StereoForest Podcasts

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Channel • 6 Shows

Performing Arts

Performing Arts

Updated weekly
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated weekly
Comedy Fiction

Comedy Fiction

Twice-a-week series
Marketing

Marketing

Updated daily
Comedy Fiction

Comedy Fiction

Twice-a-week series
Comedy Fiction

Comedy Fiction

Every two weeks

23 FEB

Assume, don't ask: how to start better improv scenes

Questions at the top of a scene are an advanced move, and if you're still building your skills, they can stall your scene before it gets going. In this episode I break down why questions are tricky at the top, what makes a good question versus a bad one in improv, and how assuming shared history with your scene partner gets things moving faster. I also talk about something that tripped me up early on: the weirdness of making assumptions about another person's character. If that feels uncomfortable to you, especially if you're someone whose brain flags assumptions as unfair, that makes sense. I get into why and how the pivot that comes from those assumptions can actually become the fun part. Two exercises in this one. A partner drill using "you look / you seem / you feel" to practise adding information without questions, and a solo version using a one-sided phone call format to train your assumed knowledge muscle. This is part of a series on the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality. Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.com Article for this episode: This episode is part of a four episode series available on YouTube and audio podcast. You can find an article for this episode, and links to the full series on both platforms, here. Newsletter: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter YouTube version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNl6231OS5Q Chapters 00:00 Why questions are risky at the top of a scene 00:52 When you can break the "no questions" rule 01:52 Why questions are even harder at the top 03:22 Assume shared knowledge instead 04:22 Why assuming things might feel weird (and that's okay) 06:28 Partner exercise: You look / You seem / You feel 08:08 Solo exercise: One-sided phone call 09:14 Wrap up 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" Get more downloadable booklets here: https://improvupdate.com/downloads 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://learn.improvupdate.com/products/supportWe 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: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j AboutThis podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here. This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts. 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

23 Feb

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10 min
SEASON 2 TRAILER

Podcast Performance Lab: Trailer

In this show we take the most effective tools from improv performance and behavioural psychology, and apply them directly to your video and audio content. If you're building a personal brand, B2B show, or a creative new podcast, you know how you say things matters just as much as what you say. What to expect: Psychology of Presence: Why listeners trust some voices and tune out others (and how to fix "flat" audio).Unscripted Strategy & Exercises: How to speak naturally using tools from improv & behavioural science.Production Strategy: Systems for video podcasting that don't burn you out. Host: Jen deHaan is the founder of StereoForest. With a background of over 20 years in tech, education, & instructional design and 10 years in improv and performance, Jen brings systems and scientific approach to media production. More info: https://www.stereoforest.com/lab ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com ========================== SupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others on StereoForest. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. StereoForest does not have any funding or additional support. 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?...

S2 Trailer

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1 min
09/10/2025

Three Exercises to Find Your Unique Content Voice

Note: This episode was recorded when this show was known as Human Internet Theory. You might be missing one of the most important parts of storytelling in your videos and podcasts. It is something we use all the time in improv comedy and character development. You have probably heard how important storytelling is for connecting with your audience, but a key part of that process is sharing your own unique, clear point of view. In this episode, I explain what a point of view (POV) is and how it applies to both fiction and nonfiction content. Your POV is your unique way of seeing the world, and it becomes the "why" behind your content. It is what makes you, a human, different from generic, generated AI content that often lacks a unique perspective. A clear POV makes your content more believable, consistent, and helps you build a genuine connection with your audience. I will also give you three practical exercises that you can use today to define your own POV. These exercises will help you start applying your POV to your content strategy right away. ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com ========================== SupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others on StereoForest. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. StereoForest does not have any funding or additional support. 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...

09/10/2025

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21 min
28/10/2025

Tech Update Bonus: Industrialization of Synthetic Influencers & Impact on Creative Professionals

Note: This episode was recorded when this show was known as Human Internet Theory. A top venture capital firm is funding one company to create thousands of fake AI influencers, after also funding another company that builds tech to detect them. This is the new "synthetic social web," an emerging industry that is targeting the work of human creative professionals. Which is what this channel is about: the changing landscape of online and the creative professional industry. In this episode, you'll learn about: Doublespeed AI, the A16Z-backed company with the tagline "never pay a human again."The "disease and the cure" investment strategy involving the detection company, Doppel.The new wave of startups (like MakeUGC and Creatify AI) built to create fake, synthetic user generated content.The distinction between "tools" and "services" that aim to replace human labor entirely.The impact of this on the jobs creative professionals and the loss of authenticity online. This episode breaks down the companies and business models that are replacing human writers, editors, and creators, and explains what is at stake for the future of the human internet. Mentioned in this video (references and sources): Doublespeed AI https://doublespeed.ai Doppel: https://www.doppel.com VC Firm: Andreessen Horowitz (A16Z) and doublespeed: https://speedrun.a16z.com/companies/doublespeed A16Z and Doppel: https://a16z.com/announcement/investing-in-doppel Report: 404 Media on Double Speed https://www.404media.co/a16z-backed-startup-sells-thousands-of-synthetic-influencers-to-manipulate-social-media-as-a-service Podcast Source: Double Speed founder on phone farms https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kMO0VYTBC7U High school students: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-27/teens-struggle-to-tell-if-social-media-videos-are-real-or-ai/105924186 Synthetic generated UGC Startups: https://Creatify.aihttps://Zeely.aihttps://Arcads.aihttps://Tagshop.aispan class="ql-ui"...

