Dare to Be Human

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Can you find a living point of connection between powerlifting, Laplandic reindeer herding, biology and anthropology, damaging gender stereotypes in the sports world, and improv?  We can! Her name is Cara Ocobock. Dr. Ocobock is the Director of the Human Energetics Laboratory at Notre Dame University. Her research program integrates human biology and anthropology. In this episode, Cara, Kat, and Livia weigh in on some hefty topics, including toxic masculinity and damaging fictions about gender, particularly as they impact the sports world. We also hear about her research (with help from our colleagues at The Mopco Improv Theatre) into the positive effects of improv on stress and resilience. As an academic and scientist, Cara has no patience for a narrow, scarcity mentality that builds barriers—instead of protecting one’s piece of the pie, she suggests: make another one!  We concur. If you are a fan of sports, of improv, of intellectual rigor and openness, or simply enjoy excellent conversation, you are sure to get a lot out of this episode!  Cara's podcast: Sausage of ScienceCara's article in Sapiens: Sweating Through a Gym's Gender Barriers

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

WAM Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Berkshire County, MA, USA, that operates at the intersection of arts and activism. WAM creates theatre for gender equity and has a vision of theatre as philanthropy. The founding artistic director of WAM, Kristen van Ginhoven, talked to us about the new performance called for in this unique time, intersectional feminism, performance, and vulnerability. A fascinating conversation with a powerful and innovative arts leader.

Our first-ever repeat guest, Renaissance man DIon Flynn talks about Grandma's purse, knowing everything will be OK, and the perception of our own personal power in a complicated time. Join us as we traverse the Escher-like corridors of a wonderful mind.

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 of Dare to Be Human, Mary and Michael talk to Ric Orlando about being a passionate member of humanity, the fundamental tactile experience of being human, our fear of food and its potential to bridge us together, failure and learning to lose. BIO A renowned cook, restaurateur, writer and activist with a rock-and-roll pedigree, showman’s personality and proven dedication to the people, places and products of the Hudson Valley, Chef Ric Orlando has become a leading culinary spokesman and top draw for events, fundraisers and festivals in Upstate New York and across the country and the world. He’s authored We Want Clean Food long before Clean Food was a catchphrase; beat Bobby Flay and won Chopped — not once but twice; cooked with Top Chef Master Ming Tsai on Simply Ming; earned multiple ‘best of’ awards from Thrillist, Hudson Valley Magazine and Albany Times Union; owned local landmark New World Home Cooking in Woodstock and Saugerties, NY, from 1993 to 2018; and helped open Albany hotspot New World Bistro Bar in 2009. Today, in addition to serving as executive chef and management consultant for New World Bistro Bar, Chef Orlando is hosting two popular podcasts; writing his memoir; hosting cooking classes; holding spring and summer 2019 restaurant popups on the shores of the Hudson River in Coxsackie, NY; and traversing the world with guest culinary enthusiasts on international food tours while keeping fans up to date on his Instagram, Facebook, and other social media accounts.One Million String Beans Clam Bellies and ApizzaChefs as Addicts: Why Being Addicted to Work Could Be a Good Thing Follow Chef Ric on: FacebookInstagramTwitter 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 the likes of

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

In this marvelous episode with Micaela "The Other Baby" Blei, Ph.D. we explore what it means to fail early and to build frameworks to manage anxiety and risk. We discuss the power that stories have to heal and give the opportunity to heal as we discover why it is a particular story from our lives seems to be taking up space in our minds. From potential TED talk topics to the paradox of social connection producing and reducing anxiety for us to the way and how our stories change over time. About Micaela BleiAs a two-time Moth GrandSLAM champion storyteller and former Director of Education at The Moth, Micaela Blei, Ph.D., has been working for years with individuals, organizations, and communities to shape and share the important stories of their lives. In 2016, Micaela wrote The Moth’s storytelling curriculum, now used by over 1500 educators across the globe. Her acclaimed workshops are invitations to reflection, spaces for discovery, and most of all— fun. Her own stories have been called “heartbreaking and hilarious;” she's appeared on The Moth Radio Hour and live on sold-out storytelling stages nationwide. She’s currently adapting her solo storytelling show, “The Secret Life of Your Third Grade Teacher,” into a book of essays about storytelling, education, and life. Learn more about Micaela at micaelablei.com.Micaela will be at The Mopco Improv Theatre for a masterclass in storytelling on June 29th 12:00 - 3:00pm! Enroll here! 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

