Vertical Playpen artwork

Vertical Playpen

250 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 41 ratings

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

Education Sports Wilderness experiential teambuilding adventure challengecourse education socialemotionallearning team teamdevelopment training
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Episodes

The Bear TV Series - Season 3 Predictions

March 26, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.9 MB

In this conversation, Phil, Lisa and Chris discuss the finale of Season 2 and make predictions for Season 3 of the show. They analyze Carmy's leadership and the potential for growth and development in his character. They also explore the unresolved grief for Mikey and the impact it may have on the team. We also discuss the importance of team development in maintaining success and navigating renewal. The importance of vulnerability in leadership is highlighted, as well as the potential for ...

The Bear TV Series - The Power of Moments

March 19, 2024 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32.3 MB

In this conversation, Phil Brown, Lisa Hunt, and Chris Ortiz discuss the TV show 'The Bear' and its connections to the book 'The Power of Moments' by Chip and Dan Heath. They explore the key concepts of elevation, pride, insight, and connection, and how these concepts are reflected in the show and their work as facilitators. They also discuss the importance of recognizing and valuing others, the power of small gestures, and the role of charisma and sociability in building connections. The ...

The Bear TV Series - Exploring Tina's Leadership Evolution

March 12, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 27.3 MB

In this conversation, Chris, Phil and Lisa discuss the character of Tina from the show 'The Bear' and explore various themes related to team dynamics and leadership. They highlight Tina's incremental shifts in perspective and the importance of creating buy-in as well as the significance of allowing failure and highlighting mistakes as a means of growth. We emphasize the value of investing in the right tools and professional development to support individual strengths and also touch on the ...

The Bear TV Series - Syd's Impact on Team Dynamics

March 05, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 28.7 MB

In this conversation, Phil, Lisa and Chris discuss the character of Syd, the sous chef, in the TV show 'The Bear.' They explore Syd's impact on team dynamics, her impatience and eagerness for change, and the challenges she faces as a young and confident newcomer. We also discuss the importance of transparency and vulnerability in navigating change and building trust within a team. Overall, Syd's character represents the need for balance between confidence and humility in a work environment...

The Bear TV Series - Carmy and Richie

February 27, 2024 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

In this episode, the conversation focuses on the relationship between Carmy and Richie. It explores how their childhood friendship and non-family family dynamic contribute to their connection, the importance of building a strong foundation and trust in organizations is highlighted, as well as the impermanence of conflict and the need for touchstones and norms. The concept of finding purpose and aligning with a mission is discussed, along with the significance of supporting personal discove...

The Bear TV Series - Team Dynamics and Takeaways for Facilitators

February 20, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.5 MB

In this episode, the Phil, Lisa and Chris Ortiz discuss the TV show 'The Bear', produced by FX and available on HULU, and its relevance to their work in team development and group dynamics. They explore the complex characters and the impact of first impressions. The family dynamics and relationships in the show are also highlighted. The hosts provide a brief synopsis of the show and discuss the symbolism and bookending used in the storytelling. They compare 'The Bear' to another popular sh...

Loneliness and the Power of Connection

February 13, 2024 11:00 - 23 minutes - 21.8 MB

Inspired by a New York Times article, this conversation explores the topic of loneliness and the importance of connection in adventure education. Jim shares his personal experience with loneliness during his hospital stay and highlights the power of connection in sustaining him. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional community building in workshops and the adventure education industry. It also discusses the importance of creating a supportive community for newcomers in the fi...

Client-focused Training, Collaboration and Cutaway Rescues | Andrew Bogue

January 30, 2024 11:00 - 39 minutes - 36.1 MB

In this conversation, Phil interviews Andrew Bogue (Challenge Quest) about his love for training and teaching in the ropes course industry. Bogue shares his passion for sharing knowledge and helping others learn. He emphasizes the importance of allowing trainees to make mistakes and providing a supportive and fun training environment. Bogue also discusses the need for collaboration and the negative impact of ego in the training industry. He shares his opinion on cutaway rescues and express...

Ruby Finds a Worry | Tom Percival

January 16, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 22.8 MB

Tom Percival, author and illustrator, discusses the importance of emotions in children's books and the power of vulnerability and empathy. He shares his personal experiences and how they influence his storytelling. Tom emphasizes the need for authenticity and creating a safe space for emotional expression. He also discusses breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions. Tom explores the value of 'bad' emotions and the importance of feeling not alone in one's emotions. He concludes...

Intentional Culture | Jim Grout

January 09, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 16 MB

This conversation explores the importance of culture in organizations and how it contributes to staff appreciation, retention, and overall success. Phil and Jim discuss the role of culture in creating conditions suitable for growth and how it impacts relationships, trust, and collaboration. They share examples of modeling good culture and the impact it has on individuals and the organization as a whole. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building connections, fostering a sense of...

Overcoming Fear | Ella Brown (2nd Grade)

January 02, 2024 11:00 - 7 minutes - 6.58 MB

In this short conversation, Ella Brown discusses her experiences learning and performing scary activities like skiing and circus skills. Ella also talks about managing nervousness and self-doubt, performing with an audience, and the importance of encouragement and support. She reflects on her own fears and how she overcomes them, as well as the role of empathy in understanding others' nervousness. Ella discusses her dreams for future challenges and the joy of learning new tricks.   T...

The Gift of Laughter | Greg Kettner

December 26, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

In this conversation, Phil interviews Greg Kettner about the power of laughter and its role in creating connections and positive work environments. Greg shares his experience with standup comedy and how laughter can alleviate anxiety and stress. They discuss the decline of laughter in adulthood and the importance of incorporating laughter into daily life. Greg emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between mockery and positivity when using humor. They also explore the impact of laug...

Free Play and When It Doesn't Work

December 19, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

In this conversation, Phil and Lisa discuss the concept of free play and its benefits and challenges. They explore the pressure to maximize leisure time and the potential stress it can cause. They also delve into the difficulties of open-ended free play in group settings and the importance of finding the right balance and structure. The conversation highlights the risk and stress of complete open-endedness and the dilemma of providing examples in open-ended questions. They also discuss the b...

Adventure Education is a Methodology | Mark Collard

December 12, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes - 18.4 MB

In this episode, Phil sits down with Mark Collard (playmeo.com) to discuss; His introduction to the world of adventure education How Playmeo came to be That adventure education is a methodology and not an educational subject His hopes for the future of the industry Several answers to increasingly bizarre "would you rather" questions *Note - this is a re-production and edited version of a conversation recording in early 2019, back when I recorded episodes in my car. Learn more abo...

Two Truths, No Lies

December 05, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MB

HIGH 5 RETREAT EPISODE In this episode of the podcast Phil and Rich host a game show "Two Truths, No Lies" for the High 5 staff as they make their way to this years all-staff retreat. The task - listen to all 23 pairs of truths and try to guess which pair belongs to which High 5 staff member. Start of the game - 3:25 For those listening who do not work at High 5, I both apologize and equally welcome you to enjoy listening to the varied and diverse experiences that are team share. T...

Advice We Disagree With

November 21, 2023 11:00 - 9 minutes - 9.06 MB

In this episode, members of the training team (Phil, Lisa, Chris and Rich) sit down to discuss an often used theme of this podcast - What is something you were taught that you now disagree with? Topics covered; Everyone joining in Eye contact Activity Sequencing Do Low elements have much lead-in to High elements Group goals Submit your questions to the team - Email - [email protected] Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com  

The Story School | Chris Wiley

November 14, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB

Join Phil in a conversation with Chris Wiley, from The Story School, as they delve into the world of Live Action Role-Playing (LARPing) and how Chris has seen growth in the campers that attend. Chris passionately shares the many social and educational benefits hidden within this unique and immersive experience. From fostering creativity and problem-solving to building strong communities, LARPing has much to offer for both participants and educators. Learn more about The Story School - ht...

Adventure Park Facilitation | JJ Stapleton

November 07, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes - 28.3 MB

In this episode, Phil sits down with JJ Stapleton from The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring to dive into the world of facilitating guides and the ripple effect of investing in employee training and development. Together, they explore the benefits of teaching facilitation techniques to guides and how it enhances the overall guest experience. Discover how investing in your team's growth can lead to a workforce that's not only highly skilled but also fiercely loyal. If you're interested in the se...

Episode 200 - Thank You!

October 31, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 42.5 MB

We made it! Episode 200! 4 years ago we decided to start recording conversations with the aim of supporting adventure educators and we are so proud of where we are now. 200 episodes, 100+ educators interviewed, magazine articles written, live audience recordings made, 25+ countries listening, and countless lessons learned. This episode is a giant THANK YOU to you all. So thanks for listening. If you know someone who should be interviewed, or you have a topic for us to discuss, let ...

Facilitation Differences - USA vs England

October 24, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.61 MB

In this episode, Lisa sits down with Phil to explore the intriguing question: Is there a difference between English facilitation style and the US facilitation style? *Note - these views are specific to Phil's experiences and thoughts. Phil delves into various aspects, shedding light on the nuances that make each style unique. From energy and positivity to the use of curse words, Phil shares his thoughts on the cultural distinctions that shape facilitation on either side of the Atlantic. ...

