Neurodivergent Minds in Comedy

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.Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyLet me know what you...

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.Go here for the written essay of this episode.Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyLet me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent in comedy! Answer three questions here!Previous surveys are available here - do any of them at any time!Where to go to find stuffThis article (and website) has a podcast that accompanies it. You can find it at NeurodivergentComedy.com - and a link to the episode near the top of this page.For bonus content related to comedy and neurodiversity, you can become a supporter of NeurodiversityImprov.com. Or you can also support the work with one time tip here (use the “buy me a coffee” button).For FREE podcast and show updates, go to StereoForest.com. This is significantly delayed because of the personal crisis mentioned earlier in this article. But I’ll start releasing what I’ve made soon - I just want to do it properly and not rush things.For updates about improv you can find online, join the newsletter at ImprovUpdate.comAboutThis podcast and website was created by Jen deHaan — an autistic + ADHD improviser and performer.This episode was and produced by StereoForest.com. Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released on Tuesdays, usually twice per month, at NeurodivergentComedy.com and wherever you find podcasts. Bonus content to support this podcast is available via NeurodiversityImprov.com.This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

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?References from episodeFind the written essay for this episode on NeurodiversityImprov.com.Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyPlease add your voice to this work! It’s better for the wider community when there is more input.* Let me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent improviser! Answer THREE QUESTIONS here!* Check out this week's survey about icebreakers here.Neurodiversity and Improv - Podcast & Articles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Become a SupporterFollow this podcast for free anywhere you find podcasts or join as a subscriber (free) on this site, NeurodiversityImprov.com, or you can also choose one time support here (buy me a coffee button).Paid subscribers get access to the full written archive of articles. Going forward paid supporters will receive written versions of this content with some bonus references, the podcast will of course remain free. Nice!If written article access is something you'd particularly need to access and cannot financially afford, please let me know and I'll help.Your support of any kind directly helps this content exist and continue and supports newer diverse voices in improv! Thank you so very much!OR — If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!AboutThis podcast was created, and the episode was written, by Jen deHaan — an autistic + ADHD improviser.This episode was and produced by StereoForest.com. Join the free StereoForest newsletter for all improv podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released every second week on Tuesday, on NeurodiversityImprov.com and wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe to the website for free newsletter updates.TranscriptButton near the podcast embed on the episode page, on Apple Podcasts, or on the episode page at StereoForest.Thanks for reading Neurodiversity and Improv - Podcast & Articles! This post is public so feel free to share it.This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or...

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.References from episodeYou can find the written essay for this episode at NeurodiversityImprov.com here.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.Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyPlease add your voice to this work! It’s better for the wider community when there is more input.* Let me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent improviser! Answer THREE QUESTIONS here!* This week's survey on alexithymia and emotions in improv here.Neurodiversity and Improv - Podcast & Articles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Become a SupporterFollow this podcast for free anywhere you find podcasts or join as a subscriber (free) on this site, NeurodiversityImprov.com, or you can also choose one time support here (buy me a coffee button).Paid subscribers get access to the full written archive of articles, including the written essay for this episode. Going forward paid supporters will receive written versions of this content with some bonus references, the podcast will of course remain free. Nice!If written article access is something you'd particularly need to access and cannot financially afford, please let me know and I'll help.Your support of any kind directly helps this content exist and continue and supports newer diverse voices in improv! Thank you so very much!OR — If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!AboutThis podcast was created, and the episode was written, by Jen deHaan — an autistic + ADHD improviser.This episode was and produced by StereoForest.com. Join the free StereoForest newsletter for all improv podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released every second week on Tuesday, on NeurodiversityImprov.com and wherever you find podcasts. Subscribe to the website for free newsletter updates.TranscriptButton near the podcast embed on the episode page, on Apple Podcasts, or on...

