It’s been six years since I started recording conversations for Movers Mindset. I’ve finally (after talking about it for years) gotten around to creating a Movers Mindset daily email of bite-sized things from all the 150+ podcast episodes. I have an enormous pile of episode summaries, quotes from the guests, their answers to the 3-word-questions, a few articles, choice bits from transcripts…
Fun, inspiring, and educational, the daily email makes it easy to explore Movers Mindset. It also includes a notification about new episodes, which is handy if you don’t want to subscribe, but still want to know who’s on the show so you can grab just the episodes that interest you.
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WPKM with Gabby St. Martin, Adrienne Toumayan, and Alice Popejoy →
What are the goals, challenges, and experiences shaping the Women’s Parkour Movement (WPKM) and its annual gatherings?
Volunteer organizers reflect on the balance between leadership, inclusion, and community building in parkour.
For me, the women’s parkour movement space is much, much more about the feeling of being accepted and valued for what it is and who it is that you are and whatever you’re bringing to the table.
~ Alice Popejoy (26:45)
Whether parkour companies are sharing more female movement because of guilt or social pressure, the fact that it’s happening and we’re seeing more of it is a good thing.
~ Gabby St. Martin (43:08)
The conversation focuses on the Women’s Parkour Movement (WPKM) organization, emphasizing the need for safe, empowering spaces for women and non-binary individuals in parkour. Gabby, Adrienne and Alice discuss the origins, leadership transitions, and ethos of the annual gatherings, highlighting the importance of fostering inclusivity, play, and body positivity. They share personal stories of discovering parkour and finding strength and community within women-centered spaces.
Challenges like representation, leadership diversity, and societal biases are explored, alongside positive trends in visibility and inclusion. The discussion touches on the broader implications of creating platforms that amplify underrepresented voices, with reflections on the impact of movements like “#MeToo” and strategies to build empathetic, inclusive communities.
Takeaways
Creating women-focused parkour spaces — fosters empowerment and community building.
Importance of inclusivity — ensuring spaces welcome women, non-binary individuals, and other underrepresented groups.
Volunteer leadership — highlights the dedication and personal sacrifices of organizers.
Play and creativity — emphasized as key elements of parkour practice in these spaces.
Challenges of representation — ongoing efforts are needed to improve visibility and leadership diversity.
Cultural shifts in parkour — moving toward valuing diverse styles beyond power and strength.
Addressing gender-based issues — from biases in coaching to ethical challenges in leadership.
The role of social media — visibility for women in parkour is increasing but requires further equity.
What insights can be gained from exploring human movement, physics, and juggling in weightlessness?
Adam Dipert is a Postdoctoral Research Scholar in Physics at North Carolina State University and has wowed audiences as a professional circus performer for nearly twenty years. He started studying human movement in weightlessness in preparation for his first parabolic flight in 2016, and since then he has logged countless hours exploring the frontiers of microgravity flow in pools, aerial harnesses, flotation tanks, wind tunnels, and airplanes. In addition to developing a new suite of dance moves for outer space, he has exercised remarkable restraint not asking NASA for permission to spin fire on the ISS.
And you’ve become only eyes, because you now no longer have a way of sensing where your body is. And not only do you only become eyes, but you’re also experiencing tunnel vision. And so when you enter weightlessness, and start to develop the skills which will be necessary to become a competent movement artist in that environment, you have to first figure out how to re inhabit your body and how to come back from just being eyes and realize that you have a head and find out where your arms are, and have some idea about where your arm is, say when it’s behind your back because, you know, right now on Earth, probably everybody listening to this is on earth, waving your arm. Yeah, you put your arm behind your back and and what is it that tells you where your arm is? It’s the tension in your shoulder, right? It’s the torque in your arm, elbow. It’s a lot of things that are all gravitationally oriented. And so you have to come with a totally new set of skills.
~ Adam Dipert (16:55)
This episode is far out, and far ranging. Adam and I managed to coordinate a recording session with little advanced notice… and then we proceeded to go wide and deep on circus stuff, juggling, physics, mathematics, and movement in weightlessness.
Since I clearly cannot cram the visuals into the audio, you simply must float over to Adam’s web site: TheSpaceJuggler.com
The conversation explores the unique challenges and opportunities of human movement and artistic expression in microgravity. One key topic is the disconnection from conventional proprioception in zero gravity, requiring innovative methods to reorient oneself and move effectively. The discussion also covers the physics of rotations and how understanding moments of inertia can inform both practical and artistic endeavors, like juggling in altered environments.
Another important focus is how altered environments like space could fundamentally change our understanding of what it means to be human. Insights about the adaptability of the human body, new forms of artistic expression, and philosophical reflections on perspective and truth highlight the broader implications of this work. The conversation also touches on the importance of preparing humanity for future space exploration, emphasizing the potential for cultural and intellectual growth through such endeavors.
Takeaways
Human proprioception in weightlessness — The experience of zero gravity requires a complete relearning of body orientation and movement.
Rotational dynamics in microgravity — Understanding how the human body rotates in space helps develop both practical movement skills and new artistic expressions.
