Best Circademics Podcasts (2025)

1
151 - Creating Your Own Voice in a World of Borrowed Tricks with Nick Diffatte 1:06:19

Play Pause

9d ago1:06:19

1:06:19

Ever wondered where the line between inspiration and appropriation lies in performance art? Captain Frodo welcomes comedian-magician Nick Diffatte for a candid exploration of originality in magic that will resonate with creators across all disciplines. Nick takes us behind the scenes of Tannen's Magic Camp—an intensive gathering where 120 young mag…

1
150 - Antje Pode: Kicking Suitcases & other Acts of Innovation 1:12:10

23d ago1:12:10

1:12:10

Ever wondered what happens when a circus performer's act goes "wrong"? In this intimate conversation with East German circus artist Antje Pode, we explore how the most powerful moments of connection often emerge from embracing unexpected challenges on stage. Ancha shares her extraordinary journey through the fall of the Berlin Wall – a time when he…

1
149 - Suitcases, Bears, and Train Journeys: A Foot Juggler's Tale with Antje Pode 1:29:32

30d ago1:29:32

1:29:32

Step back in time to a vanished world of state-run circus schools, train journeys across the Soviet Union, and the dramatic moment when the Berlin Wall fell. In this captivating conversation, foot juggler Antje Pode shares her remarkable journey from a young gymnast in East Germany to an internationally acclaimed circus artist. Antje reveals the fa…

1
148 - Play is the Way (Showmanship & Play 30 of 30) 59:23

1M ago59:23

59:23

What if imagination isn't a distraction from truth, but our only reliable path to experiencing it? In this episode we conclude our 30-part exploration of showmanship through the lens of play. Using a personal case study of creating a plate-spinning poetry act, we witness how true artistic creation evolves organically—not as random elements slapped …

1
147 - Imagination at the Heart of Reality (Showmanship & Play 29 of 30) 1:19:16

2M ago1:19:16

1:19:16

What if imagination isn't just fantasy, but the very faculty that brings our world into existence? In this philosophical deep dive, we explore the fifth and final criteria of play: that it is imaginative and improvisational. Unlike previous episodes in this series, I'm not arguing that imagination benefits performers—that connection is self-evident…

1
146 - Unleashing Your Inner Showman (Showmanship & Play 28 of 30) 58:25

2M ago58:25

58:25

The delicate dance between performer and audience reveals itself as we explore the self-motivated, voluntary nature of play in this deep dive into showmanship. Drawing from personal experiences during the pandemic and inspired by observing children at play, Captain Frodo uncovers how true connection emerges when audience members move from passive v…

1
145 - Is Your Life Missing a Dose of Pure Purposelessness? (Showmanship & Play 27 of 30) 44:40

3M ago44:40

44:40

What happens when we lose touch with play, friendship, and authentic human connection? This episode dives into the surprising links between playfulness, friendliness, and showmanship – revealing how these seemingly "purposeless" activities might be the very foundation of what makes us human. I explore Belyaev's groundbreaking fox experiment, which …

1
144 - Toilet Plunger Aliens and the Value of Effortless Attention (Showmanship & Play 26 of 30) 1:01:12

3M ago1:01:12

1:01:12

There's a profound paradox at the heart of play – we're told it's "apparently purposeless," yet this very quality might reveal its deepest value. This episode dives into the second criteria of play and examines how it mirrors the essence of showmanship in fascinating ways. When we attend a circus show, comedy performance, or music festival, we don'…

1
143 - The Metaphorical Showman: Connecting Performance to Play (Showmanship & Play 25 of 30) 1:02:13

4M ago1:02:13

1:02:13

Have you ever wondered why some performances captivate you completely while others leave you checking your watch? The secret might lie in the ancient art of play. In this expansive exploration of showmanship through metaphor, Captain Frodo delves into the profound connection between performance and play. Drawing on both philosophical underpinnings …

1
142 - Alive! On the Inside - Carnival Wonders and the Essence of Showmanship (Showmanship & Play 24 of 30) 44:37

4M ago44:37

44:37

What if embracing play could transform not only our perception of reality but also the world we live in? Join me, Captain Frodo, as we embark on a whimsical exploration of the intrinsic connection between play and showmanship. Together, we’ll question whether play unearths pre-existing truths or crafts entirely new perspectives. Drawing inspiration…

