Best Association For Experiential Education Podcasts (2025)

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Cultural Compass: How Project Venture Guides the Next Generation 39:22

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27d ago39:22

39:22

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley is joined by Mac Hall, M.A., and Heather Yazzie Campbell of Project Venture, an evidence-based, positive youth development program that integrates cultural and adventure-based education. Mac takes us back to the origins of the program, sharing the vision that inspired its creation, while Heather brings it to life…

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Collaborative Growth: Building Connection Through Curiosity and Compassion 37:40

2M ago37:40

37:40

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley is joined by Maurie Lung and Gary Stauffer for an in-depth conversation on their lifelong work in experiential education and adventure therapy. They share personal stories that shaped their careers, reflect on the power of compassion and curiosity in collaborative work, and discuss their experience co-authoring b…

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Transformational Leadership, Wellness, and the Heart of Experiential Education 33:55

3M ago33:55

33:55

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley chats with Mary Breunig, PhD, and Terry Williams PhD, exploring the evolving landscape of experiential education. Terry shares insights from her work on transformational leadership and the role of family camps in fostering growth, while Mary highlights her focus on wellness, work-life balance, and the importance …

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Award-Winning Wisdom: Building a Career in Experiential Education 38:30

4M ago38:30

38:30

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley chats with Jen Stanchfield and Rick Curtis—two longtime leaders in the field—about the experiences, mentors, and meaningful books that helped shape their paths. Both recipients of prestigious awards from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), Jen and Rick reflect on the evolution of the profession, the…

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Building Meaningful Collaborations in Experiential Education 32:38

5M ago32:38

32:38

In our season 3 premiere episode, host Sherry Bagley welcomes Callie Auman, assistant director for challenge course and team building at UNC Charlotte, and Robyn Handley-Lane, director of teen programs at the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center. Together, they explore the dynamics of their cross-country partnership and how intentional collaboration…

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Bridging Continents: Insights from the AEE APAC Conference 2025 in Hong Kong 27:53

6M ago27:53

27:53

In this special crossover episode, host Sherry Bagley and Phil Brown, host of Vertical Playpen, discuss their experiences at the AEE Conference in Hong Kong. They explore the growing impact of the Asia Pacific region in experiential education, key takeaways from the event, and the evolving role of academia in the field. Plus, they dive into the imp…

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The Future of Adventure Therapy: Certification, Professionalization and Growth 32:45

7M ago32:45

32:45

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley sits down with Nick Magle-Haberek, co-owner of Adventure Therapist LLC and owner at Movemental Wellbeing, and Patrick McMillion, faculty member in Counseling and Counselor Education at Westminster University. Both guests serve on the AEE Certification Council and bring deep expertise and experience in adventure t…

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Building Connections and Careers: The Impact of Regional Conferences 36:41

8M ago36:41

36:41

Host Sherry Bagley is joined by Christy Brodeur, Youth Learning Coordinator at Project Adventure, and Elyse Norton, Senior Coordinator of Youth and Adult Learning Programs at Project Adventure, who also serve as co-conveners of the AEE Northeast Regional Conference. Together, they share their unique career journeys into experiential education—Chris…

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Cultivating Changemakers: Empowering Youth Through Outdoor Experiences 38:36

9M ago38:36

38:36

Join host Sherry Bagley for an inspiring conversation with Kymberly Lacrosse, executive director of Growing Greatness, along with team members Aaron Gaxiola and Lucia Perez. Together, they share how this grassroots organization in Watsonville, California, empowers youth and community members through outdoor adventures, leadership development, and t…

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Leading the Way: Exploring Experiential Education and Mentorship 48:25

10M ago48:25

48:25

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Dr. Brent Bell, an associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, and Paul Wolf, program director of outdoor leadership at Southwestern Community College, about their journeys into experiential education. They delve into the value of outdoor orientation programs, their roles in shaping leadership, …

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Universal Design and Accessibility: Expanding Inclusivity in Experiential Education 34:38

11M ago34:38

34:38

Join host Sherry Bagley as she sits down with Carla Hacker and Melanie Wills, MPH, from Experiential Systems, to explore the significance of universal design and accessibility in challenge courses. They emphasize the importance of fostering inclusive mindsets and practices to ensure these courses are accessible to individuals with disabilities. The…

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Mentorship and Inclusivity: Building Authentic Connections in Experiential Education 38:50

12M ago38:50

38:50

Join host Sherry Bagley as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Deidra Goodwin, founder and experiential educator at DGoodwin Experiential LLC, and Troy Wilkerson, Bucket Band Director for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and advocate for civic service and experiential education. Together, they explore the power of mentorship and inclusivity, …

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Shaping the Future: Mentorship, Diversity, and Hands-On Learning in Experiential Education 42:41

1y ago42:41

42:41

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Ed Maggart, an experiential educational consultant in North Carolina, and Sam Steiger, M.S., EMT-B, program coordinator in campus recreation at Minnesota State University Mankato. They share their personal experiences and perspectives on the importance of hands-on learning and personal growth. They chat abo…

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Research and Mentorship: Exploring the Impact of Nature in Experiential Education 32:40

1y ago32:40

32:40

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Denise Mitten, PhD, an internationally recognized for her innovative scholarship in outdoor and environmental pedagogy, ethics, and gender, and Jill Overholt, associate professor of outdoor leadership at Warren Wilson College. This episode delves into the significance of research in experiential education, …

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Overcoming Challenges: Creating Positive Experiences in Experiential Education 45:10

1y ago45:10

45:10

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Zac and Celine Adair from the National Center for Outdoor & Adventure Education. Together, they share their experiences and insights on creating positive and empowering experiences for individuals of all ages. They discuss the challenges faced by outdoor education providers, including staffing, certificatio…

