S1 E9 - Free Listening with Benjamin Mathes

Vinicius is a dancer and artistic & choreographic director of Momentos World. He also describes himself as a researcher of the human soul. In our conversation, Vinicius shares his perspective on dance and how he sees the movement as the expression of something deeper. He also shares with delight how he used to listen to his grandmother tell stories, in what he called the family "golden Sundays". ‍ More information about Vinicius, and Momentos World.

Zé touches several different fields — he is a therapist, an actor, a musician, he works with children with special needs, accompanies people in a terminal phase of their lives, and the list goes on. It's also impressive how easily he navigates through different traditions and religions. ‍ In this episode, Zé shares his parts of his own journey, his perspective on listening, and how he feels he is sometimes an instrument.

Benjamin is an artist, author, listener, and the founder of Urban Confessional — a movement that is "recovering the lost art of listening". ‍ Benjamin tells us about the story behind the movement and some of the things that are present for him in the quality of listening. ‍ Urban Confessional is present in 80 countries. You can find more info about the Urban Confessional here, and about Benjamin here.

Maggi is a Voice Teacher working with the Trans Community. In our conversation, she shares with us the role the Voice has in the identity of someone that goes through transition. Maggi is a joy to talk to -- a true storyteller, full of expression and humor. Personally, I feel deeply touched and inspired by the work Maggi is doing. Find out more about her work here - https://www.maggistratford.com/

Benoit and Jana are therapists and dog trainers, combining both worlds in canine-assisted therapy. They describe their work as supporting people to grow through collaboration with a dog. They share how, in interaction, the dog reflects what is present in the moment, with the person or group. You can find more information about their activities on their Facebook page. As we also mention my dog, in case you want to see him, you can find a pic here :)

In this episode, I will be talking to Jonathan Hart Makwaia. Jonathan is a vocalist, composer and voice researcher, an Associate Arts Professor in the Department of Drama at New York University, a long-time performer, composer and musical director for the Roy Hart Theatre and currently President of the Roy Hart International Arts Centre in the South of France. ‍ Jonathan shares his perspective on Listening — when supporting someone on their Vocal exploration or their performance creation, when preparing his own performances, and some of the subtle layers of listening. And why he doesn’t like the word listening. :) You can find his music here (Spotify). And this is the link to the Roy Hart International Arts Center.

In this episode, Bouke Broeren shares with us his perspective on listening and his very personal story − from his early contact with therapy, meditation, his work as a "Bringer of Clarity", how he interprets the messages from life and how he keeps vulnerability present. Bouke is a Consultant, a Coach and in-training Psychotherapist.

Maaike Oosterlijnck is an amazing dancer and dance teacher, and also a Mediator in a hospital in Belgium; mediating relationships between hospital workers and also between hospital personnel (doctors, nurses, etc) and patients. ‍ I love the humility that Maaike is able to keep, and her great insight on the subtle aspects of communication and listening. All this, in a calm and lovely Voice to listen to. Maaike has also worked as a social worker with people with a mental disability, as well as with refugees.

Join me in conversation with Gees Boseker, where we explore how to listen to the body, and what the body tells us about how we feel. Discover what she means when she says 'sensations have words"; and allow yourself a moment to connect with your own body. Gees is in a Body-psychotherapist, teacher and author.

Join me in conversation with Sep Vermeersch, where he talks about the role that listening plays in how he dances, performs, teaches and more; how it allows him to be attuned with the moment, the music and the audience. Sep is a natural entertainer and charming storyteller - you’re in for a good time!