Tapis Rouge!

Celebrating 30 years at Cirque du Soleil this year, ‘Uncle Boris' Verkhovsky mentors us on the many evolutions under the sun. Eloquently highlighting the achievements without shying away from the setbacks of the company, he generously clarifies the role of a coach, acrobatic conception and creation processes. With a lifetime in acrobatics, there are no flips, twists, or drops that fly under his radar!

This Cirque baby not only built a brilliant career, but a unique aerial apparatus as well. Masha Terentieva constructs this conversation around her lifelong journey in show business that led to the creation of her aerial hotel cart. Now leased in 7 different shows over the world, this flying cart will need to start taking reservations!

It would be difficult to be a hardcore Cirque fan if you do not know this epic, behind the scenes anchor. Much like his life-changing, department-hopping internship at Mystere as a teenager, Gabriel Dubé-Dupuis has filled many shoes for Cirque Du Soleil. From filming with creation teams and backstage management to show calling, all the way to creating shows, he certainly knows this company from the inside out. Who better to link the tales of then and now than someone who has been integrated in the company for 28 years?!

When life gives you lemons, consult Charlotte Sullivan. Gracefully piloting through some serious turbulence, this woman knows how to shift gears and climb forward. From a decorated hand to hand duo to injury and personal loss, came a friendship that revived her heart and reinvented her career. Now soaring above the big stage of ECHO in a new hair to hair duo, you would never believe she is afraid of heights!

From owning his own clinic in Australia to, literally, running away with the circus, Brett Whyborn offers us insight on prepping and maintaining the peak performance of athletes vs the unique performance rhythm of Cirque Du Soleil artists. Beyond this crazy pacing to sustain and ‘peak' twice (sometimes 3 times) a day, he expertly integrates the importance of pain science. Tune in to hear this Performance Medicine magician work his therapeutic magic.

Openly detailing her career while highlighting some key influences, Marie "Moon" Michelle walks us through the grand chapiteau's of Quidam, Corteo, and Amaluna. Her genuine stage presence, precision, and use of vocals while performing aerial acrobatics makes this artist beautifully unique. Continuing this artistry into motherhood and beyond, you can now appreciate her detailed work in her handcrafted jewelry company, Ellef!

One of Cirque's integral behind the scenes VIP's, Bernard Petiot went from the highest achievements in the world of Olympic gymnastics to being the backbone of Soleil's international headquarters. By creating support systems and risk assessment for the integration of new artists, he has paved the way for everyone to succeed… safely. In short…. He's kind of a big deal!

Gracefully navigating the highs and lows of being a decorated stage performer, Olga Pikhienko balances (often on one arm!) our perspective on training, show creation and touring the world as Cirque's star contortion handbalancer. Not to mention, what it's like the date the man, the myth, the legendary Guy Laliberte!

From gymnastics to 3 Cirque stages, head coach and writer, Darren transitions us from competitive sport to the high bars of Mystere, straps of the unique Delirium tour, and hand to hand on Saltimbanco. This versatility on stage made him the perfect “pro artist” head coach on Amaluna and writer of a newly published book. “Get Off Your Ass” by Darren Bersuk.. who better to write about health and fitness?

With decades of masterful experience and stories that have been folded into every crease of fabric, Dominique sketches out her experience creating costumes for the most iconic characters of Cirque du Soleil. She stitched life into the very first characters of Nouvelle Experience, and poured color into Cirque's most celebrated shows. Working alongside a stellar creative team, the perfect fit truly does exist!

Revising the stigma of competitive athletes becoming recognized artists, Alix carries us into her versatile world of being an aerialist and multiple characters on many Cirque shows. While her aspirations continuously take her to new heights… literally, she also maintains clients in performance therapy, guiding them through mental blocks. Who better to mentor you through a blockage than someone who has.. flown the flight?

Juggling his way through an impressive stage career, Eric tosses us through his life in circus school, 7 Fingers, Cirque du Soleil events and what it's like to create your own show from scratch. When finding your own process has its fair share of difficulties, he was able to articulate his own experience and interview influential directors on his newly coming book: The Contemporary Circus Handbook, A guide to creating, funding, producing, organizing and touring shows for the 21st century.

Embodying perfection of movement, precise and unusual body placement, and rhythmic timing, René carries us through his incredible career. Collaborating with all the creative icons of Cirque's early days, René has an amazing story told with warmth, experience, and of course.. comedy!

What does it take to be cast by Cirque du Soleil? With insider tips on how to make the perfect demo reel, former casting agent, Stacy Clark details what makes an artist or athlete stand out! And as the current CEO of CircusTalk, Stacy also shares how this career marketplace for circus and performing arts gives essential tools to ignite your career.

Producers produce.. what exactly? Tune in to hear the mighty talented Stéphane Mongeau. Overseeing a dozen Cirque shows from start to finish is no easy feat! In a world where “no” can't exist, let's see how Stephane utilizes “yes…if”!

When in doubt, workout! Ugo ‘Euss' Laffolay walks the walk and talks about his dedicated approach to circus and precise training methods. While his behind the scenes regimen is strict, he is able to let go and light up the stage as the very playful, eyebrow-dancing, peck-flexing, macho- mustache- wearing hand balancer— while, of course, in an iron cross or planche… on swaying canes. Work hard, play hard with Cirque's silliest handbalancer.

Roch has been with Cirque since the birth of the company and was a part of the very first rise of the sun! You will quickly find how his versatility and adaptability has his number in the casting departments speed dial. Urgent replacement contracts while jet setting around the world in a matter of days, Roch has the habit of saving the show from clowning woes!

Navigating show business with his feet on the ground, Mukhtar danced his way from stage performer all the way to creative director. Expertly guiding each unique project has made him one of Cirque du Soleil most valuable creative asset. Tune in to hear about his creative process for Cirque's newest show ECHO coming out this spring!

Don't pass out! This true human anomaly defies all laws of motion. Aleksei bends us through his reality as one of the world's GOAT contortionists.

With great height, comes great responsibility. Jonathan swings us through the challenges of the high bar acts of Mystère, Alegria, Totem and Corteo. With a strong emphasis on the mental health required to bounce back from injury, this acrobat navigates change with a refreshing comedic touch!

From collaborating with the music industries top idols to creating their own signature sounds in their band of brothers, Venice, Marky and Michael give us some epic stories as they often open their home to host unforgettable Cirque parties. Don't miss this interview of creatives as they play LIVE in this week's episode.

Pushing boundaries everywhere he goes, Kyle opens the door to his journey with the stage as an extraordinary handbalancer, drag performer and make up artist, while unlocking a new path for a whole new generation of artists to express themselves exactly the way they are!

Ever wonder how to plan the release of a show in ever-changing markets, where all the Cirque du Soleil posts on social media come from, or what is the meaning behind the Cirque brand? Well, Francis, the Senior Public Relations Rep is your one stop shop for all things Cirque media. Tune in to see how he is the glue that links all the departments together in Cirque's very unique universe.

From world championships in sports acro to world tours on stage with Cirque du Soleil, Emily delves into the excitement of these lifestyles, but also the innate pressure that goes along with it! Tune in to hear how this remarkable athlete is able to divide and conquer these taboos.

This dare devil takes us to new extremes as he recalls having a bottle smashed on his face in Kingsman, flipping off of horses in Wonderwoman, and reacting to the crazy explosions of Doctor Strange. Seb speaks about the differences between performing on a Cirque du Soleil stage as an acrobat versus the insane stunts in the making of Hollywood movies!

From the favelas of Recife to performing for 25+ years on 5+ Cirque du Soleil shows, Wellington talks us through his incredible journey flipping around the world.Come discover how Wellington Lima's insatiable drive to push the limits of acrobatics was instrumental in the development of Cirque's wall tramp acts and creation of La Nouba with Franco Dragone. He dishes out some real truths about his sometimes complicated relationship with Cirque du Soleil.

Making the decision to become a mom while being a performer is no easy task. Morgane takes us through the journey of how she temporarily left the spotlights to create life. While recovering and learning the new rhythm of motherhood, tune in to hear how she managed to squeeze in the time to train and return the stage of LUZIA.

From a chance encounter in an Italian traditional circus to being the man in charge of Cirque Du Soleil's iconic shows, Dominic comically walks us through his adventures on the road. While gracefully navigating show biz taboos, this interview will inspire without shying away from the 'unspoken' difficulties of creating a show.

As an artist, how do you negotiate a contract? How do you bring value to your performance in the ever-changing entertainment market? Philippe tells us how his experience in KOOZA, PARAMOUR, and VOLTA taught him how to bring his career to the next level! Whether you are prepping to negotiate your next contract, curious of the business side of show biz, or simply want to have a laugh with this charismatic unicyclist, tune in to hear Phil's insightful stories.

Bending over four Cirque Du Soleil shows, Oyuna has been under their spotlights since the age of 11! In this mind-bending episode, we follow Oyun Erdene Senge through her incredible life as Cirque du Soleil's contortion star. Proudly representing Mongolia all around the world, in what they now consider a traditional art form, Oyuna has been upside down, inside out and backwards with Cirque for over 18 years.

From the streets to the world's biggest stages, Sidney Iking Bateman aka “Scrypts” shares his heartfelt and inspiring life story of how circus pulled him out of the hoods of St Louis. His life choices and raw talent opened doors that he never knew existed. While never missing an opportunity to give back, this hoop diver of Cirque du Soleil's Luzia is now a World Wrestling Entertainment superstar!

Legendary Cirque du Soleil clown, John takes us on a journey with his method on character creation for Cirque. From the Big Top touring shows of QUIDAM, VAREKAI, & DRALION to the resident show IRIS, John is without a doubt the man who arguably made Cirque “Cirque”. Tune in to learn about his projects then and now and how you can take this master's masterclasses!

Stellar costume designer, Kym enlightens us on how costumes have the ability to bring characters to life. From The Matrix Trilogy, the Amazing Spider-Man, to Shang-Shi, all the way to Cirque du Soleil productions TOTEM, TORUK, and R.U.N, Kym's iconic and versatile costumes are bringing characters to life both on screen and on stage.

