Your Improv Brain

Your brain goes blank in the middle of a scene. Or the opposite happens: twelve ideas at once and you can't pick one, so you stand there smiling while your scene partner waits.

Your Improv Brain breaks down improv concepts one at a time, for every brain type. Each episode covers a single concept, how neurodivergent brains might experience it differently, and what's happening in your nervous system when improv gets hard. Because sometimes the thing blocking your scene is physiological, and "just relax" has never been useful for us.

Topics include how to start a scene, how to build a character with your voice, and how to actually listen instead of planning your next line. Every episode includes at least one exercise to practise with a scene partner, and most include a solo version for those working on their own.

Whether you're autistic, ADHD, or just someone whose brain doesn't always cooperate on stage, this show is for you.

New episodes drop every week. There's also a monthly bonus audio episode on inclusion, regulation, or neurodivergence.

Find show details at improvupdate.com.

Find the video version of these episodes at YouTube.com/@jdehaan

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

Emotion connects you to your scene partner, your character, and the audience. It gives a scene depth and grabs attention fast. And if you use it at the top of a scene, it can set the whole thing up in seconds.

In this episode I talk about using emotion as part of your base reality. Most scenes start grounded, and that's usually what we're taught. But sometimes breaking that rule and starting at a full level 10 emotional reaction to something completely mundane creates something you remember for years. I also get into alexithymia, which affects about 10% of the population, and what it means for improvisers who have difficulty processing or labelling emotions. There are workarounds for all of this, and I've never once had an improv teacher bring it up in class.

Two exercises in this one. The partner version, It's Tuesday, practises pairing a mundane statement with an extreme emotional reaction (and then flipping it). The solo version has you assigning emotions to sections of your room and launching into monologues at full intensity as you move between them.

This is part of a series on the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality.

Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.com

Article for this episode: This episode is part of a four episode series available on YouTube and audio podcast. You can find an article for this episode, and links to the full series on both platforms, here.

Episodes about alexithymia and a big text-based overview here: 

https://improvupdate.com/emotional-processing-acting-and-improv-part-one-and-two/

YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/rwgBDmUqHEo

Newsletter: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter

Chapters

00:00 Why emotion matters in scenes

01:29 Initiations and base reality series

01:35 Delayed emotional processing and alexithymia

03:24 Workarounds you can use yourself

03:54 Starting grounded vs. starting at a 10

04:53 The chair scene I still remember

05:22 Why big emotional starts are worth practising

05:52 Partner exercise: It's Tuesday

07:20 Flipping the exercise

07:48 Solo exercise: Emotion quadrants

08:50 Training without a scene partner

09:20 A note on alexithymia and having each other's backs

10:48 Wrap up

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

Initiating a scene can be stressful at any level, and when your brain goes blank up there, it's easy to panic. In this episode I talk about a simple approach to scene initiations that Will Hines recommends: start by answering the question "where are you?" You can do it physically, verbally, or both, and it gives you and your scene partner something concrete to build on while your brain catches up.

Two exercises in this one. The partner version, This Place Has So Much Flavour, has you enter a scene using only physicality and emotion to establish the character of the space before anyone speaks.

The solo version, The Garage, has you handling objects in an imagined location and then describing the base reality you just created.

This is part of a series on the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality.

Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.com

Article for this episode: This episode is part of a four episode series available on YouTube and audio podcast. You can find an article for this episode, and links to the full series on both platforms, here.

Newsletter: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter

YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/8HXZl0LS7AU

Chapters

00:00 Why initiations are stressful

00:56 Will Hines on answering "where are you?"

02:19 Why physicality buys you time

03:21 Using words to set location

03:47 Partner exercise: This Place Has So Much Flavour

05:17 Figuring out what you're doing together

05:47 Solo exercise: The Garage

07:17 Wrap up

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

Questions at the top of a scene are an advanced move, and if you're still building your skills, they can stall your scene before it gets going. In this episode I break down why questions are tricky at the top, what makes a good question versus a bad one in improv, and how assuming shared history with your scene partner gets things moving faster.

I also talk about something that tripped me up early on: the weirdness of making assumptions about another person's character. If that feels uncomfortable to you, especially if you're someone whose brain flags assumptions as unfair, that makes sense. I get into why and how the pivot that comes from those assumptions can actually become the fun part.

