The Movers Mindset project is challenging for me. I have a large number of pieces in place. I’ve discovered many different interesting questions to explore, and I’m well on my way to digging in to find some answers. I’ve created something which I wish I could have found many years ago, early on in my journey.
And yet, I haven’t found many people who see value in the project. Everyone likes the podcast, but that’s as far as I can seem to get the idea to go.
Here’s what I have so far…
Movers Mindset explores themes like independence, self-direction, and human excellence through podcasts, website content, and a community of like-minded people. In the podcast, I interview movement enthusiasts to find out who they are, what they do, and why they do it; The podcast focuses on the journey of self-improvement and its underlying motivations, as well as movement’s fundamental place in society. On the website we publish free content, (much of it in three languages,) including podcast transcripts, show notes, articles submitted by people, and original content. In the Movers Mindset community I’m looking to discuss everything related to independence, self-direction and human excellence; I’ve started discussions on how to make the Internet work for you, thoughts about social networks, questions and answers about training from athletes, podcast-guest followups, and more.
Feedback on the project has been overwhelming positive. Over the past four years I’ve slowly expanded the project. I’ve changed things along the way, giving the project a new name back in 2018 and recently breaking the podcast episodes into seasons.
How do I do a better job of telling the Movers Mindset story?
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Rebecca Brightly: Parenting, gender, and representation →
How do personal experiences with movement practices and societal dynamics shape an individual’s perspective on gender roles, personal growth, and parenting?
Rebecca Brightly discusses the changing dynamics of going from Lindy Hop to motherhood and unpacks her parenting philosophy. She explains why she tolerates parkour and how the gender dynamics contrast with her experience in dance. Rebecca gives her thoughts on gender representation and why she wants women to see how capable they are.
My philosophy is overcoming challenges is what helps build self-confidence. In fact, my opinion is that overcoming challenges is the only thing that builds self-confidence.
~ Rebecca Brightly
Rebecca shares her journey transitioning from Lindy Hop to motherhood and then to parkour, reflecting on how each phase shaped her perspective on community, personal growth, and gender dynamics. She describes the challenges of navigating a dance community that lacked family inclusivity and the complexities of balancing parenthood with her passion for movement. Rebecca contrasts her experiences in Lindy Hop, which often adhered to traditional gender roles, with parkour’s individualistic approach, finding liberation in the absence of physical imposition.
Throughout the conversation, Rebecca goes into broader themes of societal expectations and personal empowerment. She explores how parenting intersects with her belief in the transformative power of overcoming challenges and discusses her observations on how gender norms impact training environments. Rebecca’s insights highlight the importance of fostering self-confidence through resilience and adaptability, as well as the value of introspection in breaking down mental barriers.
Takeaways
Parenting philosophy — Overcoming challenges is central to building self-confidence in children.
Transition from dance to parkour — Rebecca finds parkour’s lack of physical imposition more tolerable than traditional partner dancing.
Gender dynamics — Different training environments expose contrasting expectations and emotional expressiveness in men and women.
Societal expectations — Women face societal pressures to maintain appearances that conflict with physical activities like parkour.
Community and inclusivity — Parkour offers a more inclusive environment, fostering unique connections across gender and skill levels.
Personal growth — Addressing internal fears and societal norms helps break mental barriers to progress.
What can be done to better understand and improve the experience of women in parkour?
Naomi Honey and Melissa Way discuss the importance of women’s experience in parkour, what that means, and how society impacts it. They dig into the unicorn syndrome, the polarization of genders, and how community leaders can help get more women involved. Naomi and Melissa tackle why women’s only events are important, how to create a welcoming environment, and their experiences with unsolicited advice.
I really remember when I was younger, I always thought my arms weren’t skinny like some people’s— oh, it just sounds so ridiculous, but I remember I had that in my head as a benchmark. And then suddenly when I was doing parkour, and when I got my first pull up, it was so exciting. And then suddenly I had a new measure of, oh my God, who cares what they look like? Look what they can do!
~ Naomi Honey (15:00)
The conversation focuses on the experience of women in parkour, emphasizing the unique challenges they face, from differences in physical progression to societal expectations around physical ability. There is discussion around how women’s-only events create supportive spaces that counteract feelings of intimidation or isolation, helping women find community and confidence.