1
141 - The Sacred Art of Play (Showmanship & Play 23 of 30) 46:44

4M ago46:44

46:44

What if the most profound aspects of human experience—from religious ritual to artistic expression—have their roots in play? In this thought-provoking exploration of serious play, Captain Frodo challenges the false dichotomy between seriousness and importance, revealing how playful engagement offers access to deeper realities than solemn endeavors …

1
140 - Play Reveals the True Nature of Existence (Showmanship & Play 22 of 30) 57:51

4M ago57:51

57:51

What if our capacity for play is not just a quirk of evolution but a fundamental way we grasp reality? Much like sight reveals color and hearing reveals sound, could play be a sense that unveils essential dimensions of existence otherwise hidden from us? Captain Frodo challenges us to reconsider the nature and value of play beyond its utilitarian f…

1
139 - Redefining Seriousness (Showmanship & Play 21 of 30) 50:10

5M ago50:10

50:10

What makes something "serious" and why do we automatically equate seriousness with importance? In this thought-provoking journey through linguistic history, educational systems, and cultural hierarchies, Captain Frodo reveals how the very concept of seriousness has been weaponized as a tool for social control. Diving into Alan White's groundbreakin…

1
138 - Play for a Living: Finding Joy in Your Work (Showmanship & Play 20 of 30) 46:05

5M ago46:05

46:05

What if your work felt like play? What if that seemingly childish question—"What would you do if money was no object?"—actually held the key to living without regret? Captain Frodo takes us on a profound journey through the false separation between play and work that dominates adult life. Drawing wisdom from philosophers Johann Huizinga and John De…

1
137 - Serious Play (Showmanship & Play 19 of 30) 47:54

5M ago47:54

47:54

“Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning.” Fred Rogers aka Mister Rogers. I talk about Johan Huizinga's book Homo Ludens. he describes play like this: “Play is a free activity standing quite consciously outside 'ordinary' life as being 'not serious,' but at the same time ab…

1
136 - The Games We Play - with Chris Canfield 2:03:47

5M ago2:03:47

2:03:47

When Chris Canfield first messaged me about his upcoming show "The Games We Play," I was struck by how our creative paths had converged despite beginning worlds apart. Chris grew up in Chicago with a magician father who filled their home with card tricks and coin sleights—magic wasn't special, it was simply what they did. Meanwhile, I was discoveri…

1
135 - Juggling the Past, Present, and Future with Niels Duinker & Captain Frodo 2:00:37

6M ago2:00:37

2:00:37

The enduring magic of juggling spans centuries, yet few performers have dedicated themselves to both preserving its rich history and innovating its future quite like Nils Dunke. In this captivating conversation, the Dutch comedy juggler takes us on an unexpected journey through the interconnected worlds of performance, craftsmanship, and historical…

1
134 - Circus Church: When Performance Becomes a Spiritual Experience - Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explore Cirque’s first Vegas show 4 of 4 1:19:31

6M ago1:19:31

1:19:31

What happens when an artist watches the same show 84 times over three decades? Something magical emerges at the intersection of art, ritual, and the sacred. Captain Frodo and juggler Jay Gilligan dive deep into the fascinating psychology of repeated viewing, exploring why we'll happily listen to songs hundreds of times but typically see a live perf…

1
133 - Does Meeting Your Heroes Kill the Mystery? Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explores Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas show. part 3 of 4 1:15:39

7M ago1:15:39

1:15:39

When does unmasking the magic behind a theatrical masterpiece enhance rather than diminish its wonder? Join Captain Frodo and Jay Gilligan as they peel back the curtain on Cirque du Soleil's Mystere, revealing the fascinating evolution of this groundbreaking Las Vegas production over its remarkable 31-year run. Franco Dragone emerges as the passion…

1
132 - Mystere Unveiled: Exploring the Art of Cirque - Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explores Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas show 2 of 4 1:11:10

7M ago1:11:10

1:11:10

Step into the enchanting world of "Mystere," where the lines between circus, theater, and artistry blur into an unforgettable experience. In this episode, we unfold the remarkable story behind one of the Cirque du Soleil's most iconic productions, exploring how it reshaped modern entertainment. Listen as we discuss its innovative approach to storyt…

