Vertical Playpen
254 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsWant 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
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Episodes
Uncovering Inner Resilience For Those Impacted by Cancer | Madeline Brooks
March 22, 2022 10:00 - 28 minutes - 38.8 MBMadeline Brooks (Executive Director - OnBelay) joins Phil to discuss; - Her introduction to the world of adventure education - How to create safe and trusting environments for those impacted by cancer - The work of OnBelay and how you are able to support that work Find out more about OnBelay - https://www.on-belay.org/ Donate - https://www.on-belay.org/donate/ Connect with Madeline - [email protected]
Trauma Informed Facilitation | Andrew Florence
March 15, 2022 11:00 - 37 minutes - 51.4 MBAndrew Florence (Director of Experiential Learning at Crossnore Communities for Children) joins Phil to discuss; - Holiday Traditions and how he entered this industry - Trauma Informed Facilitation and the bringing adventure and experiential programming to Crossnore - The alchemy of facilitation and trying to find your voice in this industry Learn more about Crossnore Communities for Children - https://www.crossnore.org/ Connect with Andrew - [email protected] Join the Trai...
Teaching Students to Belay
March 08, 2022 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.3 MBIn this episode, the Training team discuss; - Training and preparing your participants to belay - Your role during this process - Advice on ensuring you and your participants are ready to belay How to contact us: Phil Brown - [email protected] OR @verticalplaypen on Instagram Chris Damboise - [email protected] Lisa Hunt - [email protected] Hanne Bailey - [email protected] Rich Keegan - [email protected] Join the Training Team!! ...
What is Belaying?
March 01, 2022 11:00 - 36 minutes - 49.9 MBThe Training Team gather to discuss; - What is Belaying? - What does the word mean? - What are the foundational principles of good belay? - The recommended method of belaying? - Trainer tips that help improve belayers techniques Reach out the training team for more information on how to belay. Instagram - @verticalplaypen Join the Training Team!! - https://high5adventure.org/job/full-time-adventure-educator-trainer/
Creating Immersive Experiences | Mark Suroviec
February 22, 2022 11:00 - 33 minutes - 46.6 MBMark Suroviec (WorkPlay Solutions) joins Phil to discuss; - Finding joy in creating team experiences - The right time to try a new activity - Staying curious in our industry Learn more about Mark - workplaysolutions.com Listen to his podcast - WorkPlay Solutions Podcast Connections before Content - Virtual Workshop - Thursday March 10th - 3:30 - 5:00pm EST Register here - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/virtual-workshops Coupon Code at Checkout - ConnectionsBOGO
Arboriculture | Kirsten Locke
February 15, 2022 11:00 - 28 minutes - 38.5 MBKirsten Locke (Koala Tree) joins Phil to discuss; - Being an Arborist and the supportive world of arboriculture - Living life adventurously and asking for help along the way - Protecting your body using mobility and strength training Learn more about Kirsten at her Instagram - @brave.roots Learn more about Koala Tree - koalatree.ca
Syracuse University | Scott Catucci
February 08, 2022 11:00 - 30 minutes - 42.5 MBScott Catucci (Associate Director - Outdoor Education / Student Development at Syracuse University) joins Phil to discuss; - Volunteering for AEE - Experiential Learning through music - Esports and Video games relationship to experiential learning Learn more about Syracuse's Recreation programs - https://www.syracuse.edu/life/recreation/ Connect with Scott - [email protected]
Learning to Ski
February 01, 2022 11:00 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBPhil recently attempted to ski for the 1st time. In the process he reflected on 4 things that he noticed about being a new learner; - Having patience for the speed of how you learn - The more details shared the better - The effect the environment has on your learning - A word that should stay away from learning environments
Creating a Staff Training Plan
January 25, 2022 11:00 - 24 minutes - 33 MBIn this episode we discuss; - The importance of having a staff training plan - In-house and professional training and in-house refresher training - Why having accurate job descriptions can help - Supervisor participation in trainings - Training documentation - Team development benefits
Northern Vermont University | Brad Moskowitz
January 18, 2022 11:00 - 32 minutes - 44.8 MBBrad Moskowitz (Professor at Northern Vermont University) joins Phil to discuss; - Outdoor career paths for graduating students - Seasonal work and the need for a societal shift regarding outdoor adventure. - Facilitation fails and what we can learn from them. Connect with Brad; Email - [email protected] Learn more about Northern Vermont University's Outdoor Education degree program https://www.northernvermont.edu/degree-programs/outdoor-education/
What is Adventure Education?
