Facilitating on Purpose

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Marie Dubost about neurodivergent-affirming practices in facilitation and learning design. Marie shares insights from her work as an accessibility consultant, facilitator, and trainer, drawing on both professional and personal experience to highlight why inclusive practices matter more than ever. Beth and Marie also talk about: Creating learning menus to support choice and reduce overwhelm Offering silent or low-stimulation options in participatory sessions Understanding identity-first vs. person-first language How inclusive design supports all learners, not just some Why co-designing with participants can strengthen learning outcomes Engage with Marie Dubost: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mariedubost/ Links From the Episode: Marie Dubost's accessibility checklists EP 61 Accessibility in Learning and Beyond with Nora Loyst University Design for Learning (CAST) Equity by Design book by Mirko Chardin and Katie Novak Myriam Hadnes' workshops.work podcast Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn  Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Julie Dirksen about designing learning experiences that support real behaviour change. Julie shares insights from her latest book, Talk to the Elephant, and offers practical ways to go beyond knowledge transfer to create meaningful impact. Beth and Julie also talk about: The difference between knowledge gaps and behaviour gaps The rider and elephant metaphor and why it matters for learning design How to identify what really needs fixing—people or systems The importance of pre- and post-learning supports Why designing for managers is just as important as designing for learners Engage with Julie Dirksen Website: Usable Learning LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/juliedirksen/ Facebook: Design for How People Learn group Links From the Episode Allen Interactions Leaving ADDIE for SAM by Michael Allen Telling Ain't Training by Harold D. Stolovitch and Erika J. Keep The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt Thinking Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman Will Training Help? flowchart by Cathy Moore Prochaska and Di Clemente's transtheoretical model Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Facilitating on Purpose Community on LinkedIn Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with accessibility consultant Nora Loyst about designing learning experiences that truly welcome everyone. Nora shares how personal experiences led her to this work and explores the shift from a medical model to a social model of disability. Beth and Nora also talk about: Expecting and planning for learner diversity from the start Naming what you know to build trust and inclusion Moving from one-time accommodations to default accessibility practices Designing for all through Universal Design for Learning and beyond Interrupting ableism by listening deeply and acting with intention Engage with Nora Loyst: Nora Loyst on LinkedIn Untapped Accessibility Links From the Episode: Implicit Bias study (dissertation) Implicit Bias study (article) Easy Surf Universal Design for Learning EP 41 Making Caring Learning Environments for People with Disabilities with Yasser Tamer Atef Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Facilitating on Purpose Community on LinkedIn  Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this solo episode, host Beth Cougler Blom reflects on how to create learning that truly lasts. Beth shares thoughts about how we can shift from simply delivering content to designing experiences that drive behaviour change and embed meaningful memories for learners. She also shares: Why behaviour change is the heart of lasting learning How relevance and meaning move ideas into long-term memory The importance of learner analysis in your design process Ways to reinforce learning beyond the session Links From the Episode EP 47 The Pivotal Role of Learning Outcomes with Beth Cougler Blom Canadian Museum for Human Rights Hollyhock Retreat Center Transformational Speaking with Gail Larsen EP 13 Experimenting with Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Facilitating on Purpose Community on LinkedIn Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Sumesh Khatua and Simrat Pahwa about the power of storytelling to create lasting impact in learning experiences. They explore how stories help drive clarity, build emotional connection, and support learning transfer both during and beyond structured learning sessions. Beth, Sumesh, and Simrat also talk about: Designing learning with the end impact in mind Using storytelling to spark behaviour change and recall Building stories that are relatable, inclusive, and grounded in real life Navigating missteps and adapting in the moment Engage with Sumesh Khatua and Simrat Pahwa: Sumesh Khatua on LinkedIn Simrat Pahwa on LinkedIn | Instagram Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Facilitating on Purpose Community on LinkedIn Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions  

