Reading the Room with Michael Frontier

Michael Frontier + Bente Engelstoft
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Arts

Reading the Room explores the vital intersection of creativity and intuition. This podcast is a sanctuary for artists and seekers bridging the gap between their craft and their gut. Hosted by clairvoyant Michael Frontier and comedian and director Bente Engelstoft, the show explores the internal framework and inner lives of creators across all disciplines. Through soulful conversations with world-class creators, we pull back the curtain on the "how" and "why" of the creative process to help you reconnect with your own inner signal. This is a space to arrive, relax, and shed the patterns that block your blessings. Come as you are, stay for the insight, and leave with permission to be exactly who you are meant to BE.

Episodes

  1. Apr 21

    Bonus Ep w/ Bente and Michael

    We spent the season Reading The Room, but the real work began when we finally had the courage to look in the mirror. In this Season One bonus episode, Bente and I are dropping the "expert" mask to get raw about the parts of this journey we didn’t see coming—like the subtle pressure to perform for the mic and the trap of sprinting toward forgiveness before the heart has even had a chance to catch its breath. I’ve learned that while it’s a gift to sense the energy of a room, the ultimate mastery is found in the unvarnished honesty we offer ourselves when no one else is watching. We’re diving into the simple, quiet ritual that has completely shifted how we show up for our own lives: the power of the whisper. It’s about lowering the shield, quieting the noise, and building a true internal alliance one breath at a time. We’re taking a little time off so we"ll leave you this question: When was the last time you were truly honest with the person in the reflection—not the teacher, not the coach, but the soul beneath it all?   The IG post I'm referring to on the podcast is ‪@ShayYourLoveDiva‬ . The post is from March 14, 2026. Thank you for a beautiful first season! We'll see you soon.

    1h 4m

  2. Apr 14

    What the Puck w/ Elise Burchard

    In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael and Bente sit down with singer, songwriter, and musician Elise Burchard. In her early twenties, Elise was struck in the throat by a hockey puck during a charity tournament — an accident that damaged her vocal cords and silenced her overnight. What followed was a years-long journey to reclaim not just her voice, but her truth. She's now turning that story into What the Puck, a one-woman musical. In this episode, we discuss: The Impact: What it feels like to lose your voice in an instant — and what it forces you to face.The Fifth Grade Silence: Why so many of us stopped raising our hands long before any puck ever hit us.The Recovery: From blowing bubbles into a water cup to performing at Chicago's House of Blues and New York's Sid Gold's Request Room.The Show: How Elise is writing her way back onto the stage — and inviting the audience to sing with her. Settle in, find your frequency, and leave with permission.

    59 min

  3. Apr 7

    The Alchemy of the Reveal w/ Nalini Sharma

    In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael and Bente sit down with LA-based actress, writer, and clown Nalini Sharma — co-creator of the dark comedy Garbage and the international hit Until Death. Nalini has toured her solo work from LA to the Edinburgh Fringe, but it's her work with clowning that truly hits home — choosing the flawless absurdity of being human over the constant audition for perfection. In this episode, we discuss: The Leap: From a sensible scientific path to the unpredictable life of an artist.The Clown: Why clowning is about humanity and vulnerability, not just making people laugh.The Reveal: How Michael's intuitive vision of Nalini hovering above her own performance unlocked something she already knew.The Signal: How to stay grounded and find presence in the messy middle of a creative career. Settle in, trust the absurd, and leave with permission.

    1h 15m

  4. Mar 31

    The Mailbag: Michael Answers Your Questions!

    You asked, and we’re answering! In this episode of Reading The Room, co-host Bente Engelstoft is taking over the moderator seat. She’s curated the best, weirdest, and most relatable questions from our listeners and is putting Michael Frontier in the hot seat. Think of this as a "group reading" for our entire community. Bente brings the questions, and Michael brings the intuitive hits. Whether you’re curious about a career pivot, a creative block, or just how to "unlearn" that one annoying habit, there’s a bit of magic in here for everyone. In this episode, we’re chatting about: The Listener Lightning Round: Bente fires off your top questions on life, love, and "the work."Trusting the Gut: Michael breaks down how to tell the difference between a real intuitive hit and just plain old nerves.The Art of Allowing: Why sometimes the best way to get an answer is to stop looking for it so hard.Synchronicity in Action: How one person’s question might be exactly what you needed to hear today.

    1h 8m

  5. Mar 24

    The Art of the Gallop w/ Jason Avezzano

    In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael conducts his first ever on-air reading — and writer, director, and performer Jason Avezzano is in the chair. Jason is the co-creator of Susan Bones: The Untold Story of a Horsegirl Who Went to Hogwarts — a musical comedy that, as it turns out, may be perfectly timed for the Year of the Horse. In this episode, we discuss: The Reading: What the kidneys reveal about fear, follow-through, and the energy of creative blocks.The Calling: Why the universe needs you to want more — and what happens when you stop seeking approval to create.The Sync: How Jason wrote a show about horse girl energy and accidentally aligned it with 2026.The Green Light: What it looks like when everything is already in motion — and you just have to get out of your own way.Settle in, trust the timing, and leave with permission.

    1h 16m

  6. Mar 17

    Color, Kindness & Connection w/ Todd Parr

    Color, Kindness & Connection w/ Todd Parr In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael and Bente welcome world-renowned author and illustrator Todd Parr — and a dear friend of 37 years. With over 60 books and an Emmy-nominated series, ToddWorld, Todd has spent his career reminding the world that it's okay to be different. Today, we look past the signature bright colors to explore the heart and history behind the work. In this episode, we discuss: The Pivot: From flight attendant to global voice for kindness and acceptance.The Message: The story behind It's Okay to Be Different — and why it's more relevant now than ever.The Ban: What it means to have a banned book, and why Todd wouldn't change a single page.Dogs & Joy: The pit bulls, the mac and cheese, and the simple things that keep his spirit grounded.Settle in for a conversation full of heart, color, and permission to be exactly who you are.

    1h 12m

  7. Mar 10

    Navigating Your Intuition w/ Michael and Bente

    In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael and Bente turn the lens inward. Moving away from the guest chair, they dive deep into the mechanics of their own intuitive journeys — the signals they've learned to trust, the moments that tested them, and the stories that shaped how they see the world. In this episode, we discuss: The Internal Signal: How to distinguish the voice of the gut from the noise of the ego.The Architect: Why you must stop seeking a seat at the table and start entering with quiet authority.The Speed of Trust: Learning to move at the pace of your own intuition rather than the speed of the room.The Possum Visit: What happens when nature interrupts the frequency with an unexpected lesson.The Pivot: Navigating the shift from performing your life to owning it.Settle in, trust the knowing, and leave with permission.

    1h 6m

  8. Mar 3

    The Speed of Mind w/ Ryan Asher

    In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael and Bente sit down with the lightning-fast mind of Ryan Asher. A powerhouse alumna of The Second City Mainstage, iO, and The Annoyance Theater, Ryan has carved a singular path from the stages of Chicago to the heart of Los Angeles. While she is known for her acclaimed work and viral characters on The Bert Show, today we go behind the performance to explore the architecture of her intuition and the speed of her soul. Michael and Bente dive into the origin of Ryan’s "fast mind"—a cognitive speed that defines her comedy and her presence. In this episode, we discuss: The Speed of Mind: Understanding what it’s like to inhabit a mind that moves faster than the world around it.The Howard Thurman Philosophy: Why you can never ask "Who will go with me?" until you know exactly where you are going.The Bert Show & "Soaking": A look at the genius behind the character Bert Berkowsky.The Pivot: Navigating the internal shift from the Chicago improv scene to the creative landscape of Los Angeles. Settle in, trust the speed, and leave with permission.

    1h 13m

  9. Feb 24

    The Art of Transformation w/ Terry Opalek

    In this episode of Reading the Room, Michael and Bente welcome a man who has mastered the art of transformation: Terry Opalek. Many know Terry as the visionary co-founder of the award-winning Terry’s Toffee, but his journey is a masterclass in shifting from the "architecture of business" to the "anatomy of the soul." As an Intuitive Coach, Published Author, Workshop Developer/Facilitator and Certified Reiki Master/Teacher, Terry has spent decades helping others clear the static and reclaim their internal signal. Michael, Bente and Terry pull back the curtain on what it looks like to pivot from external success to internal alignment, exploring how the sweetness of life is often found in the most unexpected transitions. In this episode, we discuss:     •    The Sweetness of Alignment: How Terry used his intuition to build a global brand and why he eventually chose to trade the "toffee" for the "truth" of full-time healing work.     •    The Reiki Lens: A deep dive into energy work as the ultimate way to allow the Spirit to shine through without distortion.     •    The Courage to Facilitate: Terry shares his process for developing workshops and the willingness to be seen.     •    The Internal Blueprint: Michael and Terry discuss their collaborative work in helping clients dismantle limiting beliefs and build a life of authenticity. Whether you are navigating a career pivot or looking to deepen your own spiritual practice, this conversation offers a roadmap of true spiritual alchemy; turning uncertainty into purpose. Settle in, take a breath, and leave with permission. Connect with Terry:     •    Coaching & Workshops: terryopalek.com     •    Follow Terry on Instagram: @terryopalek

    1h 11m

  10. Feb 17

    Maintaining a Clear Signal w/ Bente Engelstoft

    In our second episode of Reading the Room, the tables turn as Michael Frontier sits down to "read" the internal framework of his co-host, Emmy Award-winning writer and director Bente Engelstoft. How does a world-class creator maintain a clear "signal" in an industry built on external noise and constant auditioning? Michael and Bente pull back the curtain on the spiritual anatomy of a creative career, exploring the delicate balance between professional ambition and internal peace. Settle in, take a breath, release what no longer serves your highest purpose, and leave with permission. You can find your hosts' on Instagram @michael.frontier and @benteingrid.

    1h 7m

  11. Feb 10

    The Essential Role of the Artist w/ Michael Frontier

    Welcome to the debut of Reading the Room. In this inaugural episode, hosts Michael Frontier and Bente Engelstoft open the door to a conversation about the courage it takes to listen—to yourself, to your craft, and to the world around you. Michael shares the unfolding story of his journey as a clairvoyant, offering insight into how he learned to trust his own energy and move beyond the static of self-doubt. Together, they explore the essential role of the artist, the power of empathy in our relationships, and why finding your community is vital when building a life of purpose. This episode is an invitation to stop "auditioning" and start trusting your own signal. We conclude the hour with a guided meditation designed to help you release the patterns that no longer serve you.  Settle in, take a breath, release what no longer serves your highest purpose, and leave with permission.

    59 min
  • 11 Episodes

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Reading the Room explores the vital intersection of creativity and intuition. This podcast is a sanctuary for artists and seekers bridging the gap between their craft and their gut. Hosted by clairvoyant Michael Frontier and comedian and director Bente Engelstoft, the show explores the internal framework and inner lives of creators across all disciplines. Through soulful conversations with world-class creators, we pull back the curtain on the "how" and "why" of the creative process to help you reconnect with your own inner signal. This is a space to arrive, relax, and shed the patterns that block your blessings. Come as you are, stay for the insight, and leave with permission to be exactly who you are meant to BE.

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