Improvly Speaking

Dayna Gowan
  • 5.0 (7)
  • Self-Improvement
  • Bimonthly

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.

  1. Oct 29

    Yes, And... You Should Start That Podcast with Kristen Stegall

    Click here to view the video version of this episode on Youtube. Every person who has taken an Improv 101 class has learned the rule of Yes, And. Say yes to the idea in front of you, then build on it – even when the idea is a three-and-a-half-year-old who's beating you at Monopoly Jr. before 7 a.m. That's Kristen Stegall's philosophy in a nutshell, and it's carried her from a self-designed college major to founding Novice Studios, the Charlotte-based video podcast production company behind 1,000+ episodes and counting.  We recorded this episode in person at her fabulous podcast studio in Matthews, NC. In this episode, we discuss:  Her pandemic-era leap into entrepreneurshipHer high school improv days and how those lessons have stuck with her and shaped how she runs client meetings and coaches nervous first-time podcastersThe unfiltered emotional rollercoaster of running a service businessWhy you should start that podcast idea if you've been dreaming about itThe honest truth about podcast downloads (spoiler: more than zero is a win!)And much more! If you've ever thought about starting a podcast, or you just want proof that saying "yes, and" to your own ideas can turn into an actual career, this one's for you.  (Fair warning, we also cover board games, doggy baths, and the Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, because that's just how these conversations go.) Kristen Stegall is a Podcast Producer and CEO of Novice Studios, a marketing agency that helps business owners align their podcasting efforts with broader content and sales strategies. She’s known for making clients feel seen, heard, and confident on camera. Kristen is redefining what it means to be a producer - and stepping into a visionary role in her business. Connect with Kristen: Website - https://novicestudiosclt.com/Instagram - @novicestudioscltResources mentioned: Media Makeover by Novice Studios Book a Discovery Call with Kristen - mention Improvly Speaking to get 10% off your podcast launch or Media Makeover!How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7 (The How To Talk Series) Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  2. Aug 15

    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 Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  3. Jul 24

    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 Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  4. Jun 5

    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 Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  5. Apr 24

    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  Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  6. Mar 21

    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 Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  7. Mar 6

    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 Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

  8. Jan 24

    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. Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Support the show ------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/Email: Dayna@improvlyspeaking.comWebsite: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-listPod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

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5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Dayna Gowan
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Improvly Speaking
  • Show Website
    Improvly Speaking

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