Episodios

  • Finding our Facilitator Personality | Rach Davis

    Finding our Facilitator Personality | Rach Davis
    Nov 4 2025
    In this conversation, Phil Brown and Rach Davis explore the complexities of facilitation, particularly focusing on the dynamics of introversion, energy management, and the importance of personal style in facilitating workshops. They discuss the need for downtime after high-energy sessions, and the adaptability required in facilitation practices. Rach shares insights on balancing personal and professional energy, the evolution of her facilitation style, and the significance of creating engaging environments for participants. The conversation emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, flexibility, and continuous learning in the facilitation process.
    • Selective introversion affects energy levels during facilitation.
    • Facilitators often wear a 'mask' in professional settings.
    • Downtime is essential for recharging after high-energy sessions.
    • Balancing personal and professional energy is crucial.
    • Facilitation does not always need to be high energy.
    • Understanding participant dynamics enhances facilitation effectiveness.
    • Personal facilitation style evolves over time.
    • Flexibility in facilitation techniques is important.
    • Continuous learning is key to effective facilitation.

    Learn more about Rach - https://www.rachdavis.com/

    Connect with Rach - rach@rachdavis.com

    Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Support the podcast - www.verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - www.epidemicsound.com
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    25 m
  • High Ropes for All | Graeme Hill

    High Ropes for All | Graeme Hill
    Oct 28 2025
    In this conversation, Phil and Graeme Hill discuss the importance of inclusivity in outdoor activities, particularly for individuals with disabilities and neurodivergent conditions. They explore the barriers that prevent participation, the need for a focus on abilities rather than disabilities, and the role of instructors and administrators in creating accessible environments. Graeme shares insights from his extensive experience in the field, emphasizing the importance of adapting programming and equipment to meet the needs of all participants. The discussion also touches on changing attitudes towards disability, financial considerations, and the future of inclusive outdoor activities.
    • Inclusivity in outdoor activities is essential for everyone.
    • Focus on abilities rather than disabilities to empower participants.
    • Barriers to participation often come from misconceptions and risk aversion.
    • Instructors need training to support neurodivergent individuals effectively.
    • Changing attitudes towards disability is crucial for progress.
    • Financial arguments against inclusivity can be weak if not researched.
    • The journey to participation is as important as the activity itself.
    • Technical adaptations can enhance accessibility without expensive equipment.
    • Promoting positive imagery of diverse participants is vital.
    • The future of outdoor activities should be fully inclusive for all abilities.

    Connect with Graeme - grazzahill@hotmail.com

    Connect with the podcast;

    email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Support the podcast - www.verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - www.epidemicsound.com
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    20 m
  • Strategies for Psychological Safety | Dee Scarano

    Strategies for Psychological Safety | Dee Scarano
    Oct 21 2025
    This conversation with Dee Scarano delves into the concept of psychological safety, emphasizing the importance of honesty and vulnerability in communication. Dee shares how fear of judgment can hinder open expression and explore practical strategies for creating an environment where individuals feel safe to share their thoughts. They highlight the significance of anonymity, comfort zones, and standardized formats in fostering inclusivity and collaboration.
    • Honesty in communication fosters psychological safety.
    • Psychological safety allows individuals to voice their thoughts without fear.
    • Fear of judgment is a significant barrier to open communication.
    • Anonymity is crucial for creating a safe space for sharing ideas.
    • Building comfort zones is essential before encouraging risk-taking.
    • Standardized formats help ensure equal contributions from all participants.
    • Facilitators must create structures that promote psychological safety.
    • Understanding human behavior is key to effective facilitation.
    • Sharing knowledge within the facilitation community is vital.
    • Vulnerability can lead to stronger connections and collaboration.

    Learn more about Dee - https://www.deescarano.com/

    Dee on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/deescarano/

    Support the podcast - www.verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - www.epidemicsound.com
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    19 m
  • Super Curious to Ask | Chad Littlefield & Sherry Bagley

    Super Curious to Ask | Chad Littlefield & Sherry Bagley
    Oct 14 2025
    In this engaging podcast episode, Phil Brown, Sherry Bagley, and Chad Littlefield explore the themes of curiosity, experiential education, and the importance of relationships in facilitation. They discuss how questions can unlock deeper conversations, the significance of observation in understanding group dynamics, and the value of critique for continuous improvement. The conversation also touches on the role of charisma and authenticity in facilitation, the necessity of structure, and the inspiration drawn from community and relationships. The episode concludes with reflections on personal growth and the power of asking questions.
    • Questions are the key that unlocks the door to deeper understanding.
    • Building relationships is foundational in experiential education.
    • Observation is crucial for facilitators to meet group needs.
    • Critique is essential for continuous improvement in practice.
    • Staying curious prevents stagnation in long-term facilitation.
    • Charisma can be developed as a skill over time.
    • Structure in facilitation can enhance engagement and effectiveness.
    • Finding inspiration often comes from connecting with new people.
    • The power of relationships is central to effective education.
    • Asking questions can lead to unexpected and enriching conversations.

