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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
  • Taking Circle on Retreat: Cultivating Connection

    Taking Circle on Retreat: Cultivating Connection
    Jul 16 2025
    In this episode, Tessa and Julia talked about how circle time can utilise the special environment of a retreat to deepen practices and sharing. They give some examples of where circle was used well and where it wasn't used at all.
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    24 mins
  • Boys, Masculinity & Rites of Passage with Davis J Williams

    Boys, Masculinity & Rites of Passage with Davis J Williams
    Jul 13 2025
    In this interview with Davis J Williams and Julia Davis, they talked about: • Moving from the competitive field of football coaching where some young people struggled to participate to supporting youth in the community • In Gambia, found that young boys went through a rite of passage at 13 years old and saw the difference that made to their self-respect, discipline, self-control and ambition • The journey to manhood builds throughout the boys’ lives, involving the whole community • Wanted to bring this rite of passage experience to the boys becoming involved in violence in London whose parents are struggling alone to guide them • Is important to involve parents to support their skills – developed the Parenthood Academy e.g. to create more intimacy at home like parents holding hands to model caring environment, eating meal together at a table • Bring in cartoons and animations to talk about manhood to combat narratives on social media e.g. through talking about Batman story and trauma of losing his parents • Programmes are run by volunteers from the community who want to support positive masculinity, rather than getting funding from local authorities or referrals from schools • Too important to wait for public funding to be provided, parents pay subscriptions for the kids to attend because they value the programme • Focus on building accountability to each other and the practitioners – a brotherhood – and once built rapport take them away for a deeper emotional experience of overcoming a challenge • Sit in circle without distraction – no mask wearing, no bravado - finding connections with safe people rather than with gangs • Alongside, Parent Lead is working with the parents to go on their own emotional journey and remembering their own goals, encouraging ongoing conversations between parents and youths • Length of time youths are involved varies – longest is 4 years of holding space for transformation • Peer leaders who volunteer come from different professions – all have in common that they have capacity to care • Strict screening process in place • Not easy because have to overcome the boys’ resistance to authority figures • Have to allow conversation to go where the boys want to take it, even when uncomfortable or controversial, for someone to have the courage to give different opinions
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    47 mins
  • Which Is For You? An Open or Closed Talking Circle with Julia and Tessa

    Which Is For You? An Open or Closed Talking Circle with Julia and Tessa
    Jul 10 2025
    In this conversation, Tessa and Julia talked about what open and closed circles are, what the benefits are and what you might consider when setting them up. Enjoy!
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    19 mins

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