Facilitating on Purpose

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Eric Wang about his experience building Algorithm Alchemists, a student-led nonprofit that teaches coding and computational thinking to elementary and high school students through interactive online classes. Special guest Kevin Cougler, Founder and Executive Director of STEM Camp and Camp STEAM Canada, joins the conversation as the trio talk about peer-to-peer learning, hiring and supporting young instructors, and the facilitation lessons that help make coding engaging and meaningful for kids. Beth, Eric, and Kevin also talk about: Starting a nonprofit as a student Making coding fun, engaging, and accessible Supporting youth interests, passions, and future goals What parents, teachers, and mentors can do to encourage young coders Connect with Eric Wang Website: Algorithm Alchemists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algorithm.alchemists/ Connect with Kevin Cougler Website: Stemcamp.ca Links From the Episode First Robotics Canada Khan Academy Inquiry-based learning Hello, world Discord Y Combinator Jam Hacks 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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Alina Pete about the power of comics to teach, connect, and tell stories. They explore how comics can invite people into learning through joy, creativity, and representation, and how Alina's community-engaged work supports storytelling, language, and cultural connection in Indigenous contexts. Beth and Alina also talk about: Alina's journey into comics, animation, and visual effects Comics as an accessible medium for teaching and sharing knowledge Indigenous representation in modern stories, technology, and pop culture Community collaboration, story stewardship, and cultural responsibility Using drawing to open people up in workshops, gatherings, and hard conversations Connect with Alina Pete Website: alina-pete.com Alina's published books Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alinapete.bsky.social Instagram: @alinapete_art Links From the Episode Scott McCloud Weregeek comics archive Wapos Bay films Can I Pet Your Werewolf Alina's TEDx talk: Using comics and storytelling to engage memory and bring fun back to learning Holmaco First Nation Formline art Woodlands style art The 'Really Strange' Boxset by Steve Haines, art by Sophie Standing Richtung 22 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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom is interviewed by Joseph Diaz about Beth's upcoming second book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation, and how facilitation shows up far beyond workshops and meeting rooms. Together they explore Beth's story-driven approach to writing a guidebook-memoir that helps readers notice the facilitation happening in life's ordinary moments—and use that noticing to learn facilitation skills or deepen their practice. Beth and Joseph also talk about: How journaling everyday moments shaped the book's direction The three types of readers the book is written for, from accidental to occasional to experienced facilitators Why inner work and self-care are everyday acts of facilitation What performance, introversion, and authenticity have to do with facilitation style Some of the chapter themes that may matter the most right now Connect with Joseph Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephadiaz/ Talk Learning with Me podcast Join the L&D Collective (including Joseph's book club) Connect with Beth Cougler Blom Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Links From the Episode Beth's book coach, Adrienne Dyer Beth's book cover designer, Emily Johnston at Artio Design Co EP 43 Writing a Book in the Field with Beth Cougler Blom Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Letícia (Schuli) Schuelter, a Brazilian experience designer and community builder, about her framework for meaningful togetherness and how self-directed learning shaped her career path. Beth and Letícia also talk about: Saying yes to unexpected opportunities as a path into facilitation work Lessons from self-directed learning communities The evolving role of community building, weaving, and design Four pillars for creating magical and memorable group experiences Putting nature at the centre of our design processes Engage with Letícia (Schuli) Schuelter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leticiaschuli/ A Case for Meaningful Togetherness article by Letícia Schuelter Links From the Episode UDESC - Universidade de Design do Estado de Santa Catarina Alex Bretas Arquiteturas de comunidades de aprendizagem autodirigida, article by Alex Bretas in which Alex describes architectures for a self-directed learning journey and community Alex Bretas on self-directed learning (YouTube video) Ecoversities Network Book about Black Mountain College Community weaving Terry Irwin TEDx talk: Design a Worldview for Social Impact bell hooks' All About Love book The Bloom 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 answers a listener's question about how to help people shift from lecture-style delivery to a more engaging, participatory approach to facilitating learning. Drawing from years of experience supporting faculty and facilitators, Beth shares practical strategies for supporting others in embracing active learning methods. Beth also talks about: Establishing a culture of continuous improvement Using goal setting and debriefing to grow facilitation skills Taking a coach approach to support others Explaining why active learning works using plain language Encouraging facilitators to let go of control and learn alongside their participants Links From the Episode EP 4 Facilitation is the New Coaching with Moe Poirier Design to Engage: How to Create and Facilitate a Great Learning Experience For Any Group with Beth Cougler Blom EP 47 The Pivotal Role of Learning Outcomes with Beth Cougler Blom EP 19 Choosing Activities with Beth Cougler Blom Instructional Skills Workshop Universal Design for Learning 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 Andy Sontag about what experience design really means and how it connects to facilitation and learning. Beth and Andy explore how designing with emotion, meaning, and intention can create transformative learning experiences that go far beyond content delivery. Beth and Andy also talk about: Why experience design is about designing for feelings, not just thinking or doing The difference between experience design and human-centered design How to design for meaning, even in short or small-scale learning sessions Using the 5E experience design model to shape memorable learning journeys The power of co-creation, trust, and emergence in creating lasting impact Engage with Andy Sontag Experience Design at Kaospilot LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/andysontag Links From the Episode Nathan Schedroff SCARF Model for Psychological Safety in Groups Positive Psychology PERMA Model The 5E Experience Design Model EP 60 Learning That Lasts with Beth Cougler Blom Hollyhock Leadership Center Fabulous Learning Nerds Podcast (Episode 43 Learning From a Magician with Danny Whitson) Art of Hosting Kaospilot's Gathering Design Strategies 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 explores the role of silence in facilitation and how it can be a powerful and intentional tool. Beth shares personal reflections, practical tips, and cultural considerations around silence, encouraging facilitators to embrace it as part of creating thoughtful and inclusive learning spaces. Beth also talks about: How to normalize silence as part of participatory experiences Why facilitators should plan silence into their agendas Strategies to help facilitators become more comfortable with quiet moments What to do when silence is interrupted How everyday life can teach us about using silence Links From the Episode EP 63 Neurodivergent-Affirming Practices in Facilitation with Marie Dubost Tricia Hersey (Rest is Resistance Book, Rest Deck cards) Learn about Beth's upcoming book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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

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 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 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 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 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

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with facilitator and business owner Myriam Hadnes about making bold decisions in business, setting boundaries, and the power of saying no. Myriam shares her journey from academia to facilitation, the evolution of her NeverDoneBefore community, and why she ultimately chose to close it in favour of new opportunities. Beth and Myriam also talk about: Recognizing when to pivot and let go of a project, even when it's loved by a community How Myriam gamified the process of setting boundaries more consistently The importance of doing our own inner work as facilitators Engage with Myriam Hadnes Website: https://workshops.work/ Links From the Episode: Art of Hosting Myriam's Boundary Tower for setting boundaries EP 51: Keeping Burnout at Bay with Beth Cougler Blom Simon Sinek 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