Your Improv Brain

StereoForest Podcasts
  • 5.0 (2)
  • IMPROV
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Do you learn, coach, or perform improv and comedy? Then this show is for you. Jen talks about the intersection of comedy and different forms of thinking. How do our brains work when learning and performing improv. Because there are so many different types of brain wiring that affect how we learn and perform together. Good comedy is neuroinclusive when you're performing or learning it. That means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. And do so with intention. This includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, and all the different ways we experience life. Which is… you too, since neurodivergent + neurotypical is every type (neurotype) of human brain! The topics I discuss are relevant to comedy, improv, acting, and performance. We can be better at comedy and acting if we try to understand each other. When we do, we work together more efficiently, learn more effectively, and function on teams with more success. And we're funnier. Your Improv Brain is a show about the cognitive side of comedy. Host Jen deHaan explores how our unique brain wiring affects how we learn, perform, and create. Now expanding to cover the "body" side of the brain-body connection! We're digging into why we freeze up, how to find our flow, and using "nervous system" concepts to become better improvisers. Whether you are neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic, etc.) or just want to understand your own creative process better, this show is for you. These episodes are not for diagnosing people, making excuses for bad behaviour, or a form of therapy. They are for discussing, learning, and being human in your improv or comedy practice! Hosted by Jen deHaan, an autistic and ADHD comedy performer, improv enthusiast, and writer. Produced by https://StereoForest.com. Note: This podcast was formerly called "Neurodiversity and Improv"! New name, same kinda stuff. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

  1. 2025-11-03

    Five Vocal Exercises for Better Improv Characters

    Get the PDF "Vocal Basics for Improv" with all the exercises and concepts from this episode at https://improvupdate.com/downloads. This episode is all about using your voice in improv. You do not need to do "funny voices" to be a good performer, you can work with the attributes of your own voice and make some subtle shifts. I explain how to use your own voice effectively. These subtle changes to your vocal dynamics can create clear, grounded characters that you can heighten in a variety of ways. You'll get an overview of the core components of vocal musicality, and how to practice them. These include speech rate, cadence, and prosody. Understanding these is the first step to vocal control. Then, I share five specific improv exercises to practice these skills. I really REALLY want to redo the singing parts, oh gawd :) Also feel free to take a drink or something each time I bump the mic arm. Mentioned in this episode: Previous Episodes on Vocal Musicality: Figuring out your vocal speed (words per minute): https://youtu.be/3HK40OxMGno Exercises for voice: https://youtu.be/Z6ekXuwbpxk Newsletter Sign-up (with reflection PDF): https://improvupdate.com/newsletter Jill Bernard's "Small Cute Book of Improv": https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/3231956-jill-bernard-s-small-cute-book-of-improv Viola Spolin: https://www.violaspolin.org/publications Example of "Recitative": https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDq4KqP7Pxs Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our

    24 min

  2. 2025-10-20

    Own Your Weirdness: A Guide to Really Good Improv (Performances)

    In this episode, I explain how to commit to your authentic self in your improv practice. You will learn to reframe perceived weaknesses into compelling strengths on stage. Your messy and imperfect parts are exactly what your scenes need. I discuss how neurodivergent performers can use their unique traits. The episode also covers how to collaborate effectively with scene partners who have different brain wiring. I share a personal story from my past as a dance fitness teacher. A very clumsy moment taught me how to connect with an audience through imperfection. We apply that lesson directly to your scene work. You will see how specific traits, like a literal take or a deadpan delivery, can be an asset in your performance. I also address traits that can be challenging in a scene, like monologuing. I provide practical methods to manage these traits, such as using a character to guide your choices. Ultimately, this episode helps you build self-awareness. This allows you to understand your own gifts and collaborate more effectively with your team. Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRSupport the show and get creative templates and assets: a...

