Clown Spirit Podcast

Barnaby King
  • 5.0 (7)
  • ARTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Explorations into all the colors, dimensions and constellations of clown practice. Some episodes find Barnaby in conversation with influential thought leaders and clown artists, while in others it's just little old him reflecting on the power of the ridiculous.

  1. Making Space for Clown

    12/07/2025

    Making Space for Clown

    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 misconceptions about clowning as mere high-energy activity and emphasizes the importance of combining chaos with moments of contemplative quiet. Ultimately, the podcast provides practical advice and exercises to help integrate the principles of clowning into daily life, aiming to create both internal and external spaciousness. >>MORE ABOUT CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE

    36 min
  2. The Life of Laughter: Tweedy the Clown Talks Comedy and Craft

    11/29/2025

    The Life of Laughter: Tweedy the Clown Talks Comedy and Craft

    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.' The discussion highlights the evolution of his acts, the impact of COVID-19 on his performances, and his philosophy on clowning. The script also touches on Tweedy's interactions with other renowned clowns and directors, as well as his celebrity fans. The conversation wraps up with insights into his upcoming projects and the unique blend of traditional and contemporary styles in his work.

    1h 2m
  3. The Power of Play and Possibility with Nora Bateson

    11/16/2025

    The Power of Play and Possibility with Nora Bateson

    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 life has become more disconnected, especially with the rise of AI and social media. Nora shares her thoughts on how these technologies can contribute to disconnection and why it's essential to nurture more sensory, analog ways of engaging with the world to truly appreciate life. Along the way, we touch on intergenerational trauma, the impacts of colonial and industrial histories, and how rigid systems thinking limits our ability to imagine new possibilities. Nora also makes a powerful case for play—not as a frivolous distraction, but as a crucial survival tool and a way to navigate the complexities of today's world. We discuss how play, humor, and improvisation can fuel creativity, resilience, and even revolution in the face of despair. This conversation is a reminder to stay grounded, foster real human connections, and embrace the ongoing practice of imagining new ways of being in the world. >>THE BATESON INSTITUTE >>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES >>CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE

    1h 3m
  4. Holding Your Shape As a Clown

    10/12/2025

    Holding Your Shape As a Clown

    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 individuality. This episode delves into the essential qualities that clowns bring to moments of societal change, the importance of maintaining one's distinctiveness, and the parallels between clowning and spiritual practice. >>CLOWN SPIRIT

    32 min
  5. The Cycle of Kindness: Nathaniel Allenby

    10/05/2025

    The Cycle of Kindness: Nathaniel Allenby

    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 Cirque Quirk in San Diego. Nathaniel discusses his new book, 'The Cycle of Kindness,' and his desire to share the warmth, generosity of spirit and faith in humanity that he discovered on his journey. He also talks about his future plans in psychology and emotional intelligence to make a profound positive impact on the world. Tune in for an uplifting conversation about resilience, generosity, and the power of clowning. >>The Cycle of Kindness >>Clown Spirit

    53 min
  6. Roots and Resilience: The Stories of Rootsman Rak

    09/21/2025

    Roots and Resilience: The Stories of Rootsman Rak

    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 maintaining a sense of wonder and awe. Through his experiences, he demonstrates a natural connection with clowning concepts, particularly in the context of honesty and presence. The conversation emphasizes the value of interconnecting clowning with broader social practices to foster joy, lightness, and connection. >Upcycled Henry Hoover Project >More from Rakesh >Clown Spirit Resources

    1 hr
  7. Is Trump Really a Clown?

    09/14/2025

    Is Trump Really a Clown?

    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 through their foolishness and the cultural potency of using the term in political critique. The episode challenges listeners to navigate the tension between protecting the sacred art of clowning and embracing its messy, contradictory meanings, ultimately questioning whether the term should be policed or allowed its complex, paradoxical existence. >>Read Tim Cunningham article  >>MORE FROM CLOWN SPIRIT

    37 min
  8. Making Marketing Beautiful (and ethical) with Tad Hargrave

    07/13/2025

    Making Marketing Beautiful (and ethical) with Tad Hargrave

    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 marketing and provides valuable advice specific to artists and performers, emphasizing the importance of trusting one's instincts and leveraging connections rather than relying solely on self-promotion. The conversation also touches on the relevance of clowning and the unique challenges faced by clowns in marketing their art. >>MORE FROM CLOWN SPIRIT   >>MARKETING FOR HIPPIES WEBSITE

    1h 18m
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Explorations into all the colors, dimensions and constellations of clown practice. Some episodes find Barnaby in conversation with influential thought leaders and clown artists, while in others it's just little old him reflecting on the power of the ridiculous.

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