As we all become more tangled by technology in the now, we discuss practicing mindfulness with an expert on the subject, Ted Des Maisons. From the difference between presence and mindfulness, eastern philosophy and the stories that pigs tell, we explore the benefits of practicing mindfulness and the assumptions that might be keeping you from giving it a try. 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! Check out Ted's book PLAYFUL MINDFULNESS™: a joyful journey to everyday confidence, calm, and connectionCheck out the Monster Baby podcast and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Ted DesMaisons has been synthesizing innovative approaches to collaborative learning and personal development for over 30 years.After earning degrees from Stanford’s Graduate School of Business and Harvard Divinity School, Ted taught religious studies and philosophy for twelve years at Northfield Mount Hermon, a private boarding school in western Massachusetts.He has studied, taught and performed improvisation internationally, including at the Loose Moose Theater in Calgary, Alberta and BATS Improv in San Francisco where he serves as Board Vice President. He has also trained intensively with renowned UK acting, voice and presence coach Patsy Rodenburg.Currently, Ted teaches Playful Mindfulness and voice and presence courses through Stanford University’s Continuing Studies program. He also works with companies and organizations (Genentech, Facebook, Cisco, Dartmouth College, etc.) who want to help their leaders and teams work with greater collaboration and creativity. Lastly, Ted co-hosts the Monster Baby Podcast (“A Curious Romp through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation”) which reaches listeners in more than 63 countries. www.monsterbabypodcast.com He lives a 10-minute walk from the stunning coastline of Daly City, California, and shares his home with Luna and Marley, two quirky and charismatic spotted Ocicats.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

Amy Veltman shares life lessons in being human from her budding stand-up comedy career. A veteran of the improv world, we also discuss what it really means (and what our goals are) when we "celebrate failure" and how speeding up can slow us down. We also discuss the importance of listening for the unheard voices in the room and making visible the barriers that keep them from the spotlight. 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! Amy Veltman began her career as a professional screenwriter in NY and LA. To put her husband through medical school, Amy made a pivot to marketing in Portland, Oregon, where she started working with international improv consultancy On Your Feet, in which she became a partner. Currently, she produces and co-hosts the podcast 2 Moms on the Couch and is a stand-up comic in New York City. She lives with her husband, now a psychiatrist, and 2 teen daughters. Two Mom on the CouchFollow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek Walker

Kat and Alex are joined by Jeff Katzman, M.D. and Dan O'Connor the authors of the book Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life. They discuss why it is we can find ourselves stuck in performances that can feel scripted and limiting and how we can break out of them. Dan offers us some advice on turning our inner critics into internal cheerleaders. Jeff offers some insight into why improv can be a powerful tool for the medical profession and in what ways therapy and improv sessions reflect one another. 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! JEFF KATZMAN, M.D. studied at Stanford University where he received his BA, UC San Diego for medical school, and then UCLA for his psychiatry residency where he was on faculty for four years before moving to Albuquerque, New Mexico. He is a Professor of Psychiatry at the University of New Mexico School of Medicine where he is Vice Chair in charge of all clinical services. Before this, he ran Behavioral Health Care at the New Mexico VA Medical Center specializing in treating veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. He has been voted a TopDoc by Albuquerque: The Magazine every year since 2002. He has been awarded numerous teaching awards in New Mexico where he lectures widely. He has been awarded every possible faculty award in his Department, including recent recognition by a new award as the Department of Psychiatry’s most outstanding faculty mentor. He is currently the Chair of the Education Committee of the American Association of Psychoanalysis and Dynamic Psychiatry (AAPDP). He lectures regularly at approximately four national psychiatric conferences a year on the topics of psychodynamic psychotherapy, attachment, applied improvisation, and educational techniques and this year will be presenting ideas about improvisation and psychotherapy training to the national meetings of the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting. Jeff has extensive experience as a writer. He is widely published in academic journals of high regard, with a very high profile on ResearchGate demonstrating his current contact with readers. At the moment, he has published 20 journal articles, cited by other authors 245 times. He has been recognized internationally for his work in human attachment following his group’s hallmark study involving Vietnam Combat Veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Most recently, he was invited to write a summary article on the concepts of human attachment and the importance of this field to students of depth psychotherapy t in the journal Psychodynamic Psychiatry. He has also written the chapter on Adjustment Disorders in the last three editions of Sadock and Sadock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, the most influential text in the field, and the chapter on Impulse Disorders the edition prior. Jeff published a novel, The Storymaker, a semifinalist in the Amazon breakthrough novel competition with an extremely positive response from readers. Jeff has also developed a national reputation in the application of short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy. He has presented this work at the most prestigious psychiatric conferences including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the Association for Academic Psychiatry (AAP), and the American Association of Directors of Residency Training Programs (AAPDP). Additionally, Jeff has been trained extensively in improvisational theater through Second City in Los Angeles, Los Angeles Theater Sports, and Gorilla Tango T