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, released in two weeks, 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 episodeYou can find the written essay for this episode at NeurodiversityImprov.comI 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 & Giving Notes (part 1) - Ep #15* Getting Notes You Don't Understand (part 2) - Ep #16* Giving Notes to Students (part 3) - Ep #17Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyPlease add your voice to this work! It’s better for the wider community when there is more input.* Let me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent improviser! Answer THREE QUESTIONS here!* This week's survey on alexithymia and emotions in improv here.Neurodiversity and Improv - Podcast & Articles is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Become a SupporterFollow this podcast for free anywhere you find podcasts or join as a subscriber (free) on this site, NeurodiversityImprov.com, or you can also choose one time support here (buy me a coffee button).Paid subscribers get access to the full written archive of articles. Going forward paid supporters will receive written versions of this content with some bonus references, the podcast will of course remain free. Nice!If written article access is something you'd particularly need to access and cannot financially afford, please let me know and I'll help.Your support of any kind directly helps this content exist and continue and supports newer diverse voices in improv! Thank you so very much!OR — If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!AboutThis podcast was created, and the episode was written, by Jen deHaan — an autistic + ADHD improviser.This episode was and produced by StereoForest.com. Join the free StereoForest newsletter for all improv podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released every second week on Tuesday, on NeurodiversityImprov.com and...

Notes (feedback) can be confusing for some student performers because of communication differences. This episode discusses what teachers can do to help improve and resolve some of the typical communication issues around questions and notes.Why can’t a student just ask for clarification? That can be loaded in some improv cultures (for now), and as such it can put a lot of burden on some students. Classes can be structured to make this a bit easier for everyone, while also still maintaining structure and accounting for time limitations.Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyPlease add your voice to this work! It’s better for the wider community when there is more input.* Let me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent improviser! Answer THREE QUESTIONS here!* And of course, check out this week's survey here. Previous surveys are available here (including this one where you can provide your input on this episode’s subject - notes!)* If you enjoy this podcast, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!Thank you!Become a SupporterFollow this podcast for free anywhere you find podcasts or join as a subscriber (free) on this site, NeurodiversityImprov.com, or you can also choose one time support here (buy me a coffee button).Paid subscribers get access to the full written archive of articles. Going forward paid supporters will receive written versions of this content, the podcast will of course remain free. Nice!If written article access is something you'd particularly need to access and cannot financially afford, please let me know and I'll help.Your support of any kind directly helps this content exist and continue and supports newer diverse voices in improv! Thank you so very much!AboutCreated and episode written by Jen deHaan, an autistic + ADHD improviser.Edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Join the StereoForest newsletter for all improv podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released every second week on Tuesday, on NeurodiversityImprov.com and wherever you find podcasts.PlugsClasses and free improv jams and shows: flatimprov.com. I do one-sided improv stuff so you don’t have to at Discount Improv. Check it out, it’s new!Follow for updates:* neurodiversityimprov.com* members.stereoforest.com* YouTube.com/@StereoForestJoin the

Welcome to part two of this three-part series of episodes about receiving notes as neurodivergent improvisers. (Note: This episode is offered as an early release to supporters, and opens up to everyone on August 27! )Getting notes can be hard for students, particularly when there is a communication gap between neurotype. This episode lists five reasons students might have to make this part of a session difficult, and some things students can try to make the process a little bit easier.Resources mentioned in episode series:* Neurodiversity & Improv Episode 13: Improv and being Misunderstood* Double Empathy Problem: Autism and the double empathy problem: Implications for development and mental health* THIS WEEKS Survey - direct link to StereoForest page for this episode* General Survey page: on NeurodiversityImprov.comYour Voice:* Let me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent improviser! Answer THREE QUESTIONS here!* The current survey on characters in improv is linked here on NeurodiversityImprov.com too.Become a SupporterFollow this podcast for free anywhere you find podcasts or join as a subscriber (free) here: NeurodiversityImprov.comYou can get bonus content, early access, and more by supporting the show! Go to NeurodiversityImprov.com to become a paid supporter, join our community, and access additional content and resources and gain access to supporter only community channels. If this is something you'd particularly like to access and cannot financially afford, please let me know and I'll help.You can also support this show AND other improv podcasts (and save money!) on StereoForest. There’s a special tier to access to both StereoForest and this podcast’s bonus content and save a bit of money joining both.Your support of any kind directly helps these improv shows exist! Thank you so much.AboutCreated and episode written by Jen deHaan, an autistic + ADHD improviser.Edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Join the StereoForest newsletter for all improv podcast and show updates at members.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released every second week on Tuesday, on NeurodiversityImprov.com and wherever you find podcasts.PlugsClasses and free improv jams and shows: flatimprov.comFollow for updates:* a...

