Dare to Be Human

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/

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

Broadway performer Adam Grupper recounts the tale of his real-life actor's nightmare, which happened to take place on the night of his Broadway debut in a starring role. In this conversation Adam and Kat talk about dedication, process over product, and the critical importance of the improv precept "make your partner look good." A fascinating hour with a kind, humble, and super talented master of his trade. 

Kat and Alex discuss improvising in a time of crisis. If we weren't on the mark about us all improvising all the time, we certainly are now. Cancellations. New rules and guidelines. The ways things were can't be, so how do we keep moving? We discuss some basic improv principles that you may find helpful as you navigate and adjust to challenges, disruptions, and blocks in the era of Covid-19. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and to share your own Dare to be Human stories with us! ________________________________________________________* Submit a story for DTBH's Live Storytelling Show *Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex discuss a Dare to Be Human Story Alex shares about bumping into someone at a concert. They discuss awareness, our internal stories, the differences that emerge in "shared" experiences, and how first reactions can be the wrong ones. Be sure to share this episode with a friend and to share your own Dare to be Human stories with us! ________________________________________________________* Submit a story for DTBH's Live Storytelling Show *Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex talk with Lindsey Caplan about her work on helping us to gather more effectively. We discuss Lindsey's journey discovering that she needed to do this work and begin to turn it into a book. She shares some insights into why gatherings can feel like a let down to those gathered and shares some tips to gatherers about how to be more intentional when you organize a gathering (or if you even need one). Also, smelling people? Lindsey CaplanLindsey Caplan has been gathering people for over 15 years — first to entertain, as a comedy writer in Hollywood, then to educate for companies like DreamWorks Animation and McKinsey, and now to transform as an organizational psychologist as the Head of Talent Development for successful Silicon Valley companies like Zendesk and Credit Karma. She earned a Master's Degree in Organizational Psychology from Columbia University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Film and Creative Writing for the Media from Northwestern University. She helps companies drive organizational change by applying lessons in gathering from entertainment, education, and business. Lindsey is currently writing a book on “Gathering”.Connect on Twitter or Linked InLearn more at lindseycaplan.com or share your research examples here https://lindseycaplan.com/contact/. 3 mistakes to avoid at your next company gatheringThe Gathering Effect: Leading others through change that lasts ________________________________________________________Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex discuss mindfulness, what it is and some methods toward being more mindful. Alex shares a DTBH story about trying to be a better hitter in baseball to get things rolling as we pull at the threads of a very tangled web of topics. We discuss how we can approach mindfulness, conscious and unconscious competence, self-fulfilling prophecies and naming the discomfort in moments of growth. Links:Your Basal Ganglia is Your FriendInfrastructure mattersInternal Family Systems TherapyCheck out David's website https://www.bepresentdiscoverjoy.com/________________________________________________________* Submit a story for DTBH's Live Storytelling Show *Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex talk about the differences between something that is habitual and something that is truly authentic to you. How can we tell the difference? Where do these unhelpful habits come from? How can we make sure our habits are aligned with our intentions and reflect or desires? With a few stories and discussion, Kat and Alex explore how we can strive to be more aware and able to change our habitual performance. Links:Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That StickHidden Brain - Creatures of Habit ________________________________________________________Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex chat with their friend and colleague Brenny Rabine. The coach, facilitator, and actor shares a story about being told about your inner strength and how we can approach helping to grow strength in others. We discuss performing, deciding to make the career you want to have against expectations, and some