Learning to Facilitate When No One Taught You How with Beth Cougler Blom - EP 80

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks about how many people become facilitators of meetings or learning events by accident and what it takes to keep building facilitation skills with intention. She shares some of her own path into facilitation and offers practical ways to notice, learn, practice, and grow over time. Beth also talks about: Why many people start to do facilitation work without formal training The risks of teaching the way we were taught How to build awareness by observing other facilitators Why design work matters before stepping into the room Small, regular ways to keep developing facilitation skills Links From the Episode EP 64: The Sound of Silence in Facilitation with Beth Cougler Blom EP 47: The Pivotal Role of Learning Outcomes with Beth Cougler Blom EP 19: Choosing Activities with Beth Cougler Blom EP 6: Learning From Our Mistakes with Beth Cougler Blom Liberating Structures International Association of Facilitators Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast:   Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Claire Schneeberger about her book, Holding Space, and how meditation and mindfulness practices can support more grounded, focused, and intentional learning experiences. They explore how simple practices can help participants slow down, arrive, and feel more present in workshops, meetings, and group settings. Beth and Claire also talk about: Choosing practices that fit your group and goals Offering options so participants can take care of themselves Using anchors like breath, feet, or physical sensations Practicing by recording yourself and listening back Bringing mindfulness into sessions through breath, movement, listening, nature, and the arts Connect with Claire Schneeberger Holding Space: The Essential Guide to Leading Meditation & Mindfulness Practices Links From the Episode First People's Principles of Learning EP 56: Using Poetry and Expressive Writing with Marisa Gelfusa Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast:   Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Erica Barnhart about the conversations we have with ourselves and how our internal dialogue shapes the way we show up as facilitators and whole human beings. Erica shares a simple framework for noticing negative self-talk and gently shifting it toward something more useful. Beth and Erica also talk about: Why our self-talk is often more negative than we realize Erica's three-step framework of Notice, Nope, and Nudge How words like "should" and "just" can undermine our confidence The connection between self-talk, worthiness, and belonging Practical ways to ground ourselves and stay present while facilitating Connect with Erica Barnhart: Website: EricaBarnhart.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ericabarnhart/ Links From the Episode: The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk Polarity Management video with Barry Johnson Polarity Mapping resources Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Linda M. Anderson about teaching art to many different kinds of learners in community, school, social service, and personal settings. Linda shares stories from her lifelong journey as an artist and educator, including how she builds confidence, adapts her teaching, and helps people keep creating through challenge and change. Beth and Linda also talk about: Learning from mentors and seeking out feedback The importance of answering learners' "why" questions Teaching people who are blind or losing their sight Creating supporting spaces where learners can take risks Using art to build connection, confidence, and meaning   Connect with Linda M. Anderson Linda Anderson is a BC artist, educator, and writer with extensive experience teaching art in a wide range of community, school, and social service settings. She has worked with visually impaired artists through CNIB, taught art therapy, led workshops for artist groups across many BC communities, and facilitated her own "Communicating with Colour" sessions for learners of all ages. Linda's work has been featured in prominent shows and in Artists of BC, and she has created murals, commissioned portraits, and paintings for a variety of public and private spaces. In addition to her visual art, she also writes poetry and short prose. Connect with Linda on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.anderson.914828. She is in the middle of creating a new website.   Links From the Episode Bill Alexander, originator of The Magic of Oil Painting   Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Eric Wang about his experience building Algorithm Alchemists, a student-led nonprofit that teaches coding and computational thinking to elementary and high school students through interactive online classes. Special guest Kevin Cougler, Founder and Executive Director of STEM Camp and Camp STEAM Canada, joins the conversation as the trio talk about peer-to-peer learning, hiring and supporting young instructors, and the facilitation lessons that help make coding engaging and meaningful for kids. Beth, Eric, and Kevin also talk about: Starting a nonprofit as a student Making coding fun, engaging, and accessible Supporting youth interests, passions, and future goals What parents, teachers, and mentors can do to encourage young coders   Connect with Eric Wang Website: Algorithm Alchemists Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/algorithm.alchemists/   Connect with Kevin Cougler Website: Stemcamp.ca   Links From the Episode First Robotics Canada Khan Academy Inquiry-based learning Hello, world Discord Y Combinator Jam Hacks   Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom shares a conversation with members of the IAF Future Now community about what facilitation feels like right now. With Beth intentionally stepping out of the discussion, this group of younger facilitators reflects on authenticity, emotional depth, trust, and how facilitation can feel both challenging and deeply rewarding in a noisy, fast-changing world. The Future Now members also talk about: Dropping professional masks and becoming more authentic Holding space for emotion, tension, and vulnerability Moving from monologue to dialogue by asking better questions Trusting participants and the wisdom already in the group Why facilitation feels especially important amid chaos and change Thank you so much to Bryan Guzmán and the IAF Future Now community for being