Bricks Boutique Hotel | The LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Podcast for Pros

What do you do when your coachee sits across from you, unable to find words for what's really going on? This is where Anna Kandler and Angela Taverna discovered something extraordinary: LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® isn't just for groups and teams – it's a game-changer for one-to-one coaching. In this episode, the two facilitators from Germany and Switzerland share their journey of creating The 7 Powerful Coaching Hacks. They met 400 kilometers apart, connected over a shared vision, and did something remarkable: They coached each other remotely using the very methods in their book. That's how confident they are. We explore why building with bricks becomes magic when language fails, how tangibility opens doors that words keep closed, and why a simple model can reveal more truth than hours of conversation. Anna and Angela talk about working online, working offline, and everything in between – because these hacks work everywhere. But there's more: These two are thinking big. They're planning a 5-10 day educational program for facilitators who want to become coaches. A full bridge between two worlds that most people thought could never meet. A raw, honest conversation about transformation, the power of collaboration across borders, and what happens when you stop trying to talk people through their problems and let them build their way out instead.

In this episode of the Bricks Boutique Hotel, we take a closer look at the very first Practical Guide ever published in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Magazine series: “Playing for Success – Project Management Using LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®” Together with its author Simon Dutton, we explore how decades of project management experience blend with the power of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® to improve kick-offs, risk workshops, communication planning, and pre-mortems. Simon shares how the guide was created, why LSP sparks deeper conversations than traditional methods, and how facilitators can use clear roadmaps to support every stage of a project. We also revisit highlights from Bricks on Tour and discuss the unique moment where a non-project manager solved a case study with a single, simple insight. A concise and inspiring look through the practical lens for facilitators, project managers, and anyone working at the intersection of structure and play.

In this episode of the Bricks Boutique Hotel, Michel and Matthias dive into Issue 20 of the LSP Magazine, exploring the essential principles and values that shape LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitation. Michel explains why ideas like the 100–100 principle, psychological safety, and the “stick to the model” approach are crucial for creating meaningful participation and strong workshop outcomes. Together, they discuss real-world challenges: What happens when the “elephant in the room” suddenly appears? How do facilitators navigate dilemmas without losing the assignment? And how can the method help depersonalize sensitive issues while still addressing what truly matters? Michel also offers an exclusive preview of the next magazine issue, highlighting how personal, cultural, and professional stories inspire facilitators around the world. A reflective and insightful conversation from inside the engine room of the LSP Magazine.

In this episode, Michel and Matthias take you behind the scenes of LSP Magazine Issue 19: Sharing & Caring. Why do sharing and caring matter so much in LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®? How can facilitators truly foster it – even when challenges arise? And what role do dilemmas, ethics and AI play? A brief, honest glimpse into ideas, anecdotes and what’s next – straight from the Bricks Boutique Hotel.

What really happens during a LEGO SERIOUS PLAY® training? In this episode, Michel and Matthias take You behind the scenes and share what makes the learning experience so impactful. We talk about the dual-table setup – Experience and Explanation – and why starting with hands-on building is essential. You’ll learn how participants stay in flow, why post-its are powerful, and how questions shape the journey. We also share our own stories, the value of designing Your first workshop, and what it really means to find Your unique voice as a facilitator. Whether You’re about to start Your training or already on the path: This episode offers honest insights, practical tools, and a clear perspective on how to grow in Your role with confidence and clarity.

In this episode, Michel and Matthias check in at the Bricks Boutique Hotel in Frankfurt to explore the vital – yet sometimes underestimated – phase of every LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® workshop: Skills Building. Why is this phase so much more than just an introduction? And what actually happens when facilitators skip it – in the name of saving time? Together, they walk you through the four core exercises that ease participants into the method, build psychological safety, and lay the foundation for meaningful storymaking. From the iconic tower build to the first encounter with metaphors – this episode is a deep dive into what makes workshops truly impactful. Michel shares insights from over 15 years of experience, revealing why skipping the Skills Building phase is like removing the foundation from a house – and expecting it to stand. Whether you're a new facilitator or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with practical reflections, subtle learnings, and that one message we all need to hear: don’t press the red button.

In this episode of The Bricks Boutique Hotel, hosts Michel and Matthias explore the intriguing question: Is there really a best application technique for LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®? Together, they examine the seven different application techniques, analyze their strengths and weaknesses, and challenge a few common assumptions. While both hosts have personal favorites, the question remains: Is there truly one technique that stands above the rest? Or does each method reveal its unique strength depending on the context—whether it’s visualizing individual perspectives, building shared models, or simulating unexpected events?

