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Artwork for the Way of the Showman

the Way of the Showman

Captain Frodo
Showmanship
Play
Audience Engagement
Performance
Circus
Philosophy
Creativity
Storytelling
Juggling
Geometry
Evolving Whale
Performance Arts
Cirque Du Soleil
Interaction
Dogs
Connection
Performance Art
Imaginal Realm
Pandemic
Imagination

Philosophical and esoteric perspectives from a modern day Showman. Each season is different in its approach. S1 is essays. S2 is one book length attempt at Understanding Showmanship, S3 is conversations with remarkable Showfolk. The brand new Season 4 explores the relationship between Showmanship and Play.The host, Captain Frodo, internationally renowned circus performer, director, writer, husband... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes151Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ArtsPhilosophyPerforming ArtsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for the Way of the Showman

Latest Episodes

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 o... more

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... more

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 ... more

YouTube

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... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Chris Canfield
Magician and creator of The Games We Play
Episode: 136 - The Games We Play - with Chris Canfield
Anna Maria Sienicka
Philosophy lecturer and PhD candidate with a focus on freak shows and monstrosity
Sorbonne University, Paris-Nanterre University
Episode: 127 - Beyond Monsters: Philosophy & Freakshow with Anna Maria Sienicka - 1 of 4
Nick Difatte
Performer with Cirque du Soleil's Mad Apple
Cirque du Soleil
Episode: 120 - SECRETS!!! with Nick Difatte (part 1 of 2)
Eric Broomfield
Also known as Jellyboy the Clown, author of Memoirs of a Coney Island Clown
Episode: 108 - Memoirs of a Coney Island Clown w Jellyboy the Clown
Trent Macau Baumann
Known as the Birdman, a contemporary circus performer
Episode: 105 - Don't Be Afraid to be Modern with the Birdmann Trent Baumann

Host

Captain Frodo
Host of The Way of the Showman, an internationally renowned circus performer, director, writer, husband and dad.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 153 ratings
  • Another fascinating episode!

    It’s curious how profound and serious the life of a performer can be and, of course, they are the first to be affected by any changes in our society as demonstrated by our current crisis.

    Just listened to a brilliant and insightful episode about parenting and our relationships with our children!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Top October
    Australia8 months ago
  • My only real regret in life

    I’m mighty happy about how my life has gone up to this point. My only real regret is that I didn’t know about this podcast from Frodo until over two years after it began. I was hit hard by the shutdown. I know millions of people had it harder than me. (Probably billions of people, actually—the difference between a million and a billion is just one of the sparkling gems of knowledge I’ve acquired listening to this.) But I was so depressed by not being able to do my little magic show I mostly sa... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Vegas Mac
    United States2 years ago
  • Wondrous gift

    A friend recently recommended the podcast to me and I must say I am deeply grateful to them. It is a treasure trove, a wonderfully generous gift, just the tonic I needed!

    I find myself not only inspired and delighted by Captain Frodo’s musings but also very moved. He holds his great wisdom with such grace, humility, wit and lightness.

    Thank you, thank you!

    🌚🌞🌚🌞❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Decrepitude
    United Kingdom3 years ago
  • Smart, funny and gracious!

    Inspiring philosophical musings - sometimes silly, sometimes enlightening and always engaging and enjoyable - I’m always smiling afterwards : )

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Neilo of Mullum
    Australia3 years ago
  • Driving has never been so dangerous!

    As I listen to an episode, my mind expands and grows. As I deepen into ideas and Frodo’s soothingly insightful voice guides me towards realizations and uncharted thoughts, I find myself veering a little to the left. I correct myself, and get back between the lines guiding us all safely towards our destination. Yet, the voice continues and the ideas continue and I veer a little to the right, almost taking an exit I didn’t intend to take! I correct myself back into the lines and continue on my way... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Domaskbz
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Many remark on the engaging nature of the content, finding it inspiring and deeply reflective of their own artistic journeys.
Feedback highlights Captain Frodo's soothing delivery and ability to connect diverse threads of thought regarding showmanship and existence.
Listeners appreciate the thoughtful and philosophical exploration of performance art, often describing it as a comforting and insightful experience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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
Q: How did Jay Gilligan first hear about Mystère?
Jay learned about Mystère through industry connections and was deeply influenced by its unique approach to circus arts.
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
Q: What is Mystère?
Mystère is a Cirque du Soleil show that opened in Las Vegas, known for revolutionizing the circus genre.
130 - Freak Shows: From Sideshow Curiosities to Modern Media Spectacles with Anna Maria Sienicka - Part 4 of 4
Q: Do you think there is something uniquely specific to the art of the freak show?
The freak show is a distinct art form characterized by its unique invitation to experience and confront the abnormal or unconventional.
130 - Freak Shows: From Sideshow Curiosities to Modern Media Spectacles with Anna Maria Sienicka - Part 4 of 4
Q: Is there a risk for the freak to become mainstream and to cease to be a freak?
Mainstream acceptance could dilute the subversive nature of freak performances, potentially robbing them of their edge.
116 - Jay & Frodo How to Play in Performance - (Unpacking episodes 103 & 104)
Q: Is there ever a problem for you in ending the state of play?
I see the end of play as a natural shift; if someone says they don't want to play anymore, it simply ends. But in performance, I recognize that I need to explicitly signal the end to the audience through an action, speech, or lighting effect, so they know we've transitioned back to everyday reality.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About the Way of the Showman

What is the Way of the Showman about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Perspectives shared encompass both philosophical and practical insights that resonate with performers and artists across various genres. The discussions often bridge the gap between showmanship and profound human experiences, examining the layered complexities of performance and creativity. Each season focuses on different thematic elements such as essays, personal narratives, or conversations with notable figures in the performing arts. Particularly noteworthy is the exploration in Season 4 of the intricate relationship between showmanship and play, suggesting that play is not merely an element of performance but a fundamental aspect of existence itself. This unique blend of philosophy and artistry not only inspires performers but also inv... more

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Which podcasts are similar to the Way of the Showman?

These podcasts share a similar audience with the Way of the Showman:

1. Penguin Magic Podcast
2. Penn's Sunday School
3. Matt & Mattingly's Ice Cream Social
4. Arkiv Samtal
5. WTF with Marc Maron Podcast

How many episodes of the Way of the Showman are there?

the Way of the Showman launched 5 years ago and published 151 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on the Way of the Showman?

Recent guests on the Way of the Showman include:

1. Chris Canfield
2. Anna Maria Sienicka
3. Nick Difatte
4. Eric Broomfield
5. Trent Macau Baumann

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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