The Stormchaser Improv Podcast Show

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Hi, we’re Stormchaser! We’re an improv comedy team in Los Angeles, CA, and we are Anatasha Blakely, Travis Cox, and Andrew Pish. We’ve performed together for around eight years and 600 shows - that’s 0.22 shows a day! Come join us for our Artist’s Brain episodes where we pick the brains of a wide variety of artists and performers and try to find those nuggets of gold that we use to buy more bitcoin. Then listen to our Gametape episodes where we review our own shows to talk about our process, detail what we could do differently next time, and passive-aggressively judge Pish for his life choices. Lastly, check out our Stormchaserology episodes where we define some of the unique improv lingo we’ve come to use over the years - like "that's schmangin" and "rivulet" and "commonwealth".

Stormchaser Improv


    • May 12, 2023 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 45m AVG DURATION
    • 46 EPISODES

    5 from 37 ratings Listeners of The Stormchaser Improv Podcast Show that love the show mention: improv podcast, denzel, travis, enlightening, bravo, comedy, group, name, hilarious, live, funny, like, entertaining, awesome, great, informative, always, listening, amazing, show.



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    Latest episodes from The Stormchaser Improv Podcast Show

    45: Artist's Brain - Nick Armstrong - Trusting Your Gut, The Business of Improv, Rocky IV

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2023 56:28


    EVERYONE!!! It's Nick Armstrong!!! NOT ONLY is he an incredible improviser (King Ten, Local 132) but he has also been an instrumental part of connecting and building the larger improv community with Camp Improv Utopia, theImprovNetwork.com, and Rise Comedy Theater in Denver, CO. Nick has strengthened the world's improv community, and as a result, he's helped cultivate the growth of improv as an art form. Nick Armstrong is a treasure. === In this episode, we cover how trusting your gut might be the most important skill you can build, the challenges of managing an improv business, and how, believe it or not, improv is supposed to stay fun! Also, Nick and Andrew discover their shared love of Rocky IV. === Connect with Nick on Instagram through Camp Improv Utopia @improvutopia and Rise Comedy Theater @risecomedy. And if you're an improviser you should jump on The Improv Network at TheImprovNetwork.org - it's a wonderful resource for improvisers to find coaches, festivals, and other improvisers. === As always, thanks for joining us! This community of artists is an important part of our lives, and we're glad you're in it. Connect with us on the socials! We love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and insults. We're on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube @stormchaserimprov. Tell your friends! Tell your family! And keep it a secret from your significant other because you're an individual and don't need to share everything with them! === PS: All our links including links to tickets for our live shows https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov === PSS: If you would like to sponsor this beautiful podcast snowflake, or help in whatever way you can, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com and join us on our quest - to seek the holy grail of improv!

    tiktok artist brain local improv rocky iv trusting your gut nick armstrong king ten camp improv utopia
    44: Artist's Brain - Greg Hess - Improv Pattern, Surprising Yourself, Artificial Intelligence

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 11, 2023 77:25


    We have matching “We Love Greg Hess” tattoos. And it's true - we always have. Always will. Greg is a core member of the legendary improv team Cook County Social Club, one of our favorite improv teams in the world, as well as a member of the ensemble of The Improvised Shakespeare Company. He is also co-host of the hit podcast MEGA, a serial comedy set in the world of a fictional megachurch. Greg is someone we've often turned to for inspiration and guidance, so it was a true delight to sit down and pick his brain. In this episode, we cover Greg's thoughts on Cook County's electric style of play, something that's kept audiences belly laughing for years. We talk about the challenges of continuing to surprise yourself on stage when you've been playing with the same people for as long as Cook County. And we even talk about ramifications of artificial intelligence on the future of art… because GREG IS AN AI BOT AND COULD YOU TELL?! You can follow Greg on instagram @heygreghess and @megathepodcast. (You can check out Anatasha, Andrew, and Travis' episodes on MEGA wherever you listen to podcasts!) As always, thanks for joining us! This community of artists is an important part of our lives, and we're glad you're in it. Connect with us on the socials! We love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and insults. We're on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube @stormchaserimprov. Tell your friends! Tell your family! And keep it a secret from your significant other because you're an individual and don't need to share everything with them! PS: All our links https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov PSS: If you would like to sponsor this beautiful podcast snowflake, or help in whatever way you can, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com and join us on our quest - to seek the holy grail of improv!

