Vertical Playpen

Restoring Childhood | Dr. Peter Gray

In this episode Phil sits down with Dr. Peter Gray, renowned psychologist, author of Free to Learn, and author of Restoring Childhood: How to Set Kids Free in the Age of

Getting it Right by Getting it Wrong

In this episode of the podcast, Phil kicks off with a listener Q&A addressing how to navigate client expectations when "teachable moments" alter planned activities . He b

Finding Facilitation Flow

In this episode of Vertical Playpen, hosts Phil Brown and Lisa Hunt explore the concept of the Flow State—that sweet spot where an individual's skillset perfectly aligns

Gear Retrieval Step-by-Step

Join Phil up on the course as he takes you step-by-step through a gear retrieval. From selecting setting up on the ground to climbing to the belay cable, retrieving the g

Nervous at Heights = Better Ropes Course Facilitator

In this episode, Phil challenges the assumption that the best ropes course facilitators must be fearless climbers. Drawing from recent training experiences and personal h

Redefining Leadership (Part 2) | Drew Dudley

In this episode, Phil continues his conversation with renowned speaker and author Drew Dudley to unpack how we set goals, define potential, and cultivate everyday leaders

Redefining Leadership (Part 1) | Drew Dudley

What can a long drive on a divided highway, your shower routine, and 80s video games teach us about modern leadership? In this episode, Phil sits down with leadership spe

Comfort vs Familiarity | Dr. Beau Lotto

In this episode, we dive deep into the psychology of risk, trust, and personal evolution with world-renowned neuroscientist Dr. Beau Lotto. Using the classic Challenge

Adventure and Uncertainty | Dr. Beau Lotto

What if adventure isn't just an activity, but a fundamental way of perceiving the world? In this episode, host Phil links up with world-renowned neuroscientist and author

Workshop Design | Mehdi En-Naizi

*Anyone using your VPP15 code - https://facilitators-corner.com/workshopdeck - will receive a 15% discount off* In this episode, Mehdi and Phil explore the art of work

Tree Nets | Sean Campbell

In this episode, Sean Campbell from Canopy Craft shares his journey from childhood curiosity to professional tree net crafter. We explore the art, craft, safety standards

How to Teach Knot Tying

Phil shares his approach to teaching knot tying, emphasizing practical techniques, error recognition, and effective teaching strategies. Contact the podcast - podcast@h

Facilitation Fails

Phil shares personal stories and lessons learned from facilitation mistakes, emphasizing the importance of transparency, adaptability, and continuous growth in experienti

SOPs, LOPs and IIPs

Phil Brown explains the 'Spheres of Acceptable Practice' model to help understand industry standards, local procedures, and instructor preferences in adventure and climbi

What AI knows about Adventure Education

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

Extending The Learning Journey | Mike Martin

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

From Detroit to Everest: Andrew Alexander King's Journey of Adventure and Impact

In this inspiring interview, Andrew Alexander King shares his journey from Detroit to becoming a mountaineer, surfer, and advocate for diversity in outdoor education. Dis

The Evolution of Outdoor Education: From 1830s to Today | Hutch Hutchinson

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 experie

Lessons from "Legacy" by James Kerr

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 o

Facilitation: Wisdom, Adaptation, and Innovation | Mike Cardus

In this interview, organizational development facilitator Mike Cardus shares insights on experiential learning, facilitation wisdom, and adapting activities to different