Latest Challengecourse Podcast Episodes
High 5 Executive Director and Founding Director | Jen Ottinger and Jim Grout
Vertical Playpen - April 23, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn this conversation, Phil Brown interviews Jim Grout and Jen Ottinger about their roles at High 5 Adventure Learning Center and the past, present, and future of the organization. Jen shares how she was drawn to High 5 and the adventure education field, while Jim reflects on the early days of ...
Poles, Zip Line Brakes and Facilitation Techniques | High 5 Trivia
Vertical Playpen - April 16, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsHigh 5 Trivia is a quiz show about the challenge course industry. The host, Jamie Thibodeau, asks questions from different categories such as gear, facilitation, construction, history, and general knowledge. The participants compete to answer the questions correctly and earn points. The show c...
Think Back | Jim Grout
Vertical Playpen - April 09, 2024 10:00 - 8 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsThis conversation explores the theme of leadership and the importance of building relationships in effective leadership. The discussion highlights examples of leadership from the movie Saving Private Ryan and the director of professional development (at the time the article was written) for th...
Questions and Trivia | ACCT Conference 2024
Vertical Playpen - April 02, 2024 10:00 - 25 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsAt the recent ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) Conference in Oklahoma City, OK, Phil and Jamie had the pleasure of recording an episode with an in-person audience. The structure of the time was split between audience questions and a trivia show based on the Challenge Course ind...
The Bear TV Series - Season 3 Predictions
Vertical Playpen - March 26, 2024 10:00 - 30 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 Bear TV Series - The Power of Moments
Vertical Playpen - March 19, 2024 10:00 - 35 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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...
The Bear TV Series - Exploring Tina's Leadership Evolution
Vertical Playpen - March 12, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 all...
The Bear TV Series - Syd's Impact on Team Dynamics
Vertical Playpen - March 05, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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...
The Bear TV Series - Carmy and Richie
Vertical Playpen - February 27, 2024 11:00 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 Bear TV Series - Team Dynamics and Takeaways for Facilitators
Vertical Playpen - February 20, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 relatio...
Loneliness and the Power of Connection
Vertical Playpen - February 13, 2024 11:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsInspired 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 conversati...
Client-focused Training, Collaboration and Cutaway Rescues | Andrew Bogue
Vertical Playpen - January 30, 2024 11:00 - 39 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 ...
Presenting at Conferences
Vertical Playpen - January 23, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn this episode, Phil and Rich provide advice on how to present at conferences. They discuss the process of preparing and submitting a presentation, including choosing a title and solving a problem. They also emphasize the importance of co-presenting and structuring workshops with experiential...
Ruby Finds a Worry | Tom Percival
Vertical Playpen - January 16, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsTom 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 emotiona...
Intentional Culture | Jim Grout
Vertical Playpen - January 09, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsThis 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. The...
Overcoming Fear | Ella Brown (2nd Grade)
Vertical Playpen - January 02, 2024 11:00 - 7 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 o...
The Gift of Laughter | Greg Kettner
Vertical Playpen - December 26, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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...
Free Play and When It Doesn't Work
Vertical Playpen - December 19, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 fi...
Adventure Education is a Methodology | Mark Collard
Vertical Playpen - December 12, 2023 11:00 - 20 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 in...
Two Truths, No Lies
Vertical Playpen - December 05, 2023 11:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsHIGH 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...
Advice We Disagree With
Vertical Playpen - November 21, 2023 11:00 - 9 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 muc...
The Story School | Chris Wiley
Vertical Playpen - November 14, 2023 11:00 - 31 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsJoin 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 imm...
Adventure Park Facilitation | JJ Stapleton
Vertical Playpen - November 07, 2023 11:00 - 30 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 h...
Episode 200 - Thank You!
Vertical Playpen - October 31, 2023 10:00 - 23 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsWe 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...
Facilitation Differences - USA vs England
Vertical Playpen - October 24, 2023 10:00 - 10 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 n...
What Makes a Group "Great"?
Vertical Playpen - October 17, 2023 10:00 - 13 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsJoin 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 absen...
Music and Unique Locations
Vertical Playpen - October 10, 2023 10:00 - 14 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsJoin 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....
Freezing in the Air
Vertical Playpen - October 03, 2023 10:00 - 21 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 ex...
Adventure and the Unknown
Vertical Playpen - September 19, 2023 10:00 - 11 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsIn 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 s...
Intrinsic Motivation
Vertical Playpen - September 12, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes ★★★★★ - 41 ratingsJoin 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 pivota...
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