    43: Artist's Brain - Shaun Landry - Diversity in Improv, Importance of Community, Opening The Ledge Theatre

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 1, 2023 77:12


    It was a pleasure to mind meld with the artist's brain of Shaun Landry! We talked about why improv is important to her and how it can be beneficial to anyone who performs it, the current state of the improv community and the importance of accepting community, and her journey founding The Ledge Theatre, the FIRST Black-Owned improv theater in Los Angeles. You can follow her on instagram @ShaunLandry1 and @ledge_theater. As always, thanks for joining us! This community of artists is an important part of our lives, and we're glad you're in it. Connect with us on the socials! We love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and insults. We're on Instagram, TikTok, and Youtube @stormchaserimprov. Tell your friends! Tell your family! And keep it a secret from your significant other because you're an individual and don't need to share everything with them! PS: All our links https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov PSS: If you would like to sponsor this beautiful podcast snowflake, or help in whatever way you can, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com and join us on our quest - to seek the holy grail of improv!

    42: Gametape - “Tofu Chowder” - How the Ups and DownS of Life Affect Performance

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 16, 2022 35:54


    We're back with Gametape - our patented series where we review our recent shows - noting what we're grateful for, what we could have done differently, and what made us break character and laugh out loud. We're working to A) get on the same page as an ensemble and B) be more skillful with the wild, untamable beast of an art form we call improv. In this episode, Anatasha, Travis, and Andrew review our last Shakeytown Shakedown show on October 17th. We talk about the joy of having all three of us together on stage for the first time since before the pandemic, and then we start to spiral and consider if we're terrible at improv and if everything we've been told is a lie. We also talk about how the ups and downs of our personal lives might profoundly impact our performance. Throughout this Gametape episode you'll hear brief clips from our live show, but if you want to catch the full show it's available for free on our YouTube channel @StormchaserImprov As always, thanks for listening! This community of artists is an important part of our lives, and we're glad you're in it. Connect with us on the socials, we love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and insults! We're on Instagram and TikTok @stormchaserimprov, and you can subscribe to our YouTube page for full shows and the video version of this podcast! Tell your friends! Tell your family! But for the love of God, don't tell the CIA! PS: All our links including where to buy tickets for our live shows https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov PSS: If you would like to sponsor our lovely little podcast, and for all other inquiries, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com

    41: Artist's Brain - Niccole Thurman - Saying Yes to Opportunity, Becoming a Writer, Radical Acceptance

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 7, 2022 65:50


    Niccole Thurman (The Opposition, Everything's Trash, Kenan) sits down with Stormchaser to share how she became a writer, actor, and comedian. We cover a lot, and we dig deep into why it can be beneficial to say yes to what life sends your way - even when it terrifies you - and the process of getting into a writers room. Niccole is funny, charming, and has a dynamic Artist's Brain. Follow her on instagram and twitter @niccolethurman. As always, thanks for being here. This community of artists is an important part of our lives, and we're glad you're in it. Connect with us on the socials! We love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and insults. We're on Instagram and TikTok @stormchaserimprov, and you can subscribe to our YouTube for updates when we post live shows and podcast videos. Tell your friends! Tell your family! And keep it a secret from your significant other because you're an individual and don't need to share everything with them! PS: All our links: https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov PSS: If you would like to sponsor this beautiful podcast snowflake, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com

    40: Gametape - “Piazza” - Finding and Repeating Patterns, Taking Big Swings and Missing

