Episodes
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The episode is with the incredible Jade Bensilum. Jade wears many hats in the pole industry: she’s an Xpert trainer, she coaches polers for upcoming competitions with her Comp Guru business, she runs numerous UK competitions and owns and runs her own pole studio Studio Flare.
It was amazing to catch up with Jade and talk about how she juggles it all. We also talk about how the loss of her mum shaped her and inspired her Pole Art Italy performance and changed her outlook on life in a big way.
Excited that Jade will be joining me @rusticpoleretreatitaly very soon!
More info soon!
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/studioflareuk?igsh=MW40c3FpZmN2M2dnZg==
https://www.instagram.com/jade.bensilum?igsh=cDBmazAyM3AzYnM5
https://www.instagram.com/compguru.pole?igsh=ejluNnh0MzJ3MjNj
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I was super excited to talk to the amazing Pixie Le Knot who is one of the UK’s leading contortionists.
She has appeared in the Game of Thrones, The Devil lnside & It Never Sleeps and has established a career in amazing contortion performances.
We talk about the reality of life on set, how to build a career as a contortionist, vegan activism and her vegan diet. We bust flexibility myths and misconceptions about eating plant powered.
Links:
Pixie’s website: http://www.pixieleknot.co.uk/
Pixie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixieleknot?igsh=MW9wbXR0d2tvaW40Ng==
Earthlings: https://youtu.be/UCwmtIBoEEY?si=Id4ETK_WSLC87qTO
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Episodes manquant?
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I first came across Julia Creadiva when competing at PSO in Switzerland. I saw her perform and thought WOW! Then I saw her perform her Scars to Your Beautiful performance and I knew I had to invite her to be interviewed (as I’ve wanted to talk about disordered eating for such a long time…)
So trigger warning! This episode is heavily based around eating disorders, society’s obsession with thinness, and being a female athlete with not many bigger, curvier role models.
Links:
List of Eating Disorder Helplines:
https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/
Reach out to Julia: @creadivapole
Learn with Julia: @humptyseven
Julia’s Mentor: @fabiennehumpty
Julia’s Website: https://www.creadivapole.ch
Insta link to Scars to Your Beautiful: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C59KaY8oTBQ/?igsh=MWltaGlwMm1udnVydg==
Julia’s PSO Zurich Winning Performance:
https://youtu.be/dWrNAc5IJzE?si=w2C0jYCzrJs5jyde
Julia’s Ipsf world championship performance:
https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0kLnVjos82/?igsh=MjE3bTdseTBxejA3
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Today I chat to Darren Whitby who is (alongside his husband Vishesh) currently European Same-Sex Latin Champion.
We talk about bias in the ballroom dancing judging sphere, along with the differences between competing in pole and ballroom.
We discuss the ups and downs of competing and when it would probably be a good idea to quit a pole competition, rather than pushing through.
Darren also talks openly about how it felt to be a gay boy growing up in Witham, Essex and his full circle moment performing in his hometown years later and winning the Mr Pole Essex title.
Darren on Instagram:
@darrendancefitness
Rainbow Nation:
https://rainbownationdance.com/
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Klodi Dabkiewicz is a versatile performer whose journey through the world of athleticism and artistry has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a foundation as a former Champion Class Rhythmic Gymnast boasting 12 years of experience, earning multiple titles as a Polish Champion.
Today, Klodi Dabkiewicz graces stages around the globe, captivating audiences with her exceptional acts. From top-tier Cabarets to Dinner shows, and from Theatrical to Corporate events, her performances have left an indelible mark at renowned venues such as Cirque du Soleil, Lio Ibiza, Cirque Eloize, Formula 1 Monaco GP, GOP Variete, Art on Ice, La Clique, La Soiree, and the Royal Opera House in London.
Years of competing in Rhythmic Gymnastics and Sports Aerobic as well as almost 20 years of Circus career gave her knowladge and understanding body’s functioning and abilities which she uses in her teachings. During pandemic she opened her online school @Enter_circus where she gives flexibility, contortion and handstands classes.
