Improvly Speaking Sat, 15 Aug 2026 09:00:00 -0400 https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ en-us © 2026 Improvly Speaking yes Support this Podcast 0f8b3a3c-e8ed-5a33-9b49-b4a899b0de86 Dayna Gowan episodic true Dayna Gowan is a speaker, improviser, and Facilitator of Fun, and the Founder of Improvly Speaking. Each episode, she brings you golden, beautiful, delicious nuggets of wisdom about public speaking, improv, performance, creativity and anything in between. Learning public speaking and improvisation skills has changed her life and made her a more confident speaker, colleague, and friend. Listeners will be inspired to face their public speaking fears, try new things, flex their creativity muscles, and say “Yes, and…” to challenges and roadblocks in both their personal and professional lives.

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) improv, improvisation, applied improvisation, public speaking, performance, communication, creativity Dayna Gowan https://storage.buzzsprout.com/q3qy98wv5qdzpt368vfci25w225z?.jpg Improvly Speaking https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Dayna Gowan Embracing the Yes, And Moments in the Classroom, in Career Pivots, and in Life with Joe Van Haecke Embracing the Yes, And Moments in the Classroom, in Career Pivots, and in Life with Joe Van Haecke In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan welcomes back Joe Van Haecke, experienced improviser, performer, and teacher, for a follow-up and check-in conversation. They talk about Joe’s journey of his career pivot, knowing when it was time to let go of a dream, and discovering his purpose in teaching. 

Dayna and Joe explore how the “Yes, And” moments show up everyday in the classroom and in parenting, how perfection can keep people stuck (and how improv helps people break out of perfection), and Dayna’s favorite exercise to promote honesty and vulnerability. This episode is great encouragement to say “Yes, And” to life’s biggest transitions.


Email Joe Van Haecke at joe.vanhaecke@outlook.com or connect with him on LinkedIn

Listen to Episode 26 of Improvly Speaking: Living a "Yes, And..." Life in a "Yeah, But" World with Joe Van Haecke


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]]> In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan welcomes back Joe Van Haecke, experienced improviser, performer, and teacher, for a follow-up and check-in conversation. They talk about Joe’s journey of his career pivot, knowing when it was time to let go of a dream, and discovering his purpose in teaching. 

Dayna and Joe explore how the “Yes, And” moments show up everyday in the classroom and in parenting, how perfection can keep people stuck (and how improv helps people break out of perfection), and Dayna’s favorite exercise to promote honesty and vulnerability. This episode is great encouragement to say “Yes, And” to life’s biggest transitions.


Email Joe Van Haecke at joe.vanhaecke@outlook.com or connect with him on LinkedIn

Listen to Episode 26 of Improvly Speaking: Living a "Yes, And..." Life in a "Yeah, But" World with Joe Van Haecke


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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-19645084 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 06:00:00 -0700 5762 1 58 full false What is ImprovCon?: Why You Can’t Miss the First-Ever Improv Convention with Chris "Jazz" Colthurst What is ImprovCon?: Why You Can’t Miss the First-Ever Improv Convention with Chris "Jazz" Colthurst What if there was one place where the entire improv community could come together? That's exactly the question Chris "Jazz" Colthurst set out to answer with ImprovCon. In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan chats with Jazz, the Founder and Executive Producer of ImprovCon, a convention dedicated to celebrating and advancing the entire improv ecosystem. Jazz shares about his 25-year improv journey, the surprising inspiration behind the first-ever improv convention, and why bringing improvisers together can strengthen the entire art form. Tune in to hear why ImprovCon is the improv event you can’t miss. We can’t wait to see you there!


Learn more about ImprovCon on the website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Attend the Improvly Speaking workshop at ImprovCon


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]]> What if there was one place where the entire improv community could come together? That's exactly the question Chris "Jazz" Colthurst set out to answer with ImprovCon. In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan chats with Jazz, the Founder and Executive Producer of ImprovCon, a convention dedicated to celebrating and advancing the entire improv ecosystem. Jazz shares about his 25-year improv journey, the surprising inspiration behind the first-ever improv convention, and why bringing improvisers together can strengthen the entire art form. Tune in to hear why ImprovCon is the improv event you can’t miss. We can’t wait to see you there!


Learn more about ImprovCon on the website, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn

Attend the Improvly Speaking workshop at ImprovCon


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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-19536390 Fri, 24 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0700 5947 Improv, ImprovCon, improvisation, Improv Convention 1 57 full false How to Use Humor So People Listen, Connect, & Engage with Dr. Mike Cundall How to Use Humor So People Listen, Connect, & Engage with Dr. Mike Cundall What if humor wasn’t something “extra” or “nice to have” in your work, life, and improv – but a must-have tool for connection, resilience, and wellbeing? In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with Dr. Michael Cundall Jr. (better known as Dr. Mike), Professor of Philosophy, author, TEDx Speaker, and founder of Mirth Management, a company that helps people improve their workplace through humor. Dr. Mike shares the science behind humor, why humor belongs everywhere from the workplace to the stage, and how you can practically start incorporating more humor into your life today. 

Subscribe to Dr. Mike’s Substack

Learn more about Mirth Management

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]]> What if humor wasn’t something “extra” or “nice to have” in your work, life, and improv – but a must-have tool for connection, resilience, and wellbeing? In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with Dr. Michael Cundall Jr. (better known as Dr. Mike), Professor of Philosophy, author, TEDx Speaker, and founder of Mirth Management, a company that helps people improve their workplace through humor. Dr. Mike shares the science behind humor, why humor belongs everywhere from the workplace to the stage, and how you can practically start incorporating more humor into your life today. 

Subscribe to Dr. Mike’s Substack

Learn more about Mirth Management

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-19294318 Fri, 05 Jun 2026 04:00:00 -0700 7272 1 56 full true Challenging Racial Biases, Creating Growth Mindsets, & Making the World a Better Place for ALL with Dr. Evelyn Carter Challenging Racial Biases, Creating Growth Mindsets, & Making the World a Better Place for ALL with Dr. Evelyn Carter In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan chats with Dr. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, author, and musical improviser. Evelyn has spent the last 15 years as a DEI consultant across a wide range of industries, and today, she’s sharing how we can challenge our own racial biases and cultivate a growth mindset toward those biases.

Plus, she’s sharing the behind the scenes of her new book, Was That Racist?: How to Detect, Interrupt, and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life. Tune in and take one step forward in making the world a better place for all - not just for the next generation but for YOU and the current world we live in. 

 
Connect with Evelyn Carter on Instagram, LinkedIn, and her website 

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]]> In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan chats with Dr. Evelyn Carter, a social psychologist, author, and musical improviser. Evelyn has spent the last 15 years as a DEI consultant across a wide range of industries, and today, she’s sharing how we can challenge our own racial biases and cultivate a growth mindset toward those biases.

Plus, she’s sharing the behind the scenes of her new book, Was That Racist?: How to Detect, Interrupt, and Unlearn Bias in Everyday Life. Tune in and take one step forward in making the world a better place for all - not just for the next generation but for YOU and the current world we live in. 

 
Connect with Evelyn Carter on Instagram, LinkedIn, and her website 

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-19066021 Fri, 24 Apr 2026 04:00:00 -0700 6954 55 full false Making Time Management Fun with Anna Dearmon Kornick Making Time Management Fun with Anna Dearmon Kornick Do you ever feel like structure and organization is a constant struggle? You try new planners and productivity hacks, but nothing sticks. Maybe the problem isn’t you – maybe those hacks just aren’t built for your personality. Today on Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan chats with Anna Dearmon Kornick, a time management coach and keynote speaker. Anna shares her story on burnout, helpful tips to be more productive (especially when you’re a creative type who hates structure), and why good time management might actually make you better at improv. If you think time management is boring (but could benefit with more creativity in your life), you need this episode!

Connect with Anna Dearmon Kornick on her website and listen to her podcast, It’s About Time

Get instant access to Anna’s free 4-video time course: Blueprint to Balance

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]]> Do you ever feel like structure and organization is a constant struggle? You try new planners and productivity hacks, but nothing sticks. Maybe the problem isn’t you – maybe those hacks just aren’t built for your personality. Today on Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan chats with Anna Dearmon Kornick, a time management coach and keynote speaker. Anna shares her story on burnout, helpful tips to be more productive (especially when you’re a creative type who hates structure), and why good time management might actually make you better at improv. If you think time management is boring (but could benefit with more creativity in your life), you need this episode!

Connect with Anna Dearmon Kornick on her website and listen to her podcast, It’s About Time

Get instant access to Anna’s free 4-video time course: Blueprint to Balance

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

Support the show

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-18882106 Sat, 21 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0700 5682 54 full false Honoring Your Story: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly with Lamarr Lewis Honoring Your Story: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly with Lamarr Lewis Storytelling has a funny way of bringing people together and connecting them. That sense of connection is exactly what this episode of Improvly Speaking is all about. Dayna Gowan welcomes mental health therapist, consultant, and master storyteller Lamarr Lewis for a powerful conversation that weaves together improv, public speaking, psychological safety, and the very human need to be seen and heard. Tune in to be inspired by Lamarr’s journey and appreciate the power of storytelling. 

Learn more about Lamarr Lewis on his website and on LinkedIn

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]]> Storytelling has a funny way of bringing people together and connecting them. That sense of connection is exactly what this episode of Improvly Speaking is all about. Dayna Gowan welcomes mental health therapist, consultant, and master storyteller Lamarr Lewis for a powerful conversation that weaves together improv, public speaking, psychological safety, and the very human need to be seen and heard. Tune in to be inspired by Lamarr’s journey and appreciate the power of storytelling. 

Learn more about Lamarr Lewis on his website and on LinkedIn

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-18776740 Fri, 06 Mar 2026 04:00:00 -0800 9204 53 full false Helping Good People Take Up Space & Ridding the World of Boring Presentations with Jordan Hirsch Helping Good People Take Up Space & Ridding the World of Boring Presentations with Jordan Hirsch What if the people with the best ideas spoke up more often? In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with speaker, coach, and improviser Jordan Hirsch to talk about confidence, saying goodbye to boring presentations, and why improv is such a powerful tool for helping good people take up more space in the world. (Key emphasis on the good people taking up space right now too!)

Jordan shares his journey from a 20+ year corporate career into entrepreneurship, how improv helped him build resilience, and how embracing discomfort can lead to a more aligned, joyful life. If you’ve ever wanted to speak up (but couldn’t) or find more confidence in your speaking, this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Jordan Hirsch on his LinkedIn and at FishTree.Co

Also, check out The Improv Mindset, which is the collaborative work of Jordan Hirsch and Sarah Filman.

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]]> What if the people with the best ideas spoke up more often? In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with speaker, coach, and improviser Jordan Hirsch to talk about confidence, saying goodbye to boring presentations, and why improv is such a powerful tool for helping good people take up more space in the world. (Key emphasis on the good people taking up space right now too!)

Jordan shares his journey from a 20+ year corporate career into entrepreneurship, how improv helped him build resilience, and how embracing discomfort can lead to a more aligned, joyful life. If you’ve ever wanted to speak up (but couldn’t) or find more confidence in your speaking, this conversation is for you.

Learn more about Jordan Hirsch on his LinkedIn and at FishTree.Co

Also, check out The Improv Mindset, which is the collaborative work of Jordan Hirsch and Sarah Filman.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-18557797 Sat, 24 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0800 6854 1 52 full true Releasing All the Judgements and Expectations…A Special 50 Episodes Celebration! Releasing All the Judgements and Expectations…A Special 50 Episodes Celebration! Fifty episodes. Five thousand downloads. And a whole lot of doubt, courage, and creative growth in between.

In this special solo episode, Dayna pauses to celebrate a major milestone for Improvly Speaking and to pull back the curtain on what it really took to get here. From spiraling self-doubt and analysis paralysis to unexpected momentum and joyful surprises, Dayna shares the behind-the-scenes reality of launching (and sticking with) something new.

You’ll hear the behind the scenes of launching the podcast, the “more than zero” mindset that kept things moving, and why releasing judgment — especially your own — is often the most creative act you can make. Whether you’re dreaming about starting something or trying to stay the course, this episode is an invitation to trust yourself, take the leap, and keep going.

More than zero is still something — and sometimes, it’s everything.

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]]> Fifty episodes. Five thousand downloads. And a whole lot of doubt, courage, and creative growth in between.

In this special solo episode, Dayna pauses to celebrate a major milestone for Improvly Speaking and to pull back the curtain on what it really took to get here. From spiraling self-doubt and analysis paralysis to unexpected momentum and joyful surprises, Dayna shares the behind-the-scenes reality of launching (and sticking with) something new.

You’ll hear the behind the scenes of launching the podcast, the “more than zero” mindset that kept things moving, and why releasing judgment — especially your own — is often the most creative act you can make. Whether you’re dreaming about starting something or trying to stay the course, this episode is an invitation to trust yourself, take the leap, and keep going.

More than zero is still something — and sometimes, it’s everything.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-18387134 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0800 2357 1 51 full false Play, Profits, & Psychological Safety: Rediscovering Your Inner Child with Rona Lewis Play, Profits, & Psychological Safety: Rediscovering Your Inner Child with Rona Lewis On this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna sits down with the incomparable Rona Lewis — leadership and communication coach, keynote speaker, experiential learning facilitator, and unapologetic play instigator. As the co-founder and CEO of Playful Mind Project and author of Play and Profit, Rona helps teams ditch burnout, strengthen communication, and spark innovation through purposeful and attuned play.

Rona shares her zigzag journey from acting and advertising to fitness, corporate wellbeing, and applied improv — revealing how tapping into our inner child builds resilience, creativity, and human connection at work and beyond.

Rona’s playful energy and spirit will brighten your day and inspire you to say yes to offers that come up and find your own playground. 

Learn more at ronalewis.com and playfulmindproject.com. Also check out her Biz Souls Podcast with co-host Jeffrey Hansler.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> On this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna sits down with the incomparable Rona Lewis — leadership and communication coach, keynote speaker, experiential learning facilitator, and unapologetic play instigator. As the co-founder and CEO of Playful Mind Project and author of Play and Profit, Rona helps teams ditch burnout, strengthen communication, and spark innovation through purposeful and attuned play.

Rona shares her zigzag journey from acting and advertising to fitness, corporate wellbeing, and applied improv — revealing how tapping into our inner child builds resilience, creativity, and human connection at work and beyond.

Rona’s playful energy and spirit will brighten your day and inspire you to say yes to offers that come up and find your own playground. 

Learn more at ronalewis.com and playfulmindproject.com. Also check out her Biz Souls Podcast with co-host Jeffrey Hansler.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-18339384 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 04:00:00 -0800 4726 1 50 full false Becoming a Boulder Hero & Creating Space for Connection with Jessilee Windhaus Becoming a Boulder Hero & Creating Space for Connection with Jessilee Windhaus What happens when an only child with boundless creativity decides to transform her hometown’s comedy scene? Jessilee Windhaus, founder of Haus of Comedy in Sacramento, shares how her love of improv evolved into multiple improv businesses with Haus of Comedy being a brick and mortar theater that will be opening very soon! Yayy!!

Jessilee’s goal for the theater is to create a thriving, inclusive theater that empowers connection, confidence, and community. From childhood performances to business ownership, Jessilee’s story is full of laughter, resilience, and inspiration for anyone ready to turn passion into purpose.

If you are crawling through mud and pushing the boulder up the hill on your own hero’s journey, this episode is for you! 


Other reasons to listen: 

  1. Tormund the cat makes a few cameo appearances during the interview. 🙂
  2. Find out why Jessilee is the Boulder Hero! 
  3. Feel seen and validated if you are also an only child who struggles with punctuality. 


You can find out more about Jessilee here:

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]]> What happens when an only child with boundless creativity decides to transform her hometown’s comedy scene? Jessilee Windhaus, founder of Haus of Comedy in Sacramento, shares how her love of improv evolved into multiple improv businesses with Haus of Comedy being a brick and mortar theater that will be opening very soon! Yayy!!

Jessilee’s goal for the theater is to create a thriving, inclusive theater that empowers connection, confidence, and community. From childhood performances to business ownership, Jessilee’s story is full of laughter, resilience, and inspiration for anyone ready to turn passion into purpose.