1
131 - How Mystère Reinvented Circus for Las Vegas: A True Tale - Jay Gilligan & Captain Frodo explores Cirque du Soleil's first Las Vegas show 1 of 4 1:05:39

7M ago1:05:39

1:05:39

Step into the world of Cirque du Soleil's Mystère and explore its magical journey through the lens of showmanship! This episode takes you behind the scenes as we dive deep into the artistry and evolution that have made Mystère an enduring icon in Las Vegas entertainment. Join hosts Captain Frodo and Jay Gilligan as they share their personal experie…

1
130 - Freak Shows: From Sideshow Curiosities to Modern Media Spectacles with Anna Maria Sienicka - Part 4 of 4 1:23:05

8M ago1:23:05

1:23:05

What if the spectacle of the past is shaping the media and fashion of today? Join us as we unravel the beguiling narrative of freak shows, from their origins as sideshow curiosities to their influence on modern culture. Our journey takes us through the intricate dance of authenticity and performance, reflecting on anecdotes like Jack Black's lesson…

1
129 - Beyond Spectacle: The Art and Philosophy of Freak Shows with Anna Maria Sienicka 3 of 4 51:51

8M ago51:51

51:51

What if the raw spectacle of freak shows holds an unexpected depth that challenges our understanding of art? Join us for a captivating discussion with Anna Maria Sienicka, a PhD student and lecturer at Paris Nanterre University, as we explore the philosophy behind these controversial performances. We tackle the question of whether freak shows, ofte…

1
128 - Reimagining Reality through the Freak Show Lens - Philosophy & Freakshow with Anna Maria Sienicka 2 of 4 58:12

8M ago58:12

58:12

Ever wondered how the Freak Show transcends typical performance art with its unique philosophical dimensions? Join Captain Frodo and our esteemed guest, Anna Maria Sienicka, a PhD student and lecturer from Paris Nanterre University, as we unravel the intricate layers of this captivating world. Through Anna Maria's research and insights, we explore …

1
127 - Beyond Monsters: Philosophy & Freakshow with Anna Maria Sienicka - 1 of 4 1:58:23

8M ago1:58:23

1:58:23

Prepare to shatter your perceptions of identity and the monstrous as Captain Frodo takes you on an extraordinary exploration of freak shows with the brilliant Anna Maria Sienicka from Sorbonne University. This episode uncovers the rich tapestry of performance art that has defined Frodo's career, from the kamikaze freak show to modern-day sideshows,…

1
126 - We are the Children pt 2 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 18 of 30) 40:07

9M ago40:07

40:07

Human beings are never finished. We are always changing. Society and culture might push us to become quantified and predictable, but we all are influenced by our surroundings, the people, relationships, and the cultures we surround ourselves with becomes part of us. We take in certain things and discard others. I belive the most beneficial way to n…

1
125 - We are the Children pt 1 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 17 of 30) 43:44

9M ago43:44

43:44

In this episode I Show how we, human beings, actually are children throughout our lives. Not just in childhood, which is the longest childhood of any species, but we also retain many key traits of childhood into adulthood. This does not just go for our playful behaviour, but also relates to the way our heads and bodies are formed. This process is c…

1
124 - On the Value of Art with Jay Gilligan (Unpacking PLAY episode 110 & 111) 1:23:48

10M ago1:23:48

1:23:48

In this episode Jay Gilligan and I talk about many things. A few of them are as follows. - Frodo subscribes to Masterclass to learn about poetry and whatever else that app has to offer. Because he is doing 35 hours of driving to gigs in December 2024. - Jay asks about Frodo's obsession with the idea that if something is fun and joyful it commonly t…

1
123 - Innovative Expressions Through Play and Imagination with Jay Gilligan (unpacking PLAY episode 109) 1:16:33

10M ago1:16:33

1:16:33

My podcast host has a new feature where it gives an episode description. Here it is: What happens when showmanship meets the genius of performance art? Join Captain Frodo and special guest Jay Gilligan as they unravel the captivating world of Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple. We dive into the vibrant chaos of Las Vegas productions, shedding light on th…

1
122 - Hold Your Ideas Lightly with Jay Gilligan (Unpacking PLAY episode 107) 1:13:12

