Vertical Playpen

In this conversation, Phil Brown and Will Dobud discuss the themes of youth mental health, the perceptions of today's youth, and the importance of experiential education. They explore the origins of the book 'Kids These Days', the societal tendency to label and control youth, and the historical context of education and

In this conversation, Phil shares his experiences and observations regarding cultural differences in facilitation and education between the United States and England. He discusses the energetic and often overly positive approach prevalent in American facilitation, contrasting it with the more reserved and dry style he

In this episode, Phil Brown and Lisa Hunt discuss the upcoming workshop offering, 'Navigating Challenging Dialogue,' exploring its framework, importance, and real-life applications. They delve into the reasons why people avoid difficult conversations, the steps involved in preparing for such dialogues, and the benefits

"ADHD is not an excuse, it's a reason." In this episode, Phil and Ky Westcott (mental health advocate - @thevibewithky) delve into the complexities of introversion, mental health, and the evolving understanding of ADHD. They discuss the importance of authenticity in sharing personal struggles, the rise in ADHD diagnose

In this episode, Phil revisits the influential book 'Silver Bullets' by Karl Rohnke, sharing key insights and play pointers that remain relevant in adventure education today. He emphasizes the importance of engagement, flexibility in rules, variety in activities, inclusivity in team selection, and self-competition, all

Phil discusses the top five skills essential for effective belaying. He emphasizes the importance of physicality, communication, adaptability, checklist adherence, and understanding physics in belaying. Each skill is explored in detail, providing insights and practical tips for both novice and experienced belayers. Phi