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 misconception...

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....

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 li...

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 indivi...

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 Cirq...

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...

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 throug...

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...

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, emphas...

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 sus...

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 renow...

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 futur...

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 exp...

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 i...

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 j...

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 transfor...

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 conv...

In this episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, host Barnaby talks with Karine Bell, the founder of Rooted Global Village, about the transformative power of clowning. The discussion delves into how clowning can disrupt entrenched patterns on both a societal and individual level, offering liberatory potential through authenticity and vulnerability. Kareen shares her journey into clowning, her exp...

Today Barnaby delves into the concept of 'fun', dispelling various myths about it, and challenging the idea that it is all about escaping reality. Using specific examples from his own work and life, he outlines a different way of conceptualizing fun that often emerges from challenging situations and proposes that the key to experiencing more fun is to embrace difficult tasks. >>CLO...

In this episode of the Clown Spirit Podcast, Barnaby interviews Wangũi wa Kamonji, dancer, facilitator, and bearer of Indigenous African lifeways based in East Africa. Wangũi talks about the dual forces of change driven by the pain of the past and the desire for something new. She discusses her work aimed at healing and creativity, focusing on the intersection of playfulness, creativity, and Indig...

In this episode we dive into the archives to present an interview with the renowned clown teacher Ronlin Foreman. Known for his provocative ideas and unique approach to clowning, Ronlin discusses the fundamental nature of clowns as paradoxical figures who provoke laughter through authenticity rather than gimmicks or jokes. The conversation also explores Rolin's teaching philosophy, which emphasize...

In this episode of the Clown Spirit Podcast, I chat with John Wolfstone about the power of clowning and the trickster archetype in transforming culture and healing the world. The episode delves into the importance of humor, irreverence, and vulnerability in tackling societal crises, while also introducing John's 10-year film project, 'The Village of Lovers,' centered around the Tamera&nb...

In this episode of the Clown Spirit podcast, I engage in a vibrant and playful conversation with Rehana Tejpar, an organizational midwife, facilitator, leadership coach, mediator, and movement artist. We explore the unique ways Rehana brings creativity, dance, and clowning into organizational contexts to foster connection, resolve conflicts, and cultivate authentic leadership. This visual and dyna...

This episode explores the sacred and transformative nature of clowning, tracing its origins to ancient and tribal traditions. It highlights how clowning, deeply rooted in communal and spiritual practices, serves as a powerful tool for self-discovery and connection. Drawing from "The Sacred Source," a unit from the eight-week course The Clown Connection, the discussion examines the roles of sacred...

My guest on this week's podcast is Briony Greenhill, a vocal improviser and collaborative vocal improvisation teacher. Briony shares her unique perspective on combining creative practices, such as singing and clowning, with political activism and personal growth. Discussing the transformative power of vocal improvisation, Briony explains how these practices can influence social change. The podcast...