Yes But Why Podcast

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, I talk to the amazingly funny Rachael Mason.
Rachael Mason is a veteran improviser and a teaching artist of the famed Chicago improv scene. She started her creative career by taking classes and performing at The Annoyance, iO, and Second City. Later, she taught improv workshops at theaters and universities all across the Chicago area. Rachael Mason has performed and taught all over the world, primarily headlining festivals with her comedy partner Susan Messing in their duo troupe, “The Boys.”
Rachael was an absolute joy to talk to. I was honored that she said yes to being on the podcast! She opens the conversation by telling me she was a witch that was burned at the stake. The hilarity continues from there.
In our conversation, Rachael tells me about her start in the Chicago improv scene and immersing herself in classes at 3 theaters at once. Listening to her describe her schedule, I was thinking, when did she sleep? But then I remembered being in my twenties and I did that schedule for years too. Still, she consumed a lot of improv very quickly.
Rachael and I bond over both being improv instructors. We both love connecting with our students. We talk about having a good time, about teamwork, and about professionalism onstage. I tell her about one of my first experiences with teaching improv!
Rachael tells me how happy she is to have spent so many years sharing the stage with her friend, Susan Messing. She reminisces about the fun adventures they’ve had performing as The Boys!
We talk about artists who inspire us: Bo Burnham, Hannah Gadsby, and Justin Kauffman’s Schadenfreude. Rachael helps me find the books I need to consume to know more about improv history: Improv Nation, The Second City Almanac, Something Wonderful Right Away, and Days and Nights at the Second City.
Rachael was so funny. I really enjoyed all the twists and turns and tangents we had in our conversation!
Support Rachael Mason by going to see her perform. If you are in Chicago, you can go to the Annoyance on 7/22/2021 for an IN-PERSON show, “Messing with a Friend (with Rachael Mason) - https://www.theannoyance.com/show/Messing-With-a-Friend-(With-Rachael-Mason)
If you are not in Chicago, you can still see Rachael perform every Friday night at 8pm CST in The Dingleboys presents “High Society.” You can find this show on the Chicago4Real channel of Twitch.TV -- https://www.twitch.tv/chicago4real
Rachael is now teaching improv via Zoom to improvisers all over the world. Now is your chance to learn from her. Sign up for one of her upcoming online classes!
7/27/2021 – Online Workshop through Zmack Virtual (Shanghai): Unf*ck your Improv with Chicago Legends Susan & Rachael - https://www.facebook.com/events/142866324612286?active_tab=about
8/5/2021 – Online Workshop through Magnet Theater (NYC): Character Club (online one-off) with Rachael Mason - https://magnettheater.com/class/electives/10668/
8/11/2021 - Online Class (6 weeks + show) through Magnet Theater (NYC): Level Four: Forms - Le Ronde (online) with Rachael Mason - https://magnettheater.com/class/improv-level-four/10664/

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork
This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, I chat with Improv Artist and a Social Entrepreneur, Vishok Verma.
Vishok Verma is a Professional Trainer of Communication Skills (Corporate, Social Enterprises, and Non-profits). He is the Founder & CEO of “Let’s Express,” an organization that uses improvisational games and other performing arts exercises to boost the self-esteem and to improve the communication skills of young individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged areas of India.
Vishok has been performing improv since 2017. He has currently been doing both long-form and short-form Improv via Zoom with artists all around the globe. He was recently featured in one of Jay Sukow’s Today Improv videos. Vishok and I met when we performed together a few months ago in the ICB Playground: Intercity Festival Edition.
In our conversation, we talked about Vishok’s love of performing and writing. He shared with me the first time he found improv and that a-ha moment in his life. Comedy comes to Vishok naturally, as it does for me, and so he is drawn to it.
Vishok’s improv journey began when he joined an Improv comedy group started by his co-workers called the “Monday Improvisers.” Another important moment in his creative path was when he got a chance to jam with Improv Comedy Bangalore.
Creativity drives Vishok forward. Vishok moved to Mumbai to pursue post-graduate studies. There, he focused on teaching and facilitating improv. We talk about how Vishok connected his studies in social entrepreneurship to his work in improv. Vishok completed his post-graduate degree in Social Entrepreneurship from TISS, Mumbai in March 2020 and created his arts organization, “Let’s Express.” Vishok tells me his hopes and goals for his work. We discuss the power that art can have in a person’s life.
Help Vishok Verma by supporting his company “Let’s Express.” He is looking for more artists, domain experts and volunteers who can help him build “Let’s Express” and enable him to provide quality learning to as many people as possible. The website and YouTube channel of “Let’s Express” are almost ready! Stay tuned for an upcoming announcement!
Contact Vishok Verma to learn Effective Communication Skills from him for every communication context. He will engage you and your team in activities and games so simple and fun that you won’t even realize you are learning! Vishok is currently available via Zoom! Connect with him through LinkedIn or Instagram!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. Treat Yourself. Get Audible.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy!

