Vertical Playpen Podcast By High 5 Adventure Learning Center cover art

Vertical Playpen

Vertical Playpen

By: High 5 Adventure Learning Center
Listen for free

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
  • Movement Therapy for Adventure Educators | Tom Swales, PT

    Movement Therapy for Adventure Educators | Tom Swales, PT
    Jul 15 2025
    In this conversation, Phil and Tom Swales (Physiotherapist and strength coach) explore the intricacies of body movement, protection, and rehabilitation through the lens of the AMT (Advanced Movement Therapy) system. They discuss how adventure educators can better protect their bodies from the effects of repetitive strain due to movement such as belaying. Tom shares his personal journey of recovery from a severe illness, emphasizing the importance of foundational movement patterns and the body's ability to adapt and heal. The conversation highlights the necessity of teaching movement through experience and the value of lifelong learning in maintaining physical health.
    • The AMT system was developed to address personal challenges in physical therapy.
    • Understanding the psychology and biology of movement is crucial for effective therapy.
    • Assessment should focus on identifying the root causes of movement issues.
    • Proactive approaches in therapy lead to better long-term outcomes.
    • Teaching movement through experience enhances understanding and retention.
    • Personal experiences can reinforce the principles of movement and recovery.
    • Individualized care is essential for effective rehabilitation.
    • The body has an innate ability to reorganize and heal itself with the right guidance.
    • Complicated explanations can hinder understanding; simplicity is key.
    • Lifelong learning and adaptation are vital for maintaining physical health.

    Learn more about Tom and AMT Systems - https://www.amtcertified.ca/

    Connect with Phil;

    email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • The Art of Communication | Salvatore Manzi

    The Art of Communication | Salvatore Manzi
    Jul 8 2025
    In this episode, Phil and Salvatore Manzi delve into the art of communication, particularly in educational settings. They discuss the significance of building trust through authentic communication, the importance of engaging introductions, and the impact of presence on audience perception. Salvatore shares insights on overcoming imposter syndrome and the balance between planning and spontaneity in communication. The conversation also highlights the role of storytelling in effective communication and concludes with Salvatore's upcoming book, 'Clear and Compelling,' aimed at empowering individuals to express their authentic voices.
    • Glossophobia is a prevalent fear that affects many people.
    • Effective communication is essential for creating impact and influence.
    • Building trust with participants is crucial for facilitators.
    • Vulnerability in communication fosters deeper connections.
    • Engaging introductions can capture audience attention.
    • Presence and body language significantly affect audience perception.
    • Charisma can be developed and is not solely innate.
    • Imposter syndrome can hinder effective communication.
    • Practice and feedback are vital for improving communication skills.
    • Storytelling is a powerful tool for engaging audiences.

    Learn more about Salvatore - https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/

    Info about the book - https://www.salvatoremanzi.com/ccpb/

    Connect with Phil;

    email - podcast@high5adventure.org

    instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
    Show more Show less
    28 mins
  • Facilitating Reflections | Thomas Lahnthaler

    Facilitating Reflections | Thomas Lahnthaler
    Jul 1 2025
    In this episode, Phil interviews Thomas Lahnthaler about his book 'Facilitating Reflections'. They discuss the inspiration behind the book, the role of facilitators, essential skills needed, and the concept of self-harming humility in facilitation. Thomas emphasizes the importance of recognizing one's contributions and the need for facilitators to be aware of their impact on group dynamics. The conversation also touches on the evolution of facilitation practices and the balance between experience and new facilitators.
    • Critique is essential for growth and care.
    • Facilitators should not be the sole source of answers.
    • Facilitation is about navigating human dynamics.
    • Self-harming humility can hinder facilitators' growth.
    • Facilitators need to acknowledge their contributions.
    • Awareness is crucial for effective facilitation.
    • Facilitators should embrace their unique styles.
    • Reflection is key to improving facilitation skills.
    • Facilitators must adapt to each unique group.
    • The book encourages introspection and personal growth.

    Learn more about Thomas - https://www.lahnthaler.com/

    Connect with Thomas - thomas@lahnthaler.com

    Purchase the book - https://a.co/d/4E9fjKc

    Thomas' LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/thomaslahnthaler/

    Connect with Phil - podcast@high5adventure.org

    Podcast Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/verticalplaypen/

    Music and sound effects - epidemicsound.com
    Show more Show less
    26 mins
No reviews yet