Yes But Why Podcast

This week, Yes But Why speaks with globally acclaimed improviser, Gael Doorneweerd-Perry.

Gael is a French improv performer/teacher who is currently running The Flock Theatre in Amsterdam alongside his wife, Laura Doorneweerd-Perry.

Gael started his improv journey in Strasbourg where co-founded Anananas & Pampamplemousse (formerly La Carpe Haute). He’s also co-founder of the SIN, an international network of improvisers in Europe.

Gael and Laura travel all over the globe, performing and teaching improv. Most recently in 2019-2020, they toured the world to teach and perform their romantic comedy narrative improv show, “Object of Affection.”

In our conversation, Gael talks to me about his love for storytelling and for cats. Gael tells me about his start in improv with La Lolita Association in Strasbourg. We talk about the Flock Theater, the improv theater in Amsterdam that Gael runs with his wife Laura Doorneweerd-Perry.

I talk about being a control freak. Gael says he prefers to perform unstructured, freeform improv. He says, “As much as I am someone who is very organized, I am also someone who don’t like authority.” Oh boy, we couldn’t be more similar.

We talk about the cultural differences of improv in different parts of the world.
We have a really great discussion about communication and Gael really blows my mind with his theory on the “sending” and “receiving” communication styles. Seriously it opened my eyes to a whole new way of teaching improv.

Gael tells me about being creatively excited for teaching his upcoming classes. He is exploring Japanese cinema in one class and radio plays in another. Support Gael by taking one of his upcoming workshops! You will not be disappointed! Sign up for Gael's newsletter and stay tuned for future projects!


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.
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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!


(production notes: many technical difficulties this day…recorded zoom meeting through my Google Surface on 4/1/2021…posted on 5/10/2021)

Episode Link: https://wp.me/p7HtP1-1gO

Episode description:
This week on Yes But Why, I interviewed Frankie Frain, a writer, director, and producer based out of my home state, Massachusetts.

Frankie Frain is an award-winning filmmaker (Sexually Frank, Having Fun Up There), YouTube content creator, and head of Red Cow Entertainment. From narrative and documentary feature films to macaroni and cheese reviews, Frankie has told hundreds of stories, and you can expect a lot more.

I had a great time talking to Frankie. He’s been making films since he was 12 years old. He’s got a great drive to get projects done and because of that, he’s amassed so many shows and podcasts and films. And you can tell he loves it.

Frankie tells me about being inspired by Trey Parker & Matt Stone’s movie, “Cannibal! the Musical” (a must see for South Park fans). We talk about technology, François Dompierre, and Lord of the Rings.

Frankie talks about his production company, Red Cow Entertainment, as his family and not just because his wife, Nina Szulewski, helps to make the content. They are a tight knit groups of filmmakers and they are churning out amazing stuff every week!

We talk about BoxMac, his wildly popular YouTube series that features he and his longtime collaborator, Jon Hunt (aka “Junt”) testing and reviewing mac and cheese brands. We talk about the amazingly supportive fanbase for that show. One fan even made dolls of Frankie and Jon! So fun.

Frankie and I talking about our mutual interest in helping up and coming artists. He does a podcast called Discount Film School, which is interviews like this with filmmakers about their experiences. He even wrote a book about it! His book, "More Weight: The Making of Having Fun Up There and Other Filmmaking Tales" details his zero budget filmmaking approach (whoa), as well as his philosophies on distribution, film festivals, and new media.

Support Frankie Frain by watching anything and everything he makes. Check out Red Cow Entertainment at www.redcowentertainment.com for indie movies, cartoons, hilarious food ad movies reviews, podcasts, and more! To watch their weekly content as it comes out, follow Red Cow Entertainment on YouTube.


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 a wonderful chat with television director, Julie LoRusso.

Julie LoRusso is a multi-camera live and live-to-tape director with over 30 years-experience in television production. Julie has worked with clients such as MTV, PBS, and Comedy Central. Some of the highlights of her work have been with Sesame Street (2020), Tidal X – Lil’ Wayne (2018), CrossFit Games (2014-Present), and Times Square New Year’s Eve (2016-2018). Julie is also a triathlete who currently does health and fitness coaching through Team Beachbody.