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Leanne Joe and Amea Wilbur about how they designed a course on Indigenous pedagogies for adult educators at the University of the Fraser Valley. Their conversation offers insights that can inspire all of us, wherever we work, to thoughtfully incorporate Indigenous voices and ways of knowing into our learning environments, enriching the experience for both ourselves and our learners. Beth, Leanne, and Amea also talk about: Starting with story and relationship to land Bringing language, gifts, and storytelling into course design Navigating colonial structures while honouring Indigenous worldviews Using reflection and personal narrative in learning Engaging Elders and Knowledge Keepers in learning experiences Creating spaces for learners to share forward what they've learned by teaching others Engage with Leanne Joe and Amea Wilbur Leanne Joe: LinkedIn | Instagram | Bluesky Amea Wilbur: LinkedIn | Website Links From the Episode Teaching Where You Are: Weaving Indigenous and Slow Principles and Pedagogies by Shannon Leddy and Lorrie Miller First People's Principles of Learning Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.com Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Guillaume Vermette about his work as a therapeutic clown, using theatre, emotion, and deep listening to build human connection in long-term care homes. While the conversation doesn’t focus directly on facilitation, the skills Guillaume shares are highly relevant to facilitation practice. Beth and Guillaume also talk about: Listening beyond words to honour people’s emotional realities The power of non-verbal communication and presence Working in pairs to create more opportunities for connection The five core qualities of clowning and how they relate to being human How authenticity and lightheartedness can impact well-being Engage with Guillaume Vermette Website: https://www.GuillaumeVermette.com Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/guillaumevermette Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guillaumevermette/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clownhumanitaire Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.com Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions  

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Marisa Gelfusa about how poetry and expressive writing can become powerful tools for facilitators to connect with themselves and with others. Beth and Marisa also talk about: Using poetry as a reflexive practice in facilitation Breaking through the inner critic with playful, accessible prompts Creating safe spaces where participants share their writing out loud Using poetry with healthcare professionals, patients, and educators Incorporating poetic inquiry into educational research Engage with Marisa Gelfusa LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisa-gelfusa-learn/ Links From the Episode Billy Collins, Introduction to Poetry Becoming a Poet-Scientist, Interview with Sandra Faulkner University of Illinois - Philosophy of Teaching Statements* Pat Schneider and the AWA Method Ronna Bloom, Poetry in Healthcare What I Need From You (WINFY) Liberating Structure EP 51 Keeping Burnout at Bay with Beth Cougler Blom Some Days poem by Philip Terman Parallaxic Praxis: An Artful Interdisciplinary Collaborative Research Methodology by Pauline Sameshima and Roxanne Vandermause EP 47 The Pivotal Role of Learning Outcomes with Beth Cougler Blom Instructional Skills Workshop Douglas Kerr Teaching with Fire book Mary Oliver *When Marisa went to look for the University of Iowa's teaching philosophy statement website, they had modified it, so she has offered this link instead. Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.com Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom: Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions  

In this solo episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks about how podcasting is an act of facilitation and the many behind-the-scenes ways she brings facilitation skills into each episode. Beth reflects on how she approaches podcast conversations with intention, clarity, and care—just like she would in a learning experience. Beth also talks about: Building trust quickly with podcast guests Balancing structure with flexibility in conversations Deep listening and managing airtime Creating an inclusive and emotionally authentic space Designing each episode with the listener experience in mind   Links From the Episode Mary Chan, Organized Sound Productions EP 31 Perfecting Timing with Beth Cougler Blom EP 50 Using Our Voice in Facilitation with Mary Chan EP 13 Experimenting with Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra Smartless podcast   Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast:   Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.com   Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom:   Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions  

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Pete Bombaci, founder of the Genwell Project, about the power of human connection and Canada's newly announced social connection guidelines. They explore why social well-being is crucial for our health, happiness, and longevity—and what facilitators can do to foster connection in their workshops, meetings, and daily lives. Beth and Pete also talk about: The story behind the Genwell Project and its mission to promote social health What the social connection guidelines are and why they matter How facilitators can create spaces that foster belonging and inclusion The role of workplaces in encouraging meaningful human interaction Practical ways we can all strengthen our social connections, both inside and outside of workshops Engage with Pete Bombaci, GenWell Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genwellproject/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/genwellproject/posts/ Links From the Episode Canadian Alliance for Social Connection and Health Social Connection Guidelines Robert Waldinger John Cacioppo Robert D. Putnam, author of Bowling Alone Julianne Holt-Lunstad Dr. Kiffer Card, Simon Fraser University Michael Smith Health Research BC Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Canada Victoria BC's Vital Signs Report Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast:   Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.com   Connect with Host Beth Cougler Blom:   Give feedback or suggest upcoming show topics or guests at hello@bcblearning.com Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Purchase a copy of Beth's book, Design to Engage Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions