In this episode, hosts Charlie and Shane welcome Jesse Greenfield, MPHCHES—public health educator, improviser, and co-founder of Kaleidoscope Training Center. Jesse shares their journey from the medical field to applied improvisation, exploring how storytelling and play can empower individuals and communities to build stronger, healthier relationships. The conversation dives deep into the concept of "affective capacity"—our ability to connect emotionally with ourselves and others—and why it’s essential for personal well-being, effective communication, and thriving workplaces.

Listeners will learn practical tools for increasing affective capacity, including the power of play, somatic practices, and authentic self-reflection. Jesse also guides the hosts through an improv game, demonstrating how simple, playful exercises can foster trust, openness, and collaboration. Whether you’re a leader, team member, or just curious about emotional intelligence, this episode offers actionable insights for nurturing healthy relationships and creating supportive environments at work and beyond.

Episode Chapters:

0:00 – Welcome & Guest Introduction

0:39 – Jesse’s Journey: From Medicine to Applied Improv

7:51 – Defining Affective Capacity

8:10 – Emotional Connection in Health & Communication

13:46 – The Role of Trust and Relational Dynamics

17:51 – Building Affective Capacity: Personal Practices

27:06 – The Power of Play and Improv

31:41 – Bandwidth Check-Ins & Self-Reflection

34:25 – Tips for Novices: Starting Your Affective Capacity Journey

37:54 – Supporting Each Other: Extroverts, Introverts, and Processing Styles

40:12 – Leadership & Fostering Team Capacity

45:18 – Creating Safe, Supportive Work Environments

46:50 – Improv Game: “Accept This” in Action

51:16 – Debrief: Lessons from Play

1:01:01 – Openness, Exploration, and Growth

1:04:47 – Final Thoughts & Takeaways

1:04:54 – Closing Remarks

Learn about our guest:

Jesse Greenfield, MPH, CHES (they/them) is a public health educator and improviser living in San Diego, California. They love using storytelling as an information-sharing tool to empower individuals and communities to live their fullest and healthiest lives. As co-founder and Director of Programming for Kaleidoscope Training Center, Jesse facilitates applied improvisation workshops to support people in improving their spoken and unspoken communication with others, creating joyful connections, and being effective advocates for themselves and their communities. Some groups they have worked with in this capacity include school staff, medical professionals, queer youth, social workers, and more.

Guest contact information 

• Jesse’s Business Website https://www.kaleidoscopetrainingcenter.com/, which has all of their info about programming and upcoming offerings

• contact info [email protected] in case folx want to reach out. 

• If people are looking for a great book that will support them in improving their facilitation using applied improv, I'd highly recommend the book Training to Imagine by Kat Koppe