Improvly Speaking

Dayna Gowan
  • 5.0 (6)
  • SELF-IMPROVEMENT
  • UPDATED 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. 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    1h 54m

  2. 12/22/2025

    Releasing All the Judgements and Expectations…A Special 50 Episodes Celebration!

    Fifty episodes. Five thousand downloads. And a whole lot of doubt, courage, and creative growth in between. In this special solo episode, Dayna pauses to celebrate a major milestone for Improvly Speaking and to pull back the curtain on what it really took to get here. From spiraling self-doubt and analysis paralysis to unexpected momentum and joyful surprises, Dayna shares the behind-the-scenes reality of launching (and sticking with) something new. You’ll hear the behind the scenes of launching the podcast, the “more than zero” mindset that kept things moving, and why releasing judgment — especially your own — is often the most creative act you can make. Whether you’re dreaming about starting something or trying to stay the course, this episode is an invitation to trust yourself, take the leap, and keep going. More than zero is still something — and sometimes, it’s everything. 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    39 min

  3. 12/12/2025

    Play, Profits, & Psychological Safety: Rediscovering Your Inner Child with Rona Lewis

    On this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna sits down with the incomparable Rona Lewis — leadership and communication coach, keynote speaker, experiential learning facilitator, and unapologetic play instigator. As the co-founder and CEO of Playful Mind Project and author of Play and Profit, Rona helps teams ditch burnout, strengthen communication, and spark innovation through purposeful and attuned play. Rona shares her zigzag journey from acting and advertising to fitness, corporate wellbeing, and applied improv — revealing how tapping into our inner child builds resilience, creativity, and human connection at work and beyond. Rona’s playful energy and spirit will brighten your day and inspire you to say yes to offers that come up and find your own playground.  Learn more at ronalewis.com and playfulmindproject.com. Also check out her Biz Souls Podcast with co-host Jeffrey Hansler. 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    1h 19m

  4. 11/15/2025

    Becoming a Boulder Hero & Creating Space for Connection with Jessilee Windhaus

    What happens when an only child with boundless creativity decides to transform her hometown’s comedy scene? Jessilee Windhaus, founder of Haus of Comedy in Sacramento, shares how her love of improv evolved into multiple improv businesses with Haus of Comedy being a brick and mortar theater that will be opening very soon! Yayy!! Jessilee’s goal for the theater is to create a thriving, inclusive theater that empowers connection, confidence, and community. From childhood performances to business ownership, Jessilee’s story is full of laughter, resilience, and inspiration for anyone ready to turn passion into purpose. If you are crawling through mud and pushing the boulder up the hill on your own hero’s journey, this episode is for you!  Other reasons to listen:  Tormund the cat makes a few cameo appearances during the interview. 🙂Find out why Jessilee is the Boulder Hero! Feel seen and validated if you are also an only child who struggles with punctuality.  You can find out more about Jessilee here: Jessilee's Instagram - @_jess_and_Haus of Comedy - website, Instragram, and TikTokLoved 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    1h 32m

  5. 10/30/2025

    Speak Easy and Run Towards the Scary Things with Brian Lafontaine

    When you’ve spent years performing on stage, doing standup, and speaking in front of crowds, you learn one thing very quickly: nothing ever goes exactly as planned. In this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna chats with actor, voiceover artist, and public speaking coach Brian Lafontaine about his improv experience, the beauty of uncertainty, and why learning to “run toward the scary things” can change how you show up in both performance and life.  You can find out more about Brian Lafontaine here: Connect with Brian Lafontaine on his website, LinkedIn, and InstagramEmail him at BrianLafontaineCoaching@gmail.com 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    1h 34m

  6. 10/10/2025

    Being Comfortable with the Uncomfortable with Jacque Arend

    If there’s one thing that improvisation teaches us, it’s that life rarely follows a script. For Jacque Arend, Managing Director of Camp Improv Utopia and Executive Director of Savi Fest, that truth has been especially clear over the past few years. She’s navigated running multiple improv camps, ADHD, and career pivots – and today, she shares with us how she’s learned to be comfortable with the uncomfortable. Tune in to get inspired to start new adventures before you’re ready, and to get comfortable with uncertainty. You can find out more about Jacque Arend here: Website - https://jacquearend.com/Instagram - @goldtootheFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/jacque.arendAlso, check out Savi Fest, Camp Improv Utopia, and Arizona Actors Academy 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    2h 7m
  7. Uncertainty is My Friend: A Postpartum Life Update and the Mantra that Keeps Me Grounded

    07/12/2025

    Uncertainty is My Friend: A Postpartum Life Update and the Mantra that Keeps Me Grounded

    After a podcasting hiatus, Dayna Gowan is back behind the mic – and she’s got a lot to share. In this solo episode, Dayna opens up about the wild ride that has been new motherhood, from unexpected detours in her birth plan to sleepless nights, big trips and moves, and the messy, beautiful process of adjusting to her new identity as “mom.” Plus, she’s sharing the mantra about embracing uncertainty that has changed everything for her growth and peace. Big announcement: Dayna is going full-time with Improvly Speaking in Fall 2025!  Contact Dayna for public speaking coaching, team workshops, and improv-based communication training. Find out more on the website, or reach out directly at dayna@improvlyspeaking.com.  Want more Improvly Speaking? Follow along on Instagram and 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    58 min
  8. Punchlines & Progress: Jessica Halem's Journey of Comedy, Advocacy, & Connection

    06/30/2025

    Punchlines & Progress: Jessica Halem's Journey of Comedy, Advocacy, & Connection

    On this episode of Improvly Speaking, Dayna Gowan sits down with the incredible Jessica Halem, a powerhouse public speaker, communication strategist, LGBTQ+ health equity advocate, and a former stand-up comic trained at Second City. Jessica has worn many hats (and delivered many punchlines). She’s currently the Senior Director of the LGBTQ+ Health Initiative at the University of Pennsylvania and formerly served as the first LGBTQ+ Director at Harvard Medical School. But no matter the stage – whether it’s a university, a conference, or a comedy club – Jessica brings her signature mix of authenticity, empathy, and improv skills to every room she’s in. You can find out more about Jessica Halem here: Connect with Jessica Halem on her website, Instagram, or 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.com Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/ Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/

    1h 45m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
6 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
    53
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Improvly Speaking
  • Show Website
    Improvly Speaking