Art and culture bring colour to our world. And what are art and culture without the people that create it, shape it, present it, and enjoy it? Join us as we delve into the lives of fascinating, creative, inspiring people. We explore what it means to live,
We finish off our exploration into values with this final episode on 'inclusion' - Sam is joined by Kate Auker, who has spent most of her life tackling inequality in one way or another. Kate believes deeply in fairness and in this episode shares her thoughts on the complexities around inequality, particularly 'hidden inequalities' working with homeless communities and people in crisis food poverty and insecurity. And she shares some of the simple things she does to help provide a sense of belonging for others. Kate's formal education is in psychology and mental health. She also has a wealth of experiencing working with LGBTQ+ young people and their families. She is currently the maternity cover CEO at The Welcome Centre in Huddersfield. In her spare time Kate can be found crocheting or playing the piano - both with varying degrees of skill (her own words!)! ------- This is the final episode of series 2! We would love to hear what you think... Have any of the stories or thoughts shared by our guests most stayed with you? What are your thoughts on the values we've explored? Do you have a favourite episode? Please get in touch - leave us a review, email us, or find us on socials: Facebook, Twitter, Instagram We'll be back later in the year with a new series and a new theme! Curious e-Motion is a podcast by Calderdale-based dance and arts not-for-profit, Curious Motion Hosted and created by Artistic Director and Dance Artist, Samantha McCormick Music by Rich Huxley
What does compassion really mean and how does it support a sense of belonging in the world for ourselves and others? Find out in this episode with Sam and charity change-maker Katie Sparkes. Katie is an incredibly inspiring human being - she founded her own Corporate Social Responsibility consultancy at the age of 22 and is also the founder and CEO of inclusive dance charity Flamingo Chicks, amongst other things! Flamingo Chicks provides opportunities for disabled children to enjoy dance alongside their friends whilst also supporting parents and carers and providing global advocacy to break down barriers to inclusion. #balletnotbarriers Katies has won numerous awards for her contribution to the global community including the Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award, a Point Of Light Award from the UK Prime Minister and the Independent Newspaper's Happy List of people who make the country a better place. Today she shares not only what she has learnt about compassion and inclusion through her professional career, but her own personal experience of how compassion can make all the difference. Content warning: miscarriage and baby loss Find out more about Flamingo Chicks here: flamingochicks.org Read Katie's full biography on our website. Transcripts are available for all episodes on our website too. One of Katie's examples of compassion: TikTok users create innovative solution for Parkinson's disease medication.
Caroline Bowditch joins Sam to discuss 'inclusion' and how 'empathy' shows up within this. Caroline is an internationally renowned performer, choreographer, teacher and maker, and is currently CEO of Arts Access Victoria in Australia. Caroline is a disabled woman who believes passionately in creating spaces where people feel they can truly be themselves. In this episode she shares some new thoughts around how we can approach 'inclusion', including the word itself. Check out the episode page on our website for a full transcript: www.curiousmotion.org.uk/podcasts/series-2-caroline-bowditch Find out all about Caroline here: Arts Access Victoria - their advocacy page includes links to some of Caroline's latest work: www.artsaccess.com.au/creating-change/advocacy/ Follow them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube Further information related to this episode: Stella Young on dancing like everyone's watching - article Information on the Social Model of Disability: A short video from Scope Disability Rights UK
Sam is joined by Dipika Kaushal, CEO of Voluntary & Community (VAC), to discuss 'inclusion'. Inclusion has been integral throughout Dipika's diverse career working in the voluntary sector, focused on positive social change and improving local lives. Today she shares what she has learnt from her experience and why inclusion benefits everyone. Find out all about Voluntary & Community here: www.cvac.org.uk Twitter: @VACLocalLives @kaushal_dipika You can find Dipika on LinkedIn here.
In this episode Sam is joined by Trizia Wells to explore curiosity - hear about Trizia's curious career involving therapy, heritage, and theatre, plus some fascinating stories from decades gone by. Here's all the info to on Trizia's work: History in Action - Twitter and Instagram Avalon Clinical Hypnotherapy - Twitter and Instagram Find Trizia's heritage work on Twitter here. 'Women's Work' - a Heritage Lottery funded project in Accrington, Lancashire, delivered through History in Action.
An exploration into 'integrity' with musician Rich Huxley, delving into artistic integrity in the music industry and the wider picture of what 'integrity' means for our lives and those of our communities. This episode includes some brilliant music recommendations too: Hope & Social - check out their lockdown E.P. - S.E.N.T Sampa the Great - one of Rich's favourites is 'Final Form' Confidence Man Penfriend (Laura Kidd) Send us your thoughts on integrity - email us on hello@curiousmotion.org.uk
This episode delves into another of Curious Motion's values - this time it's 'curiosity' with Linda Freeman, a Team Leader for Calderdale's libraries. Join Sam and Linda for a fun and warm chat about all things stories, books, people, and community. Calderdale Libraries - find out more about Calderdale's libraries. Georgette Hayer - find out more about this author and her books via goodreads.com Diana Gabaldon - of Outlander fame and more!