Integration of physics and art — Combining physics with creative disciplines like juggling leads to innovative insights and applications.
Space as a proving ground — Microgravity environments challenge and expand human understanding of movement and adaptation.
Embodied cognition and ethics — Exploration of movement in space raises questions about how gravitational experiences shape human cognition and morality.
Philosophical dualities — Weightlessness provides a powerful metaphor for understanding multiple truths from different perspectives.
Preparation for space exploration — Analog environments are essential for developing skills and knowledge before venturing into true microgravity.
Resources
The Space Juggler — Adam’s official website showcasing his projects, videos, and information about space juggling.
There was, however, a big difference between what he did and what we “real movers” were doing. The baseball player did not perform this moment just to perform it. The player did it to solve the problem of having to catch a screeching line drive, probably traveling over 100 mph. He then rapidly returned to a strong throwing position and volleyed that ball to first base. His movement solved a problem, and a very difficult one at that.
A blog post from Kelley is more rare than his Evolve Move Play podcast. He’s definitely someone whose ideas resonate with me. His through-line, not just in this article but in all of his more recent work, is definitely the right way to look at things. I like the phrase “fit for purpose” and that’s a line of enquiry Kelley is often chasing down.
What does it mean – “having a practice”? It is a very vague definition that can be used in many ways and can mean many things. As well as it can mean nothing at all, just referring to smoke and mirrors. The straightforward notion of “practice” in itself entails being involved in a process, repeatedly engaging in an activity with the end goal of achieving mastery in something. It can be both an empty description of a habit or it can be a phenomenon that fills human life with meaning.
I’ve often mentioned the power of asking movement enthusiasts for, “three words to describe your practice?” The power of my question comes both from the difficulty in summarizing and from the difficulty in describing one’s practice. And yes, I’ve made a note to see if I can get around to talking with Bezuglova on the Movers Mindset podcast.
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Alan Tran: Journaling, Reflection, and Looking Ahead →
How does the process of reflection and self-improvement shape personal growth and teaching methodologies?
Alan Tran is a parkour coach and collaborator from Raleigh, North Carolina. He’s the founder of Enso Movement and is a director for both the Art of Retreat and the United States Parkour Association. Alan continues to serve the parkour and movement community through active service and outreach.
I carved out the space to de-evolve and reinvent myself. In many ways, it wasn’t intentional by any means, at the start of my personal practices. But in many ways, it was a way for me to redefine who I was, who I wanted to be, and where my work would lead to.
~ Alan Tran (29:36)
The discussion weaves through themes of reflection, journaling, and the impact of vulnerability on personal growth and teaching. Through daily journaling practices, the importance of documenting emotions, achievements, and challenges emerges as a way to identify growth and patterns over time. Cultural connections, like the preservation of family history through photography, also highlight how past experiences inform one’s values and identity.
The conversation also explores innovative teaching techniques inspired by training a dog using communication buttons. This segues into reflections on coaching methodologies, the value of structured progressions, and how spontaneity plays a role in both teaching and personal development. By examining challenges like preparing for workshops under time constraints and balancing intuition with structure, the dialogue emphasizes growth through experimentation and self-awareness.
Takeaways
Reflection as a practice — Journaling and revisiting past thoughts help in recognizing personal growth and emotional patterns.
Cultural connections — Family stories and historical documentation preserve identity and values across generations.
Coaching methodologies — Structured progressions and spontaneity are key elements in effective teaching.
Experimentation and intuition — Creativity and growth often stem from embracing failure and learning under pressure.
The role of vulnerability — Being authentic and open fosters meaningful interactions and personal development.
How does play and movement intersect with personal growth, mental health, and the practice of Parkour?
Exploring how Parkour connects to mental health and play reveals deep personal insights.
It’s all about play. And I think that making— I love strengthening and I love building— you know, physical capacity. But in the end, that’s just a couple of stepping stones towards building people’s ability to play.
~ Kel Glaister (6:46)
The discussion opens with reflections on the influence of animals, like Kel’s dog, on humility and how they bring perspective to human movement practice. The conversation then expands to explore the cultural and environmental factors shaping Parkour, emphasizing the unique styles and strengths fostered by different regions. There’s an emphasis on how community and environmental context influence the practice.
Kel shares personal insights about the role of play in movement and the transition from self-critical motivations to a more compassionate approach. Craig and Kel discuss the impact of mental health struggles and how this shaped their training philosophy, shifting focus toward longevity and joy in movement. The role of organizations like Parkour Earth is also examined, highlighting the importance of global representation and grassroots involvement in shaping the future of the discipline.
Takeaways
Nonhuman animals in movement — They provide perspective and humility to human practice.
Cultural and environmental influence — Regional differences shape distinct movement styles in Parkour.
Play as a foundation — Movement should be guided by joy and curiosity, not just performance.
Mental health and movement — Training can transition from self-loathing to self-compassion.
Role of global organizations — Community engagement is crucial for creating representative bodies.
Training longevity — A sustainable approach balances physical and emotional well-being.
The role of ambassadors — Advocacy and representation strengthen global networks in Parkour.