of the realities of being a working actor. Brenny Rabine Brenny Rabine combines over 30 years of theater experience with nearly two decades of teaching, facilitation, and training. Brenny is a member of the Dramatists Guild, Inc. As a playwright, her work includes the NYSCA grant winner Catching Babies and holiday favorite Santa’s List. Her acting roles include Rita in Educating Rita, Susie in Wait Until Dark, Maggie Saunders in Lend Me a Tenor, and Lucia Pechenik in A Shayna Maidel. Brenny’s essays have been published in Saratoga County Living, The Sun and Journal for Living. Brenny has also appeared or provided voice talent and is an actress, known for Gotham (2014), Street Fighter: The New Challengers (2011) and The Beauty Inside (2011).Brenny holds a Masters of Arts degree in English with a concentration in Composition Studies from University at Albany. A list of her acting roles and a ridiculous number of pictures can be found at www.brennyrabine.com.TwitterIMDB ________________________________________________________Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex talk with game designer Jason Morningstar about "meta techniques" to create games where we can play safely, bringing FIASCO to the Mopco Improv Theatre, the brilliance of the group, social engineering through games, and why his work his like making a fine table leg. Support Jason and Bully Pulpit Games on Patreon! Jason MorningstarJason Morningstar is a game designer who lives in Durham, North Carolina, USA. Best known for his game Fiasco, which earned him his second Diana Jones Award for Gaming Excellence, Jason’s design credits include Night Witches, Ghost Court, Grey Ranks, Durance and many other games. He has also made games for clients like Google and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  Jason's games have been featured at Indiecade and in the Gen Con 50th anniversary museum.Beyond roleplaying, Jason consults on the use of games for teaching and learning, most recently with the University of California, University of Michigan, Kaiser-Permanente Health Care, and the Innovation Learning Network. In addition to design, Jason has written extensively on game-related topics. His articles have appeared in the anthologies Analog Game Studies, States of Play and Unframed.You can read more about Jason and his work at www.bullypulpitgames.com. ________________________________________________________Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Our very own Livia is now Livia Armstrong Walker! It got us thinking about weddings and what a complex and intense moment they can be in our lives. So we gathered the team together to share some stories dive deeper in! Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Alex and Kat talk to the hosts of The Walking Dead 'Cast Jason Cabassi and Karen Koppett about podcasting, dealing with negativity, creating with your friends, and being a zombie. Jason and Karen had the #1 podcast about the Walking Dead during the peak of its popularity. They continue to create pop-culture based shows together and share with us their insight and experience. The Walking Dead ‘Cast Follow Podastica on Twitter Jason and Karen are Making Podcasts Karen KoppettKaren Koppett is a professional water conservation specialist in California and an amateur podcaster with her partner Jason on The Walking Dead 'Cast and The Jason and Karen Show, part of the Podcastica network of podcasts.  Jason Cabassi In 2010 Jason started podcasting about the AMC show The Walking Dead and grew it into a network, Podcastica. Jason loves podcasting because it touches on many things particular to him: his analytical nature, his love of joking around with friends, his obsession with TV shows and pop culture, his desire for connection and community, and his insatiable need to be listened to. ________________________________________________________ Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Livia talk with Gabe Mercado to take a chance to explore parenthood and being singleparent, finding support from family and friends in times of upheaval, and how our cultures can try to define how we are meant to behave. After a short LIVE episode at the Applied Improv Network (AIN) conference, we got Gabe back on the podcast to dive into his DTBH story even more deeply. Follow GabeTwitterInstagramLinksThird World ImprovBIOGabe is a single dad of a fourteen-year-old boy named Beeto. He is an improviser who performs with the group SPIT and heads the improv school Third World Improv in the Philippines. He is currently busy setting up a creative education accelerator for kids called VIVITA PH in the northern city of Baguio.____________________________________________________________Send us your advice from kids for our collaborative project, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

