High 5 Adventure - The Podcast

In this episode, join Phil and Rich as they dive into a fascinating discussion on the causes and effective strategies to reduce that moment when participants freeze in the air on a ropes course.  Drawing from their extensive experience in outdoor adventure and team-building activities, they explore the psychology behind this common challenge and offer practical tips to help facilitators navigate their participant's fear. Strategies include; Framing the day and creating an atmosphere of choice Designing the program that scaffolds skill and challenge Allowing participants to be lowered at any point in the their climb Submit your questions to; email - podcast@high5adventure.org instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com Episode supported by Stickermule. Create your own custom stickers - https://www.stickermule.com/custom-stickers    

In this thought-provoking episode Phil and Lisa delve deep into the world of adventure education and one specific component: the concept of the unknown. Traditionally, adventure education often emphasizes keeping participants in the dark, shrouding activities in secrecy to create an element of surprise and uncertainty. However, we challenge this approach, arguing that it can have unintended consequences. Join us as we explore the importance of maintaining a psychologically safe learning environment in adventure education. We discuss why withholding information and keeping participants in the dark may not always be the best strategy. We believe that pushing people into the unknown without adequate preparation can have adverse effects, potentially pushing them out of their comfort zones too soon, leading to discomfort, anxiety, and even negative learning experiences. Whether you're an educator, adventure enthusiast, or simply curious about the dynamics of adventure education, this episode will provide valuable

Join Phil and Lisa in this insightful episode as we dive deep into the fascinating world of intrinsic motivation. We explore how motivation that arises naturally, rather than from external rewards, can be enhanced through various activities. We'll uncover the four key elements that play a pivotal role in boosting intrinsic motivation: Challenge: Discover the importance of setting tasks that are just the right level of difficulty. Find out how striking the perfect balance between skill and challenge can ignite your inner drive. Curiosity: Uncover the power of curiosity in fueling motivation. Learn how novel experiences and questions can stimulate your intrinsic desire to learn and explore. Creativity: Explore how activities that encourage creativity can be a catalyst for motivation. We delve into the significance of having a voice in designing, executing, and solving tasks. Choice: Understand the role of individual choice in intrinsic motivation. Whether it's a facilitator allowing for choices or activ

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

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 refle

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

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

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 mai

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

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

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 part

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 susp

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. Standar

In this episode Phil is joined by Matt Marcus, the Manager of Adventure Gear and Sales at Challenge Design Innovations. With a wealth of experience and enthusiasm for the adventure industry, Matt takes us on a journey through his career, volunteer work, and his thoughts on the future of adventure education. One of the highlights of Matt's journey has been his involvement with the Association for Challenge Course Technology (ACCT). We discuss his volunteer work with the ACCT, including his contributions as a board member.  As we peer into the horizon, Matt shares his insightful predictions on the future of the adventure industry. He discusses emerging trends, technological advancements, and the evolving needs of adventure enthusiasts.  We also explore Matt's belief in the importance of media training for adventure educators and facilitators. Recognizing the power of storytelling and effective communication, he discusses how media training can elevate the skills of those in the industry, enabling them to connec

Join us on this insightful episode as we sit down with Spud Marshall, a creative community builder and facilitator, to explore the nuances of facilitating and harnessing the power of collective wisdom. In our conversation, we delve into Spud's personal journey and ask the thought-provoking question: "When have you felt most alone?" Discover how Spud's insights on navigating these feelings of solitude have shaped his approach to community building. As an introverted facilitator, Spud provides a unique perspective on engaging with others while honoring his own energy. Learn how he leverages his introversion as a strength, allowing him to listen attentively, create safe spaces, and foster deep connections within the communities he serves. One of the key aspects we explore is tapping into the collective wisdom of groups. Spud shares strategies, techniques, and stories that demonstrate the power of bringing diverse voices together to generate innovative solutions and collective intelligence. Finally, we dive into

In this thought-provoking episode, Phil and Lisa unravel the essence of achievement, a realm where goals are often set externally, driven by the expectations and judgments of others versus the realm of accomplishment, where individuals set their own goals based on personal growth and learning. By empowering ourselves to define success and progress on our own terms, we explore how accomplishment provides a more intrinsic and fulfilling motivation.  Drawing connections to the field of adventure education, we explore how educators can inspire and guide learners to cultivate a healthy balance between achievement and accomplishment. We reflect on the importance of encouraging students to set their own goals, fostering a sense of ownership and agency in their learning journeys.  What did this make you consider regarding the way you work with your participants? Let us know either by email - podcast@high5adventure.org or via instagram - @verticalplaypen NY Times essay - "What we lose when push our kids to 'Achieve'"

In this episode Phil answers the following questions submitted by you, the listeners; - Is there room for introverts in facilitation? - How do you stay genuine in a "performancy" profession? - What is your favorite icebreaker question? - Best closing to a single day program? - Most under-appreciated facilitator skill? - What's something you are bad at and are working on improving? - What's your process when you have a bad day? Submit all future questions to - podcast@high5adventure.org or send a message via instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com

Have you ever jumped into a role with limited experience and had to learn fast? In this episode, Mike Nelson, formally of Camp Wicosuta, joins Phil and Lisa to discuss; Why summer camp? How he embraced learning and demonstrated humility in the new role What he wished he had known and questions to ask when running an adventure program Advice for new adventure program leads. Connect with Mike - 23nelson@gmail.com  Learn more about Camp Wicosuta - https://www.campwicosuta.com/ Music and sound effects - epidemic sound

Reflecting is often the part of the facilitation process that can seem the most daunting and challenging. How do you draw the learning from the experiences you create? In this episode, Phil details the activities and lessons he taught during a recent workshop he led titled "Reflecting Skills and Methods". The golden minute of reflection Connection as reflection How framing activities can make for easier reflection How the ABCDE's of problem solving can be used to reflect Music and sound effects - epidemic sound

Professional Hockey teams and High 5 have an interesting connection dating back to the 2010-2011 season when we first worked with the Boston Bruins. That season, they went on to win the Stanley Cup! Since then we have had the privilege to work with the following hockey teams; Mannheim Eagles (a team based in Germany) New Jersey Devils Calgary Flames One constant with these experiences has been Geoff Ward, who has served in various coaching roles for those teams. In this episode Phil is joined by Jim Grout (High 5's Founding Director) and Geoff Ward to discuss the last decade of team development work with Hockey teams.