If you are crawling through mud and pushing the boulder up the hill on your own hero’s journey, this episode is for you! 


Other reasons to listen: 

  1. Tormund the cat makes a few cameo appearances during the interview. 🙂
  2. Find out why Jessilee is the Boulder Hero! 
  3. Feel seen and validated if you are also an only child who struggles with punctuality. 


You can find out more about Jessilee here:

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-18193750 Sat, 15 Nov 2025 04:00:00 -0800 5538 1 49 full true Speak Easy and Run Towards the Scary Things with Brian Lafontaine Speak Easy and Run Towards the Scary Things with Brian Lafontaine When you’ve spent years performing on stage, doing standup, and speaking in front of crowds, you learn one thing very quickly: nothing ever goes exactly as planned. In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna chats with actor, voiceover artist, and public speaking coach Brian Lafontaine about his improv experience, the beauty of uncertainty, and why learning to “run toward the scary things” can change how you show up in both performance and life. 


You can find out more about Brian Lafontaine here:

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]]> When you’ve spent years performing on stage, doing standup, and speaking in front of crowds, you learn one thing very quickly: nothing ever goes exactly as planned. In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna chats with actor, voiceover artist, and public speaking coach Brian Lafontaine about his improv experience, the beauty of uncertainty, and why learning to “run toward the scary things” can change how you show up in both performance and life. 


You can find out more about Brian Lafontaine here:

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-18079195 Thu, 30 Oct 2025 05:00:00 -0700 5667 1 48 full true Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable with Jacque Arend Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable with Jacque Arend If there’s one thing that improvisation teaches us, it’s that life rarely follows a script. For Jacque Arend, Managing Director of Camp Improv Utopia and Executive Director of Savi Fest, that truth has been especially clear over the past few years. She’s navigated running multiple improv camps, ADHD, and career pivots – and today, she shares with us how she’s learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Tune in to get inspired to start new adventures before you’re ready, and to get comfortable with uncertainty.

You can find out more about Jacque Arend here:

Also, check out Savi Fest, Camp Improv Utopia, and Arizona Actors Academy

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> If there’s one thing that improvisation teaches us, it’s that life rarely follows a script. For Jacque Arend, Managing Director of Camp Improv Utopia and Executive Director of Savi Fest, that truth has been especially clear over the past few years. She’s navigated running multiple improv camps, ADHD, and career pivots – and today, she shares with us how she’s learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Tune in to get inspired to start new adventures before you’re ready, and to get comfortable with uncertainty.

You can find out more about Jacque Arend here:

Also, check out Savi Fest, Camp Improv Utopia, and Arizona Actors Academy

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-17986897 Fri, 10 Oct 2025 04:00:00 -0700 7619 47 full false Uncertainty is My Friend: A Postpartum Life Update and the Mantra that Keeps Me Grounded Uncertainty is My Friend: A Postpartum Life Update and the Mantra that Keeps Me Grounded After a podcasting hiatus, Dayna Gowan is back behind the mic – and she’s got a lot to share. In this solo episode, Dayna opens up about the wild ride that has been new motherhood, from unexpected detours in her birth plan to sleepless nights, big trips and moves, and the messy, beautiful process of adjusting to her new identity as “mom.” Plus, she’s sharing the mantra about embracing uncertainty that has changed everything for her growth and peace.


Big announcement: Dayna is going full-time with Improvly Speaking in Fall 2025!  Contact Dayna for public speaking coaching, team workshops, and improv-based communication training. Find out more on the website, or reach out directly at dayna@improvlyspeaking.com. 


Want more Improvly Speaking? Follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn!

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]]> After a podcasting hiatus, Dayna Gowan is back behind the mic – and she’s got a lot to share. In this solo episode, Dayna opens up about the wild ride that has been new motherhood, from unexpected detours in her birth plan to sleepless nights, big trips and moves, and the messy, beautiful process of adjusting to her new identity as “mom.” Plus, she’s sharing the mantra about embracing uncertainty that has changed everything for her growth and peace.


Big announcement: Dayna is going full-time with Improvly Speaking in Fall 2025!  Contact Dayna for public speaking coaching, team workshops, and improv-based communication training. Find out more on the website, or reach out directly at dayna@improvlyspeaking.com. 


Want more Improvly Speaking? Follow along on Instagram and LinkedIn!

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-17491987 Sat, 12 Jul 2025 04:00:00 -0700 3465 1 46 full false Punchlines & Progress: Jessica Halem's Journey of Comedy, Advocacy, & Connection Punchlines & Progress: Jessica Halem's Journey of Comedy, Advocacy, & Connection On this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with the incredible Jessica Halem, a powerhouse public speaker, communication strategist, LGBTQ+ health equity advocate, and a former stand-up comic trained at Second City.


Jessica has worn many hats (and delivered many punchlines). She’s currently the Senior Director of the LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania and formerly served as the first LGBTQ+ Director at Harvard Medical School. But no matter the stage – whether it’s a university, a conference, or a comedy club – Jessica brings her signature mix of authenticity, empathy, and improv skills to every room she’s in.


You can find out more about Jessica Halem here:

Connect with Jessica Halem on her website, Instagram, or LinkedIn

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> On this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with the incredible Jessica Halem, a powerhouse public speaker, communication strategist, LGBTQ+ health equity advocate, and a former stand-up comic trained at Second City.


Jessica has worn many hats (and delivered many punchlines). She’s currently the Senior Director of the LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania and formerly served as the first LGBTQ+ Director at Harvard Medical School. But no matter the stage – whether it’s a university, a conference, or a comedy club – Jessica brings her signature mix of authenticity, empathy, and improv skills to every room she’s in.


You can find out more about Jessica Halem here:

Connect with Jessica Halem on her website, Instagram, or LinkedIn

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-17404798 Mon, 30 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0700 6277 1 45 full true Improvly Parenting: A Comedy Show in Real Life with Matthew Krekeler, Host of Girl Dad Nation Podcast Improvly Parenting: A Comedy Show in Real Life with Matthew Krekeler, Host of Girl Dad Nation Podcast Parenting can be just like improv (aka Improvly Parenting) – you never know what’s coming next, and you just have to roll with it. That’s exactly the kind of real talk you get on the Improvly Speaking today with my guest, Matthew Krekeler – a proud “girl dad,” podcast host, and media pro from Denver, Colorado.

Matthew is the founder of the Girl Dad Nation Podcast, where he shares stories, hacks, and heartfelt conversations about raising daughters. With three girls of his own*, including his oldest who just turned five, Matthew knows a thing or two about the joys and challenges of fatherhood – and how improv sneaks into the day-to-day parenting hustle. Tune in to hear about the Girl Dad Nation Podcast, how Matthew makes time for his passions as a dad, and how improv can make you a better parent.

The phrase Improvly Parenting doesn’t mean that parents never do any research on how to be a better parent and they just “wing it” for all of their child’s life. Parents of course need to do their research and make the best informed choices they can from what they know at the time. However, being a parent requires A TON of flexibility, patience, mindfulness, collaboration, communication, and a playful mindset – all tenets and skills of improv. 

*When we recorded this episode, Matthew had 3 girls. It took a little while for this episode to get released (due to my own maternity leave), and Matthew now has 4 girls with his daughter born in November 2024. Congrats to Becca and Matthew on the new addition to their family and for staying consistent with the Girl Dad brand! :) 

You can find out more about Matthew here:

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]]> Parenting can be just like improv (aka Improvly Parenting) – you never know what’s coming next, and you just have to roll with it. That’s exactly the kind of real talk you get on the Improvly Speaking today with my guest, Matthew Krekeler – a proud “girl dad,” podcast host, and media pro from Denver, Colorado.

Matthew is the founder of the Girl Dad Nation Podcast, where he shares stories, hacks, and heartfelt conversations about raising daughters. With three girls of his own*, including his oldest who just turned five, Matthew knows a thing or two about the joys and challenges of fatherhood – and how improv sneaks into the day-to-day parenting hustle. Tune in to hear about the Girl Dad Nation Podcast, how Matthew makes time for his passions as a dad, and how improv can make you a better parent.

The phrase Improvly Parenting doesn’t mean that parents never do any research on how to be a better parent and they just “wing it” for all of their child’s life. Parents of course need to do their research and make the best informed choices they can from what they know at the time. However, being a parent requires A TON of flexibility, patience, mindfulness, collaboration, communication, and a playful mindset – all tenets and skills of improv. 

*When we recorded this episode, Matthew had 3 girls. It took a little while for this episode to get released (due to my own maternity leave), and Matthew now has 4 girls with his daughter born in November 2024. Congrats to Becca and Matthew on the new addition to their family and for staying consistent with the Girl Dad brand! :) 

You can find out more about Matthew here:

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-17327180 Fri, 13 Jun 2025 04:00:00 -0700 3938 Improv, parenting, yes and, playful mindset, play, girl dad, raising daughters 1 44 full false Yes, And Healing: Using Improv in Therapy with Salma Soliman Yes, And Healing: Using Improv in Therapy with Salma Soliman What happens when you combine the compassion of a therapist with the quick-thinking creativity of an improviser? You get someone like Salma Soliman – a licensed therapist and the founder of Brave Youth Therapy in California, and today’s guest on Improvly Speaking. I got the privilege of chatting with Salma for a joyful and heartfelt conversation about blending improv and therapy, how therapy has helped so many people (myself included) with disordered eating, and ways that we can break the cycle today.

Salma has experienced the healing power of authentic, vulnerable scene work as an improviser. She has done the inner work, and she helps her clients and patients do the inner work to overcome barriers and find their own healing and personal growth. Salma embodies a Yes, and…mindset in her improv scenes, in her life, and in her therapy business as she helps her clients discover the best version of themselves. 

You can find out more about Salma here:

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]]> What happens when you combine the compassion of a therapist with the quick-thinking creativity of an improviser? You get someone like Salma Soliman – a licensed therapist and the founder of Brave Youth Therapy in California, and today’s guest on Improvly Speaking. I got the privilege of chatting with Salma for a joyful and heartfelt conversation about blending improv and therapy, how therapy has helped so many people (myself included) with disordered eating, and ways that we can break the cycle today.

Salma has experienced the healing power of authentic, vulnerable scene work as an improviser. She has done the inner work, and she helps her clients and patients do the inner work to overcome barriers and find their own healing and personal growth. Salma embodies a Yes, and…mindset in her improv scenes, in her life, and in her therapy business as she helps her clients discover the best version of themselves. 

You can find out more about Salma here:

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-17242413 Fri, 30 May 2025 04:00:00 -0700 6598 1 43 full true Brewing Up Improv, Business, and Big Dreams with Tony DeRosa Brewing Up Improv, Business, and Big Dreams with Tony DeRosa Today on Improvly Speaking, we hear from Tony DeRosa, owner and co-founder of hear.say brewing + theater, a new improv theater and brewery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tony blends his love of improv with beer, business, and community building, and is sharing it all on today’s episode. 

Tony's story is a great example of what can happen when you follow your instincts, lean into creativity, and allow yourself to take big, joyful risks. Tune in to hear how Tony got into improv, why he founded here.say brewing + theater, and how he has created a sense of community through his new business.

Please note: We recorded this episode in May 2024 before the brewery was fully open and operating. Happy to report that the brewery is fully open, and they have food and improv classes going on too. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, be sure to check out hear.say brewing + theater!

You can find out more about Tony and hear.say brewing + theater here:

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]]> Today on Improvly Speaking, we hear from Tony DeRosa, owner and co-founder of hear.say brewing + theater, a new improv theater and brewery in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Tony blends his love of improv with beer, business, and community building, and is sharing it all on today’s episode. 

Tony's story is a great example of what can happen when you follow your instincts, lean into creativity, and allow yourself to take big, joyful risks. Tune in to hear how Tony got into improv, why he founded here.say brewing + theater, and how he has created a sense of community through his new business.

Please note: We recorded this episode in May 2024 before the brewery was fully open and operating. Happy to report that the brewery is fully open, and they have food and improv classes going on too. If you’re in the Ann Arbor area, be sure to check out hear.say brewing + theater!

You can find out more about Tony and hear.say brewing + theater here:

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-17044075 Sat, 26 Apr 2025 04:00:00 -0700 6863 1 42 full false How to Strengthen, Support, and Fall in Love with Your Voice with Susan Murphy How to Strengthen, Support, and Fall in Love with Your Voice with Susan Murphy What do you think of your voice? If your answer is anything uncertain or negative, you’re definitely not alone. But as this week’s guest on Improvly Speaking proves, your voice isn’t something to cringe about — it’s something you can strengthen, support, and maybe even start to love. 

Today, we hear from Emmy-winning journalist and broadcast voice coach Susan Murphy, who brings more than 40 years of broadcasting experience to the mic. Susan likes to say that she’s not here to change your voice — she’s here to help you find your best and boldest voice. 

Whether you’re doing improv, recording a podcast, teaching a class, or simply speaking up at work, strengthening your vocal presence makes a real difference. Susan helps her clients (including Dayna) understand their breath, their pitch, and their tone so they can speak with more clarity and confidence. 

Tune in to hear practical, tactical tips for how to improve and use your authentic voice!

You can find out more about Susan here:

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]]> What do you think of your voice? If your answer is anything uncertain or negative, you’re definitely not alone. But as this week’s guest on Improvly Speaking proves, your voice isn’t something to cringe about — it’s something you can strengthen, support, and maybe even start to love. 

Today, we hear from Emmy-winning journalist and broadcast voice coach Susan Murphy, who brings more than 40 years of broadcasting experience to the mic. Susan likes to say that she’s not here to change your voice — she’s here to help you find your best and boldest voice. 

Whether you’re doing improv, recording a podcast, teaching a class, or simply speaking up at work, strengthening your vocal presence makes a real difference. Susan helps her clients (including Dayna) understand their breath, their pitch, and their tone so they can speak with more clarity and confidence. 

Tune in to hear practical, tactical tips for how to improve and use your authentic voice!

You can find out more about Susan here:

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-16954504 Fri, 11 Apr 2025 03:00:00 -0700 7268 public speaking, broadcast journalism, news reporters, strengthen your voice, strong voice 1 41 full false Exploring Ecstatic Dance, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and Mindfulness with Dr. Bob Swoap Exploring Ecstatic Dance, Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, and Mindfulness with Dr. Bob Swoap Have you ever felt completely lost in the rhythm of music, moving without thinking, and experiencing pure joy? That’s the essence of ecstatic dance – a practice that blends movement, community, and self-expression.

In this episode of Improvly Speaking, we hear from Dr. Bob Swoap, Professor of Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, to discuss the power of ecstatic dance and its connection to improvisation, wellness, and personal growth. 

Plus, he shares all about his research on psychedelic-assisted therapy, his work with college students and athletes, and how he trains athletes and first responders in mindfulness. 

You can find out more about Bob here: 

  • https://www.warren-wilson.edu/people/robert-swoap/
  • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-swoap-291853208/
  • IG - @bob.swoap - https://www.instagram.com/bob.swoap/


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]]> Have you ever felt completely lost in the rhythm of music, moving without thinking, and experiencing pure joy? That’s the essence of ecstatic dance – a practice that blends movement, community, and self-expression.

In this episode of Improvly Speaking, we hear from Dr. Bob Swoap, Professor of Psychology and Expressive Arts Therapy at Warren Wilson College in Asheville, North Carolina, to discuss the power of ecstatic dance and its connection to improvisation, wellness, and personal growth. 

Plus, he shares all about his research on psychedelic-assisted therapy, his work with college students and athletes, and how he trains athletes and first responders in mindfulness. 

You can find out more about Bob here: 

  • https://www.warren-wilson.edu/people/robert-swoap/
  • LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-swoap-291853208/
  • IG - @bob.swoap - https://www.instagram.com/bob.swoap/


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]]> Buzzsprout-16878953 Sat, 29 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700 6793 ecstatic dance, wellness, wellbeing, mindfulness, sports psychology, psychedelic-assisted therapy, dance, improvisation 1 40 full false The Value of a Bold Choice: Jesse Greenfield on Starting the Kaleidoscope Training Center The Value of a Bold Choice: Jesse Greenfield on Starting the Kaleidoscope Training Center Jesse Greenfield first appeared on the show nearly a year ago, and so much has changed since then! In this episode of Improvly Speaking, we catch up on their incredible journey, including the launch of their own business, Kaleidoscope Training Center, and our experience facilitating a 2-day Intensive Training Session at the 2024 Art and Science of Health Promotion Conference (spoiler alert: we had so much fun!)..

