Vertical Playpen

Latest Episodes:

Citizenship and Names Sep 05, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Phil shares with Rich that he has applied for US Citizenship and that he is studying for his exam, which results in Phil testing Rich.

Following this, Rich introduces the main topic of this episode, the importance of learning the names of your participants. Thoughts are shared on the following;

The effectiveness (and ineffectiveness) of name games
The best ways they have found for learning names
Stories on when names have been forgotten and/or gotten wrong

If you have a topic that you would like us to discuss or a question for us, submit them to;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org
Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

The Serious Business of Play | Vishwas Parchure Aug 29, 2023

Show notes

Welcome back to the second installment of our captivating interview with experiential education luminary, Vishwas Parchure. In this engaging episode, we continue our exploration of the art of facilitation as Vishwas delves deep into a range of thought-provoking topics, sharing his profound insights and practical wisdom.

Vishwas shines a spotlight on a common practice in facilitation - "hot-seating." Through a critical lens, he unpacks the potential pitfalls of this approach, revealing the hidden dynamics that can hinder authentic engagement and learning. Discover how Vishwas proposes a more nuanced and effective alternative that fosters a truly open and safe learning environment.

As the conversation unfolds, Vishwas addresses a fundamental question every facilitator grapples with: How much should you talk? Drawing from his wealth of experience, he provides a refreshing perspective on the delicate balance between guiding participants and allowing space for their own discoveries.

Vishwas takes a moment to reflect on the simple yet profound act of just being present with participants. He explores the transformative potential of genuine presence and its ability to create a safe space for exploration and growth.

In the finale of this episode, Vishwas unveils his holistic philosophy of facilitation, encompassing conditioning, conduct, and consciousness. Drawing inspiration from the story of the Buddha, he underscores the profound significance of active, empathetic listening in the facilitation process.

Prepare to be enlightened, challenged, and inspired as Vishwas Parchure shares his transformative insights and experiences in the world of experiential education. Join us as we conclude our illuminating interview with a deeper understanding of the art of facilitation and its profound impact on learning and growth.

Learn more about Vishwas and the Experiential Leadership Institute - https://www.experiential.institute/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Facilitation Cannot Be Taught | Vishwas Parchure Aug 22, 2023

Show notes

Join us in the first installment of a captivating two-part interview with the visionary experiential educator, Vishwas Parchure. In this episode, we delve into the very essence of Vishwas' profound work in experiential education and facilitation, gaining insights into his motivations, career-defining moments, and unique perspectives on the art of facilitation.

Vishwas opens up about the driving force behind his commitment to experiential education, revealing the transformative impact it has on participants. Through heartfelt anecdotes, he shares the pivotal moments that have shaped his journey, shedding light on the profound personal experiences that fueled his passion for this remarkable field.

One of the thought-provoking topics discussed is the concept of reflection within experiential learning. Vishwas begins by emphasizing that genuine reflection is a journey owned by the participants, not the facilitator.

As the conversation unfolds, Vishwas shares his belief that facilitation is an art that cannot be taught in the traditional sense and how he creates opportunities for his students to teach themselves.

Whether you're an educator, facilitator, or simply curious about the world of experiential education, this episode promises to ignite your curiosity and challenge your perceptions. Join us for an enriching exploration of Vishwas Parchure's transformative work, as we uncover the wisdom that has driven his impactful career. Stay tuned for Part 2, where we delve even deeper into his insights and experiences.

Watch his AEE Address - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXvXWRrMeg4

Learn more about the Experiential Leadership Institute - https://www.experiential.institute/

Music and Sound effects - epidemicsound.com

ATC vs GRIGRI Aug 15, 2023

Show notes

Phil and Chris delve into the question: What reigns supreme, the classic ATC or the innovative GRIGRI?

Join us as we embark on a comprehensive exploration, comparing and contrasting these two climbing essentials from multiple angles. We break down the pros and cons through the lens of program goals, training strategies, risk assessment, and financial considerations.

Whether you're an adventure educator pondering your next gear upgrade or an avid listener seeking a deeper understanding of belaying essentials, this episode promises to give you experienced opinions on the use of these 2 pieces of belay gear.

