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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

This episode finds Barnaby in conversation with Rakesh, also known as 'Rootsman Rak', a multifaceted creator, permaculture expert, yoga teacher and DJ. The discussion revolves around Rakesh's life journey from a poor immigrant family in East London to his diverse career paths. Rakesh delves into topics such as resilience, storytelling, systemic injustice, the importance of expressing emotions, and maintaining a sense of wonder and awe. Through his experiences, he demonstrates a natural connection with clowning concepts, particularly in the context of honesty and presence. The conversation emphasizes the value of interconnecting clowning with broader social practices to foster joy, lightness, and connection. >Upcycled Henry Hoover Project >More from Rakesh >Clown Spirit Resources

In this episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, Barnaby delves into the misuse of the term 'clown' as an insult, focusing on Tim Cunningham's Washington Post article that argues against calling political figures like Donald Trump clowns. Barnaby reflects on the word's dual significance both as a professional title and as an archetypal character. He explores the deeper truths that clowns reveal through their foolishness and the cultural potency of using the term in political critique. The episode challenges listeners to navigate the tension between protecting the sacred art of clowning and embracing its messy, contradictory meanings, ultimately questioning whether the term should be policed or allowed its complex, paradoxical existence. >>Read Tim Cunningham article  >>MORE FROM CLOWN SPIRIT

In this podcast episode, Tad Hargrave, a seasoned marketer specializing in ethical marketing for holistic practitioners, discusses his approach to marketing without manipulation. He delves into the common aversion to self-promotion, the unethical aspects of conventional marketing, and the importance of honesty and ethics in promoting one's work. Tad also shares his 'seven fundamentals' of ethical marketing and provides valuable advice specific to artists and performers, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and leveraging connections rather than relying solely on self-promotion. The conversation also touches on the relevance of clowning and the unique challenges faced by clowns in marketing their art. >>MORE FROM CLOWN SPIRIT   >>MARKETING FOR HIPPIES WEBSITE

In this episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, I welcome Slava Sapershteyn (Slap and Shine), a clown and Gestalt therapist originally from Ukraine and now living in Canada. The discussion delves into Slava’s unique journey, her alternative last name, and the significance of slapping as metaphors in her work. We explore the parallels between mycelial networks and human relational systems, emphasizing the importance of contact, curiosity, and resilience. Slava shares her perspectives on the interplay between clowning and therapy, the role of humor, and the value of creating spaces for healing and connection. The conversation highlights the profound impact of metaphors and relational practices in fostering human connection and understanding. >>SLAVA SAPERSHTEYN'S WEBSITE >>MORE FROM CLOWN SPIRIT

In this episode, we delve into how to turn clowning into a full-time career. Learn the key skills needed to create a successful clown-related business. The host shares personal experiences from over two decades in the clowning world and introduces a new course called 'The Business of Clowning.' Discover the importance of strategic planning, tactical skills, and holistic wellbeing in building a sustainable career in clowning. The episode also offers insights into persistence, diversification, and communication as vital components for success. >>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES

In this episode, we revisit an iconic clown-versation interview with Norwegian comedian and clown Viggo Venn, who won Britain's Got Talent in 2023. The conversation delves into Viggo's journey from his first clown workshop to his triumphant win, his interactions with the judges, and the technical details of his performances. Viggo also shares insights into his inspirations, his training with renowned clown teacher Philippe Gaulier, and his teaching experiences. The episode highlights the essence of clowning and Viggo's future plans, while celebrating the joy and vulnerability in his art. Viggo's BGT performances Viggo's Website CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES Original Clown-versation Video

In this episode, we explore the powerful and subversive vision of Abhijit Sinha, founder of Project Defy, an organization dedicated to transforming education. Based in Bangalore, India, Project Defy challenges the conventional 'factory model' of education, emphasizing community-driven learning and the importance of reclaiming the present for children rather than preparing them solely for the future. Abijit shares his personal journey from a disillusioned corporate worker to a pioneering educational innovator, highlighting the need to shift human narratives from economy-centric to happiness-centric. Throughout the discussion, we delve into the importance of leadership, community, and the transformative potential of embracing paradoxes in the quest to build a more connected and thoughtful world. >>PROJECT DEFY WEBSITE >>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES >>VIDEO OF CONVERSATION

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. >>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES

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

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