What Makes a Group "Great"?

October 17, 2023 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.5 MB

Join Phil and Lisa as they embark on an insightful exploration of the question, "What makes a group great?" We've all been there, finishing a program, and when asked, "How was the group?" we casually respond with "They were great." But what exactly defines greatness in a group? Is it the absence of issues, genuine camaraderie, collective learning, or something more? Here are some factors a facilitator might consider that impact how much a group may struggle (as mentioned by Lisa): Socia...

Music and Unique Locations

October 10, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

Join Phil and Lisa in this special episode as they address two intriguing questions from you, the podcast listeners. In the first segment, they delve into the ways music can be used when facilitating group activities. They share ways that it has been successful and ways that should be avoided. In the second part of the episode, the question focuses on unique locations that they have facilitated in; a wedding, an army base and snowy canadian mountains. Submit your questions to be answer...

Freezing in the Air

October 03, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MB

In this episode, join Phil and Rich as they dive into a fascinating discussion on the causes and effective strategies to reduce that moment when participants freeze in the air on a ropes course.  Drawing from their extensive experience in outdoor adventure and team-building activities, they explore the psychology behind this common challenge and offer practical tips to help facilitators navigate their participant's fear. Strategies include; Framing the day and creating an atmosphere of ...

Adventure and the Unknown

September 19, 2023 10:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MB

In this thought-provoking episode Phil and Lisa delve deep into the world of adventure education and one specific component: the concept of the unknown. Traditionally, adventure education often emphasizes keeping participants in the dark, shrouding activities in secrecy to create an element of surprise and uncertainty. However, we challenge this approach, arguing that it can have unintended consequences. Join us as we explore the importance of maintaining a psychologically safe learning en...

Intrinsic Motivation

September 12, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MB

Join Phil and Lisa in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the fascinating world of intrinsic motivation. We explore how motivation that arises naturally, rather than from external rewards, can be enhanced through various activities. We'll uncover the four key elements that play a pivotal role in boosting intrinsic motivation: Challenge: Discover the importance of setting tasks that are just the right level of difficulty. Find out how striking the perfect balance between skill and c...

Citizenship and Names

September 05, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15 MB

In this episode, Phil shares with Rich that he has applied for US Citizenship and that he is studying for his exam, which results in Phil testing Rich. Following this, Rich introduces the main topic of this episode, the importance of learning the names of your participants. Thoughts are shared on the following; The effectiveness (and ineffectiveness) of name games The best ways they have found for learning names Stories on when names have been forgotten and/or gotten wrong If you hav...

The Serious Business of Play | Vishwas Parchure

August 29, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

Welcome back to the second installment of our captivating interview with experiential education luminary, Vishwas Parchure. In this engaging episode, we continue our exploration of the art of facilitation as Vishwas delves deep into a range of thought-provoking topics, sharing his profound insights and practical wisdom. Vishwas shines a spotlight on a common practice in facilitation - "hot-seating." Through a critical lens, he unpacks the potential pitfalls of this approach, revealing the ...

Facilitation Cannot Be Taught | Vishwas Parchure

August 22, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.6 MB

Join us in the first installment of a captivating two-part interview with the visionary experiential educator, Vishwas Parchure. In this episode, we delve into the very essence of Vishwas' profound work in experiential education and facilitation, gaining insights into his motivations, career-defining moments, and unique perspectives on the art of facilitation. Vishwas opens up about the driving force behind his commitment to experiential education, revealing the transformative impact it ha...

ATC vs GRIGRI

August 15, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes - 9.16 MB

Phil and Chris delve into the question: What reigns supreme, the classic ATC or the innovative GRIGRI? Join us as we embark on a comprehensive exploration, comparing and contrasting these two climbing essentials from multiple angles. We break down the pros and cons through the lens of program goals, training strategies, risk assessment, and financial considerations. Whether you're an adventure educator pondering your next gear upgrade or an avid listener seeking a deeper understanding of...

High 5 Symposium 2023 | The Shared Experience

August 01, 2023 10:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MB

Join us in this podcast episode, "The Shared Experience," recorded live at the High 5 Adventure Symposium. Hosted by Phil and featuring a panel of enthusiastic attendees, this engaging session delves into the transformative power of adventure education. The episode kicks off with an exploration of the profound impact of adventure education on everyday life. Next up, the focus shifts to one of the core aspects of adventure education - encouraging participants to listen actively. The panel d...