In this interview Klodi opens up about her pregnancy and getting back to performing post-partum. She busts those flexibility myths and talks about why she advocates a plant based diet.
Links:
Klodi’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/klodi.dabkiewicz?igsh=eHQ3c2dvZDUweGI0
Enter Circus Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/enter_circus?igsh=Y2I3dmVycnIxcWgx
Dominion film:
https://www.dominionmovement.com/watch
Cowspiracy documentary:
https://www.cowspiracy.com
What the Health documentary:
https://www.whatthehealthfilm.com
Game Changers documentary:
https://gamechangersmovie.com
Challenge 22+:
https://challenge22.com
Cronometer:
https://cronometer.com
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In this episode I interview Jack Scott-Lee, male identifying pole artist, performer, athlete and coach. Jack has been a professional pole dancer for 15 years. We talk about how to create a compassionate parent voice, how to be kinder to ourselves and feel we are worthy of all the most amazing things.
Books Jack recommends:
Radical Self Love by Gala Darling
I Am Enough by Marisa Peer
I Am Enough Meditation by Marisa Peer:
https://youtu.be/HeEvsUOu7ig?si=823K8CBDm5D1WckN
Links to try tapping with Jack:
https://youtu.be/Xv20cDmgJiw?si=wbt2bvYDL4VlV0mM
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Trigger Warning : Suicide and suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, addiction & depression.
Watch anything of Ollie on the pole and you’ll see that he is an incredible pole athlete. In this interview, however, you’ll realise he’s mentally much stronger than even his strongest power moves on the pole.
His mental strength to get through his toughest times is an absolute inspiration to all. He talks about his lowest moments candidly here - something that we didn’t plan at all but he went there and I’m very happy he opened up.
Being vulnerable is a super power and this episode proves it hands down.
If you are in crisis and need urgent help:
Call 999 for an ambulance (or your country’s emergency line)Go straight to A&E, if you canIf you can't do this by yourself, ask someone to help you.
Mental health emergencies are serious. You're not wasting anyone's time.
Links:
Studio Flare: https://www.studioflare.co.uk/
Ollie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ollie.t.read?igsh=djloaGE0b28zajE1
Mental Health Help:
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/guides-to-support-and-services/seeking-help-for-a-mental-health-problem/where-to-start/
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A little solo episode about my move to Italy!
Change - big and small - can be very scary for everyone so I thought I’d share where my head is at now.
In this episode I talk about my fear of change and how I am combatting it, my Pole Retreat, morning pages, minimalism and more!
I hope you enjoy this little conversation with myself. If you listen closely you can hear my pre- Breakfast tummy rumbles 😀
Links:
Rustic Pole Retreat Italy:
https://msha.ke/rusticpoleretreatitaly
RPR Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/rusticpoleretreatitaly?igsh=cGIweTc1cWR1NmZp&utm_source=qr
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This episode is with the powerhouse Gemma Rose. Gemma is incredibly honest and vulnerable and this, I believe, is one of her biggest strengths.
We talk about her struggles with her mental health, her cute mermaid persona Finderella, founding her pole competition PDSM and her work as a stripper. Plus much more!
If you haven’t listened to Gemma’s Podcast The 6am Club I strongly advise checking that out next! Her stories of what happens in the Strip Club on her shift are funny, sometimes heart breaking but most importantly very nuanced: Like everything in life, it’s not simply awful or super amazing but there are shades of grey which can be confusing. It’s easy to be addicted to the highs whilst living the lows.
I want to thank Gemma for being so open.
Trigger warning: suicide, mental health struggles, body dismorphia & sexual assault.
Gemma’s Website: https://gemmarose.co.uk/
Gemma’s Podcast:
https://redcircle.com/shows/the6amclub
Dance with Gemma online: https://buymeacoffee.com/gemmarosepole?t=true
PDSM: https://poledancestrippermovement.co.uk/
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This episode is with Fran Daino of Body by Fran.
Fran is 56 years old and blows me away with not only her physical strength on the pole but also her business know-how when it comes to making money as an online pole coach.
