Pole Pod

I 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 reach out to her here: @colleenjolly

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 world!) including physio and individualised comp/prehab/conditioning programming as we talked about, but also dietetics, performance psychology, chiro, and we have a variety of pre-set training programs for things like straddle inverts. Everything we do is online, and we assess and rehab all kinds of injuries online so polers can access professionals who understand the amazing things we want to do!You can book online or contact The Pole Physio through the website www.thepolephysio.comWe also have an Instagram page where we share a lot of educational content @thepole.physioAbout Dani: I am @dani_performingartsphysio and you can book with me online at The Pole Physio website.

Self 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 something new and are met with resistance (because it’s scary to change!)Some of them may or may not resonate at this moment in time for you. However you can pick them up again at a later date or find something you like better along the way!Meditation - recommend this one to start your day: https://youtu.be/qVUJeiIJtyM?si=Qx40G1YqHJKDBw1jEFT Tapping - recommend Gala Darling on YouTube : https://youtu.be/7Z-ZDCiB_Ao?si=7iRzjUthsYrTzApZJournalling / Letters of Love - recommend Elizabeth Gilbert: https://youtu.be/8G9gvqqz4dM?si=ZNYstBgx3xYYaVsGBurning your limiting beliefs / burning unhelpful thoughts and emotions.Write your own affirmations: ‘I am capable.’ ‘I am strong!’ Turn down radio Shitstorm. Turn up your own confident, empowered & motivated soundtrack.Deep Rest / Yoga Nidra: https://youtu.be/zLJu3wQA1Ko?si=7qmYua-ztaeaDFZVYin Yoga: https://youtu.be/sVqH6qPDdh0?si=ZbkOfUAS5PAhpre-Listen to Podcasts & Audio Books! Recommend On Purpose by Jay Shetty & Let Them by Mel Robbins.All of these practises are incorporated into our retreat schedule. Check out @rusticpoleretreatitaly for more info!

The 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 that Jade will be joining me @rusticpoleretreatitaly very soon!More info soon!Links:https://www.instagram.com/studioflareuk?igsh=MW40c3FpZmN2M2dnZg==https://www.instagram.com/jade.bensilum?igsh=cDBmazAyM3AzYnM5https://www.instagram.com/compguru.pole?igsh=ejluNnh0MzJ3MjNj

I 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/Pixie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pixieleknot?igsh=MW9wbXR0d2tvaW40Ng==Earthlings: https://youtu.be/UCwmtIBoEEY?si=Id4ETK_WSLC87qTO

I 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: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/get-information-and-support/get-help-for-myself/i-need-support-now/helplines/Reach out to Julia: @creadivapoleLearn with Julia: @humptysevenJulia’s Mentor: @fabiennehumptyJulia’s Website: https://www.creadivapole.chInsta link to Scars to Your Beautiful: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C59KaY8oTBQ/?igsh=MWltaGlwMm1udnVydg== Julia’s PSO Zurich Winning Performance:https://youtu.be/dWrNAc5IJzE?si=w2C0jYCzrJs5jydeJulia’s Ipsf world championship performance:https://www.instagram.com/reel/C0kLnVjos82/?igsh=MjE3bTdseTBxejA3