Circle Holding

In this episode, Tessa and Julia review the highlights of the interviews with guest speakers who are circle facilitators representing diverse participants and interests.

In this episode, Tessa and Jewels Wingfield ([https://jewelswingfield.com/](https://jewelswingfield.com/)) talked about: - The value of circle lies both in the content and the spaciousness to integrate the process - Going into a deep process with one person in circle can create dysregulation for the others and the importance of checking in after peak moments - The helpful analogy of a 'slow meal'...

In this episode, Tessa and Julia read a couple of circle stories each from their book published in 2024. They unpack those stories and provide an update of what their facilitating circles on in 2026.

In this interview Tessa spoke to Natalie from [https://www.evolvebreathbody.com/](https://www.evolvebreathbody.com/) about: - Boundaries and consent - Slowing down consent with practising when body is saying yes and when no - How presence underpins all the other practices - In longer sessions or trainings, it's important not to make big decisions until learning integrated - Honesty is important fr...

In this episode, Julia and Tessa talk about how the book came about, the different voices in the book, how to use it if you're a budding facilitator and more.

In this episode, Tessa and Claire talked about: - from corporate to coaching - finding meaning through a different kind of leadership - creating a structure in circle to let the magic happen - a focus on the quality of process rather than the outcome - different from coaching because not asking follow up questions about how someone feels or about their experience - important to manage participants...

In this episode Galia shares: * introducing creative writing in a women's shelter * creating a safe enough space to share personal experience * building trust within your circle * creating a space for creative feedback * how best to provide creative writing feedback in circle * the value of writing as an alternative to speaking * the importance of having appropriately trained individuals in trauma...

In this episode, Tessa and Julia: - gave two examples of settling practices to prepare the ground for listening - discussed the importance of caring for people's nervous systems as part of a circle - showed how your vulnerability may make it safer for others to share - shared guidelines that are essential for creating the container for deep listening - explored how pacing the sharing is important,...

In this episode, Tessa and Julia shared how they brought the end of the year to their circles with ideas of practices you might use for the Winter Solstice, the New Year or the ending of a series of circle sessions.

If you're new to the Circle Holding podcast, this episode will give you a glimpse into the interviews with diverse circle facilitators in Series 3.

Alex and Julia talked about: • First encountered circles at Church with age group and older facilitator • Came back to circle in his thirties with a lot more life experience • Was a journalist in lifestyle and wellbeing who attended a circle out of curiosity and to write an article, to being asked to host one • Started with a one hour circle for 6-8 weeks • Is inspired by Men’s Speak, men’s circle...

Julia and Tessa talk about the importance of the welcome to circle, including the pre-circle preparation and how welcomes might differ according to your demographic.

Sophie and Tessa talked about: • Moving away from right and wrong dynamics to a different way of engaging • Restorative justice addresses harm after it has happened e.g. working with local police • Restorative practice is about every interaction, shifting out of who’s right and wrong and to what really matters and how can we move forwards • I-messaging means talking from my personal experience rat...

In this episode, Tessa and Julia talked about facilitating appropriate vulnerability, considering how the fear of vulnerability can be a real barrier to attending a talking circle, but when being vulnerable in a safe space can be incredibly empowering.

In this interview Rob and Julia discussed: • How Rob came to attend his first circle • Had transferable skills from being a personal trainer, knew how to give person space to speak • Co-facilitates the circle at Uncommon Man – bring different skills and give each other support e.g. debriefing and planning • Also has support through Whatsapp group with other men’s circle facilitators • Charges for...

In this episode Julia & Tessa talk about how to create space for examining feelings: * Alternatives to "how are you" to create space for heart led conversation * Creating questions that lead to sharing stories * The value of lightness and humour * Starting shallow, going deep

Tessa and Kate talked about • Poems can create the shared space; poems that are appropriate for and speak to who is there • Poetry as a joining-in activity to be shared aloud as in the tradition of oral history, not like a pressed flower in a book • The poem creates a structure for people and children to organise their thoughts and even learn a language • As a facilitator, she narrates the experie...

In this episode, Tessa and Julia talked about how circle time can utilise the special environment of a retreat to deepen practices and sharing. They give some examples of where circle was used well and where it wasn't used at all.

In this interview with Davis J Williams and Julia Davis, they talked about: • Moving from the competitive field of football coaching where some young people struggled to participate to supporting youth in the community • In Gambia, found that young boys went through a rite of passage at 13 years old and saw the difference that made to their self-respect, discipline, self-control and ambition • The...

In this conversation, Tessa and Julia talked about what open and closed circles are, what the benefits are and what you might consider when setting them up. Enjoy!

In this interview with Ariel Kahn and Julia Davis, they discussed: Building relationships through a shared passion for literature The importance of creating spaces where everyone feels comfortable Changing the location of your circle The use of food and drink to build community How creative writing can be used as a bridge between communities The power of curiosity Literature as an olive branch for...

In this episode, Tessa and Julia shared their highlights of the past 14 episodes including: - the power of circles with children and young people (Roy Leighton, Sophie King-Hill and Nellie Harden) - the importance of embodiment in talking circles for the participants and as a circle facilitator (Henika Patel and Marta Fabregat) - the spectrum of circles from in your living room to an international...

In this episode, Tessa and Nellie talk about: • Circles show up in all sorts of places like music groups and choirs • Growth happens in relationship, not isolation, which makes circles perfect for change • Modern life with devices and social media makes it hard for families to do active listening with each other • Get clarity about your child’s learning language so your message gets through e.g. p...

In this episode, Julia and Tessa covered: - The benefits of both online and in person circles - The challenges of online and additional guidelines you might put into place - The additional work that an in person circle might involve in setting up the physical space - Examples of how both online and in person circles have worked with different demographics.