This three-part series of episodes is about receiving notes as a neurodivergent improviser. This episode covers WHY getting notes is hard in improv, particularly when there is a communication gap between neurotypes (such as between an autistic and allistic humans, or when verbal processing disorder exists, and so on). There’s sometimes a communication gap because different neurotypes fundamentally communicate in different ways.So this series is specifically about notes given as feedback or advice or teaching after a scene or set is over.* Part 1 (episode 15) defines what the issue is, and WHY it's important to think about for improv students and teachers.* Part 2 (episode 16) is about what issues exist for students, and some tips for things students can try.* Part 3 (episode 17) is about what issues teachers need to know about, and some tips for things coaches/schools/directors can try.And encouraging a bit more patience and effort to make sure the communication is effective - so a note can be understood. Which is the entire point! We want the notes, teachers want us to take the notes... how can we get notes interpreted and used more frequently.I’ll do these episodes sequentially this time, and each one will be two weeks apart. I will also link to surveys in the show notes and NeuroDiversityImprov.com newsletter that you can use to submit your own experiences, comments, questions, or advice.TranscriptTranscript available on this page, and an alternate version is on the episode page on StereoForest after the public show release on August 13.Resources mentioned in episode* Neurodiversity & Improv Episode 13: Improv and being Misunderstood* Double Empathy Problem: Autism and the double empathy problem: Implications for development and mental health* Learning Theory - Learning Styles (Please share your resources, alternate theories, etc!)* THIS WEEKS Survey* Survey page: on NeurodiversityImprov.com* StereoForest: https://stereoforest.com* Subscribe (free): https://stereoforest.com/subscribe* Flat Improv: https://flatimprov.comBecome a SupporterFollow this podcast for free anywhere you find podcasts or join as a subscriber (free) here: NeurodiversityImprov.comYou can get bonus content, early access, and more by supporting the show! Go to NeurodiversityImprov.com to become a paid supporter, join...

Welcome back, improvisers! Season 2 of the Neurodiversity and Improv podcast is coming your way. Every two weeks you can expect a new episode about the intersection of neurotypes and learning/performing improv.We’ll be starting with a three part series on getting Notes as a neurodivergent improviser. This is a very common request from improvisers I’ve spoken with regarding this podcast. And the first three episodes of the new season will be all about this topic.Note: You can find the full transcript for any episode at the top of the episode’s web page.SurveyPlease let me know what you think about Notes (feedback on scenes and sets) at this episode’s page on StereoForest. Your voice on these shows helps others learn, feel seen, and provides a deeper insight into other neurotypes learning and performing improv. Input from this survey will inform a later episode in this season, or maybe next season depending on the input!Thank you for your generous support to the improv community, and lending your voice to the show!Become a SupporterYou can get bonus content, early access, and more by supporting the show! Go to NeurodiversityImprov.com to become a paid supporter, join our community, and access additional content and resources and gain access to supporter only community channels. If this is something you'd particularly like to access and cannot financially afford, please let me know and I'll help.You can also support this show and improv podcasts on StereoForest on our Patreon. You can find a tier where you gain access to both StereoForest and this podcast’s bonus content and save a bit of money.Your support of any kind directly helps these improv shows exist! Thank you so much.AboutCreated and episode notes written by Jen deHaan.Produced by StereoForest.com. Join the StereoForest newsletter for all improv podcast and show updates at podcasts.stereoforest.com.This podcast is released every second week on Tuesday, on NeurodiversityImprov.com and wherever you find podcasts.Follow on SocialFollow for updates on StereoForest or FlatImprov social accounts:* YouTube.com/@StereoForest* Instagram.com/StereoForest* TikTok.com/@StereoForest* Facebook.com/StereoPodcastsJoin the StereoForest Discord and discuss this show and neurodiversity in improv!Plugs n StuffLatest on StereoForest: shows on the way and new shows being added throughout fall 2024! See StereoForest.comDiscount Improv: If you want some discount improv, look no further. Want more improv and reward presents? Join the Kickstarter. Aw snap that rhymed?This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit a...

