An immersive podcast from a curious traveler, exploring the heart and soul of a place through its arts, culture, and the stories of its communities.
Cercle is a global platform celebrating music, aesthetics, and heritage, showcasing unique artists in unique locations. Wherever we host shows, concerts, or experiences, we record this podcast—discovering each place’s cultural ecosystem, sharing fresh perspectives, and bringing the world straight to you.
So turn up your headphones and escape somewhere new—guided by local characters, immersive sounds, and authentic music.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive Producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
Mexico City (part 3): Ballet Folklorico, Izta-Popo & Odyssey Finale
In this final chapter of our three-part adventure, we get rare access to a dance rehearsal with Ballet Folklórico de México, hike between Iztaccíhuatl and Popocatépetl volcanoes that frame the city’s skyline, and close out this adventure at the final Cercle Odyssey concert of our Mexican run.
Featuring: Roberto Mosqueda (dancer, actor & writer), Javi Puente (founder of Casa Pepe Hostel & president of Mexico City Hotel Association), Carlos (hiking guide) and Derek Barbolla (Cercle Founder & Artistic Director).
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla. Location videography: Hanani Palomares.
If you’re loving the journey, please leave us a review! It really helps us reach more curious listeners like you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 Dec 2025
Mexico City (part 2): Astrid Hadad, Teotihuacan & Xochimilco
We’re in Mexico City for the first-ever Cercle Odyssey concert!
In chapter two of this three-part adventure, we discover the world of Mexican cabaret, get a glimpse of what life might’ve been like in this region nearly 2,000 years ago, and hop on a boat surrounded by floating mariachi…literally!
Featuring: Roberto Mosqueda (dancer, Actor & Writer), Hanani Palomares (Photographer), Astrid Hadad (Singer, Performer & Activist), Mariana Puga (Founder of Tekpan Tours).
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla. Location videography: Hanani Palomares.
If you’re loving the journey, please leave us a review! It really helps us reach more curious listeners like you.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
25 Nov 2025
Mexico City (part 1)
We’re in Mexico City for the first-ever Cercle Odyssey concert!
In chapter one of this three-part adventure, we dive into the city’s electric blend of energy, history, and music. We jam with singer-songwriter Macario Martinez, whose track “Sueña lindo, corazón” broke the internet overnight; soak in the sounds of Mariachi trumpets; hear stories of pre-Hispanic life in the Zócalo; and step inside the world’s first fully 360-degree immersive concert experience.
Featuring: Roberto Mosqueda (Dancer, Actor & Writer), Rodrigo Historias Chidas (Historian & Podcaster), Macario Martinez (Singer & Songwriter), Derek Barbolla (Cercle Founder & Artistic Director).
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla. Location videography: Hanani
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
4 Nov 2025
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (part 3)
We’re back in Rio de Janeiro for the final chapter of this three-part adventure.
Today, it’s all about dancing and nightlife. We’re heading downtown to explore the city's late-night bars & clubs, and feel the pulse of the house and techno scene. We’ll also meet a voguing queen, and we’ll hear stories from Brazil’s underground music industry — from someone working behind the scenes.
Featuring: Leonardo Coelho (Journalist), Ana Beatriz Coelho (Artist Manager), Jujuliete (Vogue Dancer), Leonardo Coelho (Journalist) and Glau Tavares (DJ Glau’).
Presented and produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review — it really helps us reach more curious listeners like you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
28 Oct 2025
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (part 2)
We’re back in Rio de Janeiro — a city that shaped our musical story.
In the second chapter of this three-part adventure, it’s all about music and motion. We step into Passinho — from underground dance to world-renowned cultural movement, we hit the BC1 World Breakdancing Championships, and feel the heavy bass of Brazilian Grime.
Featuring: Leonardo Coelho (Journalist), Rennan Guerra, Yvie Oliveira & Diniboy (Brasil Grime Show), Jeff Cebolinha (Passinho Dancer), Matheus de Moura (Journalist) and Catarina (BC One Brasil Event Producer).
Presented and produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review — it helps us reach curious listeners like you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
21 Oct 2025
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (part 1)
We’re in sunny Rio de Janeiro — a city that shaped our musical story.
In the first chapter of this three-part adventure, we dive into Brazilian Funk (not the funk you know!) — a sound born in the favelas, powered by heavy bass, off-beat percussion, and bold lyrics. We also explore Little Africa, the historic heart of Afro-Brazilian culture and the birthplace of Samba, before ending the day at Samba do Trabalhador, Brazil’s biggest Monday party!
Featuring: Roberta Fortuna (Journalist), Priscilla Casagrande (Museu De Arte Representative), Sabrina Ginga (Dancer & Social Scientist), Valdemar Vargas (Afro Historian & Tour Guide), Bruno (Samba fan), and Jacqueline Marttins (Samba do Trabalhador Event Producer).
Presented and produced by Frank McWeeny. Additional production by Marília Feix and Ana Beatriz Coelho. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
If you enjoy the episode, please leave a review — it helps us reach more listeners like you!
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
23 Sept 2025
Cappadocia, Turkey (part 2)
We're back in Cappadocia, where one of the most watched Cercle shows took place in 2020. Ben Böhmer performing in a hot air balloon, surrounded by stunning mountains, plateaus and fairy chimneys. Imagine that!
In the second half of this two-part adventure, we visit places where carpets and pottery tell stories which have defined this region for thousands of years, meet Ben Böhmer for an intimate performance in a secluded location, and get lost in the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia...from the top!
Contributors: Şemsettin, Oskan, Ferda & Emre, Ali, Derek & Ben Böhmer.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
16 Sept 2025
Cappadocia, Turkey (part 1)
We're in Cappadocia, where one of the most watched Cercle shows took place in 2020. Ben Böhmer performing in a hot air balloon, surrounded by stunning mountains, plateaus and fairy chimneys. Imagine that!