Kat and Alex talk with Gary Hirsch about creating the space for collaboration, "no-think time", lessons learned from his work with Marc Craig in the Leake Street Tunnel and letting others steal your ideas. Follow GaryFacebookTwitterLinkedInInstagramLinksBotjoyLeake Street Botjoy Marc CraigCarolyn McKnight - "To ____ in a way that ______, so that ______" BIOGary is the co-founder of On Your Feet an early pioneer in the emerging field of Applied Improvisation helping organizations such Nike, Intel, Disney, Apple, Uber, and others generate new ideas, collaborate, engage audiences and walk their talk...all while having a ridiculously good time.Gary is also a muralist, illustrator, author, visual artist and the creator of Botjoy, an on-going-year visual experiment that uses over 50,000 large and small hand-painted robots to explore collaboration, inspiration and how art can help. Gary’s public works can be seen in London, Madrid, New Orleans, Boulder, Dallas, Melbourne and in his home town of Portland.____________________________________________________________Send us your advice from kids, questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

On this episode of DTBH Michael and Alex speak with Dion Flynn about the bardo and other spaces between spaces, fear of tiny holes, examining ambiguity in art and the power of being a performer (shaman). Follow Dion FacebookTwitter Tumbler InstagramBIO Cited by Oprah Magazine as “one of our favorite creative thinkers…” NYU Tisch School of the Arts Grad, comedian, and Army veteran Dion Flynn is best known as Barack Obama (and other characters) with over 100 appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. Dion leads workshops in mental agility and team-building with Fortune 500 clients all over the world. Dion pioneered and conducts Improv Recovery Workshops for recovering addicts. His voice-overs and on-camera national commercials include clients like Sprint, Virgin Mobile and Verizon. Growing up as ‘The Only Brown Kid In The Trailer Park’ taught Dion to focus on that which is essentially human in us all — and how to think fast in a tight spot. 2019 secs Dion guest-starring in TruTv’s Jon Glaser Loves Gear and a series regular on the new college loan debt-repayment gameshow: Paid-Off With Michael Torpey. 2020 Dion and his comedy partner Josh Radnor (How I Met Your Mother) will continue performing their stage show Clanging: Verbal Jazz. Dion lives in NYC with his dear wife Amy and their beloved son, Miles. ____________________________________________________________Send us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek WalkerEdited by Mary DarcyRecorded at The Mopco Improv Theatre 

On this episode, Kat and Mary talk with Taína Asili a NY-based Peurto Rican singer, songwriter, bandleader, and activist. They discuss reclaiming your humanity in the face of inhumanity through acts of resistance and art, Taína's travels through Peurto Rico after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, how to discover your own bravery and raising kids as an act of rebellion. Taína Asili is a New York based Puerto Rican singer, filmmaker and activist carrying on the tradition of her ancestors, fusing past and present struggles into one soulful and defiant voice. Her music combines powerful vocals carrying themes of social justice with an energetic fusion of Afro-Latin, reggae, and rock. For over 20 years she has brought the music of love and resistance to venues across the globe – From the Women’s March on Washington to the nationwide Rock Against the TPP Tour. After the 2016 election, a bigger audience has caught up to the artist Huffington Post named one of “12 Freedom Fighting Bands to Get You Through the Trump Years.” Her protest songs “No Es Mi Presidente” and “Freedom,” inspired by social movements for racial justice and an end to mass incarceration, have been lauded by the likes of Rolling Stone and Billboard. Taina Asili’s music offers a sound that spans continents, exuding strength of Spirit, and inspiring audiences to dance to the rhythm of rebellion.Resilencia on Bandcamp, iTunes, and Spotify Documentary Series Plant the Seed Find out more about Soulfire FarmFollow on Youtube, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram Tour Dates 

Kat and Alex talk with Moriah Formica about finding strength in faith, forging your own path, the amazing people she met on The Voice and bringing her genuine voice to her art. We talk a lot about breaking out of the mold and not letting certain parts of yourself define your entire being. A wonderful conversation with a lot of ground covered in just a little time! Moriah is a local to the Capital Region here in New York and studied at Clifton Park's Modern Day Music. We caught Moriah shortly before she and another Shaker High School and Modern Day Music Alumni Madison VanDenburg (American Idol) teamed up for a show at The Times Union Center, an arena venue not far away in Albany. Moriah on Facebook Moriah's Fan Page See Moriah LIVE! BioAlbany, NY native Moriah Formica represents what many had thought to be the end of an era. A member of Generation Z who grew up on Aerosmith, 'That Metal Show', and other precious relics of the rock purist ilk from the time she was 7 years old; Moriah discovered the world of rock n' roll music through her father and quickly thereafter picked up a guitar, then the drums, and eventually pretty much any instrument that she could get in front of her. The message was clear; what had started as a source of joy was quickly developing into an undeniable passion for creating music. The future singer/songwriter would go on to write and arrange her first song, "Lovestrong" when she was only 11.At the age of 16, Formica decided that she was ready to put her talents on the biggest stage that a teenager could dare to step on. She auditioned for NBC's 'The Voice', leaving fans around the world (and four judges with very successful careers) awestruck by her booming, declarative rendition of Heart's "Crazy On You." In that moment one thing became apparent: just like with many other great performers, it is impossible to separate the powerful, unapologetic delivery of Moriah's music from the image of the person who's performing it on that stage. For someone in the often turbulent teenage years, the excitement and nerves of being viewed on national television can't be quantified. But those watching around the world could see something more in Moriah. She wasn't just grateful for this moment, she was ready for it. Years of songwriting, honing her craft as a musician, and performing for audiences in her hometown and beyond had made sure of that.Perhaps what new fans will find most striking about Formica's still budding career is the intersection at which her music lies. Staying true to the ethos of tried and tested rock, she weaves a seemingly effortless thread between the gnarled, firebrand voice of acts like Joan Jett, Halestorm and The Pretty Reckless ("I Don't Care What You Think", "I Will") and the soulful blues of Heart, Fleetwood Mac, and City & Colour ("Here's My Heart", "No Regrets"). Even fans of everything from Queensryche and Armored Saint to Shinedown and Evanescence will find qualities to marvel upon on tracks like "Time". And lyrically, she'll be the first to admit that her songs don't have many hidden meanings or lofty subtext. The message behind the music is always loud and clear.2019 marks a pivotal moment in Moriah's mission. Once an eager 7-year-old drawn to the swagger and emotion of rock music, the now 18-year-old Formica yearns to make the kind of music that inspired her all those years ago; all while forging a sound that speaks to both the new generation and the ones before it. Her resume now equipped with accolades and live shows accompanied by t