And if you haven’t heard Part 1 of Jesse’s interview in 2023, check that out here!

You can find more about Jesse here: 


Also, you can find out more about the Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference here.

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]]> Jesse Greenfield first appeared on the show nearly a year ago, and so much has changed since then! In this episode of Improvly Speaking, we catch up on their incredible journey, including the launch of their own business, Kaleidoscope Training Center, and our experience facilitating a 2-day Intensive Training Session at the 2024 Art and Science of Health Promotion Conference (spoiler alert: we had so much fun!)..

And if you haven’t heard Part 1 of Jesse’s interview in 2023, check that out here!

You can find more about Jesse here: 


Also, you can find out more about the Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference here.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-16793510 Sat, 15 Mar 2025 04:00:00 -0700 5729 1 39 full false The Power of Playback Theatre to Bring People Together with Ferran Luengo The Power of Playback Theatre to Bring People Together with Ferran Luengo Ferran Luengo is a Spanish actor, improviser and applied theatre facilitator based in London. He has his postgraduate on theatre in education and Applied theatre master degree. 

Ferran is passionate about playback theatre, a community oriented improv art form that he has been practicing since 2013. He’s brought playback theatre workshops around several continents and he has served as the Secretary of the International Playback Theatre Network.

In this episode, we dive into what Playback Theater is, how the performances are led and conducted, and how it can bring communities together and spark social change. Ferran shares examples of some of his memorable Playback Theatre performances and discusses the healing and cathartic nature of playback Playback Theatre, and Applied Theatre and Arts in general. 

We also talk about Improv Camp, applied theatre, public speaking, and so much more. Give this episode a listen to get inspired by the healing power of the arts and all it can do for us! 

You can find out more about Ferran here: 


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]]> Ferran Luengo is a Spanish actor, improviser and applied theatre facilitator based in London. He has his postgraduate on theatre in education and Applied theatre master degree. 

Ferran is passionate about playback theatre, a community oriented improv art form that he has been practicing since 2013. He’s brought playback theatre workshops around several continents and he has served as the Secretary of the International Playback Theatre Network.

In this episode, we dive into what Playback Theater is, how the performances are led and conducted, and how it can bring communities together and spark social change. Ferran shares examples of some of his memorable Playback Theatre performances and discusses the healing and cathartic nature of playback Playback Theatre, and Applied Theatre and Arts in general. 

We also talk about Improv Camp, applied theatre, public speaking, and so much more. Give this episode a listen to get inspired by the healing power of the arts and all it can do for us! 

You can find out more about Ferran here: 


Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-16701906 Fri, 28 Feb 2025 04:00:00 -0800 6704 improv, applied theatre, playback theatre, public speaking, creativity, yes and, performance 1 38 full false All Improv, All In with Brian James O'Connell All Improv, All In with Brian James O'Connell Brian James O'Connell (or BOC as most people call him), is a working actor, writer, director, filmmaker and teacher based in Los Angeles. As a regular performer, coach and teacher, Brian derives most of his approach to improv from The Deconstruction, which we certainly discuss in this episode. He also offers "All Improv" deep-dive workshops across the country for improvisers looking to improve their skills and craft. 

When BOC saw his first improv show 20 years ago, he immediately loved it, and he jumped all in to learn more about the art form. In this episode, BOC shares about his 20-year improv journey, how improv has given him so much in his career and life, and why he wants to give back and help the next generation of improvisers and instructors. He also shares some of his philosophies about improv and becoming a better improviser.

BOC has an amazing memory and recall ability, which is quite evident throughout this episode. BOC goes all in and shares some fun memories, stories, movies, and even scenes from improv shows 20 years ago. It's very impressive!

If you know BOC, you know he goes all in for everything he does — including improv and including this episode! Go all in and give this episode a listen! You will be inspired and motivated to keep going in your own improv, speaking, or creative outlet journey!

You can find out more about Brian James O'Connell (BOC) here: 


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]]> Brian James O'Connell (or BOC as most people call him), is a working actor, writer, director, filmmaker and teacher based in Los Angeles. As a regular performer, coach and teacher, Brian derives most of his approach to improv from The Deconstruction, which we certainly discuss in this episode. He also offers "All Improv" deep-dive workshops across the country for improvisers looking to improve their skills and craft. 

When BOC saw his first improv show 20 years ago, he immediately loved it, and he jumped all in to learn more about the art form. In this episode, BOC shares about his 20-year improv journey, how improv has given him so much in his career and life, and why he wants to give back and help the next generation of improvisers and instructors. He also shares some of his philosophies about improv and becoming a better improviser.

BOC has an amazing memory and recall ability, which is quite evident throughout this episode. BOC goes all in and shares some fun memories, stories, movies, and even scenes from improv shows 20 years ago. It's very impressive!

If you know BOC, you know he goes all in for everything he does — including improv and including this episode! Go all in and give this episode a listen! You will be inspired and motivated to keep going in your own improv, speaking, or creative outlet journey!

You can find out more about Brian James O'Connell (BOC) here: 


Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-15432707 Sat, 20 Jul 2024 11:00:00 -0700 7305 improv, improvisation, acting, creative outlet, journey, self-improvement 1 37 full true Putting Yourself Out There and Making Discoveries On Stage with Amanda Bonar Putting Yourself Out There and Making Discoveries On Stage with Amanda Bonar Amanda Bonar is an improv and sketch comedian based in Los Angeles. You can find her performing in the Sober Show and Do the Dumb shows at UCB, as well as other shows at the Clubhouse in LA. 

Amanda shares her improv journey and how she fell in love with improv around age 10 when her parents took her to a family-friendly improv show.  She performed on her high school and college improv teams, and she has been doing some form of improv for almost 20 years now! (That's amazing!)

In this episode, Amanda and Dayna get vulnerable and discuss the ups and downs of trying to improve as a performer.  Amanda gives some great tips and advice on reframing our mindsets and managing expectations as beginners and even experienced performers. Amanda also shares about her sobriety and how The Sober Show at UCB got started last year. 

We also discuss nerves and how nerves affect us before shows and during shows. Nerves are normal and may never go away, but there are ways to manage your nerves so that once you hit the stage, you start your performance confidently.

You'll definitely want to listen to hear all the crazy and wacky things that Amanda's team Dick Cannon has done on stage for the Do the Dumb Shows, thus making some fun and very interesting discoveries! :)
 
You can find out more about Amanda here: 

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]]> Amanda Bonar is an improv and sketch comedian based in Los Angeles. You can find her performing in the Sober Show and Do the Dumb shows at UCB, as well as other shows at the Clubhouse in LA. 

Amanda shares her improv journey and how she fell in love with improv around age 10 when her parents took her to a family-friendly improv show.  She performed on her high school and college improv teams, and she has been doing some form of improv for almost 20 years now! (That's amazing!)

In this episode, Amanda and Dayna get vulnerable and discuss the ups and downs of trying to improve as a performer.  Amanda gives some great tips and advice on reframing our mindsets and managing expectations as beginners and even experienced performers. Amanda also shares about her sobriety and how The Sober Show at UCB got started last year. 

We also discuss nerves and how nerves affect us before shows and during shows. Nerves are normal and may never go away, but there are ways to manage your nerves so that once you hit the stage, you start your performance confidently.

You'll definitely want to listen to hear all the crazy and wacky things that Amanda's team Dick Cannon has done on stage for the Do the Dumb Shows, thus making some fun and very interesting discoveries! :)
 
You can find out more about Amanda here: 

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-15229951 Tue, 18 Jun 2024 04:00:00 -0700 5672 improv, improvisation, being a beginner, performance, performance on stage, nerves, public speaking, trying something new, creative outlets, sobriety, the sober show, UCB, upright citizens brigade 1 36 full true Improv Is For All Ages, Including Older Adults with Paula Dirkes Improv Is For All Ages, Including Older Adults with Paula Dirkes Paula Dirkes is an improvisational theater fan, actor, and facilitator based in metro Detroit, Michigan. She has spent over 20 years in the improv theater community as a performer and improv games leader. She is the owner and Chief Play Officer of Vintage Improvisation Detroit, which brings her love of improv games and older adults together through her unique brand of in-person life enrichment programming in senior living facilities and senior centers in metro Detroit since 2019.

In 2021, she created Senior Improv Games, which is designed specifically for improvisation actors, improv game leaders, improvisers, and activity leaders who want to earn an income and bring joy to the older adult population.

In this episode, Paula discusses the joys and challenges of providing improv experiences to seniors in different senior settings. (Paula does not call them workshops, she calls them experiences). Paula has found ways to navigate around these challenges, and she wants to help other improvisers not feel as intimidated to work with this population.

Improv is not just for the young. It's for all ages and abilities! Paula's mission is to make improv accessible and available to older adult populations wherever they gather, and it's so inspiring to hear her stories of how she is making that happen.


You can find out more about Paula here: 

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]]> Paula Dirkes is an improvisational theater fan, actor, and facilitator based in metro Detroit, Michigan. She has spent over 20 years in the improv theater community as a performer and improv games leader. She is the owner and Chief Play Officer of Vintage Improvisation Detroit, which brings her love of improv games and older adults together through her unique brand of in-person life enrichment programming in senior living facilities and senior centers in metro Detroit since 2019.

In 2021, she created Senior Improv Games, which is designed specifically for improvisation actors, improv game leaders, improvisers, and activity leaders who want to earn an income and bring joy to the older adult population.

In this episode, Paula discusses the joys and challenges of providing improv experiences to seniors in different senior settings. (Paula does not call them workshops, she calls them experiences). Paula has found ways to navigate around these challenges, and she wants to help other improvisers not feel as intimidated to work with this population.

Improv is not just for the young. It's for all ages and abilities! Paula's mission is to make improv accessible and available to older adult populations wherever they gather, and it's so inspiring to hear her stories of how she is making that happen.


You can find out more about Paula here: 

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-15098355 Sat, 25 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700 7540 improv, applied improv, older adults, seniors, senior population, older adult population, improvisation, senior facilities 1 35 full false Access the Issue and Push It Out of the Tissue with Susan Bartley Access the Issue and Push It Out of the Tissue with Susan Bartley I promise the episode title will make more sense once you listen to the episode. :)

It's amazing all that can happen in a year! My bestie Susan Bartley joins the podcast again for a part 2 episode to give some updates about all that happened in her business in 2023.

In the first episode, which was released in April 2023, Susan shared all about her pole journey and why and how she got into pole fitness in the first place. In this part 2 episode, Susan tells us about her new pole studio called Studieaux Heaux! Yes, that's right — Susan now has a brick and mortar pole fitness and aerial sports studio in Columbia, SC! It was always her goal to own a studio, but she thought it would take a few more years to reach that point.  However, the opportunity presented itself in 2023, and Susan knew she had to take it!

We talk all about the new studieaux and also about Be Activated, which is a technique that can help reset the nervous system and correct dysfunctional breathing and movement patterns to decrease injury risk and chronic pain.  Susan has been using the Be Activated principles for over 5 years to prevent injuries and stay grounded. She has recently developed a workshop around incorporating the Be Activated principles into Pole practice. The workshop is called Activate Your Pole. She has also added Be Activated techniques into the warm-up routines at Studieaux Heaux.

This episode has lots of giggling and a little bit of everything else — including Susan calling Dayna out for being a perfectionist (which she's right...for now at least).

You can find out more about Susan here:

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]]> I promise the episode title will make more sense once you listen to the episode. :)

It's amazing all that can happen in a year! My bestie Susan Bartley joins the podcast again for a part 2 episode to give some updates about all that happened in her business in 2023.

In the first episode, which was released in April 2023, Susan shared all about her pole journey and why and how she got into pole fitness in the first place. In this part 2 episode, Susan tells us about her new pole studio called Studieaux Heaux! Yes, that's right — Susan now has a brick and mortar pole fitness and aerial sports studio in Columbia, SC! It was always her goal to own a studio, but she thought it would take a few more years to reach that point.  However, the opportunity presented itself in 2023, and Susan knew she had to take it!

We talk all about the new studieaux and also about Be Activated, which is a technique that can help reset the nervous system and correct dysfunctional breathing and movement patterns to decrease injury risk and chronic pain.  Susan has been using the Be Activated principles for over 5 years to prevent injuries and stay grounded. She has recently developed a workshop around incorporating the Be Activated principles into Pole practice. The workshop is called Activate Your Pole. She has also added Be Activated techniques into the warm-up routines at Studieaux Heaux.

This episode has lots of giggling and a little bit of everything else — including Susan calling Dayna out for being a perfectionist (which she's right...for now at least).

You can find out more about Susan here:

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-15001686 Thu, 09 May 2024 04:00:00 -0700 5954 improv, improvisation, be activated, pole fitness, pole dance, pole sports, aerial fitness, aerial sports, business owner, entrepreneur 1 34 full true Improv-ing Your Video Presence and Performance with Chris Bogue Improv-ing Your Video Presence and Performance with Chris Bogue Chris Bogue is based in Chicago, and he coaches people to get on camera and create mercifully short video content for business. He is also a long-time improviser, sketch comedy writer, improv trainer and host of the podcast Chris Sells His Soul.

In this episode, Chris shares about his improv and sketch comedy journey and how it led him to creating short (mercifully short) video content on all social media platforms, with a special focus on LinkedIn.  Yes, Chris even uses humor and comedy in his LinkedIn videos, which is a nice break from the serious and pretentious type of business posts you might be accustomed to seeing on LinkedIn. 

Dayna asks Chris to put his video coaching hat on and answer ALL her questions about video creation and coming up with content. Dayna admits that she struggles with making videos, and Chris provides some super helpful pro tips and tricks to make the video process easier. (Look out, world! That means that Dayna will be using these tips to create more Pod Mom videos...stay tuned!)

If you have wanted to improve your video presence, revamp your video content, or get over your fear of making videos, this episode is for you! You will feel motivated and inspired to create some new video content that can help you develop your brand and ultimately lead to more sales and clients! 

You can find out more about Chris Bogue here: 

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]]> Chris Bogue is based in Chicago, and he coaches people to get on camera and create mercifully short video content for business. He is also a long-time improviser, sketch comedy writer, improv trainer and host of the podcast Chris Sells His Soul.

In this episode, Chris shares about his improv and sketch comedy journey and how it led him to creating short (mercifully short) video content on all social media platforms, with a special focus on LinkedIn.  Yes, Chris even uses humor and comedy in his LinkedIn videos, which is a nice break from the serious and pretentious type of business posts you might be accustomed to seeing on LinkedIn. 

Dayna asks Chris to put his video coaching hat on and answer ALL her questions about video creation and coming up with content. Dayna admits that she struggles with making videos, and Chris provides some super helpful pro tips and tricks to make the video process easier. (Look out, world! That means that Dayna will be using these tips to create more Pod Mom videos...stay tuned!)

If you have wanted to improve your video presence, revamp your video content, or get over your fear of making videos, this episode is for you! You will feel motivated and inspired to create some new video content that can help you develop your brand and ultimately lead to more sales and clients! 

You can find out more about Chris Bogue here: 

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]]> Buzzsprout-14913563 Tue, 23 Apr 2024 04:00:00 -0700 6825 improv, public speaking, video creation, video content, video sales, building your brand, humor, comedy, LinkedIn, sketch comedy 1 33 full true From Trails to Tales: Embracing Nature, Health, and the Improv Life with Dr. Jay Maddock From Trails to Tales: Embracing Nature, Health, and the Improv Life with Dr. Jay Maddock Jay Maddock, PhD, is based in College Station, Texas, where he is a Regents Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. He is also the Director of the Center for Health & Nature and serves on the Brazos County Board of Health.

In this episode, Jay shares all about his public speaking experience — from teaching college students to presenting at large conferences in front of public health and non-public health audiences. Jay loves storytelling and uses stories to help his classes, lectures, and presentations be more memorable. He also looks at speaking and teaching as a performance that he can make engaging and interactive.

