
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
What do improv comedy and planning have in common? According to Phil Green, AICP —more than you'd think. A practicing planner and seasoned improviser, Phil shares with APA Editor in Chief Meghan Stromberg how tools from the improv stage—like active listening, quick thinking, and collaborative storytelling—can empower planners to navigate tough questions, community tensions, and even mundane fence permits with humor and humanity.
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, Phil brings to life the unexpected intersections of comedy and civic engagement, explaining how improv can boost a planner’s confidence, empathy, and ability to lead with presence. He reflects on his unconventional path from stand-up to site plans, how improv helped him feel more connected and resilient, and why embracing failure (and fun) makes for stronger teams and better outcomes.
Whether you're facing a high-stakes public hearing, a frazzled applicant, or just want to build stronger communication skills, this episode offers fresh insights—and a few good laughs—on how the art of improvisation can make planners more effective, compassionate, and present.
Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/phil-green-aicp-on-what-planners-can-learn-from-improv/
4.5
5757 ratings
What do improv comedy and planning have in common? According to Phil Green, AICP —more than you'd think. A practicing planner and seasoned improviser, Phil shares with APA Editor in Chief Meghan Stromberg how tools from the improv stage—like active listening, quick thinking, and collaborative storytelling—can empower planners to navigate tough questions, community tensions, and even mundane fence permits with humor and humanity.
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, Phil brings to life the unexpected intersections of comedy and civic engagement, explaining how improv can boost a planner’s confidence, empathy, and ability to lead with presence. He reflects on his unconventional path from stand-up to site plans, how improv helped him feel more connected and resilient, and why embracing failure (and fun) makes for stronger teams and better outcomes.
Whether you're facing a high-stakes public hearing, a frazzled applicant, or just want to build stronger communication skills, this episode offers fresh insights—and a few good laughs—on how the art of improvisation can make planners more effective, compassionate, and present.
Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/phil-green-aicp-on-what-planners-can-learn-from-improv/
9,163 Listeners
3,925 Listeners
417 Listeners
26,147 Listeners
288 Listeners
43,337 Listeners
6,112 Listeners
151 Listeners
903 Listeners
1,469 Listeners
4,341 Listeners
5,676 Listeners
14,279 Listeners
21 Listeners
1,729 Listeners