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles!

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, I connected with Dr. Jennifer Christner, doctor, educator, and improviser.

Jennifer G. Christner, MD is the Dean, School of Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine (BCM).

Dr. Christner was practicing general pediatrics when early in her career, she was selected to become a National Faculty Development Scholar by the Academic Pediatric Association. This changed her focus from seeing patients to developing educational methods to train better doctors. This new path fascinated her, so since then, she has completed training programs in Medical Education as well as a Certification in Research. Dr. Christner works on research regarding new methods of medical education and faculty development.

Most recently, Dr. Christner founded Christner Strategies, LLC to bring together all her skills and research. With this new business she is providing medical education consulting for her academic clients, and executive/life coaching for professionals in both academic and nonacademic environments. Dr. Christner also speaks at events about a variety of faculty development and leadership topics including the use of improvisation to enhance communication skills.

When I met Dr. Christner (she told me to call her Jenny), we talked about how she got connected with the improv community in Houston, Texas.
You see, the medical profession is tough (like really really tough), and Dr. Jenny needed a little break from all the hard work she had been doing. So she decided to take an improv class and completely fell in love with it.

Dr. Jenny had already been focused on helping doctors tap into their creativity to work on soft skills like communication and professionalism. So when she found improv, it opened up a new door for her. She had found a new way to show her students how to open up, how to learn empathy, how to listen.

In our conversation, we have a great chat about Dr. Jenny’s creative path. We start with her dreams of being a ballerina and we follow her journey through to the creation of Christner Strategies, LLC, her new life coaching company that supports leaders in both academic and nonacademic environments.

Support Dr. Jenny Christner by hiring Christner Strategies, LLC (or by telling someone else about her great services)! You can also help Dr. Jenny by supporting her improv community in Houston, The Station Theater! New classes starting IN PERSON on July 14th!


Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy!

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles!

This week, Yes But Why Podcast features podcaster and Twitch streamer, Sammi Dittloff.

Sammi Dittloff is an actor, writer, podcaster, Twitch streamer, and crafter who also works in marketing and social media. Sammi hosts and produces two podcasts: Pop Culture Diner is about The Bachelor and horror movies (and any other pop culture topics that comes up), and Dairy Free State, an interview podcast about food and health and what happens at that intersection. Sammi was working on a PhD in human geography with a focus on food equity across Milwaukee. (Whoa.) She is interested in a billion different things, all of which are creative in one way or another, and she seems to love working on all of them at once. Sammi is a very busy yet highly motivated person. If she says she wants to do something or learn about something, you better believe she’s going to do it. She’s a funny, gracious gal who lives life at a breakneck speed.

We hit it off immediately. Sammi and I bonded about politics and how our parents’ involvement affected our childhoods (and honestly the way we think about everything now). We talked about building relationships and strategic communications; Sammi really schools me on some marketing ideas. This was a fun interview.

Sammi t0ld me about being an actor kid growing up and how she dreamed of becoming a conductor of an orchestra. We chat about her work in promotions and media writing. Sammi told me about her community on Twitch and the fun shows she and her pals, @BizSnes and @aBlackSparrow are creating these days. I don’t know how she does it all but Sammi Dittloff sure is inspiring to me!

Support Sammi Dittloff by watching her on Twitch. On her channel she can be found playing video games, hosting trivia, and occasionally crafting. Follow her at @Sammiditto !
You should also listen to Sammi’s podcasts: Pop Culture Diner and Dairy Free State!
Sammi is also doing a 50 Mile Challenge Walk to raise money for the Wisconsin MS Society – If you would like to support her in this endeavor, click here to donate: https://bit.ly/challengewalk2021



Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy!

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles!

This week on Yes But Why, I talk to Indian improviser, Assad Khan.

Assad Khan is the Founder, Producer and Artistic Director of “Creating Humour - An Improv Experience.” He is one-half of The Bromantic Duo with Rahmeen Charania. He is one-half of Creating EXTREME Humour with David Riley Pustansky. He is also one-half of The Elke and Assadie Show with Elke Reid. He is a proud member of the India Improv Ensemble with Kaivalya Plays. And he is also part of “The World Of Improv.”

In our conversation, Assad tells the story of the first improv workshop he took, taught by the wildly popular Indian-South African improv artist and stand-up comedian, Kaneez Surka. He talks about being starstruck not only by his teacher by also by his fellow performer, well-established Indian stand-up comedian, Zakir Khan.

