Yes But Why Podcast

This week’s Yes But Why episode features a wonderful conversation with Sabrina Pratt, Owner & Artistic Director of The Central Coast Comedy Theater in San Luis Obispo, CA. A self-described “nerdball” for improv, Sabrina shares lots of great stories about her life in the arts as well as some killer advice for anyone on the fence about starting their creative career. Sabrina discusses her lifelong love of the stage from beauty pageants growing up to bizarre variety shows at Second City in Chicago. We talk about leaps of faith and kismet and all the wild decisions that led to her current home in San Obispo, California. This is an empowering interview for anyone who wants to create something different and on their own. Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FREE audiobook

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, we chat with advertising writer and children’s book author, Sue Salvi. Sue shares stories about working as a hotel manager, writing advertising with her improv troupe, and writing her book, Someday A Bird Will Poop On You, on a road trip. Sue was connected to Yes But Why by past podcast guest Kristy Nolen. Kristy and Sue have been friends their whole lives – they grew up together in Pittsburgh, they were roommates in Chicago in their twenties when they took classes at Second City, and they are still good friends today! Sue tells us about the 8 years of Second City tours she worked on, during which she met her husband and eventually had her first baby. Listen in for the story of the Alaskan midwife!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.This episode of Yes But Why podcast is sponsored by audible - get your FR

This week’s episode of Yes But Why Podcast is an interview with Argentinian improviser Matias Avaca. Listen in as we discuss the journey that led him to running the Mabel Impro Teatro team in New Zealand. Amy and Matias were connected through previous Yes But Why guest, Christiane Brew, who met him at Improvention in Australia a few months back. There and at many other festivals, Matias has shared his “Living the Impro Loca” format which challenges international improvisers to speak only in their native tongue, even if their scene partner is not fluent. It is a beautiful melting pot of language and comedy and Matias loves to share it. Matias talks to Amy about being in the midst of a yearlong tour of the world teaching improv workshops and attending improv festivals. He shares his experiences on the road as well as stories of the gurus who taught him improv games at home. This is a great interview to listen to if you are interested in traveling as a performer!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Un

This week, Yes But Why Podcast is proud to present Irene White. You recognize Irene from a hundred roles you’ve seen her play (she played Chandler Bing’s secretary once) but most recently you know her from her recurring role of “Carol” on Superstore. This is a great interview for anyone considering a career in acting. Irene has been a working character actor for many years and she owes this consistency to her friendliness and her work ethic. Irene also shares what she thinks are the keys to success for any actor. In this cathartic conversation, Irene and Amy bond over their shared love of scheduling and hustle. Irene is the kind of performer who works hard everyday for the roles she gets and she loves every minute of it. Irene tells Amy stories of her beginnings as an improviser at Second City in Chicago as well as her short stint in the Austin improv scene at Coldtowne Theater. Enjoy this conversation!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC U

This week, Yes But Why Podcast features voice instructor and theater artist, Ben Corbett. Ben Corbett is the kind of man who wants to help you be your best self. Ben’s call to teaching vocal work is about helping his students liberate themselves, about helping them define their own version of success. In this interview, Ben talks about what being a performer is really about. Creativity is a lifelong journey and Ben helps to see what work is needed for his students to be the best artist they can be. Amy and Ben know each other through their alma mater, University of Dallas. Ben, like Amy, attended UD for undergrad and they connected on the alumni page for drama majors and the rest is history*. (*history = this interview) Listen in as Ben shares stories of Shakespeare, Kristen Linklater and the Equality Center in Tulsa. Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com

