In this episode of the Clown Spirit Podcast, Barnaby King, founder of Clown Spirit, delves into the persistent question of how to know if you're doing a good job as a clown. Using examples from the Clown Spirit Village community and his own experiences, Barnaby explores three distinct perspectives: learning through feedback loops, the transactional nature of clowning, and the transcendent experience of shared humanity. He reflects on how these ideas apply both to clowning and to life, arguing for a balance between external validation and internal authenticity. The episode encourages listeners to embrace the spontaneous and interconnected nature of clowning, ultimately inviting clowns and non-clowns alike to step over the edge of the cliff and let the 'clown gods' guide them.
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32:09
Four Arrows: Clowning and Indigenous Wisdom
This episode features Four Arrows (a.k.a.) Wahinkpe Topa, indigenous scholar, author, and educator dedicated to decolonization and transformative learning. The conversation delves into Four Arrows' unique understanding of the Lakota clown traditions, specifically the Heyoka, and explores how humor and contrary behavior can serve as tools for subversion and resilience. Four Arrows shares personal insights and jokes, illustrating the power of humor in indigenous practices for healing and community bonding. The episode also touches on Four Arrows' experiences in academia, his views on hypnosis and self-transformation, and his belief in the sacred role of clowns in bringing balance to the world.
>>INDIGENOUS WORLDVIEW CHART
>>FOUR ARROWS' BOOKS
>>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES
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1:10:05
Why Are We Clownverging?
In this episode I reflect on the upcoming CLOWNVERGENCE conference and what it really means for me and what I've learned from organizing it. I dive into some of the contradictory motivations and emotions I feel as a long-time social organizer who is also socially averse. And of course I bring these reflections back the subject of clowning itself as a way of clarifying what is truly important not just about CLOWNVERGENCE but about clowning (and life) in general.
>>Register for CLOWNVERGENCE
>>Find out more about CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE
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22:16
Bayo Akomolafe: Clowning the Cracks
In this episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, I talk with guest Bayo Akomolafe, celebrated speaker, teacher, and self-styled 'fugitive'. We talk about themes of playfulness, innovation, and the concept of 'cracks'—the imperfections and gaps that exist within systems. Bayo eloquently discusses how these cracks are not merely flaws but essential elements that facilitate newness and transformation. The conversation was an organic and improvised 'mess', interspersed with humor, interruptions by Bayo's son, and para-reflection. Bayo's poetic and philosophical insights challenge traditional notions of innovation, perfection, and moral policing, advocating instead for a deeper engagement with the fluid and mysterious aspects of life. This conversation underscored for me the value (perhaps necessity) of embracing imperfections.
>>BAYO'S WEBSITE
>>CLOWNVERGENCE (3 Day Online Clowning Conference)
>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS
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49:15
Jay Vidyarthi: Clowning Around with Technology
In this episode of the Clown Spirit Podcast, I chat with Jay Vidyarthi, a meditator, tech enthusiast, designer, entrepreneur, and author of the book 'Reclaim Your Mind: Seven Strategies to Enjoy Tech Mindfully.' Jay discusses the attention economy, the concept of translating digital engagement into human connections, and the need for boundaries and self-awareness in tech usage. The conversation touches on the deeper role of clowning in addressing human emotions, the importance of confronting discomfort, and the playfulness required to navigate modern life. Jay also shares personal anecdotes about the challenges of promoting his book and balancing different identities. The episode emphasizes joy, authenticity, and the fearless spirit of clowning as tools for a healthier, more mindful relationship with technology.
>>JAY'S BOOK
>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS
Explorations into all the colors, dimensions and constellations of clown practice. Some episodes find Barnaby in conversation with influential thought leaders and clown artists, while in others it's just little old him reflecting on the power of the ridiculous.
New Zealand