Facilitating on Purpose

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Sumesh Khatua and Simrat Pahwa about the power of storytelling to create lasting impact in learning experiences. They explore how stories help drive clarity, build emotional connection, and support learning transfer both during and beyond structured learning sessions.

Beth, Sumesh, and Simrat also talk about:

• Designing learning with the end impact in mind
• Using storytelling to...

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...

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 re...

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 wi...

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 co...

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 G...

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 a...

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 ...

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 wi...

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...

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 discussio...

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 a...

In this solo episode, host Beth Cougler Blom explores the critical role that learning outcomes play in designing effective learning experiences. Beth shares practical insights on crafting clear, learner-centred outcomes that form the foundation of any well-designed workshop or course. She explains the difference between learning outcomes and learning objectives, offers guidance on aligning outcomes with activities and assessments, ...

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Dr. Suzanne Wertheim, author of The Inclusive Language Field Guide. They explore how facilitators and educators can develop the habit of using inclusive language and why it's critical to their work. Suzanne shares practical strategies for identifying problematic language, addressing resistance, and shifting perspectives to create more inclusive learning environments.

Beth and Suzan...

In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Khari McClelland about his path to becoming a facilitator and what defines great facilitation. Khari reflects on a transformative camp experience that sparked his passion for this work and shares his thoughts on the power of presence, curiosity, and navigating discomfort. He emphasizes the role of facilitators in setting the tone and creating spaces that honour participants’ experiences...

In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Wouter Smeets about shifting the focus from productivity to aliveness at work. Wouter, founder of Life-Centric Work Lab, shares how important it is to challenge accepted norms about work and how our work, if we do facilitation or another role, can support well-being, happiness, and personal growth.

Beth and Wouter also discuss:

• self-awareness and understanding individual needs
• crea...

In this solo episode, Beth Cougler Blom shares her journey of writing her book, Design to Engage: How to Create and Facilitate a Great Learning Experience For Any Group. She talks about her research and self-reflection process, using tools like Trello, setting daily writing goals, and taking writing retreats.

Beth highlights the value of revisions and working with editors. She also shares insights on designing a professional-lookin...

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Fernando Murray and Carolina Almeida about strategies they use to create safe learning environments with their groups. Fernando and Carolina share their deep expertise working across cultures, their expertise in Liberating Structures, and more.

Beth, Fernando, and Carolina also discuss:

• fostering an inclusive atmosphere
• inviting participation
• avoiding over-helping
• handling con...

In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Yasser Tamer Atef, a disability advocate and facilitator, about strategies to make learning spaces accessible and inclusive.

Beth and Yasser also discuss:

• involving people with disabilities in the learning design process
• creating accessible documents
• strategies for facilitating inclusive virtual sessions
• the importance of asking participants about their specific needs and preferenc...