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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
Connection
Interaction
Dogs
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 monthlyEpisodes162Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Society & CulturePhilosophyPerforming ArtsArts

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Artwork for the Way of the Showman

Latest Episodes

What if the most compelling part of a show isn’t the illusion, but the honesty? We sit down with juggler and creator Jay Gilligan to unpack “folk circus,” a performance style built on concrete skill, visible tech, and a fearless embrace of the room a... more

We trace the unlikely arc that carried poolside pandemic brainstorms into London Calling, a high-velocity variety show that’s genuinely all-ages without sanding off its edge.

As the Pandemic hit Las Vegas Paul Dabek and Captain Frodo dreamt by the p... more

YouTube

In this episode I read the first chapter of the Paradoxes of Juggling by Michael Staroseletsky, a book published by NDjuggling.com which of course is run by Niels Duinker who was a guest on the podcast back in episode 135. If you are interested in wa... more

YouTube

Do yourself a favor before reading any more of this: Listen to the Road To Joy now! Also! Listen to Clay Hillman’s wonderful piano music  

What if the spark that powers great rituals, great sermons, and great shows is the same playful force? Captain... 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
Ph.D. student and lecturer at Paris Nanterre University
Paris Nanterre University
Episode: 129 - Beyond Spectacle: The Art and Philosophy of Freak Shows with Anna Maria Sienicka 3 of 4
Nick Difatte
Magician and artist, known for his insights on magic and performance.
Episode: 121 - Further SECRETS!!! with Nick Difatte part 2 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, and writer.

Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars from 161 ratings
  • My favorite podcast recommendation.

    When I’m having a conversation with my peers, podcast recommendations often come up. This is my favorite podcast to recommend! It’s not on everyone’s radar, but it will help calibrate everyone’s life radar for the better. Luke Burrage once told me that being called “childish” is a negative, but being called “child-like” was a positive. Relatedly, being called “selfish” is a negative, but the real positive goal for us all is to be called “self-like.” Listening to Captain Frodo on his gift of a po... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    gowsley
    United States4 months ago
  • Looking for Inspiration?

    A podcast well worth listening to if you want to hear great advice and gain some inspiration when creating or enhancing your own performance/show.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Pet Detective10
    Canada4 months ago
  • 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
    Australiaa year 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 States3 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

Listeners Say

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

Listeners appreciate the philosophical insights and depth of content, often describing it as inspiring and enriching.
The podcast is regarded as a valuable resource for both performers and enthusiasts, highlighting its relevance beyond just the performance arts.
Many express gratitude for the emotional and intellectual engagement offered, often feeling motivated or comforted by the discussions.

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?

This series offers deep philosophical and esoteric insights through the lens of modern showmanship. Anchored by Captain Frodo, an internationally acclaimed circus performer and director, each season varies in format and focus, ranging from thoughtful essays to extended explorations of fundamental concepts in performance art. The latest season delves into the intricate relationship between showmanship and play, inviting listeners to reflect on creativity, audience engagement, and the art of performance. Listeners can expect rich discussions, personal anecdotes, and an exploration of how performance not only entertains but also connects with deeper philosophical themes. This unique blend makes it appealing to anyone interested in the arts, ph... more

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

1. The Magic Word Podcast

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

the Way of the Showman launched 6 years ago and published 162 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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