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Circle Holding

Circle Holding

Written 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 and Reflections: Our Favourite Bits of Series 4 with Tessa and Julia

    Highlights and Reflections: Our Favourite Bits of Series 4 with Tessa and Julia
    Apr 26 2026
    In this episode, Tessa and Julia review the highlights of the interviews with guest speakers who are circle facilitators representing diverse participants and interests.
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    16 mins
  • Neurodiversity and the Power of the Collective with Jewels Wingfield

    Neurodiversity and the Power of the Collective with Jewels Wingfield
    Apr 19 2026
    In this episode, Tessa and Jewels Wingfield ([https://jewelswingfield.com/](https://jewelswingfield.com/)) talked about: - The value of circle lies both in the content and the spaciousness to integrate the process - Going into a deep process with one person in circle can create dysregulation for the others and the importance of checking in after peak moments - The helpful analogy of a 'slow meal' for a trauma-informed approach to circle facilitation instead of 'bolting food' and chasing dopamine the hits of peak moments - Bringing discernment about whether it's you as a facilitator that wants the shift for someone or the participant themselves - Eldership is for those of 70+ who have the lived experience to bring depth to gatherings - Experience allows you to listen to the soul of the circle - Looking for the super powers of neurodivergence and using those strengths to hone the craft of circle facilitation - Being transparent as a facilitator about neurodiversity so people can make a choice about the right circle for them because transparency creates authentic safety - It's possible to co-create a regulated space with people who are neurodiverse and have diverse needs - To meet different learning styles / neurodivergent needs, offering diverse practices around the same topic increases inclusion - Part of the holding of a circle is the place, the land.
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    57 mins
  • 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
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