This week, Yes But Why Podcast is talking to Pittsburgh-based musical improviser and arts educator, Missy Moreno!Missy is an upbeat, bubbly and goofy (her words) improviser. Missy tells Amy about the Pittsburgh comedy scene and about her amazing collaborative partnership with Connor McCanlus. Their troupe Baby Grand performs their musical improv show regularly at Pittsburgh comedy spaces like the Arcade Theater. You should go see their shows!Since the first time she dipped her toe in musical theater in high school, Missy Moreno has been immersing herself in all the arts education she can find. Listen in as we explore comedy camaraderie, theater career longevity and the healing power of improv. There are some great epiphanies in this conversation. Take note!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week, Yes But Why Podcast features Canadian improviser, Anna Bunce. When we first connected with Anna, she was grappling with the transition of moving to Victoria for her day job after just having started the Fill In The Blank improv theater in Nanaimo. She shares how tough it was that she was not going to be able to take part in the new improv community she had just helped to create and we discuss how happy she was to find a welcoming new theater home in Victoria at Paper Street Theater Company. Anna is a bubbly extrovert and a great storyteller. She chats with Amy about playing oboe in the high school band, about searching for a thriving improv community in every city she lives in, and about teaching life skills through improv. Anna is a resilient artist with a positive disposition and her story is such a great inspiration for anyone who wants to create (or just join) an improv community near them. Enjoy!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download t

In this week’s episode of Yes But Why Podcast, Amy has the pleasure of spending time with comedian, L.E. Zarling! L.E. shares stories of her own recent personal transformation and how she hopes to use the lessons she’s learned to empower everyone around her! L. E. is a dedicated performer working right now on a new improvised solo show that will surely make you laugh! You should support her any way you can! Stay tuned for a special moment right in the middle where you get a little one-on-one time with L.E.!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week on Yes But Why, Amy chats with diehard performer Leo Kempf about the hustle required to perform comedy when the nearest improv city is 6 hours away! Whoa! Leo tells stories about making an SNL parody for class (love you Melanie Hutsell), crazy road trips for comedy, and touring with multiple bands as a guitarist! These are delightful stories and they will inspire you to get up and make something of your own! (You can do it!) Leo brought improv closer to his home and if you live in Indiana or thereabouts, you can support Leo and his improv troupe Ralph, Dave & Etc! Thank you for listening and keep performing!Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week on Yes But Why, Amy chats with German engineer and improviser Stefan Kollmeier about bringing the rational and the performer parts of his life together to become whole. In this episode, Stefan shares stories about bringing improv to his job at Lufthansa, performing and teaching with KurzFormChaos, and writing papers on design thinking theory. Enjoy this discussion on improv structure, magic realism and overcoming fear!Enjoy this discussion on improv structure, magic realism and overcoming fear!The Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week on Yes But Why, Amy chats with Jessica Brown of Station Theater in Houston, Texas. Jessica is an empowering lady and she was a really great guest! Support Jessica by attending shows at Station Theater, especially her 1980s themed variety show, The 80s Kids Comedy!In this episode, Jessica talks about the growth of the Houston improv scene, her road trips to take musical improv classes at Merlin Works and her lifelong obsession with Duran Duran! Listen in as we nerd out about karaoke, storytelling and mythology! Enjoy!#WaterPark4evaThe Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week’s episode of Yes But Why Podcast features Kevin Shimko, performer, community leader and Artistic Director of CATCH, Comedy Arts Theater of Charlotte! Kevin shares stories of how he started doing improv as a teenager at Charlotte Comedy Theater and how, when he went to college, he continued his love for improv at the PIT in New York City. Kevin talks about how these experiences inspired him to create his own space in his hometown of Charlotte, NC. Kevin shares with Amy the uphill battle he has faced to create a home for Charlotte improvisers…which, by the way, has ended in GREAT SUCCESS as CATCH is having the Grand Opening of their new space on February 8th and 9th! Listen in for the giggles, the awkward jokes, the breaking into song! Enjoy the #sheepmetaphorsfordays !!!The Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