Jay also shares fascinating research about nature and how beneficial nature is to our lives. Both "nearby nature" and "big nature" can have a profound effect on our mood, attention, and well-being, if we choose to get outside more and experience all that nature has to offer.
 
Dr.  Maddock is a true delight to talk to and listen to. He is so passionate and excited about all that he does! He is a lifelong learner and embraces the improvisational approach to life (aka improv life) as he says that his "entire life is a yes, and."

P.S. This episode title was generated by AI, which is something we discuss at the end of this episode.

You can find out more about Dr. Maddock here:

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]]> Jay Maddock, PhD, is based in College Station, Texas, where he is a Regents Professor in the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health at the School of Public Health at Texas A&M University. He is also the Director of the Center for Health & Nature and serves on the Brazos County Board of Health.

In this episode, Jay shares all about his public speaking experience — from teaching college students to presenting at large conferences in front of public health and non-public health audiences. Jay loves storytelling and uses stories to help his classes, lectures, and presentations be more memorable. He also looks at speaking and teaching as a performance that he can make engaging and interactive.

Jay also shares fascinating research about nature and how beneficial nature is to our lives. Both "nearby nature" and "big nature" can have a profound effect on our mood, attention, and well-being, if we choose to get outside more and experience all that nature has to offer.
 
Dr.  Maddock is a true delight to talk to and listen to. He is so passionate and excited about all that he does! He is a lifelong learner and embraces the improvisational approach to life (aka improv life) as he says that his "entire life is a yes, and."

P.S. This episode title was generated by AI, which is something we discuss at the end of this episode.

You can find out more about Dr. Maddock here:

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]]> Buzzsprout-14784874 Sat, 30 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700 5192 public speaking, improv, communication, presentations, speeches, storytelling, public health, behavior change, nature, health, wellbeing, built environment 1 32 full false The Mysterious Notebook of Goals and Creativity with Dr. Jana Hirsch The Mysterious Notebook of Goals and Creativity with Dr. Jana Hirsch What would you do if you received a notebook from your local Buy Nothing Group that you thought was empty, but then later you noticed that it had a list of goals written in it? Would you tear out the pages and start with a fresh, clean notebook? Or would you take the list of goals on as your own?

If you said you would tear out the pages and start fresh, you aren't alone. I would totally do the same thing, and I assume many others would too. However, special guest Jana Hirsch decided to take the goals on as her own last year in 2023, and she came on the podcast to talk about it! 

Jana Hirsch, Ph.D., is an an Associate Research Professor in the Urban Health Collaborative and Department of Epidemiology at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health. Their research aims to understand the way neighborhoods shape health behaviors and disparities. Jana is also an improviser and urbanophile based out of San Francisco, CA (and yes, they explain what an urbanophile is in the episode).

We talk all about public health, public speaking, running, improv, and the story of this mysterious notebook. You may think Jana is crazy for taking on someone else's goals, but the lessons she learns and takeaways she forms are so powerful! You don't want to miss this episode - it is such a wild and fun story!  


You can find out more about Jana here:

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]]> What would you do if you received a notebook from your local Buy Nothing Group that you thought was empty, but then later you noticed that it had a list of goals written in it? Would you tear out the pages and start with a fresh, clean notebook? Or would you take the list of goals on as your own?

If you said you would tear out the pages and start fresh, you aren't alone. I would totally do the same thing, and I assume many others would too. However, special guest Jana Hirsch decided to take the goals on as her own last year in 2023, and she came on the podcast to talk about it! 

Jana Hirsch, Ph.D., is an an Associate Research Professor in the Urban Health Collaborative and Department of Epidemiology at the Drexel University Dornsife School of Public Health. Their research aims to understand the way neighborhoods shape health behaviors and disparities. Jana is also an improviser and urbanophile based out of San Francisco, CA (and yes, they explain what an urbanophile is in the episode).

We talk all about public health, public speaking, running, improv, and the story of this mysterious notebook. You may think Jana is crazy for taking on someone else's goals, but the lessons she learns and takeaways she forms are so powerful! You don't want to miss this episode - it is such a wild and fun story!  


You can find out more about Jana here:

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]]> Buzzsprout-14681818 Fri, 15 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0700 6446 improv, public health, public speaking, goals, creativity, community, neighborhoods, running, journaling, goal setting, achieving goals 1 31 full true Become a World Champion Speaker with Ramona J. Smith Become a World Champion Speaker with Ramona J. Smith Ramona J. Smith is a dynamic international speaker who holds the prestigious title of the 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking. She is based out of Houston, Texas, and she is on a mission to inspire, connect and transform lives globally using the power of words (and she's really great at it too)!

In this episode, Ramona shares her journey to winning the World Champion title, and she also talks about what life was like pre- and post title. She also reveals that there was an unexpected, improvised moment during her World Champion Contest speech titled "Still Standing."

Ramona coaches Toastmasters speakers who are competing in the speech contests, and she also helps speakers outside the Toastmasters world become more authentic and genuine on stage. She graciously puts her coaching hat on for most of this episode and gives very helpful tips and suggestions for improving your presentations and speeches. 

While the World Champion of Public Speaking Contest happens once a year with one person winning the title, you can be a World Champion Speaker on every stage that you step on. They key is to practice, practice, and practice some more, and also continue to grow and try new things, even when you're nervous and scared. 


You can find out more about Ramona here: 


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]]> Ramona J. Smith is a dynamic international speaker who holds the prestigious title of the 2018 World Champion of Public Speaking. She is based out of Houston, Texas, and she is on a mission to inspire, connect and transform lives globally using the power of words (and she's really great at it too)!

In this episode, Ramona shares her journey to winning the World Champion title, and she also talks about what life was like pre- and post title. She also reveals that there was an unexpected, improvised moment during her World Champion Contest speech titled "Still Standing."

Ramona coaches Toastmasters speakers who are competing in the speech contests, and she also helps speakers outside the Toastmasters world become more authentic and genuine on stage. She graciously puts her coaching hat on for most of this episode and gives very helpful tips and suggestions for improving your presentations and speeches. 

While the World Champion of Public Speaking Contest happens once a year with one person winning the title, you can be a World Champion Speaker on every stage that you step on. They key is to practice, practice, and practice some more, and also continue to grow and try new things, even when you're nervous and scared. 


You can find out more about Ramona here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-14591992 Fri, 01 Mar 2024 04:00:00 -0800 5384 public speaking, improv, world champion of public speaking, toastmasters, toastmasters international, communication, presentations, speeches, authenticity 1 30 full false Bringing Your Authentic Self to the Stage with Neil Curran Bringing Your Authentic Self to the Stage with Neil Curran Our first international guest, Neil Curran, joins the podcast all the way from Dublin, Ireland! Neil is a professional improviser and communications and teams expert who has performed in shows and festivals all over the world. His signature show - Neil+1 - brings an audience member up to the stage to perform the improv show with him! (Would you be up for that as an audience member??)

When he's not on stage as an improviser, Neil facilitates interactive corporate trainings about authentic speaking and presenting, conscious communicating and influencing, storytelling in business, creativity and innovation, and much more! 

This is a podcast of platitudes, as Neil points out throughout the episode. Both improv and public speaking trainings are riddled with platitudes, like make your scene partner look good, don't try to be funny, and be more authentic on stage, but what do all these overly used statements mean?  

In this episode, Neil dives deeper beyond the surface level of these platitudes and explains what they mean in more context for performers and speakers. He also shares how he helps presenters become more confident at speaking as their authentic selves and not relying so heavily on the presentation slides. 

Neil's passion for improv and teaching/facilitating is infectious! You can tell that he loves what he does, and he loves sharing the joy of improv with others...even the unsuspecting audience members who come to watch his shows only to then become the +1 part of the show. 

You can find out more about Neil here:

  1. Website - https://www.lowerthetone.com/
  2. IG - @improvneil - https://www.instagram.com/improvneil/
  3. Twitter - @improvneil - https://twitter.com/ImprovNeil
  4. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neilplus1/
  5. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curranneil/
  6. Improv Fest Ireland - https://improvfestireland.com/
  7. Camp Improv Utopia - https://improvutopia.org/

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]]> Our first international guest, Neil Curran, joins the podcast all the way from Dublin, Ireland! Neil is a professional improviser and communications and teams expert who has performed in shows and festivals all over the world. His signature show - Neil+1 - brings an audience member up to the stage to perform the improv show with him! (Would you be up for that as an audience member??)

When he's not on stage as an improviser, Neil facilitates interactive corporate trainings about authentic speaking and presenting, conscious communicating and influencing, storytelling in business, creativity and innovation, and much more! 

This is a podcast of platitudes, as Neil points out throughout the episode. Both improv and public speaking trainings are riddled with platitudes, like make your scene partner look good, don't try to be funny, and be more authentic on stage, but what do all these overly used statements mean?  

In this episode, Neil dives deeper beyond the surface level of these platitudes and explains what they mean in more context for performers and speakers. He also shares how he helps presenters become more confident at speaking as their authentic selves and not relying so heavily on the presentation slides. 

Neil's passion for improv and teaching/facilitating is infectious! You can tell that he loves what he does, and he loves sharing the joy of improv with others...even the unsuspecting audience members who come to watch his shows only to then become the +1 part of the show. 

You can find out more about Neil here:

  1. Website - https://www.lowerthetone.com/
  2. IG - @improvneil - https://www.instagram.com/improvneil/
  3. Twitter - @improvneil - https://twitter.com/ImprovNeil
  4. Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/neilplus1/
  5. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/curranneil/
  6. Improv Fest Ireland - https://improvfestireland.com/
  7. Camp Improv Utopia - https://improvutopia.org/

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]]> Buzzsprout-14523280 Thu, 22 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0800 6196 improv, applied improv, public speaking, improvly speaking, authenticity, authentic speaker, being authentic on stage, speaking off the cuff, impromptu speaking, extemporaneous speaking, nervous speaker 1 29 full false Takeaways From Musical Improv That Can Boost Your Public Speaking Skills Takeaways From Musical Improv That Can Boost Your Public Speaking Skills The previous episode with Ashley Ward talks all about her journey into the musical improv world and why she loves teaching musical improv classes. This solo episode highlights my experience over the past year with musical improv, why I took musical improv in the first place, and how it's helped me with my public speaking skills and stage presence. 

In this episode, I share with you three takeaways (and maybe a bonus takeaway) from a year of musical improv experience that can also apply to your public speaking skills. We are always "on stage," whether at work or in our personal lives. Being able to deliver our messages and points well, even when put on the spot, is a gamechanger! 

I say this a few times in the episode, but you of course don't have to take musical improv classes to be a good speaker. Try out these takeaways when delivering your next speech or presentation and see how they help you. Give some breathing and vocal warm-ups a try to see how they strengthen your voice. Keep going, growing, and glowing in your public speaking journey so that you become the best speaker that you've always wanted to be! 

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]]> The previous episode with Ashley Ward talks all about her journey into the musical improv world and why she loves teaching musical improv classes. This solo episode highlights my experience over the past year with musical improv, why I took musical improv in the first place, and how it's helped me with my public speaking skills and stage presence. 

In this episode, I share with you three takeaways (and maybe a bonus takeaway) from a year of musical improv experience that can also apply to your public speaking skills. We are always "on stage," whether at work or in our personal lives. Being able to deliver our messages and points well, even when put on the spot, is a gamechanger! 

I say this a few times in the episode, but you of course don't have to take musical improv classes to be a good speaker. Try out these takeaways when delivering your next speech or presentation and see how they help you. Give some breathing and vocal warm-ups a try to see how they strengthen your voice. Keep going, growing, and glowing in your public speaking journey so that you become the best speaker that you've always wanted to be! 

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

Support the show

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]]> Buzzsprout-14423410 Fri, 02 Feb 2024 04:00:00 -0800 3404 improv, musical improv, improvisation, public speaking, voice, speech delivery, confidence, fun 1 28 full false Improvly Singing and Trying Hard Things with Ashley Ward Improvly Singing and Trying Hard Things with Ashley Ward Ashley Ward is an improviser, actor, writer, snack lover, and singer who has performed everywhere from the Kennedy Center to The Sydney Opera House. She can be seen on Dropout TV’s Play It By Ear and in Hello Jack! The Kindness Show on Apple+ as Delivery Delores. She is also a Jeopardy champion (and yes, we talk about that in the interview!).

In this episode, Ashley shares her improv journey of how she got started in improv and then shortly after musical improv. Even though Ashley had a musical theatre background, she was still very nervous starting out in musical improv.  Once she got into it though, she enjoyed the world of musical improv where she could play any character and sing any kind of song that came up.

Ashley now teaches a ton of musical improv classes and enjoys seeing people learn the structure and form and discover that they can do hard things. Improv in general requires a lot of focus and attention to be present in the scene, and musical improv requires double or triple that focus. There are a lot of plates spinning in a musical improv scene, but it can still all come together to create magical and fun scenes, songs, and shows. 

You may be elated or disappointed by this, but there is actually no improvly singing in this episode. However, there's a whole lot of talking about it, which is super fun as well. Musical improv can help level up your improv skills, stage presence, and public speaking. Also, musical improv is just an overall good time because there's music involved!

Fair warning - give this episode a listen, and you may find yourself signing up for the next musical improv class in your area!

You can learn more about Ashley Ward here: 

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]]> Ashley Ward is an improviser, actor, writer, snack lover, and singer who has performed everywhere from the Kennedy Center to The Sydney Opera House. She can be seen on Dropout TV’s Play It By Ear and in Hello Jack! The Kindness Show on Apple+ as Delivery Delores. She is also a Jeopardy champion (and yes, we talk about that in the interview!).

In this episode, Ashley shares her improv journey of how she got started in improv and then shortly after musical improv. Even though Ashley had a musical theatre background, she was still very nervous starting out in musical improv.  Once she got into it though, she enjoyed the world of musical improv where she could play any character and sing any kind of song that came up.

Ashley now teaches a ton of musical improv classes and enjoys seeing people learn the structure and form and discover that they can do hard things. Improv in general requires a lot of focus and attention to be present in the scene, and musical improv requires double or triple that focus. There are a lot of plates spinning in a musical improv scene, but it can still all come together to create magical and fun scenes, songs, and shows. 

You may be elated or disappointed by this, but there is actually no improvly singing in this episode. However, there's a whole lot of talking about it, which is super fun as well. Musical improv can help level up your improv skills, stage presence, and public speaking. Also, musical improv is just an overall good time because there's music involved!

Fair warning - give this episode a listen, and you may find yourself signing up for the next musical improv class in your area!

You can learn more about Ashley Ward here: 

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-14377344 Fri, 26 Jan 2024 04:00:00 -0800 5663 improv, musical improv, improvisation, musical improv classes, singing, performance, stage performance, nerves, public speaking, creativity, yes and 1 27 full false Living a "Yes, And..." Life in a "Yeah, But" World with Joe Van Haecke Living a "Yes, And..." Life in a "Yeah, But" World with Joe Van Haecke Joe Van Haecke is based in Des Moines, Iowa, and he has been performing and coaching improvisation for over 20 years! He is the Chief of Inspiration for his company Inspire Me Mr V, which provides improv-inspired life coaching to help people start living a "Yes, and…" life in a "Yeah, but" world. (hence the title of this episode)

In this episode, Joe shares how he got his start in the improv world and how much it has helped him in the past 20 years. Joe is taking a unique approach to improv by infusing it into his life coaching sessions. We discuss how Joe handles that with his life coaching clients, and we even demo an exercise that leads to Dayna taking a few clown bows throughout the demo.

Joe is an applied improv facilitator who helps attendees become better active listeners, idea supporters, risk takers, and stronger leaders. Joe also coaches high school students in their improv competitions, which always brings up fun discoveries for both the students and him! 

Joe is a bundle of fun energy, and he brings joy and smiles everywhere he goes! This episode will leave you excited about improv and motivated to keep  going in your own improv journey.  And best of all, it will encourage you to live your best "Yes, And..." life in a "Yeah, but" world!