    20 min

  3. 2025-09-01

    Four Ways to Give your Characters a Clear Point of View

    In this episode, I'm really getting into what I believe is the most important element for creating a compelling character: their point of view. I’ve found that the most interesting thing about a character isn't what they do, but why they do it. A strong, consistent POV is the lens through which your character sees the world, and it’s what separates a memorable performance from a flat cliche. First, I'll give you a clear definition of what a point of view actually is (like, more than just an opinion). Then, I'll walk you through four distinct methods to help you build and establish strong POVs in your own scene work. We'll cover how to use emotion, observation, and justification to inform your characters. Last up... I'll share something that ties it all together, that'll help you build a rich inner life for your character without ever needing to do a boring monologue about their backstory. I'll provide practice exercises for each method that you can use with a group or even on your own. Because I'm a fan of the solo improvs! Mentioned in this episode: Credibility Minute This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

    22 min

  4. 2025-08-25

    The Power of Silence: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting

    Alt title: Get to Skin Suit Town: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting In this episode, I'm diving into one of the best acting exercises you can give yourself: practicing scene work with little dialogue, or even none at all. I’ve found that learning to use physicality, emotional reactions, and environment is what changes a performance from "just saying words real good" to truly embodying a believable character. Or like... as I like to say because it is now improv canon, "get to skin suit town". I’ll explain why taking dialogue away forces you to slow down, live in the scene, and build a story layer by layer. Part of that oh-so-classic "show, don't tell" advice. Then, the exercises. You can add three new exercises to your workout to build this skill. I'll also tell you how to adjust them to practice on your own. And if you do a lot of audio-only improv or have difficulty with nonverbal cues: I’ll specifically explain why this work is still useful, and how you can adapt it to your own unique brain and performance style. As an aside! If you have trim silence features on in your podcast app, I'm gonna guess it'll trim a few intentional pauses in this one ;) Resources Mentioned: Downloadable PDF Exercise Guides: improvupdate.com/downloadsThe Improv Update Discord Community: improvupdate.com/discordFree Improv Worksheet & Newsletter: improvupdate.com/newsletterImprovised Comedy Podcast, Grack Public Access: stereoforest.com/grack Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: a href="https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8ndd" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

    22 min

  5. 2025-08-18

    3-Step System & Exercise to Manage Self-Criticism in Improv

    Your inner critic might be a key reason you feel stuck, anxious, or in your head during an improv scene. But trying to fight it or ignore it doesn't work. This episode reveals a completely different approach: give that critical energy to your character. I break down the science of why your brain creates that critical voice and how it’s connected to a deep fear of social rejection. You will learn a practical three-step system for working with your inner critic instead of against it. The episode concludes with a practical exercise I'm calling "Accept This Story, You," designed to retrain your brain. This exercise teaches you how to turn that intense analytical energy outward into relentless curiosity and support for your scene partner, transforming what might be your biggest challenge into a pretty useful tool. RESOURCES MENTIONED: Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter - get Neurodivergent resources if you select "Performing and your brain" option. Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps with challenging scenes "Exercises to Ruin You": https://improvupdate.com/downloads and its YouTube companion https://youtu.be/h2_J4tLqCN0 Episode with 7 hacks to help you get out of challenging spots in a scene: https://youtu.be/RTN5KfE7GZ4 The science of adaptive and maladaptive perfectionism (related to sport, but a good jumping off point): https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11055971/ CONNECT WITH ME: StereoForest Podcast Production: https://stereoforest.com Social Media: https://tiktok.com/@yourimprovbrainhttps://instagram.com/yourimprovbrainhttps://jendehaan.bsky.social Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddli...

    20 min

  6. 2025-08-11

    An Improv Workout: 6 Exercises to Build Your "Failure Muscle"

    We know that failure is the engine of learning, but how do you actually practice it in a safe and productive way? In this episode, I provide a full workout plan with SIX specific exercises designed to put you in challenging situations. Learn practical drills for your practice groups or classes that train you to handle wild scenes, distracting environments, and even challenging scene partners. This is your guide to getting your reps in, building a tolerance for chaos, and developing the confidence that you can handle anything on stage. And you can get these exercises as a handy written PDF. Link for that right below this sentence. Hi! References in this episode: Previous episode mentioned about failure: https://improvupdate.com/7-scene-hacks-to-help-when-you-make-a-mistake/ (video, podcast, etc links on this page)Download PDF mentioned available here: https://improvupdate.com/downloads Watch this episode on YouTube here: https://youtu.be/h2_J4tLqCN0Improvising Solo with a Mannequin: https://jens-discount-improv-emporium.bizPeople mentioned: Berg, Jake Regal, Sebastian Conelli Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this...