In this episode, Julie regales me with great stories, from her first kiss onstage to the start of her TV career at MTV. In our conversation, we talk about the ups and downs of the freelance lifestyle. Julie talks about the benefits of doing internships to get your foot in the door. We chat about puppets, Team Beachbody fitness coaching, and heavy metal music.

Support Julie LoRusso now by connecting with her about health and fitness coaching! As well as directing television, Julie has been helping others reach their fitness goals as an Independent Team Beachbody Coach! She can help you get healthier!

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 have a great talk with Irish improviser, Neil Curran.

Neil Curran is one of leading influencers of the improv scene in Ireland. He has been teaching and performing improv both in Ireland and internationally for many years. He has toured with his signature show, “Neil + 1,” at festivals and theatres around the world. By day, Neil is an applied improv trainer with corporate clients around the world.

Neil Curran is the founder and director of Improv Fest Ireland and the assistant camp director of Improv Utopia Ireland. He founded and runs the "Love! Improv Irish Community" group, and he is a co-founder of No Drama Theatre. Aside from his own shows, Neil has guested in numerous others including Orange Tuxedo, Upstairs Downton, Comedysportz San Jose and the improvised musical, When X Meets Y.

In our conversation, Neil and I talk about improv from every angle. Neil tells me how performing improv feels like channeling energy from other people. He blows my mind when he compares improv to the show, Quantum Leap. We are all Sam stepping in to play a moment in someone’s life. Boom.

Neil and I discuss improv as an ever-evolving artform. We discuss running a theater business and building a community. We talk about making emotional connections with audiences. We talk about how covid has opened up the global communication about improv and how that flowing influence will change the landscape of improv for the better.

We talk about Neil’s work teaching improv to corporations and how important communication skills like improv can be in the business world. I talk about how my improv skills have helped me reinvent myself constantly during covid. We get into it and chew on all the deep, good topics in the improv world. We even talk about THE BEST (and our favorite) improv group on the internet, through which is how Neil and I got connected in the first place!

Support Neil Curran by taking his upcoming online level 1 improv course that starts May 18th! And you can keep track of his festival producing and eventual touring via his website, lowerthetone.com! Let’s all meet in person someday!


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 spoke with Sheri Flanders, a Chicago-based actor, comedian, writer, and visual artist.

Sheri Flanders is an instructor at the Second City Training Center in Chicago, and her performance background ranges from improv, stand up, musical theater, commercials, Shakespeare, corporate training and voice over work. Sheri is half of the interracial married sketch comedy duo, Flanders.

Sheri is a writer of sketch comedy, musicals, screenplays, satire, film reviews, and artist interview features. As a freelance journalist, her work has been featured in several publications including the Chicago Sun-Times, The Chicago Reader, Rescripted The Chicago Defender and McSweeney's. In both 2020 and 2021, she was invited to cover the Sundance Film Festival as part of their Press Inclusion Initiative.

In this episode, we discuss all the ways in which Sheri has made art a priority in her life. She started out with a passion for fashion design that gave her an outlet for her creativity while also satisfying the need to build something with her hands. We talk about how difficult it can be to turn your art into a business (and how sometimes that’s not the right move).

We talk about the consulting company she started with her husband and the work they do helping small businesses with grant writing, branding and marketing. We talk about how much she loves her community in Chicago.

Sheri tells me about how her start in creative writing was working on a screenplay with her husband, and how that collaborative process led them both to take classes at Second City. Sheri talks about the Chicago improv community and doing bits with her husband. (So fun!) We talk about navigating life transitions and being patient with yourself during the process.

Support Sheri Flanders by reading her recent pieces in The Chicago Reader and the Chicago Sun-Times! You can also watch funny comedy videos she has made with her husband as the comedy duo, Flanders!


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 chatted with UK based improviser, Llaura H_Improviser.

Llaura H_Improviser has been performing long form (mostly narrative) improv since 2016. In the before times (and hopefully soon again), Llaura has been performing with the amateur improv community, Unscripted Players, a group linked to The Bristol Improv Theatre (where she also worked as company director from 2018-2019).

