Shows
KVEC Podcast NetworkPismo Beach Today 07/06/2025 12p: The Big One Is Back! Johnathan Lee Iverson, Ring Master of Circus Vargas is the guest.Pismo Beach Today 07/06/2025 12p: The Big One Is Back! Johnathan Lee Iverson, Ring Master of Circus Vargas is the guest.
Produced by Jim Richards2025-07-0656 min
Why? The PodcastWhy? Episode 327- Ringmaster Johnathan Lee IversonWe're not the first people to point out that Johnathan Lee Iverson did what so many of us have considered doing, but it's really true. As the ringmaster at Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey, Johnathan Lee Iverson learned his craft from some of the most talented people in the business. Now, as part of Circus Vargas Johnathan is helping the next generation see how it's done.For more information on Circus Vargas and to see Johnathan in person, check out their website.2024-11-1840 min
Speak With PeopleHow to Live a Great Story ft. Johnathan Lee Iverson | Episode 126Have you ever wanted to live a Great Story with your Life? Join us as we embark on a journey of inspiration and discovery, exploring what it truly means to live a great story with your life. Step into the captivating world of Jonathan Lee Iverson on the latest episode of Speak with People podcast!
From his groundbreaking role as the youngest and last Ringmaster for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to performing for world leaders, Jonathan shares his remarkable experiences and invaluable insights on how to craft an extraordinary life.
Tune in as...2024-05-241h 09
Boom Goddess RadioThe First Black RingmasterDuring this episode we discuss one of America's most beloved cultural experiences - the circus!
Our guest is Johnathan Lee Iverson, who served as the most recent (and last) ringmaster of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from 1998 to 2017. Iverson also made history during his tenure with Ringling Bros. as the first African-American ringmaster of a major U.S. circus. Today he is President and Ringmaster of Omnium: A Bold New Circus.2024-03-0828 min
The Artist PivotPart 1- Ep 502- Johnathan Lee Iverson: BEAUTIFUL DETOURLife comes in seasons which could include giving you a beautiful detour. That’s what I took away from this conversation with Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson. In this episode we discuss letting your tribe come to you, embracing change in your career, and that if you understand that life comes in seasons, that understanding may just help you not to panic pivot.
Johnathan Lee Iverson, the Ringmaster & Chairman of the Board for Omnium: A Bold New Circus, is an accomplished and history making showman who has been privileged to grace the most coveted stages and arenas, the wor...2023-04-1250 min
The Artist PivotPart 2 -Ep 502- Johnathan Lee Iverson: BEAUTIFUL DETOURLife comes in seasons which could include giving you a beautiful detour. That’s what I took away from this conversation with Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson. In this episode we discuss letting your tribe come to you, embracing change in your career, and that if you understand that life comes in seasons, that understanding may just help you not to panic pivot.
Johnathan Lee Iverson, the Ringmaster & Chairman of the Board for Omnium: A Bold New Circus, is an accomplished and history making showman who has been privileged to grace the most coveted stages and arenas, the wor...2023-04-1247 min
Circus VoicesCircus Reimagined with Johnathan Lee Iverson Ep.4. – Kenneth Feld from Ringling Bros. Barnum and BaileyIn this fourth and final episode of Circus Voices presents Circus Re-Imagined, we welcome Kenneth Feld, Chairman & CEO at Feld Entertainment.
This legendary impresario has steered the reins of live family entertainment for over half a century, facilitating the thrills and wondersChildren of All Ages have come to cherish with such properties as the iconic Ringling Bros. and Barnum & BaileyThe Greatest Show On Earth®
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/circusvoices/message2022-08-2531 min
Circus VoicesCircus Reimagined with Johnathan Lee Iverson Ep.3. – Juliette Grossman Feld from Ringling Bros. Barnum and BaileyJuliette Feld Grossman, COO of Feld Entertainment, the world’s leader in live family entertainment. Hailing from a celebrated lineage of business leaders and impresarios, Juliette Feld Grossman is quickly becoming one of the most powerful women in all of entertainment. All the while, wielding the reins of some of the industry’s most renowned properties, including – Monster Jam, Jurassic World LIVE, and the much, anticipated return of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, The Greatest Show On Earth®.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/circusvoices/message2022-08-1826 min
Circus VoicesCircus Reimagined with Johnathan Lee Iverson Ep.2. - Lisa B. Lewis from Omnium CircusOn this episode we welcome, Lisa B. Lewis, Founder & Executive Director at Omnium Circus.