Resources
Parkour Earth — An international body aiming to represent and advocate for the Parkour community globally.
What drives personal growth and the mindset necessary to embrace challenges in physical and mental practices?
A journey of self-improvement unfolds through insights on goal-setting, risk assessment, and personal evolution.
Through parkour, I’ve been able to open up my perspective on life a ton and it’s created so many different opportunities.
~ Seth Ruji (20:04)
The conversation centers on personal growth, emphasizing mental and physical discipline. Topics include the importance of structured training plans, the mindset needed to assess and embrace risks, and the influence of high-stakes challenges on personal development. Seth highlights how parkour fosters self-awareness, teaching individuals to recognize his limits and set realistic, achievable goals.
The discussion also explores broader life themes, such as balancing professional ambitions with personal well-being, maintaining discipline amidst challenges, and the joy of continuous improvement. Insights are drawn from parkour and professional experiences, underscoring the interplay between mental resilience and physical achievement.
Takeaways
Luck and preparation — Success often arises from seizing opportunities through meticulous preparation.
Self-identified risk — Parkour teaches recognizing and respecting personal limits to improve safely.
Goal flexibility — Goals should be ambitious but adjustable to maintain growth and motivation.
Balancing roles — Managing competing priorities like professional work and personal interests is essential for sustainable success.
Mindset evolution — Personal and professional experiences contribute to a broader perspective on life and goals.
Continuous learning — Breaking down challenges into smaller, manageable steps aids consistent progress.
Resources
Swift Movement Studio — A parkour and movement training facility in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The Now Habit — A book on overcoming procrastination through practical strategies for effective goal setting.
What are the challenges and opportunities in advancing Parkour as a sport, a community activity, and a professional field?
The conversation explores the evolution of Parkour and its integration into schools and professional spaces.
The idea is we want a place that they can be creative, and not just be forced to do [movement] by the book. Maybe they could build stuff, maybe they can make new challenges.
~ Robbie Corbett (1:24)
The discussion begins with reflections on the creation of a pop-up Parkour playground tailored for schools. Emphasis is placed on designing spaces that encourage creativity and adaptability, offering both basic and advanced challenges. Robbie shares experiences working with equipment manufacturers and schools, highlighting the importance of lesson plans and collaborative design to maximize the utility of these spaces.
The conversation then shifts to broader topics, such as the evolution of Parkour as a sport and its interaction with other industries like film, Ninja Warrior, and tag. Challenges include appropriation of Parkour concepts without acknowledgment and competition from larger organizations like FIG. Despite these issues, the conversation recognizes the diversity and creativity within the Parkour community, showcasing its potential to innovate through unique events and grassroots gatherings.
Takeaways
Designing adaptable spaces — School playgrounds and pop-up structures can encourage creative movement and multi-age participation.
Challenges in recognition — Parkour faces appropriation from industries and organizations, hindering its independent growth.
Opportunities in collaboration — Collaboration with schools and communities can enhance Parkour’s accessibility and value.
Creativity in competition — Events like jams and non-traditional gatherings showcase the sport’s diversity.
The struggle with governance — FIG’s control over competitions creates barriers for Parkour’s self-regulated development.
Community engagement — Bridging small, insular groups could foster a more unified and collaborative environment.
The journey from New Jersey to Asheville reveals how a Parkour athlete reshaped his movement training in the wilderness.
Ryan Mallon is a parkour athlete, coach, rock climber, and general outdoorsman. His personal journey includes being an American Parkour sponsored athlete, and an APK ambassador. He’s coached state champion and regional-placing gymnasts, and has competed in World Chase Tag USA. More recently, Ryan spends much of his time in the beautiful mountains outside of Asheville, North Carolina, hiking, climbing, and photographing nature.
[Impact is a complicated subject.] I think the best way I can whittle that down—and I think a lot of people tend to agree with this—is bringing things to the public attention always is a double edged sword. […] The more places people know about, and can spread out to, will lessen impact in a singular spot.
~ Ryan Mallon (30:00)
The conversation explores how movement disciplines like Parkour can integrate with natural landscapes. Starting from structured training in a gym, the discussion transitions to adapting techniques for outdoor environments, particularly in North Carolina’s mountainous regions. Topics include the creative process of identifying and utilizing natural challenges for training and the unique perspective gained from exploring untouched environments.
It also touches on ecological concerns and the impact of human activity on natural spaces. Ryan emphasizes a balance between sharing access to beautiful, lesser-known locations and ensuring minimal ecological disruption. Discussions about coaching and community-building underline the value of teaching methodologies that empower others while cultivating personal growth through exploration.
Takeaways
The adaptability of Parkour — Techniques evolve from structured environments to embrace natural challenges.
Coaching as a skill — The ability to break down movements to foundational levels is key to being an effective coach.
Integrating outdoor exploration — Wilderness exploration can serve as a dynamic training ground, blending movement disciplines with nature.
Ecological awareness — Balancing public access with conservation is critical in managing natural spaces responsibly.
Personal evolution through movement — Training in nature fosters growth, creativity, and resilience.
Building community — Combining technical skills and shared experiences strengthens connections among practitioners.