Your Improv Brain

By Jen deHaan

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Image by Jen deHaan

Category: Performing Arts

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Subscribers: 5
Reviews: 0
Episodes: 47

Description

Your Improv Brain is a show that helps you understand your brain (and body!) to be a happier, better performer. I'll also explore the intersection of improv comedy, neurodivergence, and the science of performance. Episodes cover how different brain types, including neurodivergent and neurotypical minds, experience comedy and performance. The show discusses creating supportive environments and understanding cognitive differences in improv practice. Your Improv Brain also explores how neurodivergence, including ADHD and autism, impacts how we learn, coach, and perform. Host Jen deHaan - who is certifying in multiple programs based on nervous system regulation - gets into the science of why we freeze up on stage, how to find flow state, and using nervous system regulation tools to become a more resilient improviser and actor. Why this show is for you Whether you are neurodivergent or neurotypical, this show provides a neuroinclusive lens on the creative process. We move beyond "yes and" to discuss: How different brain wiring affects ensemble teamwork. Overcoming stage fright and the "body" side of performance. Tools for autistic and ADHD improvisers to thrive in rehearsals and shows. Improving coaching techniques for comedy teachers and directors. About the host Hosted by Jen deHaan. Jen is an autistic and ADHD comedy performer, writer, and improv enthusiast. These episodes offer a deep dive into the intersection of cognition and creativity to help you work more efficiently, learn more effectively, and ultimately, be funnier. More about Jen at https://jendehaan.com/about. Note: This show was formerly titled "Neurodiversity and Improv." Produced by: https://StereoForest.com 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

Episode Date
Steamrolling and getting steamrolled: Three exercises for both sides
Apr 20, 2026
Get better at improv by getting better at getting feedback (really! seriously!)
Apr 06, 2026
One skill at a time: a rep-based approach to changing improv habits
Mar 30, 2026
Build an evidence archive for more confidence on stage
Mar 23, 2026
Special: How well do you actually know your improv teammates (offstage skill building)
Mar 18, 2026
Metacognition and improv: how to use your monitoring brain in a scene
Mar 16, 2026
Trailer for Your Improv Brain (2026)
Mar 13, 2026
Improv initiations: when to start big and when to stay grounded
Mar 09, 2026
Your brain went blank? Try this scene start instead
Mar 02, 2026
Assume, don't ask: how to start better improv scenes
Feb 23, 2026
You don't need backstory: starting scenes in the middle
Feb 16, 2026
Five Vocal Exercises for Better Improv Characters
Nov 03, 2025
Own Your Weirdness: A Guide to Really Good Improv (Performances)
Oct 20, 2025
Four Ways to Give your Characters a Clear Point of View
Sep 01, 2025
The Power of Silence: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting
Aug 25, 2025
3-Step System & Exercise to Manage Self-Criticism in Improv
Aug 18, 2025
An Improv Workout: 6 Exercises to Build Your "Failure Muscle"
Aug 11, 2025
Clear Mind = Get Out of Your Head in Improv
Aug 04, 2025
Fail More to Learn More (Plus Seven Hacks to Help!)
Jul 28, 2025
Improving Communication Skills So You Can Improvise With Anyone
Jul 21, 2025
Mind Blank on Stage? A 3-Step Reboot for Your Brain
Jul 14, 2025
The Pain of Learning Improv: What to Assess, How to Respond
Jul 07, 2025
A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of Your Head)
Jun 30, 2025
Improv Burnout? Prioritize Yourself for Better Improv Performances
Jun 23, 2025
Beyond "React Like Yourself" - Level Up Your Grounded Improv Characters
Jun 16, 2025
Is an inner monologue useful for improv comedy? (ft. NYC improviser Sabrina Banes)
Jun 09, 2025
Suggestions for Protecting Your Mind While Doing Comedy
Nov 05, 2024
Inclusive and beneficial icebreaker exercises for performers
Oct 22, 2024
Emotional Processing, Acting, and Improv (Alexithymia) - Part 2
Oct 08, 2024
Emotional Processing, Acting, and Improv (Alexithymia) - Part 1
Sep 24, 2024
Giving Notes and Feedback to Comedy Students - Part 3
Sep 10, 2024
Getting Notes and Feedback You Don’t Understand - Part 2
Aug 27, 2024
Getting Feedback & Giving Notes in Comedy Classes - Part 1
Aug 13, 2024
Visual Imagery and Improv: How it Affects Memory and Recall
Mar 08, 2024
How Neurodiversity Affects Improv And Comedy: Being Misunderstood
Feb 21, 2024
Communication in Improv Scenes: Finding the unusual thing
Feb 05, 2024
Neurodiversity and Observation: How it can improve your scenes
Jan 29, 2024
Your visual Imagination & how it affects improv scenes
Jan 22, 2024
Masking and Improv Comedy: Being the voice of reason
Jan 15, 2024
How to Commit: Honouring YOUR unique brain in improv
Jan 08, 2024
Fast and Slow Edit Moves in Long Form Improv Comedy
Jan 01, 2024
Masking and Improv: Character Matching (Peas in a Pod) Scenes
Dec 18, 2023
The Intersection of Misophonia & Improv with Sabrina Banes
Dec 11, 2023
Top-down thinking in improv (for bottom-up thinkers)
Dec 04, 2023
How Bottom Up Thinking can Affect Dealing with Plots in Improv
Nov 27, 2023
Thoughts On Being Perceived (on the Improv Stage & In Class)
Nov 20, 2023
What is Neurodivergence and How it's Relevant to Improv Comedy
Nov 12, 2023