How to belay with a GRIGRI - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqrskjKwTfE&list=PL9uQzKJ3xhKp9zG3Y-ux44h_p40lDSUTv&index=8

Submit your questions to the team;

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

High 5 Symposium 2023 | The Shared Experience Aug 01, 2023

Show notes

Join us in this podcast episode, "The Shared Experience," recorded live at the High 5 Adventure Symposium. Hosted by Phil and featuring a panel of enthusiastic attendees, this engaging session delves into the transformative power of adventure education.

The episode kicks off with an exploration of the profound impact of adventure education on everyday life. Next up, the focus shifts to one of the core aspects of adventure education - encouraging participants to listen actively. The panel discusses various strategies and techniques they employ to create a supportive and open learning environment where individuals feel heard and valued, fostering a genuine sense of connection and growth.

Intriguingly, the discussion then delves into the psychology behind the Dunning-Kruger effect and Imposter Syndrome.

The conversation concludes with valuable tips on how to approach a challenging situation - talking to a supervisor about a disagreement. The participants share their experiences, offering practical advice on maintaining professionalism, articulating concerns effectively, and fostering constructive dialogue in the workplace.

Join us in this episode as we celebrate the power of adventure education and hear from different perspectives as we share our experiences.

Send us your questions - podcast@high5adventure.org

DM on Instragram - @verticalplaypen

Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

Facilitation and Final Fantasy | Cam Miller Jul 25, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, join host Phil as he sits down with his long-time friend in the industry, Cam Miller, the Challenge Course and Facilitation Director at Kieve Wavus Education.

Cam takes us back to the roots of his introduction to the world of adventure, recounting the pivotal moments that sparked his passion for pushing boundaries and exploring the great outdoors. Discover what has fueled Cam's commitment to the adventure industry and how his role as Challenge Course and Facilitation Director allows him to make a profound impact on the lives of others.

Of course, it wouldn't be a complete conversation without a little fun! Join Phil and Cam as they draw unexpected parallels between their favorite Final Fantasy characters and their real-life personalities and what characters they would assign each other.

As the episode draws to a close, Cam opens up about the advice he's received throughout his career – the nuggets of wisdom that he holds dear and those that he respectfully disagrees with.

This is an episode packed with camaraderie, and valuable insights for anyone passionate about adventure, facilitation, or simply seeking personal growth.

Connect with Cam - cammiller90@gmail.com

Learn more about Kieve Wavus Education - https://www.kwe.org/

High 5 is Hiring - https://high5adventure.org/about-us/jobs/

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Thoughts on Trainer Credentialing | Niels Damman Jul 18, 2023

Show notes

In this episode, Phil is joined by Niels Damman, the Course Services Manager at Experiential Resources (ERI), to delve into the world of challenge course training. Niels brings his experience and expertise to shed light on the pros and potential hurdles associated with trainer credentialing in this field.

Challenge courses have gained immense popularity as powerful tools for team building, personal growth, and experiential learning. However, ensuring the safety and effectiveness of these courses requires skilled and knowledgeable trainers. Phil and Niels discuss the importance of trainer credentialing and how it contributes to maintaining high standards and professionalism within the industry.

They explore the numerous benefits of trainer credentialing, such as enhancing participant safety, ensuring consistent and quality experiences, and building trust with clients and participants.

While trainer credentialing offers significant advantages, the conversation also delves into potential hurdles that may arise during the process. Phil and Niels discuss challenges such as establishing universally recognized standards, addressing the cost and accessibility of training programs, and navigating the evolving landscape of technology and innovation in experiential learning.

Join Phil and Niels as they engage in a thought-provoking discussion on the importance of challenge course training, the benefits of trainer credentialing, and the potential hurdles that the industry faces. Whether you're a professional in the field, an enthusiast, or simply curious about the world of experiential learning, this episode will provide valuable insights into the evolving landscape of challenge course training.

Learn more about ERI - https://www.experientialresources.com/

Connect with Niels - niels@experientialresources.net

High 5 is Hiring - https://high5adventure.org/about-us/jobs/

Level 2 Training - https://store.high5adventure.org/collections/multi-day-workshops-and-trainings/products/beyond-basics-level-2-training?_ga=2.4017907.256024607.1689279033-69781410.1683822041

Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

Connection Accelerators Jul 11, 2023

Show notes

In this episode Phil and Lisa explore different strategies and techniques that can enhance and deepen our connections with others.

