Shows
Pole Pod‘We can choose where we want to put our attention’ Xara FlameI got to interview the amazing Xara Flame and she has such a unique story! I’ll let her tell it as she jumps right into it at the beginning but she lives part time in Ecuador! As she was talking her dog was bringing sticks to her to play fetch and the backdrop was luscious greenery. It was truly stunning! She is an incredible human and I also had a little Pole Jam with her afterwards which I hope to do again! A bit about Xara:Xara Flame, the passionate force behind DG...2025-04-141h 19Pole PodDedication or Madness with Colleen JollyI first realised I had to interview Colleen when I read her post about rejection and her need for external validation when competing. I was like “That’s ME!’ So I reached out and interviewed her the same week.There’s some colourful language and a lot of laughs. Colleen has so much knowledge about the pole industry and has worn many hats over the years so this interview is just awesome for that reason! You can buy Colleen’s book “Mobility for Pole”here: https://tr.ee/zhzpo29CnjFollow and rea...2025-02-101h 05Pole PodThe Pole Physio Interview - Everything You’ve Ever Wanted To Ask!Today I got the pleasure of speaking with Dani Davey, physiotherapist at The Pole Physio. I asked her everything I’ve always wanted to ask a pole physio: from common mistakes we pole dancers make, mental health and pole and how to prepare the body for an intense period of training and MORE! Thanks Dani for taking the time to talk to me I loved it! About The Pole Physio:We have grown in the past couple of years and offer a variety of services specific to polers, all online (anywhere in the wo...2025-02-0356 minPole PodBook Club Extravaganza with Jack Scott LeeI’m very lucky to have a friend like Jack who is on the same wave length. We send each other wellness tips and our favourite podcast episodes and a few weeks ago he mentioned The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins which I was already half way through. In this episode we talk about this concept of letting other people behave how they are going to behave and then you can ‘let me’ decide what to do next. The Let Them Theory is quite liberating as we ultimately have no control over other people’s thoughts...2025-01-2951 min
Pole PodSelf Care Practises to Help You Thrive in 2025Self Care Tips to Help You Thrive in 2025!Since moving countries I’ve upped my self care game! I’ve had to really sit in the uncomfortable and face how I’m feeling head on. These practises really have helped me and have become part of my daily routine. I am not expert meditator yet - but I at least show up and sit with myself every day and I think that’s enough! I recommend experimenting with your self care practises and giving them a bit of time as sometimes we try somethin...2025-01-1330 minPole Pod‘Life is short and you’ve just got to make the most of it.’ Jade BensilumThe episode is with the incredible Jade Bensilum. Jade wears many hats in the pole industry: she’s an Xpert trainer, she coaches polers for upcoming competitions with her Comp Guru business, she runs numerous UK competitions and owns and runs her own pole studio Studio Flare.It was amazing to catch up with Jade and talk about how she juggles it all. We also talk about how the loss of her mum shaped her and inspired her Pole Art Italy performance and changed her outlook on life in a big way.Excited th...2024-09-1550 minPole Pod‘I Think It’s Important to Have Successful Vegans Doing Completely Non Vegan Related Jobs..’ Pixie Le KnotI was super excited to talk to the amazing Pixie Le Knot who is one of the UK’s leading contortionists. She has appeared in the Game of Thrones, The Devil lnside & It Never Sleeps and has established a career in amazing contortion performances.We talk about the reality of life on set, how to build a career as a contortionist, vegan activism and her vegan diet. We bust flexibility myths and misconceptions about eating plant powered. Links:Pixie’s website: http://www.pixieleknot.co.uk/2024-08-261h 06Pole Pod‘All This Energy Wasted on How We Look and How We Can Shrink Ourselves…’ Julia CreadivaI first came across Julia Creadiva when competing at PSO in Switzerland. I saw her perform and thought WOW! Then I saw her perform her Scars to Your Beautiful performance and I knew I had to invite her to be interviewed (as I’ve wanted to talk about disordered eating for such a long time…)So trigger warning! This episode is heavily based around eating disorders, society’s obsession with thinness, and being a female athlete with not many bigger, curvier