High 5 Adventure - The Podcast

High 5 Trivia is a quiz show about the challenge course industry. The host, Jamie Thibodeau, asks questions from different categories such as gear, facilitation, construction, history, and general knowledge. The participants compete to answer the questions correctly and earn points. The show covers topics like wooden utility poles, passive zip line braking systems, facilitation techniques, gear terminology, and challenge course elements.    Takeaways; High 5 Trivia is a quiz show about the challenge course industry The show covers various topics related to gear, facilitation, construction, history, and general knowledge Participants compete to answer questions correctly and earn points The show provides insights into the challenge course industry and promotes learning and knowledge sharing Submit your questions; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

This conversation explores the theme of leadership and the importance of building relationships in effective leadership. The discussion highlights examples of leadership from the movie Saving Private Ryan and the director of professional development (at the time the article was written) for the National Association of Independent Schools, Dave Mallory. The conversation also includes an exercise to reflect on positive and negative experiences with leaders and the impact of relationships in leadership.    Takeaways; Effective leadership is never without the attribute of building relationships. Leadership is about caring and forming connections with others. Positive leadership experiences leave a lasting impact and evoke feelings of respect, value, and happiness. Poor leadership can have negative effects and create a sense of discomfort or fear. Building relationships is a powerful tool in leadership and can create a safe and trusting environment. Understanding oneself and one's relationship with

At the recent ACCT (Association for Challenge Course Technology) Conference in Oklahoma City, OK, Phil and Jamie had the pleasure of recording an episode with an in-person audience. The structure of the time was split between audience questions and a trivia show based on the Challenge Course industry. Play along and let us know how you did! Submit your questions -  Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Learn more and register for the High 5 Symposium -  https://store.high5adventure.org/products/adventure-practitioners-symposium-1-day?utm_source=copyToPasteBoard&utm_medium=product-links&utm_content=web&_ga=2.7451954.1611139391.1712014415-69781410.1683822041 Learn more about Catchbox - catchbox.com Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com    

In this conversation, Phil, Lisa and Chris discuss the finale of Season 2 and make predictions for Season 3 of the show. They analyze Carmy's leadership and the potential for growth and development in his character. They also explore the unresolved grief for Mikey and the impact it may have on the team. We also discuss the importance of team development in maintaining success and navigating renewal. The importance of vulnerability in leadership is highlighted, as well as the potential for new team members to join the group.     Takeaways: Leadership development and growth are important for individuals in a team. Unresolved grief can impact team dynamics and should be addressed. Imposter syndrome can arise when individuals are promoted or given new responsibilities. Success can bring its own challenges, and team development is crucial for maintaining performance. Renewal and adaptation are necessary for long-term success in any organization. The dynamics of a team can change as a business become

In this conversation, Phil Brown, Lisa Hunt, and Chris Ortiz discuss the TV show 'The Bear' and its connections to the book 'The Power of Moments' by Chip and Dan Heath. They explore the key concepts of elevation, pride, insight, and connection, and how these concepts are reflected in the show and their work as facilitators. They also discuss the importance of recognizing and valuing others, the power of small gestures, and the role of charisma and sociability in building connections. The four key concepts are summarized below;   Elevation: This concept refers to moments that rise above the routine, mundane experiences of everyday life. These are the moments that make us feel lifted, inspired, or transformed. Elevation moments often involve surprise, joy, or awe, leaving a lasting impact on individuals. Pride: Pride moments are those in which individuals feel a sense of accomplishment, recognition, or validation for their efforts. These moments are characterized by a feeling of mastery, competence

In this conversation, Chris, Phil and Lisa discuss the character of Tina from the show 'The Bear' and explore various themes related to team dynamics and leadership. They highlight Tina's incremental shifts in perspective and the importance of creating buy-in as well as the significance of allowing failure and highlighting mistakes as a means of growth. We emphasize the value of investing in the right tools and professional development to support individual strengths and also touch on the role of informal leaders in driving change within organizations.    Takeaways; Creating buy-in is essential for successful team dynamics and implementing change. Allowing individuals to fail and highlighting mistakes can lead to growth and learning. Investing in the right tools and professional development supports individual strengths and benefits the organization. Informal leaders play a crucial role in driving change and influencing team dynamics. Contact us; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @

In this conversation, Phil, Lisa and Chris discuss the character of Syd, the sous chef, in the TV show 'The Bear.' They explore Syd's impact on team dynamics, her impatience and eagerness for change, and the challenges she faces as a young and confident newcomer. We also discuss the importance of transparency and vulnerability in navigating change and building trust within a team. Overall, Syd's character represents the need for balance between confidence and humility in a work environment.   Takeaways; The introduction of a new team member can disrupt team dynamics and challenge established routines. Impatience and eagerness for change can create tension and resistance within a team. Transparency and open communication are crucial in navigating change and building trust. Age, gender, and identity can influence how a new team member is perceived and integrated into the team. Confidence can be both a strength and a facade, and vulnerability is essential for growth and connection. Rediscovering the j

In this episode, the conversation focuses on the relationship between Carmy and Richie. It explores how their childhood friendship and non-family family dynamic contribute to their connection, the importance of building a strong foundation and trust in organizations is highlighted, as well as the impermanence of conflict and the need for touchstones and norms. The concept of finding purpose and aligning with a mission is discussed, along with the significance of supporting personal discoveries. The episode also delves into the appreciation for behind-the-scenes work and the value of authenticity and inclusion. Finally, it emphasizes that different purposes can still lead in the same direction.   Takeaways; Building a strong foundation and trust is crucial in relationships and organizations. Conflict can be impermanent if there is a strong foundation and common purpose. Supporting personal discoveries and allowing organic growth is important in leadership. Appreciating behind-the-scenes work and valu

In this episode, the Phil, Lisa and Chris Ortiz discuss the TV show 'The Bear', produced by FX and available on HULU, and its relevance to their work in team development and group dynamics. They explore the complex characters and the impact of first impressions. The family dynamics and relationships in the show are also highlighted. The hosts provide a brief synopsis of the show and discuss the symbolism and bookending used in the storytelling. They compare 'The Bear' to another popular show, 'Ted Lasso,' and discuss the raw emotion and uncomfortable moments depicted in 'The Bear.' The importance of observation and group dynamics in facilitation work is emphasized. The concept of individual expression versus conformity is explored, along with the resistance to change and the need for alignment. The episode concludes with a preview of future episodes.   Takeaways; First impressions can be misleading, and people often have more dimensions than they initially present. The show 'The Bear' portrays raw emo

Inspired by a New York Times article, this conversation explores the topic of loneliness and the importance of connection in adventure education. Jim shares his personal experience with loneliness during his hospital stay and highlights the power of connection in sustaining him. The conversation emphasizes the need for intentional community building in workshops and the adventure education industry. It also discusses the importance of creating a supportive community for newcomers in the field through mentorship programs and scholarships. The conversation highlights the importance of reaching out and connecting with others. It emphasizes the power of simple gestures and how they can create a positive reaction in the other person.    Takeaways; Loneliness can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health. Connection and community building are essential in adventure education. Creating intentional moments for connection in workshops can enhance the overall experience. The adventure education i

In this conversation, Phil interviews Andrew Bogue (Challenge Quest) about his love for training and teaching in the ropes course industry. Bogue shares his passion for sharing knowledge and helping others learn. He emphasizes the importance of allowing trainees to make mistakes and providing a supportive and fun training environment. Bogue also discusses the need for collaboration and the negative impact of ego in the training industry. He shares his opinion on cutaway rescues and expresses his dislike for butt belays. Bogue encourages trainers to normalize mistakes and shares personal experiences of learning from mistakes. He concludes by highlighting the importance of knowing why you do what you do in training.   Takeaways; Create a supportive and fun training environment that allows trainees to make mistakes and learn from them. Collaborate with other trainers and organizations in the industry instead of viewing them as competitors. Normalize mistakes and emphasize the importance of learning from

In this episode, Phil and Rich provide advice on how to present at conferences. They discuss the process of preparing and submitting a presentation, including choosing a title and solving a problem. They also emphasize the importance of co-presenting and structuring workshops with experiential activities. They suggest submitting workshop ideas multiple times and highlight the benefits of presenting at smaller conferences for emerging professionals. They also discuss the challenges of presenting to a large audience and the value of vulnerability in presenting. They encourage listeners to practice and test their workshops with smaller groups and provide actionable steps for developing workshop ideas.   Takeaways; Everyone has something to present on at conferences. Choose a title that solves a problem and grabs the audiences attention. You don't need to have the full workshop figured out before submitting. Consider co-presenting for your first few workshops. Practice and test your workshops with smal

Tom Percival, author and illustrator, discusses the importance of emotions in children's books and the power of vulnerability and empathy. He shares his personal experiences and how they influence his storytelling. Tom emphasizes the need for authenticity and creating a safe space for emotional expression. He also discusses breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions. Tom explores the value of 'bad' emotions and the importance of feeling not alone in one's emotions. He concludes by sharing his future projects and his hope for readers to find solace and resilience in his books.   Takeaways; Emotions play a crucial role in children's books, helping young readers understand and navigate their feelings. Vulnerability and empathy are powerful tools for connecting with children and creating a safe space for emotional expression. Breaking gender stereotypes and embracing all emotions is essential for promoting emotional well-being. 'Bad' emotions have value and can be used as a guide for persona

