Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system regulation, and comedy

StereoForest Podcasts
  • 5.0 (3)
  • IMPROV
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Your Improv Brain: The cognitive side of comedy, performance, and neurodiversity Do you want to understand the brain-body connection behind great comedy? Your improv brain explores how neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism, impacts how we learn, coach, and perform. Host Jen deHaan digs into the science of why we freeze up on stage, how to find flow state, and using nervous system tools to become a more resilient improviser and actor. Why this show is for you Whether you are neurodivergent or neurotypical, this show provides a neuroinclusive lens on the creative process. We move beyond "yes and" to discuss: How different brain wiring affects ensemble teamwork. Overcoming stage fright and the "body" side of performance. Tools for autistic and ADHD improvisers to thrive in rehearsals and shows. Improving coaching techniques for comedy teachers and directors. About the host Hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen is an autistic and ADHD comedy performer, writer, and improv enthusiast. These episodes offer a deep dive into the intersection of cognition and creativity to help you work more efficiently, learn more effectively, and ultimately, be funnier. Note: This show was formerly titled "Neurodiversity and improv." Produced by: https://StereoForest.com 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. 1D AGO

    You don't need backstory: starting scenes in the middle

    SURPRISE! I'm back. Hi! :) Starting a scene with two people standing there asking "who are you?" or explaining a bunch of backstory is one of the quickest ways to lose your audience. In this episode, I talk about why exposition bogs down the top of your scene and how starting in the middle of the action gives your scene immediate momentum. This is the first in a short four episode series about the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality. I reference Truth in Comedy (linked in the show notes below) and walk through two exercises: a partner drill where one player starts a physical action and the other identifies and justifies it, and a solo version arbitrarily called Narrate This where you practice describing and justifying your own actions in real time. Resources and downloads: https://improvupdate.com Truth in comedy: https://www.indigo.ca/en-ca/truth-in-comedy-the-manual-for-improvisation/9781566080033.html YouTube version of this episode: https://youtu.be/WFyTR-IJc-s Newsletter: https://improvupdate.com/newsletter Chapters 00:00 Why backstory kills your scenes 00:59 Truth in Comedy and why exposition doesn't work 02:29 Start in the middle of the action 03:59 Partner exercise: identify and justify 05:26 Adding challenge by making actions illegal 06:27 Solo exercise: Narrate This 07:33 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" 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"...

    8 min

  2. 11/03/2025

    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...

    22 min

  3. 10/20/2025

    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...

    19 min

  4. 09/01/2025

    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! 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

    19 min

  5. 08/25/2025

    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"...

    20 min

  6. 08/18/2025

    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...

    18 min

  7. 08/11/2025

    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 link:...

    22 min

  8. 08/04/2025

    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"...

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Your Improv Brain: The cognitive side of comedy, performance, and neurodiversity Do you want to understand the brain-body connection behind great comedy? Your improv brain explores how neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism, impacts how we learn, coach, and perform. Host Jen deHaan digs into the science of why we freeze up on stage, how to find flow state, and using nervous system tools to become a more resilient improviser and actor. Why this show is for you Whether you are neurodivergent or neurotypical, this show provides a neuroinclusive lens on the creative process. We move beyond "yes and" to discuss: How different brain wiring affects ensemble teamwork. Overcoming stage fright and the "body" side of performance. Tools for autistic and ADHD improvisers to thrive in rehearsals and shows. Improving coaching techniques for comedy teachers and directors. About the host Hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen is an autistic and ADHD comedy performer, writer, and improv enthusiast. These episodes offer a deep dive into the intersection of cognition and creativity to help you work more efficiently, learn more effectively, and ultimately, be funnier. Note: This show was formerly titled "Neurodiversity and improv." Produced by: https://StereoForest.com 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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