January 11, 2022 11:00 - 21 minutes - 29.3 MBIn this episode we take a deeper look into the field of Adventure Education and discuss; - The definition of Adventure and Adventure Education - Adventure Education outcomes - Adventure Education processes - The difference between Learning and Education
How to Read your Group
January 04, 2022 11:00 - 13 minutes - 17.9 MBPhil and Lisa discuss a question submitted by Meg Bolger. "How do you teach a new facilitator to read your group?" If you are planning on attending the ACCT conference in Cleveland (Feb 2022) then consider joining us for our pre-con "A Critical Look at Core Concepts".
Tree Climbing | Harv Teitelbaum
December 21, 2021 11:00 - 31 minutes - 29 MBPhil is joined by President Emeritus of the Global Organization of Tree Climbers, Harv Teitelbaum to discuss; - What recreational tree climbing is and what it provides those who climb. - What 1st drew him into the world of tree climbing and how you can find tree climbing trainers near you. - The importance of educating our participants about trees and the natural world that we work in. You can learn more about tree climbing by visiting their website - gotreeclimbing.org and/or by ema...
AEE - The Shared Experience Conversation | Part 2
December 14, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 51.7 MBIn Part 2 of The Shared Experience, the group answers the following 2 questions; - How has the "Great Resignation" affected our industry? - How has the past 2 years influenced the way that we interact with our participants? Contributors to this episode were; Lisa Hunt - High 5 Trainer Danielle Chevalier - Field's of Recovery Hutch Hutchinson - Boston University Laura Baird - Polk County Recreation Sam Steiger - Minnesota State University, Mankato Dan Miller - Fifth Pillar C...
AEE - The Shared Experience Conversation | Part 1
December 07, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 44 MBThe Shared Experience was a session Phil hosted at the International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference. Those who attended had the opportunity to ask questions and as a collective group we answered those questions utilizing their shared experience. The questions asked; - How do you prepare to facilitate a program? - What is your go-to activity to make people laugh? The contributors were; Lisa Hunt - High 5 Trainer Danielle Chevalier - Field's of Recovery ...
AEE - The Shared Experience Conversation| Part 1
December 07, 2021 11:00 - 32 minutes - 44 MBThe Shared Experience was a session Phil hosted at the International Association for Experiential Education (AEE) Conference. Those who attended had the opportunity to ask questions and as a collective group we answered those questions utilizing their shared experience. The questions asked; - How do you prepare to facilitate a program? - What is your go-to activity to make people laugh? The contributors were; Lisa Hunt - High 5 Trainer Danielle Chevalier - Field's of Recovery ...
Sweeping the Shed | Jim Grout
November 30, 2021 11:00 - 23 minutes - 32.5 MBJim Grout (High 5's Executive Director) joins Phil to talk about a concept that originates from the book "Legacy" by James Kerr; Sweeping the Shed. This has become an essential part at the core of High 5's work in Leadership Development.
University of Vermont | Megan Meinen
November 23, 2021 11:00 - 37 minutes - 50.9 MBMegan Meinen (UVM Outdoor Programs) joins Phil to discuss; - Finding a career in outdoor programming - Advice for emerging professionals - The importance of mentorship in our industry
Building Relational Trust | Chip Wood
November 16, 2021 11:00 - 48 minutes - 44.2 MBChip Wood returns to VPP, this time joined by Phil Brown, Jim Grout, Beth Buoro and Anne Louise Wagner. Today's discussion revolves around relational trust, a concept based on relationships in schools between teachers and students, with other teachers, with parents and principals.