28/10/2025

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14 min
8 JAN

Flat Tone vs. Real Emotion on the Mic: What Listeners Actually Feel

If you try to sound professional by flattening your voice into a "newscaster" tone in your podcasts or videos, you are actually making it harder for people to listen. Science shows that listeners physically mimic the tension in your voice. Basically, if you feel nothing, then they feel nothing. This episode looks at Simulation Theory and Emotional Contagion. I go over how your vocal prosody triggers the mirror neurons in your listener's brain. This biological link is why that "NPR Voice" thing often doesn't work all that well in podcasting, and why you need to use techniques to connect. Get better at communication and public speaking to improve your next episode. Key Takeaways: Why listeners physically mimic the emotions they hear in your voice.Why sounding objective or impartial creates a barrier to connection.Mirror Neurons: How to trigger the "audio-motor link" in your audience's brain.A simple script analysis and practice drill to inject genuine emotion into your episodes. RESOURCES:Emotional Contagion: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/mirror-neurons-critical-development-empathySimulation Theory: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2865077/ Prosodic Cues: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4588126/Deep acting: https://bigthink.com/neuropsych/deep-acting-at-work/Newsletter: https://stereoforest.com ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com ========================== SupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others on StereoForest. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. StereoForest does not have any funding or additional support. Support the Showspan class="ql-ui"...

8 Jan

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18 min
02/12/2025

My "Structured Spontaneity" System for Solo Episodes

Full scripts can make you sound robotic, but winging it often leads to rambling and hours of painful editing. You need a middle ground that provides the safety of a script with the energy of a conversation. In this episode, I break down the system I use at StereoForest Studio to organize solo episodes. We move away from word-for-word reading and towards "extemporaneous speaking." This method uses specific bullet points and a rigid structure to keep you on track while allowing your natural personality to come through. Here is what you will learn in this episode: Why "winging it" actually increases your production costsThe definition of "Structured Spontaneity" and why you need itWhich parts of your episode must be fully scripted (and which shouldn't)How to use Main Points and Sub-Points to reduce cognitive load You will leave with a clear framework to organize your next recording session for maximum efficiency and engagement. RESOURCES:About reading scripts without sounding like you're reading: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5F4RFcNoDw The episode about solo formats: https://stereoforest.com/episodes/solo-podcast-formats-explained-storyteller-teacher-commentator/ About extemporaneous speaking: https://courses.lumenlearning.com/suny-rockland-standupspeakout/chapter/four-methods-of-delivery/ StereoForest: https://stereoforest.com CHAPTERS:00:00 The problem with winging it vs. full scripts 02:40 Defining "Structured Spontaneity" 03:14 Why structure creates freedom (The Improv connection) 06:53 What is "Extemporaneous Speaking"? 07:40 Part 1: Fully script the first 30 seconds 09:32 Part 2: Main points and cognitive load 10:12 Part 3: Sub-points for critical data 11:51 Finding your personal level of detail 12:45 Part 4: Fully script the Outro ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com ========================== SupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others on StereoForest. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. StereoForest does not have any funding or additional support. Support the Showli...

02/12/2025

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14 min
17/09/2025

Responding to the Dead Internet Theory with Real Human Connection

Note: This episode was recorded when this show was known as Human Internet Theory. Welcome to the first episode of the Human Internet Theory. In this episode, I introduce the core idea behind this entire show. I'm responding to something you've probably noticed yourself... which is the huge increase in AI-generated content online. This idea has a name, the "Dead Internet Theory," which suggests that much of the internet is no longer human but is instead populated by bots: both generated and automated content. With recent news about thousands of AI-generated podcasts being created every week, this theory feels more real than ever. I believe we, as creators, marketers, and educators, need a positive way to move forward. My response is the Human Internet Theory. It's an approach to creating content that focuses on what makes us unique: our thoughts, our point of view, our creativity, and our ability to truly communicate and connect. This show is about making things with a soul. I'll be your host, Jen deHaan. With my background in technology and education, plus a decade of experience as a performer, I'm here to help you. We will explore how to be more human in a digital world. I’ll share practical steps to build your confidence, find your natural voice on camera or audio, and build real trust with your audience. This show is for you if you want to make your message more human and stand out in the sea of generated content. Join me as we work to keep the internet a place for real human connection. Join the Human Internet Theory newsletter & get a FREE workbook to help you create your business persona. https://humaninternettheory.com to grab the PDF. This is just the introduction! I have another two episodes released so you can get started today. ========================== RESOURCES MENTIONED ========================== Paper on Dead Internet Theory: https://arxiv.org/abs/2502.00007 About Sam Altman's Tweet: https://www.forbes.com/sites/danidiplacido/2025/09/05/sam-altman-is-starting-to-see-the-dead-internet-theory/ AI-Generated Podcasts Article: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/ai-podcast-start-up-plan-shows-1236361367/ Dan Koe on the Meaning Economy: https://youtu.be/ni04Zp7mUMM Visit my website for more: https://humaninternettheory.com Produced by: https://stereoforest.com ========================== ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest a href="https://stereoforest.com" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

