It’s In the Experience

In this episode of It's In The Experience, host Sherry Bagley welcomes Dave Dennis, founder and executive director of Cornerstone Safety Group, for a conversation about managing risk, safety, and security in today's evolving travel landscape. Dave shares how organizations can make informed decisions by looking beyond headlines and travel advisories, drawing on multiple sources and local expertise to understand the realities on the ground. The discussion explores how educators can communicate effectively with families, build trust before challenges arise, and address concerns about global events while keeping the focus on cultural learning and global citizenship. Dave also offers practical guidance on travel insurance, including the role of "Cancel for Any Reason" coverage, and discusses emerging trends in experiential education, from growing mental health and neurodiversity support needs to expanded crisis planning for camps and travel programs. The episode provides valuable insights for educators and program leaders working to create meaningful experiences while prioritizing student safety. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley is joined by Curt Davidson, Ph.D., President of Alpenglow Education, and Kathy Rohn, Ph.D, Assistant Professor in the Education Department at the University of New Hampshire, to explore how the AEE volunteer community and the Symposium for Experiential Education Research (SEER) sparked a meaningful collaboration. Kathy shares her entry into AEE through research on students who thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail during COVID, while Curt reflects on his long-standing role coordinating SEER. Together, they unpack what makes collaboration work—from shared values and fresh perspectives to trust, humor, and strong followership—along with common pitfalls to avoid. The conversation highlights how collaboration can strengthen projects, expand professional networks, and bridge the gap between research and practice. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley sits down with Bre Haapala and Dan Joyal, co-executive directors of Pathfinder, about their paths into experiential education and the mentors who shaped their leadership journeys. They reflect on how teamwork, collaboration, and community building influence their work, from partnerships with local schools to a major Science Center revitalization effort. The conversation highlights the role of clear communication, vulnerability, humor, and mutual respect in building strong collaborations and sustaining meaningful impact. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley talks with Margaret Kelso and Teresa Jennings, LCSW, from Cornerstone Safety Group. They share their journeys in experiential education and how their collaboration through Cornerstone combines a passion for mental health and risk management. The discussion explores their career paths, formative experiences, and the roles curiosity and emotional regulation play in effective education. Margaret and Teresa also reflect on how their partnership and shared values strengthen their work in creating safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environments. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley sits down with Jake Jacobs, executive director of Camp Henry, and Andrew Bobilya, professor and program director at the Outdoor Education graduate program at Western Carolina University. The two reflect on their intertwined journeys in experiential education, sharing stories of influential mentors, professional reconnections, and the role of community in shaping their careers. They explore the power of relationship-building—both personal and professional—and highlight why communities of practice and care matter more than ever. Along the way, Jake and Andrew offer advice for emerging leaders on building lasting collaborations, grounded in vulnerability, commitment, and a relationship-first mindset. From PhD programs to outdoor adventures, their conversation shows how shared experiences can create lifelong partnerships and meaningful impact. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley is joined by Maurie Lung and Gary Stauffer for an in-depth conversation on their lifelong work in experiential education and adventure therapy. They share personal stories that shaped their careers, reflect on the power of compassion and curiosity in collaborative work, and discuss their experience co-authoring books and developing transformative programs. Together, they explore what it takes to create inclusive, supportive spaces, and how the field can evolve by amplifying diverse voices and breaking down systemic barriers. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley chats with Jen Stanchfield and Rick Curtis—two longtime leaders in the field—about the experiences, mentors, and meaningful books that helped shape their paths. Both recipients of prestigious awards from the Association for Experiential Education (AEE), Jen and Rick reflect on the evolution of the profession, the value of intentional practice, and the critical role of community in transformative learning. Whether you're new to experiential education or a seasoned practitioner, their insights, stories, and advice offer inspiration for every stage of your journey. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