AEE International Conference 2021 Reflection
November 14, 2021 21:06 - 15 minutes - 14.4 MBIn this bonus episode of the podcast, Phil reflects upon the last 4 days of the AEE (Association for Experiential Education) International Conference. Topics discussed are; - The Virtual Conference format - Workshop takeaways - The value of connecting with this community Find more about AEE - aee.org
Child and Adolescent Development | Chip Wood
November 09, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 47.1 MBIn this episode, Chip Wood joins host Phil Brown and High 5's Executive Director, Jim Grout, to discuss; - His background in child development and education - The compatibility between his work, Adventure Education and Leadership Development
Climbing Wall Near Miss
November 02, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 38 MBPhil tells the story of a near miss when lowering a participant on a Climbing Wall. This is the first in a series of stories that will help you learn what not to do (and what to do) thanks to the experiences of others. If you have a story you would like to share let us know by emailing us - [email protected] or message us on Instagram - @verticalplaypen.
Managing Emotions and Vulnerability
October 26, 2021 10:00 - 33 minutes - 30.3 MBRyan, Anne Louise, Phil and Lisa talk about; - Role modeling vulnerability and its importance in creating a space for emotions to shared. - Effective strategies and facilitation techniques for discussing emotions with your participants.
What We Say and How We Say It Matters | Mike Anderson
October 19, 2021 10:00 - 37 minutes - 34.8 MBAnne-Louise guest hosts an interview with Ryan McCormick and Mike Anderson as they discuss; - The importance of what we say and how it matters in the classroom. - Communication skills Find more about Mike: www.leadinggreatlearning.com
Facilitating Problem Solving Activities
October 12, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 32 MBThis episode is an invitation to listen in on a conversation between Lisa Hunt (Manager of Team Development) and Ryan McCormick (Edge of Leadership Director) as they discuss; - Problem Solving - Activity Selection - Advice for educators on how to adapt activities
100th Episode!
October 05, 2021 10:00 - 32 minutes - 30 MBWe made it! Another milestone moment for the podcast! 100 episodes! In this special 100th episode Phil takes us on a journey recalling past moments of the podcast that stand out to him. These include; Examples of recording in the car Inspirational challenge course and facilitation stories A sample of jokes that keep the episodes fun The signature sign-off “Thanks for listening…” from Ella, Phil’s daughter Thanks to all of the community of listeners for listening and guests who have...
Social Emotional Learning for Educators | Tre Gammage
September 28, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MBTre Gammage joins Phil to discuss; - His work with SEL and how he started in the education - Why teaching educators about SEL is so important tregammage.com seleducators.com
Why Play Works | Jill Vialet
September 21, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.9 MBJill Vialet (Founder of Playworks) joins Phil to discuss her new book; Why Play Works - Big Changes Start Small. In this conversation Jill shares; - Her introduction to play and how she forged a career in this industry - A story about a colleague interacting with a school that didn't have recess - How the research supports the importance of play - The activity that she often ends her programs with. Find out more about Playworks - playworks.org Find out more about Jill - jillviale...