Kat and Alex discuss the art and power of storytelling with a master of the craft, Matthew Dicks. A voice you may recognize from The Moth Radio, he's a 39-time Moth StorySLAM champion and 6-time GrandSLAM champion whose stories have been featured on their nationally syndicated Moth Radio Hour and their weekly podcast. We discuss what he's discovered about how to tell a winning story, the homework you should be giving yourself everyday, and how everyone has compelling stories to tell. Matthew's Podcast - SpeakUp Storytelling PodcastMatthew's Book - Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life Through the Power of StorytellingFacebookTwitterInstagramMatthew Dicks Bio Matthew Dicks is the internationally bestselling author of the novels Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend, Something Missing, Unexpectedly, Milo, The Perfect Comeback of Caroline Jacobs, Storyworthy: Engage, Teach, Persuade, and Change Your Life through the Power of Storytelling, and the upcoming 21 Truths About Love, The Other Mother and Cardboard Knight. His novels have been translated into more than 25 languages worldwide. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend was the 2014 Dolly Gray Award winner and was a finalist for the 2017 Nutmeg Award in Connecticut. He is also the author of the rock opera The Clowns and the musicals Caught in the Middle, Sticks & Stones, and Summertime. He has written comic books for Double Take comics. He is the humor columnist for Seasons magazine and a columnist for Slate magazine. He has also published for Reader's Digest, The Hartford Courant, Parents magazine, The Huffington Post, and The Christian Science Monitor. The Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists awarded him first prize in opinion/humor writing in 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Kat and Livia talk with our friend Janey Tanguay! Janet has been a fixture in the Capital Region's business community for years and has helped many people turn their business ideas into business reality. Her current two businesses, Hammock Way of Life and Business Idea Shower exemplify her commitment to helping entrepreneurs both get their businesses off the ground but to also have the foundation of vision beneath them. In this episode we discuss the process of invention and discovery and how it can be messy and painful. The importance of finding play in your life and unplugging from the daily grind. We also discuss representation and wearing your labels. Finally, Janet shares a story of Ellen Degeneres and coming out in the happiest place on earth and getting the grade you deserve. Biz Idea Shower Hammock Way of Life Get in touch at info@hammockwayoflife.comJanet on Twitter Hammock Way of Life on Facebook Hammock Way of Life on InstagramJanet TanguayThroughout her career, Janet has helped over 1000 entrepreneurs in launching their dream businesses, and has guided hundreds of people toward living the life of their dreams through her Vision Board Workshops, Business Team Building and Strategic Planning and Entrepreneur Workshops and Focus Groups. Janet's first business, Studio J, opened in 1993 to assist companies in developing marketing strategies for growth and development. As the founder of Art n Soul, Inc. from 2006 – 2017, she represented over 150 artists, coaching and teaching them the business of art. Janet is also a mixed media artist; author of two children’s books, Be Bee and Dustbunnies Don’t Eat Carrots; and a former featured writer on the Times Union Blog on micro businesses called Startup and Grow and on Womeninbiz.com. Her art work, which uses broken musical instrument parts, has been included in exhibits locally and nationally. Janet has appeared on the television shows The Hip Entrepreneur, The Growth Mindset, Inspiring Wellness Solutions, and Schenectady Today. In print, she has been featured on the cover of Women@Work Magazine in the 2018 Business Finance issue. Janet has also received the 50 Over 50 Making a Difference honor from Channel 10 (WTEN), the Fierce Advocate of Entrepreneurs Award from SheSpeaks2Me.com, and is a five time winner of the NYS Award of Excellence for Program Performance, Achievement and Dedication to the Entrepreneurs of New York State. Send us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com or join the conversation on our facebook! Original music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek Walker

Kat is joined by one of our newest members and favorite humans, Mary Darcy! Mary shares a Dare to Be Human Story about celebrating failure and discovering that there can be gifts in our mistakes if we remain present enough to see them. Send us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanpodcast.com or join the conversation on our facebook! Mary Darcy moved to Saratoga Springs from Brooklyn in elementary school and has recently made the migration back to the land of pizza and bagels with her husband, Peter. She graduated from The College of Saint Rose and spent most of her career in radio news. Before starting local news site and blog All Over Albany with partner Greg Dahlmann, she spent eight years producing nationally syndicated radio programs and creating National Science Foundation programs about women in STEM careers. Mary has been a regular presence in a number of area theaters, acting, producing and mentoring young artists.Original Music by Mark S. MerittLogo by Derek Walker

Alex is joined by Livia Armstrong as she shares a Dare to be Human Story about speaking up on public transportation. We discuss stepping out of your comfort zone, group dynamics, and creating the world you want to live in. Send us your questions, episode ideas and DTBH stories to hello@daretobehuman.com and follow us on Facebook! Livia Armstrong, a senior facilitator at Koppett and program coordinator for the Mopco Improv Theatre, studied theater and psychology at SUNY Fredonia. As a Koppett facilitator, Livia has delivered programs for diverse clients including the New York State Governor’s Office for Employee Relations, Russell Sage College, Greene County Women in Business, GreenTech High School, and multiple clients in the SUNY system. Livia is a co-author of the TD at Work issue “Listen Up!” (ATD 2017) with Kat Koppett and Michael Burns. She is a member of the Mopco Main Stage company, the Mop & Bucket Co..