In the first half of this two-part adventure, we go beyond the usual tourist trail to uncover the stories and sounds of Cappadocia. We discover the town of Goreme and surrounding area, descend into history (literally!) at Kaymakli Underground city, and experience beautiful Turku music played for us in an intimate setting by a Baglama master.
Contributors: Şemsettin, Ali, Ahmed and Furkan.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
27 Dec 2024
04. Provence, France
We’re traveling far and wide, beyond the usual tourist trails to uncover stories of Provence.
From the city of Marseille on the Mediterranean sea, to the edge of the Alps mountains, you'll discover a vast region in Southeastern France rich in history, culture and diversity. And you'll meet local musicians, as well as Icelandic duo Kiasmos and South African DJ Shimza, performing for Cercle at the Citadelle de Sisteron, an architectural masterpiece carrying over 800 years of history.
Contributors: Yeahman/Orsso, Zar Electrik, Sophie & Zoé, Kelly & Sylvain, Kiasmos, Ottilie B, Shimza.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
20 Dec 2024
Trailer: Provence, France
Cercle's Echo System takes listeners on a sonic journey through Provence, France, uncovering unique encounters and immersive soundscapes that reveal the region's diverse cultures and timeless traditions.
8 Aug 2024
Words & Music: Ólafur Arnalds
Welcome to Echo System: Words & Music, where we dive deeper into the sounds and conversations we have with artists during our adventures around the world.
In this episode, we go back to Iceland in June 2023, where Ólafur Arnalds gave us rare access to his studio for a chat and very intimate performance, before his incredible Cercle show at Hafursey in the South of the country.
You may have heard parts of this encounter in episode 2, but this was such a unique experience for us that we had to share the full thing with you! So sit back, put your headphones on and treat your ears to an extended version of Ólafur Arnalds playing his favourite instruments at talking about life in Iceland.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producer: Marcelo Velit.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Jan 2024
03. Geneva, Switzerland
We’re in sunny Geneva for a groovy performance in front of the Saint-Pierre Cathedral.
In this episode we uncover the true identity of this city surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, beyond its reputation for wealth and luxury. A place rich with culture, history and creativity.
You’ll meet a local archaeologist and an art historian, explore Geneva’s heritage through 2000 years of history and discover how radical events in the 16th century transformed this city forever. You’ll also learn about Switzerland’s unconventional political system; understand how squat culture changed the artistic, social and political landscape of Geneva in the 80s and 90s; hear about social struggle in overlooked suburban neighbourhoods; and move to cutting edge sounds influenced by global scenes, in one of the most ethnically diverse places in Europe.
Local guide: Luca Ciuclea. Contributors: Timothy Ponitz (archaeologist), Quentin (manager of Bongo Joe record shop), Sophia (local resident in Le Bain Des Paquis neigbourhood), Rolv.K (producer & DJ), Pekodjinn (producer & DJ), Neil (booker at La Gravière club), Chien Bleu (rapper and tatoo artist), Titouan (student in political science), Ambre (art historian). Music by Pekodjinn, Alice, Hyperculte, Rolv.K and Chien Bleu.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Jan 2024
02. Iceland
We’re in Iceland for a special performance in a remote location, at a time of year when the sun never sets…
In this episode, we go beyond this country's beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, Northern Lights and everything else it's well known for. We're going deep by exploring Icelandic arts, tradition, history and technology.
You’ll get rare access to Ólafur Arnalds’ music studio; hear stories of Norse and Viking settlers who arrived here over 1000 years ago; meet an intriguing composer and craftsman living in an isolated corner of the island. You’ll also discover how people power changed politics in the country; journey deep into the earth to visit the heart of a volcano, and learn about harnessing its power to create sustainable energy.
Local guide: Ívar Pétur Kjartansson. Contributors: Anna Dröfn Ágústssdóttir (historian), Ólafur Arnalds (artist and composer), Bergur Þorgeirsson (leading scholar on Snorri Sturluson and Icelandic sagas), Heiða Kristín Helgadóttir (former campaign manager for The Best Party), Steinar Berg (founder of Steinar Records and Rock'n Troll Café), Laufey Guðmundsdóttir (Director of the exhibition at Hellisheiði geothermal powerplant), Ásta and Filip (farmers), Páll á Húsafelli (artist and composer). Music by Ólafur Arnalds, Páll á Húsafelli, Stuðmenn, Spilverk and Mezzoforte.
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
22 Jan 2024
01. Luxor, Egypt
We’re in Luxor for the first Cercle show of 2023 with an audience. Taking place in front of the 3,500-year-old Temple of Hatshepsut, the second woman to ever rule as a pharaoh in ancient Egypt.
In this episode we explore life in this city past and present, through contemporary art, traditional music, history, agriculture and archaeology.
You’ll meet a Muslim farmer sharing land, seeds and friendships with his Christian neighbours; hear the legendary stories living inside the walls of Marsam Hotel which has hosted archeologists and Egyptologists from all over the globe for over a century; you’ll also learn about Nubian customs from painter Gamal Latif; and attend an evening of traditional music hosted by Wannas Art Café.
Local guide: Mohamed Abu El Naga. Contributors: Ahmed El Tayeb Abd Elresoul (general manager of Marsam Hotel), Mahmoud Salem (sculptor), Kairi (farmer), Sayed Qinawy (co-founder & manager of Wannas Art Café and Nun Art Gallery), Gamal Latif (Nubian painter).
Presented & produced by Frank McWeeny. Executive producers: Marcelo Velit & Derek Barbolla.
We'd love to hear from you! Get in touch - hello@cercle.io
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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