Clown Spirit Podcast

In this episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, I address the growing sense of busyness and stress in modern life, and how clowning can provide us with an antidote to this. I talk a bit about the significance of spaciousness and stillness in both life and clowning, and then I bring you a grounding meditation exercise by renowned clown teacher Sky de Sela. The episode highlights the misconceptions about clowning as mere high-energy activity and emphasizes the importance of combining chaos with moments of contemplative quiet. Ultimately, the podcast provides practical advice and exercises to help integrate the principles of clowning into daily life, aiming to create both internal and external spaciousness. >>MORE ABOUT CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE

This episode is a look back at one of my favorite Clownversation guests: Tweedy, the renowned British clown. The conversation covers Tweedy's career path, starting from his early inspirations and his unexpected shift from animation to clowning. It delves into Tweedy's experiences performing in various settings including Gifford Circus, mainstream theatre, and notable shows like 'Waiting for Godot.' The discussion highlights the evolution of his acts, the impact of COVID-19 on his performances, and his philosophy on clowning. The script also touches on Tweedy's interactions with other renowned clowns and directors, as well as his celebrity fans. The conversation wraps up with insights into his upcoming projects and the unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles in his work.

In this episode, I chat with Nora Bateson about the power of possibility—how it's woven through the connections between people, places, and organisms. Nora's work spans a range of fields, from art and filmmaking to writing and academia, and we explore how it intersects with the legacy of her father, Gregory Bateson. We dive deep into systems thinking, the importance of play, and the ways modern life has become more disconnected, especially with the rise of AI and social media. Nora shares her thoughts on how these technologies can contribute to disconnection and why it's essential to nurture more sensory, analog ways of engaging with the world to truly appreciate life. Along the way, we touch on intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonial and industrial histories, and how rigid systems thinking limits our ability to imagine new possibilities. Nora also makes a powerful case for play—not as a frivolous distraction, but as a crucial survival tool and a way to navigate the complexities of today's world. We discuss how play, humor, and improvisation can fuel creativity, resilience, and even revolution in the face of despair. This conversation is a reminder to stay grounded, foster real human connections, and embrace the ongoing practice of imagining new ways of being in the world. >>THE BATESON INSTITUTE >>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES >>CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE

In this week's solo episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, Barnaby explores the profound impact and inherent challenges of clowning, as well as how clowns can facilitate collective transformation. Through insights from personal clown training experiences, he examines the paradox of clowns' openness and vulnerability, which can lead to both powerful connections and the risk of losing individuality. This episode delves into the essential qualities that clowns bring to moments of societal change, the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness, and the parallels between clowning and spiritual practice. >>CLOWN SPIRIT

In this heartfelt episode of the Clown Spirit Podcast, host Barnaby King interviews Nathaniel Allenby, an inspirational circus entrepreneur, public speaker, and advocate of kindness. Nathaniel shares his remarkable journey of traveling over 28,000 miles on a bicycle while busking and surviving on the kindness of strangers. His experiences led him to the art of clowning and eventually founding Cirque Quirk in San Diego. Nathaniel discusses his new book, 'The Cycle of Kindness,' and his desire to share the warmth, generosity of spirit and faith in humanity that he discovered on his journey. He also talks about his future plans in psychology and emotional intelligence to make a profound positive impact on the world. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, generosity, and the power of clowning. >>The Cycle of Kindness >>Clown Spirit