Dare to Be Human

Can you find a living point of connection between powerlifting, Laplandic reindeer herding, biology and anthropology, damaging gender stereotypes in the sports world, and improv?  We can! Her name is Cara Ocobock. Dr. Ocobock is the Director of the Human Energetics Laboratory at Notre Dame University. Her research program integrates human biology and anthropology.

In this episode, Cara, Kat, and Livia weigh in on some hefty topics, including toxic masculinity and damaging fictions about gender, particularly as they impact the sports world. We also hear about her research (with help from our colleagues at The Mopco Improv Theatre) into the positive effects of improv on stress and resilience.

As an academic and scientist, Cara has no patience for a narrow, scarcity mentality that builds barriers—instead of protecting one’s piece of the pie, she suggests: make another one!  We concur. If you are a fan of sports, of improv, of intellectual rigor and openness, or simply enjoy excellent conversation, you are sure to get a lot out of this episode! 

Cara's podcast: Sausage of Science
Cara's article in Sapiens: Sweating Through a Gym's Gender Barriers

Tom Floyd's company, Flouracity, creates " space for managers, leaders and other mammals to grow." He comes to this venture after years inside a number of large and wildly successful companies, the most recent, a fast-paced, fast-growth environment where radical prioritization and charting one's own course is imperative.

Tom shares the story of his shock when he learned what his manager was really thinking.  Relating to the learning from this story of unvarnished communication, Tom describes his love of feedback and more. This is a discussion of awareness and growth, pubic persona vs. private reality, what we mean by "transparency", and deliberate consciousness.  "Not many people think about what's going on inside them a lot; they're just going , getting through the day." 

Listen in on this conversation with a fascinating, complex, and thoughtful human! 

Charles Silberstein is an esteemed psychiatrist, author, researcher, and fascinating, tireless observer of humanity, his own and others’. He also happens to be Kat's cousin!

In this conversation, Charles and Kat discuss awakening to their own privilege, how awareness of conscious and unconscious bias is a never-ending journey, therapy as a form of storytelling, and ways that we humans take care of ourselves in trying times.

Read Charles's monthly column On My Mind for the Martha's Vineyard Times!

Our friend Pam Victor, a  teacher, writer, entrepreneur (and of course, improvisor) talks with Kat and Livia about her 30 Day Happiness Experiment- and lots of other things. This far-ranging conversation touches on unexpected results, joy, awareness, self-help, helping others, privilege, social justice, and much more. It might sound like a lot, but like a good improv show, the topics all come together in a fascinating exploration of Pam's particular version of being human.

Learn more about Happier Valley Comedy and The Happiness Experiment 
Check out Pam's online Learning Through Laughter professional development program
Follow Pam on Facebook and Instagram
Find her book on improv, Improv at the Speed of Life, the T.J. and Dave Book  here 

Paul Z. Jackson, a founder of the Applied Improv Network, is a journalist, a philosopher, and of course an improviser who came to improv from the from the "offstage world."  Paul joins Kat and Livia to unpack some ongoing conversations. Among other things, they discuss  learning from success, improvisation as an evaluative  exercise, art vs. engineering, and the field of applied improvisation at a tipping point in the world.

A conversation with Paul is usually interesting,  never dull, often provocative, and sometimes inspiring. This one does not disappoint!

By the way, Here's a link to Paul's blog:
Paul Jackson Associates Ltd & The Improvisation Academy

Blog - Paul Jackson Associates Ltd & The Improvisation Academy

"Thoughts can be fuzzy; words are clear."  Some welcome clarity on the qualities of effective leadership with our friend Kevin Eikenberry, a noted expert and innovator in the field of leadership. 

On Nov. 4th, Kat and Livia, no doubt sleep deprived but happy, had a fascinating conversation with Jeanne Lambin, a creator of many experiences for all kinds of folks. A quiet conversation containing some quiet revelations. 

Kat and Livia discuss, among other things,  learning, play, and the mistaken use of shame in education. WIth a brief cameo appearance by Riggie, Cinnamon, and Chester, the dogs (of varying ages.) 

Kat talks about facilitation with Jeff Mitchell, President of Proteus International. Proteus and Koppett partner on a number of projects, including a series of programs to develop, coach and measure Facilitation Excellence.

Through this lens, Kat and Jeff and Livia muse on collaboration, what's different and what's not at this strange time, and how great facilitation might just be the key to saving the world! (Oh, and check out our new logo!)