With the daily mantra of "life is improv", Llaura didn’t let the pandemic stop her from performing. Since the lockdown, Llaura has connected with improv theaters all over the world to perform Zoom improv. Llaura is a member and regular performer with Improv Chattanooga in Tennessee. Through the World of Improv, an international online improv collective, Llaura performs with an all female/non-binary group called Don't Mess Comedy. She is also a founding member of the Say What You Mean show run through Zmack out of Shanghai!

Llaura H_Improviser is an internationally connected improviser and I had a great time chatting with her about the global improv community. Llaura tells me about her love of creating new shows and connecting with people online. She says “Give me an opportunity and I’ll say YES.” We talk about keeping your eyes open always for possible creative opportunities. Llaura is really passionate about working with improv communities all over the world and that is so cool.

Support Llaura H_Improviser by checking out one of her shows online. Check out Improv Chattanooga! Watch “Done Mess Comedy" through World of Improv! Tune in to the “Say What You Mean show on Zmack Virtual!

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 connected with Austin improviser, Shannon Dale Stott

Shannon Dale Stott has been performing and teaching Improv for over 20 years. Her professional start in improv began in Richmond Virginia with ComedySportz and she has continued to teach workshops and classes for the Hideout Theater in Austin and through her own company, Improv On and Off the Stage. Shannon exudes confidence and kindness and that is reflected in the success of her students. Shannon speaks, teaches, and performs at improv conservatories and festivals all over the US and the world.

Shannon Dale Stott is someone that I’ve seen in the Austin improv community but never had the guts to talk to. She has an aura of celebrity. I overcame my fear and contacted Shannon to be on the show when I saw her video, “Names You Know” featured in an article, “Using your culture’s names” written by past guest, Aree Witoelar, teacher/founder of Impro Neuf International in Oslo, Norway. I messaged to tell her that her videos were reaching an international audience and congratulate her on spreading the improv word so far out of our Austin bubble. And then I just HAD to ask. I mean, guys, how could I not? And that’s how she ended up chatting with me on the podcast.

Shannon and I had the absolute BEST conversation and we hope you enjoy it. Everything you need to know is in the talk. Shannon shares the story of the moment she was inspired by the muse to become an artist. We talk about developing performance pieces, and the evolution some art has to go through. We talk about harnessing your curiosity and being open to inspiration during the creative process. This is a deep dive for sure into what makes artists tick.

Shannon talks about growing up traveling with her family and what it was like to navigate all the cultural changes as they moved from country to country, and she changed from school to school. Shannon says that this adaptability she learned was further honed by her improv education. We talk about picking up on nonverbal cues from fellow improv performers and paying attention to individual performance styles.

Support Shannon by taking a workshop with her through her company, Improv On and Off the Stage. You can also check out Shannon’s youtube channel where she provides resources for improvisers all over the world!

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!


(production notes: recorded zoom meeting on 2/25/2021)

This week on Yes But Why, I chat with Austin improviser, Lahari Dunn.

Lahari Dunn is an improviser based in Austin, TX. She has performed in mainstage shows at various theaters in Austin. She has also co-directed shows at The Institution Theater (Immigrants, The Musical! (Parts One and Two), The Hideout Theatre (Hideout Kids: 'How I Saved the World Over Summer Vacation' and Hideout Student: 'Love on Deck'), and Coldtowne (Capstone one night show: 'Bands'). She can be seen performing online with troupes Minority Report and Harlequin, and she looks forward to the days when she can perform onstage again with her lovely troupemates. During the daytime she works as an engineer in the tech industry!

In our conversation, Lahari and I talk about imaginary friends, TikTok, and musical improv. Lahari tells me how she loves dancing and she grew up learning traditional Indian dances from her mother. We talk about the difference between creating standup on your own and performing improv and creating as a team. We talk about the importance of understanding one’s own sense of funny. Lahari has a great perspective on Austin improv theaters and it was interesting to hear how she has navigated the community in her own way.

Support Lahari Dunn by watching her perform in Natatorium, an interactive, groundbreaking improvised show produced by American Berserk Theatre and Density512 in the month of April. Ticket information can be found here at https://www.density512.org/tickets/natatorium.