Most humans have some amount of mental imagery, or visual imagery. You might find that you use the visuals to help you build and remember improv scenes. The extreme ends are considered to be neurodivergence (they are called hyperphantasia and aphantasia), but regardless of what or how much you have you can do great improv.Thanks for reading Improv and Neurodiversity - The FlatImprov Podcast Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.For more information see “part 1” of this episode, which covers how visual imagination works and how it affects improv. You can find that episode here:This episode focuses how to use visual imagery for memory recall in scenes and forms such as a monoscene or macroscene.I discuss how visual imagery relates to flash memory (I mention this study here: The role of visual imagery in autobiographical memory).I also include some maybe-practical tips that include:* how to use this to improve your scenes (and why it’s important)* good forms to try if you want to enhance visuals* how to utilize these techniques for second beats of a sceneSo if you’re working on how to remember and recall in your scenes better, consider strengthening your visual imagery techniques and see if it helps.Thanks for stopping by, improv friend!Thanks for reading! This article and the podcast episode it was based on was written/hosted/produced/whatever by me, Jen deHaan. You can blame me for the whole thing, it’s my fault.Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.See the FlatImprov site for online shows, jams, and podcasts and stuff.Improv Class: I have another online character class on April 13th at WGIS. Come say hi and do this class! This class is all about heightening YOU in a scene. BE YOU! You are good! It’s a one day workshop and it will be fun and you will learn new things about YOU. And improv. And characters. And fun.REMINDER: I am alternating weeks of content. Podcast episode one week, written article the next. If you think you might want more content (extra podcast or article(s) per month) on this stuff, let me know by making a pledge to the substack.Questions, comments, let me know:This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Neurodivergent humans might communicate in a different way, a way that is difficult for neurotypical humans to understand. Different social communication styles not necessarily a deficit, and it’s not a pathology - it’s a difference. However, having difficulty communicating in a way other people understand it can be frustrating and isolating.Because we’re misunderstood. And we don’t want to be! And it’s often why we mask.There’s scientific study regarding being misunderstood too! In this episode I’ll talk about these studies (and they’re linked below).I’ll also describe how this impacts improv scenes in different types of improv (oh my gosh I’m going to talk about dramatic longform narrative… WHAT). In future episodes I’ll talk about how this impacts improv teams and communities.I am mostly going to describe autistic/allistic communication because the differences have been described in research. However, you can apply these communication differences to many different demographics. For example, communication across neurotypes has been compared to cross-cultural communication. It’s relevant in many contexts.And I also want to note — of COURSE everyone is misunderstood, sometimes. As with many things in this series about neurodiversity we are talking about the complexity, intensity, and frequency of these situations.Avoiding misunderstanding takes a lot of work. We need to attempt to avoid making assumptions, jumping to conclusions, and inquire if we hear something that might not make sense. Or is considered overly direct or whatnot. Or doesn't make sense.Ask and answer questions or seek clarification. And listen to the response you receive! And, if it seems to be in good faith, take it as such.Some of the studies I talked about* Autism and the double empathy problem: Implications for development and mental health* Perspective-taking is two-sided: Misunderstandings between people with Asperger's syndrome and their family membersThis podcast and SubstackI will be releasing this podcast every second week. The weeks I don’t do a podcast I will publish a written article. So you will receive something every week but I’ll alternate the format.It seems like some people found the written article helpful, so I’ll try that out on a regular basis now.Also, I’m releasing these things on Wednesday now.PlugsThis episode was written/hosted/produced/whatever by me, Jen deHaan. You can blame me for the whole thing, it’s my fault. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack. See the FlatImprov site for other shows and podcasts and stuff.IMPROV CLASS: I have an improv class/show series starting Feb 28th with WGIS. This class is an improvised morning show. We’ll learn and practice the form for six classes, and then do a four show series delivered both to video and podcast.LAST CHANCE! Come join our team and show!WHAT YOU LEARN:* Character development.* Sustaining characters.* World building.* Adding details/specifics/point of view.* Clean unique edits.* Improv for audio* FUN! You’ll learn fun.Join us! Info here.ANOTHER IMPROV CLASS: I have a...