17/09/2025

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8 min
17/09/2025

How to Overcome Camera Anxiety: A Step-by-Step Guide

Note: This episode was recorded when this show was known as Human Internet Theory. If you have ever felt that wave of anxiety when you hit the record button, I want you to know you are not alone. In this episode, I talk about why so many of us are camera shy. I won't tell you to "fake it till you make it" in this one. Because I think it is more helpful to first understand the real reason behind this feeling! I explain the science of why our brains react this way, which is a natural human response connected to a deep-seated fear of social judgment. Once we understand "the why", we can build a practical plan to get comfortable. I walk you through a step-by-step process called desensitization. This method is all about starting small, and gradually building your skills and confidence. I share specific, low-stakes ways to begin practicing. The goal here is to create a personalized plan that works for you, allowing you to get your practice in and be forgiving with yourself along the way. Resources Mentioned: Newsletter (with free workbook download!) at HumanInternetTheory.com ================== ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com Contact Jen at https://jendehaan.com ========================== SupportYour support will help this show continue. Funds will go towards hosting and music licensing for this show and others on StereoForest. This show is produced by an independent HUMAN artist directly affected by the state of the industry. StereoForest does not have any funding or additional support. 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...

17/09/2025

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17 min
1 JAN

The "Red Stapler": How to Be Memorable & Believable

You might remember the red Swingline stapler from the movie Office Space. All these years later. You can apply that principle to your episodes to stop sounding like every other show. This episode explores Dual Coding Theory and Concreteness Fading. This science explains why abstract phrases like "an efficient workflow" are forgettable while concrete details like "fast editing with Stream Deck" stick in the brain better. Key Takeaways: Dual Coding Theory: Why your brain processes images and text separately and how to trigger both.Concreteness Fading: Why memory fades over time and how concrete nouns act as "handles" for the brain.The Problem with Jargon: Why "safe" business words and AI make you sound kinda genericThe "Zoom In" Drill: A simple editing exercise to turn more of your words and phrases into specifics. RESOURCES:Dual Coding Studies: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/312316469_Concrete_vs_Abstract_words_-_What_do_you_Recall_Better_A_Study_on_Dual_Coding_Theoryhttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0301008223001120https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/dual-coding-theory (multiple studies) More information about dual coding https://www.instructionaldesign.org/theories/dual-coding/https://plato.stanford.edu/archIves/sum2020/entries/mental-imagery/theories-memory.html Concreteness fading https://www.learningscientists.org/blog/2018/2/1-1 (general)https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0959475221000839 Random word (suggestion) generators There are many! Here are two options https://www.impromuse.com/ https://www.andismith.com/games/improv-suggestions/ Join the Lab &...

1 Jan

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14 min
24/09/2025

Building Trust as a Creator While AI Avatars Are Emerging

Note: This episode was recorded when this show was known as Human Internet Theory. The internet is quickly filling up with AI-generated content, including marketing that uses realistic AI avatars. Avatars, digital humans, can look and sound realistic and not have bad hair like me. In this episode, I explore the complex psychology of trust in the age of AI which gets into some of the hidden costs involved in using avatars and generated content. I end the episode with three practical ways you can adjust your content in this new era by leaning into your humanity to build trust. These episodes are recorded as a video. You can find the videos here on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@humaninternettheory Resources Mentioned: Masahiro Mori's original essay on the Uncanny Valley (accepted translation): https://spectrum.ieee.org/the-uncanny-valleyThe 2018 study on the Uncanny Valley: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29704523/Elliot Aronson's 1966 study on the Pratfall Effect: https://link.springer.com/article/10.3758/BF03342263Social comparison study related to Pratfall effect: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/2010-04558-004MarTech article on the AI trust gap: https://martech.org/marketers-turn-to-ai-for-speed-while-consumers-turn-away-in-distrust/Paper on deception in computer-mediated communication: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/313859197_Deception_in_computer-mediated_communicationHuman Internet Theory newsletter and free worksheet: https://humaninternettheory.comEpisode on improv and the self-critic: https://stereoforest.com/episodes/a-3-step-system-for-managing-self-criticism-in-improv/ === ========================== About and Support========================== Written, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Find this show on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@jdehaan Website at https://stereoforest.com/lab Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at a href="https://stereoforest.com/newsletter" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

24/09/2025

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28 min

StereoForest creates, directs, and produces improvised (improv) shows, comedy shows, audio dramas, and other audio fiction that are delivered digitally to a variety of platforms. We also produce non-fiction series about improv, gardening, and food. We also collaborate on shows that are about comedy and improv too. Subscribe to the StereoForest newsletter on our website to follow our shows, podcasts, and related events. Become a supporting member at https://members.stereoforest.com for exclusive episodes, content, early access, and more.

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