Ulrike Storch describes herself as “Europe’s worst foot juggler,” and yet with some business smarts, she has performed all over the world. In this episode, she breaks down her strategy and gives Shannon some free business advice- current and aspiring performers listen immediately! ________________ Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.…

One of the top aerial riggers in the UK gives practical advice and insane stories from his decades long career. A can’t miss episode! ________________ Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil to circus t…

No matter what stage in your career you’re at, we all feel a little lost sometimes and look for guidance from people ahead of us on the path. For many aerialists, Lindsey Butcher is one of those guides. She was one in the wave of dancers who took to the air in the early 90’s. In this interview, she talks about her journey and how we can all be our …

With 25 years of acrobatics, Isis Clegg-Vinell has experience with both the good (contracts with Cirque du Soleil and winning gold at festivals) and the bad (big falls and canceled career opportunities). Shannon met up with her in London to hear her story. ________________ Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This…

Megan Vaughan Giesbrecht went from being a single mother with a 9-5 job to being a single mother touring the world with the Australian circus company, Gravity and Other Myths. This inspiring interview offers insights into what it means to parent intentionally while living out the life that makes you feel the most like yourself. ________________ Ple…

Jerome Sordillon is an award winning straps artist who is entering a new phase of his career- touring with his family. Hear about how he’s doing it. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil to circus the…

How does an artist stay relevant in an industry that’s obsessed with young bodies and the next trend? Shannon talks to Nancy Smith, one of the trailblazers of aerial dance in North America, to discuss the importance of recognizing your teachers, keeping inspiration going, and gaining cockroach status. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patr…

No, you don’t have to be from a family. No, you don’t need to train animals. Yes, some gymnastics helps. But there’s more to it than that, and this week, cyr wheel artist Lea Toran Jenner tells it all! Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews g…

Aleksei Goloborodko shares wisdom on how to gain flexibility without getting injured and talks about his unique approach to the art of contortion. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil to circus thera…

One of the pioneers of aerial silks, Ginger Alvarez talks candidly about her career trajectory and where she sees the art form going next. ------------------------------------------------ Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acr…

“If you want to change who’s in the audience, you need to change who’s onstage.” is the firm credo under which circus director Billy Alwen and his collaborators built Extraordinary Bodies- which focuses on representation for disabled circus artists. --------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patre…

Youngstage is one of the largest platforms for artists under the age of 27. But why the age cut off? This is just one of the many topics addressed in this week’s interview with Nadja Hauser, the founder of Youngstage Festival. ---------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podca…

Dr. Sherry Walling is a clinical psychologist and recreational aerialist. Shannon McKenna is a professional aerialist with a love for promoting conversations about mental health. Here’s an interview about grief. ------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is …

Hear a deep dive into the creative process of one of the most prolific circus directors of our time. ------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil to circus t…

Introducing an iconic interview with the legendary Olga Pikhienko. The darling of Cirque du Soleil during its “heyday,” Olga talks about her flexibility, creative journey, and the power of positive thinking. ---------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to …

Together with her twin sister, Serenity, and independently, Elsie Smith has a performing and teaching career spanning over 3 decades and revolutionized the way recreational aerial arts is taught. ----------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist…

Today’s guest parties hard and makes art even harder- Elena Brocade insists on living life on her own terms, and as a result, has revolutionized the art of aerial storytelling and quick change. --------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. A…

Erika Lemay, one of the “New Queens of Circus,” tells tales of growing up fast, perfectionism gone right, and coming back from injury. ------------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from …

Today we talk to fire artist, hula-hooper and mega content creator Grace Good. After amassing over 8 million followers on TikTok, Grace is leading the way into the twenty-first century. We talk to her about how she gets brand deals and how she keeps her stage shows, street shows and online content fresh. --------------------------------------------…

Dominique Jando has been involved in the circus world for half a century and he has OPINIONS. This episode is challenging, insightful, and hopefully will spark wonderful conversations. --------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aeri…

Dr. Veronique Richard Ph.D. does extensive research in how creativity impacts physical performance- her favorite research subjects: circus artists. Listen in to find out her findings and mindset shifts that you can make to change how you train. ---------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartist…

Marco Motta has carried his culture with him from the streets of Brazil to the stage of Paris, but it hasn’t been an easy journey. He is still fighting prejudice and oppression with the greatest weapon he has: his art. ------------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete Thi…

Can a circus artist be great if they are all skills and no concept? What if they’re brilliant artists but have no technical ability? Jay Gilligan grapples with this and more on this week’s episode. ------------------------------------------------------------------ Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast …

A trapeze star turned circus coach and sexual harm prevention educator in one of hopefully MANY conversations we can have about making the circus safer. ------------------------------------------------ Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews g…

Martin Frenette has been an aerialist for 17 years and hopes to do 15 more! He talks about how the industry has changed and what makes an act great. --------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from ac…

Closing out 2021 with one of the most widely requested aerial duos- Girls Gone Rope! Eve and PJ talk about creating a duo rope act, the difference between festival and contract performing, and the importance of getting rid of Stressica. ----------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartista…

