In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with accessibility consultant Nora Loyst about designing learning experiences that truly welcome everyone. Nora shares how personal experiences led her to this work and explores the shift from a medical model to a social model of disability. Beth and Nora also talk about: Expecting and planning for learner diversity from the start Naming what you know to build trust and inclusion Moving from one-time accommodations to default accessibility practices ...
Aug 13, 2025•57 min•Ep. 61
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 sess...
Jun 25, 2025•34 min•Ep. 60
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 spark behaviour change and recall Building stories that are relatable...
Jun 11, 2025•1 hr 2 min•Ep. 59
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...
May 28, 2025•58 min•Ep. 58
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 ...
May 14, 2025•41 min•Ep. 57
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 poe...
Apr 23, 2025•51 min•Ep. 56
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 ...
Apr 09, 2025•35 min•Ep. 55
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...
Mar 26, 2025•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 54
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 education...
Mar 12, 2025•49 min•Ep. 53
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 gamifi...
Feb 26, 2025•48 min•Ep. 52
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 Dec...
Feb 12, 2025•30 min•Ep. 51
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 f...
Jan 22, 2025•54 min•Ep. 50
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 sketchno...
Jan 08, 2025•48 min•Ep. 49
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 inspir...
Nov 27, 2024•51 min•Ep. 48
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, and provides tips for selecting measurable verbs that reflect des...
Nov 13, 2024•37 min•Ep. 47
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 Suzanne also talk about: How facilitators can invite feedback to impro...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 46
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. Beth and Khari also discuss: the importance of flexibility and ...
Oct 09, 2024•49 min•Ep. 45
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 creating supportive work and group environments integrated aliveness into ...
Sep 25, 2024•47 min•Ep. 44
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-looking book and her decisions about publishing. Beth reflects on lear...
Sep 11, 2024•35 min•Ep. 43
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 conflicts and challenges promoting autonomy and collecting problem-solvin...
Aug 28, 2024•52 min•Ep. 42
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 preferences individually, and making adaptations accordingly designing flexibil...
Aug 14, 2024•53 min•Ep. 41
In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Margie Meacham about artificial intelligence (AI) and its applications in learning and development. Margie discusses her ongoing journey with AI, sharing valuable insights on how to effectively leverage it to enhance learner engagement and improve knowledge retention. Beth and Margie also discuss: the benefits of using AI as a personalized learning assistant inside learning experiences avoiding AI's 'uncanny valley' effect the need for continuous lea...
Jun 26, 2024•54 min•Ep. 40
In this solo episode, Beth Cougler Blom shares some of her approach to maintaining a learning organization at her learning design and facilitation services company. She also highlights sources for how we can all keep learning in our field, giving examples of communities of practice, podcasts, books, social media, and more. Links From the Episode Liberating Structures User Groups NeverDoneBefore International Association of Facilitators Virtual Facilitation Jan Keck BCcampus Teaching in Higher Ed...
Jun 12, 2024•30 min•Ep. 39
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, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Kerri Price about the art of creative facilitation and why it's so important for facilitators to push ourselves and our groups to think differently. Beth a...
May 22, 2024•50 min•Ep. 38
In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Dr. Monty Badami about how we can use an anthropological lens in facilitation to engage in collective sense-making. If we can think like anthropologists, we will have access to the most valuable resource in understanding complex experiences and diverse groups...and that resource is our humanity. Beth and Monty also talk about: creating safety for participants reading the room and seeing patterns what it means to be human reflexivity and ethnography u...
May 08, 2024•59 min•Ep. 37
In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Deborah Rim Moiso, the editor of SessionLab's State of Facilitation 2024 Report, about data and insights gleaned from the report and what it might mean for facilitators worldwide. Engage with Deborah Rim Moiso and SessionLab: The State of Facilitation 2024 Report from SessionLab Use this link to sign up to SessionLab for a 30-day free trial of the Pro features Deborah Rim Moiso on LinkedIn Other Links from the Episode: International Association of Fa...
Apr 24, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 36
In this solo episode, Beth Cougler Blom gives listeners a peek into the thought process behind effective facilitation. She discusses some of the key decisions and questions that guide her in managing time, scope, participant involvement, and her own engagement during sessions. Beth also addresses how she maintains focus and clarity, shedding light on the critical, but often invisible, aspects of being a facilitator. Links from the Episode EP 31: Perfecting Timing Design to Engage: How to Create ...
Apr 10, 2024•36 min•Ep. 35
In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with facilitator Barbara Pedersen about her 30-year career (so far!) and what she's learned along the way. Beth and Barbara also talk about: the phases and cycles of a facilitation career confidence, humility, and fear challenging ourselves how to get training in facilitation learning foundational facilitation frameworks 'bread and butter' work and keeping work flowing transitioning into 'rewirement' Engage with Barbara Pedersen Website: http://www.barbpe...
Mar 27, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 34
In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Mansi Jasuja about the many impacts of hosting events which exclude individuals from participating, including social, environmental, psychological, and economic considerations, and how groups can be more intentional to foster inclusivity and invite participation. Beth and Mansi also talk about: the psychological safety needed to engage groups matching the diversity outside the room inside the room cultivating emergent wisdom why Q&As are problema...
Mar 13, 2024•53 min•Ep. 33
In this episode, Beth Cougler Blom talks with Matthew Rempel about how entrepreneurs who own facilitation-related businesses can create and communicate the value we bring to our clients in various ways. Beth and Matthew also talk about: finding our ideal clients dealing with fear around saying no to potential clients rethinking the purpose of "the funnel" becoming a source of influence rather than an influencer creating value via social media Engage with Matthew Rempel Website: https://strategym...
Feb 28, 2024•50 min•Ep. 32
