Improv in Real Life

In a world where we're more connected digitally but increasingly disconnected in real life, how do we rediscover the art of collaboration? In this special live episode, Jude is joined by applied improvisers Pat Shay, Mary Theresa Archbold, Elizabeth Bojsza, and Lydia Franco-Hodges for a lively exploration of how improv can help us listen, trust, and find common ground. *Connect with Elizabeth & Lydia: Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Elizabeth: LinkedIn Lydia: LinkedIn *Connect with Mary & Pat:  Pat: Website, LinkedIn Mary: Website, LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. Whether you're trying to connect with an audience, bring a team together, or communicate more authentically in a rapidly changing world, Lifestage can help. Learn more at Lifestage.me. *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

What if we use play to navigate life's challenges? In this episode, Jude speaks with Anthony Veneziale, co-creator of Broadway's Freestyle Love Supreme, about how improv helps us explore vulnerability, embrace uncertainty, and find strength in human connection. Together, they explore the transformative power of collective creativity and why everyone deserves the opportunity to play. *Connect with Anthony - freestyle+, Ted Talk, Website, LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. Whether you're trying to connect with an audience, bring a team together, or communicate more authentically in a rapidly changing world, Lifestage can help. Learn more at Lifestage.me. *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

What if getting comfortable with discomfort could actually make us braver? In this episode, Jude speaks with medical improv pioneer Katie Watson about brave spaces versus safe spaces. They discuss how improv can help us take risks, practice pausing, and trust ourselves to show up more fully, in healthcare and in life. *Connect with Katie - Northwestern, Medical Improv This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. Whether you're trying to connect with an audience, bring a team together, or communicate more authentically in a rapidly changing world, Lifestage can help. Learn more at Lifestage.me. *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

What happens when we stop performing and start showing up as we are? In this episode, Jude speaks with Improv Central founder Claire Slattery about using improv to rebuild the muscles of connection, play, and spontaneity. Together, they discuss why practicing in-person, unscripted interaction may be more important than ever in an increasingly digital world. *Connect with Claire: Improv Central, LinkedIn Improv Central 1-Year Anniversary Celebration weekend of events (all for $1 each) - Sept 19 & 20 *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

What if one of the best defenses against burnout is the people around us? In this episode, Jude speaks with Elizabeth Bojsza from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science about how improv can strengthen communication, connection, and trust, helping teams build the collective resilience to navigate stress together. *Connect with Elizabeth - LinkedIn, Stony Brook University ARTICLE: Burnout and Professional Fulfillment: Associations With Interprofessional Communication Skills and Climate Among Clinical Health Professionals TEXTBOOK: Science Communication for Scientists: Linking Strategy with Creativity RADIO: How Improv Might Help People Trust the Science This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. Whether you're trying to connect with an audience, bring a team together, or communicate more authentically in a rapidly changing world, Lifestage can help. Learn more at Lifestage.me. *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

How does play change the way we connect with each other? In this episode, Jude speaks with Playfair founder Matt Weinstein about how games and improv can break down barriers, create belonging, and turn strangers into collaborators. Together, they explore what happens when we let go of our defenses and give ourselves permission to root for one another. *Connect with Matt - Playfair, LinkedIn, Ted Talk This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. For more information, visit lifestage.me.  *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

What if the best leaders are really just skilled improvisers? In this episode, Jude speaks with Kirsten Henning about how the same skills that make a great scene partner - adaptability, empathy, and knowing when to step back - are exactly what it takes to lead a team. *Connect with Kirsten - Website, LinkedIn This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. For more information, visit lifestage.me.  *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

Improv IRL goes live! Jude takes the podcast to the stage at the Global Improvisation Initiative conference in Portland, OR. She is joined by applied improvisers Bobbi Block, Nicola Pauling, and Brad Robertson for a lively mix of improv games and real conversation about what it means to activate the possible. *Connect with the guests!  Bobbi Block - Website, Yes and Nature Collaborative, Tongue & Groove Spontaneous Theater Nicola Pauling - Website, Performance Coaching, LinkedIn Brad Robertson - On Your Feet, LinkedIn Study about morbid curosity: Pandemic practice: Horror fans and morbidly curious individuals are more psychologically resilient during the COVID-19 pandemic This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. For more information, visit lifestage.me.  *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn

How do we get better at feeling (and expressing) the full range of human emotion? In this episode, Jude speaks with psychiatrist Dr. Elaina DellaCava about using improv for personal development. They explore how improv lowers our defenses, strengthens emotional awareness, and helps us navigate big life transitions with more grace and joy.  *Connect with Elaina: Instagram, LinkedIn, Improvolution, Improv for Mental Health Workshop This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. For more information, visit lifestage.me.  *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn  

How do we build trust with a room full of strangers? In this episode, Jude speaks with playwright Jack Canfora about what real creative collaboration requires, including the willingness to accept feedback and let go of being right. Together, they explore how truly listening to each other (and to the moment) can lead to transformative art.  *Connect with Jack - LinkedIn, Instagram. Listen to The Murderer Killings. Current production: The Vienna Lessons Learn more: Collaboration Without Character? Improv Shows The Cracks by Mary Crossan This podcast is brought to you by Lifestage. Lifestage designs and facilitates experiential workshops, classes, and presentations for professional and personal development. For more information, visit lifestage.me.  *Connect with Jude - Substack, Instagram, LinkedIn