Many people dream of running away to join the circus, but today’s guest, who spent 6 years performing with Cirque du Soleil wanted to run away FROM the circus. What happened next was something she never could have imagined. ---------------------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistath…

Ulzii Kee was at one time one of the best mongolian contortionists on stage with Cirque du Soleil, but at what price? -------------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil…

Viktor Kee is so much more than juggling. In this episode we discuss owning your work, inspiration and of course, what Viktor is up to next! ---------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats …

In 2014, in the middle of her circus career, Erin Ball’s life changed completely when she became a double below the knee amputee. After a year, she began a lifelong process of undoing ableism and sanism within herself and started relearning aerial arts. In this interview, she breaks down what it means to her to be disabled and gives suggestions on …

Ever wondered how circus shows get made? Where do all the ideas and moneys come from? Josh and Lyndsay Aviner, independent producers who make circus shows and have a podcast about making circus shows, join Shannon on this crossover episode. --------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete Thi…

A question that has plagued many aspiring professional circus artists for YEARS is “how much should I charge for this stuff anyway?” And today, Ileigh Reynolds, artist, event co-ordinator and founder of the online company Circus Boss is here to give you some answers! ------------------------------------------------------------------ Please won’t yo…

As circus artists, do we NEED social media in our lives? That’s the question this interview with Shante Coefield, physical therapist turned online entrepreneur, seeks to answer on this episode. Plenty of actionable tips and tricks to grow your social media presence in this episode (if that’s what you WANT to do.) -----------------------------------…

GO WATCH THIS RIGHT NOW: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLgMEXCyeN0 Aurelia Cats created not only an act, but an iconic style of trapeze in the early 2000’s. This interview is full of stories of gluing fake nails onto the skin of her fingers, doing doubles until she was bleeding in China, and playing the role of the “bad” judge on Celebrity Circus…

The famous Elena Panova originated swinging trapeze as it is today, but even this siren of the sky had to overcome fear and self-doubt to reach her greatest potential. Hear how she did it, and so much more. --------------------------------------- Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CI…

Rodleigh Stevens is a fifth generation circus performer, but his journey to the big top was anything but easy. His father died when he was young and his mother forbade him from following in his footsteps. Hear how passion won out and Rodleigh’s advice for coaching. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast…

Elena Lev hit the world’s stages young with an innovative hula hoop act that became a Cirque du Soleil staple, meanwhile, off stage, she was navigating the challenges of motherhood, evolving as an artist, and developing her other interests, while feeding her passion for the circus life. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/thearti…

Kicking off our four part series on iconic stars of the circus is Richie Gaona, a fourth generation circus performer who flew with one of the most successful flying trapeze families of the time: The Flying Gaonas. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna …

What causes an eating disorder? Why do some people get them and some don’t? How do you know if you have one? Dr. Jodie Richardson, clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist, answers all of our questions and more. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shanno…

What causes an eating disorder? Why do some people get them and some don’t? How do you know if you have one? Dr. Jodie Richardson, clinical psychologist and eating disorder specialist, answers all of our questions and more. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shanno…

This episode deals with grief and circus. It is dedicated to Raphael Cruz and it's for anyone out there who is struggling with loss.

Ooops! Last week's episode was Part 2! Sorry about that y'all!

Francisco Cruz went from flipping around with his friends to touring some of the top stages in the world with his friends. While on the surface, his path seems like one of straight forward success, this interview reveals the twists, turns, and trials of an acrobat.

If you're an aerialist or pole artist who has ever been injured (or tried to pretend you weren't) this episode is for you! Dr. Simone Muscat is a physical therapist who specifically treats our tiny and extraordinary subset of the population. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS.…

After studying and working for companies in Montreal, Canada, aerialist Sabine returned to her hometown of Capetown, South Africa during the pandemic. In collaboration with students from Zip-Zap Circus, friends from school, and her father, Sabine created a fabulous made-for-video circus show, called Moya. Check it out by following this link: https:…

Expert rigger Delbert Hall explains everything you need to know to figure out if what you're hanging on is safe. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil to circus therapists and everyone in between. Lea…

Rachel Strickland is an artist and business coach who helps creative entrepreneurs. She runs The Audacity Project, a program for creatives who want to step up their game, but what makes her so special is she comes from the world of circus, so she knows what it's all about. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This…

Susan Voyticky has a singing and swinging lyra act that will knock your socks off and it makes no logical sense. This episode is all about following your heart. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil t…

Krin Haglund is a clown, circus director, and the first female cyr wheel performer and she uses every part of her to create- from her humor, to her skills, to her hair (or lack thereof). Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acro…

Marion Crampe explains her life as a movement artist and shares her story. This episode is guaranteed to inspire you to dream big and work hard. Please won’t you be a Patreon?: http://www.patreon.com/theartistathlete This podcast is dedicated to CIRCUS. Aerialist, Shannon McKenna interviews guests from acrobats in Cirque du Soleil to circus therapi…