Another key theme is the mindset shift from focusing on aesthetics to valuing functional strength and ability, which parkour uniquely encourages. This change contrasts with societal pressures around appearance, which often disproportionately affect women. The issue of unsolicited advice is also explored, highlighting how it can be well-intentioned but often carries different implications for women, sometimes reinforcing negative stereotypes rather than offering helpful insight.
Takeaways
Progression differences — Women often experience slower physical progression than men in parkour, which can affect confidence.
Mindset shift — Parkour promotes focusing on what the body can do, shifting away from aesthetic-based self-worth.
Role of community — Women’s-only events foster supportive environments that promote sustained engagement and confidence.
Polarization and visibility — The lack of visible female practitioners can create a sense that parkour is not for women, limiting participation.
Impact of unsolicited advice — How advice is given and received differs by gender, with women often facing additional scrutiny or unwelcome input.
Resources
Flytality — Naomi Honey’s life coaching business focused on helping people make life changes.
Project Awesome — A London-based fitness group promoting fun, community-driven exercise.
How can people maintain discipline, stay motivated, and effectively manage distractions to pursue personal growth and self-improvement?
Dan Edwardes explains the value of playing games, and unpacks what motivates him. He discusses the struggle of choosing where to spend your time and energy, and the difficulty of distractions. Dan shares his insights on parkour’s relationship to self efficacy, and the power and importance of storytelling.
When asked: How do you manage to get up every day and keep doing what you do to live your life? How do you stay motivated?
It’s a good question. And it’s not one that I’ve ever had to really ask of myself, I think, in great depth. […] Because of the stories I grew up on and what I exposed myself to when I was very young, the concepts I exposed myself to and took very seriously when I was nine, 10, 11 years old. And then throughout my teenage years, that’s just how I think. And I can’t really remember being alive before that because I don’t remember being that young. That’s just the way my life has always been.
~ Dan Edwardes (8:30)
The conversation explores the intersection of discipline, motivation, and the challenges of maintaining focus in a world full of distractions. Dan shares insights from his lifelong journey through martial arts, parkour, and various forms of training. A key theme is the importance of grounding oneself in simple, repetitive practices—like sweeping the floor in martial arts—as a foundation for developing broader skills.
Edwardes emphasizes the role of storytelling in shaping experiences, both in training sessions and life. Whether through parkour or verbal games, the practice of crafting narratives enhances learning and engagement. The discussion also touches on practical ways to manage modern distractions, such as altering how one uses their phone, reinforcing the importance of small, intentional changes to promote clarity and focus.
Takeaways
The importance of foundational practices — Sweeping the dojo teaches humility, discipline, and attention to detail.
Storytelling as a training tool — Stories enhance memory, engagement, and emotional investment in lessons.
Managing distractions — Clearing the home screen or limiting phone use can free up time and reduce mental clutter.
Self-efficacy through parkour — Parkour forces honest self-assessment and builds competence by exposing limitations.
Training as a means to greater life skills — Physical fitness and movement training are not ends but vehicles for broader personal growth.
Resources
Robert McKee’s Story — A foundational book on the principles of storytelling and narrative structure.
How do movement, coaching, and family intersect to shape personal growth and relationships over time?
Chris Rowat and Shirley Darlington-Rowat discuss serendipity, coaching, and Chris’s work with the fire brigade. They share their thoughts on raising kids, setting aside time for family, and training and moving together. Shirley and Chris share their current struggles, some stories about their past, and how parkour has affected their relationship.
You should both be able to enjoy your lives. So if we enjoy training and it’s a part of our lives, we shouldn’t suppress that. We should just find ways to bring it all together.
~ Chris Rowat (31:27)
The conversation covers the intersection of parkour, family, and coaching, exploring how movement shapes personal relationships and growth. Chris and Shirley discuss serendipity, recalling stories of chance encounters and how unexpected moments influence their lives. They reflect on how their shared passion for parkour has not only shaped their relationship but also influenced how they raise their children, focusing on movement as play rather than formal practice.