Last week I promised an episode about finding the unusual thing: how you find what’s weird at the top of a scene when you’re setting up the base reality that leads to the game. And here is that episode.Communication is a challenge in improv, especially when we have different neurotypes playing together (which is probably… always). Our cognitive wiring is a fundamental difference between us, and at times it can lead to communication challenges especially when we need to agree on something important (like what’s weird!) to drive a scene forward. Finding the unusual thing, then framing the unusual thing, so everyone is on the same page and can move forward.And… what’s WEIRD anyway? We usually know, but sometimes it might be a mystery. Because of our wiring and lived experiences. Then what?This episode includes examples of communication between scene partners. I’ll mention a bit of science about communication in a group situation, and provide real life examples of communication breakdown between neurotypes. But mostly I talk about about improv.Even if you’re neurotypical, hopefully this ep will help you with noticing the unusual thing in a scene and framing it. And some things to try if and when that’s hardHopefully - for all neurotypes - this episode will help you effectively communicate with your scene partners at the top of a scene. So we can all move together efficiently, and on the same page, for the rest of the scene.And I missed a lot, for sure, so let me know what I missed at FlatImprov.com/substack.About this podcast & an improv classThis podcast is hosted/produced/whatever by me, Jen deHaan. You can blame me for the whole thing, it’s my fault. You can submit your questions, heckles, comments, blame, more heckles, or even a voice note on the website. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack. See the site for other shows and podcasts and stuff.You can also subscribe to this podcast where you get your other podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, etc. If you like it maybe rate it if you’re on there? I’d appreciate it!IMPROV CLASS: I have an improv class series starting Feb 28th with WGIS. This class is an improvised morning show. We’ll learn and practice the form for six classes, and then do a four show series delivered both to video and podcast. WHAT YOU LEARN: Character development, sustaining characters, world building, details, clean edits. FUN! Join us! Info here.TALK AT YOU NEXT WEEK, IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

I had A WEEK. So you’re getting AN EP that gets real.So this week I experienced something related to last week’s episode (ep 10). I wrote all of the notes for an episode about finding the unusual thing as a neurodivergent improviser. But you’re getting that one next week, friend, because I’ve been thinking about this stuff instead.And you know what happens when we get all focused on a subject. Well… this.So this week I’m talking about how we observe small details, things many others don’t notice, particularly well due to our neurodivergent traits. It’s how we gather all those details, spew specifics, read our scene partners with aplomb, and care so much about what we know, do, and feel. And the world. It’s also how and WHY we see those patterns and make the connections so very well in life (and scenes).I’ll talk about what neurodivergent traits and experiences we commonly have that make us so good at these things, and how you can work to enhance your observation to help make your scenes easier.I’ll also get up on a soapbox to challenge the improv advice to “get out there and live life for your scenes!” for those details with my “yes, but”. Very different approaches in this regard are valuable and valid and equal and need to be noted.Some of our experiences, like feeling socially isolated, are hard. I won’t minimize or toxic positivity them here. But they’re real, happen, it’s life, and we can utilize the pieces of data we get from these experiences in our improv practice.About this podcastThis podcast is hosted/produced/whatever by me, Jen deHaan. You can blame me for the whole thing, it’s my fault. You can submit your questions, heckles, comments, blame, more heckles, or even a voice note on the website. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack. See the site for other shows and podcasts and stuff.You can also subscribe to this podcast where you get your other podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, etc.TALK AT YOU NEXT WEEK, IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!OK. Here we go, it’s being published. Send.This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

