Best High 5 Adventure Learning Center Podcasts (2025)

1
The Power of Play | Ken Weisner 20:49

6d ago20:49

20:49

In this conversation, Phil Brown and Ken Weisner explore the significance of play in learning and personal development. Ken shares his journey into the world of play, highlighting key moments that shaped his understanding of its importance. They discuss the barriers adults face in engaging with play, the marketing challenges within the industry, an…

1
The Experiential Learning Cycle (ELC) | Romy Alexandra 39:49

13d ago39:49

39:49

In this conversation, Romy Alexandra discusses the concept of experiential learning, sharing her personal journey and insights into how experiential education can transform traditional learning methods. She emphasizes the importance of engaging learners through experience, reflection, and action, and explores the experiential learning cycle and var…

1
Lighthouse Parenting | Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg 31:43

20d ago31:43

31:43

In this conversation, Phil and Dr. Kenneth Ginsburg discuss the concept of Lighthouse Parenting, a metaphor that emphasizes the importance of being a stable and guiding presence in a child's life. Dr. Ginsburg explains how this approach balances love and protection while allowing children to take healthy risks. They explore the role of adults in mo…

1
Communication in the Classroom | Mike Anderson 37:44

28d ago37:44

37:44

In this episode, the conversation focuses on the importance of communication in education, featuring insights from Anne Louise Wagner, Ryan McCormick and Mike Anderson. They discuss the barriers to effective communication, the significance of modeling appropriate communication for students, and the creation of a safe learning environment. The speak…

1
National FFA Organization (Future Farmers of America) | Dr. Travis Park 25:34

1M ago25:34

25:34

"Learning to do, doing to learn" Phil, alongside guest host Jamie Thibodeau, is joined by Dr. Travis Park to explore the National FFA Organization's mission and its connection to experiential education. Travis discusses the importance of agricultural education in developing leadership, personal growth, and career success among students. The discuss…

1
Deliberate Creative Teams | Dr. Amy Climer 29:39

1M ago29:39

29:39

In this conversation, Phil Brown interviews Amy Climer about her new book, 'Deliberate Creative Teams.' They discuss the importance of creativity in teams, the misconceptions surrounding creativity, and the role of education in stifling creative potential. Amy shares insights on how to facilitate creativity within teams, the concept of creative abr…

1
Master of Education (MEd) in Adventure Education | Springfield College | Angie Veatch and Ted France 23:19

2M ago23:19

23:19

Phil Brown, Angie Veach, and Ted France discuss the newly launched Masters of Education in Adventure Education program at Springfield College. They explore the intent behind creating the program, the importance of legitimacy in the field, and the need for a curriculum that respects and incorporates experiential learning. The discussion also touches…

1
Service Learning | Cathryn Berger Kaye 25:07

2M ago25:07

25:07

Phil and Cathryn Berger Kaye explore the transformative power of service learning in education. Cathy defines service learning as a pedagogical approach that connects students' learning to real-world community needs, emphasizing the importance of purpose and engagement in the learning process. They discuss the barriers educators face in implementin…

1
Positive Reinforcement in the Classroom | Eugene Banks 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

In this engaging conversation, Phil and Eugene Banks explore the profound impact of education, the journey of becoming an educator, and the art of teaching. They discuss the importance of connection, positive reinforcement, and authentic engagement in the classroom, emphasizing that teaching is not just about content but about the context and relat…

1
Attribution Theory | Josh Fisher 24:58

2M ago24:58

24:58

Phil and Josh Fisher discuss attribution theory, a concept in social psychology that explains how individuals interpret the causes of events and behaviors. They explore its relevance in adventure education, emphasizing the importance of understanding internal and external attributions, common missteps participants make, and strategies for educators…

1
AEE APAC Conference 2025 Reflections 26:35

3M ago26:35

26:35

Phil (AEE Board President-Elect) and Sherry Bagley (AEE Executive Director) discuss their experiences at the AEE Conference in Hong Kong, focusing on the significance of the Asia Pacific region, lessons learned, the role of academia in experiential education, and the importance of engaging the next generation of educators. They share unique cultura…