    23 min

  7. 2025-08-04

    Clear Mind = Get Out of Your Head in Improv

    We are often taught that forgetting is a weakness, especially in improv where details seem really important. It's what we practice all the time! However, forgetting can be a skill to practice. In this episode, I explore the science behind why our brains are designed to forget, and how we can use this adaptive process to our advantage in our scenes and shows. Learn how letting go of details can reduce cognitive load, improve listening, and help you get out of your head and out of your own way in a scene. I'll also cover how this also applies to some neurodivergent performers who process information in different ways. You will also discover a practical pre-show exercise to clear your mind so you can be more present and spontaneous in your scenes inspired by Mo Gawdat. Resources mentioned: Research on Forgetting: https://www.utoronto.ca/news/why-forgetting-really-important-memory-u-t-researchThe PDF resource mentioned in this episode will be available mid-August 2025 at: https://improvupdate.com/downloadsImprov Update Website & Newsletter: ImprovUpdate.com/newslettersYour Improv Brain Discord Community: https://discord.gg/6fAfQ8fhCA Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: a href="https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqk"...

    21 min

  8. 2025-07-28

    Fail More to Learn More (Plus Seven Hacks to Help!)

    What if the key to becoming a great improviser is the number of failures you accumulate? That moment when you feel like you have failed in a scene, or a scene is falling flat, can feel awful. But it is also one of the most valuable data points for your growth. In this episode, I help you reframe failure as a solvable technical problem. You will learn a toolkit of seven specific, actionable techniques to use that moment you feel a scene is failing. These techniques also help turn these moments into opportunities to help you accelerate your learning. And it's all based on the science of deliberate practice and error correction. Mentioned in this episode: Episode about Mind Going Blank (episode #28): Video Podcast People mentioned in this episode: Naval Ravikant Malcolm GladwellAnders Ericsson And hey, it's episode 30! Nice round number. Downloadable contentDownload the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed). Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You" Review the showPlease consider leaving a review wherever you review podcasts. Don't know where? Here are some options. Apple Podcasts | Podchaser It helps out! Thanks! Support the showLike this episode or show and want more? Support us with a one-time tip: https://StereoForest.com/tipsWe love our podcast host Capitvate.fm! Contact to ask me anything, anytime. You can support the shows by signing up with Captivate here: https://www.captivate.fm/signup?ref=yzjiytzWe have our newsletters on Kit.com. We also have our tip form with them, and sell products on their platform. Easy, and they don't take a cut! Check Kit out and support the show using this: https://partners.kit.com/ijdkivtf8nddTranscriptions by MacWhisper. I use and love the Pro version (subscription free!) - you can get it too using this link: https://gumroad.com/a/20303251/ivpqkSchedule posts? We use Metricool (reasonable for multiple accounts/brands/shows). Support us using our link: https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZRspan class="ql-ui"...

    20 min
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About

Do you learn, coach, or perform improv and comedy? Then this show is for you. Jen talks about the intersection of comedy and different forms of thinking. How do our brains work when learning and performing improv. Because there are so many different types of brain wiring that affect how we learn and perform together. Good comedy is neuroinclusive when you're performing or learning it. That means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. And do so with intention. This includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, and all the different ways we experience life. Which is… you too, since neurodivergent + neurotypical is every type (neurotype) of human brain! The topics I discuss are relevant to comedy, improv, acting, and performance. We can be better at comedy and acting if we try to understand each other. When we do, we work together more efficiently, learn more effectively, and function on teams with more success. And we're funnier. Your Improv Brain is a show about the cognitive side of comedy. Host Jen deHaan explores how our unique brain wiring affects how we learn, perform, and create. Now expanding to cover the "body" side of the brain-body connection! We're digging into why we freeze up, how to find our flow, and using "nervous system" concepts to become better improvisers. Whether you are neurodivergent (ADHD, Autistic, etc.) or just want to understand your own creative process better, this show is for you. These episodes are not for diagnosing people, making excuses for bad behaviour, or a form of therapy. They are for discussing, learning, and being human in your improv or comedy practice! Hosted by Jen deHaan, an autistic and ADHD comedy performer, improv enthusiast, and writer. Produced by https://StereoForest.com. Note: This podcast was formerly called "Neurodiversity and Improv"! New name, same kinda stuff. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacy Podtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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