Propelled by a stirring desire for an even more inclusive big top - this author, artist, and scholar would endeavor to birth the kind of circus that would welcome, not only, the multicultural talents the genre is renowned for, but create an authentically inclusive space for the contributions and artistry of the multi-abled community, all the while servicing and accommodating the diverse needs of its audience. The kind of circus the New York Times hails as, “genuinely extraordinary.”
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Send in a voic...2022-08-1233 min
Circus VoicesCircus Reimagined with Johnathan Lee Iverson Ep.1. - Juno Nedel from Cia Fundo MundoAnd now Circus Voices Presents Circus Re-Imagined.
In this four-part episodic series, we invite industry leaders who are boldly and creatively re-imagining the circus like never before.
In this episode we welcome Brazil’s Juno Nedel, co-founder of Cia Fundo Mundo. Celebrated for their provocative, yet, inviting performances, Cia Fundo Mundo seeks to inspire a new generation of transgendered and non-binary artists to explore their own stories through the ever evolving medium of the circus arts.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/circusvoices/message2022-08-041h 00
HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoHonoring Disability PrideOn July 26, 1990, history was made. For the disabled community, the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) opened a lot of doors where there were once walls. One of those personally impacted was my dad. On Episode 92, we honor Disability Pride Month and Disability Independence Day by visiting the of HIListically Speaking podcast archives. Join me as we highlight a number of episodes and guests, as well as other podcasts that proudly focus on the disabled community. I share more about what pride truly means and how it...2022-07-2614 min
HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoJohnathan Lee Iverson: Finding Your Peculiar Genius (Act II)There’s a lot of responsibility that comes with being a circus ringmaster. In many ways it’s a dance between your performers and the audience. A trust. And for decades, Johnathan Lee Iverson has taken that trust very seriously. A peculiar genius of his own that he doesn’t take lightly. So, when he moved from Ringling Bros into the Omnium Circus, a "Bold New Circus" where inclusivity, diversity, multi-sensory is always center ring, his devotion took things to the next level. On the second part of the series “Finding Your Peculiar Genius”, Johnathan share more about the t...2022-04-2053 min
HIListically Speaking with Hilary RussoJohnathan Lee Iverson: Finding Your Peculiar Genius (Act I)There’s magic in the air when you go to the circus. If you’ve ever been and I hope you have, you know the pure excitement that comes over you from the moment you take your seat until the very end. Much of that comes from the unbelievable gift of peculiar genius you are watching inside the ring. Every act, pure wonder filled with thoughts of “how did they do that”? Johnathan Lee Iverson gets to witness that wonder every time he steps into the spotlight. After all, when you’re the big voice under the big top, it...2022-04-141h 09
Circus VoicesChris Lashua, Founder of Cirque MechanicsJohnathan Lee Iverson and the CircusVoices podcast presents Chris Lashua, the BMX wonder kid turned visionary founder of one of the circus world’s most ingenious offerings, Cirque Mechanics.
Paired with a team of brilliant creatives and a deep love for all things circus, the proud Massachusetts native has crafted a mesmerizing new world of circus artistry. Fusing the majesty and agility of the human form with the innovative precision of machines, Cirque Mechanics has astounded audiences across the entertainment spectrum and is heralded by the New York Times as, “exceptional, evocative…and…engrossingly entertaining.”
