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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
  • Highlights of Series 3 with Julia and Tessa

    Highlights of Series 3 with Julia and Tessa
    Aug 13 2025
    If you're new to the Circle Holding podcast, this episode will give you a glimpse into the interviews with diverse circle facilitators in Series 3.
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    11 mins
  • Creating Therapeutic Spaces for Growth and Connection with Alex Holmes

    Creating Therapeutic Spaces for Growth and Connection with Alex Holmes
    Aug 10 2025
    Alex and Julia talked about: • First encountered circles at Church with age group and older facilitator • Came back to circle in his thirties with a lot more life experience • Was a journalist in lifestyle and wellbeing who attended a circle out of curiosity and to write an article, to being asked to host one • Started with a one hour circle for 6-8 weeks • Is inspired by Men’s Speak, men’s circles in London • Did a Mental Health First Aid Course, then coaching, then as a therapist, which opened doors into schools • Did group work in schools with those who found the structure of school difficult- it gave space to relax and let their guard down • One of guidelines was to be responsible for the group rather than being disruptive and stopping others from benefiting from the group • Delivered ‘Becoming a man’ programme, part of Youth Guidance (US initiated) until funding withdrawn by government • Shared programme through assembly and boys consented to participating through signed agreement • There has to be buy-in from teachers and parents
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    44 mins
  • Welcoming People into Circle: It is much more than a smile

    Welcoming People into Circle: It is much more than a smile
    Aug 6 2025
    Julia and Tessa talk about the importance of the welcome to circle, including the pre-circle preparation and how welcomes might differ according to your demographic.
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    18 mins
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