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Vertical Playpen

Vertical Playpen

By: High 5 Adventure Learning Center
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About this listen

 Want to learn more about Adventure and Experiential Education? Then this podcast is for you! Listeners of this podcast will get; - Adventure Programming Theory - Facilitation Tips - Activity Ideas - Industry Career Advice - Interviews from Industry Professionals High 5 Adventure Learning Center is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to helping individuals, teams, schools, communities and businesses improve the way they live, learn and work together. Connect with us at high5adventure.org
Episodes
  • Group Dynamics | Chris Ortiz

    Group Dynamics | Chris Ortiz
    Mar 10 2026
    Chris Ortiz and Lisa Hunt explore the intricacies of team dynamics and group behavior. They discuss the importance of understanding group dynamics in various roles, including education and facilitation. The conversation delves into Kurt Lewin's equation of behavior, the impact of expectations on participant engagement, and the role of emotional intelligence in group settings. They also highlight the significance of reading the room, challenging assumptions, and creating inclusive environments for effective facilitation. The discussion emphasizes the need for facilitators to be aware of group dynamics and to use indicator activities to gain insights into participant behavior.
    • Team dynamics are crucial in various roles, including education and facilitation.
    • Group dynamics and team dynamics can be used interchangeably.
    • Behavior is influenced by individual characteristics and the environment.
    • Expectations set by facilitators impact participant engagement.
    • Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in group dynamics.
    • Participants' prior relationships affect group behavior.
    • Creating inclusive environments is essential for effective facilitation.
    • Reading the room is a vital skill for facilitators.
    • Assumptions about participants can lead to misunderstandings.
    • Indicator activities can provide insights into group dynamics.

    Learn more about Chris Ortiz - https://sites.psu.edu/chrisortiz/

    Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org
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    35 mins
  • Safety Science | Steve Smith

    Safety Science | Steve Smith
    Mar 3 2026
    Phil Brown and Steve Smith delve into the realm of safety science, exploring its evolution and the importance of a positive approach to safety management. They discuss the need to reframe risk and safety, emphasizing learning from successes rather than just focusing on failures. The conversation highlights the shift from compliance-based safety protocols to a culture of continuous improvement and learning, ultimately fostering a more humane and effective safety environment.
    • Safety science uses scientific methods to improve safety management.
    • Learning from successes is as important as learning from failures.
    • A positive approach to safety management can enhance outcomes.
    • Organizations should focus on what goes right, not just what goes wrong.
    • Continuous learning can occur without waiting for tragedies to happen.
    • The traditional top-down approach to safety is outdated.
    • Safety management should be about learning, not blame.
    • Creating a culture of safety involves open communication and trust.
    • Compliance is necessary, but it shouldn't be the only focus.
    • The shift towards a more humanistic approach to safety is essential.

    Learn more about the book and other offerings - https://www.outdoorrisk.com/

    Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Support the podcast - verticalplaypen.org
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    25 mins
  • Archaeology for Wellbeing | Dr. Celia Orsini

    Archaeology for Wellbeing | Dr. Celia Orsini
    Feb 24 2026
    In this episode of Vertical Playpen, Phil Brown and Celia Orsini delve into the intersection of archaeology and identity, exploring how understanding our past can enhance our sense of belonging and well-being. Celia shares her personal journey with archaeology, emphasizing the importance of landscape and community in shaping identity. The conversation highlights the role of empathy and communication in teams, the shift in community needs towards connection, and practical exercises for understanding identity through objects. Celia's insights provide valuable tools for fostering a sense of belonging in a world increasingly marked by loneliness.
    • Archaeology is fundamentally about identity processes.
    • Understanding our past helps us build community and belonging.
    • Experiencing landscapes can create emotional connections.
    • Identity is a fluid process influenced by our choices.
    • Empathy is essential for effective communication in teams.
    • Shared experiences build trust and foster collaboration.
    • The need for community has shifted from political tensions to addressing loneliness.
    • Practical exercises can help individuals explore their identity.
    • Objects on our desks can reflect our personal stories and connections.
    • Identity construction is an ongoing process that can be improved.

    Learn more about Celia and Archaeology for Wellbeing and download the free ebook - https://www.archaeology-for-wellbeing.com/

    Contact the podcast - podcast@high5adventure.org
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    30 mins
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