10M ago1:13:12

1:13:12

Jay Gilligan and myself go very deeply into a few ideas that I raise in episode 107. Support the show ... Now you can get t-shirts and hoodies with our wonderful logo. This is the best new way to suport the podcast project. Become a proud parader of your passion for Showmanship and our glorious Craft whilst simultanously helping to gather more foll…

1
121 - Further SECRETS!!! with Nick Difatte part 2 of 2 1:33:44

11M ago1:33:44

1:33:44

another great episode with the wonderful Nick Difatte! We continue our talk on secrets. we touch on these topics and more - You're not suposed to share secrets yet there are 1000's of magic books... How tricks you buy looks. Max Mavens distinct style of the magic he sold. Envelopes holding the secrets to the universe. Tim Conover Magic downloads Co…

1
120 - SECRETS!!! with Nick Difatte (part 1 of 2) 1:07:07

11M ago1:07:07

1:07:07

In November it's Nick Difatte month along the Way of the Showman. We have a wideranging and circuitous conversation. We touch on the following topics and many more. What is a masterclass Secrets Nick’s book Offbeat by Squash Publishing is sold out, but will be back in print… It’s got essays one which was a big topic in the previous episode with Nic…

1
119 - Love as Origin of Play pt 2 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 16) 43:54

11M ago43:54

43:54

After last weeks little sidetrack exploring m own evolving relationship of love to my daughter we are ready to conclude how love is the foundation and origin for the human play impulse and drive. This of course will be pointing at how love is also the foundation of Showmanship. Love is necesary to full acknowledge the existence of Others, and to en…

1
118 - Father & Showman - Reflections on my Evolving Relationship with my Daughter 40:40

12M ago40:40

40:40

Over the last six months or so there has been a development in my relationship to my daughter. It is something any father will go through, but I look at it through the lens of a travelling performer. My daughter is growing up and is beginning to find her own way in the world. She is separating and becoming herself and in the process I am being left…

1
117 - Love as Origin of Play pt 1 of 2 - What we Have to do VS What we Choose to do (Showmanship & Play 15) 39:45

1y ago39:45

39:45

In this episode I explore the impact and influence our playful behaviour has had on our development as human beings. I belive it quite profoundly have changed not just our psychology and behaviour but also our bodies. I share a deeply personal story of the first couple of hours in my daughter's life and how it birthed a new and deeper kind of love.…

1
116 - Jay & Frodo How to Play in Performance - (Unpacking episodes 103 & 104) 2:22:33

1y ago2:22:33

2:22:33

Jay Gilligan is back! we go through his questions about episodes 103 & 104 to concretise some of the points I am making about Play and performance. some of the topics we touch=: -How to foster a playful connection at the beginning of your show. -Is there such a thing as a bad audience? -fulfilling audience expectations whilst still surprising them.…

1
115 - Why Are We Born so Helpless (Showmanship & Play 14) 37:58

1y ago37:58

37:58

Why are we born so helpless. The answer will takes us through the history of human evolution and into the dualling biological need of a growing human head and the anatomical changes coming from our upright walking. Support the show ... Now you can get t-shirts and hoodies with our wonderful logo. This is the best new way to suport the podcast proje…

1
114 - Play as Self Creation (Showmanship & Play 13) 1:00:15

1y ago1:00:15

1:00:15

In this episode I talk about Peter Gray and his book Free to Learn - Why unleasing the instinc to play will make our children happier, more self-reliant, and better students for life. We talk about how play is learning. how we today think about play as something which is dont to children. Not something they actively participate and even lead. for 1…

1
113 - Nick Difatte & Audience Volunteers 1:19:39

1y ago1:19:39

1:19:39

This is a conversation with one of the funniest guys I know. He's had me laughing so hard I had to get partially undressed. We talk about magic and comedy and their intersection before landing on a long explorations of how to select and manage audience volunteers. Nick is an expert at handling volunteers and gets SO much out of the people he gets u…

1
112 - How Play Manifests in the World pt 2 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 12) 1:04:35

1y ago1:04:35

1:04:35

In this episode I continue describing the ways we find the play impulse, or the activity of play, manifesting in the world. I start by talking about learning. -The next way play emerges is through Imagination. -Then we look at how, quite obviously, play manifest thorugh actual playfulness. -We procede to Sociality. -Then I find in Rutger Bregman's …

