Vertical Playpen

In this episode, Phil shares his thoughts on various topics related to training and experiential learning. He recounts an incident involving an Apple Watch that mistakenly called 911 during a climbing session, emphasizing the importance of understanding technology's impact on safety. Phil also discusses the need for cl

In this conversation, Phil and Dave Searle explore the journey of leaving England for a life in the mountains, the challenges and rewards of building a career in outdoor guiding, and the importance of physicality in this demanding profession. They discuss the perceptions of outdoor professionals, the generational diffe

In this conversation, Phil talks to Brandon Peacock, a trauma survivor and founder of the charity Hit the Ground Running. They discuss Brandon's personal experience with trauma and how he has turned it into a positive force in his life. They also touch on the importance of empowerment, community, and accountability in

In this episode, Phil reflects on his 2018 blog post 'Finding Pinecones,' emphasizing the significance of small moments in learning and connection. He shares a personal story about a child's unexpected favorite camp memory and discusses the impact of unplanned interactions during a training session with students from I

In this conversation, Phil and Lisa explore the concept of flow state, particularly in the context of facilitation and training. They discuss personal experiences with flow, the balance between ability and challenge, and the role of facilitators in creating an environment conducive to flow. The conversation emphasizes

Christy Brodeur (Project Adventure) and Chris Damboise (High 5) join Phil to discuss the lesser known history of challenge courses. The discussion covers the contributions of Georges Hébert, Yvonne Moreau, the development of obstacle courses, and the integration of challenge courses into Outward Bound and Project Adven