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 chatting with Velvet Duke, Toronto-based entertainer and improv instructor.

Velvet Duke is a world-beloved Black, autistic, queer, velvet voiced, multi-faceted creator, facilitator, and community leader.

As an entertainer, Velvet engages with audiences as a musical improviser, a storyteller, a stand-up, and a host. Velvet studied at and graduated from The Improv Place (Masterclass in Teaching) as well as Second City Toronto Training Centre (Musical Improvisation Conservatory). He has also taken master classes in improvisation with Jill Bernard, Stephen Davison, John Gebretatose, Natasha Boomer, Ken Hall, Mick Napier, Katy Schutte and Chris Mead.

Velvet is also an improv workshop facilitator. Based in Canada with a strong internet connection, Velvet is available to lead workshops virtually to groups around the world. Velvet facilitates virtual classes through international improvisational theatres such as Edinburgh International Improv Festival, The Nursery Theatre, Vintage Improv Festival, and Highwire Improv. He also runs online improv workshops through Guelph Black Heritage Society and Black Improv Alliance. Velvet has facilitated in-person workshops at the Black and Funny Festival, Theatre on the Edge, and with the original Toronto Theatresports.

In our conversation, Velvet and I talk about how much we miss performing in front of an audience and how much we crave big crowds. We are kindred spirits and we talk about a superpower we both have connecting with and comforting strangers. Velvet tells me about his Star Trek fandom improv troupe, “The Dandies,” and about his deeply personal solo show series, “Personal Demon Hunter.” We were excited to chat with each other and we can’t wait for you to listen to it now!

Support Velvet Duke by watching his online improv shows including: “Y’Up”, “Crooner,” and “Crushin It.” Hire Velvet Duke to facilitate an improv workshop at your theatre! Highly skilled and extremely motivated, Velvet is the improv teacher you have been looking for!

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, we talk to Nick Byrne, one of Australia’s most prominent improvisational trainers and producers.

Nick Byrne is Artistic Director of the Impro ACT theatre in Canberra, Australia. Starting in 2005, Impro ACT has been providing improv classes at all levels, performances of comedic, dramatic, musical, physical, and experimental unscripted theatre, as well as the Canberra International Festival of Improvisation (aka “Improvention”).

Nick is also the Artistic Director of “Improvention,” Australia’s international festival of Improvisation. Since 2009, “Improvention” has hosted hundreds of improvisers from every continent to participate in half-day workshops and perform every night in shows, over the course of eight days.

In Nick’s career in entertainment, he has played the role of trainer, director, producer, actor, musician, and comic. He has worked in political satire, musical theatre, corporate comedy, theatre in education, theatre restaurant, street theatre, film, advertising, and radio comedy.

Focusing for the last fifteen years on improvisation, Nick has taught hundreds of hours of workshops on spontaneous thinking, problem-solving, improvised theatre, team-building, and adaptability to change.

In the most recent before times, Nick had been found touring the globe. He has worked in 35 international cities as a director/performer/teacher of improv at festivals and with theatre companies; including Vienna’s ‘Moment’ Festival, St Petersburg’s Russian International Improvisation Festival, Singapore Improv Festival, and Mt Olymprov Festival in Athens.

In our conversation, Nick and I chatted about the global improv community and how our current connectedness is helping to shape innovation in improv across the world.

We talk about the improv festival circuit. Nick gives us a glimpse of the world of a traveling improviser! We talk about mixer shows, marketing, and audience connection.

Nick tells me about how his improv festival came to be. Nick’s focus on education and providing a good experience for his attendees is the cornerstone of “Improvention.” It was really fascinating to hear his perspective on this because building an improv festival seems like such a herculean task. And it was great to connect to another corner of the improv universe.

Support Nick Byrne! He is continuing to operate Impro ACT, in Canberra, produce “Improvention,” and participate in various other theatrical arts activities around the city. Canberra, he says, is almost back to normal so Aussie listeners, swing on by! And other international listeners, check out impro.com.au to look for online workshops you can try!!

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!