It’s In the Experience

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley welcomes Aaron Funnell, executive director of Outward Bound Hong Kong, for a conversation about the business realities of delivering experiential education programs. Aaron shares how a clear understanding of an organization’s purpose, audience and unique value can help drive sustainable growth, particularly when balancing capacity and utilization challenges. The conversation explores emerging opportunities in adventure and educational tourism across the Asia Pacific region, as well as innovative partnerships focused on marine science, climate change and inclusive programming. Aaron also discusses the evolving fundraising landscape, including the challenge of securing support for facilities when funders increasingly prioritize programming and impact. He shares Outward Bound Hong Kong’s approach to grants, events, foundations and major funders, along with how the organization uses evaluation, storytelling and alumni engagement to demonstrate impact. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings .

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley welcomes Suzanne Wolf of Girl Guides of Canada to discuss how the organization is using a theory of change to better measure and communicate its impact. Suzanne explains how Girl Guides' positive youth development approach focuses on building character, confidence, and connection through safe, supportive environments and meaningful opportunities for leadership and personal growth. She also shares how the organization is strengthening its evaluation efforts through surveys, qualitative research, youth engagement, and partnerships to better understand outcomes and inform future decision-making. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings .

In this episode, host Sherry Bagley welcomes Dr. Justin Hougham of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Sarah Luther of Escuela Verde, Brad Bessler of the University of Wisconsin–Madison, and Dr. Joey Zocher of TransCenter for Youth to discuss the Scientific Outdoor Experiences (SOE) program. Funded by the USDA, the initiative combines classroom learning with hands-on, place-based STEM experiences that engage students in community science and environmental stewardship. The guests explore how experiential learning, neighborhood-based projects, and the annual Science Strikes Back event help students develop scientific skills, strengthen community connections, and create meaningful learning experiences while demonstrating the long-term impact of collaborative partnerships. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefings .

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 .

Welcome to Season 4 of It's In The Experience! This season, the podcast theme is "What's Up With..?" and each episode will dive deeper into a specific topic within Experiential Education. In the Season 4 premiere, host Sherry Bagley is joined by Matt Nannis, founder of PIVOTPoint WNC, for a conversation exploring the topic of “failure as fiction.” Matt challenges the idea of failure as a fixed truth, describing it instead as a story people assign to outcomes and experiences. Together, they discuss how reframing those narratives can influence emotional responses, support self-regulation and co-regulation, and create greater space for empathy, reflection, and connection. Drawing from the world of experiential education, Matt explains how undesired outcomes often provide opportunities for resilience, curiosity, and growth, while the label of “failure” can reinforce feelings of inadequacy and narrow thinking. The conversation also explores practical approaches to shifting perspective, including recognizing personal narratives as optional and using language that separates identity from experience, ultimately helping facilitators and participants better understand growth and behavior over time. 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 talks with Caitlin McCormick Small, Executive Director and CEO of Project Adventure, and Laura MacDonald, Education & Training Senior Consultant, about their paths into experiential education and the organization’s evolving work. They reflect on Project Adventure’s origins in 1970s Massachusetts as an early leader in challenge course programming and discuss how the organization has refined its focus in recent years. Caitlin and Laura highlight three key areas of Project Adventure’s work today: school- and youth-centered experiential programming, challenge course design and training across the Northeast, and organizational development for nonprofits. They also discuss a renewed therapeutic adventure model launched during the pandemic through a partnership with Gloucester High School, pairing a Project Adventure facilitator with a clinician to lead activity-based support groups that build belonging, mindfulness, and social-emotional skills. Now in its fourth year, the program has expanded to multiple schools, including multilingual welcome programs, with support from the Tower Foundation. Project Adventure is also collecting data from the initiative with hopes of publishing findings that contribute to the field of experiential education. 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 sits down with Patrick McMillion, core faculty in Counseling and Counselor Education and co-coordinator of the Adventure Therapy Certificate Program at Westminster University, and Alex White, MS, CMHC, a clinical mental health counselor in private practice in Salt Lake City. Together, they discuss their paths into adventure therapy and experiential education, sharing the pivotal experiences that shaped their work and the ways they each define and practice adventure therapy today. Patrick and Alex also talk about their collaboration on Westminster University’s Adventure Therapy Graduate Certificate program, offering insight into its structure, impact, and the growing interest in training the next generation of practitioners. They close the conversation by reflecting on the importance of mentorship, openness, and community connection in fostering meaningful professional collaborations. 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 .

Host Sherry Bagley welcomes Mike Bingley, Director of Education at the Canadian Wildlife Federation, for an inspiring conversation about connecting people to nature through education and experience. Mike reflects on formative moments that shaped his passion for the outdoors and shares how programs like the Canadian Conservation Corps are empowering youth and communities to take action for wildlife. He also dives into the challenges of sustainable funding, the importance of inclusive partnerships, and the role of education in building a lasting culture of conservation. 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 Mac Hall, M.A., and Heather Yazzie Campbell of Project Venture, an evidence-based, positive youth development program that integrates cultural and adventure-based education. Mac takes us back to the origins of the program, sharing the vision that inspired its creation, while Heather brings it to life with stories of activities ranging from risk management training to mindfulness practices. Together, they explore how Project Venture has expanded across the U.S. and into Jamaica and Canada, the power of community involvement, and why cultural relevance is at the heart of their work. 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 Mary Breunig, PhD, and Terry Williams PhD, exploring the evolving landscape of experiential education. Terry shares insights from her work on transformational leadership and the role of family camps in fostering growth, while Mary highlights her focus on wellness, work-life balance, and the importance of sustainable practices in the field. Together, they reflect on decades of collaboration—engaging students in conferences, championing intergenerational learning, and nurturing reciprocal relationships. The discussion also explores the value of international partnerships, the role of activism, and the resilience needed to maintain hope and community in challenging times. At its heart, this episode celebrates connection, mentorship, and the transformative power of shared educational experiences. It's in the Experience is produced by Association Briefing s.

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 our season 3 premiere episode, host Sherry Bagley welcomes Callie Auman, assistant director for challenge course and team building at UNC Charlotte, and Robyn Handley-Lane, director of teen programs at the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center. Together, they explore the dynamics of their cross-country partnership and how intentional collaboration fuels their work. The conversation dives into the power of vulnerability, the challenges and rewards of working remotely, and larger industry topics including inclusive gear design and the influence of cognitive psychology on experiential learning. Tune in to hear how strong, purpose-driven partnerships can elevate programs and create meaningful learning experiences. 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 .

In this episode , host Sherry Bagley sits down with Nick Magle-Haberek, co-owner of Adventure Therapist LLC and owner at Movemental Wellbeing , and Patrick McMillion, faculty member in Counseling and Counselor Education at Westminster University . Both guests serve on the AEE Certification Council and bring deep expertise and experience in adventure therapy. Together, they explore the importance of professional certifications like the Certified Clinical Adventure Therapist ( CCAT ) credential and the Certified Therapeutic Adventure Specialist ( CTAS ) credential, and how these certifications elevate the field. They also discuss the push for greater professionalization in the field, the impact of certification on practitioners and clients, and their visions for the future—including expanding community-based programs and more. 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 .