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 15, 2022 25:54


    We're back with Gametape! Our continuing mission: to explore our improv shows; to seek out new insights and new understandings; to boldly learn where we haven't learned before. In this episode, Anatasha, Travis, and Andrew review our last Shakytown Shakedown show on August 20th. We celebrate - surprise surprise - our imperfection; we talk about how we can improve, especially now that we feel we've shaken off the pandemic rust; and we note how our “mistakes” are still our great gifts. Anatasha missed this Shakedown because she's STILL in Utah acting in The Utah Shakespeare Festival and living her dreams…at least that's what she's telling us. Who knows really? Maybe she's just kicking it on a beach somewhere drinking piña coladas. If you have any new information, please DM us. As always, thanks for being here! This community of artists is an important part of our lives, and we're glad you're in it. Connect with us on the socials, we love to hear your thoughts, opinions, and insults! We're on Instagram and TikTok @stormchaserimprov, you can subscribe to our YouTube page full shows and the video of this podcast! Tell your friends! Tell your family! And keep it a secret from your significant other because you're an individual and don't need to share everything with them! PS: All our links: https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov PSS: If you would like to sponsor the podcast, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com

    tiktok dm missing utah swings piazza shakedown repeating patterns utah shakespeare festival
    39: Artist's Brain - Jacob Sorling - Nerding Out On Improv, Self Improvement, Finding Joy in Making Art

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 1, 2022 69:58


    Stormchaser talks with actor, film producer, and big time improv nerd Jacob Sorling. We talk about how Jacob became obsessed with improv, comedy, and making art. We dig into his recent inspirations including meditation, self improvement, and poetry. And we pick his brain on his current thoughts on improv and art like how to have fun with your work, pulling inspiration from real life, and how being a better artist can lead you to being a better person. You can find Jacob on instagram @jacobsorling, and you can connect with us on Instagram and TikTok at @stormchaserimprov on Youtube at Stormchaser Improv and on our website at www.stormchaserimprov.com!  Aaand if you enjoyed this episode, we'd just love you forever if you subscribe, share the episode, and or leave us a brutally honest five-star review on Apple Podcasts!  PS: All our links: https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov PSS: If you would like to sponsor the podcast, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com.

    38: Gametape - “Dinosaurs” - Producing and Performing, Treating Your Partner as a Genius

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 15, 2022 31:13


    In this episode of The Stormchaser Improv Podcast Show, we're back with more Gametape. The only thing better than surviving an improv show (that maybe wasn't your best) is watching it back with your friends and then talking about it in front of MILLIONS of listeners. In this episode, Pish and Travis review our show from July 28th at our show The Shakeydown Shakedown and we talk about quickly switching from “producers” to “performers”, the importance of treating your scene partners as geniuses, and we discuss ways to allow more joy into our play! As a reminder, Anatasha is STILL living her dreams as an actress in The Utah Shakespeare Festival, so she wasn't in this improv show, but she is in THIS podcast episode. As always, thank you for being here. This community of artists is one of the most important parts of our lives - we're glad you're in it. Please connect with us on the socials if you haven't already. We're on Instagram and TikTok @stormchaserimprov and check out our YouTube page for loads of free content including full shows and the video version of this podcast! All our links: https://linktr.ee/StormchaserImprov And if you're in LA, COME SEE US at The Shakeytown Shakedown LIVE every fourth Thursday at the Pack Theater at 9 PM! Tickets are available at the link in our Instagram bio or through the link on our website at www.StormchaserImprov.com If you would like to sponsor the podcast, please email stormchaserimprov@gmail.com

    37: Gametape - “Pizza” - Balancing Space and Silliness, the Importance of Production Value

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2022 23:53


    We're back with Season two of the pod and we're starting off with Gametape from our LIVE show on June 26th! We watch “gametape” to get better. Trav, Tash, and Andrew sit down and discuss what worked in our show and what definitely didn't! Side note, As you may or may not know Anatasha isn't currently performing with us because she's a real life working actor performing 8 shows a week at The prestigious Utah Shakespeare Festival! But she still found a way to jump on the pod after watching the show to share her insights and her harsh harsh judgements with us. It was great to be back doing the pod and we hope you enjoy! In this episode we talk about: finding the balance of space and silliness and how difficult it can be switching between the two. We ruminate on the value of putting effort into the production side of the show, and we touch base on how it feels to be shaking off the rust and getting back into the habit of performing LIVE again. You can see Stormchaser improvise, live at The Pack Theater every fourth Thursday at 9pm! Or you can see all of our shows for free by subscribing to our Youtube channel. We're also on Instagram and TikTok @stormchaserimprov Lastly, if you've enjoyed the podcast, and you're feeling generous, please consider leaving us an honest review on Apple Podcasts! Reviews are a great way for us to lure unsuspecting guests into our awesome podcast trap!