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Send in a...2022-03-031h 02
Circus VoicesKiarnna Weber, Reality Show Sensation and Seventh Generation Circus StarJohnathan Lee Iverson and the CircusVoices podcast presents Kiarnna Weber, reality show sensation and seventh generation circus star of New Zealand’s most famous big top, The Weber Bros. Circus.
In this episode, Kiarnna Weber talks about her family heritage of talented artists and impresarios, how she brings her family's spectacular extravaganza to cities around the world, how she broadens the depth and scope of the circus as we know it, and their successful television series The Circus on Bravo TV New Zealand.
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Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod...2022-02-2454 min
Circus VoicesVanessa Thomas, Dazzling Showgirl to History Making RingmasterJohnathan Lee Iverson and the CircusVoices podcast presents the legendary Vanessa Thomas, dazzling showgirl to history making ringmaster.
In this episode, the proud alumna of the storied Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority, guides us through her spectacular journey from aspiring dancer in her native Philadelphia to center ring with the likes of Big Apple Circus and Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey, The Greatest Show On Earth® to now, sharing her time tested wisdom as a cherished board member and mentor for Circadium, School of Contemporary Circus – nurturing the circus professionals of tomorrow.
Johnathan Lee Iverson from Cent...2022-02-1754 min
Principles For SuccessA Conversation with Circus Ringmaster Jonathan Lee IversonJohnathan Lee Iverson became the first African-American ringmaster of a major U.S. circus in 1999 at the age of 22 when he won the position at Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. In this conversation Jonathan talks about the rigorous schedule they have to maintain and the training that goes into the performances, but most importantly he talks with Chris about the level of faith that they have in order to do what they do.2022-02-1027 min
The Somewhat Happy Hour with Josh VestThe Somewhat Happy Hour with Johnathan Lee Iverson This week I welcome The Legendary Last Ringmaster of Ringling Bros Barnum & Bailey The Greatest Show On Earth: Johnathan Lee Iverson. He is another circus performer I have had the honor of seeing perform over the last 20 years! We talk all things Ringling, life after Ringling, Musical Theatre, and about Omnium Circus! 2022-01-301h 32
The Enabled Disabled PodcastJohnathan Lee IversonJohnathan Lee Iverson began his career circling the globe and crisscrossing the United States, as a member of The Boys Choir of Harlem, gracing the world’s most renowned stages, including the Broadway stage under the direction of the legendary Geoffrey Holder in “The Boys Choir of Harlem & Friends” at the Richard Rogers Theater. In addition to performing before world leaders and dignitaries, including United States Presidents, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter, as well as, Noble Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, Iverson has shared the stage with such artist as Lou Rawls, Ray Charle...2022-01-091h 44
Ridiculous:Life of a ClownRidiculous S04E06 Johnathan Lee Iverson - RingmasterIn this episode Gherkin speaks with Johnathan Lee Iverson, Vocalist, both the youngest and the first black Ringmaster for Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey Circus and current ringmaster of Omnium Circus, about his career and his inspirations.Netherworld Shanty by Kevin MacLeodLink: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4119-netherworld-shantyLicense: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license2021-03-2247 min
It's Not So Late Show with Aaron HananiaRingling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson joins the 'It's Not So Late Show"I had the distinct honor to speak with Johnathan Lee Iverson, the longtime ringmaster for the Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus. He joined the circus at age 22 which made him the youngest ringmaster.During our conversation we talked about how and why he joined the circus, what goes into planning a circus, memories and interactions from the audience, clown cars, animals and so much more!You can follow him on all social medias @thelastringmaster--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/appSupport t...2021-02-2854 min
The Sales Edge PodcastINTERVIEW - Johnathan Lee IversonJohnathan Lee Iverson of BIG TOP VOICE will challenge and encourage you as he relates his experience of bouncing back after a 20 year career as Ring Master with Ringling Brothers Greatest Show on Earth. 2020-07-2823 min
Growth Now Movement with Justin SchenckBreaking the Color Barrier, Stereotypes, and Loving Your Neighbor with Johnathan Lee IversonJohnathan Lee Iverson is best known as the voice of the greatest show on earth…Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus. For 20 years Johnathan was the leader and ringmaster of this great show. Until, it closed. You see, Johnathan was the last ring master….BUT, he was also the first. When Johnathan was chosen as the ringmaster, he was also the very first black person to be put in that role. It took 140 years, but Johnathan broke that color barrier, and went on to be one of the best known ringmasters of all time! In this epis...2020-06-301h 13
