In this episode, Founder and Host Andrea Rathborne and Producer/Co-Host Krista Gruen sit down with Andréa (Drea) Bendewald to discuss Drea's journey as the Founder, Host, and Executive Producer of 'Circle This,' an Anti-Small Talk podcast.
Drea shares her extensive experience leading circle conversations, spanning over 30 years, and explores her passion for meaningful connection, relationships, human insight, and inspiring moments. The episode details Drea and Andrea’s serendipitous meeting at the 2024 Shine Away Event (Hello Sunshine’s annual gathering in LA), which they describe as 'Sacred Synchronicity.' They recount their bonding experience through common mid-life changes, such as launching new businesses (podcasts) and sending children off to college. The discussion also delves into the art of circling, the importance of listening and receiving, and the unfolding of Drea's own midlife transformation.
The conversation, just as a circle does, meets back at the start with reflections on the strength and necessity of vulnerability, unedited and honest expression, the art and practice of both giving and receiving and, the gift of serendipity, synchronicity and raising ones hand to say “Yes - I’m here. I see and hear you - you are witnessed”.
Bio
You may recognize Andréa (Drea) from her work on iconic shows like Friends, Seinfeld, Two and a Half Men, Entourage, The Morning Show, and films like Employee of the Month. With a career rooted in storytelling, Drea has spent decades on screen—and now, she brings that same passion to the world of personal transformation.
As a beloved acting coach and teacher at UCLA’s Professional Program for Acting on Camera, Drea has helped countless performers tap into their truth. But her deepest calling? Creating space for authentic connection.
She’s the founder of The Art of Circling—a modern mindfulness practice rooted in ancient ritual that fosters connection, healing, and empowerment through story-sharing and deep listening. What began in person has grown into a global movement, with virtual women's empowerment circles, retreats, and transformational workshops.
Featured in People, The New York Times, Hollywood Reporter, and more, Drea is on a mission to bring peace, harmony, and divine balance to women everywhere—one circle at a time.
Linkedin Andréa Bendewald
Podcast Circle This
Instagram Andréa Bendewald
IMDB Andréa Bendewald
Andrea and Drea met last year (2024) during Hello Sunshine’s annual event SHINE AWAY in LA. It was during a workshop hosted by Peoplehood that was facilitated by Francesca Hogi and Connor Holloway where they connected. SoulCycle co-founders Julie Rice and Elizabeth Cutler founded Peoplehood, a “workout for your relationships” Learn more here → Peoplehood
Good reads
Five Words: Love, Pisces, Authentic, Survivor, Woman
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Founder/Host: Andrea Rathborne
Producer/Co-Host: Krista Gruen
Editors: Andrea Rathborne & Krista Gruen
Audio Engineer: Ryan Clarke
Episode sponsors: LOBA and Voes and Company