This conversation explores the importance of culture in organizations and how it contributes to staff appreciation, retention, and overall success. Phil and Jim discuss the role of culture in creating conditions suitable for growth and how it impacts relationships, trust, and collaboration. They share examples of modeling good culture and the impact it has on individuals and the organization as a whole. The conversation emphasizes the importance of building connections, fostering a sense of community, and creating an environment that supports growth and development. It also highlights the challenges and tests that organizations may face in maintaining a strong culture. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the value of intentional culture and human connection in organizations.   Takeaways; Culture plays a crucial role in staff appreciation, retention, and overall success in organizations. Creating conditions suitable for growth is essential for fostering a positive culture. Modeling good culture and build

In this short conversation, Ella Brown discusses her experiences learning and performing scary activities like skiing and circus skills. Ella also talks about managing nervousness and self-doubt, performing with an audience, and the importance of encouragement and support. She reflects on her own fears and how she overcomes them, as well as the role of empathy in understanding others' nervousness. Ella discusses her dreams for future challenges and the joy of learning new tricks.   Takeaways; Adults can be helpful when teaching and supporting children in scary activities by providing encouragement and support. Managing nervousness and self-doubt is important for performing well in challenging activities. Performing with an audience can be scarier, but the support and encouragement from the audience can also be motivating. Empathy and understanding for others' nervousness can help in providing support and encouragement. Overcoming fear and facing challenges can lead to a sense of worth and accomplishment.

In this conversation, Phil interviews Greg Kettner about the power of laughter and its role in creating connections and positive work environments. Greg shares his experience with standup comedy and how laughter can alleviate anxiety and stress. They discuss the decline of laughter in adulthood and the importance of incorporating laughter into daily life. Greg emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between mockery and positivity when using humor. They also explore the impact of laughter on mental health and the challenges of separating work and home. The conversation concludes with a discussion on embracing laughter and creating a work happy environment.   Takeaways; Laughter is a universal language that connects people and creates bonds. In adulthood, the frequency of laughter decreases significantly, but incorporating laughter into daily life can alleviate stress and anxiety. Finding a balance between mockery and positivity is crucial when using humor in serious topics. Laughter has healing pro

In this conversation, Phil and Lisa discuss the concept of free play and its benefits and challenges. They explore the pressure to maximize leisure time and the potential stress it can cause. They also delve into the difficulties of open-ended free play in group settings and the importance of finding the right balance and structure. The conversation highlights the risk and stress of complete open-endedness and the dilemma of providing examples in open-ended questions. They also discuss the benefits of open-ended play in decreasing facilitator dependence and share successful examples of structured free play. The conversation concludes with a call to seek participant perspectives on open-ended play. Have thoughts on this particular topic? Please let us know; Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

In this episode, Phil sits down with Mark Collard (playmeo.com) to discuss; His introduction to the world of adventure education How Playmeo came to be That adventure education is a methodology and not an educational subject His hopes for the future of the industry Several answers to increasingly bizarre "would you rather" questions *Note - this is a re-production and edited version of a conversation recording in early 2019, back when I recorded episodes in my car. Learn more about Mark and Playmeo - playmeo.com Connect with Mark - hello@playmeo.com Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com    

HIGH 5 RETREAT EPISODE In this episode of the podcast Phil and Rich host a game show "Two Truths, No Lies" for the High 5 staff as they make their way to this years all-staff retreat. The task - listen to all 23 pairs of truths and try to guess which pair belongs to which High 5 staff member. Start of the game - 3:25 For those listening who do not work at High 5, I both apologize and equally welcome you to enjoy listening to the varied and diverse experiences that are team share. This episode also attempts to highlight 2 things; An example of an activity you can do with your intact teams That we are a fun (and interesting) bunch of humans! GIVEAWAY - Play along at home and if you believe you know how 2+ correct pairings then message me on Instagram @verticalplaypen or email me and depending on how many you get correct you will be entered into a drawing to win a sticker pack! Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com  

In this episode, members of the training team (Phil, Lisa, Chris and Rich) sit down to discuss an often used theme of this podcast - What is something you were taught that you now disagree with? Topics covered; Everyone joining in Eye contact Activity Sequencing Do Low elements have much lead-in to High elements Group goals Submit your questions to the team - Email - podcast@high5adventure.org Instagram - @verticalplaypen Music and Sound Effects - epidemicsound.com