Dare To Be Human

Meet Koppett's new VP of Leadership and Culture, Chris Esparza. Chris shares his dare to be human story on transition and the humanity of change and we discuss yes, and-ing with joy, the multidimensional power of play, and seeing the opportunities (or treasures) everywhere around us. Find Chris on LinkedIN (https://www.linkedin.com/in/unscriptedchris/) 

Educator, social worker, writer, and President/CEO of the McLean Group, Kathleen McLean, joins us to discuss the power of noticing and asking “why” in the context of equity, power, and purpose.  Kathleen’s work has been recognized as one of the top 50 influential people in the Capital Region and as a leader/ champion in DEI. Join us as she shares her dare to be human story about a transformational trip to Haiti, and leaves listeners with her rituals for self-care.Find out more about the McLean Group here Follow Kathleen on Twitter @mcleanconsultFollow the McLean Group on Facebook Find Kathleen on LinkedIN – Kathleen McLean -MBA, CSW

We welcome back Theresa Robbins Dudeck and Caitlin McClure to discuss their new book The Applied Improvisation Mindset: Tools for Transforming Organizations and Communities. Theresa and Caitlin share their dare to be human stories on risk, safety, and leaning into discomfort to do the right thing. We explore the power of being average, doing the next thing, and how the applied improvisation community rose to the occasion at the onset of the pandemic and beyond.Check out the new book here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/applied-improvisation-mindset-9781350143609/Get the first book,Applied Improvisation:Leading, Collaborating, and Creating Beyond the Theatre here: https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/applied-improvisation-9781350014350/

World-renowned actor, teacher, improviser, director, author, and playwright Patti Stiles joins us to talk about her new book Improvise Freely: Throw Away the Rulebook and Unleash Your Creativity. Patti shares her dare to be human story as we discuss courage and fear, creating spaces for creativity to thrive, the great "yes, and" debate, unlearning what we've learned, and "that impro moment."Check out Improvise Freely and learn more about Patti here. 

Authors of Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life and DTBH veterans, Jeff Katzman M.D. and Dan O'Connor join us to discuss their new book Ensemble!: Using the Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely World. Jeff and Dan share their dare to be human stories of leadership through letting go and being humbled by a mistake while avoiding the all too familiar shame spiral. We discuss ensemble as a verb, how trust and communication save lives, the impact of systems on ensemble, the dangers of being overly curious, how to ensemble in virtual space, the myth of "Zoom-fatigue," and how to become unlonely.Check out the books!Ensemble!Using the Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely WorldLife UnscriptedUsing Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life

What do two classic improv performance games (Sit, Stand, Kneel and Family Dinner) and the world-famous Story Spine have in common? Kenn Adams! Our guest this week is the Artistic Director of Synergy Theater, the author of the book How to Improvise a Full-Length Play; The Art of Spontaneous Theater, and longtime pal, Kenn Adams.We explore Kenn's career so far, spanning 30-years of performing, directing, and teaching- its rocky start, his lucky break, and his inspiring navigation of live theatre in virtual space. You'll want to hear the whole story!Check out Synergy Theater and follow them on FacebookWrite a story using The Story Spine below!Once upon a time...Everyday...But one day...Because of that...Because of that...Because of that...(repeat as needed)Until finally...And ever since then...(Optional: And the moral of the story is...)(pssst...send your story to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com)

Corey Rosen, author of Your Story, Well Told joins Kat and Livia.  As much of the USA transitions out of pandemic mode, life becomes all about adapting to the "new normal."  From his unique perspective as an improviser and story coach, Corey supplies some valuable techniques for those times when we need some fresh new ideas--now. Corey coaches  people to find the essence of  their personal stories, sometimes with radical edits. This bold approach often yields unexpected learning, surprising strategies,  and valuable insights.  If that weren't enough, here's a bonus: perhaps you've been thinking about (dreading?)  resuming your dating life. Corey has some thoughts on reducing that awkwardness, as well. Give it a listen! 

If the words "positive psychology" make you think of a mashup of canned affirmations and shallow optimism, you aren't alone. But in this episode, Shannon Polly, coach,  theatre person, trainer, facilitator, and one of the first 100 people to get a Masters in Positive Psychology, sets the record straight. From a tale of a taping with Paula Poundstone to one about the death of a beloved hamster, Shannon offers stories and highly useful insights about finding opportunity in failure, recognizing our own real strengths, and maximizing success. After you listen, you'll probably want to order Character Strengths Matter: How to Live a Full Life, edited by Shannon. Proceeds from sales go to The Christopher Peterson Memorial Fellowship, a partnership between the MAPP Alumni Association, Penn's School of Arts and Sciences and the Positive Psychology Center,  The Fellowship provides tuition remission of up to $30,000 to one or more new MAPP students annually.

Michael Burns is Kat's husband and the Artistic Director of our improvisational theatre company, The Mop & Bucket Co (mopco.org). Michael joins Kat and Livia to celebrate our 50th episode AND the 25th anniversary season of the Mop & Bucket Company. (but is it really?  All is revealed  in the podcast!)  Among other things, we talk about what cargo cults have to do with artistic development and human learning. We also talk about the last 14 months in hiatus from in-person performance, the Zoomprov shows (live.mopco.org ) that have happened during that time,  and the cautious reopening of The Mopco Improv Theatre. Oh, and why Michael believes that everyone can sing. Enjoy!If you want to learn more about using improvisation and story to help human leaders and organizations grow, check out koppett.com.   Drop us a line at hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com or  hello@koppett.com.  We love to hear from you! 