HIDEAWAYEpisode 84 - Johnathan Lee Iverson, the last ringmasterOn today's episode Josh and Lyndsay discuss Cirque Du Soleil's official bankruptcy, the extended Broadway shutdown, and an artistic controversy surrounding a recent BLM themed dance video. Later in the episode they call up the extraordinarily talented Johnathan Lee Iverson. Johnathan was the ringmaster of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 18 years prior to its closure. They discuss his musical upbringing, his time with the circus, and the current conversations being had in our community around inclusion and diversity. If you enjoy the episode please share it with a friend!Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | RSS | Audioboom2020-06-292h 01
HIDEAWAYEpisode 84 - Johnathan Lee Iverson, the last ringmasterOn today's episode Josh and Lyndsay discuss Cirque Du Soleil's official bankruptcy, the extended Broadway shutdown, and an artistic controversy surrounding a recent BLM themed dance video. Later in the episode they call up the extraordinarily talented Johnathan Lee Iverson. Johnathan was the ringmaster of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 18 years prior to its closure. They discuss his musical upbringing, his time with the circus, and the current conversations being had in our community around inclusion and diversity. If you enjoy the episode please share it with a friend!2020-06-292h 01
Hideaway Circus PodcastEpisode 84 - Johnathan Lee Iverson, the last ringmasterOn today's episode Josh and Lyndsay discuss Cirque Du Soleil's official bankruptcy, the extended Broadway shutdown, and an artistic controversy surrounding a recent BLM themed dance video. Later in the episode they call up the extraordinarily talented Johnathan Lee Iverson. Johnathan was the ringmaster of Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey Circus for 18 years prior to its closure. They discuss his musical upbringing, his time with the circus, and the current conversations being had in our community around inclusion and diversity. If you enjoy the episode please share it with a friend! 2020-06-292h 01
Making Elephants Fly | Conversations with High Octane Leaders, Dreamers, & CreativesBONUS EPISODE: Better Together | A Conversation About Moving For with Aurora Gregory, Scott Harvey & Johnathan Lee IversonOn this BONUS episode of Making Elephants Fly I share with a conversation about inequality and justice. On June 8, 2020 I hosted a conversation with a few of my friends on Facebook LIVE. I wanted to share that with all of you. We focused on how we are better together and how we can actually do something when we stop letting the narrative divide us without ignoring the current reality of what it means to be a person of color in America. I know that I may not say all of the right words, but refuse to be silent do...2020-06-211h 49
Billosophy101Johnathan Lee Iverson / RingmasterThe First African American Ringmaster and Last Ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailiey. An entertainment icon.2020-06-1529 min
Blatantly Honest with Makaila NicholsThe Last RingMaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson on changeJohnathan Lee Iverson, was the youngest and first African-American Ringmaster of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus who discusses his incredible career, near-death experiences and the close of a 146 year old icon. 2020-04-081h 02
Living Life Juicy PodcastThe Last Ringmaster: A conversation with Johnathan Lee IversonRecorded July 3, 2019 What happens when it is your circus and these are your monkeys? In this hour-long conversation, Johnathan Lee Iverson shares amazing stories and insights from his time as the youngest and first African American ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Find out more about Johnathan - https://www.bigtopvoice.com/ Please subscribe and comment. Become a member and get access to amazing resources for free and reduced prices: http://eepurl.com/cDax_n2019-08-0658 minMaking Elephants Fly | Conversations with High Octane Leaders, Dreamers, & Creatives047: When The Bigtop Comes Down | A Conversation with Johnathan Lee IversonOn this episode of Making Elephants Fly, Terry sits down with Johnathan Lee Iverson. Terry and Johnathan talk about his journey from the circus to the stage and his new journey launching a speaking career with a TED talk at Harvard. At a young age Johnathan understood the power of stages as a member of The Boys Choir of Harlem. Performing before world leaders and dignitaries, including United States Presidents, George H.W. Bush, Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, and Jimmy Carter, as well as, Noble Peace Prize winner, Nelson Mandela, Iverson has shared the stage with such artist as...2019-07-201h 28
The News Junkie: InterviewsWhy Did The Circus Die?Why did the circus die? What was once a treasured American institution has fallen victim to protests and falling ticket sales. This week we talk to Johnathan Lee Iverson, who calls himself The Last Ringmaster, about what it was like to lead the Greatest Show on Earth in the final days of the Ringling Bros and Barnum and Bailey Circus.2019-05-191h 30
I Think You're InterestingThe history of the American circus, with the people who worked thereThe circus! At one time, it was one of the country’s most reliable forms of mass entertainment, crisscrossing American backroads to perform for people all over the nation. Everything from the circus train to the people who put up the big tent made its way into American legend.