You can find out more about Joe here: 


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]]> Joe Van Haecke is based in Des Moines, Iowa, and he has been performing and coaching improvisation for over 20 years! He is the Chief of Inspiration for his company Inspire Me Mr V, which provides improv-inspired life coaching to help people start living a "Yes, and…" life in a "Yeah, but" world. (hence the title of this episode)

In this episode, Joe shares how he got his start in the improv world and how much it has helped him in the past 20 years. Joe is taking a unique approach to improv by infusing it into his life coaching sessions. We discuss how Joe handles that with his life coaching clients, and we even demo an exercise that leads to Dayna taking a few clown bows throughout the demo.

Joe is an applied improv facilitator who helps attendees become better active listeners, idea supporters, risk takers, and stronger leaders. Joe also coaches high school students in their improv competitions, which always brings up fun discoveries for both the students and him! 

Joe is a bundle of fun energy, and he brings joy and smiles everywhere he goes! This episode will leave you excited about improv and motivated to keep  going in your own improv journey.  And best of all, it will encourage you to live your best "Yes, And..." life in a "Yeah, but" world!

You can find out more about Joe here: 


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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-14235222 Fri, 12 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0800 5809 improv, applied improv, life coaching, public speaking, creativity, high school improv, yes and 1 26 full false Letting Go of My Need for Alcohol, Thanks to Improv and Conquering My Fear of Public Speaking Letting Go of My Need for Alcohol, Thanks to Improv and Conquering My Fear of Public Speaking One day, my solo episodes won't be considered special solo episodes because I will do them more and will be putting out more solo episodes than just 2-3 times a year. For now though, here is another special solo episode about my experience with alcohol and how I feel like I don't need it much anymore. 

Thanks to improv and overcoming my fear of public speaking, I am not nervous anymore to go up on stage or be put "on the spot" in a social situation. In fact, I thrive in it now! I used to think I needed alcohol to get me through networking events, social situations, and even performing in improv shows. In my mind, I needed alcohol to make me a more exciting, lively, fun, and lovable person. Now I realize I can be that exciting, lively, fun, lovable person all on my own - without the use of alcohol or other substances. 

In this episode, I share some examples of times where I used alcohol to get me through a grad school presentation and  improv show, and (spoiler alert) alcohol didn't help or make the performance better. In fact, it put me in my head more and heightened my nerves because I am not using other tools - like breathing or meditation/mindfulness - to calm the nerves. 

It's taken me a while to get to this realization, but I am proud that I have come to it now. I recorded this one on a whim after a lovely night of hanging out with my improv team and not needing a single drop of alcohol to have a great time.  

Hope you find it helpful! Feel free to reach out if anything resonates about this topic. 😊

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]]> One day, my solo episodes won't be considered special solo episodes because I will do them more and will be putting out more solo episodes than just 2-3 times a year. For now though, here is another special solo episode about my experience with alcohol and how I feel like I don't need it much anymore. 

Thanks to improv and overcoming my fear of public speaking, I am not nervous anymore to go up on stage or be put "on the spot" in a social situation. In fact, I thrive in it now! I used to think I needed alcohol to get me through networking events, social situations, and even performing in improv shows. In my mind, I needed alcohol to make me a more exciting, lively, fun, and lovable person. Now I realize I can be that exciting, lively, fun, lovable person all on my own - without the use of alcohol or other substances. 

In this episode, I share some examples of times where I used alcohol to get me through a grad school presentation and  improv show, and (spoiler alert) alcohol didn't help or make the performance better. In fact, it put me in my head more and heightened my nerves because I am not using other tools - like breathing or meditation/mindfulness - to calm the nerves. 

It's taken me a while to get to this realization, but I am proud that I have come to it now. I recorded this one on a whim after a lovely night of hanging out with my improv team and not needing a single drop of alcohol to have a great time.  

Hope you find it helpful! Feel free to reach out if anything resonates about this topic. 😊

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-14120994 Mon, 18 Dec 2023 04:00:00 -0800 2673 Alcohol, improv, improvisation, public speaking, no more drinking 1 25 full false Consistency in Comedy and Creativity with Fernando Funes Consistency in Comedy and Creativity with Fernando Funes Fernando Funes is a poet, writer, improviser, and performer in the Los Angeles/Orange County, CA area. He has performed in hundreds of shows in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Oakland, and even Brazil! Fernando loves to bring people of all backgrounds together, and lately, he has been producing a ton of local improv shows in the Southern California area. At this point in 2023, he is producing multiple shows a month around the LA area! 

In this episode, Fernando discusses showing up and putting in the work to be successful in comedy and in pursuing your dreams in general. Many times, people want to hit the easy button and get discouraged when their dreams don't come to fruition quickly. Fernando has been on this comedy and creativity journey for 14 years now, and he has had many ups and downs. However, he continues to show up, put in the work, learn, and grow, and he is seeing both artistic success and commercial success with his improv shows and poems.

Fernando writes a poem a day, and he shares why he started doing the poem-a-day journey six years ago. Some days he doesn't love the poems he writes, but he still posts them anyway. He has learned that not all poems are going to be homeruns, but in order to have a homerun poem, he has to show up and put it out there. The more he does poem writing and comedy, the more he learns, and the better he gets. 

Be prepared to take notes, whether written or mental notes, because Fernando is full of so many helpful tips and quotes in this episode! Keep showing up and continuing to learn and grow - the best is yet to come for you! As Fernando says in the episode, "If you show up, magic will happen." 

You can find out more about Fernando here: 

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]]> Fernando Funes is a poet, writer, improviser, and performer in the Los Angeles/Orange County, CA area. He has performed in hundreds of shows in Los Angeles, Orange County, San Francisco, Oakland, and even Brazil! Fernando loves to bring people of all backgrounds together, and lately, he has been producing a ton of local improv shows in the Southern California area. At this point in 2023, he is producing multiple shows a month around the LA area! 

In this episode, Fernando discusses showing up and putting in the work to be successful in comedy and in pursuing your dreams in general. Many times, people want to hit the easy button and get discouraged when their dreams don't come to fruition quickly. Fernando has been on this comedy and creativity journey for 14 years now, and he has had many ups and downs. However, he continues to show up, put in the work, learn, and grow, and he is seeing both artistic success and commercial success with his improv shows and poems.

Fernando writes a poem a day, and he shares why he started doing the poem-a-day journey six years ago. Some days he doesn't love the poems he writes, but he still posts them anyway. He has learned that not all poems are going to be homeruns, but in order to have a homerun poem, he has to show up and put it out there. The more he does poem writing and comedy, the more he learns, and the better he gets. 

Be prepared to take notes, whether written or mental notes, because Fernando is full of so many helpful tips and quotes in this episode! Keep showing up and continuing to learn and grow - the best is yet to come for you! As Fernando says in the episode, "If you show up, magic will happen." 

You can find out more about Fernando here: 

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]]> Buzzsprout-14053128 Thu, 30 Nov 2023 04:00:00 -0800 6787 improv, improvisation, comedy, writing, poem writing, comedy writing, poetry writing, creativity, consistency 1 24 full true Elevate Your Sonic Branding and Flex Your Creative Thinking with Shantel Sole' (aka The Jingle Lady) Elevate Your Sonic Branding and Flex Your Creative Thinking with Shantel Sole' (aka The Jingle Lady) Have you listened to a few episodes of this podcast and loved the jingle that plays before each episode? Maybe you have found that you can't help but dance and sway when this jingle kicks off an episode. (You're not alone!)

Shantel Sole' is based out of Atlanta, Georgia, and she joins this episode to discuss her journey as a singer, songwriter, and most recently business owner and jingle creator. Shantel is also known as The Jingle Lady, and she is the creator of the Improvly Speaking Podcast Jingle! (Have I mentioned that I am obsessed with my podcast jingle?)

Shantel shares how she got into the jingle and sonic branding business, she teaches us what sonic branding is, and she shares some tips on how to make your voice stronger. Shantel uses improvisation throughout her jingle creation process - from creating the beat, coming up with the words, to then putting it all together in the recording studio.

Shantel is very creative and uses a Yes, and... mindset in her daily life (even though she was unfamiliar with the term yes, and... until recording this episode). She is using her voice and creativity to build her business and help other brands boost their business through catchy jingles and sonic branding. "It's a beautiful story" as Shantel says in this episode talking about her business, and we couldn't agree more!

You'll leave this episode feeling inspired to say yes, and..., and flex your creative thinking, just like the jingle says! 😀


You can find out more about Shantel here: 

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]]> Have you listened to a few episodes of this podcast and loved the jingle that plays before each episode? Maybe you have found that you can't help but dance and sway when this jingle kicks off an episode. (You're not alone!)

Shantel Sole' is based out of Atlanta, Georgia, and she joins this episode to discuss her journey as a singer, songwriter, and most recently business owner and jingle creator. Shantel is also known as The Jingle Lady, and she is the creator of the Improvly Speaking Podcast Jingle! (Have I mentioned that I am obsessed with my podcast jingle?)

Shantel shares how she got into the jingle and sonic branding business, she teaches us what sonic branding is, and she shares some tips on how to make your voice stronger. Shantel uses improvisation throughout her jingle creation process - from creating the beat, coming up with the words, to then putting it all together in the recording studio.

Shantel is very creative and uses a Yes, and... mindset in her daily life (even though she was unfamiliar with the term yes, and... until recording this episode). She is using her voice and creativity to build her business and help other brands boost their business through catchy jingles and sonic branding. "It's a beautiful story" as Shantel says in this episode talking about her business, and we couldn't agree more!

You'll leave this episode feeling inspired to say yes, and..., and flex your creative thinking, just like the jingle says! 😀


You can find out more about Shantel here: 

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-13966875 Mon, 13 Nov 2023 19:00:00 -0800 5235 creativity, sonic branding, jingles, yes and, improv, improvisation, applied improv, building a business, songwriting, singing 1 23 full false Empowering Military Veterans with Healing and Resilience through Applied Improv with BJ Lange Empowering Military Veterans with Healing and Resilience through Applied Improv with BJ Lange Special guest BJ Lange shares how he supports military veterans by leading applied improv workshops and helping them learn important resilience skills as they navigate back into civilian life. BJ Lange is an actor (The Prank Panel, General Hospital, The Rookie), retired USAF Reserve medic, two-time testicular cancer survivor, and an alumni of iO West & Upright Citizens Brigade. He's also a teaching artist at The Geffen Playhouse and the applied improv comedy coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program as part of the resiliency programs.

During his applied improv workshops, BJ helps veterans and their caregivers learn listening and communication skills, problem solving skills, and thinking outside the box, just to name a few benefits. He also allows them the opportunity to be present in the moment, have fun, and forget about their problems and struggles for at least their time in the workshop.   

BJ joined the Air Force Reserve at age 35 because he wanted to serve his country, and it was always something he wanted to do. Service is a big core value for him. He says that helping others helps him to heal as well.   

BJ's energy, humor, and love of life is contagious. He calls himself a big goofball, and he even shares some stories of when he was an extreme goofball, which got him into trouble. He has had so many ups and downs, but he continues to show up and serve the military and veteran community, improv community, and everyone around him. His story and journey is incredibly inspiring!

You can find out more about BJ here:

Other improv resources mentioned in this episode: 

Other helpful resources mentioned: 


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]]> Special guest BJ Lange shares how he supports military veterans by leading applied improv workshops and helping them learn important resilience skills as they navigate back into civilian life. BJ Lange is an actor (The Prank Panel, General Hospital, The Rookie), retired USAF Reserve medic, two-time testicular cancer survivor, and an alumni of iO West & Upright Citizens Brigade. He's also a teaching artist at The Geffen Playhouse and the applied improv comedy coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program as part of the resiliency programs.

During his applied improv workshops, BJ helps veterans and their caregivers learn listening and communication skills, problem solving skills, and thinking outside the box, just to name a few benefits. He also allows them the opportunity to be present in the moment, have fun, and forget about their problems and struggles for at least their time in the workshop.   

BJ joined the Air Force Reserve at age 35 because he wanted to serve his country, and it was always something he wanted to do. Service is a big core value for him. He says that helping others helps him to heal as well.   

BJ's energy, humor, and love of life is contagious. He calls himself a big goofball, and he even shares some stories of when he was an extreme goofball, which got him into trouble. He has had so many ups and downs, but he continues to show up and serve the military and veteran community, improv community, and everyone around him. His story and journey is incredibly inspiring!

You can find out more about BJ here:

Other improv resources mentioned in this episode: 

Other helpful resources mentioned: 


Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-13754561 Fri, 13 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0700 6871 applied improvisation, improvisation, improv, military veterans, air force wounded warrior program, resilience, healing, arts and healing, service 1 22 full true Clownly Speaking: From Clown Presence to Authentic Stage Presence with Don Colliver Clownly Speaking: From Clown Presence to Authentic Stage Presence with Don Colliver Don Colliver is a speaker, communications consultant, comedian, improviser, and clown. His public speaking workshops have helped transform hundreds of nervous speakers into more joyful and effective communicators. He recently released the bestselling book entitled Wink: Transforming Public Speaking with Clown Presence.  

In this episode, Don shares his improv and clown journey and how clown presence can help you be more authentic on stage and better connect with your audience. We also discuss how you can easily incorporate humor in presentations, even the most technical and jargon-filled presentations. Dayna even shares her very limited experience with clowning and how it's helped her be more aware of her physicality on stage. 

In August 2023, Don led a workshop at the Toastmasters International Convention called "No Joke: Engaging Your Audience Like A Clown (Not the Creepy Kind)." We recorded this episode before the Convention, and he shares some insight on his preparation for that workshop and how he was planning to pull off some of his staged jokes/bits. 

We're not clowning around in this episode! (Couldn't resist saying that...) Some may think of clowns as scary and creepy, but this episode is anything but that. It's full of fun and passion for making public speaking and presentations more engaging and exciting! Check this episode out if you're looking for some fresh ideas and tips on how to improve your presence on stage!


You can learn more about Don here:

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]]> Don Colliver is a speaker, communications consultant, comedian, improviser, and clown. His public speaking workshops have helped transform hundreds of nervous speakers into more joyful and effective communicators. He recently released the bestselling book entitled Wink: Transforming Public Speaking with Clown Presence.  

In this episode, Don shares his improv and clown journey and how clown presence can help you be more authentic on stage and better connect with your audience. We also discuss how you can easily incorporate humor in presentations, even the most technical and jargon-filled presentations. Dayna even shares her very limited experience with clowning and how it's helped her be more aware of her physicality on stage. 

In August 2023, Don led a workshop at the Toastmasters International Convention called "No Joke: Engaging Your Audience Like A Clown (Not the Creepy Kind)." We recorded this episode before the Convention, and he shares some insight on his preparation for that workshop and how he was planning to pull off some of his staged jokes/bits. 

We're not clowning around in this episode! (Couldn't resist saying that...) Some may think of clowns as scary and creepy, but this episode is anything but that. It's full of fun and passion for making public speaking and presentations more engaging and exciting! Check this episode out if you're looking for some fresh ideas and tips on how to improve your presence on stage!


You can learn more about Don here:

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-13538631 Fri, 08 Sep 2023 04:00:00 -0700 3804 clown, improv, clown presence, stage presence, authenticity, connection, audience, improvisation, public speaking, humor, communication, performance 1 21 full true Improv Saved My Life And Helped Me Get Sober with Erick Escalante Improv Saved My Life And Helped Me Get Sober with Erick Escalante Erick Escalante is an improviser and creative performer from San Diego, CA.  Erick took acting classes all throughout high school and college, but he tried his first official improv class in June 2021, when he decided to take a Level 1 class at Finest City Improv.

Before that, Erick was struggling with depression and addicted to getting high and/or drunk to numb himself from the emotions. He says he was "comfortable in the laziness of not wanting to live." When he started taking improv classes, he realized that being high during class wasn't helping him keep up with the scenes or stay present. He didn't feel like he was doing well in the classes and wanted to be a better improviser. By Level 4 class, he decided to quit drugs and alcohol cold turkey, and he has been sober ever since!

The improv community helped Erick to keep going with his sobriety and allowed him to be more sociable and creative and feel alive again. Making people laugh has become Erick's new dopamine hit and addiction. Erick has now been sober for more than a year and a half, and he credits improv for changing his life and saving his life.  