role models.Links:List of Eating Disorder Helplines: http...2024-08-051h 28Pole Pod‘The nice thing now is I don’t really care because I’m living my joyful life…’ Darren WhitbyToday I chat to Darren Whitby who is (alongside his husband Vishesh) currently European Same-Sex Latin Champion.We talk about bias in the ballroom dancing judging sphere, along with the differences between competing in pole and ballroom.We discuss the ups and downs of competing and when it would probably be a good idea to quit a pole competition, rather than pushing through.Darren also talks openly about how it felt to be a gay boy growing up in Witham, Essex and his full circle moment performing...2024-07-151h 26Pole Pod‘You have enough protein from plants. The end!’ Klodi Dabkiewicz of Enter CircusKlodi Dabkiewicz is a versatile performer whose journey through the world of athleticism and artistry has been nothing short of extraordinary. With a foundation as a former Champion Class Rhythmic Gymnast boasting 12 years of experience, earning multiple titles as a Polish Champion.Today, Klodi Dabkiewicz graces stages around the globe, captivating audiences with her exceptional acts. From top-tier Cabarets to Dinner shows, and from Theatrical to Corporate events, her performances have left an indelible mark at renowned venues such as Cirque du Soleil, Lio Ibiza, Cirque Eloize, Formula 1 Monaco GP, GOP Variete, Art on Ice, La...2024-06-241h 54Pole Pod‘You don’t have to do or be something to receive love and that’s ground breaking actually.’ Jack Scott- LeeIn this episode I interview Jack Scott-Lee, male identifying pole artist, performer, athlete and coach. Jack has been a professional pole dancer for 15 years. We talk about how to create a compassionate parent voice, how to be kinder to ourselves and feel we are worthy of all the most amazing things.Books Jack recommends:Radical Self Love by Gala DarlingI Am Enough by Marisa PeerI Am Enough Meditation by Marisa Peer:https://youtu.be/HeEvsUOu7ig?si=823K8CBDm5D1WckNLinks t...2024-06-101h 23Pole Pod‘They think I’m happy all the time…but reality is far from that…’ Ollie ReadTrigger Warning : Suicide and suicidal thoughts, alcoholism, addiction & depression.Watch anything of Ollie on the pole and you’ll see that he is an incredible pole athlete. In this interview, however, you’ll realise he’s mentally much stronger than even his strongest power moves on the pole. His mental strength to get through his toughest times is an absolute inspiration to all. He talks about his lowest moments candidly here - something that we didn’t plan at all but he went there and I’m very happy he opened up.Bein...2024-05-241h 21Pole Pod‘Change can feel really scary but it’s just how you frame it..’ Dolly DaggerzA little solo episode about my move to Italy!Change - big and small - can be very scary for everyone so I thought I’d share where my head is at now.In this episode I talk about my fear of change and how I am combatting it, my Pole Retreat, morning pages, minimalism and more!I hope you enjoy this little conversation with myself. If you listen closely you can hear my pre- Breakfast tummy rumbles 😀Links:Rustic Pole Retreat Italy:https://msha.ke/rusti...2024-05-2216 minPole Pod‘So much of my indentity is caught up in my job… who am I without that?’This episode is with the powerhouse Gemma Rose. Gemma is incredibly honest and vulnerable and this, I believe, is one of her biggest strengths.We talk about her struggles with her mental health, her cute mermaid persona Finderella, founding her pole competition PDSM and her work as a stripper. Plus much more! If you haven’t listened to Gemma’s Podcast The 6am Club I strongly advise checking that out next! Her stories of what happens in the Strip Club on her shift are funny, sometimes heart breaking but most importantly very nuanced: Like...2024-05-131h 32Pole Pod‘Get over the fear of somebody criticising and just do something that gets you moving in the direction you want to go…’ Fran Daino (Body by Fran)This episode is with Fran Daino of Body by Fran.Fran is 56 years old and blows me away with not only her physical strength on the pole but also her business know-how when it comes to making money as an online pole coach.We talk about ‘quantity over quality’ which is an interesting way of getting around perfectionism and procrastination.We discuss her concept of NOT aging ‘gracefully’ and being ok with the opinions of others.This is very insightful episode that will have you thinking about the pole bus...2024-04-281h 03