    36: Artist's Brain - Alex McKenna - Motion-Capture Acting, Self-Producing Films, Emotional Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 18, 2021 84:12


    Stormchaser talks with the actress Alex McKenna - well-known from her lead role in Red Dead Redemption 2 as Sadie Adler. We talk about the multi-year process and challenges of being a lead actor on what Travis calls “the best-acted video game he's ever seen,” the process of self-producing her short film, her new podcast on dealing with grief called Good Grief: The Gains of Loss, dealing with emotions as a performer while maintaining your emotional health, and what the HELL is up with F1! You can find Alex on instagram @maxmagpie, and you can connect with us on Instagram at @stormchaserimprov and on our website at www.stormchaserimprov.com! One last thing: if you're enjoying this podcast, could you leave us a bright, glowing review on Apple Podcasts? These are incredibly helpful to attract new guests! This episode is brought to you by RY Originals - Whole Plant Vegan CBD Vitamins that are FULL of healthy and purposeful vitamins, minerals, and herbs! They're double-lab tested and activated without extraction, which makes them truly original. RY Originals has crafted four unique blends - Better Mood, Pain Lift, Sleep Tight, and Original Blend all of which are available at shop.ryoriginals.com. And don't forget to use our special discount code “Stormchaser” at check out to get $4.20 off of every bottle! Nice.

    35: Stormchaserology - “Throwing Daggers” by Travis Cox - Being Deliberate, Trusting, and Vulnerable

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2021 10:48


    Improv assassins unite! Travis has cooked up this bite-sized Stormchaserology episode to cover “throwing daggers.” He talks about how to make your improv more exciting by improvising more deliberately, how to treat you and your partner's choices as important by trusting that those moves are exactly right, and how to be vulnerable and open yourself up to stabbing and being stabbed! So all you improv assassins better listen up because it's time to sharpen up your improv! You can connect with Travis on Twitter @TravLCox and on instagram @travislcox and you can connect with Stormchaser on instagram @stormchaserimprov and our website stormchaserimprov.com. Before you go, if you've enjoyed the podcast, please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts! Reviews are a great way for us to lure unsuspecting guests into our deadly podcast trap!

    34: Artist's Brain - Paul Vaillancourt - Mastering Fundamentals, Love of Teaching, Long Live iO West

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 14, 2021 64:50


    In this Artist's Brain interview, we sat down with one of the GOATs - Paul Vaillancourt. For those who don't know, Paul is a veteran improviser of over 30 years. His credits and credentials are too long to list here, but they include: being a member of the legendary improv team Beer Shark Mice; founding iO West and the Revolution Theater; writing not one but two books on improv (The Triangle of the Scene and 5 Things Improvisers can do to Stay Creative, Feel Inspired, and Have Fun!); and doing a show called Man vs Movie where he does a ONE-MAN IMPROVISED MOVIE! Improv courses through Paul's veins, and in our interview, you can feel how passionate he is about the craft of improv. We barely scratch the surface of his vast store of knowledge, but we do talk about the importance of remembering the basics; what Paul loves about teaching; and we get nostalgic about iO West - the house Paul built and that we were birthed in. You can find Paul on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/whatsupwithpv You can find his books on improv here: The Triangle of the Scene at https://www.amazon.com/Triangle-Scene-practical-approaching-improvisation-ebook/dp/B00ZHV7BH2 5 Things Improvisers can do to Stay Creative, Feel Inspired, and Have Fun! at https://mailchi.mp/3a4915dcb396/free-guide-for-improvisers And you can find his YouTube page for tons of great improv tips and tricks: https://www.youtube.com/c/pvimprov And hey, while you're on the old Instagram don't forget to give us a follow @stormchaserimprov! You can also check us out on Facebook at facebook.com/stormchaserimprov and of course on our website at www.stormchaserimprov.com!  One last thing before you go. If you're enjoying this show we'd be DELIGHTED if you could leave us a 5 star review on the old apple podcasts! It could be a review like this recent review from Maronati! Maronati gave us 5 stars and says: “Great Stuff.” Thanks Maronati!  This episode is brought to you by RY Originals - Whole Plant Vegan CBD Vitamins that are FULL of healthy and purposeful vitamins, minerals, and herbs! They're double-lab tested and activated without extraction, which makes them truly original. RY Originals has crafted four unique blends - Better Mood, Pain Lift, Sleep Tight, and Original Blend all of which are available at shop.ryoriginals.com. And don't forget to use our special discount code “Stormchaser” at check out to get $4.20 off of every bottle! Nice.