[My son Tyler] didn’t see it as parkour, it was just movement. So he’d be in the play park and he’d maybe cycle on his bike to the climbing wall, climb up the little climbing wall, jump across a little piece of railing. He just moved. Movement is movement, right? So whatever [our daughter Indy] wants to do, she can do, if she doesn’t want to do parkour. She’ll do it naturally anyway because it’s normal for that too.
~ Shirley Darlington-Rowat (12:27)
Chris speaks about balancing his career with the London Fire Brigade and his role as a father, highlighting the discipline and adaptability required in both spheres. Shirley emphasizes the importance of maintaining personal movement practices during motherhood and reflects on how physical training can coexist with family life. The conversation weaves between stories of parenting, training, and the philosophy of finding balance and joy in movement.
Takeaways
Serendipity — Reflecting on how unexpected moments and connections shape experiences in life and movement.
Balancing movement and family — Finding ways to integrate training with raising children without forcing them into the same practices.
Coaching philosophy — Emphasizing personal connections and individual growth within group coaching environments.
Parkour as a relationship foundation — Sharing movement practice fosters honesty, mutual understanding, and emotional openness.
Postpartum training — The importance of patience, recovery, and adapting movement to suit physical changes.
Time management — Juggling careers, training, and parenting by focusing on effective, intentional practice within available time.
How can experiences with injury and recovery inform sustainable parkour training and coaching practices?
Dan Timms describes his journey with injury and recovery, and how it helped to shape his thoughts about sustainability. He discusses training methods, the forces involved in parkour, and his approach to coaching. Dan unpacks Parkour UK, what it is, what it does, and his involvement with it, before sharing his insight on designing parkour parks.
You see where this is going already. This one didn’t have a mesh floor at the top, so I’ve just speed-vaulted over this wall into this turret, and I looked down and there’s nothing beneath me for about 40 feet.
~ Dan Timms (5:09)
The conversation explores the evolution of sustainable training practices in parkour, largely shaped by experiences with injury and recovery. Reflections on major injuries, such as a near-fatal fall and multiple surgeries, frame the discussion around balancing intense training with long-term health. Insights include the role of strength training, mobility work, and the importance of consistency over quick fixes.
The dialogue also touches on community involvement and governance, highlighting efforts within Parkour UK to standardize coaching certifications and establish Parkour Earth. Additionally, Dan shares real-life applications of parkour, recounting moments where training directly contributed to personal safety and community assistance, including intervening in a robbery.
Takeaways
Sustainability in parkour — Long-term success requires balancing intense training with injury prevention and recovery.
Consistency in training — Regular, sustained practice is more effective than chasing quick-fix solutions.
Role of Parkour UK — Parkour UK plays a key role in standardizing parkour coaching and representing the community at a governmental level.
Real-world application — Parkour skills can translate directly into real-life situations, from preventing injury to intervening in emergencies.
Physical data in parkour — Testing reveals significant forces involved in parkour drops, suggesting adaptations beyond muscular strength.
Resources
Parkour UK — National governing body for parkour in the UK, focusing on coaching standards and community representation.
Parkour Earth — International federation established to counter external governing threats like FIG.
How can personal passion projects and unconventional pursuits outside the classroom enhance teaching effectiveness and foster authentic connections with students?
Andy Fisher discusses being a teacher, why he loves it, and how his pursuit of his passions relates to the classroom. He shares his unique and unexpected movement journey before explaining how all of that relates to the passion projects he regularly pursues, such as the Thronin and Hero Forge projects. Andy discusses his thoughts on efficacy, his current struggles and how he manages and works towards overcoming them.
At the age of 11, I was sent to a boarding school in the UK […] Every morning at seven o’clock, an alarm bell was rung, and all of the kids got up, and we had to do a two and a half-mile run. I was the last to come through wheezing and coughing, and by the time I showed up, all the breakfast had gone. There was just a certain point where I just thought, ‘Enough, I’m not going to have this define my life.’ I made the decision that I wasn’t going to be defined by my condition, and that I could grow.