    Come hang out with the Phil, Chad and Sherry at the AEE conference - https://www.aee.org/events/2025-aee-international-conference

    Learn more about AEE - https://www.aee.org/

    Connect with the podcast -

    email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Support the podcast - www.verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - www.epidemicsound.com
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    32 m
  • How to Identify and Beat Burnout | Jimmy Burroughes

    How to Identify and Beat Burnout | Jimmy Burroughes
    Oct 7 2025
    In this conversation, Phil Brown and Jimmy Burroughes delve into the critical issue of burnout in the workplace, exploring its definitions, symptoms, personal experiences, and the broader implications for organizations. They discuss the alarming statistics surrounding employee engagement and burnout, emphasizing the need for effective strategies to combat these issues. Jimmy shares his personal journey through burnout and the lessons learned, while also providing actionable advice for leaders and organizations to foster a healthier work environment. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding burnout not just as an individual issue, but as a systemic challenge that affects overall organizational health and productivity.
    • Burnout is defined by the imbalance between expectations and ability.
    • Key symptoms of burnout include anxiety, isolation, and a lack of care.
    • Many high achievers are at risk of burnout due to their commitment.
    • The workplace has become more demanding, leading to increased burnout rates.
    • Effective communication and role clarity are essential in preventing burnout.
    • Leaders must model healthy boundaries and the ability to say no.
    • Creating headspace is crucial for reflection and prioritization.
    • Simplifying processes can help teams work more effectively.
    • Reducing burnout can significantly enhance productivity and engagement.
    • Organizations must recognize the financial implications of burnout.

    Learn more about Jimmy - https://www.jimmyburroughes.com/

    Connect with Jimmy - jimmy@jblhighperformance.com

    Connect with the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Support the podcast - www.verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - www.epidemicsound.com
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    31 m
  • High 5 Adventure's 25th Anniversary

    High 5 Adventure's 25th Anniversary
    Sep 30 2025
    This episode celebrates the 25th anniversary of High 5 Adventure Learning Center, featuring stories and interviews from participants who share their transformative experiences. The conversation highlights the impact of adventure education on personal growth, community building, and the importance of relationships in fostering confidence and leadership skills.

    Order of interviews;

    1 - Ron Vercellone - Dean of Students, Greater Lowell Technical High School

    2 - Bob Rojee - Senior Advisor, SPARC (Summer Programs and Auxiliary Revenue Collaborative)

    3 - Alycia Nored - Wellness Teacher, Cony Middle and High School

    4 - Dave Langston - Camp Dudley/ Camp Kiniya

    5 - Nicki Hall - Founding Member of High 5

    25th Anniversary Online Auction - https://www.32auctions.com/High52025

    Support the podcast - www.verticalplaypen.com

    Music and sound effects - www.epidemicsound.com
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    45 m
  • Emergent Facilitation | Rebecca Courtney

    Emergent Facilitation | Rebecca Courtney
    Sep 23 2025
    Phil Brown and Rebecca Courtney delve into the concept of emergent facilitation, exploring its principles, preparation strategies, and the importance of building connections with participants. They discuss the challenges of facilitating in corporate environments, the value of addressing fears, and the benefits of working with challenging groups. The conversation emphasizes the need for facilitators to trust their intuition and adapt to the needs of the group, moving away from rigid agendas to a more fluid approach. Rebecca shares insights on how they teach emergent facilitation at AJ&Smart, highlighting the importance of resilience and adaptability in the role of a facilitator.
    • Emergent facilitation is about adaptability and flow.
    • Unshakeability is crucial for facilitators.
    • Experience helps build resilience in facilitation.
    • Preparation involves both mental and physical readiness.
    • Connecting with participants is essential before diving into content.
    • Addressing fears can shift group energy positively.
    • Challenging groups can lead to greater facilitator growth.
    • Trusting your intuition is key in facilitation.
    • Agendas should be flexible to meet group needs.
    • Teaching emergent facilitation focuses on building confidence and skills.

    Learn more about AJ&Smart;

    https://facilitator.com/

    https://www.youtube.com/@AJSmart

    Connect with Rebecca on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-courtney-928347241/

    Connect with the podcast;

    email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    33 m
  • What Makes a Great Group?

    What Makes a Great Group?
    Sep 16 2025
    In this conversation, Phil and Lisa explore the complexities of defining what makes a group great in a facilitation context. They discuss the role of the facilitator's ego, the subjective nature of group dynamics, and the importance of evaluating success beyond personal feelings. The dialogue emphasizes the need for facilitators to balance their own experiences with the goals of the group, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of participant engagement and learning outcomes.
    • A great group often means the facilitator felt liked.
    • Facilitators' egos can influence their perception of group success.
    • Group dynamics are subjective and can vary by facilitator.
    • Struggle in a group can lead to greater learning experiences.
    • It's important to evaluate groups based on goals, not just feelings.
    • Facilitators should embrace their humanity in the process.
    • The definition of a great group can differ among facilitators.
    • Patience and support within a group enhance the experience.
    • Fun and challenge can coexist in group settings.
    • Questions about group success should be more nuanced.

    Connect with the podcast -

    email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
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    17 m