We talk about ‘quantity over quality’ which is an interesting way of getting around perfectionism and procrastination.
We discuss her concept of NOT aging ‘gracefully’ and being ok with the opinions of others.
This is very insightful episode that will have you thinking about the pole business in a whole new way and will leave you wondering where you fit in amongst it all.
Fran’s Instagram: @bodybyfran
Fran’s website: http://www.bodybyfrantraining.com/
Fran’s YouTube Channel:
https://youtube.com/@bodybyfrantraining?si=uOetnUmyVdRo6B0_
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Today’s episode is with Giordaina Hartley. Giordaina has had an amazing winning streak: She has won Miss Pole Dance UK, GBPC, LPC, YPC - to name but a few.
She’s extremely flexible and started with no previous experience which I find very encouraging as this really shows that if she can do it maybe we all can!
There is a pressure that comes with winning of course and we talk about the truth behind all those competition wins: the hard work, the self doubt and the discipline that goes on behind the scenes.
DM Giordaina for online flexibility privates and pole competition coaching:
https://www.instagram.com/giordaina_poles?igsh=MTloYmN5NDlrZmlsMA==
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Trigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts, body dysmorphia and body dysphoria.
A message from Steffi:
‘I wasn’t totally thrilled with how I spoke about the issue of trans inclusion in sports. I want to clarify that my answers reflect my own insecurities about my passing and my own femininity. I approach the issue with empathy but I think it is important to recognize that in the vast majority of the time this “debate” is not had in good faith. Trans people belong in sports, in the space that is valid for them.’
I met Steffi Bower at PSO Zurich on one of the hottest days of the summer last year.
Steffi identifies as a trans woman and here we talk about her experience as a pole competitor and how pole has helped her with her mental health and with body dysmorphia and dysphoria. We talk about injuries, her history with concussion and the inclusion of trans people in sport.
Links:
Steffi’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/s_lococcus?igsh=MTJqb2I4ZXBheDNudw==
Support for trans, non-binary and gender-diverse children, young people and their families:
https://mermaidsuk.org.uk
Transgender Resources:
https://glaad.org/transgender/resources/
Contact Samaritans:
Call 116121 - Helpline for all of Europe
https://www.samaritans.org/scotland/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/
List of International Mental Health Hotlines:
https://www.nivati.com/blog/international-mental-health-hotlines
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Joanna recently won the Australian Pole Art Championships at 54 years young.
In this episode we talk all things from poling over 50 and pole longevity to her competition process and performing on Australia’s Got Talent eleven years ago.
One to inspire us all to keep moving as we age and also to take care of our bodies so we can stay active as long as possible.
Link to Joanna’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/joannalittlewoodjohnson_pole?igsh=cXRqNHh1bW5sdm96
Link to Joanna’s Studio in Perth: www.corefusionstudios.com.au
Link to Joanna’s Pole Competition Pole Unity:
www.poleunity.com.au
Joanna’s Teacher Training Course:
www.corepoletraining.com.au
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This week’s Pole Pod guest is pole performer, activist and Blackstage founder Leila Davis AKA Cutie Whippingham.
Leila founded Blackstage as a direct response to the lack of diversity in the pole industry and the lack of opportunities for Black people and people of colour (BPOC) who pole dance.
Davis draws from her experiences being a part of the London QTIBPOC scene and all of the events she has been involved with since entering the scene in 2015.
She says “I was tired of the lack of representation of BPOC and I was tired of the white, non-sex worker allied, pole narrative which also erases trans and non-binary polers. I wanted a space for the community I love and see, to be loved and seen by all as it should be. I want the pole industry to be decolonised”.