    33: Gametape - Kid Who Was Bullied - How “Failing” is Fun, Playing Too Loose, Making Big Choices

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 7, 2021 35:45


    Let's roll the tape from our show on May 26th! We watch “gametape” to get better. We discuss what worked in our shows and what definitely didn't. (The only thing we want in life is to grow as artists and improvisers - ya know?) So here we are...just growing away. Life. Finds. A. Way. (We recorded this episode without Anatasha. She was asked to come off the bench for the Utah Jazz in round two of the playoffs. Not even Kawhi can slow her down. (With Anatasha's help, experts are predicting Jazz in 5. Andrew predicts the Clippers in 4.)) In this episode we talk about: the cost of playing “too loose”; how “getting it wrong” or “failing” can actually be a lot of fun; and how making big choices and bold statements can give your scenes enough momentum to go to the moon! You can see Stormchaser improvise, live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and fun bits from the podcast, connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. If you want to join us for shows in our Zoom meeting and hang out before or after, send us a DM on Instagram and we'll send you a link the week of the show! We'd love to see you and hear you, hopefully, laughing! Lastly, if you've enjoyed the podcast, and you're feeling generous, please consider leaving us an honest review on Apple Podcasts! Reviews are a great way for us to lure unsuspecting guests into our awesome podcast trap! This episode is brought to you by RY Originals - Whole Plant Vegan CBD Vitamins that are FULL of healthy and purposeful vitamins, minerals, and herbs! They're double-lab tested and activated without extraction, which makes them truly original. RY Originals has crafted four unique blends - Better Mood, Pain Lift, Sleep Tight, and Original Blend all of which are available at shop.ryoriginals.com. And don't forget to use our special discount code “Stormchaser” at check out to get $4.20 off of every bottle! Nice.

    32: Artist’s Brain - Kiff VandenHeuvel - Valuing Craft of Improv, Solo Practice, Training Confidence

    Play Episode Listen Later May 24, 2021 77:32


    On this Artist’s Brain episode we had the pleasure to sit down with Kiff VandenHeuvel. Kiff’s an improv and sketch comedy veteran - he’s an alumni of The Second City comedy theatre and at Second City Hollywood, he’s directed sketch comedy and taught voiceover, improv, and directing. Kiff is also consistently working as an actor, and has appeared in hundreds of TV and radio commercials, and is well known in the video game community as the voice of Zachary Hale Comstock in Bioshock: Infinite, Walter in The Walking Dead video game series, and also from his work with Disney Infinity. He’s full of passion and his love of performance, and specifically improv, are inspiring. In our interview, we talk to Kiff about the origins of the modern improv technique as developed by Viola Spolin, we talk about owning the legitimacy of your improv craft as a legitimate performance technique in an industry which doesn’t quite understand or respect the craft of improv, establishing a solo improv practice, how important it is to build confidence as a performer, and how it was working with Al Pacino. Kiff is passionate about improv and performing and this episode will inspire you to get out there with renewed energy. You can connect with Kiff on Instagram @kiffvh on his website kiffvh.com - where you can find his demos, reach out for independent coaching, he coaches improv, voiceover, sketch, and all things performance. He also produces a podcast called All Over Voiceover, which you can check out on its website allovervo.com or on all your favorite podcast platforms. You can see Stormchaser improvise, live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun bits from the podcast connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. If you want to join us for shows in our zoom meeting and hang out before or after, send us a DM on Instagram and we’ll send you a link the week of the show! We’d love to see you and hear you, hopefully, laughing! Lastly, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, and you’re feeling generous, please consider leaving us an honest review on Apple Podcasts! Reviews are a great way for us to lure unsuspecting guests into our awesome podcast trap!

