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.
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 (https://www.clown-spirit.com/village)
29 Nov 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.
16 Nov 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 (https://batesoninstitute.org/)
>>CLOWN SPIRIT RESOURCES (https://linktr.ee/clownspirit)
>>CLOWN SPIRIT VILLAGE (https://go.clown-spirit.com/clown-spirit-village)
Who has been a guest on Clown Spirit Podcast
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Slava Saperstein
Viggo Venn
Abhijit Sinha
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
246,939
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
8 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 62 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
68
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
51
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