Pole Pod

Klodi Dabkiewicz is a versatile performer whose journey through the world of athleticism and artistry has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a foundation as a former Champion Class Rhythmic Gymnast boasting 12 years of experience, earning multiple titles as a Polish Champion.

Today, Klodi Dabkiewicz graces stages around the globe, captivating audiences with her exceptional acts. From top-tier Cabarets to Dinner shows, and from Theatrical to Corporate events, her performances have left an indelible mark at renowned venues such as Cirque du Soleil, Lio Ibiza, Cirque Eloize, Formula 1 Monaco GP, GOP Variete, Art on Ice, La Clique, La Soiree, and the Royal Opera House in London.

Years of competing in Rhythmic Gymnastics and Sports Aerobic as well as almost 20 years of Circus career gave her knowladge and understanding body’s functioning and abilities which she uses in her teachings. During pandemic she opened her online school @Enter_circus where she gives flexibility, contortion and handstands classes.

In this interview Klodi opens up about her pregnancy and getting back to performing post-partum. She busts those flexibility myths and talks about why she advocates a plant based diet. 

Links:

Klodi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klodi.dabkiewicz?igsh=eHQ3c2dvZDUweGI0

Enter Circus Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/enter_circus?igsh=Y2I3dmVycnIxcWgx

Dominion film:

https://www.dominionmovement.com/watch

Cowspiracy documentary:

https://www.cowspiracy.com

What the Health documentary:

https://www.whatthehealthfilm.com

Game Changers documentary:

https://gamechangersmovie.com

Challenge 22+:

https://challenge22.com

Cronometer:

https://cronometer.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode I interview Jack Scott-Lee, male identifying pole artist, performer, athlete and coach. Jack has been a professional pole dancer for 15 years. We talk about how to create a compassionate parent voice, how to be kinder to ourselves and feel we are worthy of all the most amazing things.

Books Jack recommends:

Radical Self Love by Gala Darling

I Am Enough by Marisa Peer

I Am Enough Meditation by Marisa Peer:

https://youtu.be/HeEvsUOu7ig?si=823K8CBDm5D1WckN

Links to try tapping with Jack:

https://youtu.be/Xv20cDmgJiw?si=wbt2bvYDL4VlV0mM

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger Warning : Suicide and suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, addiction & depression.

Watch anything of Ollie on the pole and you’ll see that he is an incredible pole athlete. In this interview, however, you’ll realise he’s mentally much stronger than even his strongest power moves on the pole.

His mental strength to get through his toughest times is an absolute inspiration to all. He talks about his lowest moments candidly here - something that we didn’t plan at all but he went there and I’m very happy he opened up.

Being vulnerable is a super power and this episode proves it hands down.

If you are in crisis and need urgent help:

• Call 999 for an ambulance (or your country’s emergency line)
• Go straight to A&E, if you can

If you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.

Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.

Links:

Studio Flare: https://www.studioflare.co.uk/

Ollie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollie.t.read?igsh=djloaGE0b28zajE1

Mental Health Help:

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A little solo episode about my move to Italy!

Change - big and small - can be very scary for everyone so I thought I’d share where my head is at now.

In this episode I talk about my fear of change and how I am combatting it, my Pole Retreat, morning pages, minimalism and more!

I hope you enjoy this little conversation with myself. If you listen closely you can hear my pre- Breakfast tummy rumbles 😀

Links:

Rustic Pole Retreat Italy:

https://msha.ke/rusticpoleretreatitaly

RPR Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/rusticpoleretreatitaly?igsh=cGIweTc1cWR1NmZp&utm_source=qr

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is with the powerhouse Gemma Rose. Gemma is incredibly honest and vulnerable and this, I believe, is one of her biggest strengths.

We talk about her struggles with her mental health, her cute mermaid persona Finderella, founding her pole competition PDSM and her work as a stripper. Plus much more!

If you haven’t listened to Gemma’s Podcast The 6am Club I strongly advise checking that out next! Her stories of what happens in the Strip Club on her shift are funny, sometimes heart breaking but most importantly very nuanced: Like everything in life, it’s not simply awful or super amazing but there are shades of grey which can be confusing. It’s easy to be addicted to the highs whilst living the lows.

I want to thank Gemma for being so open.

Trigger warning: suicide, mental health struggles, body dismorphia & sexual assault.

Gemma’s Website: https://gemmarose.co.uk/

Gemma’s Podcast:

https://redcircle.com/shows/the6amclub

Dance with Gemma online: https://buymeacoffee.com/gemmarosepole?t=true

PDSM: https://poledancestrippermovement.co.uk/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is with Fran Daino of Body by Fran.

Fran is 56 years old and blows me away with not only her physical strength on the pole but also her business know-how when it comes to making money as an online pole coach.

We talk about ‘quantity over quality’ which is an interesting way of getting around perfectionism and procrastination.

We discuss her concept of NOT aging ‘gracefully’ and being ok with the opinions of others.

This is very insightful episode that will have you thinking about the pole business in a whole new way and will leave you wondering where you fit in amongst it all.

Fran’s Instagram: @bodybyfran

Fran’s website: http://www.bodybyfrantraining.com/

Fran’s YouTube Channel:

https://youtube.com/@bodybyfrantraining?si=uOetnUmyVdRo6B0_

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s episode is with Giordaina Hartley. Giordaina has had an amazing winning streak: She has won Miss Pole Dance UK, GBPC, LPC, YPC - to name but a few.

She’s extremely flexible and started with no previous experience which I find very encouraging as this really shows that if she can do it maybe we all can!

There is a pressure that comes with winning of course and we talk about the truth behind all those competition wins: the hard work, the self doubt and the discipline that goes on behind the scenes.

DM Giordaina for online flexibility privates and pole competition coaching:

https://www.instagram.com/giordaina_poles?igsh=MTloYmN5NDlrZmlsMA==

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts, body dysmorphia and body dysphoria.

A message from Steffi:

‘I wasn’t totally thrilled with how I spoke about the issue of trans inclusion in sports. I want to clarify that my answers reflect my own insecurities about my passing and my own femininity. I approach the issue with empathy but I think it is important to recognize that in the vast majority of the time this “debate” is not had in good faith. Trans people belong in sports, in the space that is valid for them.’

I met Steffi Bower at PSO Zurich on one of the hottest days of the summer last year. 

Steffi identifies as a trans woman and here we talk about her experience as a pole competitor and how pole has helped her with her mental health and with body dysmorphia and dysphoria. We talk about injuries, her history with concussion and the inclusion of trans people in sport. 

Links:

Steffi’s Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/s_lococcus?igsh=MTJqb2I4ZXBheDNudw==

Support for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families:

https://mermaidsuk.org.uk

Transgender Resources:

https://glaad.org/transgender/resources/

Contact Samaritans:

Call 116121 - Helpline for all of Europe

https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

List of International Mental Health Hotlines:

https://www.nivati.com/blog/international-mental-health-hotlines

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joanna recently won the Australian Pole Art Championships at 54 years young. 

In this episode we talk all things from poling over 50 and pole longevity to her competition process and performing on Australia’s Got Talent eleven years ago.

One to inspire us all to keep moving as we age and also to take care of our bodies so we can stay active as long as possible.

Link to Joanna’s Instagram: 

https://www.instagram.com/joannalittlewoodjohnson_pole?igsh=cXRqNHh1bW5sdm96

Link to Joanna’s Studio in Perth: www.corefusionstudios.com.au

Link to Joanna’s Pole Competition Pole Unity:

www.poleunity.com.au

Joanna’s Teacher Training Course:

www.corepoletraining.com.au

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s Pole Pod guest is pole performer, activist and Blackstage founder Leila Davis AKA Cutie Whippingham.

Leila founded Blackstage as a direct response to the lack of diversity in the pole industry and the lack of opportunities for Black people and people of colour (BPOC) who pole dance. 

Davis draws from her experiences being a part of the London QTIBPOC scene and all of the events she has been involved with since entering the scene in 2015. 

She says “I was tired of the lack of representation of BPOC and I was tired of the white, non-sex worker allied, pole narrative which also erases trans and non-binary polers. I wanted a space for the community I love and see, to be loved and seen by all as it should be. I want the pole industry to be decolonised”.

Tickets for Blackstage 2024 are on sale here:

https://dice.fm/partner/promoter/event/2ylb6-blackstage-presents-community-6th-apr-the-clapham-grand-london-tickets?_branch_match_id=1137053034268706120&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1S8zNrQ0MTBKTkkxtgQAkxQ6WiEAAAA%3D&dice_campaign=promoter&dice_channel=web&dice_feature=marketing&dice_id=1722674&dice_tags=organic

Blackstage Events:

http://www.blackstagepole.com/events

Blackstage Website: https://www.blackstagepole.com

Leila’s website: https://www.leiladavispole.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.