Two exercises in this one. A partner drill using "you look / you seem / you feel" to practise adding information without questions, and a solo version using a one-sided phone call format to train your assumed knowledge muscle.

This is part of a series on the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality.

Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.com

Article for this episode: This episode is part of a four episode series available on YouTube and audio podcast. You can find an article for this episode, and links to the full series on both platforms, here.

Newsletter: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter

YouTube version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNl6231OS5Q

Chapters

00:00 Why questions are risky at the top of a scene

00:52 When you can break the "no questions" rule

01:52 Why questions are even harder at the top

03:22 Assume shared knowledge instead

04:22 Why assuming things might feel weird (and that's okay)

06:28 Partner exercise: You look / You seem / You feel

08:08 Solo exercise: One-sided phone call

09:14 Wrap up

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

SURPRISE! I'm back. Hi! :)

Starting a scene with two people standing there asking "who are you?" or explaining a bunch of backstory is one of the quickest ways to lose your audience. In this episode, I talk about why exposition bogs down the top of your scene and how starting in the middle of the action gives your scene immediate momentum.

This is the first in a short four episode series about the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality. I reference Truth in Comedy (linked in the show notes below) and walk through two exercises: a partner drill where one player starts a physical action and the other identifies and justifies it, and a solo version arbitrarily called Narrate This where you practice describing and justifying your own actions in real time.

Resources and downloads:

https://improvupdate.com

Truth in comedy: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/truth-in-comedy-the-manual-for-improvisation/9781566080033.html

YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/WFyTR-IJc-s

Article for this episode: This episode is part of a four episode series available on YouTube and audio podcast. You can find an article for this episode, and links to the full series on both platforms, here.

Newsletter:

https://improvupdate.com/newsletter

Chapters

00:00 Why backstory kills your scenes

00:59 Truth in Comedy and why exposition doesn't work

02:29 Start in the middle of the action

03:59 Partner exercise: identify and justify

05:26 Adding challenge by making actions illegal

06:27 Solo exercise: Narrate This

07:33 Wrap up

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

Get the PDF "Vocal Basics for Improv" with all the exercises and concepts from this episode at https://improvupdate.com/downloads.

This episode is all about using your voice in improv. You do not need to do "funny voices" to be a good performer, you can work with the attributes of your own voice and make some subtle shifts.

I explain how to use your own voice effectively. These subtle changes to your vocal dynamics can create clear, grounded characters that you can heighten in a variety of ways.

You'll get an overview of the core components of vocal musicality, and how to practice them. These include speech rate, cadence, and prosody. Understanding these is the first step to vocal control. Then, I share five specific improv exercises to practice these skills.

I really REALLY want to redo the singing parts, oh gawd :) Also feel free to take a drink or something each time I bump the mic arm.

Mentioned in this episode:

Previous Episodes on Vocal Musicality:

Figuring out your vocal speed (words per minute): https://youtu.be/3HK40OxMGno

Exercises for voice: https://youtu.be/Z6ekXuwbpxk

Newsletter Sign-up (with reflection PDF): https://improvupdate.com/newsletter

Jill Bernard's "Small Cute Book of Improv": https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3231956-jill-bernard-s-small-cute-book-of-improv

Viola Spolin: https://www.violaspolin.org/publications

Example of "Recitative": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDq4KqP7Pxs

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

In this episode, I explain how to commit to your authentic self in your improv practice. You will learn to reframe perceived weaknesses into compelling strengths on stage. Your messy and imperfect parts are exactly what your scenes need.

I discuss how neurodivergent performers can use their unique traits. The episode also covers how to collaborate effectively with scene partners who have different brain wiring. I share a personal story from my past as a dance fitness teacher. A very clumsy moment taught me how to connect with an audience through imperfection. We apply that lesson directly to your scene work.

You will see how specific traits, like a literal take or a deadpan delivery, can be an asset in your performance. I also address traits that can be challenging in a scene, like monologuing. I provide practical methods to manage these traits, such as using a character to guide your choices.

Ultimately, this episode helps you build self-awareness. This allows you to understand your own gifts and collaborate more effectively with your team.

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

Please consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options.

Apple Podcasts | Podchaser

It helps out! Thanks!

• Like this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://learn.improvupdate.com/products/support
• We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz
• We have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd
• Transcriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk
• Schedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR
• Support the show and get creative templates and assets: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.

Note: This episode was recorded when this show was known as Human Internet Theory.