Assad tells me about performing as a kid in school plays. He has always had a knack for making jokes on the spot. He loves to laugh and he loves making other people laugh.

Like the rest of us, Assad grew up watching “Whose Line Is It Anyway.” He tells me the story of the time he got to have a Zoom conversation with his improv idol, Colin Mochrie, and the amazing and thoughtful advice he received.

Assad talks excitedly about his local Mumbai-based improv community and all the great people he works with. We talk about Assad’s current work providing opportunities for other performers and making global connections with “The World of Improv.” Assad also shares his experiences connecting with improv teachers all over the world, such as Avinash Verma, Gael and Laura Doorneweerd-Perry, Mandy Butler, Stephen Davidson, Irina Wilder, Feña Ortalli, Will Hines, and Karla Dingle.

Support Assad Khan by watching improv. He wants you to love it as much as he does. He urges that you watch a live, in-person improv show in your area. If you are not in the Mumbai area, however, I suggest you check out one of Assad’s various online improv projects: “Creating Humour - An Improv Experience,” The Bromantic Duo, Creating EXTREME Humour, The Elke and Assadie Show, and “The World Of Improv.”


Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy!

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles!

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Jeff Rogers, comedian, emcee, author, keynote speaker, actor, game show host and so much more.

Starting off as an award-winning stand-up comic in the late 1980’s, Jeff Rogers was spotted by Amy Sedaris who suggested he audition for The Second City Theater in Chicago. Jeff is the second youngest performer behind John Belushi to be hired at the renowned Second City theater.

Jeff Rogers is currently a Professional Corporate Emcee, a best-selling Author, and an award-winning Creative Director with almost 30 years experience engaging audiences. In 2011, Jeff was the Creative Director for the inaugural Chicago Ideas Week featuring 170 speakers at 60 venues across the city of Chicago. Jeff can be seen on TV in his recurring roles on Chicago PD & Chicago Fire and in his numerous national commercials.

In our conversation, Jeff talks about being an improv evangelist, meaning he tells everyone they should take an improv class. I am the same. Seriously, everyone go take an improv class.

We talk about Chicago improv in the late 80s/ early 90s heyday. We talk about Jeff’s experience in the community and how it shapes the classes he teaches today.

Jeff talks to me about Players Workshop, Chicago’s oldest improv school. This is where Jeff studied improv in the late 1980s and he counts founder Jo Forsberg as a major inspiration in his life. When Jo retired in the early 2000s, Players Workshop closed down but Jeff couldn’t bear it. So he connected with Ms. Forsberg and got her blessing to revitalize the Players Workshop once again.

Jeff talks about his book, “The Playmaker Mindset” and the idea of using your innate creativity to achieve your goals. We talk of our love for speaking in front of large crowds (and how much we miss it). Jeff tells me about the big events he hosts and how he loves bringing improv to the corporate world.

Support Jeff Rogers by taking classes with The Players Workshop! You should also hire Jeff Rogers to emcee your corporate event! It’d be so fun! #MeetJeffRogers

Read Jeff’s book, “The Playmaker Mindset: A Radically Fun Way To Build a Culture of Teamwork and Instant Innovation,” available now on Amazon!

Also, Jeff is working on a project to collect statistics on how improv theaters are run globally as a means of helping current and future improv leaders. Go to profitableimprov.com to add your theater to the survey and you’ll get full access to their findings!


Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy!

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by True Hemp Science! True Hemp Science is our Austin-based resource for vegan friendly, whole plant extract CBD oil. Go to TrueHempScience.com to peruse all the therapeutic CBD product options! Use code YesButWhy7 to get 7% off your order of $50 or more and get a free packet of 2 CBD edibles!


(production notes: recorded zoom meeting via Rodecaster on 5/20/2021…posted on 6/14/2021)

This week on Yes But Why, I interviewed French improviser/musician, Bertrand Hance.

Bertrand Hance is a man with many creative talents. He is a skilled improv comedian and a corporate team building coach. He is currently teaching theatrical improvisation workshops for teens and adults through The Maison des Jeunes et de la Culture des 3 Maisons as well as an improv workshop for people with disabilities through APF Nancy. Bertrand is also a certified cooking teacher, a musical composer, and an avid amateur astronomer.

In our conversation, Bertrand tells me how his brother got him into improv.
Bertrand talks about the vibrant improv community of his hometown, Nancy.
We discuss the importance of storytelling to culture, to being human.

We talk about the exhilaration of performing onstage and how much we both miss it. Bertrand and I connect on our love of teaching improv and helping people become more confident.


Support Bertrand by taking a class from him! Check out his website bertrandhance.com to find out more about classes in acting, music, or cooking! You should also check out “Zone 42.” It’s a fantasy web series for which Bertrand performed as an actor and composed music for the soundtrack!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun. #YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY. You need a distraction. Get Audible.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com to connect with us so we can help you with your podcast! Save money by putting in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off the first service for workshop you buy!

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Washington DC-based performer, Karen Lange.

Karen Lange is an actor, singer, improviser, and producer. In 2008, Karen co-founded Pinky Swear Productions. Over a decade later, Karen is amazed by how many awesome shows Pinky Swear has done and how many amazing artists they have had the opportunity to work with.

In addition to her work with Pinky Swear Productions, Karen acts in theatrical productions all over the DC area. She also performs in “Vox Pop,” a 3 person musical improv troupe which has been the darling of festivals across the country.

In this episode, Karen and I talk about creating your own opportunities. We talk about shows we have produced and having the confidence to produce your own show if auditions at theaters don’t bear fruit for you.

We talk about doing musicals. I am totally jealous of Karen because she got to do Grease for her final musical in high school. So fun! Karen tells me how that evolved into performing musical improv and the various theatrical scenes she connected with on her journey to today.

Karen tells me she has taken over 100 hours of online theater classes since the shutdown began and I was floored. That is truly an accomplishment. We talk about the humility required to learn new things and the strength it takes to actually use the lessons. Karen’s so cool too; she is going to use the extra knowledge she got to elevate her current projects, Pinky Swear Productions and “Vox Pop.”

Support Karen by checking out Pinky Swear Productions! Keep your eye out for performances once they reopen. Or contact her now via her website and hire her to perform for your event!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun.
#YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com and put in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off your first consultation!

This week on Yes But Why, I had the pleasure of talking to Roberto Lewis.

Roberto Lewis is a writer and improviser from San Jose, CA. He performs improv with ACME Theater’s “Pick-Up Game” and in Impro Theatre’s “Rom Com Improvised.” Roberto can be seen on Ripley Improv's “Heartbeats,” an improvised medical drama, available now on YouTube. Roberto also writes and performs for the sketch group, “The Bizness.”

From the stories he tells, Roberto has been a voracious learner since he was a little bookish kid. In our conversation, we talk about his journey to develop the skills of improv. Roberto and I chat about how there are a thousand (probably more) different ways to look at improv.

After Groupon lured him to that first improv class, Roberto was hooked. He soaked up all of the improv theory that his corner of Los Angeles offered. Roberto was performing and taking classes all over town. And then later, when he moved to Tokyo and met past YBY guests Mike Staffa and Christiane Brew, he started teaching improv as well as performing. Roberto’s craft is ever evolving because he is always sharpening his skills.

I had such a great conversation with Roberto. There are so many fun improv rabbit holes in our chat. We talk about improvised Shakespeare, the history of improv, and the perfect 3rd beat. Tune in!

Support Roberto Lewis by watching episodes of “Heartbeats” on YouTube!
You can also watch Roberto perform in “RomCom Improvised,” on the Impro Theatre Twitch channel. Two shows left! Sat 5/29 at 9:30pm PST and Sun 5/30 at 4:30pm PST

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun.
#YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com and put in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off your first consultation!

This week on Yes But Why, I interview Austin improviser, Kit Brooks.

Kit Brooks is an Educator & Theatre Artist with a passion for inclusion. Kit has performed in many shows at Austin improv theaters, both on the stage in the before times and in the improv Zoom shows that are the norm these days. Kit teaches improv classes to neurodiverse students through The Hideout's Building Connections program. Kit is also an aerial dancer and an education researcher with a Master’s Degree in Learning Sciences.

Creativity permeates Kit’s soul. We connected in an improv group on Facebook (because where else do people meet anymore) and Kit’s enthusiasm and support for the global improv community drew me to them. We had a great time chatting about our creative goals.

In our conversation, we talk about Kit’s lifelong dedication to being an educator and all the research done in service of that mission. We talk about Kit’s deep study into how creativity and identity affect how we learn and how that rabbit hole led them to finding improv. Kit’s breadth of knowledge on the way we learn and process information was fascinating. A great listen!

Kit just finished up the first semester of their 2nd (!) Master's degree while also working full-time so you can support Kit by telling them how freaking amazing they are next time you see them. Or, you can watch Kit perform improv next time they feature on The Hideout’s Twitch channel!

Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com to join in on the fun.
#YesButWhy #Podcast #HCUniversalNetwork

This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook download and your 30 day free trial at http://www.audibletrial.com/YESBUTWHY.

This episode of Yes But Why is also sponsored by PodcastCadet.com. Go to PodcastCadet.com and put in offer code YBY20 to get 20% off your first consultation!