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Forming Relationships: The Power of Collaboration 37:37

1+ y ago37:37

37:37

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Sarah Gough, executive director for Play For Peace, and Marilyn Levin, development director at Play For Peace. They share their career journeys in experiential education, reflect on the impactful relationship between the Association for Experiential Education and Play for Peace, and discuss the significance…

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Experiential Education in the Classroom: Guiding Principles and Practices 35:18

1+ y ago35:18

35:18

Join host Sherry Bagley as she engages in a conversation with Rosanne Mistretta, assistant director for program development, SUNY NY Master Teacher Program, and Jeromy Slaby, science teacher and experiential programs coordinator at the Jewish Day School of Metropolitan Seattle. Together, they delve into their extensive careers in experiential educa…

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The Vital Role of Accreditation: Future Perspectives in Experiential Education 50:58

1+ y ago50:58

50:58

Join host Sherry Bagley as she engages in a conversation with Kim Sacksteder, MSW, LISW-SV, CCAT, co-owner of Adventure Therapist, and José González, director of experiential education at The Overlake School in Redmond, WA. Delve into their personal journeys in experiential education, exploring their professional focuses and the paths that led them…

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Exploring Experiential Education: Journeys, Passions, and Insights 44:46

1+ y ago44:46

44:46

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Chris Ortiz, the associate director for the leadership development team and the program director for team development at Shavers Creek Environmental Center, and Steve Smith, founder of Experiential Consulting LLC. The three share their unique journeys into experiential education, delve into their …

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Journey of Impact: Experiential Education and Therapeutic Adventure Programs for Well-being 40:40

1+ y ago40:40

40:40

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Aaron Leonard, a retired U.S. Army officer with over 35 years of leadership experience and focuses on developing therapeutic outdoor adventure programs for the well-being of our guardians military service members, veterans and first responders, and Fred Borroel, a licensed professional counselor, …

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Creating Community: Fostering Connection and Belonging through Experiential Education 43:11

1+ y ago43:11

43:11

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Stephanie Speicher, an associate professor and the digital fluency faculty in residence at Weber State University, and Antonio Galván, founder, CEO, and senior trainer at Galika. The three talk about experiential training and development for organizations, creating community and a sense of belongi…

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Academia and Research: Bringing Together a Community of Experiential Educators 44:27

2y ago44:27

44:27

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Joanna Bettmann Schaefer, a professor at the University of Utah College of Social Work, and W. Thomas Means, an assistant professor at University of Wisconsin La Crosse and director of Camp Brosius. The three talk about their career journeys in academia and doctoral work; the difference between wi…

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Coming Together: The AEE International Conference and Addressing Challenges 38:02

2y ago38:02

38:02

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Dr. Amy Climer, founder and CEO of Climer Consulting, and Mo Kappes, Assistant Director of Experiential Education at University of Wisconsin-Madison. The three talk about the AEE International Conference and what keeps them coming back year after year, what to look forward to at this year’s confer…

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Business Ownership and Creating a Vision for Experiential Education 39:51

2y ago39:51

39:51

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Bryn Lottig, co-founder of Kikori, and Christy Brock, executive director and founder of New Adventures Counseling. The three talk about business ownership, the importance of work-life balance, being involved with AEE’s Therapeutic Adventure Professional Group, their favorite reflection prompts, an…

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Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging: The Intersection with Experiential Education 38:37

2y ago38:37

38:37

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Esther Ayers, a dedicated researcher and advocate for mental health in Latinx communities, and Shoshanna Sumka, executive director of the Independent Schools Experiential Education Network. The three talk about their experience with experiential education and personal journeys in the field, the in…

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Social Work and Adventure Therapy: Where They Fit in Experiential Education 46:25

2y ago46:25

46:25

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Dr. Anita Tucker, a professor at the New Hampshire and associate director of the Outdoor Behavioral Healthcare Center, and Tony Alvarez, owner of Alvarez Consulting LLC, formerly Adventures In Training Inc.. The three talk about their career journeys in social work and experiential, the definition…

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Creating Leaders, Volunteering and Challenges: The Role of Experiential Education 31:01

2y ago31:01

31:01

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Jane Panicucci, owner and principal of the Active Learning Group, and Jay Zarr, co-owner of Story Tellers Travels and Imagine If a Mind, Body and Spirit Connections Company in Colorado. The three talk about getting involved in experiential education, career journeys, equipping leaders through expe…

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Two Career Stages in Experiential Education: Journeys, Freedoms and Going Outdoor Lite 36:17

2+ y ago36:17

36:17

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Callie Auman, Assistant Director for Challenge Course and Team Building at UNC Charlotte's Venture Outdoor Leadership, and Brad Daniel, co-founder and executive director of 2nd Nature TREC in Black Mountain, NC. The three talk about the evolution of experiential education, career journeys, freedom…

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What’s the Difference? A Look at Experiential Education 10,000 Miles Apart 32:48

2+ y ago32:48

32:48

In our inaugural episode, host Sherry Bagley, sits down with Brian Croft, Assistant Director of Outdoor Education-Touch of Nature at Southern Illinois University and Rod Field, Founder and CEO at Higher Ground Group Australia. The three talk about the commonalities and differences in experiential education in the U.S. and Australia, their career jo…

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It’s In the Experience Trailer 1:33

2+ y ago1:33

1:33

The Association for Experiential Education presents It's In the Experience hosted by Sherry Bagley, executive director of AEE. She chats various guests using experiential education principles and methods, offering an engaging and often humorous journey to learn about experiential education and its many forms and uses. Check out the trailer for seas…