
Vertical Playpen
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
Latest episodes

Jun 23, 2020 • 46min
Rohan Shahani - Challenge Works
Rohan (Director of Training) joins Phil to discuss the importance of asking "why?", his role on the Board of ACCT and variations on traditional low elements. Check out Challenge Works - challengeworks.com

Jun 9, 2020 • 52min
Creating Conversations that Matter | Chad Littlefield
Chad joined Phil (via Zoom) to talk about being a collaborator instead of a consumer, ways to maximize your use of We! Connect Cards, and his tips for creating conversations that matter. Find out more about Chad and his work here: weand.me

May 26, 2020 • 50min
Rich Klajnscek - Sea Fox Consulting
Rich joins guest host and longtime friend Chris Damboise as they discuss meeting in the early 90's, the creation of ACCT and the standards and making a career out of working on Challenge Courses. Connect with Rich - rich@seafoxconsulting.com

May 12, 2020 • 42min
Leadership and COVID-19
Jim, Ryan, Anne Louise, Rich and Phil discuss what traits and behaviors great leaders possess, how they teach their students about leadership and how they, as facilitators, aim to get groups in the same physical space again once the COVID-19 challenge diminishes.

Apr 28, 2020 • 45min
Professional Sports Leadership | Geoff Ward
Geoff (Interim Head Coach, Calgary Flames) joins Phil and Jim in a discussion about his connection to High 5, how he defines his leadership style and why connection and empowerment have been an integral part of his team's seasons and successes.

Apr 14, 2020 • 14min
Happy 50th Episode!
We made it to 50 episodes! Wahoo! In honor of this achievement we have a special episode recorded where Phil gets interviewed by Rich and you get to enjoy a compilation of recorded Dad Jokes. Thanks for all of your support. Enjoy!

Mar 31, 2020 • 40min
Alex Moore and Kevin Trump - Synergo
Alex and Kevin, Director of Training and Training Manager at Synergo, join Phil, while at the ACCT conference, for a conversation all about their passion for teaching others and challenge course programming. Check out more about Synergo at teamsynergo.com.

Mar 17, 2020 • 1h 2min
Chris Ortiz - Shaver's Creek Environmental Center
Chris sits down with Phil at the ACCT Conference to talk about his start in the industry, his advice for emerging professionals and the importance of making connections. Plus, a few dad jokes make their way into the conversation.

Mar 3, 2020 • 5min
VERTICAL PLAYPEN - New Name, Same Podcast
New Name - Same Podcast. This is a short explanation on our name change. Welcome to Vertical Playpen. New episodes every 2 weeks.

Feb 25, 2020 • 44min
Greg Urban - Project Adventure
Greg visits the High 5 offices to chat with Lisa about the connection between music and adventure, introducing people to boardgames and being willing to travel long distances to find work that you love.