1
The History of Experiential Learning | Professor Colin Beard 33:04

3M ago33:04

33:04

"Education wasn't for certain people." In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the history and evolution of experiential learning, exploring its prehistory and the cognitive capacities that have shaped human learning. They discuss the limitations of traditional educational models and the importance of recognizing the contrib…

1
What Are Your Questions?..and more helpful phrases 13:33

3M ago13:33

13:33

Phil shares five key phrases that enhance his training and communication. He emphasizes the importance of preparation on the ground, reframing questions to encourage engagement, and fostering creativity through vague responses. He also discusses the value of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities and the significance of connecting through sha…

1
Understanding Rescue Plans | Loui McCurley 16:23

4M ago16:23

16:23

Phil is joined by Loui McCurley to discuss the essential components of effective rescue plans, emphasizing the importance of understanding the subject in distress, the need for timely response, and the implications of suspension trauma. Loui highlights the significance of training and preparedness in rescue scenarios, as well as the potential for g…

1
Navigating Fall Protection Standards | Loui McCurley 26:03

4M ago26:03

26:03

Phil is joined by Loui McCurley to discuss the intricacies of rope access and fall protection, emphasizing the importance of understanding various safety standards and the role they play in ensuring safety at heights. He highlights the differences between fall protection methods, the significance of training and competency, and the value of cross-i…

1
Brain Games and Who Smarted? Creating Engaging Learning Through Play | Jerry Kolber 22:06

4M ago22:06

22:06

Phil and Jerry Kolber (producer of the tv show Brain Games, and the podcast Who Smarted?) explore the intersection of play and education, sharing personal anecdotes and insights on how to make learning more engaging and relatable. They discuss the importance of memorable moments in life, the role of play in education, and the inspiration behind the…

1
The Reggio Emilia Approach and Adventure Education | Honor Woodrow 34:10

4M ago34:10

34:10

In this episode, guest host Anne Louise Wagner and Honor Woodrow (Winston Prouty Center) discuss the Reggio Emilia approach to early childhood education, emphasizing the importance of viewing children as capable and competent learners. They explore how the environment plays a crucial role in facilitating learning and how educators can create engagi…

1
Balancing Risk and Growth in Parkour | Toby Segar 35:46

4M ago35:46

35:46

In this engaging conversation, Phil and Toby Segar explore the themes of connection, passion, and the importance of experiential education. They discuss how sharing personal interests can foster deeper connections, the role of failure in learning, and the significance of vulnerability in adventure. The conversation also delves into the perception o…

1
Challenging Gender Roles In Outdoor Education | Dr. Steve Sassaman 29:12

5M ago29:12

29:12

* The conversation in this episode is focused on gender. We both acknowledge that gender identity exists on a spectrum but will be discussing gender specifically as the socialized binary of male and female. This conversation explores the challenges and dynamics of gender roles and expectations in outdoor education. Dr. Steve Sassaman shares persona…

1
Why Do Most Icebreakers Fail? | Mark Collard 32:53

5M ago32:53

32:53

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard (Playmeo) delve into the critical elements of effective icebreakers and team-building activities. They explore why many icebreakers fail, emphasizing the importance of fun, interaction, and creating a non-threatening environment. Mark shares his insights on the five key elements that contribute to success…

1
5 Tips to Ease Conference Presentation Nerves 13:03

5M ago13:03

13:03

In this episode, Phil reflects on his recent conference presentation experience, sharing five key strategies to ease anxiety and enhance effectiveness when presenting at workshops. He emphasizes the importance of engaging with attendees, choosing scalable activities, focusing on participants, planning effectively, and managing time during presentat…

1
High 5 Retreat 2024 | Guess the Staff 26:31

5M ago26:31

26:31

In this episode, Phil and Lisa engage in a fun guessing game where they explore memorable moments and guilty pleasures shared by the High 5 staff. This is an episode produced for our staff to listen to and play along while traveling to our annual retreat. Feel free to play along by downloading the scoresheet below. SCORESHEET - https://docs.google.…

