Movers Mindset

What are the personal transformations that occur through competitive rowing and movement practices like Parkour?

Roberto Regueiro Santiago discusses his years rowing crew, both as an athlete and a coach, and his thoughts on the competitive nature of the sport. Roberto shares how an injury changed his perspective and opened up his possibilities, leading him to Fighting Monkey and parkour. He explains his ideas of mastery, as well as his approach to games and training.

"I don't think it's totally necessary to master everything that you do in your own practice. But master something which gives you a deep understanding — what the thing is, [and] feels [like] in the first moment that you feel like that song, like the flow state — is when you really master something." ~ Roberto Rugueiro Santiago (1:29)

Roberto Santiago reflects on his journey from competitive rowing to movement disciplines like Parkour and Fighting Monkey. He describes rowing as the first activity where he truly experienced mastery, emphasizing the deep bond and unity formed within rowing teams. Roberto shares how the rigorous nature of rowing, with its intense focus on competition, shaped his understanding of perseverance and teamwork. However, an injury ultimately shifted his priorities, leading him to explore movement practices that prioritize longevity and holistic development over winning.

In discussing his transition to Parkour and coaching, Roberto highlights the importance of sharing his passion with others, describing coaching as a way to create training partners and foster community. He values the playful, game-centered approach in Parkour, which contrasts sharply with the rigid, competition-driven world of rowing. Games, he notes, allow for self-exploration, creativity, and growth without the pressure to outperform others, fostering a sustainable and enjoyable practice.

Takeaways

Mastery through competition — Rowing provided the first experience of mastery, teaching the importance of understanding a discipline deeply.

Community in hardship — Growing up in a poor rowing club instilled a sense of responsibility and collective ownership.

Injury as transformation — An accident forced a reevaluation of priorities, shifting focus from competition to personal development.

Longevity mindset — Parkour introduced the idea of sustainable practice, allowing for rest and self-compassion without fear of falling behind.

Games as learning tools — Using games in Parkour creates a playful, low-pressure environment conducive to growth and self-awareness.

Rowing's hidden costs — Rowing built strength but also structural imbalances, highlighting the importance of cross-training and mobility work.

Coaching for connection — Coaching is not just about teaching but creating peers to share in the practice and maintain engagement.

Acceptance of limitations — Aging brings acceptance that not every day will bring improvement, but consistent practice remains vital.

Unity in competition — High-level competition fosters respect and camaraderie, even among competitors.

Resources

The Movement Creative — A Parkour and movement organization where Roberto Santiago coaches and trains.

Fighting Monkey — A movement practice that integrates games and physical exploration, significantly influencing Roberto’s training philosophy.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

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What role does community involvement and accessibility play in shaping inclusive, multigenerational spaces for Parkour and movement practice?

Blake Evitt discusses the importance of partnering with your community, creating multigenerational spaces for training, as well as how he does that in his hometown of Boston. He unpacks the influence that traveling had on his training, coaching, and business, as well as his own personal growth. Blake shares his thoughts on a number of subjects, including becoming vegetarian, the ADAPT coaching qualifications, and the United States Parkour Association.

"Our goal with the park was to make a multigenerational movement space, not just a place where Parkour can happen but also a place where people can explore and be comfortable." ~ Blake Evitt (3:37)

The conversation explores how Parkour can serve as a tool for creating inclusive, multigenerational community spaces. A key focus is the development of public Parkour spaces, particularly in Somerville, Boston, where Parkour generations have helped design and steward municipally funded parks. The dialogue highlights the integration of Parkour for all ages, with specific classes for children, adults, and older practitioners, ensuring accessibility and fostering a communal experience. The discussion underscores the importance of designing spaces that allow for interaction across generations and between different activities, such as skateboarding and basketball.