Erick has fully immersed himself in the improv world, which has opened up other opportunities for him to perform at San Diego Comic Con and be a Scare Actor at the Balboa Park Haunted Trails. During this episode, Erick shares all about these experiences and performances, which he never would have done or even tried if he was getting high all the time. 

Congratulations to Erick for doing the hard inner work and continuing to stay sober — every day sober is a day to celebrate! And improv was the catalyst for helping him make that positive change. I am proud of you, Erick, and we are all proud of you! <3 

You can find out more about Erick here: 


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]]> Erick Escalante is an improviser and creative performer from San Diego, CA.  Erick took acting classes all throughout high school and college, but he tried his first official improv class in June 2021, when he decided to take a Level 1 class at Finest City Improv.

Before that, Erick was struggling with depression and addicted to getting high and/or drunk to numb himself from the emotions. He says he was "comfortable in the laziness of not wanting to live." When he started taking improv classes, he realized that being high during class wasn't helping him keep up with the scenes or stay present. He didn't feel like he was doing well in the classes and wanted to be a better improviser. By Level 4 class, he decided to quit drugs and alcohol cold turkey, and he has been sober ever since!

The improv community helped Erick to keep going with his sobriety and allowed him to be more sociable and creative and feel alive again. Making people laugh has become Erick's new dopamine hit and addiction. Erick has now been sober for more than a year and a half, and he credits improv for changing his life and saving his life.  

Erick has fully immersed himself in the improv world, which has opened up other opportunities for him to perform at San Diego Comic Con and be a Scare Actor at the Balboa Park Haunted Trails. During this episode, Erick shares all about these experiences and performances, which he never would have done or even tried if he was getting high all the time. 

Congratulations to Erick for doing the hard inner work and continuing to stay sober — every day sober is a day to celebrate! And improv was the catalyst for helping him make that positive change. I am proud of you, Erick, and we are all proud of you! <3 

You can find out more about Erick here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-13468318 Fri, 25 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700 5826 improv, improvisation, improv classes, sobriety, lifechanging, storytelling, share your stories, sober 1 20 full true Becoming the World's Greatest Improviser with Will Hines Becoming the World's Greatest Improviser with Will Hines Will Hines is a longtime improv teacher and performer who trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in both New York and Los Angeles. In April 2020, he founded the World's Greatest Improv School (WGIS and can also be pronounced Weegis), which the name of the school was based on his best-selling book on improv called How to Be The Greatest Improviser on Earth.  

In this episode, Will shares his improv origin story of why he decided to start taking improv classes back in 1999, and he tells us why he decided to start WGIS in 2020. He also gives some helpful tips and advice for people starting out in improv and finding themselves very much in their heads.  

Although it wasn't his original intention, improv took over his life in the best way possible and has been a main part of his life for the past two decades at least. It's helped him be more creative and try lots of creative pursuits - like acting, doing stand-up, starting a band, hosting and guesting on tons of podcasts, writing and performing in sketches, and more creative pursuits to come.

Not many people would call themselves the World's Greatest Improviser, but Will is comedically pretentious enough to do it.  Now he's ambitiously training the next generations of performers to be the world's greatest improvisers as well! It's a good thing the world can have many greatest improvisers!


You can find out more about Will here: 


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]]> Will Hines is a longtime improv teacher and performer who trained at the Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre in both New York and Los Angeles. In April 2020, he founded the World's Greatest Improv School (WGIS and can also be pronounced Weegis), which the name of the school was based on his best-selling book on improv called How to Be The Greatest Improviser on Earth.  

In this episode, Will shares his improv origin story of why he decided to start taking improv classes back in 1999, and he tells us why he decided to start WGIS in 2020. He also gives some helpful tips and advice for people starting out in improv and finding themselves very much in their heads.  

Although it wasn't his original intention, improv took over his life in the best way possible and has been a main part of his life for the past two decades at least. It's helped him be more creative and try lots of creative pursuits - like acting, doing stand-up, starting a band, hosting and guesting on tons of podcasts, writing and performing in sketches, and more creative pursuits to come.

Not many people would call themselves the World's Greatest Improviser, but Will is comedically pretentious enough to do it.  Now he's ambitiously training the next generations of performers to be the world's greatest improvisers as well! It's a good thing the world can have many greatest improvisers!


You can find out more about Will here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-13426393 Fri, 18 Aug 2023 11:00:00 -0700 5468 improvisation, improv, comedy, creativity, improv school, performance 1 19 full true I Have Arrived at 35, and I'm Ready to Thrive! I Have Arrived at 35, and I'm Ready to Thrive! SPECIAL SOLO BIRTHDAY EPISODE -- I turned 35 in May 2023 (yay!), and I wanted to do a solo episode to highlight this special birthday milestone. Not only is it a mid-thirties milestone, but also this is the age that I always thought I would magically just become confident and love myself. I don't know why I had in my head that I should be confident and feel fully comfortable with myself by age 35, but that's how my 20's brain operated. 

I'm happy to report that I have turned out exactly how I thought I would be at the age of 35 - confident, embracing myself and who I am, and constantly growing and improving. However, I didn't magically become confident, like I thought back in my 20's. I actually worked really hard to gain and develop this confidence, and there was a lot of failing and struggling and questioning myself along the way. 

Have you ever thought there was a magical age for you where you would reach it all and become exactly who you wanted to be? 35 was that age for me, and I unpack my feelings about all that in this episode.  I've been on a 9-10-year journey of improving my public speaking skills, which helped me improve myself overall along the way, and I am so happy I embarked on that journey.  Age 35 would have looked much different if I didn't start that journey.

I am excited about this age now and where I am, and I look forward to seeing what comes next! Cheers, darling, to many more years of fun, adventure, and growth! 

Fair Warning: I rhyme 35 with arrive, thrive, and alive quite a bit in this episode! I couldn't resist... Don't say I didn't warn you. 

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]]> SPECIAL SOLO BIRTHDAY EPISODE -- I turned 35 in May 2023 (yay!), and I wanted to do a solo episode to highlight this special birthday milestone. Not only is it a mid-thirties milestone, but also this is the age that I always thought I would magically just become confident and love myself. I don't know why I had in my head that I should be confident and feel fully comfortable with myself by age 35, but that's how my 20's brain operated. 

I'm happy to report that I have turned out exactly how I thought I would be at the age of 35 - confident, embracing myself and who I am, and constantly growing and improving. However, I didn't magically become confident, like I thought back in my 20's. I actually worked really hard to gain and develop this confidence, and there was a lot of failing and struggling and questioning myself along the way. 

Have you ever thought there was a magical age for you where you would reach it all and become exactly who you wanted to be? 35 was that age for me, and I unpack my feelings about all that in this episode.  I've been on a 9-10-year journey of improving my public speaking skills, which helped me improve myself overall along the way, and I am so happy I embarked on that journey.  Age 35 would have looked much different if I didn't start that journey.

I am excited about this age now and where I am, and I look forward to seeing what comes next! Cheers, darling, to many more years of fun, adventure, and growth! 

Fair Warning: I rhyme 35 with arrive, thrive, and alive quite a bit in this episode! I couldn't resist... Don't say I didn't warn you. 

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]]> Buzzsprout-13354902 Fri, 11 Aug 2023 03:00:00 -0700 2767 public speaking, improv, self improvement, magical age, confidence, growth, birthday, birthday milestone 1 18 full false Saying Yes, and... to Adult Learning Best Practices with Dr. Carrie Graham Saying Yes, and... to Adult Learning Best Practices with Dr. Carrie Graham Have you ever sat through a presentation, conference session, or workplace training and thought, "Well, that's an hour of my life I won't get back!," after it's over? Chances are that the presenter or speaker didn't make the content applicable to you, didn't make it engaging to keep your attention, gave too much information that it was overwhelming, or didn't offer a chance for you to practice and apply the skills learned, among many other reasons. 

Dr. Carrie Graham is working to fix that so that your audience never becomes disengaged from your message again and your learning outcomes can soar! Carrie is based in Charlotte and is the owner of Carrie O. Graham Learning & Solutions, and she helps businesses improve learner engagement, information retention, and skill application by integrating adult learning best practices into their trainings.

What are adult learning best practices? Well, Carrie explains these best practices very well in this episode, but one principle to keep in mind is that adults learn best when they understand why this topic is important to their work or business. Adults bring many life experiences with them to these trainings, and they are more apt to learn new knowledge when it is demonstrated how this topic and training applies to their life experiences and work.

Also, there is the adult learning practice of skills application, which can create experiential learning. That is where applied improv comes in! Applied improvisation exercises allow participants to practice the related skills in a low-stakes environment and then reflect on how the skill, tool, and lesson learned can apply to and also help improve their work and personal life. 

In this episode, we discuss some very helpful adult learning practices that should be taken into account whenever presenting to a group of adults. Dayna even has some light bulb moments of her own that help her understand and relate it back to her own work as an applied improv facilitator. 

As Carrie states in the episode, "If you are in the business of educating people who are over 25 years old, you can benefit from adult learning best practices!" Check this episode out to come up with your own light bulb moments for your next presentations, workshops, and trainings! 


 You can learn more about Carrie and her work here: 

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]]> Have you ever sat through a presentation, conference session, or workplace training and thought, "Well, that's an hour of my life I won't get back!," after it's over? Chances are that the presenter or speaker didn't make the content applicable to you, didn't make it engaging to keep your attention, gave too much information that it was overwhelming, or didn't offer a chance for you to practice and apply the skills learned, among many other reasons. 

Dr. Carrie Graham is working to fix that so that your audience never becomes disengaged from your message again and your learning outcomes can soar! Carrie is based in Charlotte and is the owner of Carrie O. Graham Learning & Solutions, and she helps businesses improve learner engagement, information retention, and skill application by integrating adult learning best practices into their trainings.

What are adult learning best practices? Well, Carrie explains these best practices very well in this episode, but one principle to keep in mind is that adults learn best when they understand why this topic is important to their work or business. Adults bring many life experiences with them to these trainings, and they are more apt to learn new knowledge when it is demonstrated how this topic and training applies to their life experiences and work.

Also, there is the adult learning practice of skills application, which can create experiential learning. That is where applied improv comes in! Applied improvisation exercises allow participants to practice the related skills in a low-stakes environment and then reflect on how the skill, tool, and lesson learned can apply to and also help improve their work and personal life. 

In this episode, we discuss some very helpful adult learning practices that should be taken into account whenever presenting to a group of adults. Dayna even has some light bulb moments of her own that help her understand and relate it back to her own work as an applied improv facilitator. 

As Carrie states in the episode, "If you are in the business of educating people who are over 25 years old, you can benefit from adult learning best practices!" Check this episode out to come up with your own light bulb moments for your next presentations, workshops, and trainings! 


 You can learn more about Carrie and her work here: 

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]]> Buzzsprout-13256353 Thu, 20 Jul 2023 03:00:00 -0700 6562 applied improvisation, adult learning, learning and development, presentations, public speaking, conference speaker, adult learning practices, employee training 1 17 full false Using Applied Improvisation and Creative Play to Enhance Intellectual Humility, A Special Conference Debrief with Jesse Greenfield Using Applied Improvisation and Creative Play to Enhance Intellectual Humility, A Special Conference Debrief with Jesse Greenfield Jesse Greenfield is a health communicator, storyteller, and improviser from San Diego, California. Jesse started doing improv in college at Tufts University, and with eight years of experience as an improviser, Jesse now leads applied improv workshops for adults, youth, and the LGBTQIA+ community. 

In March 2023, Jesse and I co-presented together at the Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference, and in this episode, we debrief and chat about that experience. (Spoiler alert: It was an amazing experience!) The theme of the conference was "The Wisdom of Rethinking: Promoting & Practicing Intellectual Humility to Advance Health & Well-Being," and Jesse and I had the opportunity to present two breakout sessions and two activity sessions at the conference. 

In our breakout sessions, we presented the research about applied improvisation and how it can help enhance intellectual humility, communication, and resilience for health promotion professionals (and other professions as well). For our activity sessions, we facilitated improv exercises and games for participants to experience and practice the skills and discuss how these lessons learned apply to our professional and personal lives. 

We had a blast at the conference, and we are so appreciative of the opportunity to share more about the benefits of applied improvisation and creative play at the conference this year. Please enjoy this special debrief episode to hear all about how it went and what's on the horizon for us as facilitators and presenters. 

You can learn more about Jesse here:


You can learn more about the Art and Science of Health Promotion Conference here:

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]]> Jesse Greenfield is a health communicator, storyteller, and improviser from San Diego, California. Jesse started doing improv in college at Tufts University, and with eight years of experience as an improviser, Jesse now leads applied improv workshops for adults, youth, and the LGBTQIA+ community. 

In March 2023, Jesse and I co-presented together at the Art & Science of Health Promotion Conference, and in this episode, we debrief and chat about that experience. (Spoiler alert: It was an amazing experience!) The theme of the conference was "The Wisdom of Rethinking: Promoting & Practicing Intellectual Humility to Advance Health & Well-Being," and Jesse and I had the opportunity to present two breakout sessions and two activity sessions at the conference. 

In our breakout sessions, we presented the research about applied improvisation and how it can help enhance intellectual humility, communication, and resilience for health promotion professionals (and other professions as well). For our activity sessions, we facilitated improv exercises and games for participants to experience and practice the skills and discuss how these lessons learned apply to our professional and personal lives. 

We had a blast at the conference, and we are so appreciative of the opportunity to share more about the benefits of applied improvisation and creative play at the conference this year. Please enjoy this special debrief episode to hear all about how it went and what's on the horizon for us as facilitators and presenters. 

You can learn more about Jesse here:


You can learn more about the Art and Science of Health Promotion Conference here:

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]]> Buzzsprout-13149036 Thu, 06 Jul 2023 02:00:00 -0700 4992 improv, applied improv, creative play, humility, communication, resilience, conference speaker, conference 1 16 full false It Takes Hard Work And Flexibility to Wear the Crown, a conversation with Miss North Carolina Karolyn Martin It Takes Hard Work And Flexibility to Wear the Crown, a conversation with Miss North Carolina Karolyn Martin In June 2022, Karolyn Martin earned the job of Miss North Carolina, and she is currently serving as Miss North Carolina for the 2022-2023 year. In this episode, Karolyn shares her journey to becoming Miss North Carolina — why she decided to compete and how she focused, trained and prepared for the competitions during her college years.  

Karolyn opens up about her experience at the Miss America Competition in December 2022 and how she dealt with the ups and downs of winning and losing. We also discuss the impromptu questions that they are asked during the competitions. Dayna thought they had 90 seconds to answer these tough questions, but they only get 20 SECONDS!!! 

Karolyn is such a hard worker - whether it's volleyball, theatre, singing, or training to become Miss North Carolina. When she sets her mind on a goal/outcome she wants, she puts all her energy and focus into achieving that goal. Karolyn will be attending Law School at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in Fall 2023, and we all know she will give it her all in this next chapter of her life!

Even though Karolyn doesn't call herself an improviser, she improvises every day! As a state title holder, Karolyn attends many speaking engagements and is constantly in the spotlight.  She has to be prepared and know what she's going to say and also be flexible and ready for any unexpected question thrown her way. She is a great speaker and has a phenomenal stage presence. Even when she's thrown an unexpected question, she handles it like a champ! (She also has some good jokes up her sleeve when needed too!)

How do you handle impromptu questions? How do you handle the spotlight with all eyes on you? Check out this episode for some serious inspiration from Karolyn and be ready to hit the ground running on accomplishing your goals and dreams once you're done listening! 


You can learn more about Karolyn here: 


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]]> In June 2022, Karolyn Martin earned the job of Miss North Carolina, and she is currently serving as Miss North Carolina for the 2022-2023 year. In this episode, Karolyn shares her journey to becoming Miss North Carolina — why she decided to compete and how she focused, trained and prepared for the competitions during her college years.  

Karolyn opens up about her experience at the Miss America Competition in December 2022 and how she dealt with the ups and downs of winning and losing. We also discuss the impromptu questions that they are asked during the competitions. Dayna thought they had 90 seconds to answer these tough questions, but they only get 20 SECONDS!!! 