Facilitation and Final Fantasy | Cam Miller

July 25, 2023 10:00 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MB

In this episode, join host Phil as he sits down with his long-time friend in the industry, Cam Miller, the Challenge Course and Facilitation Director at Kieve Wavus Education.  Cam takes us back to the roots of his introduction to the world of adventure, recounting the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for pushing boundaries and exploring the great outdoors. Discover what has fueled Cam's commitment to the adventure industry and how his role as Challenge Course and Facilitation Dire...

Thoughts on Trainer Credentialing | Niels Damman

July 18, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

In this episode, Phil is joined by Niels Damman, the Course Services Manager at Experiential Resources (ERI), to delve into the world of challenge course training. Niels brings his experience and expertise to shed light on the pros and potential hurdles associated with trainer credentialing in this field. Challenge courses have gained immense popularity as powerful tools for team building, personal growth, and experiential learning. However, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these c...

Connection Accelerators

July 11, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

In this episode Phil and Lisa explore different strategies and techniques that can enhance and deepen our connections with others. Drawing from their personal experiences, Phil and Lisa shed light on various connection accelerators that have the potential to transform our relationships. They discuss topics such as collective novelty, emotional significance, joy, and the accomplishment of challenging tasks. They emphasize the importance of sharing our WHY and not just our WHAT, allowing u...

Rescue Plans and Suspension Trauma | Loui McCurley

June 27, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MB

We are joined on the podcast again by Loui McCurley, of PMI ropes and SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians). In this interview, Loui shares her invaluable insights on the critical topic of rescue plans, emphasizing their importance in ensuring the safety of individuals participating in ropes courses and similar activities. We delve into the essential components of a rescue plan. Loui offers practical advice and guidelines for creating effective rescue plans, highlighting ...

Fall Protection | Loui McCurley

June 20, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this episode Phil had the privilege of sitting down with Loui McCurley, an expert in fall protection and rope access, CEO of PMI (Pigeon Mountain Industries) and original founder of SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians).  One of the key aspects of fall protection is understanding the distinction between fall positioning, fall arrest, and fall prevention. Loui guides us through these different approaches, illuminating how each method serves a unique purpose in safeguard...

Media Training and Avoiding the Rut | Matt Marcus

June 13, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 23.9 MB

In this episode Phil is joined by Matt Marcus, the Manager of Adventure Gear and Sales at Challenge Design Innovations. With a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the adventure industry, Matt takes us on a journey through his career, volunteer work, and his thoughts on the future of adventure education. One of the highlights of Matt's journey has been his involvement with the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). We discuss his volunteer work with the ACCT, including his ...

Creative Community Building | Spud Marshall

June 06, 2023 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MB

Join us on this insightful episode as we sit down with Spud Marshall, a creative community builder and facilitator, to explore the nuances of facilitating and harnessing the power of collective wisdom. In our conversation, we delve into Spud's personal journey and ask the thought-provoking question: "When have you felt most alone?" Discover how Spud's insights on navigating these feelings of solitude have shaped his approach to community building. As an introverted facilitator, Spud prov...

Accomplishment vs Achievement

May 30, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 14.6 MB

In this thought-provoking episode, Phil and Lisa unravel the essence of achievement, a realm where goals are often set externally, driven by the expectations and judgments of others versus the realm of accomplishment, where individuals set their own goals based on personal growth and learning. By empowering ourselves to define success and progress on our own terms, we explore how accomplishment provides a more intrinsic and fulfilling motivation.  Drawing connections to the field of advent...

Answering your questions

May 23, 2023 10:00 - 18 minutes - 17.4 MB

In this episode Phil answers the following questions submitted by you, the listeners; - Is there room for introverts in facilitation? - How do you stay genuine in a "performancy" profession? - What is your favorite icebreaker question? - Best closing to a single day program? - Most under-appreciated facilitator skill? - What's something you are bad at and are working on improving? - What's your process when you have a bad day? Submit all future questions to - podcast@high5adv...

Camp Novice to Camp Pro | Mike Nelson

May 16, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.7 MB

Have you ever jumped into a role with limited experience and had to learn fast? In this episode, Mike Nelson, formally of Camp Wicosuta, joins Phil and Lisa to discuss; Why summer camp? How he embraced learning and demonstrated humility in the new role What he wished he had known and questions to ask when running an adventure program Advice for new adventure program leads. Connect with Mike - [email protected]  Learn more about Camp Wicosuta - https://www.campwicosuta.com/ Mus...

