The Pain of Learning Improv: What to Assess, How to Respond

Feeling frustrated, stuck, or even like you're getting worse at improv? This episode reframes the struggle. Discover the difference between productive learning pain and the unnecessary pain that you can walk away from. Learn a clear framework to assess your comedy practice, connect with your "why," and decide if your creative struggle is worth it. Doing this can help you re-engage in improv with more confidence and purpose. And maybe make your growth a bit easier too.Find the web article and YouTube embedded on this page. Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv & comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does neuroinclusive mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteThis podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring out what is sustainable and most needed by myself and the community.I mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts,...

If you struggle to come up with specific or original ideas in your improv scenes, there's something you can do between scenes to help with that struggle.This episode of Your Improv Brain reframes the problem of trying to get ideas into a scene. Discover why the key to better creative output isn't forced thinking, but quality input and curiosity to get it there. So you can use your noggin RAM.Learn a practical, no-cost method to fuel your creativity using curiosity, making your ideas and characters richer and more automatic.Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv & comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does neuroinclusive mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteThis podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring out what is sustainable and most needed by myself and the community.I mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the...

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.Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv & comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does neuroinclusive mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteThis podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring out what is sustainable and most needed by myself and the community.I mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the contact form on this...

Tired of being told to "just react like you would in real life" to ground an improv scene? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores advanced techniques for playing the voice of reason or grounded characters in a scene or sustaining them long-term.Discover how shifting from simply "acting normal" to dynamically balancing the scene can make you a more adaptable, supportive, and funnier improviser, especially if "normal" feels challenging.You can also watch this episode on YouTube here or find the website article here.Resources mentioned in this episode:For more information on peas in a pod scenes, you can find more information and an episode (episode #6) to listen to on this page at Improv Update. For more content on the voice of reason, see this page on Improv Update for more episodes and a downloadable PDF document.Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv & comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does neuroinclusive mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This,

Tired of being told to "get out of your head"? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores a different approach. Discover how your active inner voice, often seen as a distraction, can actually become a powerful tool for your improv. Host Jen deHaan and guest Sabrina Banes discuss practical ways to understand and even harness your mental chatter for more grounded, spontaneous, and less anxious performances.How can an inner monologue help you with a core long-form improv concept? Jen lets you know near the end of the episode.You can also watch this episode on YouTube at the Your Improv Brain channel.About our Guest, Sabrina:Sabrina Banes is an improviser and Tarot reader who lives in Bed Stuy, Brooklyn with a Siamese cat named Kevin. In addition to Manifesto Update Sabrina also performs with her Improv College group The Fae Team and her Highwire troupes Dolly Lana and Jace Spam. Sabrina is also an improviser in and co-creator of Manifesto Update, produced by StereoForest.See Sabrina's team The Fae with Improv College here: https://youtube.com/@improvcollegeAnd watch our show Manifesto Update on Stereoforest here: https://youtube.com/@stereoforest (first episode June 17, 2025) or listen to the podcast version here https://stereoforest.com/manifestoWhere to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at <a...

