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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...

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...

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 –...

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...

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...

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
-...

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...