POLERizing TopicsDolly Daggerz & Limiting Your Inner CriticInstagram is the social media queen of highlight reels, but what happens when you struggle beneath the veil? I sat down with musician, pole dancer Dolly Daggerz (host of The Pole Pod) in this episode to discuss the ways in which our upbringing and other factors can contribute to the ways in which we likely still speak to ourselves today. We talk the importance of rest, the realities of the continuous work involved with managing your mental health, and why self-assurance is such a powerful tool to keep in your arsenal. 2024-04-1852 minPole Pod‘After winning a few times everyone expects you to win and you feel all this pressure on you…’ Giordaina HartleyToday’s episode is with Giordaina Hartley. Giordaina has had an amazing winning streak: She has won Miss Pole Dance UK, GBPC, LPC, YPC - to name but a few.She’s extremely flexible and started with no previous experience which I find very encouraging as this really shows that if she can do it maybe we all can!There is a pressure that comes with winning of course and we talk about the truth behind all those competition wins: the hard work, the self doubt and the discipline that goes on behind the scenes.2024-04-131h 00Pole Pod‘There’s a tremendous amount of problems in the world…and it’s easier to distract from that by picking an other, a small minority and crushing it,’ Steffi BowerTrigger warning: This episode discusses suicidal thoughts, body dysmorphia and body dysphoria.A message from Steffi:‘I wasn’t totally thrilled with how I spoke about the issue of trans inclusion in sports. I want to clarify that my answers reflect my own insecurities about my passing and my own femininity. I approach the issue with empathy but I think it is important to recognize that in the vast majority of the time this “debate” is not had in good faith. Trans people belong in sports, in the space that is valid for them.’2024-03-251h 21Pole Pod‘Movement is medicine…we should be moving forever!’ Joanna Littlewood-JohnsonJoanna recently won the Australian Pole Art Championships at 54 years young. In this episode we talk all things from poling over 50 and pole longevity to her competition process and performing on Australia’s Got Talent eleven years ago.One to inspire us all to keep moving as we age and also to take care of our bodies so we can stay active as long as possible.Link to Joanna’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joannalittlewoodjohnson_pole?igsh=cXRqNHh1bW5sdm96Link to Joanna’s Studio i...2024-03-111h 02Pole Pod‘I Wanted To Make Sure People of Colour Were Getting Platformed,’ Leila Davis AKA Cutie WhippinghamThis week’s Pole Pod guest is pole performer, activist and Blackstage founder Leila Davis AKA Cutie Whippingham.Leila founded Blackstage as a direct response to the lack of diversity in the pole industry and the lack of opportunities for Black people and people of colour (BPOC) who pole dance. Davis draws from her experiences being a part of the London QTIBPOC scene and all of the events she has been involved with since entering the scene in 2015. She says “I was tired of the lack of representation of BPOC and I...2024-02-2658 minPole Pod‘I think I just get in my head a lot and be my own worst enemy,’ Rachel BrittonI started training with Rachel in September last year for the World Pole Championships in Argentina and straight away I knew I had to interview her. So this is a different conversation between a pole coach and athlete and I think you can hear the closeness in rapport. Lots of laughing together and being comfortably vulnerable. I’m not sure if Rachel realises how hilarious she is but you can hear in this episode I laugh a lot. Laughing is very important I find as I can take myself a bit seriously when competing. We...2024-02-121h 22Pole Pod‘I hated being the centre of attention and I felt very self conscious about my body,’ Kitty VelourThis episode is with Pole Unicorn Kitty Velour as you’ve never heard her before! We delve deep and get vulnerable pretty quickly! We talk about sex workers rights, what working as stripper is really like, her performance highlights, the fact that she is a shy and introverted person when not onstage and discuss her past of body issues and eating disorders. It’s incredible to hear how Kitty worked on her body insecurities: from hiding her body in layers of clothing to embracing her curves and ‘jiggly bits’ on stage. ...2024-01-291h 11Pole Pod‘As long as I liked what I created- then surely that’s enough?’ Yumi SykesWe kickstart 2024 with a thought inducing Episode with Yumi Sykes - who fuses ballet and pole in her performances. We talk imposter syndrome, dealing with the critical voice and talk strategising and goal setting for 2024.It’s also very ironic that I’ve spent many a day wanting to be able to dance more soft and subtle, whilst Yumi has had moments questioning her own style and feels a need to go more dramatic, more comedic. Proof that those self worth thoughts ‘Am I enough?’ ‘Is my art any good?’ etc. are prevalent amongst creat...2024-01-0859 minPole Pod‘Some things just aren’t feasible for my body and that’s ok.’ Jojo FoxJojo Fox is a pole performer, studio owner, instructor, competition organiser and fellow vegan who lives with Level 4 Osteoarthritis. She is also neurodivergent and queer. In this episode we talk about her pole and mindset journey and the misconceptions some people have when it comes to disability. She points out many things the pole industry could do to improve diversity when it comes to disability. For example advertising with a disabled poler or with a dancer using their mobility aid. We never see this. Why?We talk the founding of her new competition G...2023-12-111h 22Pole Pod‘I’m trying to show the weird side of me that doesn’t fit in with everyone else…’ Dolly DaggerzToday I was brave and decided to talk a little about how I’m feeling with the World Pole Championships, Argentina looming just a few weeks away.I talk honestly about how my competition journey has been for me: from the very lowest moment to how I’m feeling right now. I’m very much feeling the fear and doing it anyway. I am noticing imposter syndrome and realising how I habitually shrink myself to make others feel comfortable. I’ve been trying to build my confidence in my ability and creative vision and am learning to be ki...2023-12-0415 minPole Pod‘In my vocabulary there is no such word as impossible’ Sam Fontani*Trigger warning: As Sam describes the event of her injury you may feel uncomfortable. If you are sensitive to hearing about traumatic injury you might want to skip a few seconds ahead around 5 mins in.However, I’d recommend staying with the discomfort as Sam relays the traumatic event honestly and bravely. The severity of this event is her reality that she had to work through and overcome. There is also some colourful language 😀*Imagine you are training for a high level pole competition and just as you are running your r...2023-11-2757 minPole Pod‘The moment I feel that fear I have to go and do it!’ Aimee SpinksI loved listening back to this conversation with the incredible Aimee Spinks.If you don’t know Aimee I would definitely recommend heading over to her Instagram @aimeespinkspersonal and watching the performances we talk about here. Her Pole Art 2021 winning routine is highlighted on her Instagram profile and we talk about this performance in detail.What stood out to me from this conversation was how Aimee feels fear and, knowing that’s a sign to do the thing that’s uncomfortable, moves towards it. I also love how she rarely gets st...2023-11-131h 04Pole Pod‘You Didn’t Get This Far to Only Get This Far’ Kheanna WalkerI was lucky enough to speak to the incredible Kheanna Walker a few days ago. We talked all things from her morning routine to how she deals with overwhelm, what manifestation is, how to build mental toughness, improving diversity in the pole industry and we also dive into what people misunderstand about her. This is definitely a revealing interview showing a side to Kheanna that maybe you’ve never seen before. I’m in love with her laugh and her strong work ethic. I loved hearing about her athletic history and talking to her ab...2023-10-291h 07Pole Pod‘I Never Really Celebrated Myself’ Felicity LoganIn this episode Pole Idol Felicity Logan talks to me candidly about her experience of burnout whilst preparing to compete at Pole Theatre UK 2023. She explains her symptoms of burnout and gives advise on what to do if you are experiencing these symptoms.She talks about her experience of taking a two month break from pole and explained how she noticed fearful, negative thought patterns whilst having this time off.We delve deep into the competition and creative process, how to combat perfectionism, how to stop comparing yourself to others...2023-10-1356 min
Music BudsEpisode 51: Dolly Daggerz (Tokyo Taboo)Dolly Daggerz, the incredible lead singer for Tokyo Taboo, joins me to chat about the band's start, her iconic pole acrobatics on stage, deep-faking Donald Trump for their single "American Dream," and much more. Thanks again to Dolly for taking the time, it was an honor!
0:00 - Intro
0:55 - Interview: Dolly Daggerz
22:52 - Outro
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The Film Bu...2021-07-0923 min