Step into the captivating world of dance with Phoebe Jewitt, an acclaimed dancer and award-winning choreographer, and the artistic director of PITT Company! In this insightful episode, Phoebe shares her incredible journey, from her early days dancing on a freezer to becoming a celebrated artist whose work resonates with international audiences.

Phoebe reveals how movement became her powerful medium for expressing deeply personal and emotionally loaded subjects that words often can't capture. Discover her unique choreographic style, a dynamic fusion of physicality and theatricality, exploring human connections, emotions, and our social system. She also dives into her fascinating process, including how she incorporates poetry and voice into her work, creating something truly tangible and impactful.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the realities of the dance industry. Phoebe opens up about the challenges of transitioning from dancer to choreographer, the importance of communication in the creative process, and the bittersweet experience of leaving a dance company to forge her own path. She shares invaluable advice for aspiring dancers and artists: believe in yourself, trust your instincts, and embrace the unique way you move.

Key Topics Covered:

The evolution of a dancer into an award-winning choreographer
Using movement to express complex emotions and ideas
The creative process of choreography: from concept to execution
The role of improvisation and collaboration with dancers
Navigating the challenges and rewards of the dance industry
The importance of self-belief and finding your unique artistic voice

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What if the key to healing your mind and body was as simple as dancing?

In this episode, neuroscientist and dancer Dr. Hanna Poikonen shares how movement and music can reshape the brain, elevate mental health, and even aid recovery from serious conditions like stroke and chronic fatigue. 🎶💃

Hanna blends cutting-edge neuroscience with her personal journey and scientific research to introduce WiseMotion—a unique method that merges dance, mindfulness, and brain science. You'll hear powerful real-life stories, including how a stroke survivor defied the odds through dance, and how small, joyful movements can bring profound emotional and cognitive benefits.

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Flurina Rigling's story will move you. 🌟

Six-time world champion & Paralympic medalist, but her journey is far deeper than medals. Flurina, born with a condition affecting her hands and feet, reveals how para-cycling transformed her life, not just her athletic career.🚴‍♀️

Hear how she navigated a world where she felt neither "disabled" nor "typical," finding her path to elite sport. Discover the incredible collaboration with ETH Zurich, where 3D-printed technology became a lifeline, enabling her to push beyond perceived limits. ⚙️

More than just a sports story, this is a tale of self-discovery. Flurina shares her raw, honest emotions about how para-sports reshaped her identity and empowered her as a woman. "Para sports really changed myself as a woman with a handicap, or how I go through life." ❤️

Feel her passion as she speaks about defining your own limits, a message that resonates far beyond the cycling track. This is about resilience, innovation, and the power of believing in yourself. Listen now and be inspired.

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When Anna Gracia Herbst first saw a video of people collecting plastic bottles in exchange for hot meals in Nicaragua, something fundamentally shifted for her. After years of feeling paralyzed by global problems displayed in media—wars, climate crisis, extreme poverty—she suddenly found a concrete way to contribute. "I was like, okay, this is something I can do," she recalls, marking the moment her life trajectory completely changed.

At just 25, Herbst left her stable marketing career to co-found Buy Food with Plastic with her former classmate who had witnessed twin crises in Nicaragua: devastating plastic pollution and families unable to feed their children amid 80-90% unemployment rates. Rather than creating dependency through handouts, they developed community events where residents could exchange plastic waste for nutritious meals—addressing two critical issues simultaneously.

What began as simple events has evolved into a comprehensive approach across three countries. Today, the organization maintains collection points throughout communities in Nicaragua, Ghana, and India, operates trucks that gather plastic from households, runs manufacturing facilities that upcycle materials into new products, and—perhaps most importantly—creates sustainable jobs that lift entire families from extreme poverty.

The human impact is profound. Herbst shares the story of Luis, a recycler who's worked with them for four years. His employment enabled his son Jenner to finally attend school (previously impossible due to the prohibitive $250 cost of mandatory new uniforms) and provided health insurance covering his entire family. "We are not changing the whole world, but we are changing the world for this person," Herbst reflects, highlighting how targeted intervention creates ripple effects through generations.

For those feeling overwhelmed by global challenges, Herbst offers the Hummingbird Story—a tale of a tiny bird fighting a forest fire one water drop at a time while larger animals stood by. When questioned about its seemingly futile efforts, the hummingbird replied: "This is my contribution." The message resonates deeply with Herbst's journey: meaningful change often begins with small actions that inspire others to join. What small step might you take today?

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Pollution isn’t just something happening “out there”—it’s in your water, your food, and even your blood. From PFAS "forever chemicals" to microplastics, these toxic contaminants have infiltrated every aspect of modern life. But what if the solution already exists in nature?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Estelle Clerc, founder of CellX Biosolutions, to explore her groundbreaking approach to pollution cleanup: using bacteria to break down even the most persistent chemicals. With her microfluidic trap technology, Dr. Clerc is building what she calls "the Netflix of bacteria"—a catalog of microbial communities capable of degrading pollutants in industries from pharmaceuticals to agrochemicals.

🔬 How do bacteria naturally evolve to break down pollution?
🌍 What’s the real danger of PFAS and microplastics in our daily lives?
💡 Can biotechnology offer a sustainable alternative to incineration and chemical treatments?

This conversation is a must-watch for anyone concerned about environmental health, scientific innovation, and the future of pollution cleanup.

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A captivating conversation with Alexander Jones unfolds as he shares his transformative journey from a reluctant ballet student to a principal dancer. We explore the trials of rigorous training, the emotional complexities dancers face, and the importance of resilience in pursuit of one’s passion.

• From early reluctance in ballet to passionate involvement
• The pressure of rigorous training in prestigious ballet schools
• Moments of self-doubt and overcoming personal challenges
• The fine line between artistry and athleticism in dance
• Navigating career progression and the realities of professional ballet
• Preparing for life after dance and embracing future possibilities

Tune in for an enlightening discussion that resonates beyond the ballet world—subscribe, share, and join the conversation on navigating life’s intricate ballet!

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Have you ever questioned the real meaning of success? Join me, Nicole, as I sit down with extraordinary guests whose journeys defy the conventional narrative. We often swipe and scroll through life, missing the profound stories unfolding right before our eyes. Listen in as my guests share their unique paths, revealing personal insights and the resilience that propelled them to incredible destinations. Their stories are a testament to how great things grow from small beginnings, offering inspiration and wisdom to help you recognize the potential within your own journey. Through engaging conversations, we highlight the power of determination and the extraordinary possibilities that lie within each of us. Get ready to be inspired, and perhaps see your own path in a whole new light.

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