But the American circus isn’t in great shape anymore. The treatment (or mistreatment) of animals tarnished the image of the once-venerable Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus, which closed down in 2017 after it became economically unsustainable.
And yet you can’t quite keep the circus down. There are tons of smalle...2018-10-0437 min
DizRadio’s “The DizRadio Show” A Pop Culture Celebrity Guest ShowDisneyBlu's Disney on Demand v8.06 No.210 April 5, 2018It's Time D-Heads! This week celebrate our ANNIVERSARY by having The Greatest Show on Earth! To celebrate we welcome JOHNATHAN LEE IVERSON (The Last Ringmaster and First African American Ringmaster in the History of Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus) to the show! Johnathan stops in and discusses his many years with the circus, his most heart touching moments, memories, saying goodbye as the circus came to a close, would the movie have helped sales, circus culture and so much more! In addition no show is complete without the D-Team and you ask the questions and Erin has the ans...2018-04-0400 min
Verbal ShenanigansVerbal Shenanigans Episode 173-The Ballerina and the RIngmasterToday, we are joined by two very unique guests who are passionate about the arts. First, Aesha Ash, former professional ballerina and head of the Swan Dreams Project, joins us talk about her career in ballet, being accepted by the School of American Ballet, and her work to bring ballet to urban areas and to children who have no access to it. Aesha was a great interview and is definitely a great rolemodel. Check out Aesha's work at www.theswandreamproject.com
Then, we are join by Ringling Barnum and Bailey's last ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson. Johna...2017-11-022h 25
Behind the CurtainBehind the Curtain - The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey CircusJohnathan Lee Iverson, Ringmaster for The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus2017-02-0719 min
How I Broke Into: Michael Prywes Interviews Artists and Entrepreneurs About Their Big BreakCircus Life with Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson (Ringling Bros. "Greatest Show on Earth") - 020Ringmaster Johnathan Lee Iverson is the Voice of the Greatest Show on Earth. He began performing at age 11 with the world-famous Boys Choir of Harlem. For seven years, he was intensely trained in all forms of music including classical, jazz, hip hop and gospel. Johnathan experienced a string of unforgettable, inspiring moments as a member of the Boys Choir, which included being awarded the lead tenor role for the choir, singing at the intermission for Luciano Pavarotti's Concert in Central Park, performing in a live show on Broadway for two weeks and winning second place in the Lena Horne...2016-09-221h 12
STAR 99.9Kevin Begley Talks To Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS Ringmaster Johnathan Lee IversonKevin gets some advice on being the guest ringmaster opening night from the REAL ringmaster. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents LEGENDS at the Webster Bank Arena from October 22-25.Opening night, October 22nd when tickets are just $10!Tickets available at ticketmaster.com or at the Websterbank Arena Click it or Ticket Box Office.2015-10-2204 min