In this special crossover episode, host Sherry Bagley and Phil Brown, host of Vertical Playpen, discuss their experiences at the AEE Conference in Hong Kong. They explore the growing impact of the Asia Pacific region in experiential education, key takeaways from the event, and the evolving role of academia in the field. Plus, they dive into the importance of engaging the next generation of educators and share personal stories from their trip, highlighting the power of relationships and meaningful connections in experiential learning. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Host Sherry Bagley is joined by Christy Brodeur, Youth Learning Coordinator at Project Adventure, and Elyse Norton, Senior Coordinator of Youth and Adult Learning Programs at Project Adventure, who also serve as co-conveners of the AEE Northeast Regional Conference. Together, they share their unique career journeys into experiential education—Christy starting in summer camps and Elyse transitioning from music education. The conversation highlights the transformative benefits of regional conferences, including opportunities for networking, professional growth, and building a strong sense of community. They also delve into cherished traditions, unforgettable moments, and the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere that makes AEE events so impactful for attendees. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Dr. Brent Bell, an associate professor at the University of New Hampshire, and Paul Wolf, program director of outdoor leadership at Southwestern Community College, about their journeys into experiential education. They delve into the value of outdoor orientation programs, their roles in shaping leadership, and the challenges of incorporating experiential learning into today’s educational landscape. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Sherry Bagley as she engages in a dynamic conversation with Deidra Goodwin, founder and experiential educator at DGoodwin Experiential LLC, and Troy Wilkerson, Bucket Band Director for the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and advocate for civic service and experiential education. Together, they explore the power of mentorship and inclusivity, emphasizing the value of authentic connections, lifelong learning, and the mutual benefits that mentorship offers to both mentors and mentees. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings.

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Denise Mitten, PhD, an internationally recognized for her innovative scholarship in outdoor and environmental pedagogy, ethics, and gender, and Jill Overholt, associate professor of outdoor leadership at Warren Wilson College. This episode delves into the significance of research in experiential education, focusing on understanding program impacts and addressing biases. They explore the diverse benefits of nature, including physical, social, and spiritual aspects, and discuss the importance of nuanced approaches to these topics. The conversation also highlights the critical role of mentoring the next generation of experiential educators, underscoring the need for kindness, social and environmental stability, and connection in the field.

Join host Sherry Bagley as she chats with Sarah Gough, executive director for Play For Peace, and Marilyn Levin, development director at Play For Peace. They share their career journeys in experiential education, reflect on the impactful relationship between the Association for Experiential Education and Play for Peace, and discuss the significance of collaboration in advancing the industry. Don't miss their valuable advice for aspiring experiential educators and the insights they offer for future generations. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings. Show notes Sarah Gough is a deeply committed nonprofit leader, facilitator, and mentor with a background in Social Work from the University of Michigan, specializing in Interpersonal Relationships. Her multifaceted career has spanned a multitude of leadership roles across many countries. Sarah’s work as Executive Director with Play for Peace stands as a cornerstone of her career, showcasing her dedication to fostering young leaders and community unity on a global scale. Through her engagement with Play for Peace, Sarah has created environments where children and adults from different backgrounds come together to play, learn, and grow, transcending barriers of conflict and misunderstanding. This initiative, emblematic of Sarah's approach to peace education and experiential learning, emphasizes her commitment to harnessing the transformative power of play to build bridges and nurture a culture of peace. In Guatemala, Sarah led Fotokids, breaking cycles of poverty through arts and technology, and spearheaded initiatives for sustainable development with CECI, demonstrating a unique blend of compassion and strategic vision. As the founder of Seeds of Hope, she developed a patient support services program, showcasing her dedication to healthcare and community service in a remote tuberculosis hospital. Sarah's work has been recognized with prestigious awards like the Michael Stratton Practitioner Award and featured in academic papers and global conferences, highlighting her expertise in peace education and experiential learning. Her involvement in diverse international projects and her leadership in developing partnerships and programs underscore her dedication to combating poverty, exclusion, and inequality. Marilyn Levin, MSW is the Development Director for Play for Peace. She is an award winning social justice advocate, a master trainer and professional speaker and the author of Experiential Activities for a Better World (AEE Karl Rohnke Creativity Award 2012)