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Circle Holding

Circle Holding

By: Julia Davis and Tessa Venuti Sanderson
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 Do you run a group or a circle? Join us for insights into circle facilitation. We speak to people who have created spaces where people can speak without interruption and listen without judgement. You will learn from people who have successfully facilitated groups in schools, universities, local communities, within government and in corporate environments. You will discover how these circles were created, funded and learn how you can create and build your own communities and circles. Listen to shorter episodes with Julia and Tessa for explorations into concepts about circle holding and practical tips: * What is a talking circle? * What is circle holding as a role? * How do you manage big personalities and big feelings ? * How do you support deep listening? * Should it be free, by donation or a charge? * Are talking circles just a bit woo woo? * And favourite memories and challenging moments in circle time Listen to longer interviews with diverse circle holders for fantastic insights into holding space: Series 1 * Imposter syndrome and group dynamics with Kate Codrington * Radical empathy with Narrative 4’s Lee Keylock * Co-facilitation with Red School's Alexandra Pope and Sjanie Hugo Wurlizter * Circle as a container for breathwork with Benedict Beaumont * Working with children and talking about sensitive topics with Jane Bennett * Creating space for health masculinity with Lee Stegels * Funding what your community needs with Becoming Mum’s Liz Allum * Including diverse voices through Participatory Democracy with Andy Pierce Series 2 * Diversity and Inclusion in Circle with Mike Irwin of Mankind Project (part 1) * Embodied Listening: Focusing as a Technique in Circle with Marta Fabregat * Running A Circle at Home (and Plant Medicine) with Nicky Yazbeck * The Nuts and Bolts of Circle Facilitation with Mike Irwin (part 2) * Listening as Compassionate Leadership with Jenny Burrell * Peace Circles in Schools with Roy Leighton * Sex Education with Dr Sophie King Hill * Sensual Circles with Henika Patel You can help this podcast continue to broadcast by donating: https://www.gofundme.com/f/spread-stories-of-communities-building-circles-of-hope/Circle Holding Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Our Circle Stories

    Our Circle Stories
    Apr 12 2026
    In this episode, Tessa and Julia read a couple of circle stories each from their book published in 2024. They unpack those stories and provide an update of what their facilitating circles on in 2026.
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    19 mins
  • Creating Safety Through Presence and Honesty with Natalie Keany

    Creating Safety Through Presence and Honesty with Natalie Keany
    Apr 5 2026
    In this interview Tessa spoke to Natalie from [https://www.evolvebreathbody.com/](https://www.evolvebreathbody.com/) about: - Boundaries and consent - Slowing down consent with practising when body is saying yes and when no - How presence underpins all the other practices - In longer sessions or trainings, it's important not to make big decisions until learning integrated - Honesty is important from the facilitator to create a feeling of safety in people's nervous systems - Sharing your own experience as a facilitator is context dependent - sometimes might be more appropriate to share with those that opt in into a smaller group - Holding space skills are natural to humans - more like a remembering than a learning
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    39 mins
  • Why Write A Book About Circle Holding with Julia and Tessa

    Why Write A Book About Circle Holding with Julia and Tessa
    Mar 29 2026
    In this episode, Julia and Tessa talk about how the book came about, the different voices in the book, how to use it if you're a budding facilitator and more.
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    23 mins
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