Archives: Podcasts

Industry Acronyms Explained! Industry Acronyms Explained Description Episode 236: VPP host Phil Brown discusses various acronyms used in the Challenge Course industry, particularly about safety standards and regulations. He highlights fifteen acronyms and explains their meanings and significance. The acronyms covered include AHJ, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, ACCT, ICE, PRCA, CWA, AEE, OSHA, UIAA, CE, NFPA, […]

Proper Equipment Storage | Challenge Course Managers Proper Equipment Storage | Challenge Course Managers Description Episode 235: In this episode, Phil Brown discusses the importance of proper equipment storage at challenge courses. He highlights common issues such as equipment being stored in damp areas, lack of organization, and staff using equipment for personal use. Phil […]

Building Relationships and Adapting to Individual Needs | Stephen Ham Building Relationships and Adapting to Individual Needs | Stephen Ham Description Episode 234: We explore the importance of relationships and adapting to individual needs as a facilitator. The speaker shares their experience working with diverse populations and emphasizes the role of relationships in connecting with […]

Can I Use My Own Personal Equipment? Can I Use My Own Personal Equipment on a Ropes Course? Description Episode 233: Welcome to this episode of VPP. Phil Brown discusses whether staff should be allowed to use their personal equipment while facilitating on a challenge course. The main points covered include the comfort factor, the […]

Strategies for Enjoying Facilitating Team Building Activities Strategies for Enjoying Facilitating Team Building Activities Description: Episode 232: High 5 Trainer Phil Brown explores the challenges and solutions related to team building and team development activities. It delves into personal experiences, frustrations, and strategies for enjoying and improving the facilitation of such activities. The discussion covers […]

Honoring Empowerment: Participant Choice And Control Honoring Empowerment: Participant Choice And Control on Challenge Courses Description Episode 231: In this episode, host Phil Brown discusses the concept of power in the context of challenge courses and ropes courses. He identifies six areas where facilitators may unintentionally take power away from participants and provides solutions to […]

The History of Outdoor Education | Hutch Hutchinson The History of Outdoor Education | Hutch Hutchinson Description Episode 230:  Hutch Hutchinson, a senior lecturer at the Questrom School of Business, shares his journey in experiential education and the historical context of outdoor education. He discusses the impact of industrial education, the role of associations like […]

Establishing Legitimacy in the Outdoor Industry | Andrew Jillings Establishing Legitimacy in the Outdoor Industry | Andrew Jillings Description Episode 229: In this conversation, Phil Brown and Andrew Jillings discuss their shared passion for adventure and experiential education. They delve into their personal experiences, the evolution of risk management, and provide advice for emerging professionals […]

Thoughts on Facilitation Props Thoughts on Facilitation Props Description Episode 228: This conversation explores the pitfalls of over-reliance on props and tools in facilitation, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing conversation and relationship-building. It delves into the need for time and depth in facilitation, the skills and goals of facilitation, and the challenges of the adventure […]

The Global Organization of Tree Climbers | Harv Teitelbaum The Global Organization of Tree Climbers | Harv Teitelbaum Description Episode 226: Harv Teitelbaum discusses his journey into tree climbing and the emotional and physical benefits it provides. He explains the accessibility of tree climbing and the equipment used. The conversation also touches on the overlap […]