Self-described improv nerd (and renowned improv performer and teacher) Joe Bill talks shop with Kat and Livia. Be forewarned, there's a fair amount of inside baseball in this one--if you aren't an improviser you may scratch your head at some of the references to names or exercises, but these few improv-specific moments  keep company with an abundance of stories, revelations, laughter, and a celebration of tears. An hour solidly packed with insight about our favorite topic: daring to be human. You can learn more about Joe on facebook at his page Joe Bill teaches

Can you find a living point of connection between powerlifting, Laplandic reindeer herding, biology and anthropology, damaging gender stereotypes in the sports world, and improv?  We can! Her name is Cara Ocobock. Dr. Ocobock is the Director of the Human Energetics Laboratory at Notre Dame University. Her research program integrates human biology and anthropology. In this episode, Cara, Kat, and Livia weigh in on some hefty topics, including toxic masculinity and damaging fictions about gender, particularly as they impact the sports world. We also hear about her research (with help from our colleagues at The Mopco Improv Theatre) into the positive effects of improv on stress and resilience. As an academic and scientist, Cara has no patience for a narrow, scarcity mentality that builds barriers—instead of protecting one’s piece of the pie, she suggests: make another one!  We concur. If you are a fan of sports, of improv, of intellectual rigor and openness, or simply enjoy excellent conversation, you are sure t

Tom Floyd's company, Flouracity, creates " space for managers, leaders and other mammals to grow." He comes to this venture after years inside a number of large and wildly successful companies, the most recent, a fast-paced, fast-growth environment where radical prioritization and charting one's own course is imperative.Tom shares the story of his shock when he learned what his manager was really thinking.  Relating to the learning from this story of unvarnished communication, Tom describes his love of feedback and more. This is a discussion of awareness and growth, pubic persona vs. private reality, what we mean by "transparency", and deliberate consciousness.  "Not many people think about what's going on inside them a lot; they're just going , getting through the day." Listen in on this conversation with a fascinating, complex, and thoughtful human! 

Charles Silberstein is an esteemed psychiatrist, author, researcher, and fascinating, tireless observer of humanity, his own and others’. He also happens to be Kat's cousin! In this conversation, Charles and Kat discuss awakening to their own privilege, how awareness of conscious and unconscious bias is a never-ending journey, therapy as a form of storytelling, and ways that we humans take care of ourselves in trying times. Read Charles's monthly column On My Mind for the Martha's Vineyard Times!

Our friend Pam Victor, a  teacher, writer, entrepreneur (and of course, improvisor) talks with Kat and Livia about her 30 Day Happiness Experiment- and lots of other things. This far-ranging conversation touches on unexpected results, joy, awareness, self-help, helping others, privilege, social justice, and much more. It might sound like a lot, but like a good improv show, the topics all come together in a fascinating exploration of Pam's particular version of being human. Learn more about Happier Valley Comedy and The Happiness Experiment  Check out Pam's online Learning Through Laughter professional development program Follow Pam on Facebook and InstagramFind her book on improv, Improv at the Speed of Life, the T.J. and Dave Book  here 

Paul Z. Jackson, a founder of the Applied Improv Network, is a journalist, a philosopher, and of course an improviser who came to improv from the from the "offstage world."  Paul joins Kat and Livia to unpack some ongoing conversations. Among other things, they discuss  learning from success, improvisation as an evaluative  exercise, art vs. engineering, and the field of applied improvisation at a tipping point in the world. A conversation with Paul is usually interesting,  never dull, often provocative, and sometimes inspiring. This one does not disappoint! By the way, Here's a link to Paul's blog:Paul Jackson Associates Ltd & The Improvisation AcademyBlog - Paul Jackson Associates Ltd & The Improvisation Academy

"Thoughts can be fuzzy; words are clear."  Some welcome clarity on the qualities of effective leadership with our friend Kevin Eikenberry, a noted expert and innovator in the field of leadership. 

On Nov. 4th, Kat and Livia, no doubt sleep deprived but happy, had a fascinating conversation with Jeanne Lambin, a creator of many experiences for all kinds of folks. A quiet conversation containing some quiet revelations. 

Kat and Livia discuss, among other things,  learning, play, and the mistaken use of shame in education. WIth a brief cameo appearance by Riggie, Cinnamon, and Chester, the dogs (of varying ages.) 

Kat talks about facilitation with Jeff Mitchell, President of Proteus International. Proteus and Koppett partner on a number of projects, including a series of programs to develop, coach and measure Facilitation Excellence.Through this lens, Kat and Jeff and Livia muse on collaboration, what's different and what's not at this strange time, and how great facilitation might just be the key to saving the world! (Oh, and check out our new logo!)

Morgan Heyward of Illuminate Theatre returns to update us on her work, her thoughts on the state of the arts at this moment in our national consciousness, and some exciting new opportunities she has coming up. Check out our first DTBH follow-up episode!https://www.facebook.com/IlluminateTheatre518https://teespring.com/illuminatetheatremerch?pid=2&fbclid=IwAR2z-8ZTBTAgYElclKnwPRC2vxdQGihqGwc4_Me-naMXmP12dc7B5P5qBo0&cid=2397