The Backline

The Sonar Network

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EDUCATION
UPDATED WEEKLY

Canadian Comedy Award winners Rob Norman and Adam Cawley discuss weekly improv-based topics based on a theme.

3 DAYS AGO

A Surprising Way to Teach Improv

This week Rob and Adam discuss different methods of teaching improv, what's the best way for a teacher to get their ideas across, and how context changes a teacher's lesson plan. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

26 min
23 FEB

Is this the End of the Second City e.t.c?

This week, Rob and Adam unpack a major shake-up at The Second City. Starting January 22, 2026, the historic e.t.c. Stage shifts from scripted sketch to Improv Supernova, a fully improvised show—the first change in its 43-year history. They explore why the move makes sense now and what it means for the future of Second City, improv, and sketch comedy. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

1h 3m
17 FEB

Shame, Scene Hogs, and Everything Else

Rob and Adam answer three questions from a single listener. This week they discuss shame, greedy scene partners, and how to strengthen your comedic muscles offstage. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

1h 3m
12 FEB

To Care or Not to Care

This week Rob and Adam discuss the delicate balance between telling jokes and caring about the reality of the scene, when it makes sense to care in your scene, and how to start investing in the reality more. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

53 min
5 FEB

Fresh Start

We all make mistakes—but how do we recover when they happen onstage? Is there a magic phrase an improviser can use to win the audience back? This week, Rob and Adam discuss the best strategies for recovering after bombing a scene. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

44 min
23/12/2025

The Backline Holiday Special 2025

This week Rob and Adam reflect on the year and give spread thanks to improv communities across the world: Ann Arbor, Chris the Cameraman, mentorship from Greg Yates, and never giving up on the dream of a Magnet House team. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

36 min
11/12/2025

Bulldozer

In this episode, Rob and Adam dive into the challenges of handling heavy offers, navigating information overload, and figuring out how to deal with unexpected “bulldozers” that can derail an improv scene. They break down practical strategies, share examples, and explore how to keep scenes playful, collaborative, and fun. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

52 min
08/12/2025

Touch the Lamassu!

This week, Rob and Adam tackle a tricky question: does your improv teacher have secrets to share, or are they full of it? With countless improv styles—many of them contradicting each other—it can be tough to know what to believe. Rob and Adam explore how improv ideas get passed down, why some “rules” stick, and how performers can figure out what’s actually useful. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/

1h 3m

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COMEDY INTERVIEWS
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AFTER SHOWS
A SONAR+ exclusive, THE PITCH is our premium podcast where wacky characters and comedians pitch outrageous new podcast ideas to the Sonar Executives in the hopes of joining the network and making it big. It's the Shark Tank of podcasts!

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COMEDY INTERVIEWS
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COMEDY INTERVIEWS
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CAREERS