Karolyn is such a hard worker - whether it's volleyball, theatre, singing, or training to become Miss North Carolina. When she sets her mind on a goal/outcome she wants, she puts all her energy and focus into achieving that goal. Karolyn will be attending Law School at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill in Fall 2023, and we all know she will give it her all in this next chapter of her life!

Even though Karolyn doesn't call herself an improviser, she improvises every day! As a state title holder, Karolyn attends many speaking engagements and is constantly in the spotlight.  She has to be prepared and know what she's going to say and also be flexible and ready for any unexpected question thrown her way. She is a great speaker and has a phenomenal stage presence. Even when she's thrown an unexpected question, she handles it like a champ! (She also has some good jokes up her sleeve when needed too!)

How do you handle impromptu questions? How do you handle the spotlight with all eyes on you? Check out this episode for some serious inspiration from Karolyn and be ready to hit the ground running on accomplishing your goals and dreams once you're done listening! 


You can learn more about Karolyn here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-12833347 Wed, 24 May 2023 17:00:00 -0700 6392 miss america, competition, flexibility, public speaking, improvisation, stage presence 1 15 full false Approaching Improv (and Life) with Joy & Ease with Pam Victor Approaching Improv (and Life) with Joy & Ease with Pam Victor Pam Victor is  the Head of Happiness (aka founder and president) of Happier Valley Comedy, the first improv theater in Western Massachusetts. Pam is the co-author of Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book along with TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. Pam is also a TEDx Speaker, and she creates and facilitates applied improv workshops and currently a new series of workshops about wellness micro-habits. 

Pam has been improvising professionally since 2003. When she first started taking improv classes, she was OBSESSED! Actually, obsessed is an understatement — she was like improv cookie monster trying to get her fill of improv cookies (aka classes, shows and deep discussions and analysis about improv). Pam started writing a blog/series called "Geeking Out with..." in which she interviewed improvisation's biggest brains and talents, which ultimately led to her co-authoring the book with TJ and Dave. 

In this episode, Pam shares her 20+ year improv journey and talks about her experiment in 2014 when she gave herself one year to make a living doing what she loves — improv. Spoiler alert: She is the founder of Happier Valley Comedy Theater, so her experiment worked. We also discuss the thoughts and feelings that new improvisers can have as they start their improv journeys.

Pam has many core values that guide her in improv scenes/shows and in life - follow the joy and ease, be of service to the moment and your scene partner, and play more. (These are also some of the core values of her theater as well!) These core values are so inspiring for newbie and experienced improvisers - and humans in general - who find themselves stuck in their heads and listening to their inner critics, or as Pam likes to say their inner mind meanies.

You can learn more about Pam here: 


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]]> Pam Victor is  the Head of Happiness (aka founder and president) of Happier Valley Comedy, the first improv theater in Western Massachusetts. Pam is the co-author of Improvisation at the Speed of Life: The TJ & Dave Book along with TJ Jagodowski and David Pasquesi. Pam is also a TEDx Speaker, and she creates and facilitates applied improv workshops and currently a new series of workshops about wellness micro-habits. 

Pam has been improvising professionally since 2003. When she first started taking improv classes, she was OBSESSED! Actually, obsessed is an understatement — she was like improv cookie monster trying to get her fill of improv cookies (aka classes, shows and deep discussions and analysis about improv). Pam started writing a blog/series called "Geeking Out with..." in which she interviewed improvisation's biggest brains and talents, which ultimately led to her co-authoring the book with TJ and Dave. 

In this episode, Pam shares her 20+ year improv journey and talks about her experiment in 2014 when she gave herself one year to make a living doing what she loves — improv. Spoiler alert: She is the founder of Happier Valley Comedy Theater, so her experiment worked. We also discuss the thoughts and feelings that new improvisers can have as they start their improv journeys.

Pam has many core values that guide her in improv scenes/shows and in life - follow the joy and ease, be of service to the moment and your scene partner, and play more. (These are also some of the core values of her theater as well!) These core values are so inspiring for newbie and experienced improvisers - and humans in general - who find themselves stuck in their heads and listening to their inner critics, or as Pam likes to say their inner mind meanies.

You can learn more about Pam here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-12779926 Fri, 12 May 2023 10:00:00 -0700 6360 1 14 full true Improvly Flyin' and Freestylin' on the Pole with Susan Bartley Improvly Flyin' and Freestylin' on the Pole with Susan Bartley Susan Bartley is the owner of Heaux Apparel, a company that specializes in pole dance and aerial sports apparel, products and accessories. Their goal is to help women of all shapes & sizes, who have fallen in love with pole & aerial fitness, look their best and feel confident while they're in the air on the pole, lyra, or silks, and while they're on the ground living their best life. 

Susan started pole dancing about 4 years ago as a way to get back in touch with her body and feel sexy again. Even though it was very difficult, she had a great beginner's mindset when she first started out. She says it was nice to suck at it knowing that she was on the ground floor and could only go up from there, which she did. She never dreamed it would lead to owning her own business that supports pole dancers and aerial sports enthusiasts, but that's where she is now and crushing it!

In this episode, we talk all about being a beginner and handling the early stages of learning something new. We also talk about kettlebells, twerking, improv (and Susan's traumatic improv story from high school), nursing school improv simulations, groundhog farmers, and sexy lyra. Quite a range of topics, and we giggle the whole time throughout the episode, so get used to it. 

How do you handle being a beginner in something new? Check this episode out for inspiration to keep going in your new endeavor and adventure! It takes time, but you got this!

SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER for Improvly Speaking listeners: Use the code 5OFFNOW to get $5 off your next purchase from Heaux Apparel!

You can find out more about Susan and her Heaux Apparel business here: 


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]]> Susan Bartley is the owner of Heaux Apparel, a company that specializes in pole dance and aerial sports apparel, products and accessories. Their goal is to help women of all shapes & sizes, who have fallen in love with pole & aerial fitness, look their best and feel confident while they're in the air on the pole, lyra, or silks, and while they're on the ground living their best life. 

Susan started pole dancing about 4 years ago as a way to get back in touch with her body and feel sexy again. Even though it was very difficult, she had a great beginner's mindset when she first started out. She says it was nice to suck at it knowing that she was on the ground floor and could only go up from there, which she did. She never dreamed it would lead to owning her own business that supports pole dancers and aerial sports enthusiasts, but that's where she is now and crushing it!

In this episode, we talk all about being a beginner and handling the early stages of learning something new. We also talk about kettlebells, twerking, improv (and Susan's traumatic improv story from high school), nursing school improv simulations, groundhog farmers, and sexy lyra. Quite a range of topics, and we giggle the whole time throughout the episode, so get used to it. 

How do you handle being a beginner in something new? Check this episode out for inspiration to keep going in your new endeavor and adventure! It takes time, but you got this!

SPECIAL DISCOUNT OFFER for Improvly Speaking listeners: Use the code 5OFFNOW to get $5 off your next purchase from Heaux Apparel!

You can find out more about Susan and her Heaux Apparel business here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-12613341 Mon, 17 Apr 2023 18:00:00 -0700 4216 1 13 full true Helping Healthcare Professionals Become Better Communicators Through Improv with Dr. Michael Smith Helping Healthcare Professionals Become Better Communicators Through Improv with Dr. Michael Smith Dr. Michael Smith is an attending physician of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  In 2014, Mike began taking Level 1 improv classes. Realizing early on that the skills learned through improv could help him as a hospitalist, Mike began implementing them at work. The result was more enjoyable work, better interactions with patients, and more effective teaching.

In 2018, Mike started doing healthcare improvisation workshops and created Healthcare Improv, which is an Omaha, Nebraska-based startup specializing in improv training as a communications tool for healthcare professionals.  (SO COOL!)

In this episode, we talk all about how healthcare improv can help medical professionals practice and learn empathy, listening skills,  growth mindset, wellness/self-care, trust, and much more! It's so cool (just going to keep saying how cool it is) that these exercises that are usually considered just for the theater/arts are now being used to help medical and healthcare professions. 

We also go on a little side tangent and talk about Mardi Gras. Deal with it. 😃


You can find out more about Dr. Michael Smith and Healthcare Improv here: 

  1. Healthcare Improv Website - https://www.healthcareimprov.com/
  2. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-smith-9896471bb/
  3. Instagram - @hcareimprov 
  4. Twitter - @HcareImprov
  5. Facebook - @HcareImprov
  6. Medium articles - https://medium.com/@mike_3149
  7. Article about Medical Improv that highlights some of the research out now - https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/no-joke-serious-role-improv-medicine


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]]> Dr. Michael Smith is an attending physician of internal medicine at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.  In 2014, Mike began taking Level 1 improv classes. Realizing early on that the skills learned through improv could help him as a hospitalist, Mike began implementing them at work. The result was more enjoyable work, better interactions with patients, and more effective teaching.

In 2018, Mike started doing healthcare improvisation workshops and created Healthcare Improv, which is an Omaha, Nebraska-based startup specializing in improv training as a communications tool for healthcare professionals.  (SO COOL!)

In this episode, we talk all about how healthcare improv can help medical professionals practice and learn empathy, listening skills,  growth mindset, wellness/self-care, trust, and much more! It's so cool (just going to keep saying how cool it is) that these exercises that are usually considered just for the theater/arts are now being used to help medical and healthcare professions. 

We also go on a little side tangent and talk about Mardi Gras. Deal with it. 😃


You can find out more about Dr. Michael Smith and Healthcare Improv here: 

  1. Healthcare Improv Website - https://www.healthcareimprov.com/
  2. LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-smith-9896471bb/
  3. Instagram - @hcareimprov 
  4. Twitter - @HcareImprov
  5. Facebook - @HcareImprov
  6. Medium articles - https://medium.com/@mike_3149
  7. Article about Medical Improv that highlights some of the research out now - https://www.aamc.org/news-insights/no-joke-serious-role-improv-medicine


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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-12457777 Thu, 16 Mar 2023 18:00:00 -0700 6411 improvisation, applied improvisation, healthcare improv, medical improv, healthcare, communication, listening skills, mardi gras 1 12 full false Rockin' to Recovery through Improvised Songs and Breathwork with Sonny Mayo Rockin' to Recovery through Improvised Songs and Breathwork with Sonny Mayo Sonny Mayo is a super rad musician, breathwork facilitator, and overall human being. Sonny has been sober for 21 years, and he now facilitates Rock to Recovery® sessions and breathwork sessions to help people heal through creativity and breathing. 

Rock to Recovery® is a non-profit organization that harnesses the healing power of music by bringing musical instruments and equipment in to treatment facilities to write and record original songs with people recovering from drug/alcohol addiction, PTSD, eating disorders, and other illnesses. 

By the end of the 1-hour sessions, Sonny and other Rock to Recovery® program administrators have participants playing and singing a song that they created together in that hour - an improvised song that did not exist until that session! They have 26,000+ tracks on SoundCloud, which is incredible! 

In this episode, Sonny shares his experience leading these improvised musical healing sessions. We also talk about breathwork, meditation, rocking out in front of 60,000+ people, and saying yes (and) to the highs and lows of life. You can't help but be inspired by Sonny's stories, energy, and joy!

And remember, as Sonny would say - "You're rad!" 😃


You can find out more about Sonny here: 


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]]> Sonny Mayo is a super rad musician, breathwork facilitator, and overall human being. Sonny has been sober for 21 years, and he now facilitates Rock to Recovery® sessions and breathwork sessions to help people heal through creativity and breathing. 

Rock to Recovery® is a non-profit organization that harnesses the healing power of music by bringing musical instruments and equipment in to treatment facilities to write and record original songs with people recovering from drug/alcohol addiction, PTSD, eating disorders, and other illnesses. 

By the end of the 1-hour sessions, Sonny and other Rock to Recovery® program administrators have participants playing and singing a song that they created together in that hour - an improvised song that did not exist until that session! They have 26,000+ tracks on SoundCloud, which is incredible! 

In this episode, Sonny shares his experience leading these improvised musical healing sessions. We also talk about breathwork, meditation, rocking out in front of 60,000+ people, and saying yes (and) to the highs and lows of life. You can't help but be inspired by Sonny's stories, energy, and joy!

And remember, as Sonny would say - "You're rad!" 😃


You can find out more about Sonny here: 


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]]> Buzzsprout-12343678 Tue, 28 Feb 2023 00:00:00 -0800 6117 music, creativity, healing, breathwork, meditation, addiction, treatment, mental health, improv 1 11 full true Improv-ing Employee Wellness, Engagement, & Psychological Safety with Dr. Raquel Garzon Improv-ing Employee Wellness, Engagement, & Psychological Safety with Dr. Raquel Garzon Dr. Raquel Garzon is the President and Founder of Revitalize Project and author of the book, The Business of You: Leveraging Business Principles to Thrive in Life.  She is a keynote speaker and thought leader in the employee engagement, performance, resilience, and work culture space. Her goal is to empower people to live vibrant and meaningful lives, and she works with companies and organizations to create cultures that enable it. 

In this episode, we discuss how companies can help employees thrive and not be afraid to bring their true selves to work.  Giving people the space to share and feel comfortable sharing are only the beginning steps. Listening, trusting, and communicating effectively with employees are some big steps to take next, which companies often veer off-track in these stages.  

We also explore how applied improvisation can fit into some of these ways to improve company cultures. 1) It helps improve listening, collaboration, and communication skills. 2) Improv can help in the brainstorming and ideation phase. 3) It can also help people connect and learn from each other through play and creativity, which they would not get from a regular webinar or standard training. 

If you've ever worked in a toxic work culture, you can probably relate to some things that are said in this episode. Raquel is doing some amazing, important work to help workplaces not be so cold and toxic and instead transform into places where employees enjoy coming to work and are thriving because of their work.  


You can find out more about Dr. Raquel Garzon here: 


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]]> Dr. Raquel Garzon is the President and Founder of Revitalize Project and author of the book, The Business of You: Leveraging Business Principles to Thrive in Life.  She is a keynote speaker and thought leader in the employee engagement, performance, resilience, and work culture space. Her goal is to empower people to live vibrant and meaningful lives, and she works with companies and organizations to create cultures that enable it. 

In this episode, we discuss how companies can help employees thrive and not be afraid to bring their true selves to work.  Giving people the space to share and feel comfortable sharing are only the beginning steps. Listening, trusting, and communicating effectively with employees are some big steps to take next, which companies often veer off-track in these stages.  

We also explore how applied improvisation can fit into some of these ways to improve company cultures. 1) It helps improve listening, collaboration, and communication skills. 2) Improv can help in the brainstorming and ideation phase. 3) It can also help people connect and learn from each other through play and creativity, which they would not get from a regular webinar or standard training. 

If you've ever worked in a toxic work culture, you can probably relate to some things that are said in this episode. Raquel is doing some amazing, important work to help workplaces not be so cold and toxic and instead transform into places where employees enjoy coming to work and are thriving because of their work.  


You can find out more about Dr. Raquel Garzon here: 


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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-12134101 Sat, 28 Jan 2023 05:00:00 -0800 6337 wellness, employee wellness, employee well-being, workplace culture, leadership, communication, psychological safety, public speaking, applied improvisation 1 10 full false Improvly Dancing and Connecting with Susan Wagner Improvly Dancing and Connecting with Susan Wagner What do Zumba® and improvisation have in common? They're both very difficult when you try them for the first time(s), they're both creative outlets, and they're both tons of fun! 

Susan Wagner is an AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, and she teaches both in-person and virtual Zumba® classes and other fitness classes. The dance/gym floor is Susan's stage, and her stage presence and ability to make her audience feel comfortable (while dancing!) set her apart and make her a fantastic, one-of-a-kind instructor. 

In this episode, we discuss how Susan uses public speaking and improvisation skills in her role as a group fitness instructor, and it actually surprises her to realize how much they are all related.  Improv skills help her develop the best choreography for her class and also adjust quickly if something unexpected comes up during class...and there is always something unexpected that comes up!

Connection is a big buzzword in this episode, and it's the name of the game for everything we do - dance fitness classes, improv scenes, meetings, presentations, relationships, and everything else not listed here. 😄 


You can find out more about Susan and her upcoming classes and events at: 


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]]> What do Zumba® and improvisation have in common? They're both very difficult when you try them for the first time(s), they're both creative outlets, and they're both tons of fun! 

