StereoForest Podcasts

•

Channel • 6 Shows

Marketing

Marketing

Updated Daily
Improv

Improv

Updated Weekly
Comedy Fiction

Comedy Fiction

Semiweekly Series
Comedy Fiction

Comedy Fiction

Semiweekly Series
Comedy Fiction

Comedy Fiction

Updated Biweekly
Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurship

Updated Weekly

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

11/03/2025

•

24 min
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...

10/20/2025

•

20 min
4D AGO

16 - Why solo and scripted episodes can be easier and more efficient

Many creators worry that scripting a solo show takes too much time, and that running and interview and chatting with a guest is easier, quicker, and ... better. Interview shows actually carry a massive workload, like finding guests and coordinating schedules. You have to research what you should ask that guest for discuss, and help with (and pay for) remote recording tech. And then there's the ghosting. In this micro-episode: Overhead of running an interview show, and why solo/scripted might be more efficient for your businessOptions for your show's overall formatting (strategy) Find more episodes and subscribe at stereoforest.com/minute. About and SupportWritten, edited, and hosted by Jen deHaan. Website and Contact at https://stereoforest.com/minute Get StereoForest’s newsletter for podcasting resources at https://stereoforest.com/newsletter Produced by StereoForest https://stereoforest.com About Jen at https://jendehaan.com 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: https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j About JenHost: 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. Jen's website: a...

4d ago

•

4 min
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! 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

09/01/2025

•

22 min
01/29/2024

Neurodiversity and Observation: How it can improve your scenes

You’re getting an episode that gets real. So this week I experienced something related to last week’s episode (ep 10). I wrote all of the notes for an episode about finding the unusual thing as a neurodivergent improviser. But you’re getting that one next week, friend, because I’ve been thinking about this stuff instead. And you know what happens when we get all focused on a subject. Well… this. So this week I’m talking about how we observe small details, things many others don’t notice, particularly well due to our neurodivergent traits. It’s how we gather all those details, spew specifics, read our scene partners with aplomb, and care so much about what we know, do, and feel. And the world. It’s also how and WHY we see those patterns and make the connections so very well in life (and scenes). I’ll talk about what neurodivergent traits and experiences we commonly have that make us so good at these things, and how you can work to enhance your observation to help make your scenes easier. I’ll also get up on a soapbox to challenge the improv advice to “get out there and live life for your scenes!” for those details with my “yes, but”. Very different approaches in this regard are valuable and valid and equal and need to be noted. Some of our experiences, like feeling socially isolated, are hard. I won’t minimize or toxic positivity them here. But they’re real, happen, it’s life, and we can utilize the pieces of data we get from these experiences in our improv practice. 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...

01/29/2024

•

40 min
09/24/2024

Emotional Processing, Acting, and Improv (Alexithymia) - Part 1

Alexithymia involves how a person identifies and experiences emotions, so it has a lot to do with an improv practice. Part one of this two part episode series explores what alexithymia is, how it affects improv, and suggests some ways to practice improv if you experience it. Part two covers some ideas of what students can do if they approach exercises with assigned emotions, and what teachers can do to make their classes and exercises more inclusive for those with alexithymia. References from episode I mentioned the “Notes” episode series in this episode, which might be helpful if you are initiating discussions with a coach or team about emotions in scenes and alexithymia. You can find those episodes here: * Getting & Giving Notes (part 1) - Ep #15 * Getting Notes You Don't Understand (part 2) - Ep #16 * Giving Notes to Students (part 3) - Ep #17 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...

09/24/2024

•

30 min
10/08/2024

Emotional Processing, Acting, and Improv (Alexithymia) - Part 2

In part one of this episode series on emotions in improv, we looked at what alexithymia is, who experiences it and the variety of expression, and how it affects improv performers and the shared improv practice. This episode, part two, now explores some ideas of what students can do if they approach exercises with assigned emotions, and what teachers can do to make their classes and exercises more inclusive for those with alexithymia. I mention “emotion charts” (moods, feelings, etc) in the episode. This is what I mean (there are tons on the interwebs, here are just a couple): Example 1, Example 2. There are many out there that you can print out, or purchase a laminated poster of and so on. 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 href="https://share.uppbeat.io/p4od8inwhc2j" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

10/08/2024

•

32 min
08/27/2024

Getting Notes and Feedback You Don’t Understand - Part 2

Welcome to part two of this three-part series of episodes about receiving notes as neurodivergent improvisers. (Note: This episode is offered as an early release to supporters, and opens up to everyone on August 27! ) Getting notes can be hard for students, particularly when there is a communication gap between neurotype. This episode lists five reasons students might have to make this part of a session difficult, and some things students can try to make the process a little bit easier. Resources mentioned in episode series: * Neurodiversity & Improv Episode 13: Improv and being Misunderstood * Double Empathy Problem: Autism and the double empathy problem: Implications for development and mental health 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...

08/27/2024

•

31 min
06/23/2025

Improv Burnout? Prioritize Yourself for Better Improv Performances

Are you sacrificing your well-being for your improv team? This episode of Your Improv Brain challenges the myth that good improvisers must be comedy doormats. Always saying yes outside the scene doesn't help your scene partner in the end. Discover why putting yourself last leads to burnout and how "doing comedy for you first" actually creates more exciting, sustainable, and authentic performances for everyone. Learn practical ways to prioritize your needs and your energy without abandoning 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: 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. a href="https://StereoForest.com/contact" rel="noopener...

06/23/2025

•

17 min
12/18/2023

Masking and Improv: Character Matching (Peas in a Pod) Scenes

Masking is a common behaviour for autistic and/or ADHD people (or those of us who are both). It's sometimes referred to as camouflaging, mimicking, or being a social chameleon. You might mask subconsciously - you might not even realize you do it! But it's essentially suppressing your natural reactions, responses, physicality or expressions in order to hide some of your natural behaviours or instincts. Your first reaction. Masking can help you fit in with the crowd, make social connections, or avoid punishment at work or school. It can also be exhausting, among other things. Masking affects your improv in good ways, and also some challenging ways. It affects the way you approach grounded characters and scenes, the way you do voice of reason, host shows, and of course… helps quite a bit with peas in a pod or character matching scenes! This episode covers the intersection of masking and peas in a pod scenes in improv, after a bit of an infodump about what masking is, and why we do it. I hope it makes sense. I don’t know if it will, this stuff is weird and imposter syndrome is real. A future episode will infodump 2.0 about how masking affects voice of reason and grounded scenes, and I think it’ll be more useful than this one maybe. 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: a href="https://f.mtr.cool/VZBOZR" rel="noopener noreferrer"...

12/18/2023

•

31 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.

Website

StereoForest Podcasts

Top Shows

Top Episodes

About