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 emphasizes student intuition and the importance of suffering for meaningful learning. Additionally, Ronlin shares insights on the pedagogical use of 'falling' to teach about failure and resilience, his views on ensemble work as a metaphor for community, and the significance of engaging with the unknown in clowning. The episode concludes with a reminder about the upcoming Clownvergence event, set to be the largest online clown conference ever.

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS

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 eco-village in Portugal. The discussion covers themes of regeneration, emergence, and the influence of Eros. We also talk about upcoming events, including the Fugitive Futures Summit. Filled with profound insights and lively conversation, this episode highlights the potential of clowning to unlock stuck energy and inspire new ways of thinking.

>>VILLAGE OF LOVERS

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS 

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 dynamic interview delves into Rehana's methodologies, including transformative coaching, authentic movement, and dialogue for peaceful change.

I also encourage you to to watch the full video on YouTube for the complete experience of Rehana's expressive and embodied communication style.

>>REHANA'S WEBSITE

 >>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS 

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 clowns in Native American and European rituals, emphasizing their unique ability to navigate the balance between light and dark energies.

The episode delves into themes like the cultural significance of shame, the influence of secret societies, and the importance of facing fears to unlock the deeper essence of clowning. By revisiting these traditions, modern clowns are encouraged to engage with their communities and foster a sense of balance and authenticity in their craft. Ultimately, this introspective conversation seeks to inspire performers to rediscover the transformative and communal power of clowning, offering insights to enrich their artistic and spiritual journey.

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS 

Books and articles cited:

Barbara Babcock. "Arrange Me into Disorder: Fragments and Reflections on Ritual Clowning." Rite, Drama, Festival, Spectacle: Rehearsals toward a Theory of Cultural Performance (1984) pp. 102-28.

Lucile Hoerr Charles. "The Clown's Function." The Journal of American Folklore 58: 227 (1945) pp. 25-34

Peggy Beck, Anna Lee Walters, Nia Francisco. The Sacred: Ways of Knowledge, Sources of Life. 1990.

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 delves into themes of ritual, community connection, and the necessity of creating spaces for authentic expression and empowerment. Briony's insights, coupled with tracks from her albums, provide a compelling exploration of how art and activism can intersect to foster a more connected and inspired world.

>>BRIONY'S WEBSITE

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS

I go back to the source this week to bring you a conversation with Sue Morrison, who first taught me to clown. We reflect on our work together in an often frank exchange. Sue also shares her journey into clowning, discussing the influence of mask work and her mentor, Richard Pachinko. We delve into the philosophy of clowning, including the importance of connecting with the audience, working from the heart, and the transformative nature of performance. Sue emphasizes the role of love in clowning and the necessity of being genuine and vulnerable on stage. The episode also touches on the impact of the pandemic on clowning and the unique process of creating clown shows.

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS

In this episode I offer a deeply personal reflection on my journey into the world of clowning, highlighting some pivotal life moments and transformative experiences. Ultimately I aim to demonstrate, through my own story, the symbiotic relationship between personal suffering and artistic process. To do this I discuss some aspects of my childhood, family background, and the unexpected ways personal traits such as sensitivity, fear, and a sense of superiority fueled my clowning persona. I reveal challenges I faced due to emotional volatility and how attending Sue Morrison's clowning workshop helped me harness raw emotions and vulnerability to connect profoundly with audiences. As always I am most interested in the spiritual and humanistic dimensions of clowning, and my belief that anyone willing to openly embrace their imperfections can create powerful artistic expressions that resonate on a deeply human level.

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS 

In this episode of the Clown Spirit Podcast, host Barnaby King interviews Manish Jain, a real-life trickster and advocate of unlearning. Jain shares his transformative journey from the American dream to founding alternative education initiatives like Ecoversities and Swaraj University in India. The discussion explores the metaphorical connections between clowning and unlearning, including playful disruptions of traditional systems and the importance of embracing failure. Jain discusses his experiences of 'unlearning' with his grandmother, including using goat manure for healing, which challenged conventional beliefs. He emphasizes the need for playfulness, resilience, and reimagining societal norms to enact social change. Jain invites listeners to rediscover abundance and trust, sharing insights on how unlearning can influence various life aspects, including education, community, and personal happiness.

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS 

From minstrelsy to Aunt Jemima ads, pejorative representations of African Americans in popular culture has created barriers to their participation in clowning, especially for women of color. In this episode I discuss these issues with Michelle Matlock, pioneering Black female clown performer, through the lens of her work and 25 year career in clowning.

In this synthesized version of our clownversation (see link above) Michelle and I discuss barriers, in particular those around race and gender, that prevent equal access to clowning and how they can be overcome. Michelle shares her journey in clowning, challenges faced by people of color in the performance industry, and her acclaimed solo show, 'The Mammy Project.' The conversation extends to Michelle's experience in Cirque de Soleil, the significance of decolonizing clowning, and the importance of bringing diverse cultural perspectives into clowning.

>>MICHELLE'S WEBSITE

  >>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS 

In Why Clown? Why Now? host Barnaby King delves into the crucial role of clowning in addressing the current global crises. He discusses the emotional turmoil people face today—overwhelm, guilt, anxiety—and attributes it to disconnection from ourselves, others, and our spiritual roots. He explores three main aspects of clowning: acknowledging truths, breaking rules to inspire new possibilities, and fostering deep connections. Clowning is a transformative force that can help individuals and society heal and reimagine a better future. The episode concludes with a practical manifesto advocating for grounding in community, personal clowning practice, and leading through clowning in various aspects of life.

>>CLOWN SPIRIT LINKS