So in this episode you learn about the spectrum of visual imagination, from lots to none, and explore how you imagine visual details in improv. I cover what the spectrum of phantasia is, from hyperphantasia to aphantasia, then go into how it affects improv.How you visually process details in a scene are not just important for exploring the environment, scene painting, or describing an object (the obvious parts). You can also use it to create characters or incorporate an emotion. Flash memory-ing an emotion involves phantasia! It affects a lot.Can you improve your visual processing? Change where you are on the visual imagination spectrum? We’ll look at that kind of stuff too. I’ll give you some improv exercises to do to check out your own visual imagination.Also apologies for using my space heater tonight half way through the recording. Oops. It cold! Removed most of the noise, but some artifacts remain. I’ll be cold next time or put on extra socks or something :)About this podcast & linksThis podcast is hosted/produced/etc by me, Jen deHaan. You can blame me for the whole thing. You can submit your questions, heckles, comments, blame, more heckles, or even a voice note on the website. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.You can also subscribe to this podcast where you get your other podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, etc.PLUGS:I have online improv classes starting in February at World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS) (weegis) that involves character stuff and a new form and online show format. For the Morning Show, apply by Tuesday Jan 30 ‘24! These will be fun:* Character Point of View class* Improvised Morning Show - learn the form, do a show seriesTALK AT YOU NEXT WEEK, IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Masking is a common behaviour for autistic and/or ADHD people. It’s a trait that can be subconscious or conscious, and one we take on to suppress natural reactions, responses, physicality or expressions. This, of course, can affect how we position ourselves in scenes if we are trying to be the voice of reason and respond naturally and honestly.Thanks for reading Improv and Neurodiversity - The FlatImprov Podcast Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.Masking can help us in improv, but also adds a challenge sometimes. With careful consideration, pondering, and a whole lot of processing I believe it can inevitably make us stronger improvisers. And maybe win improv?This episode covers, in a mere 40 minutes of detail, the intersection of masking and playing the voice of reason in your scenes.A future episode will infodump about our neurodivergent brains and the unusual… like identifying the unusual thing.Refer to episode 6 for more info about neurodivergent masking and improv but instead about peas in a pod or character matching scenes:About this podcast & linksThis podcast is hosted/written/produced/etc by me, Jen deHaan, of FlatImprov.com. You can blame me for the whole thing. You can submit your questions, heckles, comments, blame, more heckles, or even a voice note on the website. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.You can also subscribe to this podcast where you get your other podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, etc.PLUGS:I have online improv classes starting in February at World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS) (weegis) that involves character stuff and a new form and online show format.* Character Point of View class* Improvised Morning Show - learn the form, do a show seriesI have an improv show too called World’s Nerdiest Improv Show (WNIS) (weenis). Find episodes here.TALK AT YOU NEXT WEEK, IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

We’ve all heard those sayings like “do not compare your chapter 1 to their chapter 6.” But that can be pretty hard to do. Especially when we get notes that relate to our brain wiring! Maybe we’re reading from, or writing, a completely different book.It can be hard when our brains are so different in a word that’s constructed for a different (neurotypical) wiring altogether. And here we are up on a stage with everyone watching us. Yikes.But… it’s possible to find our own way, with what we got, and succeed greatly. Yep, even in improv.This episode talks about ways to commit hard to yourself, and what YOU bring to the table as a unique, neurodivergent, thinker. When can you let go and be yourself? When should you let go, commit hard, and break your hand on your desk in a meditation scene? (That feels specific Jen. Yes, it is, you. Learn more in the ep. SUSPENSE! Cheap ploy!)And I also talk about the cases where our default wiring might not work how we’d like in improv scenes, and how to approach working around it (or otherwise adjusting) during the learning process.There are Pros and Cons for EVERYTHING!About this podcast & linksThis podcast is hosted by me, Jen deHaan, of FlatImprov.com. You can submit your questions, comments, or even a voice note on the website. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.You can also subscribe to this thing where you get your other podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, Castro, etc.PLUGS: I have online improv classes starting in February at World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS) that involves character stuff and a new form.Character Point of View class:The next Characters Only class covers character point of view (POV). You will be led through exercises to find your character’s philosophy quickly and effectively in scenes.It will be FUN! You will learn stuff and get notes.Improvised Morning Show form class/show series:Do you want to develop characters for an improvised Morning Show? And put on an online show that streams from something that isn’t Zoom? Well… check out this new class and show series at WGIS!Focus on characters, slick edit moves, and take part in a directed online show following a brand new form. Let’s get creative, experimental, and try new things! Six classes and FOUR SHOWS too! So you’ll get a great opportunity to sync up with the same improvisers for 10 weeks.TALK AT YOU NEXT WEEK, IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!Thanks for reading Improv and Neurodiversity - The FlatImprov Podcast Substack! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work.This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

