The Power of Unplanned Learning The Power of Unplanned Learning Description: Episode 246: In this episode, Phil Brown reflects on his 2018 blog post ‘Finding Pinecones,’ emphasizing the significance of small moments in learning and connection. He shares a personal story about a child’s unexpected favorite camp memory and discusses the impact of unplanned interactions […]
Archives: Podcasts
What is Flow?
What is Flow? What is Flow? Description: Episode 245: In this conversation, Phil Brown and Lisa Hunt explore the concept of flow state, particularly in the context of facilitation and training. They discuss personal experiences with flow, the balance between ability and challenge, and the role of facilitators in creating an environment conducive to flow. […]
The Lesser Known History of Challenge Courses
The Lesser Known History of Challenge Courses The Lesser Known History of Challenge Courses Description: Episode 244: Christy Brodeur (Project Adventure) and Chris Damboise (High 5) join Phil Brown to discuss the lesser known history of challenge courses. The discussion covers the contributions of Georges Hébert, Yvonne Moreau, the development of obstacle courses, and the […]
Phil’s 5 Essential Skills for Every Belayer
Phil’s 5 Essential Skills for Every Belayer Phil’s 5 Essential Skills for Every Belayer Description: Episode 243: In this episode of Vertical Playpen, Phil Brown discusses the top five skills that every belayer should possess. He emphasizes the importance of physicality, effective communication, openness to feedback, the necessity of checklists, and understanding the physics involved […]
Facilitation Nightmare | We Lost Our Props
Facilitation Nightmare | We Lost Our Props Facilitation Nightmare | We Lost Our Props Description Episode 242: A nightmare when traveling is losing your bags, and then the nightmare is intensified when you rely on what is in those bags to do your job. Phil Brown and Lisa Hunt share their experience of a recent […]
Blurring the Line Between Fun and Purpose | Angus Firth
Blurring the Line Between Fun and Purpose | Angus Firth Blurring the Line Between Fun and Purpose with Angus Firth Description Episode 241: In this conversation, Phil Brown and Angus Firth, from Rapid Teams, discuss team building and development in the context of outdoor education and experiential learning. They explore the challenges of blurring the […]
Game Time! Wavelength Edition
Game Time! Wavelength Edition Game Time! Wavelength Edition Description Episode 240: In this episode, Phil Brown, Sam Hunt, Lisa Hunt, Chris Sanchez, and Anthony Martino play a game called Wavelength. Each player takes a turn as the “guesser” and asks the others to name something in a category that corresponds to a number on a […]
Adventure Education Defined
Adventure Education Defined Adventure Education Defined Description Episode 239: In this episode, host Phil Brown discusses the meaning and impact of Adventure Education. Here are the key points covered: Adventure education promotes learning through adventure-centered experiences. Adventure education can include a wide variety of activities, both outdoor and indoor. Adventure education is an active process […]
The Value of Adventure Education | Brian Lisson
The Value of Adventure Education | Brian Lisson The Value of Adventure Education with Brian Lisson Description Episode 238: In this conversation, Phil Brown interviews Brian Lisson, Founder of Adventureworks in Canada, about his journey in the adventure education industry. They discuss various topics, including Brian’s introduction to adventure education, the value of adventure education […]
Who Else Feels That Way? | BOOST Conference 2024
Who Else Feels That Way? | BOOST Conference 2024 Who Else Feels That Way? | BOOST Conference 2024 Description Episode 237: This VPP episode was recorded live in front of attendees from the BOOST (Best Out of School Time) Conference in Palm Springs, CA in April 2024. The conversation focuses on emotions and feelings, and […]