FTF260: The Campfire Method with Jan Keck: A Better Way to Build Trust in Groups
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In this episode of the First Time Facilitator Podcast, host Leanne Hughes welcomes back Jan Keck for a 'pop-up' episode to celebrate the upcoming release of his new book, *The Campfire Method*. Jan shares the evolution of his book idea—from initially focusing on improving icebreakers to expanding into a holistic framework for building trust in groups through intentional, low-risk moments before and during sessions. He introduces the 'Campfire Method,' a metaphorical approach where facilitators build a 'fire' of connection through small, cumulative actions like pre-session communication, thoughtful room design, and a carefully structured 'risk ramp' that allows participants to gradually take on increasing levels of vulnerability. Drawing from his experience as a summer camp counselor and his recent TEDx talk in Germany, Jan illustrates how storytelling, choice, and community-building can transform group dynamics. He also discusses the importance of shifting from 'rules' to 'promises' in group agreements and reveals how he wrote the book through a community-driven process of weekly email updates and feedback. The episode concludes with excitement around the book’s limited-edition release and Jan’s gratitude for the support of the facilitation community.
Build trust through small, intentional moments before the session begins—like pre-event communication, room setup, and video introductions.
Use a 'risk ramp' to gradually increase participant vulnerability, starting with low-stakes actions and progressing to higher-risk contributions.
Replace forced participation with choice: offer multiple ways to engage (e.g., chat, breakout rooms, hand-raising) to honor different comfort levels.
Shift from 'group rules' to 'group promises'—focus on what the facilitator will do to support safety and equity, not just control behavior.
Leverage community feedback during the writing process to stay accountable, refine ideas, and validate your work.
Welcome & Introduction to the Pop-Up Episode
Leanne introduces the episode as a special 'pop-up' featuring returning guest Jan Keck, celebrating his upcoming book release and reflecting on their past collaborations.
The Evolution of 'The Campfire Method' Book
“The book is now about, because it's called The Campfire Method, all these steps that you need to do to build a campfire. And that's what actually melts the ice.”
The Risk Ramp: Structuring Safe Participation
“The largest risk is the one that you can't start with. If you're asking someone to jump out of an airplane first, that's way too big a risk.”
Designing for Inclusion: Choice, Phrasing & Pre-Work
“Giving people time to write something down first or sharing it in a smaller group rather than the larger group gives them the confidence to later raise their hand.”
The TEDx Experiment: From Story to Secret Handshakes
“I used my favorite secret trick to get attention back in a loud room of 350 people running around and high-fiving: if you can hear me clap once, if you can hear me clap twice...”
“The largest risk is the one that you can't start with. If you're asking someone to jump out of an airplane first, that's way too big a risk.”
“We only compare ourselves to like, oh, I've just had a viral video. Well, no, but you've been creating videos for 10 years and you've consistently shown up.”
“The book is now about, because it's called The Campfire Method, all these steps that you need to do to build a campfire. And that's what actually melts the ice.”
Host
Guest
Jan Keck
person
Leanne Hughes
person
The Campfire Method
book
First Time Facilitator Podcast
media
TEDx Freiburg
other
Campfire Method Book
product
Priya Parker
person
Marsha Chandor
person
Workfame
other
Amazon
organization
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