Children's Books about Emotions | Tom Percival
September 14, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBTom Percival (author of Ruby Finds a Worry) joins Phil to discuss; - Writing children's books that focus on emotions - What inspired him to write them - The importance of role modeling vulnerability. Find more about Tom - tom-percival.com
Facilitation Tips | Mark Flynn
September 07, 2021 10:00 - 41 minutes - 37.6 MBMark Flynn (formally of UCONN and the Four Arrows Challenge Course Program) joins Phil to discuss: - His unusual entry into the industry - How important and transferable facilitation skills are for students - Facilitation Tools vs Props - How language and context matters in our industry Contact Mark - [email protected]
Listener Questions - Adapt Activities, New Jobs and Belay Devices
August 31, 2021 10:00 - 28 minutes - 26.1 MBIn this episode Phil answers some listener questions; - When do you NOT do warm up or icebreaker activities? - Is there a game you've recently revived and love to play? - Advice and things we wish we would have known before starting a new job in the industry. - ATC vs GRIGRI Submit any questions you may have to [email protected] or DM on instagram @verticalplaypen
Adventureworks | Brian Lisson
August 24, 2021 10:00 - 34 minutes - 31.2 MBBrian (President and Founder of Adventureworks, and also the 2021 ACCT Critical Link Award Recipient), joins Phil to share; - His introduction to the world of Adventure Programming - His perspective on the growth of the industry and changes coming to ACCT - Advice to emerging professionals in the industy Find more at - adventureworks.org
Audio-only Facilitation | Michael Ronen and Kyle Kaminsky
August 17, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.6 MBMicheal and Kyle (Social Play Club - thesocialplayclub.com) join Phil to share: - Their introduction to creating immersive social experiences - How they facilitate their social play club on Clubhouse - Tips on facilitating when participants join midway through a program - Their favorite activity to use in an audio-only setting
Rediscover your Play | Jeff Harry
August 10, 2021 10:00 - 35 minutes - 32 MBJeff Harry (rediscoveryourplay.com) joins Phil to discuss; - Favorite kid's TV shows - How to bring play into the workplace - The benefits that adding play can do for team culture.
Listener Questions - Group Norms and Industry Trends
August 03, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this episode Phil answers some listener questions; - How do you experientially create norms without sitting down and just writing a list? - What are some trends in our industry you hope will not continue? - Pudding vs. Jello? If you have a question for Phil submit them to; - [email protected] - DM on Instagram - @verticalplaypen
Improvisation and Play | Gary Ware
July 27, 2021 10:00 - 29 minutes - 27 MBGary Ware (Breakthroughplay.com) joins Phil to talk about; - His 1st experiences of learning through play. - How he brings meaning through play. - What Improv can teach us about play and facilitating play
College Outdoor Education | Clint McCarthy
July 20, 2021 10:00 - 51 minutes - 46.9 MBClint McCarthy (Associate Professor of Outdoor Education, SUNY Adirondack) chats with Chris Damboise about lessons learned as a younger professional, what students can expect when joining the SUNY program and the impact SUNY Adirondack aims to have in their community.
Ipswich Town Football Club | Brett Johnson
July 13, 2021 10:00 - 25 minutes - 23.5 MBBrett Johnson, the new owner of Ipswich Town Football Club, joins Phil to discuss why connecting with the supporters matters, qualities of good leadership that are important to him and how empowering your staff makes all the difference. In 2005, Mr. Johnson founded and is the CEO of Benevolent Capital (www.benevolentcapital.com), a family office with investments in professional sports teams, real estate, private equity and venture capital. The current portfolio includes Ipswich Town Footb...
Organizational Development | Mike Cardus
July 06, 2021 10:00 - 47 minutes - 43.2 MBMike Cardus joins Phil to discuss how Experiential Education informs his work in Organizational Development, how the front loading of activities needs to be adapted when working with corporate audiences and how having hundreds of hula hoops at home can affect how your job is perceived by others. Mike has focused expertise in team building, managerial-leadership, and organization development. Frequently asked to create solutions to address the development of high-performance teams, retentio...
How Soccer Explains Leadership | Phil Darke
June 29, 2021 10:00 - 36 minutes - 33.2 MBPhil joins Phil to discuss qualities that he admires in leaders, why Soccer is truly the "beautiful game" and how it models leadership and life lessons. Phil is the co-host of the How Soccer Explains Leadership podcast and you can find it anywhere podcasts are found as well as their website - howsoccerexplainsleadership.com
Ask Deep Questions | Jan Keck
June 22, 2021 10:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBJan Keck joins Phil to discuss how he was introduced to the world of Experiential Learning, what he has learned over the last year about virtual facilitation and how to ask deep and meaningful questions. Learn more about Jan - jankeck.com
Listener Questions - Introverted Facilitator & Favorite Icebreaker Question
June 15, 2021 10:00 - 23 minutes - 21.5 MBIn this episode aimed answering your questions, Phil read out some of the podcast reviews and answered the following questions; - 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 ...