Sam is joined by renowned dancer and choreographer, Theo Clinkard. Settle in for a fascinating exploration into 'artistry' and what this means for our society. Century Project - Theo's upcoming hopeful dance work that spans a century, launching in 2021 and completing beyond our lifetimes, in 2120. Taking place every 5 years upon a hand woven carpet, 100-strong constellations of dancers come together to engage in a practice of slowing the body and mapping the mind. An act of faith, whereby it's continuation is entrusted to future generations, this human-scale yet epic work celebrates the embodied knowledge of the dancer while asking, how can we use long term thinking in order to be better ancestors? Future Library by Katie Paterson in Norway Long Player - a 1000 year continuous piece of music by Jem Finer from the Pogues. As Slow As Possible by John Cage. Wainsgate Dances & Open Practice: an international programme of workshops, residencies and performances curated by Charlie Morrissey and Rob Hopper. Based at Wainsgate Chapel in Hebden Bridge. The morning Open Practice sessions happen Monday - Friday, 9-10am, ÂŁ2 donation - we highly recommend them!
The theme for this series is 'Our Values' - find out all about it in this short bonus episode. Curious Motion's Values: Artistry Compassion Curiosity Empathy Inclusion Integrity We've also got brand new music so tune in to hear more about that too: Rich Huxley and Hope & Social - find out more about the musician behind our new theme music.
In this finale episode of series 1, meet an original cast member of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Nuno Silva. Nuno takes us on a journey behind the scenes of the play, how they've dealt with this challenging year, and we hear about Nuno's personal adventure into dance. Don't worry, no secrets are given away here! #keepthesecrets Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - website Accio Yoga - Nuno's Harry Potter themed Yoga Channel We'd love your feedback on series 1. Do you have a favourite episode? Is there a topic you'd like us to cover? Get in touch: Email Instagram Twitter Facebook
An honest and candid chat with two inspiring dance artists - Matt Lackford and Nathan Johnston (Matt is also Sam's husband!). Matt and Nathan are passionate about promoting mental health, particularly for men, and are using their creativity to explore this. They also chat about life changing experiences and what this means for them. An important conversation full of openness and compassion. Content warning: cancer, mental health experiences. For support on living with cancer or supporting a loved one: Macmillan Cancer Cancer Research UK CLL Support Association Blood Cancer UK Men 2 Health Instagram - men who talk Nathan's Instagram Matt's Instagram
What do rubbish, artists, and mental health have in common? Alice Bradshaw! Alice is a visual artist from Elland, Calderdale, who co-creates work in communities, aiming to support mental wellbeing and open up conversation. One particular passion of hers is rubbish! Find out more in this episode. More info: Alice's website Dwell Time - mental health project Art Lab - support for creatives Dwell Awhile Podcasts Creative Recovery in Barnsley 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Dr Bessell van der Kolk
How do our life experiences manifest in our bodies? What does this mean for chronic conditions and pain? How can we live healthier and happier lives through movement? Find out in this episode! Alice Grayson, a sports massage therapist and movement practitioner, guides us through the fascinating world of our bodies! Alice is based in Lancaster, England, and works at Re:set - find out more here: Website Facebook Instagram Let us know what you think! Email us or message us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram
Sam chats to the inspiring Angela Whiley about her love of place, particularly the town of Elland through her work at Calderdale Council, and living in Halifax. Angela also shares with us her personal story of the most difficult year of her life, and what this means for her today. Content warning: childhood cancer For support and information on living with cancer or supporting loved ones: Macmillan Cancer Support CLIC Sargent - support for young people with cancer Cancer Research UK Find out all about Elland here. The Wild Remedy - How Nature Mends Us by Emma Mitchell
Maisha and Jess are childhood friends from Hebden Bridge, who both enjoy successful careers in dance and the arts. Sam chats to them about their individual practices and the significance of creativity to their upbringing. Plus they share how they like to look after themselves outside of work, with some fun memories thrown in! Do connect with them on social media! Maisha: MaishaKungu.DanceArtist @maisha.dancer.tapper Jess: @jess_woodhead @jessiwood14
Hear about Laura's incredible contribution to tourism and culture in Calderdale through the Cultural Destinations project, and her lesser-known role as a diplomat! Laura Johansen was the Cultural Development manager for the Cultural Destinations project for Calderdale, which included boosting tourism around Gentleman Jack, which has resulted in Halifax becoming a hot spot for visitors from around the world! Sam spoke to her as she was preparing to move on from Cultural Destinations, back to her job at the Foreign Office. They discuss the impact of culture, how the BBC and HBO series Gentleman Jack has given worldwide recognition to the Calder Valley, and Laura gives us a glimpse into the world of foreign relations. Gentleman Jack Visit Calderdale Anne Lister
Welcome to Curious e-Motion. Join us as we delve into the lives of fascinating, creative, inspiring people. We explore what it means to live, love, and thrive in these overwhelming days. Through our guest interviews, we uncover ways that will help you navigate life; leaving you feeling more inspired and empowered, and remembering that you are not alone. In this introductory episode, meet Curious e-Motion's host, Sam McCormick and hear the story behind this podcast. Instagram: @curiousmotion_ Twitter: @curiousmotion_ Facebook: CuriousMotion