Tickets for Blackstage 2024 are on sale here:
https://dice.fm/partner/promoter/event/2ylb6-blackstage-presents-community-6th-apr-the-clapham-grand-london-tickets?_branch_match_id=1137053034268706120&_branch_referrer=H4sIAAAAAAAAA8soKSkottLXz8nMy9ZLyUxO1UvL1S8zNrQ0MTBKTkkxtgQAkxQ6WiEAAAA%3D&dice_campaign=promoter&dice_channel=web&dice_feature=marketing&dice_id=1722674&dice_tags=organic
Blackstage Events:
http://www.blackstagepole.com/events
Blackstage Website: https://www.blackstagepole.com
Leila’s website: https://www.leiladavispole.com
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I started training with Rachel in September last year for the World Pole Championships in Argentina and straight away I knew I had to interview her. So this is a different conversation between a pole coach and athlete and I think you can hear the closeness in rapport. Lots of laughing together and being comfortably vulnerable.
I’m not sure if Rachel realises how hilarious she is but you can hear in this episode I laugh a lot. Laughing is very important I find as I can take myself a bit seriously when competing.
We talk a lot about tackling performance anxiety and shifting the weird narratives our brains sometimes create. As Rachel has so much competing and performance experience some of the insight she gives on her journey with her mindset is gold.
You can book classes with Rachel here:
http://www.hertsdanceandfitness.com/
Rachel’s Instagram is here: https://www.instagram.com/rachel_brit?igsh=ZXd0MmRrbDY5cDJs
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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This episode is with Pole Unicorn Kitty Velour as you’ve never heard her before!
We delve deep and get vulnerable pretty quickly!
We talk about sex workers rights, what working as stripper is really like, her performance highlights, the fact that she is a shy and introverted person when not onstage and discuss her past of body issues and eating disorders.
It’s incredible to hear how Kitty worked on her body insecurities: from hiding her body in layers of clothing to embracing her curves and ‘jiggly bits’ on stage.
Dancing has helped Kitty reclaim her power and take her sensuality back as her own.
Dancing sexy is an art that can be learnt Kitty says. If you’d like to learn to dance with Kitty check the links below.
Links:
Dance with Kitty: https://dancewithkitty.com
Watch Kitty’s Wedding Show: https://dancewithkitty.com/programs/barkervelourcircus
Kitty’s Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/kitty_velour/
Dance With Kitty Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/dance_with_kitty/
The Pxssy Parlour Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/thepxssyparlour/
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We kickstart 2024 with a thought inducing Episode with Yumi Sykes - who fuses ballet and pole in her performances.
We talk imposter syndrome, dealing with the critical voice and talk strategising and goal setting for 2024.
It’s also very ironic that I’ve spent many a day wanting to be able to dance more soft and subtle, whilst Yumi has had moments questioning her own style and feels a need to go more dramatic, more comedic. Proof that those self worth thoughts ‘Am I enough?’ ‘Is my art any good?’ etc. are prevalent amongst creatives.
Why can’t we embrace our critical styles and celebrate our uniqueness?
What is this strangeness that makes us want to, instead of embrace our strengths, pick at our weaknesses like some strange scab that’s very tiny but annoying?
Can we stop picking at ourselves and create the art our hearts want us to?
Links:
Yumi’s Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/yumipolerina?igsh=MTlvdHNvOXM0MmM5cg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Learn with Yumi:
https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.krissypolestudio.com%2Ffull-timetable%3Ffbclid%3DPAAab05nanwwoBj01XeaMbFlKim1M5Fy218fKNLVqaBPK-jTet3UIz9ikQEVQ_aem_ATPDAwE8mtiYepKsjZcWhomD0zfaZ922aPyD_e4W06X0049uCFjVY_zUITNXDoGgPz0&e=AT3s5V30NV4CorhfunDIfIvsAH1eBjc0N6AziCg-5V7KejHncC0WtY83hgjsUCD9rJByFL-fOpYmvfvTvBkUcWLx8m2fNr3J6lnSo5EmFggoauDOCs9ycg
https://l.instagram.com/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fgoteamup.com%2Fp%2F7027861-venus-pole%2F%3Ffbclid%3DPAAabxTmWncCSj9rfYBlJ7KgIAOeCt4LaRaAAHvBRAUDCcx7onbZWsyMPJ2rE_aem_ATNYjSS80t7Rk1BRcQBnp1UCHkLbkV2Nnk8feP5RJT0xzYF5b0GHhysIh-gaZFFV1UM&e=AT10D7pK71oG47fPBrhbblzggJdy0Xbf1WZWEgs7T5kh-y_ughfNX4aLWIZlqLSsDcH5tpPP2Q-ldeTzLuEPJJR_h6Y-IjjPeAThcPJg9KYcHSrj-IkxGw
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Jojo Fox is a pole performer, studio owner, instructor, competition organiser and fellow vegan who lives with Level 4 Osteoarthritis. She is also neurodivergent and queer. In this episode we talk about her pole and mindset journey and the misconceptions some people have when it comes to disability.