Blake Evitt's personal journey through international travel and cultural exchange plays a significant role in shaping his approach to Parkour and community building. His experiences training with Parkour groups worldwide inform his leadership in Parkour Generations Americas and the growth of Parkour Generations Boston. The interview touches on Evitt's coaching philosophy, the significance of adapting Parkour for older adults, and the broader value of Parkour as a means of personal development, community engagement, and positive social change.

Takeaways

Community-driven Parkour spaces — The creation of municipally funded Parkour parks can foster multigenerational interaction and community engagement.

Inclusivity in coaching — Offering classes for different age groups, including older adults and young children, increases accessibility and broadens participation in Parkour.

Travel as professional growth — Exposure to global Parkour communities enriches personal development and informs local initiatives and coaching practices.

Public Parkour spaces — Collaborative efforts with city governments to build Parkour spaces ensure long-term stewardship and positive community relations.

Adaptive teaching methods — Classes are designed to accommodate varying physical capabilities, promoting longevity and inclusivity in the practice.

Cultural exchange through Parkour — Hosting international events like American Rendezvous creates opportunities for idea sharing and global collaboration.

Integrating Parkour into family life — Simultaneous adult and children’s classes encourage family participation and deepen community ties.

Coaching as a refined skill — Effective Parkour coaching requires development and refinement, similar to technical Parkour skills.

The role of competition — Personal goal-setting and competition provide structure and drive for practitioners, complementing non-competitive aspects of Parkour.

Resources

Parkour Generations Boston — The Boston branch of Parkour Generations, focusing on inclusive community programs and coaching.

Parkour Generations Americas — The parent organization overseeing Parkour Generations branches in the U.S., supporting growth and community engagement.

American Rendezvous — A large international Parkour event in Boston fostering cross-cultural exchange and community building.

Adapt Qualifications — International Parkour coaching certification program, emphasizing structured coaching development.

United States Parkour Association (USPK) — National organization fostering collaboration, safety standards, and community growth in the Parkour community.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What does it mean to make movement more accessible and inclusive for everyone, regardless of background or athletic ability?

In this episode Cordelia Storm unpacks her thoughts about accessibility, the effects of a gym on a community, and her motivation for learning flips. She delves into her personal journey, as well as her relationship with competition. Cordelia mentions her documentary project, and finishes by tackling the concepts of gender, age, and representation in the parkour space.

"In that moment I realized that my voice did matter. Now what? From then on, that just became a big passion— to have people love movement, love feeling their bodies, and like playing." ~ Cordelia Storm (30:55)

The conversation centers on the transformative power of parkour, not just as a physical discipline but as a tool for personal growth, inclusivity, and empowerment. Cordelia Storm shares her journey into parkour, starting from a background in theater and video games, and how the practice helped her overcome personal struggles, including bulimia. A large part of the discussion revolves around how parkour promotes accessibility and how Cordelia works to make movement available to a wider audience. She highlights how parkour shifted her relationship with her body, turning exercise from a punitive activity into a joyful and empowering experience.

Another key topic explored is the emotional impact of losing a community gym and how it challenged the parkour community to adapt and rebuild. Cordelia discusses the importance of outdoor classes and fostering micro-communities within them to maintain connection and continuity. The conversation also touches on gender representation in parkour, the evolving nature of competition, and the broader social and cultural implications of making movement inclusive. Cordelia’s passion for flips and overcoming fear is used as a metaphor for confronting personal barriers, showing how physical challenges in parkour mirror deeper internal struggles and victories.

Takeaways

Losing a community gym — The closure of Parkour Visions' physical gym space profoundly affected the local community, forcing adaptations in teaching and community building.

Empowering coaches — Building smaller community hubs within classes strengthens the overall parkour community even in the absence of a central gym.

Flips as self-overcoming — Flips in parkour symbolize confronting personal fears and limitations, reflecting broader themes of self-growth and perseverance.

Movement for healing — Parkour provided Cordelia with a path to body acceptance and a healthier self-image after struggling with bulimia.

Representation in parkour — Having visible female athletes and coaches plays a crucial role in encouraging more women to participate in parkour.

