Steady Leadership: Julian Cyr on Calmness as a Form of Resistance

The Circle: The Queer Men's Embodiment Podcast

In a world that rewards quick reactions, what happens when we choose calmness as a form of resistance? In this episode of The Circle Podcast, we sit down with Massachusetts State Senator Julian Cyr to explore how steadiness, patience, and emotional regulation shape leadership, activism, and personal growth.

Senator Cyr shares his journey from growing up in a small town on Cape Cod to becoming a leading advocate for public health, LGBTQ+ rights, and economic development. He reflects on the importance of being a mooring in turbulent waters—a steady presence that holds firm as the tides of politics, culture, and personal challenges shift around us. Instead of being pulled into reactionary cycles, how can we stay anchored in our values and purpose?

Together, we go all in on:

• How calmness creates more effective leadership and advocacy
• The importance of emotional regulation in personal and public life
• Why reactionary culture fuels division—and how to counter it
• The role of community, connection, and resilience in long-term change

If you’ve ever struggled with staying grounded under pressure or felt the urge to react instead of respond, this episode explores how steadiness—like a well-anchored mooring—can be a powerful tool for transformation.