In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Guillaume Vermette about his work as a therapeutic clown, using theatre, emotion, and deep listening to build human connection in long-term care homes. While the conversation doesn’t focus directly on facilitation, the skills Guillaume shares are highly relevant to facilitation practice.

Beth and Guillaume also talk about:

• Listening beyond words to honour people’s emotional realities
• The power of non-verbal communication and presence
• Working in pairs to create more opportunities for connection
• The five core qualities of clowning and how they relate to being human
• How authenticity and lightheartedness can impact well-being

Engage with Guillaume Vermette

• Website: https://www.GuillaumeVermette.com
• Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/guillaumevermette
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/guillaumevermette/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clownhumanitaire

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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 talks about how podcasting is an act of facilitation and the many behind-the-scenes ways she brings facilitation skills into each episode. Beth reflects on how she approaches podcast conversations with intention, clarity, and care—just like she would in a learning experience.

Beth also talks about:

• Building trust quickly with podcast guests
• Balancing structure with flexibility in conversations
• Deep listening and managing airtime
• Creating an inclusive and emotionally authentic space
• Designing each episode with the listener experience in mind

Links From the Episode

• Mary Chan, Organized Sound Productions
• EP 31 Perfecting Timing with Beth Cougler Blom
• EP 50 Using Our Voice in Facilitation with Mary Chan
• EP 13 Experimenting with Experiential Learning with Romy Alexandra
• Smartless podcast

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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 Theresa Southam about her book Transforming Trauma Through Social Change: A Guide for Educators. Theresa shares how educators, facilitators, and leaders—whether in post-secondary, corporate, or nonprofit settings—can play a role in driving social change and supporting healing through the learning experiences they create inside and outside the classroom.

Beth and Theresa also talk about:

• Integrating community and social change work into educational settings
• Gabor Maté's idea of trauma and moral injury as a "big tent" that includes a wide range of experiences
• The importance of devising choice in learning
• The concept of accountable spaces and how they differ from safe and brave spaces

Engage with Theresa Southam

• Website: https://www.southam.space/
• Substack: https://substack.com/@socialchangeeducation
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresa-southam-phd-57702018/ 

Links From the Episode

• Gabor Maté
• Judith Herman
• Bessel van der Kolk
• Lee Reid
• Briony Penn
• Virgil Seymour, Sinixt - Colville Confederated Tribes and Sinixt Confederacy
• David Kolb
• Cher Hill, Simon Fraser University
• Brianna Strumm, University of the Fraser Valley
• Amea Wilbur, University of the Fraser Valley
• Stó:lō Nation
• Jack Mezirow
• Matty Hillman, Selkirk College

Note: Theresa's book is dedicated to social change. The following are some of the groups that will carry out the work described in the book's chapters. The author's proceeds will be shared between the ICRC (Inchelium Cultural Resource Center), Stqeeye’ Learning Society, Nikkei Internment Memorial Centre, OneVoice Canada, and Nelson and District Hospice Society

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 [email protected]
• 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 [email protected]
• 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 explores some of the risks, signs, and symptoms of burnout, particularly for people involved in facilitation or entrepreneurial work. Beth shares some of her personal struggles of 2024, discussing why setting boundaries, creating support systems, and saying the "right yesses" matters. She also offers some practical strategies to help people take care of themselves as well as reconnect with purpose and joy in their work.

Links From the Episode

• Rest Deck from the Nap Ministry
• Should We Do This Work? decision-making matrix (links to show notes on BCB Learning website)

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 [email protected]
• 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 Mary Chan, audio engineer, podcast strategist, and voice coach, about the power of voice in facilitation and beyond. Mary shares her personal journey from being behind the mic in radio to empowering others to embrace their unique voices. This engaging conversation will leave you inspired to experiment with your own voice and connect more meaningfully with others.

Beth and Mary also explore:

• Practical voice warm-ups and exercises to prepare for facilitation
• The importance of vocal diversity and authenticity in connecting with groups
• How to use voice to influence energy and engagement in a room
• Debunking myths about “professional” voices and embracing individuality
• Tips for amplifying your voice with confidence in facilitation and everyday life

Engage with Mary Chan:

• Website: https://www.organizedsound.ca/
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marychan-organizedsound/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/organizedsoundproductions/

Links From the Episode:

• Why Filler Words Like "Like" Are Powerful with Alexandra D'Arcy - EP 18 on The Podcaster's Guide to a Visible Voice
• Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language by Amanda Montell (book)
• EP 12 Stuttering and Facilitation with Maya Chupkov (on Facilitating on Purpose podcast)
• EP 6 Learning From Our Mistakes with Beth Cougler Blom (on Facilitating on Purpose podcast)

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 [email protected]
• 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 Theresa Destrebecq about her work facilitating book circles and how she creates deeper learning experiences for people through these book-based communities.

Beth and Theresa also discuss:

• Theresa's career shift from teaching to coaching to facilitating
• Why her company's motto is "read deeper, not faster"
• Balancing experiential learning and personal connection in book discussions
• Strategies for engaging participants in book circles
• Using sketchnotes and accountability partners to support learning

Engage with Theresa Destrebecq

• Website: Emerge Book Circles
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/theresadestrebecq/
• The Leader Learner Podcast

Links From the Episode

• Adam Grant
• Dr. Stuart Brown
• Facilitating Breakthrough by Adam Kahane
• Dr. David Rock, Neuroleadership Institute
• Jim Kwik
• A Suitable Boy by Vikram Seth
• Richard Wagamese
• Unbound by Kasia Urbaniak
• The Message by Ta-Nehisi Coates
• The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese
• Right Within by Minda Harts
• MyFest

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 [email protected]
• 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 Jessica Lane and Jacob McMurray from the Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP) in Seattle, Washington, about how they create engaging learning experiences through exhibits and programs. Jacob, the Chief Collections and Exhibitions Officer, and Jessica, the Director of Education and Programs, share their perspectives on the museum's unique approach to pop culture.

Beth, Jessica, and Jacob also talk about:

• Using pop culture to build connections and inspire creativity
• Engaging youth and families in interactive and meaningful ways
• The process of exhibit design, from conception to continuous updates
• How MoPOP uses its exhibits as springboards for deeper learning through education programs
• Designing for inclusivity, including sensory-friendly experiences and universal design principles

Engage with Jessica, Jacob, and the Museum of Pop Culture

• MoPOP website: www.mopop.org
• Jacob McMurray on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobmcmurray/
• Jessica Lane on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-lane-635719b0/

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 [email protected]
• 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