    31: Stormchaserology - Growth Mindset by Andrew Pish

    Play Episode Listen Later May 17, 2021 17:12


    In this episode, Andrew Pish (maybe you’ve heard of him: handsome, talented, smart, not quite as tall as Travis, and as you’ll hear in this podcast, profound and insightful) adds to our Stormchaserology collection with a great episode about growth mindset. Inspired by psychologist Carol Dweck, Andrew digs into the difference between growth and fixed mindsets and how this can apply to improv and our lives in general. This understanding can help us to let go of comparison and people-pleasing, to enjoy success even while we’re risking on stage, and to defeat our shadow selves from alternate dimensions… You know, normal improv stuff. If you want to - NO PRESSURE - please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts. (We hate to pull this card, but Travis’ birthday is coming up in a couple weeks and a positive review is literally the only thing he wants. The heart wants what it wants.) You can connect with us on instagram @stormchaserimprov and our website stormchaserimprov.com. You can watch us do improv, live-streamed on Facebook, every other Wednesday at facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. If you want to join us to watch the show from inside our zoom meeting and hang out before or after our shows, send us a DM on Instagram and we’ll send you a link! We’d love to see you and hear you laughing (hopefully)!

    30: Artists Brain - Keiko Agena - Creative Process, No Mistakes, Being Your Own Best Friend

    Play Episode Listen Later May 10, 2021 73:04


    On this Artist’s Brain interview, Stormchaser sat down with actress and improviser Keiko Agena. Keiko’s improvised for years with Ham Radio, Aisian AF, and many other teams. You may know her from one of her many roles on television: she played Lane on Gilmore Girls, Pam Bradley on 13 Reasons Why, and she’s currently playing Dr. Edrisa Tanaka on Prodigal Son - which you still have time to catch up on season 2 on HBO Max before seeing the last couple episodes live on Fox. If that isn’t enough creativity for one person, she’s also a skilled visual artist, and she wrote a creative journal based on mindfulness practices and the improv principle "no mistakes" called No Mistakes: A Workbook for Imperfect Artists (amazon link). On this episode, we dig into the specifics of Keiko’s process as an improviser, as a writer, and as an actor. You’re free to go on with your life and leave us behind, but if you’ve enjoyed the show, could you leave us a review on Apple Podcasts? Help us get our show to the MOON! If you want more of the Stormchaser drip - peep us on instagram @stormchaserimprov, on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov, and our website with links to the podcast www.stormchaserimprov.com. This episode is brought to you by RY Originals - Whole Plant Vegan CBD Vitamins that are FULL of healthy and purposeful vitamins, minerals, and herbs! They’re double-lab tested and activated without extraction, which makes them truly original. RY Originals has crafted four unique blends - Better Mood, Pain Lift, Sleep Tight, and Original Blend all of which are available at shop.ryoriginals.com. And don’t forget to use our special discount code “Stormchaser” at check out to get $4.20 off of every bottle! Nice.

    29: Gametape - “PQ” - Spinning Plates, Raising the Stakes, the Joy of Improvising w/o Travis

    Play Episode Listen Later May 3, 2021 35:50


    There are a lot of similarities between athletes and improvisers: consistent practice, performing in the moment, and of course, the way we look with our shirts off. But we can also watch our gametape like our favorite athletes, and Stormchaser has found that watching shows and discussing what worked and what didn’t is an efficient way to strengthen our improv muscles. With our gametape episodes, we wanted to share some of those discussions so that you could learn from and possibly relate to our mistakes and our successes. Let’s get better together! This episode was recorded without Anatasha (she’s currently deep undercover and if she told us any more she’d have to kill us) and covered a show that Travis missed because he had a hot date with traffic on the 405. On this episode, Andrew and Travis talk about “spinning plates,” “throwing daggers,” raising the stakes of a scene, playing a “peas in a pod” scene, and the power of stillness. We say WAY too many nice things about Anatasha and WAY too many mean things about Travis. And stick around for the end of the episode where Travis gets his mind blown when Andrew talks about a unique and cool perspective for zoom improv. You can also see Stormchaser perform live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun bits from the podcast connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. And before you go, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, could you please leave us a bright, glowing, eloquent review on Apple Podcasts? We'd really appreciate it. KTHXBYE.