In our first episode of 2019, Yes But Why Podcast talks to German philosopher and improv instructor, Mario Muller. In this conversation, Mario talks about neuroscience and the improv brain, the benefits of dropping your ego to be an artist, and the challenges of doing an improvised solo show. Mario’s improv journey happens in Konstanz, Germany at TMBH and Improtheater Konstanz as well as festivals all over the world. If you get a chance to see him perform, do it – he loves big characters and doesn’t shy away from physicality. Please pardon the bad connection throughout this episode; this was a super fun international call that ended with the two of us feeling deeply connected to each other. We hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Mario was a great guy to talk to. #skaboosh The Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week’s Yes But Why Podcast episode features Nathan Keates, an improviser, performing arts teacher, and clown from the UK. Nathan shares stories about convincing his college to teach him improv as an independent study and starting Spontaneous Theatre Company in Bristol with his pal, Lindsey Garwood. Listen in as Nathan tells Amy how improv has permeated all aspects of his life and fueled him to do research on clowning, open space technologies and working with autistic students. Enjoy this fun interview!The Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, host Amy Jordan interviews John Dawson, a Canadian improviser who currently teaches improv, storytelling and screenwriting in Dublin, Ireland. Amy and John talk about the benefits of improv for building your social circle, for easing anxiety and for collaborating in writing projects. John shares his experiences using character-building improv exercises to write for film and television. John loves bringing people together through improv. If you are in Ireland right now, look him up! Listen to this warm-hearted episode with your family this holiday season!The Yes But Why Podcast is a proud member of the HC Universal Network family of podcasts. Download the FREE HC Universal Network app for Android and iDevices or visit us at HCUniversalNetwork.com and join the fun.

In this week’s Yes But Why episode, our host Amy Jordan interviews New Orleans-based improv entrepreneur, Casey Haeg. Casey’s main drive is to spread joy with her improv and to that end, she is always looking to provide creative opportunities for others. Casey produces “Haeg and Butts present a night of comedy” to showcase new acts, she provides improv workshops and coaching with her company, Be Present Play and she recently launched a new improv school in New Orleans called Two Friends Improv Theater (sign up now!). Listen in as Amy and Casey bond over stage management, Alan Alda and teaching improv! Enjoy!

This week, Yes But Why features improviser/teacher/actress/comedian/life coach/hacker, Christiane Brew. Originally from the UK, Christiane is currently living in Tokyo, performing improv with Pirates of Tokyo Bay and producing her own storytelling show, Perfect Liars Club!From pantomiming as a kid in the UK to coaching improv troupes in India to teaching female empowerment in Japan, Christiane has been performing every day of her life thus far and she doesn’t intend to stop any time soon. In fact, we’re pretty sure she is currently at the Improvention festival in Canberra, Australia. That’s how much of a passionate world traveling performer she is! Amy and Christiane had an inspiring conversation! She even taught Amy a thing or two about Patsy Rodenburg and the Second Circle! Dig in to this one! It’s got a lot of good stories and ideas!

This week on Yes But Why Podcast, Amy talks to Margret Nyfors, Director of Public Education at the Vancouver TheatreSports™ Improv Comedy Institute. Margret is a mainstage performer with the Vancouver TheatreSports™ League as well as the Co-Director of the Rookie League at VTSL. In this interview, Amy and Margret talk about Canadian stereotypes, the Vancouver comedy scene and the joys of teaching improv. Margret loves weird left turn stories and authentically awkward moments. These two became fast friends and had a great laughter-filled chat! Listen in! If you are local to Vancouver (or you love to travel), check out Margret performing now in the Vancouver TheatreSports™ holiday show, Merry Kiss-mas!

In this week’s interview, Yes But Why Podcast talks to TV actress, Ashley Spillers. Ashley and Amy knew each other from a series of commercials they worked on together with Ralph Smyth Entertainment. Ashley tells Amy all about the amazing acting teachers she had when she lived in Austin, TX (shoutout to Mona Lee of BriteLites Acting Studio and Laurel Vouvray of In The Moment Acting Studio) and about her experiences doing recurring television roles on such shows as Vice Principals and Maron. This is a really lovely interview and both Ashley and Amy had a great time catching up. Listen all the way to the end to hear the advice Ashley received from L.L. Cool J on the set of NCIS: Los Angeles.

This week, Yes But Why talks to actress Catie McLain. Catie and Amy both got drama degrees at University of Dallas and so they bonded over their classical theater education and the great lessons they learned while they were there. Catie tells Amy about how she was inspired to be a performer by Jennifer Lopez’s E True Hollywood Story. Catie is a hard-working actress, currently performing in the Dallas theater scene and soon to be going to study dance at Kazuo Ohno Dance Studio in Japan. Listen in to hear Catie’s inspiring advice about believing in yourself!