Livia, Michael, Kat and Alex discuss Daring to be Human at work after sharing some stories from their experience in the workplace. From management, status, interviews and sharing emotions, we explore a lot of topics around being human at work! Special thanks to listener Mike Ganino for the suggestion for an episode! It was a lot of fun to do and we hope you enjoy! Send us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek Walker

Kat and Alex talk with John Register about how to stay present rather than "chippy", how to keep evolving into the next steps into your journey, meeting President Obama, listening for "echoes" in your life and so, so much more. BIO Athletics have been Register’s passion since he began swimming competitively at the Oak Park, Ill., YMCA. He then moved on to baseball and football. He eventually started competing in track and field, the sport that earned him a scholarship to the University of Arkansas. There he became a four-time All-American – once in the NCAA long jump, once in the 55-meter hurdles and twice on the 4×400 meter relay teams. He was part of four national championship track teams under coach John McDonnell.The All-American Razorback qualified for the Olympic trials twice, once in the 110-meter hurdles in 1988 and again in 400-meter hurdles in 1992. He was on his way to competing as a member of the 1996 Olympic team when a misstep over a hurdle caused a serious injury leading to the amputation of his leg. After 18 months of rehabilitation and training, he competed on the 1996 Paralympic team as a swimmer. He was soon fitted with a running prosthesis and earned a silver medal in the long jump at the 2000 Paralympic Games, setting the American long jump record. He also placed fifth in both the 100- and 200-meter dashes.Register completed his bachelor’s degree in communications in 1988 and then enlisted in the U.S. Army. As a Desert Shield and Desert Storm veteran, Register continued to pursue athletics in the Army’s World Class Athlete Program, winning nine gold medals in the Armed Services Competition and two World Military Championships.In 2003, he accepted a position with the U.S. Olympic Committee in Colorado and created the Paralympic Military Program, which uses sports to assist wounded service members. He also works as an inspirational speaker.Join John every Saturday morning and hear guest share their stories on the inspirational podcast, "Life's New Normal" and empower each listener to overcome the adversity in their lives.Inspired Communications International John on FacebookSend us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek Walker

In this episode of Dare to be Human we talk with Morgan Heyward who created Illuminate Theater, a monthly event that spotlights performers of color in the Capital District. After writing and performing her senior show at Russel Sage, DEAR LIL. Exploring the personal challenges she had faced being a black student, Morgan has set her post-graduation sights on becoming a trailblazer in the Capital community, creating a platform where other people of color can share their stories. We discuss the creation of Morgan's senior show, the importance of and the lasting impact of a good talkback, daring to share when your opinions change, and how to build a community. You can see Morgan in The Most Spectacular Lamentable Trial of Miz Martha WashingtonDirected by Patrick White, Sage College, Meader Little TheatreFor tickets call 518-833-2621 or pay at the doorYou can also catch Illuminate Theatre at Youth FX in Albany on June 25th at 7 pm! STAY TUNED FOR DETAILS ON OUR LIVE SHOW! Dare to be Human: LIVE! at the Mopco Improv Theatre July 12th! Send us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com, join the conversation on our facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv Theatre in Schenectady, NY where you can come visit us sometime! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek Walker