Your Improv Brain

The intersection of improv comedy practice and the science of performance for ALL improv brains.

About the Show

Your Improv Brain is a show that helps you understand your brain (and body!) to be a happier, better performer. I’ll also explore the intersection of improv comedy, neurodivergence, and the science of performance. Episodes cover how different brain types, including neurodivergent and neurotypical minds, experience comedy and performance. The show discusses creating supportive environments and understanding cognitive differences in improv practice.

For additional resources about improv and comedy, see the Improv Update archive here.

Find more information about this show on the Improv Update show page here.

Find this show wherever you get your podcasts. Use a different podcast app/platform? Find direct links for all podcast platforms on the Your Improv Brain page at pod.link

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Watch on YouTube

Your Brain Rewrites Feedback About Your Scene (Here's Why & What to Do)

How to rewire your brain to break bad improv habits (plus… exercises!)

Your Brain Knows When You're Lying to It: Confidence in Improv

The Monitoring Channel: What Eileen Gu Taught Me About Improv

Improv Initiations: When to Start Big and When to Stay Grounded

Improv Initiations When Your Mind Goes Blank

Assume, Don't Ask: How to Start Better Improv Scenes

You Don't Need Backstory: Starting Improv Scenes in the Middle

5 Vocal Exercises for Better Improv Characters

Your Weirdness Is Exactly What the Scene Needs

Character Motivation Changes Everything in Improv

3 Exercises That Separate Good Actors From Great Ones

Improv Exercise to Turn Your Inner Critic Into Your Best Character

6 Improv Exercises You'll Hate (But They'll Make You a Better Performer)

Get Out of Your Head in Scenes (It's Not What You Think)

Listen to Your Improv Brain

View Show Notes

Who made this podcast

Host:

Jen deHaan

Jen deHaan is an autistic and ADHD performer. Her background is a unique collection of things: close to 30 years teaching creative technology and instructional design, improv and acting coaching, fitness instruction, a BFA, and a bunch of certifications. Jen is certified in polyvagal informed approaches (and soon the Community Resilience Model), and completed graduate studies in Developing Healthy Communities from Tufts University. She’s building education and community around nervous system regulation that actually accounts for neurodivergent experience. Learn more at https://jendehaan.com/about

Production:

Created, produced, directed, edited, and marketing by Jen deHaan of StereoForest.com. Stock music and SFX licensed to StereoForest.