willing to try something new with this episode! Connect With all the Guests Starling Jaquan - Florida, USA | LinkedIn Lily Asch - Budapest, Hungary | Website | LinkedIn | Instagram Olesia Maibakh - Moscow, Russia | LinkedIn Andrea Bota - Bucharest, Romania | LinkedIn Dr. Felix Wittke - Berlin, Germany | LinkedIn Timothy Gichia - Nairobi, Kenya | LinkedIn Annagrace Rwehumbiza - Dar es Salaam, Tanzania | Website | LinkedIn Elena Zurli - Rome, Italy | LinkedIn Moushumi Dey - Bangalore, India | LinkedIn Links From the Episode Bryan Guzmán, Innovation Facilitator and Future Now Community Lead | LinkedIn IAF Future Now Community Liberating Structures Beth's keyword notes she took while listening to this episode Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca 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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Alina Pete about the power of comics to teach, connect, and tell stories. They explore how comics can invite people into learning through joy, creativity, and representation, and how Alina's community-engaged work supports storytelling, language, and cultural connection in Indigenous contexts. Beth and Alina also talk about: Alina's journey into comics, animation, and visual effects Comics as an accessible medium for teaching and sharing knowledge Indigenous representation in modern stories, technology, and pop culture Community collaboration, story stewardship, and cultural responsibility Using drawing to open people up in workshops, gatherings, and hard conversations Connect with Alina Pete Website: alina-pete.com Alina's published books Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/alinapete.bsky.social Instagram: @alinapete_art Links From the Episode Scott McCloud Weregeek comics archive Wapos Bay films Can I Pet Your Werewolf Alina's TEDx talk: Using comics and storytelling to engage memory and bring fun back to learning Holmaco First Nation Formline art Woodlands style art The 'Really Strange' Boxset by Steve Haines, art by Sophie Standing Richtung 22 Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation 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 Nora Sheffe about using visuals in facilitation to create more engaging, inclusive, and participatory learning experiences. They explore how visuals can support connection and clarity in both in-person and virtual settings, even for facilitators who do not see themselves as artists. Beth and Nora also talk about: Expanding visual facilitation beyond drawing Making workshops more accessible through tactile and visual design Simple ways to use visuals online with everyday tools Helping participants engage through movement, voting, and co-creation Embracing imperfection when building visual skills Connect with Nora Sheffe: Website: https://sheffeconsulting.com/ Personal LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/norasheffe/ Company LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sheffe-consulting-inc/posts/ Links From the Episode: Manal Sayid Visual Explorer cards Bikablo (incl. Martin Haussmann and Frank Wesseler) Heather Martinez Ghost Ranch, New Mexico Christina Merkley The Grove Consultants Abby Wilkymacky Universal Design for Learning Lita Currie Rosanna von Sacken Lisa Rothstein Sam Bradd Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes and transcripts available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca 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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom is interviewed by Joseph Diaz about Beth's upcoming second book, Everyday Acts of Facilitation, and how facilitation shows up far beyond workshops and meeting rooms. Together they explore Beth's story-driven approach to writing a guidebook-memoir that helps readers notice the facilitation happening in life's ordinary moments—and use that noticing to learn facilitation skills or deepen their practice. Beth and Joseph also talk about: How journaling everyday moments shaped the book's direction The three types of readers the book is written for, from accidental to occasional to experienced facilitators Why inner work and self-care are everyday acts of facilitation What performance, introversion, and authenticity have to do with facilitation style Some of the chapter themes that may matter the most right now Connect with Joseph Diaz LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josephadiaz/ Talk Learning with Me podcast  Join the L&D Collective (including Joseph's book club) Connect with Beth Cougler Blom Visit bcblearning.com to explore Beth's company's services in facilitation and learning design Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn Links From the Episode Beth's book coach, Adrienne Dyer Beth's book cover designer, Emily Johnston at Artio Design Co EP 43 Writing a Book in the Field with Beth Cougler Blom Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions  

In this episode, host Beth Cougler Blom talks with Nathy Ravez about making connections with participants—both early in our interactions with them and ongoing through the workshop—and why what happens before the workshop often matters just as much as what happens during it. Beth and Nathy explore simple, practical ways to build trust and collaboration from the very first moments, so people arrive feeling seen, included, and ready to work together. Beth and Nathy also talk about: Using short pre-workshop interviews to learn who's in the room Helping participants understand why they're there and what they bring Building trust even when there's tension, resistance, or hierarchy in the mix Choosing activities strategically to support collaboration, not just fun   Engage with Nathy Ravez: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathyravez/ Website: https://laworkshoppeuse.com/ Podcast: There's a Workshop For That!   Links From the Episode: EP 10 Facilitating Connection with Jan Keck EP 14 Connection Before Content with Chad Littlefield Said Saddouk on Linkedin EP 36 The State of Facilitation 2024 Report with Deborah Rim Moiso Learn about Jan Keck's upcoming book   Connect with the Facilitating on Purpose podcast: Follow Facilitating on Purpose on Instagram, LinkedIn, or YouTube Show notes available at facilitatingonpurpose.ca   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 Check out Beth's books, Design to Engage and Everyday Acts of Facilitation Follow Beth on Instagram or LinkedIn   Podcast production services by Mary Chan of Organized Sound Productions