Navigating Boundaries with Performer Techniques: The Zero State - Part Two
The Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training
Release Date: 06/23/2025
The Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training
Hosts: Matthew Ellenwood (EmoVerity, Ellenwood Studios) Berit Elizabeth (Emotive Agility Training) Summary: In this episode, Matthew and Berit explore the price and power of facial expressions in both performance and everyday life. They discuss how nonverbal communication—especially facial expressions—can be used intentionally to connect with others, regulate emotions, and navigate complex social situations. Key Topics: • The three components of emotion: subjective experience, physiological response, and expressive response. • Emotional granularity: understanding and naming nuanced...
info_outlineThe Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training
In the first episode of the Edge of the Stage Podcast, hosts Matthew Ellenwood and Berit Elizabeth dive into the concept of the Zero State, a centering technique originating from performance training that helps individuals connect with themselves and others with purpose and presence. The first episode focused on two of four physical elements of Zero: Eyes + Breath, and this current episode focuses on the next two elements: Face + Body. In this second episode, the hosts explore how the Zero State can be applied to hold boundaries in challenging situations, both in personal and professional...
info_outlineThe Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training
Getting to Zero: Embodying the Pause (Ep. 1) Welcome to the first episode of 'The Edge of the Stage podcast: Life Lessons from Performance Training.' Hosts Berit Elizabeth and Matthew Ellenwood introduce the concept of 'Zero,' a state of focused readiness critical for both performers and professionals. Learn practical techniques for achieving Zero, hear the science behind it, and explore the emotional intelligence framework that makes it possible. Matthew demonstrates how to access this state quickly through breath and eye exercises, while Berit links it to professional and personal settings....
info_outlineThe Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training
Edge of the Stage Podcast: Bridging Performance Training and Everyday Life In the inaugural episode of the Edge of the Stage podcast, hosts Berit Elizabeth and Matthew Ellenwood introduce their unique podcast that explores how performance training techniques can be used in everyday life for emotional regulation and personal development. They discuss the origin of their collaboration, their backgrounds, and the performance methodologies that have influenced their work, such as Emotive Agility Training and EmoVerity Training. They introduce the four pillars that will guide the podcast's themes:...
info_outlineThe Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training
Introducing The Edge of the Stage: Life Lessons from Performance Training In this trailer episode, hosts Berit Elizabeth and Matthew Ellenwood introduce 'The Edge of the Stage,' a podcast blending performance training techniques with everyday life strategies. They discuss the importance of maintaining composure in high-stakes conversations at work, using a humorous clip to illustrate the concept of having a 'game face.' They emphasize emotional intelligence and the benefits of performance training for professionals and everyday scenarios. The episode also introduces the show's structure,...
info_outlineIn the first episode of the Edge of the Stage Podcast, hosts Matthew Ellenwood and Berit Elizabeth dive into the concept of the Zero State, a centering technique originating from performance training that helps individuals connect with themselves and others with purpose and presence. The first episode focused on two of four physical elements of Zero: Eyes + Breath, and this current episode focuses on the next two elements: Face + Body. In this second episode, the hosts explore how the Zero State can be applied to hold boundaries in challenging situations, both in personal and professional contexts. The discussion includes real-life examples from acting, business, and fitness, as well as expert insights from psychology and self-defense methodologies. The episode also provides practical steps for achieving the Zero State and highlights the importance of understanding our emotional responses. Tune in to learn how performance training can be a valuable tool for improving everyday interactions.
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LINKS & Show Notes
🧘♀️ Set Boundaries, Find Peace - Needra Glover Tawwab
🛡️ Verbal Self Defense - Lauren Roselle, President of ESTEEM
🚫🗣️ The Verbally Abusive Relationship
🌡️ Dr. Dan Seigel’s Window of Tolerance
👶🪞 The "Still Face" Experiment by Dr. Ed Tronick
🪨Grey Rocking
Attractor States
🧲 The Role of the Body in Instrumental and Vocal Music Pedagogy: A Dynamical Systems Theory Perspective on the Music Teacher's Bodily Engagement in Teaching and Learning
🌀 Dynamic Systems Theory of Motor Development: The Complete Guide for Sports Rehab Professionals
Timestamps
00:00 Welcome to the Edge of the Stage Podcast
00:44 Understanding the Zero State
00:59 Applying Zero in Difficult Situations
01:17 Boundaries in Performance and Life
05:45 Non-Verbal Boundary Setting
08:33 Zero State in Performance Context
17:36 Emotional Regulation and Zero
27:41 The Still Face Experiment
31:35 Understanding Zero Face in Adults vs. Babies
32:55 The Power of Grey Rocking
34:54 Verbal Self-Defense Techniques
36:19 Personal Experiences with Grey Rocking
38:56 Radical Candor and Zero State
40:52 Practicing the Zero State
48:37 Zero State Skill Drill
51:23 Applying Zero State in Real-Life Scenarios
58:55 The Transformative Power of Zero State
01:01:12 Conclusion and Call to Action