelligence in group settings. They also highlight the significance of reading the room, challenging assumptions, and creating inclusive environments for effective facilitation. The discussion emphasizes the need for facilitators to be aware of group dynamics and to use indicator activities to gain insights into participant behavior. Team dynamics are crucial in various roles, including education and facilitation. Group dynamics and team dynamics can be used interchangeably. Behavior is influenced by individual characteristics and the environment. Expectations set by facilitators impact participant engagement. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in group dynamics. Participants' prior relationships affect group behavior. Creating inclusive environments is essential for effective facilitation. Reading the room is a vital skill for facilitators. Assumptions about participants can lead to misunderstandings. Indicator activities can provide insights into group dynamics. Learn more about Chris Ortiz - https://sites.psu.edu/chrisortiz/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    35 min

  8. MAR 3

    Safety Science | Steve Smith

    Phil Brown and Steve Smith delve into the realm of safety science, exploring its evolution and the importance of a positive approach to safety management. They discuss the need to reframe risk and safety, emphasizing learning from successes rather than just focusing on failures. The conversation highlights the shift from compliance-based safety protocols to a culture of continuous improvement and learning, ultimately fostering a more humane and effective safety environment.   Safety science uses scientific methods to improve safety management. Learning from successes is as important as learning from failures. A positive approach to safety management can enhance outcomes. Organizations should focus on what goes right, not just what goes wrong. Continuous learning can occur without waiting for tragedies to happen. The traditional top-down approach to safety is outdated. Safety management should be about learning, not blame. Creating a culture of safety involves open communication and trust. Compliance is necessary, but it shouldn't be the only focus. The shift towards a more humanistic approach to safety is essential. Learn more about the book and other offerings - https://www.outdoorrisk.com/ Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    25 min
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4.9
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55 Ratings

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
    319
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Vertical Playpen

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