The value of competition — Competitions offer opportunities for growth, but can initially feel intimidating and exclusionary, requiring a shift in mindset.

Accessible movement — Parkour needs to be reimagined beyond elite skills, making even basic movements relatable to those new to the discipline.

Emotional vulnerability — Parkour offers men and women spaces to explore vulnerability and overcome ego, fostering deeper emotional intelligence.

Resources

Parkour Visions — The gym and organization where Cordelia started parkour and continues to teach.

Art of Retreat — A parkour leadership gathering frequently referenced in the conversation.

Movement Creative — A community-focused parkour organization associated with Caitlin Pontrella.

APEX School of Movement — A parkour gym where Cordelia worked as head coach.

Vancouver Film School — The institution where Cordelia studied film before discovering parkour.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What role should competition and commercialization play in shaping the future of Parkour?

Mark Toorock shares his thoughts on the commercialization of parkour, FIG and competitions, as well as the direction parkour is headed. He also opens up about his personal goals for parkour, raising the socially acceptable age of play, and how he sees himself within the community. Mark wraps up by discussing the power of parkour to benefit all people.

"The thing for me about Parkour is, if I can make one person that used to walk with their head down, walk with their head up, that’s the change in the world. We don't change the world, we change a person." ~ Mark Toorock (32:32)

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of Parkour, focusing on commercialization, competition, and the community's shifting mindset. Mark Toorock reflects on the initial resistance within the Parkour community to monetization and contrasts it with the growing acceptance as practitioners age and recognize the need to sustain their passion financially. The discussion highlights the complexity of maintaining Parkour’s spirit while enabling financial opportunities, drawing parallels to artists who monetize their craft without compromising authenticity.

Competition is another critical focus, with Mark advocating for a non-competitive foundation in Parkour while embracing competitions based on Parkour movements. He stresses that competition need not undermine the spirit of Parkour and can coexist with a community-driven, collaborative ethos. The conversation touches on the potential risks of external organizations, like the International Gymnastics Federation, attempting to control Parkour competitions and the broader implications for public perception. Additionally, Mark emphasizes the importance of maintaining play as a socially acceptable activity for adults, advocating for a culture that values lifelong movement and exploration.

Takeaways

Commercialization of Parkour — The community’s initial aversion to making money from Parkour has shifted as practitioners recognize the need to sustain their involvement.

Parkour as a Profession — Many who once resisted monetization now seek ways to make Parkour their career, reflecting personal growth and practical needs.

Competition and Parkour — Parkour can remain non-competitive at its core while allowing competitions to highlight athleticism and skill.

Dual Nature of Competitions — Competitions can coexist with the collaborative, non-competitive practice of Parkour without diminishing the community spirit.

External Influence — There is concern over outside organizations, like FIG, attempting to co-opt Parkour for profit or recognition, which could misrepresent the practice.

Cultural Impact — Parkour’s visibility and public perception could change significantly through organized competitions at national and international levels.

Parkour for All Ages — The practice spans generations, with both young children and seniors benefiting from participation.

Social Norms and Play — Mark’s mission is to normalize play for adults, challenging societal norms that discourage play as people age.

Inclusivity in Parkour — Parkour creates a space where background, age, and social differences dissolve, fostering unity and shared experience.

Resources

American Parkour — The organization founded by Mark Toorock, dedicated to promoting Parkour through training, events, and education.

Urban Freeflow — One of the foundational Parkour organizations co-founded by Mark Toorock, contributing to Parkour’s spread globally.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What motivates someone to push beyond personal limits in dance, Parkour, and other movement disciplines to achieve mastery?

Emily Tung shares her journey and goals in both breaking and parkour, as well as the differences between those two practices and communities. She also discusses her diverse movement practices, from stunt work, contortion, to pole dancing, as well as her lesser known skills in puppetry. Emily finishes by unpacking her thoughts on coaching, unsolicited advice, and speaking up for yourself.

"For me then, it's not about what is the correct or right way. It's, what is your goal? And what's your body like? And what can I do, and what applies best, and I have to decide that I have to be strong about that. I think that was another plateau. I had it back in my old life where I always listened to exactly what I was told." ~ Emily Tung (56:13)

The conversation explores how committing to ambitious goals reshapes personal habits, training, and overall lifestyle. Emily recounts how a decision to pursue world-level breakdancing battles triggered a broader transformation, leading to better nutrition, rest, and learning from mentors. This commitment highlighted the importance of focus and intentionality in practice, contrasting with periods of stagnant growth when goals were less defined.

The discussion also touches on the cross-disciplinary nature of movement arts, showing how Parkour, dance, and martial arts influence each other. Emily reflects on how Parkour provided a sense of community and freedom not always found in the dance world, fostering creativity and resilience. The journey through stunt work, puppetry, and contortion further illustrates the diverse ways movement disciplines intersect, shaping not just physical skills but also mental perspectives and personal identity.

Takeaways

The value of clear goals — Committing to ambitious targets reshapes training, habits, and lifestyle.

The importance of mentorship — Seeking knowledge from those already on the path accelerates growth and insight.

Cross-disciplinary learning — Parkour, dance, and martial arts inform and enhance each other, enriching overall movement capacity.

Community impact — Parkour provides acceptance and connection, contrasting with more judgmental environments in dance.

Injury prevention — Understanding progressions and conditioning transforms how to train sustainably and avoid long-term damage.

Stunt work insights — Success in stunts relies on spatial awareness, timing, and the ability to "sell" movements realistically.

Adaptability in movement — Flexibility and contortion expand creative possibilities in Parkour and dance.

The challenge of unsolicited advice — Navigating unwanted input from less experienced peers requires tact and boundary-setting.

Resources

Brooklyn Zoo Gym — Training facility where the guest developed contortion and Parkour skills.

Swedish Cottage Marionette Theatre — Puppetry venue where the guest performed.

Max Henry @maxhenryparkour

Caitlin Pontrella — Organizer of women’s Parkour events in New York.

HRC Crew @hrchybridcrew — Influential dance crew in Taiwan, significant to the guest’s early inspiration in breakdancing.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What draws people away from conventional careers and into lives centered on movement, manual labor, and holistic living?

Chris Moran discusses his unique path from personal trainer to farmer, and the relationship between movement and farming. He shares his insights on chronic pain and pain theory, as well as how his training and coaching has become deeply rooted in permaculture. Chris ends by describing his continuing passion for film making and creative projects.

"Stay outside. It's not, go outside, it's stay outside. Should have never went in, in the first place." ~ Chris Moran (37:40)

The conversation explores the journey of transitioning from urban life and personal training to farming and manual labor. It highlights how engaging with nature and physical tasks provides fulfillment beyond traditional fitness routines. The discussion touches on the serendipitous path that led to farming, the connections made along the way, and how these experiences reshaped views on movement and training.

Key topics include the relationship between manual labor and physical movement, the philosophy of holistic farming practices like permaculture, and how immersive experiences can alter perspectives on wellness and pain. The dialogue also reflects on the challenges of chronic pain, the psychological factors contributing to it, and how shifting to a lifestyle focused on play and practical tasks helped alleviate it. The conversation closes by touching on filmmaking and community building as extensions of this holistic approach.

Takeaways

The role of serendipity — Unplanned encounters and connections can lead to life-changing career shifts.

Movement in manual labor — Engaging in physical work offers a different but equally fulfilling form of movement compared to traditional training.

Parkour as a mindset — Movement practices like Parkour shape broader approaches to life, even when not practiced formally.

Pain science insights — Understanding pain through a biopsychosocial model can alter how chronic pain is managed and perceived.

Permaculture and sustainability — Farming practices rooted in sustainability and regeneration foster holistic wellness.

Community around food — Building community through shared labor and food ties people to place and each other.

Teaching through play — Guiding adults and children in play-based movement fosters deeper engagement with physical activity.