    28: Artist’s Brain - Roy Janik - Narrative Improv, Building International Community, Owning an Improv Theater

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2021 78:01


    This is another episode in our Artist's Brain series where we interview improvisers and other artists about their creative process. Our guest today had an enormous impact on my (Andrew Pish’s) life, and first, let me set the stage… In 2009, I was an engineering student in my first internship which was at a naval research laboratory in Austin, TX. My desk was directly across the hall from a door that had a sign that said “TOP SECRET” in big bold letters. The door also had a keypad with a code to get in. Scientists and engineers would quickly type in the secret code, rush in, and shut the door before I could lay my eyes on all those sweet, dark, naval secrets. This is the place where I began to have doubts that engineering was the right career path for me, and this is when, while I was checking my Gmail, I saw an ad for improv classes at the Hideout Theatre. That was the start of a journey that forever changed my life. Enter our guest, Roy Janik, one of the owners of the Hideout Theatre and a member of the 16-year-old and internationally-renowned improvised theater company Parallelogramophonograph, or PGraph for short. Roy and PGraph were major influences on the narrative improv scene in Austin, TX when I started improvising, and he was my first improv team's coach. As you'll hear, Roy is a complete delight - positive and warm and insightful, and that's the character of improv that hooked me for life. On this episode, we talked about the realities of being an improv theater owner, his narrative improv influences, lessons we all can take from narrative improv, how virtual improv can connect us with the international improv community (which has a lot we could learn from), and his book that he wrote with PGraph on narrative improv called Do It Now: Essays on Narrative Improv. If you want to connect with Roy you can find him on Instagram @royjanik and you can find more about PGraph on their website www.pgraph.com where you can also order a copy of their book called Do It Now: Essays on Narrative Improv. It is jam-packed full of great insights and lessons to take into your improv. Also, if you're in Austin, TX when the world opens back up, please check out the Hideout Theatre downtown, it's the place where I started improvising and I couldn't recommend it enough. The Hideout also has a twitch channel at twitch.tv/hideouttheatre where you can see Roy as well as a bunch of other hilarious improvisers perform.  You can also see Stormchaser perform live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun bits from the podcast connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. And before you go, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, could you please leave us a bright, glowing, eloquent review on Apple Podcasts? We'd really appreciate it. KTHXBYE.

    27: Stormchaserology - Unity of Opposites by Anatasha Blakely

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 22, 2021 12:43


    This is another bite-sized, one-bite-couldn’t-hurt, Stormchaserology episode where we share some of the improv lingo that we’ve picked up on our journey as an improv team. On this episode, Anatasha talks about an incredibly important concept for performing comedy - unity of opposites. It’s the way in which a comedian can 100% hold joy in their heart while being 100% committed to their angry monologue about why the price of bananas is too damn high! An authentic connection to playful joy is the wind in your sails, the hot air in your balloon, the fuel that makes your comedy purr. Right now, Stormchaser is doing improv live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun stuff, connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. And before you go, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, could you please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it helps us to convince hard-to-get guests that we aren’t insane - because we aren’t. KTHXBYE.

    26: Artist’s Brain - Wendy Penrod - Building a Community, Being Present, Improv and Mental Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 15, 2021 78:40