This episode provides general suggestions to comedians, especially neurodivergent ones like us autistic and ADHD actors in comedy and improv, to protect our minds while engaging in comedy and with others in the community. Find the video for this episode (has my face, not just captions): YouTube video (you can leave your input here!)Find the written article for this episode here: NeurodiversityImprov.com article (you can also leave your input here!)Checking in on yourself, in whatever spaces you’re participating in, is pretty good for mental health. These ten suggestions should be relevant beyond comedy communities, and will apply to people who aren't neurodivergent too. So even if you aren't autistic, for example, these should be relevant and hopefully somewhat useful.Some important notes about these suggestions for protecting your mind in comedy spaces:Some of these suggestions might contradict themselves. Or they might leave out some important points. This is confusing stuff, highly personal/unique, and in this case of course limited to one person’s experience and brain wiring! I heartily welcome you to add your own observations in the comments (anonymously from a throwaway account is fine, too!)Some of these suggestions might sound like I’m suggesting to “run away” from issues — but I am NOT advocating this and NOT suggesting we avoid addressing problems in comedy. Quite the opposite. These suggestions involve sticking within your community, but empowering yourself whilst doing so by forming new projects, outlets, or similar (as an option, or while addressing problematic stuff if it’s applicable). And as always: any suggestions are not universal!All ten sections below are SUGGESTIONS (from an autistic brain) even though many are not worded as such. These are worded like demands, because it’s what I ask of myself, what I use to check in. But they aren’t demands for YOU. Take a suggestion if you think it's helpful and applies to you. Ignore it if it doesn't apply to you.And as always, don’t replace this article or site for working with a professional. Also don’t use these resources for diagnosis of yourself or others. I’m not a mental health professional.You deserve compassion and respect no matter where you are with either your mental health or whether you are autistic, ADHD, or another neurotype!Ten Suggestions (as chapters!)Chapters:00:00 Intro01:00 About the podcast and episode02:22 Episode and topic overview - why I/we need these suggestions07:16 Suggestion One: Be Yourself and don't compromise on it.10:43 Suggestion Two: Take care of yourself first, for others13:53 Suggestion Three: Find your source of joy, but be open to pivoting16:17 Suggestion Four: Find the humans who value YOU19:33 Suggestion Five: Ignore the gatekeepers, and find your confidence22:31 Suggestion Six: Protect your value23:34 Suggestion Seven: Communicate openly and in good faith28:36 Suggestion Eight: Ask for or seek accommodations31:02 Suggestion Nine: Analyze where value comes from, especially if depressed33:33 Suggestion Ten: Value your mental health35:50 Conclusion and links42:42 Link to podcast (NeurodivergentComedy.com)Comedy is wildly strange, and a beast of its own (despite giving retro-silicon-valley vibes). At least the tiny corner I've witnessed and participated in. Let’s keep our neurodivergent minds safer here.Where to find stuffGet articles about...

This marks one year of making podcast episodes! There are some changes happening next week, and here's what those changes are. And the things not changing (most of it isn't change). Yeah, STUFF IS HAPPENING!This kinda-but-not-really-an-episode talks about how this series started, and what I have planned with the name change for the podcast project.Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteThis podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring out what is sustainable and most needed by myself and the community.I mention surveys and written versions in earlier episodes. I am moving this content to ImprovUpdate.com on a new being-developed website. You can always send me any comments, thoughts, feedback, or contributions using the contact form on this page. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac

Icebreakers. They're common in an improv class, at the top of a jam, or maybe when a team is just getting to know each other.Some people love them.Some people hate them.Some of us have a love/hate relationship depending on the day or the icebreaker in question.Many of the people who really dislike icebreakers are neurodivergent people, which is why such a seemingly simple thing is getting an episode.But many students, neurodivergent or not, need icebreakers to feel comfortable in the scenes that are in their near future when they're in a room with strangers (or near-strangers). They might not know they kinda need them, either. Icebreakers might be needed to make a room feel a bit safer, a bit more beneficial, a bit more comfortable.But some people, especially some of us neurodivergents with communication difficulties and differences and trauma history, feel uncomfortable doing them.So what now?Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteThis podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring...

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.Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or perform. This, just like the word "neurodiversity", includes both neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals. Which is… you, since that covers everyone!This podcast was made in British Columbia, Canada by StereoForest Podcasts.NoteThis podcast has been renamed a couple times to best fit what it needed to become, and better reflect what it eventually became! It's not gone, I am figuring out what...

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 episodeI 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 &amp; Giving Notes (part 1) - Ep #15* Getting Notes You Don't Understand (part 2) - Ep #16* Giving Notes to Students (part 3) - Ep #17Where to find stuffGet articles about improv: Join the ImprovUpdate newsletter(s) for general improv articles, and articles about neuroinclusive improv and comedy. Join either or both!Get downloads about improv &amp; comedy: Find them here.Review the podcast: Rate and review this podcast on Podchaser.Appear on this podcast: If you'd like to chat about improv on this podcast, contact the podcast/Jen here.Improv with us: Do you want to improvise in fiction podcasts at StereoForest? Subscribe to the ImprovUpdate.com newsletter to learn about opportunities for improvisers and voice actors.Chat about improv and comedy: Join the Improv Update Discord here.SupportLike this content and want it to continue? Support this podcast here with a one-time tip here: StereoForest.com/tips 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. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.What does&nbsp;neuroinclusive&nbsp;mean? It means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and abilities to learn, write together, or...