~ Andy Fisher (12:53)
The conversation explores how unconventional pursuits such as knife-throwing, wilderness survival, and circus performance inform and enhance teaching practice. By bringing these passion projects into the classroom, the importance of authentic connection and engaging with students beyond the curriculum emerges. Themes of resilience, personal growth, and fostering curiosity run throughout the dialogue.
Andy Fisher discusses his journey from asthmatic child to martial artist, teacher, and survival instructor, illustrating how personal challenge translates into valuable lessons for students. The balance between discipline and compassion plays a critical role in shaping both his personal life and professional teaching philosophy.
Takeaways
Bridging passion and teaching — Personal pursuits outside of work can deepen engagement with students.
Resilience through experience — Overcoming personal limitations can shape a stronger, more empathetic teaching style.
Authenticity in education — Teachers benefit from sharing personal struggles and successes with students.
Physical challenges and growth — Embracing physically demanding hobbies like survival training builds discipline.
Continuous learning — Remaining a learner outside the classroom informs and inspires teaching.
Resources
Hero Forge Project — Andy Fisher’s podcast and book exploring personal development and heroism.
Hero Roundtable — Conferences discussing heroism and leadership.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Kasturi Torchia: Mental wellbeing, Esprit Concrete, and sharing →
How can the integration of psychology and movement practices contribute to mental wellbeing and personal growth?
Kasturi Torchia describes her role with Parkour UK, and how she came to be involved in mental wellbeing and psychology studies. She discusses her family and how they impacted her journey, before unpacking the Esprit Concrete method she has developed. Kasturi shares some of her goals and what she is working on with Esprit Concrete, and discusses the yearly Les Dames du Movement event.
Esprit Concrete is something that was so organic, that it’s really hard to pinpoint what exactly [started it.] But I think that the really strange encounter that I had with Parkour, came at a really important time in my life where I was reflecting on what was happening and trying to make a change. I just needed something, without knowing that I needed it, to jolt me into seeing things differently, changing perspectives on things.
~ Kasturi Torchia (6:30)
The conversation explores the intersection of psychology and movement, focusing on how Kasturi’s personal experiences led her to create the Esprit Concrete Method. Her work integrates psychological principles with Parkour and Art du Déplacement, addressing mental wellbeing through movement. Kasturi reflects on how childhood influences and a desire to understand human behavior guided her journey towards psychology.
Another key topic is the development of the Esprit Concrete Method as a tool for self-reflection and personal growth. The method helps participants confront vulnerabilities and use movement as a metaphor for psychological challenges. Kasturi also highlights the significance of community events, such as Les Dames Du Movement, which bring together diverse practitioners to foster learning and collaboration.
Takeaways
Integration of psychology and movement — Personal growth and mental health can be addressed through movement practices.
Esprit Concrete Method — A framework blending Parkour, Art du Déplacement, and psychological principles to foster development.
Duty of Care in Parkour UK — Emphasis on safeguarding mental wellbeing and establishing support networks.
Challenges in movement — Physical movements reflect deeper psychological patterns and areas for growth.
Les Dames Du Movement — Community-focused events promoting collaboration across disciplines.
Resources
Esprit Concrete — Kasturi’s platform integrating movement and therapy.
Parkour UK — National governing body for Parkour, focusing on mental health and wellbeing initiatives.
Les Dames Du Movement — Annual community event promoting movement and mental health.
Get Self Help — Website providing self-help resources and CBT worksheets.
(Written with help from Chat-GPT.)
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Georgia Munroe: Goals, Ninja Warrior, and coaching →
How does the relationship between creative hobbies, personal challenges, and coaching shape the practice and development of movement disciplines?
Georgia Munroe explains her interest in music and how that relates to her parkour practice, as well as how she became interested in parkour. She discusses the challenges and goals she is working on, before sharing her experiences with motion capture and Ninja Warrior. Georgia unpacks her thoughts on coaching, her personal journey of improving as a coach, and how coaching has affected her own parkour practice.
We always struggle with so much […] like when you first start, everything is fresh, everything is new. The only goal is to just turn up, and you get on with it. […] And now, when you start to find your footing, you start to see your character in your movement, you also see your insecurities, you also see the things that are harder than other things to do. You also see what your fears are, and facing your fears or seeing your fears, you want to overcome them. It’s scary, and you don’t want to, but you want to at the same time.