This episode finds us checking in from Freiburg, as Matthias speaks with Michel – editor of The LSP Magazine – about the freshly printed Issue 18: Your Trademark – Metaphors. Together, they explore how metaphors are more than just figures of speech. In the context of LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY®, they serve as one of the essential backbones – shaping how we facilitate, connect, and make sense of complexity. With examples ranging from medical education to coaching and professional sports, this issue – and this episode – offers fresh perspectives on how metaphorical thinking enhances our practice. Whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned facilitator, this conversation invites you to pause, reflect, and go deeper.

In this special episode of The Bricks Boutique Hotel podcast, the roles are reversed: Michel Cloosterman, normally the co-host of this podcast, becomes the guest. Michel is also the publisher of The LSP Magazine. Born during the early days of the pandemic, the magazine has grown into a central platform for the global LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® community. In this episode, Michel shares how it all began, what inspired him to create the magazine, and the people who make each issue possible. We talk about doubts, new beginnings, collaboration and what it means to build something for – and with – a community. An episode about courage, creativity and connection.

In this episode of The Bricks Boutique Hotel podcast, the hosts dive into the world of workshop facilitation, sharing personal stories of failures that ultimately became valuable learning experiences. From unexpected group dynamics and cultural misunderstandings to unforeseen disruptions—like participants bringing wine into a workshop—they demonstrate that even the best-prepared sessions can take an unpredictable turn. The episode highlights three key insights that are particularly valuable for facilitators: - Mistakes are valuable teachers: Mistakes are inevitable, but they offer essential lessons that help facilitators grow, adapt, and improve their craft. - Preparation is essential: Thorough client interviews and understanding the group's context are crucial to setting the right tone and managing expectations. - Choices and consequences: Every decision made during a workshop impacts the atmosphere and outcomes. Reflecting on these choices helps facilitators develop better instincts and decision-making skills.

In this episode of the Bricks Boutique Hotel podcast, Michel and Matthias discuss why professional training is essential to become a LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® facilitator. They share their personal experiences and explain why books and videos may be inspiring but cannot replace structured training. The focus is on the 4-day training provided by the Association of Master Trainers, which offers in-depth knowledge of the method. Michel and Matthias outline the four key pillars of the training: - Core Process and Seven Application Techniques: The fundamentals of the method, serving as the backbone of every workshop. - Workshop Design: Participants learn to create customized workshops tailored to specific needs. - Theoretical Background: Understanding the scientific foundations to apply the method flexibly and confidently. - Practical Application: Exercises, feedback, and hands-on facilitation opportunities to gain confidence in using the method. In conclusion, they emphasize that the training not only provides a variety of workshop designs as a "starter package" but also lays the foundation for long-term success as a facilitator. 💡 Tip: For German-speaking listeners, there is a complementary episode in the Enten-Talk podcast that also discusses LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® training.

In this episode of The Bricks Boutique Hotel, Michel and Matthias dive into the world of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY. They explain what makes this unique method so special and how it helps people understand complex topics, develop creative solutions, and ensure that every voice in the room is heard. Discover more about: - The origins and scientific foundations of LEGO SERIOUS PLAY – from Flow Theory to Constructionism - The four steps of the core process and why visualizing ideas with LEGO bricks is so effective - Why every participant can make their thoughts tangible and gain new insights - The role of the facilitator and how they support the process - The key benefits of the method Michel and Matthias also discuss the importance of metaphors in the process and how they help make abstract ideas more concrete. Learn why there are no wrong answers in LEGO SERIOUS PLAY and how its playful approach helps unlock new perspectives. The two hosts also share insights into the development of the method and the scientific concepts behind it. Look forward to exciting insights and practical tips for using LEGO SERIOUS PLAY in both professional and personal contexts.

In the first episode of the Bricks Boutique Hotel Podcast, Michel and Matthias introduce themselves. Both are trainers and facilitators of the Association of Master Trainers in the LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® Method and share their experiences with the method. You’ll learn how their journey with LEGO® SERIOUS PLAY® began and what inspired them to start this podcast: to create a space for exchanging ideas about the method, exploring new perspectives, and challenging conventional approaches. They also offer a preview of upcoming episodes, where diverse perspectives and experiences will come together. Through conversations with clients, colleagues, and fellow facilitators, the podcast will provide a space for inspiration, collaborative learning, and fresh insights.