1
The Experience of Learning | Professor Colin Beard 33:02

6M ago33:02

33:02

In this conversation, Phil and Professor Colin Beard delve into the evolving landscape of experiential learning, discussing its significance, challenges, and the role of educators. They explore the importance of understanding the learning experience, the impact of space and senses, and the necessity of bridging academic knowledge with practical app…

1
The Top 5 Props We Never Leave Home Without | Mark Collard 20:45

6M ago20:45

20:45

In this conversation, Phil and Mark Collard discuss the essential props that facilitators should carry to enhance their sessions. They explore the versatility and functionality of these tools, emphasizing the importance of emotional literacy and connection in group settings. The discussion highlights specific props, their uses, and the impact they …

1
Creative Confidence and Why Arts Matter in Schools | Jo Lee 36:25

6M ago36:25

36:25

In this conversation, Phil and Jo Lee explore the concept of creative confidence, its roots in drama education, and the importance of arts in fostering self-worth and community. Jo shares her journey from being a drama teacher to advocating for the arts, discussing the transformative power of drama in education and the challenges faced in integrati…

1
Embracing Failure as a Learning Tool 28:12

6M ago28:12

28:12

In this episode, Phil shares his thoughts on various topics related to training and experiential learning. He recounts an incident involving an Apple Watch that mistakenly called 911 during a climbing session, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology's impact on safety. Phil also discusses the need for clarity in training procedures, …

1
Building a Career in Mountain Guiding | Dave Searle 41:47

7M ago41:47

41:47

In this conversation, Phil and Dave Searle explore the journey of leaving England for a life in the mountains, the challenges and rewards of building a career in outdoor guiding, and the importance of physicality in this demanding profession. They discuss the perceptions of outdoor professionals, the generational differences in outdoor education, a…

1
Turning Trauma into Empowerment | Brandon Peacock's Story 26:44

7M ago26:44

26:44

In this conversation, Phil talks to Brandon Peacock, a trauma survivor and founder of the charity Hit the Ground Running. They discuss Brandon's personal experience with trauma and how he has turned it into a positive force in his life. They also touch on the importance of empowerment, community, and accountability in the recovery process. Brandon …

1
The Power of Unplanned Learning 11:49

7M ago11:49

11:49

In this episode, Phil 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 during a training session with students from Iraq. Phil offers practical str…

1
What is Flow? 24:43

7M ago24:43

24:43

In this conversation, Phil and Lisa 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 conversation emphasizes the importance of understandin…

1
The Lesser Known History of Challenge Courses 37:07

8M ago37:07

37:07

Christy Brodeur (Project Adventure) and Chris Damboise (High 5) join Phil 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 integration of challenge courses into Outward Bound and Project Adventure. The conversation also to…

1
Phil's 5 Essential Skills for Every Belayer 19:22

8M ago19:22

19:22

In this episode of Vertical Playpen, Phil 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 in belaying. Each skill is explored in detail, providing insights and practical tip…

1
Facilitation Nightmare! We Lost our Props! 57:22

8M ago57:22

57:22

A nightmare when travelling is losing your bags, and then nightmare is intensified when you rely on what is in those bags to do you job. Phil and Lisa share their experience of a recent facilitation program in Europe where their bag of props did not arrive. They quickly pivoted and adapted their program to work with the resources they had. In this …

1
Blurring the Line Between Fun and Purpose | Angus Firth 22:57

8M ago22:57

22:57

In this conversation, Phil and Angus Firth (Rapid Teams) discuss team building and team development in the context of outdoor education and experiential learning. They explore the challenges of blurring the line between fun, leadership, social events, and professional development. Angus shares his experience with designing and facilitating their Am…

1
Game Time! Wavelength Edition 32:46

9M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode, Phil, Sam, Lisa, Chris, and Anthony play a game called Wavelength. Each player takes turns as the guesser and asks the others to name something in a category that corresponds to a number on a scale. The players try to be on the same wavelength and guess the number correctly. Wavelength is a fun game that challenges players to think…