~ Georgia Munroe (17:32)
The conversation explores the interplay between creative hobbies, such as music and movement disciplines like parkour. Music provides Georgia with a natural sense of rhythm and timing, directly influencing how she approaches physical training and performance. This relationship highlights how artistic practices can cross-pollinate with athletic endeavors, enriching each in unexpected ways.
Another central theme is the transformative power of coaching and personal growth. Georgia reflects on the emotional challenges she faced, particularly her fear of failure, and how coaching others mirrors her own internal struggles. As she develops her coaching skills, she learns to manage self-doubt and anxiety, which ultimately enhances her ability to guide others. Her experiences competing in Ninja Warrior reveal how even high-stress environments can evolve from terrifying to enjoyable through mindset shifts and practice.
Takeaways
The influence of music on movement — Music provides rhythm and timing that directly translates to improved flow and efficiency in physical practice.
Facing personal fears — Overcoming fear and insecurity plays a major role in progressing as an athlete and coach.
The role of coaching in self-development — Coaching requires significant self-reflection and growth, shaping the way instructors manage both their own fears and those of their students.
Mindset shifts during competition — Competing in challenging environments like Ninja Warrior transitions from overwhelming to rewarding by focusing on relaxation and enjoying the process.
Embracing hard work over talent — Relying solely on talent can be limiting, while sustained effort and perseverance lead to greater long-term achievements.
The emotional journey of learning — Success often requires facing discomfort, repeated failure, and developing resilience.
Resources
Esprit Concrete — Coaching organization where Georgia Munroe trains and coaches, focusing on movement and mental development.
Ninja Warrior UK — Competitive obstacle course show in which Georgia Munroe competed, testing athleticism and mental resilience.
How does engaging in movement practices like Forró and parkour contribute to personal growth, emotional development, and professional coaching?
Naomi Honey shares her experiences learning the Brazilian dance of Forró, and how it relates to her other movement practices. She unpacks her work as a life coach; what that means, how it works, and why she loves it so much. Naomi wraps up by discussing her thoughts on her current interests, the idea of success, and self talk.
[It’s] amazing. I’m the cheerleader while they’re doing it, and while it’s difficult. And I’m the cheerleader when there’s success. And then—one of my absolute favorite moments—coaching is designed to end at some point.
~ Naomi Honey (11:45)
Naomi Honey discusses how her experiences with Brazilian dance and parkour have shaped her personal and professional life. She highlights the contrast between the individual nature of parkour and the partner-based dynamics of Forró, a Brazilian dance she has been practicing for over a year. Naomi shares how these practices have enhanced her ability to listen to her body and respond intuitively, revealing unexpected emotional blocks and new ways of engaging with others.
Her work as a life coach focuses on helping people recognize and overcome personal obstacles, drawing from her movement experiences. Naomi explains how self-talk plays a critical role in both movement and life coaching, recounting workshops where participants verbalize negative inner dialogues to foster awareness and shift perspectives. She also emphasizes the importance of celebrating effort over results, demonstrating how encouragement and playful experimentation foster growth and confidence in movement and beyond.
Takeaways
Engaging in movement practices — reveals emotional and mental blocks that impact personal growth.
Life coaching integrates physical practices — combining parkour and dance helps address personal fears and limitations.
Self-talk awareness — recognizing and addressing negative internal dialogue improves movement and emotional resilience.
Parkour’s impact on personal growth — confronting physical obstacles mirrors the process of overcoming psychological challenges.
The value of celebration and encouragement — celebrating effort rather than success fosters persistence and emotional well-being.
Physical closeness in dance — offers unique opportunities to explore connection and interpersonal dynamics, filling gaps not addressed by parkour.
Coaching designed to end — successful coaching encourages clients to become independent while maintaining ongoing connections for support.
Resources
Flytality — Naomi Honey’s life coaching business where she helps people achieve personal and professional goals.
Parcon by Andrew Suseno — A fusion of parkour and contact improvisation that explores movement through physical interaction with others.
Gerlev Idrætshøjskole — A movement-focused school in Denmark specializing in parkour and physical education.