She points out many things the pole industry could do to improve diversity when it comes to disability. For example advertising with a disabled poler or with a dancer using their mobility aid. We never see this. Why?
We talk the founding of her new competition Glow, and the UKPPC hiatus.
We delve deep into her mental health journey and how she dealt with harassment from a fellow pole instructor.
I learnt a lot from Jojo. For one thing I realised that competition organisers are usually just one person dealing with all the financial responsibility and a lot of risk. I also questioned the I way I tend to rush to achieve a trick and what cost that has on my body. Maybe being kinder to my body, taking my time and accepting its limitations is a better idea in the long run.
‘Some things just aren’t feasible for my body and that’s ok. You can be a performer, competitor and cool things without those things. You don’t need what you haven’t got.’
Follow Jojo’s Instagram: https://instagram.com/jojoxfox?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
Jojo’s pole studio: https://instagram.com/freebirdpolefitness?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
Jojo’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/jojoxfox
Apply to Glow: http://ukppc.co.uk/glow
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Today I was brave and decided to talk a little about how I’m feeling with the World Pole Championships, Argentina looming just a few weeks away.
I talk honestly about how my competition journey has been for me: from the very lowest moment to how I’m feeling right now. I’m very much feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I am noticing imposter syndrome and realising how I habitually shrink myself to make others feel comfortable. I’ve been trying to build my confidence in my ability and creative vision and am learning to be kinder to myself. It’s all a process.
I hope you appreciate my honesty. I felt scared to do this but I’m excited to see how people react.
Happy listening!
Dolly
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*Trigger warning: As Sam describes the event of her injury you may feel uncomfortable. If you are sensitive to hearing about traumatic injury you might want to skip a few seconds ahead around 5 mins in.
However, I’d recommend staying with the discomfort as Sam relays the traumatic event honestly and bravely. The severity of this event is her reality that she had to work through and overcome.
There is also some colourful language 😀*
Imagine you are training for a high level pole competition and just as you are running your routine for the final time that day, in front of your peers, you fall out of a pole move you’ve practised many times. You dislocate your shoulder resulting in multiple injuries (including an avulsion fracture at the greater tuberosity, slap tear grade 2, supraspinatus tendinosis…)
This is a nightmare for any pole dancer. For any athlete. I can’t even imagine…
One moment you are focusing on preparing to compete internationally and the next moment you need help to brush your teeth, to dress, to shower…to do everyday actions you never previously needed help with.
You have to focus on your rehab and find a new identity whilst you recover. You have to somehow support yourself financially when you used to make money through teaching your sport.
This is Sam’s story - it’s a story of resilience, of believing in the impossible and not losing hope.
Useful links:
Artemis Pole Studio Instagram:
https://instagram.com/artemispolestudio.ldn?igshid=NzZlODBkYWE4Ng==
Sam’s Instagram:
https://instagram.com/polewithsam?igshid=MzMyNGUyNmU2YQ==
Websites
https://www.artemispolestudio.com/
https://www.polewithsam.com/
Useful evidence based books recommended by Sam:
The Vital Shoulder Complex
John Gibbons
https://amzn.to/3QSGCpt
Explain Pain
Lorimer Moseley, David Butler
https://amzn.to/3SB2oPQ
Clinical Sports Medicine
Brunner and Khan's
https://amzn.to/3syhNWf
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- Montre plus