Adventure Therapy | David Christian PhD and Danny McCarty PhD
June 08, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBIn this episode, guests David Christian PhD (Assistant Professor of Counselor Education, University of Arkansas) and Danny McCarty PhD (Assistant Professor of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, University of South Alabama) discuss; - Adventure Therapy - Adlerian Theory - Their article - "Using an Adventure Therapy Activity to Assess the Adlerian Lifestyle." Links to the article and more can be found at our website - high5adventure.org/podcast
BOOST Podcast Lounge
June 01, 2021 10:00 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MBThis was a live audience episode recorded for the 2021 Virtual BOOST (Best of out-of-school time) Conference. Phil was joined by High 5 Trainer Rich Keegan, Justin McGlamery who is founder and Chief Locus Focuser for Focus Your Locus Teambuilding Training and Development and also Chris Ortiz, the Program Director for the Team Development Center at Shaver’s Creek and is an instructor for the Recreation Parks and Tourism Management Department at Penn State University. The panelists answered ...
The Between Worlds Project | Andrew Alexander King
May 25, 2021 10:00 - 52 minutes - 47.9 MBThis week's guest, Andrew Alexander King, is a surfer, climber and mountaineer who is currently attempting to be the 1st African American to summit the highest mountain and highest volcano on each continent, 14 in total. We discuss how adventure became a part of his life, his thoughts on being a role model and mentor to younger climbers and surfers and what people can do to improve diversity in the outdoors. Follow him on his journey via his instagram - @andrew_alexander_king
Activity Adaptation Tips for Facilitators - Being Intentionally Vague
May 18, 2021 10:00 - 20 minutes - 18.6 MBAfter both presenting at a conference on 2 different topics Phil and Lisa had this unplanned conversation all about adapting your current activities and the benefits of not revealing too much information when facilitating.
Mastering Feedback | Beth Wonson
May 11, 2021 10:00 - 42 minutes - 39.2 MBBeth Wonson, Author of Mastering Feedback: Everything You've Never Been Told About Giving Feedback, discusses with our guest host, Lisa Hunt, all about how to give feedback, how to receive feedback and strategies that both work and also don't work. Learn more about Navigating Challenging Dialogue here: ncdsolution.com
Challenge Course Terminology
May 04, 2021 10:00 - 30 minutes - 27.5 MBIn this episode the Training Team (Chris, Lisa, Rich and Phil) discuss common heard terms in the Challenge Course industry and share their views on their appropriateness. This episode is supported by Atomik Climbing Holds - atomikclimbingholds.com
Conditioning, Conduct and Consciousness | Vishwas Parchure
April 27, 2021 10:00 - 53 minutes - 49.3 MBVishwas Parchure, Director of the Experiential Leadership Institute in Pune India, discusses with Phil his first experiences with working in the outdoors, his thoughts on conditioning, conduct and consciousness and answers the question; can facilitation be taught? Watch his Ewald and Hahn Address from the 2020 International AEE conference - You can learn more about Vishwas and the work of the Experiential Leadership Institute here - experiential.institute This episode is supported by ...
The Experiential Learning Cycle and Styles | Romy Alexandra
April 20, 2021 10:00 - 45 minutes - 41.5 MBRomy Alexandra joins Phil to discuss her introduction to the world of Experiential Learning and then shares clear explanations of both the Experiential Learning Cycle and the Experiential Learning Styles. You can get in touch and follow Romy at the following; LinkedIn - Romy Alexandra Instagram - @trainingbyromy FB - Romy Alexandra: Experiential Learning Trainer Email - [email protected]