It’s In the Experience

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 i...

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 ...

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...

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 Appa...

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 ha...

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 cle...

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 ...

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...

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...

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 po...

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 prac...

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 ...

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 collabora...

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 tra...

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 challe...

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 ...

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...

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 c...

Join host Sherry Bagley for an inspiring conversation with Kymberly Lacrosse, executive director of Growing Greatness, along with team members Aaron Gaxiola and Lucia Perez. Together, they share how this grassroots organization in Watsonville, California, empowers youth and community members through outdoor adventures, leadership development, and transformative events—all offered free of charge. Hear personal stories of impac...