Reflecting Skills and Methods

May 09, 2023 10:00 - 16 minutes - 15.5 MB

Reflecting is often the part of the facilitation process that can seem the most daunting and challenging. How do you draw the learning from the experiences you create? In this episode, Phil details the activities and lessons he taught during a recent workshop he led titled "Reflecting Skills and Methods". The golden minute of reflection Connection as reflection How framing activities can make for easier reflection How the ABCDE's of problem solving can be used to reflect Music and ...

Winning The Stanley Cup | Geoff Ward

May 02, 2023 10:00 - 30 minutes - 28.1 MB

Professional Hockey teams and High 5 have an interesting connection dating back to the 2010-2011 season when we first worked with the Boston Bruins. That season, they went on to win the Stanley Cup! Since then we have had the privilege to work with the following hockey teams; Mannheim Eagles (a team based in Germany) New Jersey Devils Calgary Flames One constant with these experiences has been Geoff Ward, who has served in various coaching roles for those teams. In this episode Phi...

Making The Organized Seem Improvised

April 25, 2023 10:00 - 33 minutes - 31 MB

Kyra Richardson (High 5 Trainer) and Ryan McCormick (Edge of Leadership) sit down together to discuss; Creating structure out of unstructured time Crafting opportunities to develop conversation skills Methods that can help conversations start Reflection that doesn't feel forced Learn more about High 5's Edge of Leadership program - https://high5adventure.org/edge-of-leadership/what-is-eol/ Connect with Kyra - [email protected] Connect with Ryan - rmccormick@high5adve...

Camp Nuhop | Trevor Dunlap

April 18, 2023 10:00 - 22 minutes - 20.8 MB

Life is Good. These were the words that hung behind Trevor (Executive Director of Camp Nuhop) as he joined Phil to discuss; The experience of growing up at camp The benefits of the "swoop" Creating community with your staff Why "Life is Good" Learn more about Camp Nuhop - https://nuhop.org/ Connect with Trevor - [email protected] Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com    

What vs Why Introductions

April 11, 2023 10:00 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB

How does the way we introduce ourselves to our participants impact them? Lisa asks Phil; "Inspired by a recent episode on Ego, how does how we introduce ourselves to our groups help with the self efficacy model of role models?" This leads to thoughts on; Unachievable targets Authenticity and vulnerability Being relatable Sharing the why and not the what Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com High 5’s Annual Symposium is a great coming together of adventure professionals wh...

The Venture Out Project | Perry Cohen

April 04, 2023 10:00 - 31 minutes - 29.2 MB

Perry Cohen (Founder and Executive Director of The Venture Out Project) joins Phil to discuss; His introduction to High 5 and Adventure Education Facilitation values and thoughts How The Venture Out Project began and its impact How to build a community Improving career access in the outdoor industry Learn more about The Venture Out Project - https://www.ventureoutproject.com/ Connect with Perry - [email protected] Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com High 5’s...

OSHA, Work at Height and Full Body Harnesses

March 28, 2023 10:00 - 13 minutes - 12.1 MB

Chris Damboise (High 5's Director of Training) discusses the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements for work at height and the use of full body harnesses as it relates to ropes courses. You will also hear what steps High 5 is taking with regards to training our participants and clients in the use of full body harnesses. Additional information can be found following the links below; https://www.osha.gov/Publications/OSHA3845.pdf ANSI/ASSP Z359.11-2021: F...

Professional Development Ideas

March 21, 2023 10:00 - 15 minutes - 13.9 MB

What professional development opportunities can enhance your work as an adventure educator? In this episode, Phil, Lisa, Chris and Rich (High 5 Trainers) discuss professional development ideas that may not be directly tied to the adventure educator profession yet have aided us in improving our abilities to do our jobs. Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com High 5’s Annual Symposium is a great coming together of adventure professionals who love to have fun, share and learn. It’s a...

Activity Names and Themes

March 14, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.1 MB

As facilitators, we often find ourselves planning and leading activities to engage our participants and help them achieve their goals. However, do we need to share the names of these activities with our participants? While it's important to provide clear instructions and objectives for each activity, the name of the activity itself is not always necessary. So, what is the purpose of activity names? One might argue that activity names serve as a way to categorize and organize different type...

Sunglasses, Clothing and Professionalism

March 07, 2023 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.1 MB

In this episode Phil and Lisa discuss two topics related to professionalism: the misconception that wearing sunglasses can make someone appear less capable as a facilitator and the complexities of clothing and professionalism. We challenge the assumption about sunglasses and talk about how biases can shape perceptions of competence and authority. Tune in to challenge assumptions and navigate what it means to be a professional. Trevor Noah discussing professional work atire - https://yout...