This episode was inspired by a discussion I had with another improviser about fast and slow edit moves. They were told by a teammate to edit faster. The answer I gave them was a bit of an opinionated monologue infodump, and I was told I should turn that monologue into a podcast.So here we are.What we're talking about today is edit moves, with focus on the speed of those edit moves and what it might have to do with your neurotype (ALL neurotypes. This means YOU.) That once you are confident and comfortable editing, and the form and style support it, edit moves can be dictated both by how you process information (bottom-up or top-down thinking), and preference.They are different ways of editing. You might do both, and they’re both valid - what’s your default? What’s YOUR preference? Does it matter?Let’s get niche. Go listen.This Podcast & LinksThis podcast is hosted by me, Jen deHaan, of FlatImprov.com. You can submit your questions, comments, or even a voice note. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.You can also subscribe to it where you get your podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, etc.PLUGS: I have online improv classes starting in February at World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS) that involves character stuff and a new form.The Characters Only class covers character POV. Get drills in adding your character’s philosophy effectively in scenes.And just announced a new class and show series where a new form will be introduced where you get to improvise a Morning Show! Focus in this series will be on character development, slick edit moves, and practicing in a new online show streaming format. Let’s get creative, experimental, and try new things!THANKS FOR LISTENING IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Masking is a common behaviour for autistic and/or ADHD people (or those of us who are both). It's sometimes referred to as camouflaging, mimicking, or being a social chameleon. You might mask subconsciously - you might not even realize you do it! But it's essentially suppressing your natural reactions, responses, physicality or expressions in order to hide some of your natural behaviours or instincts. Your first reaction.Masking can help you fit in with the crowd, make social connections, or avoid punishment at work or school. It can also be exhausting, among other things.Masking affects your improv in good ways, and also some challenging ways. It affects the way you approach grounded characters and scenes, the way you do voice of reason, host shows, and of course… helps quite a bit with peas in a pod or character matching scenes!This episode covers the intersection of masking and peas in a pod scenes in improv, after a bit of an infodump about what masking is, and why we do it. I hope it makes sense. I don’t know if it will, this stuff is weird and imposter syndrome is real.A future episode will infodump 2.0 about how masking affects voice of reason and grounded scenes, and I think it’ll be more useful than this one maybe.This Podcast & LinksThis podcast is hosted by me, Jen deHaan, of FlatImprov.com. You can submit your questions, comments, or even a voice note. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.You can also subscribe to it where you get your podcasts - Apple, Spotify, Overcast, etc.PLUGS: I have a class coming up TOMORROW called Get Setup: Only Elf on a Shelf Scenes at WGIS. There is ONE spot left at the time of writing. Learn more at http://weeg.is/862! There’s one more in February getting character reps in POV. Check out the workshop at http://weeg.is/903.THANKS FOR LISTENING IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

Very excited about this ep! This week I am joined by Sabrina Banes, an improviser who has a condition called misophonia.Sabrina Banes is an improviser and Tarot reader who lives in Brooklyn with her two cats, Shumai and Althea. She currently performs with her longform indie teams, Jace Spam and Dolly Lana, and with her Improv College narrative house team, Oops! We Fell In Love. Find Sabrina online: Instagram and Linktree.In this episode we discuss what misophonia is like to experience, how it affects scene work and classes, and how to find your voice when you need to seek access needs and accommodate yourself. Sabrina has great advice to offer in this episode.This podcast is hosted by me, Jen deHaan, of FlatImprov.com. You can submit your questions, comments, or even a voice note. Find the contact form for this podcast at FlatImprov.com/substack.One plug: I have a class coming up in a week called Get Setup: Only Elf on a Shelf Scenes at WGIS. There is ONE spot left at the time of writing. Learn more at http://weeg.is/862!THANKS FOR LISTENING IMPROV NERD FRIENDS!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp

If you are a bottom-up thinker, there are certain techniques in long-form improv that might work better if you try to do top-down thinking instead. Why would you do such a thing? And When?Game and second beats might be challenging to a bottom-up thinker. You need to get used to wrapping up a bunch of details into a single idea, gist, or synopsis regardless of what direction you think in. The synopsis is where top-down thinkers start! Maybe it’s faster doing top down for this?This episode includes a couple different examples of when I think I probably take more of a top-down approach as a life-long bottom-up thinker.I also detail a pretty quick way to do a second beat using a form of visual thinking (hyperphantasia), since we were talking about it. Selfish tangent, that, maybe. But it’s in there too.You can submit your response on my website at FlatImprov.com/substack. Or send me questions, topics to cover, gripes and complaints, heckles, or responses to an earlier episode using voice or text. Do it!This is a public episode. If you’d like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.neurodiversityimprov.com/subscribeThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Podcorn - https://podcorn.com/privacyPodtrac - https://analytics.podtrac.com/privacy-policy-gdrp