1
111 - How Play Manifests in the World pt 1 of 2 (Showmanship & Play 11) 43:22

1y ago43:22

43:22

Adults and children spend their days differently - we work, babies play. Play is the signature of childhood. It’s a living, visible manifestation of imagination and learning I action. Allison Gopnik If play is a constant and a genuine human drive, how do we recognise it when we see it in the world? Or more specifically; in which kind of behaviours …

1
110 - the Play Instinct (Showmanship & Play 10) 47:03

1+ y ago47:03

47:03

"Instincts are the whispers of our ancestors." - Quote by yours truly. In this episode we explore whether our inclination to play might actually be an innate human drive. Do we human beings possess an instinct to play? If so, how and why would something like that evolve? By understanding how something came into being we often learn valuable lessons…

1
109 - Unpacking Play pt 2 (Showmanship & Play 9) 56:00

1+ y ago56:00

56:00

In this episode I finish up the unpacking of the five criteria of play. As we go on these five points will be the backbone of our inquiry. Much like how using Showman - Audience & Show as a symbol or mnemonic picture which affords us a lot of understanding, these five criteria will expand our understanding of play, and by transferral how it connect…

1
108 - Memoirs of a Coney Island Clown w Jellyboy the Clown 2:05:00

1+ y ago2:05:00

2:05:00

In this episode I talk to Jellyboy the Clown about his book Memoirs of a Coney Island Clown. I learn a lot about him and how closely our experiences mirror eachother. There are some tragic details about suicide in this episode - be warned, if you need such a warning. "Embark on an unforgettable journey alongside Jelly Boy in "Memoirs of a Coney Isl…

1
107 - Unpacking Play pt 1 (Showmanship & Play 8 of 30) 40:03

1+ y ago40:03

40:03

In this episode I continue to unpack the five criterias of play. The five are as follows: 1 - Play is fun. It’s intensely pleasurable and enjoyable. So when we play we don’t want it to stop. 2 - Play is self motivated, which means it has to be entered into voluntarily. 3 - Play is apparently purposeless. We play for the sake of playing not to achie…

1
106 - Active Practice w Jay Gilligan (unpacking episode 96 & 98) 1:32:39

1+ y ago1:32:39

1:32:39

In this episode Jay Gilligan brings up a few questions relating to episodes 3 & 4 in my exploration of Showmanship and Play (number 96 & 98). -We talk about what its like to talk to people about something which does not have an easy answer. A fortune cookie once told me "to every complex problem there is always a simple answer - and its usually wro…

1
105 - Don't Be Afraid to be Modern with the Birdmann Trent Baumann 2:02:43

1+ y ago2:02:43

2:02:43

In this episode I catch up with an old friend, a unique and philosophically inclined comedian and clown Mr Trent Birdmann. We talk about our shows together, our thoughts on our past, present and the uncertainties about the future. We share stories and insights about our lives as Showmen trying to make it in the modern world. You can find Trent Baum…

1
104 - Play in 5 Easy Steps (Showmanship & Play 7 of 30) 35:54

1+ y ago35:54

35:54

In this episode I unpack the five criterias of play. The five are as follows: 1 - Play is fun. It’s intensely pleasurable and enjoyable. So when we play we don’t want it to stop. 2 - Play is self motivated, which means it has to be entered into voluntarily. 3 - Play is apparently purposeless. We play for the sake of playing not to achieve some furt…

1
103 - What is Play (Showmanship & Play 6 of 30) 36:23

1+ y ago36:23

36:23

In this episode I take you on a walk with my little dog Teddy and along the Way we encounter play in a very direct way. Then I let you take a sneak peak at my daughter and her kind of play. Then we look at trying to define play is like pinning a butterfly. From all these examples I distill the nature of play down to five criteria which will be the …

1
102 - Jay Gilligan Questions Showmanship & Play episode by 2 (Unpacking episode 95) 1:41:09

1+ y ago1:41:09

1:41:09

In this episode Jay Gilligan asks me to explain and elaborate some details about a previous episode. The main part of this season (4) is the 30 episodes that explores and makes my argument for how the very deepest origins of Showmanship can be found in human play as well as building a powerful argument for this dual trait of Showmanship & Play lies…