Filmmaking as storytelling — Documenting farm life through film creates a lasting record and strengthens community bonds.

Resources

Cherry Valley Cooperative — The farm where the guest lives and works, practicing permaculture and holistic wellness.

Cherry Valley Films on YouTube — Monthly videos documenting farm life and seasonal changes.

Princeton Waldorf School — The school where the guest teaches movement and play-based classes.

The Watershed Institute — An environmental advocacy and education organization the guest collaborates with through filmmaking.

The Movement Creative — A Parkour and movement-based community and teaching platform in New York City.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What motivates individuals to embark on journeys that are deeply personal, yet intricately tied to the people and communities they encounter along the way?

Mandy Lam dives right into discussion about her travels, the characters she’s met and communities she has visited. She and Craig discuss the ethos and spirit of Évry Move, where they sat down to talk, as well as their experiences with the Yamakasi. Mandy also shares her thoughts on what makes a good community, the importance of solo training and self reflection, and finally gets around to discussing her major concussion.

"It’s always the people. Even from the beginning, before my trip, it was always about the people." ~ Mandy Lam (7:34)

This conversation is a free-flowing discussion that centers on the intersections of travel, community, and personal growth. The dialogue reveals how connections with people—rather than places—become the driving force behind journeys. It highlights the serendipity of meeting individuals who profoundly shape one’s experiences and offers reflections on how cultural practices and storytelling enrich these encounters.

The discussion also examines broader themes such as how physical practices like Parkour serve as a medium for forming relationships and navigating personal narratives. It touches upon the challenges and rewards of creating and participating in events that foster community, drawing from specific examples like the North American Women’s Jam and training gatherings in Europe.

Takeaways

The essence of travel — Experiences are shaped more by the people encountered than the destinations themselves.

Curiosity as a driver — Following personal curiosity leads to deeper connections and richer experiences.

The power of communities — Communities often transcend geographical and cultural boundaries, fostering inclusivity and shared purpose.

Storytelling and connection — Sharing stories serves as a bridge between individuals and cultures.

Importance of shared practices — Activities like Parkour create unique opportunities for collaboration and mutual growth.

Flexibility in journeys — Approaching travel without rigid plans opens space for unexpected, meaningful interactions.

Emotional resonance in events — Events focused on community foster deep emotional connections among participants.

Resources

Évry Move event — Annual gathering in Évry, France, focusing on community and physical training.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What are the principles and practices that lead to personal growth, meaningful teaching, and effective learning in physical disciplines?

Marcello Palozzo discusses his studies in the area of strength and conditioning, his relationship with Ido Portal, and how to capture information to optimize your learning. He shares his insights on teaching and learning, discussing the responsibilities of a teacher. Marcello explains how he found his current path, as well as his goals and plans for the future.

"True learning should be emotional. Unless there is that element as well in it, something is missing." ~ Marcello Palozzo (5:10)

Marcello discusses his approach to integrating diverse fields of knowledge, including parkour, strength training, and the methodologies learned from his master's degree studies and training with Ido Portal. He emphasizes the importance of stepping out of comfort zones and creating routines that challenge both physical and emotional boundaries. His philosophy underscores the need for learning to have an emotional component to ensure genuine and impactful growth.

The conversation also explores Marcello’s teaching methods, advocating for learners to actively engage with material by organizing and revisiting it, rather than passively consuming information. Marcello shares his experiences of redefining his career path, abandoning pharmacy studies, and committing fully to movement disciplines. Marcello reflects on the significance of mentorship, community, and continuous exploration in personal and professional development.

Takeaways

Stepping out of comfort zones — Regularly challenging oneself emotionally and physically is key to growth.

Emotional learning — True learning involves an emotional connection for lasting impact.

Active information processing — Categorizing, mapping, and revisiting material enhances learning sustainability.

Role of mentorship — Following dedicated experts provides depth and structure to learning.

The value of community — Collective problem-solving and shared experiences accelerate development.