Drawing from their personal experiences, Phil and Lisa shed light on various connection accelerators that have the potential to transform our relationships. They discuss topics such as collective novelty, emotional significance, joy, and the accomplishment of challenging tasks.

They emphasize the importance of sharing our WHY and not just our WHAT, allowing us to forge more authentic and meaningful connections. They also explore the role of choice and autonomy in engagement, highlighting how these factors contribute to building stronger bonds.

They provide practical insights and actionable advice on how to apply these connection accelerators in our everyday lives, helping us navigate both personal and professional relationships more effectively.

Whether you're seeking to enhance your social interactions, strengthen your team dynamics, or cultivate deeper connections with your participants, this episode offers a wealth of inspiration and guidance.

Email - podcast@high5adventure.org

Instagram - @verticalplaypen

Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com

Rescue Plans and Suspension Trauma | Loui McCurley Jun 27, 2023

Show notes

We are joined on the podcast again by Loui McCurley, of PMI ropes and SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians). In this interview, Loui shares her invaluable insights on the critical topic of rescue plans, emphasizing their importance in ensuring the safety of individuals participating in ropes courses and similar activities.

We delve into the essential components of a rescue plan. Loui offers practical advice and guidelines for creating effective rescue plans, highlighting key factors such as risk assessment, emergency procedures, communication protocols, and the significance of ongoing training for staff.

Suspension trauma, a potentially life-threatening condition, also finds its place in our discussion. Loui sheds light on this physiological phenomenon that can occur during a fall arrest situation and explains the detrimental effects it can have on the body. She shares insights on preventive measures and the importance of prompt rescue interventions to mitigate the risks associated with suspension trauma.

Looking to the future, we explore Loui McCurley's perspectives and hopes for the growth of challenge courses and the rope access industry.

Tune in to this captivating conversation with Loui McCurley to gain a deeper understanding of rescue plans, the significance of staff training in ropes courses, the dangers of suspension trauma, and valuable insights into the future of challenge courses and the rope access industry.

Note: SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians) is a non-profit organization that promotes safe rope access work practices, provides certifications, and establishes industry standards.

Learn more about PMI - https://pmirope.com/

Learn more about SPRAT - https://sprat.org/

Connect with Loui - lmccurley@pmirope.com

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Fall Protection | Loui McCurley Jun 20, 2023

Show notes

In this episode Phil had the privilege of sitting down with Loui McCurley, an expert in fall protection and rope access, CEO of PMI (Pigeon Mountain Industries) and original founder of SPRAT (Society of Professional Rope Access Technicians).

One of the key aspects of fall protection is understanding the distinction between fall positioning, fall arrest, and fall prevention. Loui guides us through these different approaches, illuminating how each method serves a unique purpose in safeguarding individuals working at heights. Loui also delves into the contrasting approaches of active fall protection and passive fall protection.

Clear communication is vital in the realm of fall protection, and Loui emphasizes the importance of using the correct terminology when describing fall protection systems and equipment. She discusses how accurate terminology eliminates confusion and ensures effective communication between professionals, workers, and regulatory bodies, ultimately promoting a safer work environment.

Standards play a pivotal role in fall protection, and Loui highlights their significance in maintaining consistent safety practices. She delves into the process of creating fall protection standards, discussing the key principles that inform their development and implementation. Furthermore, she enlightens us on how these standards principles can be effectively taught to professionals, empowering them to uphold the highest safety standards within their respective industries.

In the world of fall protection, being authorized, competent, and qualified are distinct designations defined by OSHA. Loui explains the nuanced differences between these terms, shedding light on the specific requirements and expectations associated with each. Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the qualifications and competencies necessary to ensure optimal worker safety and compliance with regulatory guidelines.

Join us for an incredibly informative conversation with Loui McCurley, as we explore the realm of fall protection, its intricacies, and its profound impact on worker safety. Whether you're an industry professional or someone interested in height safety, this episode promises to deepen your understanding of fall protection, leaving you equipped with valuable insights to promote a safer working environment.

Be sure to check out the next episode where we continue the conversation with Loui, this time discussing rescue principles and techniques.

Learn more about PMI - https://pmirope.com/

Learn more about SPRAT - https://sprat.org/

Connect with Loui - lmccurley@pmirope.com

Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

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