Phil shares personal stories and lessons learned from facilitation mistakes, emphasizing the importance of transparency, adaptability, and continuous growth in experiential education. Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

Phil Brown explains the 'Spheres of Acceptable Practice' model to help understand industry standards, local procedures, and instructor preferences in adventure and climbing safety. This episode covers how to navigate safety protocols, industry regulations, and personal techniques to ensure safety and compliance.   Spheres of Acceptable Practice model Industry safety standards and regulations Local operating procedures and vendor guidelines Instructor preferences and industry nuance Contact the podcast - [email protected] Instagram - @verticalplaypen Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

This episode is a little different. We gave NotebookLM access to our website and training literature and asked a simple question: what are the benefits of adventure and experiential education? The result? A deep dive into why challenge, reflection, and adventure experiences continue to be such powerful tools for growth. And yes — everything you hear in this episode is AI. Contact the podcast - [email protected] Instagram - @verticalplaypen Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this interview, Phil Brown and Mike Martin explore the transformative power of experiential education, the importance of reflection and follow-up, and the future role of technology like AI in connecting and developing people.    The importance of reflection and follow-up in experiential learning Strategies for managing the unexpected in facilitation The role of AI in enhancing human connection and learning Stories of transformative moments in experiential education The concept of 'your fault' and ownership in group dynamics Learn more about Praxis Learning - https://praxislearning.com/ Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this inspiring interview, Andrew Alexander King shares his journey from Detroit to becoming a mountaineer, surfer, and advocate for diversity in outdoor education. Discover insights on experiential learning, embracing failure, and mentoring the next generation. Experiential learning cycle and reflection The role of failure in growth and resilience Diversity and inclusion in outdoor education Learn more about Andrew - https://www.andrewalexanderking.work/about Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this episode, Hutch Hutchinson, a senior lecturer at Boston University, shares his extensive experience and insights into the history and impact of outdoor and experiential education. He discusses the evolution of outdoor education from the 19th century to today, the philosophical differences in educational models, and practical advice for emerging professionals in the field.   History of outdoor education Philosophy of experiential learning Impact of outdoor education on student development Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this episode, we explore the powerful concept of 'sweeping the shed' from James Kerr's book 'Legacy,' emphasizing humility, leadership by example, and the importance of small acts in building strong teams and cultures.   The concept of 'sweeping the shed' from James Kerr's 'Legacy' Humility as a leadership trait and its impact The importance of small acts and leading by example Real-life examples of humility in sports and business Building a culture of service and accountability Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this interview, organizational development facilitator Mike Cardus shares insights on experiential learning, facilitation wisdom, and adapting activities to different contexts. Discover how to enhance your facilitation skills, innovate activities, and connect more deeply with groups across various environments.   Experiential learning and psychodynamics Facilitation wisdom and handling ambiguity Innovating and adapting activities for different contexts Learn more about Mike - https://mikecardus.com/ Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this episode, Jill Vialet, founder of Playworks, shares insights on the importance of play in childhood development, the science behind play, and practical activities to incorporate play into daily life. She discusses her journey, stories from her work, and the future of play in education and society. Learn more about Playworks - https://www.playworks.org/ Contact the podcast - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org

In this interview, Danny Bauer, aka The Ruckus Maker, shares his journey from student to educator, emphasizing the importance of disruption, joy, and authenticity in schools. Discover how making a ruckus can transform education by fostering impact, courage, and meaningful relationships. Learn more about Danny - https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/ Listen to Better Leaders, Better Schools podcast - https://betterleadersbetterschools.com/podcast/ Connect with Phil - [email protected] Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org