April 6, 2025 1-2pm ET
Sunday on The Robert Scott Bell Show:
In this heartfelt and expansive Sunday Conversation, I sit down with my longtime friend and fellow seeker, Stephan Choiniere, for a powerful and personal catch-up in Las Vegas. We recorded from the relaxed and buzzing atmosphere of True Brew Coffeehouse, surrounded by good food, laughter, and even a little face painting courtesy of my daughter, Aria. It’s the kind of setting that brings out the best in spontaneous conversations, and Stephan and I dive right into the themes that have woven through our decades of friendship—creativity, discipline, healing, and spiritual evolution.
We reflect on our parallel journeys—from my chronic health battles and transformation through natural medicine to Stephan’s rise as an elite performer with Cirque du Soleil and, now, in the Vegas burlesque show “Ladylike.” We explore how the artistic world has shifted over time, how Vegas continues to be a hub for creative expression, and how art itself serves as both a form of healing and a spiritual practice. Stephan shares how clowning and performing for children taught him the importance of presence and uncensored joy, while I open up about how my own improv-style broadcasting taps into the same wellspring of playful authenticity.
As we dig deeper, the conversation moves into philosophical and even mystical territory. We challenge the cultural conditioning that dulls our emotional sensitivity, and Stephan shares the transformative role his spiritual mentor, Annamika, has played in helping him reawaken his inner life. Together, we explore the power of awe, the creative force of the universe, and the necessity of limitations to inspire innovation. It’s a conversation that floats between the grounded and the transcendent, just like the best Cirque act—beautiful, surprising, and soulful.
We also touch on our evolving roles as artists, mentors, and human beings navigating an increasingly chaotic world. From taxes to social media to post-COVID performance mandates, Stephan shares candidly how he’s carved a path that honors both his artistic integrity and his desire for personal sovereignty. The conversation highlights the importance of resisting systems that seek to confine us—whether through ideology, bureaucracy, or the fear of being different. Stephan reminds us that real creativity often emerges from constraints, and that the courage to be truly original is one of the most revolutionary acts of all.
We close on a note of mutual admiration and deep spiritual resonance. From our childhood inspirations like Star Wars to the ongoing power of music and awe-inspiring art, we reflect on how these seemingly small moments shape the most profound parts of who we are. Stephan’s commitment to his craft and to helping others rediscover their own creative power is a beautiful reminder that whether through acrobatics, art, or everyday conversations—we are all here to co-create something magnificent. The power to heal, to feel, and to be inspired… is yours.
Remember Friends, The Power to Heal is Yours!
