Between 2 Poles

Episode 5: Spinning into Pole Expo 2026 With Jonny Manzanerez

In this episode of "Between Two Poles," host Fawnia Mondey sits down with Jonny Manzanares, also known as "Jonny Boie," a seasoned pole artist who has been part of Pole Fitness Studio since 2015. Jonny share’s his exciting journey of taking over Pole Expo, scheduled for May 3, 2026, in Las Vegas. The conversation highlights the expansion of the Las Vegas Pole Camp, which has grown significantly to include more instructors and workshops. Jonny and Fawnia discuss: * The return of Pole Expo as a "Sunday Funday" addition to the camp. * The global reach of the event, featuring 25 instructors from Europe, South America, Asia, and Australia. * The introduction of an "Elite" workshop category, joining beginner, intermediate, and advanced levels. * The evolution of pole fitness into a highly technical sport, influenced by gymnastics and contortion. * The presence of 14 vendors, including a gold sponsor from Ukraine.

Episode 4: From Cruise Ships to Co-ed Classes with Kevin Adams

Join us on Between 2 Poles as we sit down with Kevin Adams, a dedicated member of the pole community since 2017. In this episode, Kevin shares his unexpected start in pole fitness from the quiet villages of Hungary to the vibrant studios of Las Vegas. We dive deep into the technical side of the craft, discussing the mechanics of the Iguana Flip and the physical grit required to master gravity-defying tricks. Kevin also reflects on his time as a flight attendant and the surprising challenges he faced while seeking out pole studios across the country, highlighting the vital importance of inclusive, co-ed spaces in the fitness world.

Episode 3: Taste, Burlesque, and Beyond with Brenda Quaife

In this episode, Brenda discusses her extensive background in dance, which began at the age of five. She shares that dance is "in the blood," with her mother, grandmother, and great-aunt all having been dancers. Brenda has a prolific performance history in Las Vegas, appearing in iconic shows like Jubilee, Folies Bergere, and Showgirls of Magic. She has also traveled the world, performing in cities such as London, Paris, and Rome.

Episode 2: From the Met to the Pole with Jenny Bascos

In this episode of Between 2 Poles, host Fawnia Mondey sits down with Jenny Bascos, who has been teaching at Pole Fitness Studio since 2008. Jenny shares her journey from a philosophy major at Smith College to a professional dance career in New York City starting in 1994. From performing at the Metropolitan Opera in Carmen to touring Japan, Jenny discusses the "rebellious" spirit that led her from the grandest stages in the world to the pole. At 51, she dives into how the arts keep her young and the "ego check" of her very first pole class.

Episode 1: The First Step with Fawnia Mondey

In our series premiere, we sit down with the legendary Fawnia Mondey, the woman who opened the world’s first-ever pole dancing studio. We take it all the way back to the beginning—from her 8-year-old obsession with 1983 Madonna and her detour from police academy applications to her first night in a Vancouver strip club with absolutely no blueprint for what she was doing. Fawnia shares the raw, unfiltered story of how she pioneered an industry before there were schools or instructional videos, the reality of studying the craft by watching 24 dancers in 24 hours, and what it’s like to see that early spark evolve into a global sport that empowers thousands. From her first amateur night to her current role as a world-renowned studio owner, this is a masterclass in turning a misunderstood passion into a legacy.