Sustainable practices — Balancing different training modalities ensures long-term engagement.

Personal transformation — Bold decisions can reshape one's career and life direction.

Weakness as a strength — Addressing personal weaknesses is essential for holistic improvement.

Fluid planning — Flexibility in goals allows adaptation to unexpected life changes.

Resources

Ido Portal — A key mentor in Marcello’s journey, offering clarity and progression in movement practices.

ParkourWave Association — Co-founded by Marcello, this organization promotes parkour and its principles in Italy.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

In a reversal of roles, this episode features Craig as the guest, interviewed by Movers Mindset's production manager, Kristen. They discuss all things related to the podcast, from its origin, how we got to where we are, and the unseen difficulty involved in "just making a podcast." Craig opens up about why he chose to make a podcast, what it means to him, and where he hopes to take it. 

For more information on this episode, go to https://moversmindset.com/25

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

Want more? Subscribe to the email list for weekly updates—new episodes and archive highlights delivered to your inbox.

I invite you to cultivate a meaningful life—through presence, not pursuit. You can learn more about me and all my projects at, https://craigconstantine.com.

If you'd like to support what I'm doing, here's what actually helps…

ɕ

What lessons can we learn from integrating Parkour into structured educational settings and promoting personal growth through physical movement?

In this episode of Movers Mindset, Craig talks with Martin Kallesøe of Street Movement. They discuss Martin’s unique introduction to parkour, his thoughts on coaching, and Danish Parkour’s coffee culture. He also touches on his first experiences with the Yamakasi, as well as the history and culture of Street Movement and the International Gathering at Gerlev.

"Don’t lose joy. If you lose joy in Parkour, don’t quit. Tone it down, keep doing it, but do something else a lot for a while." ~ Martin Kallesøe (37:10)

The conversation explores the transformative journey of integrating Parkour into both personal practice and educational frameworks. It begins with the guest's early exposure to Parkour during his university years in Denmark and traces his path to co-founding Street Movement. The discussion includes the philosophical underpinnings of Parkour, emphasizing self-discovery, collaboration, and adaptability. These principles are highlighted as crucial for teaching others while maintaining the joy of practice.

Further topics include the challenges and rewards of incorporating Parkour into academic settings, such as fostering peer learning and designing flexible curricula. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of creating inclusive learning environments, the role of international connections in evolving the discipline, and the need for mindfulness in both teaching and training.

Takeaways

Teaching through collaboration — The importance of peer-to-peer learning in Parkour education.

Bringing Parkour into schools — Challenges and successes of introducing Parkour into structured educational settings.

Resilience and creativity — Using movement challenges to foster adaptability and innovative thinking.

Cultural shifts in coaching — Moving away from performance-driven goals toward intrinsic growth and curiosity.

Integrating physical disciplines — Drawing insights from other activities to keep Parkour practice fresh and joyful.

Philosophy of movement — Viewing Parkour as more than just physical practice, emphasizing life lessons and mindfulness.

Iterative development in education — Adapting teaching methods based on participant feedback and small, meaningful changes.

Resources

Movers Mindset Podcast Episode 24 — The podcast episode featuring this conversation.

Street Movement — The organization co-founded by the guest to promote Parkour and creative movement.

Yamakasi — A founding group of Parkour practitioners referenced in the discussion.

(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)

--- Hello👋 I'm Craig Constantine.

In the Movers Mindset podcast, I talk with movement enthusiasts to learn who they are, what they do, and why they do it. I'm interested in the nature and philosophy of movement and in exploring themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence. My interests color each conversation and provide some structure to Movers Mindset. But since I like to take the scenic route, every conversation ends up going somewhere unique.

The purpose of Movers Mindset is to create and share great conversations with movement enthusiasts. Each conversation feeds my insatiable curiosity, but I share them to turn on a light for someone else, to inspire them, or to give them their next question.

I appreciate your time and attention, and I don’t take it for granted.

--- Thank you!

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