1
Adventure Education DEFINED! 20:26

9M ago20:26

20:26

What is Adventure Education? In this episode Phil discusses the following; 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 that requires active engagement from learners and instructors. Advent…

1
The Value of Adventure Education | Brian Lisson 31:47

10M ago31:47

31:47

In this conversation, Phil interviews Brian Lisson about his journey in the adventure education industry. They discuss various topics, including Brian's introduction to adventure education, the value of adventure education beyond the activities, the growth and future of the industry, and advice for emerging professionals. They also touch on the cha…

1
Who Else Feels That Way? | BOOST Conference 2024 35:44

10M ago35:44

35:44

This episode was recorded live in front of attendees from the BOOST (Best out of School Time) Conference in Palm Springs California in 2024. The conversation focuses on emotions and feelings, and the importance of having conversations about them. Phil introduces emotions cards and encouraged participants to choose an emotion or feeling that resonat…

1
Industry Acronyms EXPLAINED! 19:30

10M ago19:30

19:30

Phil discusses various acronyms used in the industry, particularly in relation to safety standards and regulations. He goes through 15 acronyms and explains their meanings and significance. The acronyms covered include AHJ, ANSI, ASTM, ISO, ACCT, ICE, PRCA, CWA, AEE, OSHA, UIAA, CE, NFPA, ERCA, EN, and kN. Takeaways There are numerous acronyms used…

1
Proper Equipment Storage and Challenge Course Managers 17:05

10M ago17:05

17:05

In this episode, Phil 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 provides steps to improve equipment storage, including organizing gear for easy inspection, discarding and r…

1
Building Relationships and Adapting to Individual Needs | Stephen Ham 29:59

11M ago29:59

29:59

The conversation explores 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 participants and creating meaningful outcomes. They discuss the challenge of teaching the importance of relation…

1
Can I Use My Own Personal Equipment? 12:18

11M ago12:18

12:18

Phil discusses whether staff should be allowed to use their own personal equipment while facilitating on a challenge course. The main points covered include the comfort factor, the availability of gear loops, and instilling confidence in participants. Phil argues against the policy of using personal equipment and provides reasons such as the limite…

1
Strategies for Enjoying Facilitating Team Building Activities 18:38

11M ago18:38

18:38

Phil 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 the importance of finding enjoyable activities, program design, relaxation, and managing external…

1
Honoring Empowerment: Participant Choice and Control 14:28

11M ago14:28

14:28

In this episode, Phil 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 empower them. The areas include harnesses, knots, belaying, the challenge itself, support, and lowering. Phil emphasize…

1
The History of Outdoor Education | Hutch Hutchinson 42:23

11M ago42:23

42:23

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 AEE, and the future of experiential education in a changing world. Takeaways; Experiential education has …

1
Establishing Legitimacy in the Outdoor Industry | Andrew Jillings 58:06

12M ago58:06

58:06

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 the advice for emerging professionals in the field. The conversation also touches on the balance between experience and certifications in the in…

1
Thoughts on Facilitation Props 35:57

12M ago35:57

35:57

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 education field. The conversation also a…

1
Connection before Content | Chad Littlefield 49:30

1y ago49:30

49:30

In this episode, Phil Brown interviews Chad Littlefield, the Chief Experience Officer of We and Me Inc. They start with a fun segment of random questions before diving into Chad's journey in experiential adventure education. Chad shares his first experience in experiential education and how it influenced his career path. He also discusses the impor…

1
The Global Organization of Tree Climbers | Harv Teitelbaum 29:25

1y ago29:25

29:25

Harv 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 between tree climbing and challenge courses, emphasizing the importance of connecting with nature and the environment. Harv shares info…

1
Visual Art and Adventure | Adam Ames 44:04

1y ago44:04

44:04

Adam Ames, a visual artist, shares his experience attending a workshop at High 5 and how it transformed his approach to art and teaching. He discusses the initial skepticism he had, the moments of reflection and realization, and the impact of experiential education on his life. The conversation also touches on the creation of a sculpture that repre…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

High 5 Adventure Learning Center Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen