Circle This

Good Mess Media
  • 4.9 (84)
  • SPIRITUALITY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

CIRCLE THIS, The Anti-Small Talk Podcast. Deep, playful, and intimate conversations shedding light on how to create magic and meaning in our everyday lives. Andrea Bendewald invites her circle of friends which include innovators, authors, entrepreneurs, healers, and artists, to share their stories and practices for building and nurturing authentic relationships. These discussions, like circles, are an antidote to the loneliness epidemic, providing tangible evidence of our shared humanity, and guidance for cultivating deeper connections. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being a part of our expanding circle.   Circle This is executive produced by Andrea Bendewald, and Emily Kratter. Edited, produced and distributed by Tracey Thomas and Good Mess media Photography by Cathrine White Stay connected with our Circle This Team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace

  1. No Permission Needed: Processing Pain through Creativity with Alicia Coppola

    4D AGO

    No Permission Needed: Processing Pain through Creativity with Alicia Coppola

    In this episode, Dre welcomes actor, writer, director and all around creator, Alicia Coppola, a woman whose artistry and honesty are inseparable from her healing.  They reflect on meeting and circling in countless audition rooms, and how they intuitively unsubscribed from the narrative of competition and scarcity.         Alicia opens up about grief, loss, and how creating art has always been her way to understand and alchemize pain.  She shares about her latest chapter: relocating her family to support her child's athletic dreams, giving away nearly everything she owned, and finding expansion in letting go. Together, Dre and Alicia explore what it means to parent with presence, how to let your children show you who they are and to truly listen.       We learn about Transmission Moms, a movement born from Alicia's desire to help families and the medical community better understand and support children navigating gender identity. Her mission is simple: to make sure every child feels heard, seen, and safe enough to live their authentic truth.       From The I'm Sorry Monologues to her work as a storyteller and advocate, Alicia reminds us that art is both medicine and message — a way to transform pain into purpose, and isolation into connection.       Follow: @Alicia_Coppola        --       Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace
 For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    1h 36m
  2. Space, Grace & the Secret Sauce to Lifelong Friendship with Leigh Kilton Smith & Kristin Hahn

    OCT 21

    Space, Grace & the Secret Sauce to Lifelong Friendship with Leigh Kilton Smith & Kristin Hahn

    In this episode, Dre is joined by two beloved friends and returning guests: producer and screenwriter Kristin Hahn and acting coach Leigh Kilton Smith. Together, they circle around how they've navigated decades of friendship—through grief, distance, conflict, and reconciliation—and what it really takes to sustain intimacy over time. They speak to the discipline of giving one another space and grace, the courage of telling hard truths, and the sacred act of creating magic with and for one another.         Beyond friendship, this conversation dives into the realities of aging, existential malaise, and even the call to become death doulas. They share what it's like to face the shifting way the world sees women as they grow, and how talking about death can actually enrich the way we live. Kristin, Leigh, and Dre remind us that friendship is an art form, and as sacred and precious as any marriage.           Follow Leigh: @respectfulleigh Follow Kristin: @Kristin.Hahn1       --     Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace
 For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    1h 52m
  3. The Art and Science of Circling: How Real Connection Can Heal Us with Dr. Avanti

    OCT 14

    The Art and Science of Circling: How Real Connection Can Heal Us with Dr. Avanti

    In this powerful episode of The Healing Catalyst, Dr. Avanti Kumar Singh welcomes Dre, to explain the profound impact of women's circles on healing and connection, drawn from her two decades of facilitating these communal story-sharing experiences. Dre shares how this ancient practice is making a modern-day comeback, and why it's more essential than ever.        The conversation explores the science behind communal experiences, such as the role of mirror neurons and the release of oxytocin, often called the "bonding hormone," which is released during emotionally safe, connected interactions. They describe how simply being in a circle can reduce stress and support emotional regulation, just through listening. Dre describes participating in her first women's circle as a "chemical shift," that ultimately inspired her to share the practice with others.        Dre also explains how Circling differs from therapy, the guidelines and structure that make a circle feel safe and sacred, and how this kind of presence can function as a powerful form of re-parenting, offering the emotional attunement and validation many of us missed growing up.       If you're curious about joining a circle, this episode is a powerful reminder that healing happens in community, and that listening itself can be medicine.       The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.     Order Dr. Avanti's books:  The Longevity Formula, The Health Catalyst Energy Fix Quiz: avantikumarsingh.com/quiz Explore more at avantikumarsingh.com     --     Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace
 For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    52 min
  4. Circle This: One Year, Infinite Ripples with Dre & Em

    OCT 7

    Circle This: One Year, Infinite Ripples with Dre & Em

    In this anniversary episode, Dre & Em reflect on the lessons and breakthroughs from their first year of recording Circle This. From battling perfectionism and self-criticism to learning the art of "progress over perfection," they share the highs, lows, and unexpected gifts of the creative process.     The conversation flows through gratitude for every listener, message, and share—the living proof of The Ripple Effect. Together, they unpack the myths around working with friends, how astrology helped them honor each other's creative blueprints, and why following curiosity is the truest compass.     With inspiration from Rick Rubin's The Creative Act, this episode celebrates creativity as a miracle, failure as information, and community as fuel for generating. Along the way, they reveal how audio texts can function as "digital circles," how reframing words can shift energy ("up until now…"), and how falling in love with the present moment is the ultimate remedy for comparison, fear, and resistance.     One year in, Dre & Em are still circling with the same hope that started it all: that every conversation reminds you that you are not alone.   --   Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace
 For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    40 min
  5. Practical Magic & The Power of Re-patterning with Anne Emerson

    SEP 30

    Practical Magic & The Power of Re-patterning with Anne Emerson

    In this episode, Dre circles with artist, intuitive coach, and spiritual midwife Anne Emerson to explore the power of re-patterning the beliefs that keep us stuck in old stories.     For over five decades, Anne has guided people through Holographic Repatterning™, a therapeutic technology that uses applied kinesiology to trace issues and blockages that appear as problems in our present experience. These blocks can be emotional, mental and even physical, and seem impossible to unravel.  The issues are anchored in our unconscious from past traumas, but appear in our present as goals that can't be met, issues that don't get resolved no matter how hard we try, negative patterns that occur again and again whenever there is stress in our lives.     HR (Holographic Repatterning™) uses the technique of muscle checking to access the unconscious, and in a very accurate and non-dramatic way allows client and practitioner to trace the history of the present issue to its root in the past, and release it through the combination of awareness and vibrational healing techniques.  By the end of a session, there is a noticeable release of tension around the issue(s) that are keeping the client stuck. The client can then move more easily in the direction of positive change, with more profound and permanent results. Together, Dre and Anne explore the ways our limiting beliefs show up as repeated patterns, how anger can actually be a sacred tool for transformation, and why our quirks often hold the keys to our superpowers.   Anne invites us to meet the subtleties of our emotions—especially the ones we resist—and to embrace anger not as something to fear, but as a boundary-setting force that begins the process of transformation. They also circle around themes of astrology, human design, manifestation, and the myth of "purpose"—revealing how our true purpose isn't about doing, but about being.   --     This conversation is a reminder that when we clear the stories keeping us small, we return to our authentic selves—whole, free, and connected.   Follow: @anneemersonart Learn more: thepassionatejourney.com     --   Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace Sponsorships: circlethispod@gmail.com

    59 min
  6. The Truth Is Funny: Comedy, Courage & Creative Freedom with Manon Mathews

    SEP 23

    The Truth Is Funny: Comedy, Courage & Creative Freedom with Manon Mathews

    On this episode, Dre welcomes comedian and creator Manon Mathews to circle around the wild ride of new motherhood and the courage it takes to keep creating through it all.      Together they unpack the loneliness that comparison creates, the surprising freedom in radical honesty, and the way pain can be our teacher.  Manon reflects on her creative process — embracing spontaneity, catching inspiration before it dissipates and committing to share from wherever she is.      This is a conversation about creative freedom, the power of laughter, and the connection between healing and humor.     --   Follow: @manonmathews Learn More At: http://www.manonmathews.com/ Check out Manon's podcast: ManonFestation      Order Manon's Book: FUNNY HOW IT WORKS OUT: Personal Stories & Lessons On How I Got My SH*T Together     --     Circle This is proudly sponsored by Sow to Speak for the month of September. Listeners receive 20% off when you sign up with the code CIRCLE.  Learn more here: UNmuted Program Details Highlighting UNmuted—a powerful resource designed to support high-achieving female leaders, especially moms in senior-level roles. UNmuted helps women navigate difficult conversations with confidence, courage, and grace. Or visit sowtospeak.com for more information on all their offerings and programs.      --       Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    1h 45m
  7. Peace Begins With Me: How to Stay Soft When Life Gets Loud with Bex Urban

    SEP 16

    Peace Begins With Me: How to Stay Soft When Life Gets Loud with Bex Urban

    In this episode, Dre circles with teacher and facilitator Bex Urban on the mind-body connection and the practice of staying soft when life gets loud.     Together they explore how our quirks can be our superpowers, why shadow work is a doorway to deeper self-acceptance, and how the most intimate relationship we'll ever have is with ourselves. From meeting old patterns in new ways, to updating our inner "operating system," to regulating the nervous system with the simple mantra Peace Begins With Me—this conversation is a reminder that we can change our minds, soften our hearts, and anchor in truth.     Whether you're navigating shifting seasons, a changing body, or the noise of a distracted world, Bex offers grounded tools and timeless wisdom to help you return to center and live wholeheartedly—right here, right now.     Follow: @BexUrban Learn more: bexurban.com & youtube.com/c/bexurban     Circle This is proudly sponsored by Sow to Speak for the month of September. Listeners receive 20% off when you sign up with the code CIRCLE.  Learn more here: UNmuted Program Details Highlighting UNmuted—a powerful resource designed to support high-achieving female leaders, especially moms in senior-level roles. UNmuted helps women navigate difficult conversations with confidence, courage, and grace. Or visit sowtospeak.com for more information on all their offerings and programs.      --     Follow: @alldondre Learn More At: https://www.dondrewhitfield.com/   Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    1h 16m
  8. Building Tribe Through Consciousness & Character with Dondre Whitfield

    SEP 9

    Building Tribe Through Consciousness & Character with Dondre Whitfield

    On this episode, Dre sits down with actor, author, conscious leader and soul brother, Dondre Whitfield to circle around listening as an act of love, the dance between divine feminine and masculine energies, and the distinction between male vs. man.       Despite their opposing appearances and backgrounds, Dre and Dondre first recognized each other as "tribe" when they met at the High School of Performing Arts. It was here where empathy was learned and forged through listening to one another's struggles, discovering the universality of pain.  They reflect on how those lessons in emotional intelligence still guide them today.     Together, they explore why affirmation is one of the most activating gifts we can give to each other, and how we need to feel seen and heard to survive.  Dondre shares insights on partnership, parenting, and the importance of being a model for what we wish others to mirror.       From redefining what it means to be a man of service, to embracing both divine feminine and masculine energies, this conversation invites us to consider what true balance looks like—not perfection, but enough to create alignment with our divine assignment.      Dondre shares the way he walks through the world,  seeing everyone as necessary to our shared ecosystem, and remembering that when we listen with love, we have the power to change the world.     --   Circle This is proudly sponsored by Sow to Speak for the month of September. Listeners receive 20% off when you sign up with the code CIRCLE.  Learn more here: UNmuted Program Details Highlighting UNmuted—a powerful resource designed to support high-achieving female leaders, especially moms in senior-level roles. UNmuted helps women navigate difficult conversations with confidence, courage, and grace. Or visit sowtospeak.com for more information on all their offerings and programs.      --     Follow: @alldondre Learn More At: https://www.dondrewhitfield.com/   Stay connected with the Circle This team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace For sponsorship inquiries, email: circlethispod@gmail.com

    1h 42m
See All (50)

4.9
out of 5
84 Ratings

About

CIRCLE THIS, The Anti-Small Talk Podcast. Deep, playful, and intimate conversations shedding light on how to create magic and meaning in our everyday lives. Andrea Bendewald invites her circle of friends which include innovators, authors, entrepreneurs, healers, and artists, to share their stories and practices for building and nurturing authentic relationships. These discussions, like circles, are an antidote to the loneliness epidemic, providing tangible evidence of our shared humanity, and guidance for cultivating deeper connections. Thank you for listening, sharing, and being a part of our expanding circle.   Circle This is executive produced by Andrea Bendewald, and Emily Kratter. Edited, produced and distributed by Tracey Thomas and Good Mess media Photography by Cathrine White Stay connected with our Circle This Team: @andreabendewald @circlethispodcast @emkratter @goodmessmedia @talkwithtrace

Information

  • Creator
    Good Mess Media
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    50
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2025
  • Show Website
    Circle This

You Might Also Like