Jarred Dewey | The Empathy Performer: Why great shows make people feel seen

Andrew G sits down with Jarred Dewey to explore the journey of a world-class circus artist driven not by competition, but by creativity, connection, and the pursuit of meaningful performance. From his early days as a recreational gymnast who struggled in competitive environments to discovering his place in the world of circus, Jarred shares how finding an art form that valued expression over winning changed the course of his life. They unpack the reality of building a career in a niche and physically demanding industry, including the leap from a working-class upbringing in Adelaide to studying at the National Institute of Circus Arts and eventually touring the world with Circa. Jarred reflects on the intensity of performing across 40+ countries, the cultural nuances of live audiences, and how those experiences shaped his perspective—not just as an artist, but as a human deeply attuned to energy, emotion, and connection. The conversation dives into his current role in Club Cabaret, a bold and emotionally layered show that blends circus, drag, music, and storytelling. Jarred opens up about the vulnerability of performing in such an intimate format, the responsibility of guiding audiences through both spectacle and deeper themes like identity and inclusivity, and why the most powerful performances aren’t always about applause—but about tension, presence, and shared experience. At its core, this episode is about redefining success in the creative world, embracing risk without fear, and understanding that great performance isn’t just about skill—it’s about empathy, authenticity, and the ability to make people feel something real.