The week I recorded this trailer and my first episodes - the second week of September 2025 - Sam Altman had just tweeted “I never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.”

And then a couple days later Inception Point AI announced they were going to generate 3000 new podcast episodes every week. With fake hosts. Calling anyone who doesn't like them "lazy luddites."

It's time to take the dead internet theory seriously, especially if you make things for the internet. So welcome to The Human Internet Theory, a podcast that takes the dead internet seriously and helps you create real human things online to stand out amongst this sea of generated "stuff".

Host Jen deHaan has a few decades background on the creative internet, and a decade of experience as a performer. She merges these two things and brings it to you with actionable steps to bring more humanity to what you create for your customers or students online.

This lazy luddite hopes that you believe in the undead human internet, and will subscribe to this new show (made by a human) and follow along.

Episodes 1-3 will drop next Wednesday, and then new eps drop every Wednesday after that.

==========================

==========================

Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan.

Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@solopodcastinghandbook

Website at https://stereoforest.com/solo-podcasting

Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/subscribe

Produced by Jen deHaan of StereoForest https://stereoforest.com

Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com

==========================

Your support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others on StereoForest. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. StereoForest does not have any funding or additional support.

If you find value in our shows, please consider supporting them with a one time donation at https://stereoforest.com/tip

We love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact me anytime to ask me anything. You can support my shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytz

==========================

Jen's professional background is in web software technology (audio/video/web and graphics), working for many years in Silicon Valley. She has worked in instructional design, writing, marketing, and education in the creative space. She was also a quality engineer for awhile.

Jen became involved in performing, acting, and improv in 2015. She taught dance fitness classes (despite beginning with two left feet), performed in community theatre, and taught and coached improv comedy and acting at several theatres. Jen was also the Online School Director and Director of Marketing at WGIS.

Jen's website: https://jendehaan.com

This podcast is a StereoForest production. Made and produced in British Columbia, Canada.

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In this episode, I'm really getting into what I believe is the most important element for creating a compelling character: their point of view. I’ve found that the most interesting thing about a character isn't what they do, but why they do it. A strong, consistent POV is the lens through which your character sees the world, and it’s what separates a memorable performance from a flat cliche.

First, I'll give you a clear definition of what a point of view actually is (like, more than just an opinion). Then, I'll walk you through four distinct methods to help you build and establish strong POVs in your own scene work. We'll cover how to use emotion, observation, and justification to inform your characters.

Last up... I'll share something that ties it all together, that'll help you build a rich inner life for your character without ever needing to do a boring monologue about their backstory. I'll provide practice exercises for each method that you can use with a group or even on your own. Because I'm a fan of the solo improvs!

Alt title: Get to Skin Suit Town: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting

In this episode, I'm diving into one of the best acting exercises you can give yourself: practicing scene work with little dialogue, or even none at all. I’ve found that learning to use physicality, emotional reactions, and environment is what changes a performance from "just saying words real good" to truly embodying a believable character. Or like... as I like to say because it is now improv canon, "get to skin suit town".

I’ll explain why taking dialogue away forces you to slow down, live in the scene, and build a story layer by layer. Part of that oh-so-classic "show, don't tell" advice. Then, the exercises. You can add three new exercises to your workout to build this skill. I'll also tell you how to adjust them to practice on your own.

And if you do a lot of audio-only improv or have difficulty with nonverbal cues: I’ll specifically explain why this work is still useful, and how you can adapt it to your own unique brain and performance style.

As an aside! If you have trim silence features on in your podcast app, I'm gonna guess it'll trim a few intentional pauses in this one ;)

Resources Mentioned:

• Downloadable PDF Exercise Guides: improvupdate.com/downloads
• The Improv Update Discord Community: improvupdate.com/discord
• Free Improv Worksheet & Newsletter: improvupdate.com/newsletter
• Improvised Comedy Podcast, Grack Public Access: stereoforest.com/grack

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

NEW! Comprehensive guides all about getting notes as a student, or giving them as a teacher. Two guides, big discount if you get both! https://yourimprovbrain.com/notes

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

Get more downloadable booklets here: https://yourimprovbrain.com/shop

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This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen has certifications related to healthy communities (Tufts University Friedman School of Nutrition Science and Policy), nervous system regulation and soon teacher training certification on community resilience. She has a BFA in teaching creative arts to adults. You can find her full bio here.

This podcast was written, recorded and edited in British Columbia, Canada by Jen.