Hello friends,
Many thanks for reading The Quest, your weekly round-up of tips and insights to help you design and lead exceptional online sessions that your group members will love.β€οΈ
Facilitators are known for generously sharing their insights and tips in books, podcasts, and videos.
The problem is that it can take a lot of searching to find the hidden gems.π
So let me save you some time!
Today Iβm excited to kick off a 4-week series where Iβll share curated lists of my all-time favorite resources.
These have been my go-to sources for ideas and inspiration. I’ve added new podcasts and episodes I’ve discovered over the past year.
And I hope you’ll find a ton of useful insights and tips for leading your live online sessions.
Hereβs what Iβll be sharingπ
Week 1 β> ποΈMy favorite facilitation podcasts (today!)
Week 2 β> πBooks that will make you a better facilitator (and all-around better person) with my top 3 takeaways from each book.
Week 3 β> π§°Free toolkits I canβt live without with a selection of activities I love.
Week 4 β> π₯Click-worthy YouTube videos with facilitation tips, Zoom hacks, and home studio advice.
Let’s dive right in!
ποΈ 10 facilitation podcasts that will accelerate your growth as a facilitator
You don’t need to personally know a lot of exceptional facilitators to learn their secrets. That’s where a good podcast comes in.
There are a handful of podcasts that I tune into regularly.
I am thrilled to have been a featured guest on 5 of these podcasts. But thatβs not why they are on the list:)
Hereβs why they are my favorites:
πThey have exceptional hosts who are seasoned facilitators and know how to ask powerful questions.
πThey curate guests who can speak to the most innovative and challenging aspects of facilitation.
πThey give you inspiration and ideas you can apply to lead live sessions.
And they are all free.π
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π₯Hereβs the list with some of my favorite episodes (in no particular order)π
1/ Creative Confidence Podcast by IDEO U
A podcast from US-based design firm IDEO (the folks who brought you design thinking).
Great for: Tips on experience design, play, and times when you need a big dose of creative inspiration.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈExperience Design: 4 Ways to Make Your Next Event Unforgettableβ
- ποΈPlay at Work: 7 Ways to Shift Your Mindset and Unlock Innovationβ
2/ Facilitator Forum with host Julia Winston
A podcast about people who guide people.
Great for: Learning from exceptional facilitators who make a big impact.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈBonus Episode: Top 5 Facilitation Fails with Jenny Sauer-Kleinβ
- ποΈEpisode 003: Cracking Open our Hearts through the Arts with Adam Rosendahlβ
3/ Doing Being Doing with host Shalini Menon
A podcast entirely dedicated to the world of facilitation.
Great for: Exploring the most challenging dimensions of facilitating groups with facilitators from India and across the globe.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈEpisode 1: Holding Space with Nadia Chaneyβ
- βποΈEpisode 13: The Enabling Facilitator with Moses Chowdariβ
4/ Adaptagen Podcast with host Nadia Chaney
A podcast for facilitators who want to explore the edges and depth of truly exceptional facilitation.
Great for: Hearing the journey, obstacles, obsessions, and professional tips of remarkable facilitators from all over the world.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈEpisode 005: Madhu Shukla on Theatre and Storytelling in Facilitationβ
- βποΈEpisode 023: Ez Bridgeman on Playful Vitalityβ
5/ Learning that Sticks with host Mark Williams
A podcast that explores the secret sauce of learning and development experts from around the world.
Great for: Learning from a full range of L&D specialists across a range of disciplines.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈSeason 2, Episode 16: Psychological Safety with Romy Alexandraβ
- βποΈSeason 2, Episode 15: Graphic Facilitation with Keisuke Taketani β
6/ Workshops Work with Myriam Hadnes
A podcast on a mission to find the magic ingredients that make workshops work.
Great for: Learning about meetings and corporate, tools and tech, Play and games, and methods and activities.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈEpisode 217: Finding Your Facilitation Flow: The Art of Balancing Presence and Process with Sean Blair.
- ποΈEpisode 197: How to Set Up Breakout Rooms for Success withβ¦ yes, yours truly. Shameless self-plug, I know!π
Also check out Myriamβs curated playlist of Workshops Work podcasts on play.
7/ First-time Facilitator with host Leanne Hughes.
Great for: Training and workshop tips and tricks with practical insights from a wide range of professionals who use facilitation in their work.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈEpisode 245: Preparing to be Spontaneous in Your Workshops with Lisa Leungβ
- ποΈFT215: The Ebb and Flow of Engagement: Anamaria Dorgo’s Insights on Building Communityβ
8/ There’s a Workshop for That! with host Nathy Ravez
Great for: Ideas for leading groups, sparking collaboration and innovation.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈUnpacking the True Complexity of Facilitation with Thomas Lahnthalerβ
- ποΈExploring the Connection Between Stories and Experiences with Tobias Dennehy, Head of People Experience at Siemensβ
9/ The Best of MBS with host Michael Bungay Stanier
A collection of the best interviews hosted by MBS, author of The Coaching Habit.
Great for: Coaching skills, HR, organizational change trends.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈHow to Talk to People About Things with Misha Gloubermanβ
- ποΈHow to Tell an Epic, with Nancy Duarte, Author of Data Storyβ
10/ The Collaboration Superpowers Podcast with host Lisette Sutherland.
A podcast dedicated to interviewing people and companies doing great things … remotely!
Great for: Stories and tips for virtual facilitation and successful remote working.
Noteworthy episodesπ
- ποΈ343 – Together by Design: The Strategy of Intentional Team Agreements β
- ποΈCreate Great Virtual Meetings, Webinars, & Trainings with Kassy Laborieβ
How about you? What are your go-to podcasts to learn about facilitation and live online sessions? Hit reply to this email and let me know!
Stay tuned for next weekβs edition of The Quest where Iβll reveal my top π10 books that will make you a better facilitator – and an all around better person.
Hereβs the surprise β most of them donβt even mention facilitation in the title. Curious? See you there!
π Thanks for reading The Quest
I always love hearing your feedback and suggestions. Just hit reply to share your thoughts and ideas.
If you were forwarded this email, you can subscribe to The Quest πhere.β
If you enjoy The Quest, I’d appreciate it if you shared it with anyone you think might like it.
Creatively yours,
![](https://www.gwynwansbrough.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/unnamed-2.jpg)
Whenever you are ready there are 2 more ways I can help you:
πCustom coaching & team training. Book a free 15-minute zero-commitment call with me to see how I can support you and your team.
π5-week Live Online Course. The Breakthrough Facilitation course gives you tools, personalized feedback, and a proven framework for designing and leading high-engagement live sessions. Join the interest list and be the first to get the next cohort dates and discounts.