What happens when you bring improv out of the theater and into the mess of everyday work and life? With Amanda Austin... comedian, educator, entrepreneur, and former owner of Dallas Comedy House... we explore how trust, presence, and play can transform collaboration, decision-making, and creative growth. From leading workshops inside companies to teaching at SMU and navigating a portfolio career, Amanda shows how choosing your energy can be the most practical skill you own.
We get real about the difference between urgent and important, why your calendar is a craft, and how a short pause can lead to a smarter choice. Amanda unpacks improv’s "yes, and" as a business tool: listen to understand, build on what’s offered, and let silence do some of the work. You’ll hear a spontaneous live improv bit that proves anyone can do this when the room feels safe... and you’ll learn why joy and laughter make lessons stick far longer than bullet points.
If you’ve ever avoided a project until you could do it “well,” this conversation offers a reset. We talk about Ira Glass’s taste gap, the clunky middle where most people quit, and how early learners often make the clearest teachers. Amanda also shares simple state-shifters... music, clothes, tiny rituals... that help you show up with intention. Along the way, we celebrate small adventures, creative detours, and the freedom to pursue what actually brings you alive, whether that’s writing a TV pilot, redesigning a room, or launching a scrappy side podcast.
Press play for practical tools, candid stories, and a warm push to build rather than block. If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a creative nudge, and leave a quick review to help others find us.
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