From resident shows to Big Top and arena tours, Kerren is a real Cirque du Soleil trooper. Her impressive career had her circle the world as a soloist, duo and group act aerialist. She gives us a tour into the biggest Cirque du Soleil production to date, KA.

There is no soldier on screen more iconic than Max Martini! From Saving Private Ryan, Captain Phillips to Pacific Rim, he always delivers the bad ass special ops role! Max speaks about performing with different Hollywood directors, and how his charity work with war veterans helps create an authentic universe for his acting roles.

The viral video of David breaking gymnastics equipment during international competition is just the start of his inspiring story. He offers insight on how the touring lifestyle works with his wife and kids. How he grounds himself to stay present and mindful both on and off the stage. Oh, and how he delivered his own baby just two days before performing on CORTEO!

Following the creative flow, Debra walks us through the creative steps of choreographing the classic shows of Cirque with Franco Dragone. With intuition and ability to sense movement, she continues to drive the creative forces both on and off Cirque stages. By identifying each artist's strengths, she is the thread to tie each performance together, creating a colorful and cohesive fabric. Don't miss her generous stories about the formation of the iconic Oscar performance, her one on one time with Madonna and Wyclef and how the overall mindset of artist's have changed throughout her years under the Big Top.

Mikaël sheds light on how he is able to balance his role at LUZIA as both an acrobat and captain of two acts. Though managing his team requires dedicated focus, his plate is never too full for some jokes and tomfoolery. Tune in to hear how this hoop diving, chinese pole climbing, managing prankster does it all!

From skateboarding the shores of Venice Beach to high fashion model, Jimmy shares his series of events that led him to do campaigns, walk runways, and be plastered on billboards all around the world. His signature of being heavily tattooed, renegaded the rockabilly gentlemen look that has since exploded; the OG Peeky Blinder, if you will. Sharing experiences as being adaptable performers, Jimmy enlightens us on his model mentality and industry hacks that will get you strutting in no time.

Darya has been lighting up the Cirque du Soleil stage since the age of 7! Her story begins as a child of acrobats training behind the scenes of QUIDAM. This intense training led her to perform a trio act with her parents on SALTIMBANCO. As she approached adolescence, Darya shares how she transitioned to become a swinging trapeze soloist under the watchful eye of Viktor Fomine, the ‘master' of trapeze. This act allowed her to create her space on KOOZA and eventually reunite with her dad on JOYA. Talk about a true Cirque icon!

From a long line of creatives, Daniele generously guides us through his process of show creation. Drawing parallels from his profound life experience, he is able to create distinct worlds centered around human vulnerability and honesty. A can't be missed conversation that will inspire you to live life to the fullest.

Not to be missed, Andrii shares the chilling reality of living through war. From reacting to bombs and gunfire with his family, to navigating the disbelief of living this now, in 2022, to all the emotions surrounding the events as it was happening right in front of his eyes, this episode is a jolting rollercoaster of a very harsh and very real reality. While the war continues, Andrii offers handbalancing workshops online, donating all proceeds to the children of Ukraine. You can find his workshops or links to donate here: https://andriibondarenko.com/

This grounded and radiantly kind superstar graciously takes us through her approach to creating an array of characters, the differences between shooting series and movies, and how streaming platforms have forever changed the cinema industry. Between stardom and becoming a mother, Mena has recently published and launched her book “The Great Peace”, offering unmatched bravery and strength as she openly talks about her experience with abuse and addiction.

From mastering his own craft to creating the longest running Cirque du Soleil big top show, this creative genius delves into his experience as a clown, and how his process of character building has shaped his career as a performer, teacher and director. With vulnerability at the core of his vision, David invites us to get lost into his world of passion, drama, and creation.

Oscar winning animator with over 12 years as head animator for Dreamworks, Marco will forever change the way you view animation! Illuminating us on the meticulous art of creating realistic movement for the characters to fabricating a vocabulary of specific to each role, this master will blow your mind.

This Cirque du Soleil rockstar commands the stage as a cellist, keyboard player, singer, and character actor. Amanda speaks about her versatile career as she jumped from the resident show, IRIS to the big top format with AMALUNA and currently with KURIOS… all the while performing through a diagnosis of cancer, chemo therapy and full recovery. I suppose this then makes her, a rockstar of life!

Attention! Is what he's after, and attention he gets! This “Jackass” superstar talks us through his touching history of being on the streets, attending clown college, performing in traditional circus and becoming TV's most daring (and entertaining) stuntman. Quoting Cirque du Soleil song lyrics, attending more than 16 shows, and neighboring his all time favorite Cirque clown, Steve-O is a true Cirque du Soleil super fan! This attention grabbing genius, shares how Cirque has inspired him throughout his own entertainment career.

After 10 years performing on the road with Cirque du Soleil, I am so excited to release my new podcast: TAPIS ROUGE! These behind the scene stories are full of adventure, creativity and tons of inspiration. Join me every week with my guests from the world of TV, movies, music, sports, and of course Cirque du Soleil!