Susan Wagner is an AFAA Group Fitness Instructor, and she teaches both in-person and virtual Zumba® classes and other fitness classes. The dance/gym floor is Susan's stage, and her stage presence and ability to make her audience feel comfortable (while dancing!) set her apart and make her a fantastic, one-of-a-kind instructor. 

In this episode, we discuss how Susan uses public speaking and improvisation skills in her role as a group fitness instructor, and it actually surprises her to realize how much they are all related.  Improv skills help her develop the best choreography for her class and also adjust quickly if something unexpected comes up during class...and there is always something unexpected that comes up!

Connection is a big buzzword in this episode, and it's the name of the game for everything we do - dance fitness classes, improv scenes, meetings, presentations, relationships, and everything else not listed here. 😄 


You can find out more about Susan and her upcoming classes and events at: 


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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-12083560 Fri, 20 Jan 2023 04:00:00 -0800 5133 connection, improvisation, public speaking, dance fitness, Zumba, performance, creativity 1 9 full false Taking the Leap of Faith...at Improv Camp and Beyond Taking the Leap of Faith...at Improv Camp and Beyond In Fall 2022, I went to two weekend improv camps for adults (not adult improv camps because that's something different). I learned a lot about improv and myself at these camps. In this episode, I tell you all about my camp experiences. I share how the first camp allowed me to feel more freedom and permission in improv and in life, and the second camp forced me to take a leap of faith. Literally, I took a leap of faith on the ropes course*, and it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, just like improv.

Taking risks on stage and in life can be scary. Very scary! However, we often get the best rewards and/or lessons learned when we take risks, go outside our comfort zone, and try something new.

This episode highlights how I went way outside my comfort zone in 2022. How can you take a leap of faith and go outside your comfort zone after listening to this episode?

*You can view the full unedited video of me taking the leap of faith on the ropes course here: https://youtu.be/bh5K5EqZq8E
(It's only 2 minutes long, and 1 minute is me trying to figure out how to turn around on the platform.)

Here is more information about the improv camps I went to:


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]]> In Fall 2022, I went to two weekend improv camps for adults (not adult improv camps because that's something different). I learned a lot about improv and myself at these camps. In this episode, I tell you all about my camp experiences. I share how the first camp allowed me to feel more freedom and permission in improv and in life, and the second camp forced me to take a leap of faith. Literally, I took a leap of faith on the ropes course*, and it was terrifying and exhilarating at the same time, just like improv.

Taking risks on stage and in life can be scary. Very scary! However, we often get the best rewards and/or lessons learned when we take risks, go outside our comfort zone, and try something new.

This episode highlights how I went way outside my comfort zone in 2022. How can you take a leap of faith and go outside your comfort zone after listening to this episode?

*You can view the full unedited video of me taking the leap of faith on the ropes course here: https://youtu.be/bh5K5EqZq8E
(It's only 2 minutes long, and 1 minute is me trying to figure out how to turn around on the platform.)

Here is more information about the improv camps I went to:


Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch: 

]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-12038276 Fri, 13 Jan 2023 11:00:00 -0800 3574 1 8 full false Trust Your Gut and the Improv Net Below with Nick Armstrong Trust Your Gut and the Improv Net Below with Nick Armstrong Nick Armstrong is an actor, improviser, director and writer, and he is the co-owner and Artistic Director of Rise Comedy in Denver, Colorado. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of Improv Utopia, which is a non-profit improv camp for adults held annually that gives back to the improv community and other arts related charities.

On this episode, Nick shares his improv and comedy journey and how multiple epiphany moments have led him to where he is now.  Improv has helped Nick learn to trust his gut more and trust that if he jumps (meaning takes a risk on stage and in life), the improv net will appear and his scene partners and the skills and techniques he has learned will be there to support him along the way.  

For Nick, improvisation and comedy is more than just something you do on stage for 20-30 minutes or so. It has saved him from very low moments in life, taught him essential life skills, and given him an amazing friend group, amongst many other benefits!


You can find out more about Nick at: 

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]]> Nick Armstrong is an actor, improviser, director and writer, and he is the co-owner and Artistic Director of Rise Comedy in Denver, Colorado. He is also the Founder and Executive Director of Improv Utopia, which is a non-profit improv camp for adults held annually that gives back to the improv community and other arts related charities.

On this episode, Nick shares his improv and comedy journey and how multiple epiphany moments have led him to where he is now.  Improv has helped Nick learn to trust his gut more and trust that if he jumps (meaning takes a risk on stage and in life), the improv net will appear and his scene partners and the skills and techniques he has learned will be there to support him along the way.  

For Nick, improvisation and comedy is more than just something you do on stage for 20-30 minutes or so. It has saved him from very low moments in life, taught him essential life skills, and given him an amazing friend group, amongst many other benefits!


You can find out more about Nick at: 

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]]> Buzzsprout-11909700 Thu, 22 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0800 5889 1 7 full false Get through the Cringe Get through the Cringe Have you ever tried something new and immediately sucked at it the first time(s) you did it? Well congrats, that's normal! Then you practice the new activity for months or even years, and you expect to see some major improvements. However, even after all that practice, it still feels hard, difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable, and it doesn't feel like you're making much progress. This is what Dayna likes to call the Cringe or Cringey Zone (very scientific terms right there). This is often the part where we want to give up because it's still so hard and we may not be having fun with it. 

In this episode, Dayna shares how the number 3 shows up in patterns when getting through the cringe. She also gives some examples of how she got through the cringe for public speaking, podcasting, improv, and other activities. If you've been trying a new hobby or creative outlet and feel like you're struggling with it, give this episode a listen to get an extra motivation boost to keep going and get through the Cringey Zone. You got this!

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]]> Have you ever tried something new and immediately sucked at it the first time(s) you did it? Well congrats, that's normal! Then you practice the new activity for months or even years, and you expect to see some major improvements. However, even after all that practice, it still feels hard, difficult, awkward, and uncomfortable, and it doesn't feel like you're making much progress. This is what Dayna likes to call the Cringe or Cringey Zone (very scientific terms right there). This is often the part where we want to give up because it's still so hard and we may not be having fun with it. 

In this episode, Dayna shares how the number 3 shows up in patterns when getting through the cringe. She also gives some examples of how she got through the cringe for public speaking, podcasting, improv, and other activities. If you've been trying a new hobby or creative outlet and feel like you're struggling with it, give this episode a listen to get an extra motivation boost to keep going and get through the Cringey Zone. You got this!

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-11876739 Thu, 15 Dec 2022 04:00:00 -0800 2240 1 6 full false Improvly Slaying on Social Media with Madeleine Chalk Improvly Slaying on Social Media with Madeleine Chalk Madeleine Chalk is a digital creator, comedian, and singer, and she slays on social media with her "These Lyrics But..." videos. In this episode, Madeleine shares her comedic journey and how she improvised her first stand-up set.  She also gives us the behind the scenes story of how and why she started her social media channels and how she continues to produce some of her content. 

Madeleine provides helpful social media strategies and discusses how to deal with "the flops and the slays" (as the kids say these days). It can be very hard to put yourself out there and not tie your validation to "success" metrics, such as likes, subscribes, comments, shares, etc. The key is getting started, enjoying the process, and defining your own metrics for success, which can just be celebrating the fact that you started/continue to keep doing the thing you love doing.

Even if you're an older millennial and beyond* who struggles with social media, you can still glean lots of great tips and inspo (are the kids still saying inspo?) from this episode about creativity, performance, and pursuing your creative passions!

*Not all older millennials and beyond struggle with social media. Many are quite good at it. Dayna is not one of them...yet.  😃


You can find out more about Madeleine here:

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]]> Madeleine Chalk is a digital creator, comedian, and singer, and she slays on social media with her "These Lyrics But..." videos. In this episode, Madeleine shares her comedic journey and how she improvised her first stand-up set.  She also gives us the behind the scenes story of how and why she started her social media channels and how she continues to produce some of her content. 

Madeleine provides helpful social media strategies and discusses how to deal with "the flops and the slays" (as the kids say these days). It can be very hard to put yourself out there and not tie your validation to "success" metrics, such as likes, subscribes, comments, shares, etc. The key is getting started, enjoying the process, and defining your own metrics for success, which can just be celebrating the fact that you started/continue to keep doing the thing you love doing.

Even if you're an older millennial and beyond* who struggles with social media, you can still glean lots of great tips and inspo (are the kids still saying inspo?) from this episode about creativity, performance, and pursuing your creative passions!

*Not all older millennials and beyond struggle with social media. Many are quite good at it. Dayna is not one of them...yet.  😃


You can find out more about Madeleine here:

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-11835649 Thu, 08 Dec 2022 01:00:00 -0800 4305 1 5 full false Defeating Burnout through Expansive Intimacy and Improv (Improvacy?) with Jim Young Defeating Burnout through Expansive Intimacy and Improv (Improvacy?) with Jim Young Jim Young is a Men's Burnout and Leadership Coach, and he just wrote a book called Expansive Intimacy: How "Tough Guys" Defeat Burnout. Jim is also an improviser, and he uses applied improv techniques to teach empathy skills to workplaces, organizations, and leadership teams. 

In this episode, we discuss burnout, how it can affect genders differently, and how you can prevent and recognize burnout issues and get help for yourself and others. We also discuss how improv can help provide "an operating system reinstall" (direct quote from Jim) and teach essential life skills, such as better relationship and communication skills, empathy, freedom from perfectionism, and infusing play into your life.

Disclaimer (read this really fast like a prescription drug commercial): Improvisation cannot solely treat burnout symptoms, but it can provide a more fun, creative outlet that can at least make you forget you are burned out or heading towards burnout. It can also teach some fantastic life skills that can help you navigate life a little easier (if that's possible). If you are listening to this episode and feel like you are experiencing some symptoms of burnout, please talk to a counselor, therapist, and/or person you trust to start getting help. Burnout is no joke, so please get help and take care of yourself. 


You can find out more about Jim Young here:



 

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Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch: 

]]> Jim Young is a Men's Burnout and Leadership Coach, and he just wrote a book called Expansive Intimacy: How "Tough Guys" Defeat Burnout. Jim is also an improviser, and he uses applied improv techniques to teach empathy skills to workplaces, organizations, and leadership teams. 

In this episode, we discuss burnout, how it can affect genders differently, and how you can prevent and recognize burnout issues and get help for yourself and others. We also discuss how improv can help provide "an operating system reinstall" (direct quote from Jim) and teach essential life skills, such as better relationship and communication skills, empathy, freedom from perfectionism, and infusing play into your life.

Disclaimer (read this really fast like a prescription drug commercial): Improvisation cannot solely treat burnout symptoms, but it can provide a more fun, creative outlet that can at least make you forget you are burned out or heading towards burnout. It can also teach some fantastic life skills that can help you navigate life a little easier (if that's possible). If you are listening to this episode and feel like you are experiencing some symptoms of burnout, please talk to a counselor, therapist, and/or person you trust to start getting help. Burnout is no joke, so please get help and take care of yourself. 


You can find out more about Jim Young here:



 

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-11798616 Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:00:00 -0800 4961 1 4 full true Improvly Cooking with Chef Rebecca Klaskala Improvly Cooking with Chef Rebecca Klaskala Chef Rebecca Klaskala joins this episode to discuss life in the kitchen and how cooking can be viewed as a performance. We also discuss how improvisation skills show up when cooking, planning menus, and following recipes and also how making mistakes in the kitchen can turn into happy accidents and learning moments. 

Chef Rebecca is the Culinary School Instructor at New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), and before that, she worked at Restaurant Revolution in New Orleans for 7 years and worked her way up the ranks to Sous Chef. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and now she is teaching the next generation of chefs to help them prepare for their restaurant and culinary careers. 

You can find out more about Rebecca here:





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]]> Chef Rebecca Klaskala joins this episode to discuss life in the kitchen and how cooking can be viewed as a performance. We also discuss how improvisation skills show up when cooking, planning menus, and following recipes and also how making mistakes in the kitchen can turn into happy accidents and learning moments. 

Chef Rebecca is the Culinary School Instructor at New Orleans Culinary and Hospitality Institute (NOCHI), and before that, she worked at Restaurant Revolution in New Orleans for 7 years and worked her way up the ranks to Sous Chef. She is a wealth of knowledge and experience, and now she is teaching the next generation of chefs to help them prepare for their restaurant and culinary careers. 

You can find out more about Rebecca here:





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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-11736576 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:00:00 -0800 5512 1 3 full true Origin Story: From Terribly Speaking to Improvly Speaking Origin Story: From Terribly Speaking to Improvly Speaking Every podcast needs an origin story to explain why the podcast host feels the need to create this podcast even though everyone and their mom has a podcast right now. Origin stories are full of plenty of details that are usually not necessary to the overall storyline,  and this episode holds true to that with mentions of the D.A.R.E. program, flamingos, St. Anthony, Hurricane Katrina, kettlebells, stress management, and more. 

To stay true to podcast launch tradition, here is the origin story for the Improvly Speaking Podcast. I share how I got here, why I am doing this podcast, what this podcast will be about, and what the term Improvly Speaking means.  This episode is the full, unabridged story of my public speaking journey — from terrible, scared, and shy speaker to conquering my fears of public speaking and actually enjoying and loving public speaking to discovering improv with that newfound courage.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch: 

]]> Every podcast needs an origin story to explain why the podcast host feels the need to create this podcast even though everyone and their mom has a podcast right now. Origin stories are full of plenty of details that are usually not necessary to the overall storyline,  and this episode holds true to that with mentions of the D.A.R.E. program, flamingos, St. Anthony, Hurricane Katrina, kettlebells, stress management, and more. 

To stay true to podcast launch tradition, here is the origin story for the Improvly Speaking Podcast. I share how I got here, why I am doing this podcast, what this podcast will be about, and what the term Improvly Speaking means.  This episode is the full, unabridged story of my public speaking journey — from terrible, scared, and shy speaker to conquering my fears of public speaking and actually enjoying and loving public speaking to discovering improv with that newfound courage.

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

Support the show

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Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch: 

]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-11731711 Mon, 21 Nov 2022 04:00:00 -0800 2716 1 2 full false Using Improv to Conquer Public Speaking Fears with Victoria Koenitzer Using Improv to Conquer Public Speaking Fears with Victoria Koenitzer Victoria Koenitzer is an Associate Attorney in San Diego, CA. During Law School, she realized she needed to get over her fear of public speaking if she was going to succeed in her law career. She decided to explore improvisation through Toastmasters and taking an Improv 101 class at a local theatre. And the rest is history! Not only has she conquered her fear of public speaking, she has found a love of improv and an even bigger love (if that's possible) for teaching improv!

Check out Victoria's story and her reflections on why improv has been so profound in her journey and life here on this episode! 

You can follow Victoria here:

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]]> Victoria Koenitzer is an Associate Attorney in San Diego, CA. During Law School, she realized she needed to get over her fear of public speaking if she was going to succeed in her law career. She decided to explore improvisation through Toastmasters and taking an Improv 101 class at a local theatre. And the rest is history! Not only has she conquered her fear of public speaking, she has found a love of improv and an even bigger love (if that's possible) for teaching improv!

Check out Victoria's story and her reflections on why improv has been so profound in her journey and life here on this episode! 

You can follow Victoria here:

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]]> Dayna Gowan Buzzsprout-11703507 Wed, 16 Nov 2022 03:00:00 -0800 4057 1 1 full false BONUS: Improvly Speaking Jingle BONUS: Improvly Speaking Jingle Check out the Improvly Speaking Podcast jingle here. It's super cute! 

Warning: It will easily get stuck in your head! 

This jingle was created by The Jingle Lady. Check her out on Instagram and Fiverr for all your jingle needs! 


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Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch: 

]]> Check out the Improvly Speaking Podcast jingle here. It's super cute! 

Warning: It will easily get stuck in your head! 

This jingle was created by The Jingle Lady. Check her out on Instagram and Fiverr for all your jingle needs! 


Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments!

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]]> Buzzsprout-11619626 Wed, 02 Nov 2022 14:00:00 -0700 31 1 0 bonus false