    Welcome to another Artist’s Brain episode where we interview improvisers, artists, and creatives to talk shop about creativity. Our guest on this episode is very very very special to all of us, and especially to Travis and Anatasha. Wendy Penrod is one of the founding members of Off the Cuff Comedy (OTC) in Cedar City, Utah, where Anatasha and Travis first tasted the magical waters of improv. So if it weren’t for Wendy and OTC, Stormchaser would not exist today, and for that, we are eternally grateful.  On the episode, we talk about what she learned by starting OTC from nothing and eventually forming a successful improv community - including building a physical theater from scratch and creating a kick-ass improv festival that attracts teams from across the US. We also talk about the core elements of improv that have made a lasting impact on her play and the overlap between good mental health and the principles of improv. As you’ll hear, Wendy’s a treasure trove of knowledge and a warm beacon of light. To learn more about Off the Cuff Comedy and the Red Rocks Improv festival visit www.otccomedy.com. You can connect with them on instagram @otccomedy. Also, check out Wendy’s podcast with Tiffani Mills on instagram @andtheoscardoesnotgoto, as well as her teammate Rev’s podcast called Monster Smash League. To connect with Stormchaser find us on instagram @stormchaserimprov or check our our website! www.stormchaserimprov.com  or tune in for our live shows on Facebook every other Wednesday at 6pm (PST!) www.facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. As always, any feedback is appreciated - but it’s especially appreciated in the form of 5-star reviews on Apple Podcasts! If you enjoyed this episode, share your 5-star feedback! This episode is brought to you by RY Originals! Whole-plant CBD Vitamins, double lab-tested, and activated without extraction - which makes them truly original. Learn more at shop.ryoriginals.com and use the special discount code “Stormchaser” at check-out to take an extra $4.20 off each bottle!

    25: Gametape - March Madness - Making Improv Choices Important and Playful Confidence

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 12, 2021 34:56


    Welcome to another Gametape episode where we review our improv shows like athletes would for their games. We recently made it all the way to the Championship match in the March Madness of Improv Tournament put on by Socially Distant Improv and Highwire Improv, and so in this special edition, we review not one show, but SIX! We review our favorite moments and talk about making your partner’s choices important, the playful confidence that comes with competition, the greatness of Socially Distant Improv’s founder Kimberly Alu (follow her @alu_who), and a lot more. Right now, Stormchaser is doing improv live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun goodies, connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. And before you go, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, could you please do us a solid and review us on Apple Podcasts? We. Appreciate. You.

    24: Stormchaserology - Check In

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 7, 2021 9:19


    This is another bite-sized, fit-inside-your-Easter-egg, Stormchaserology episode where we share some of the improv lingo that we’ve picked up on our journey as an improv team. On this episode, Travis talks about the importance of starting a new improv scene by being patient and checking in with your partner on stage. When we’re improvising, we can regularly get stuck in our heads when we worry about making a bunch of fun improv choices, and when we’re stuck in our heads, we can lose a foundational connection with our partners. Travis here is reminding us that when we check in with our partner at the start of a scene, we can get out of our heads and our improv choices will flow a lot easier. Right now, Stormchaser is doing improv live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun stuff, connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. And before you go, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, could you please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds and it helps us to convince hard-to-get guests that we aren’t insane - because we aren’t. KTHNXBYE.

    23: Artist’s Brain - Holly Laurent - Improviser, Comedian, Writer

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 2, 2021 81:39


    Welcome to an interview with one of our favorite artist’s brains. Holly Laurent is one of Stormchaser’s long time coaches and mentors and has been one of our greatest influences. Holly brings joy, love, and poetry to the improv community. She injects humanity into her characters and breathes authenticity into her work, and if you’ve met her, you’ve undoubtedly felt her warm and sunshiny presence. Holly Laurent is the creator and host of the hit podcast MEGA, she’s the co-host and producer of the podcast It's a Wonderful Lie, and she’s a featured contributor on the nationally syndicated radio variety show Live From Here (APM). She is an alumnus of the Second City main stage in Chicago where she wrote and performed three critically acclaimed revues. She toured with the Second City national touring company and was a featured performer at the TBS Just For Laughs Festival in Montreal. Holly is also a founding member of the longstanding improv group The Reckoning, which you might hear us talk about a lot. You can also watch her on Tacoma FD (truTV), Drunk History (Comedy Central), Key & Peele (Comedy Central), and The Late Late Show with James Corden (CBS). On this episode, we get real and we talk about how the pandemic has affected us all as live performers, we also talk about how to approach creating art that wrestles with challenging topics, and Holly shares how she intentionally deals with her fears as an artist. It was an emotional and raw conversation, and as you’ll hear, I think those qualities are part of what makes Holly such a brilliant storyteller. You can connect with Holly on Instagram @hollylaurent and on Twitter @laurentholly. And make sure to check out her wonderful podcast Mega on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Google Podcasts and on instagram @megathepodcast. Right now, Stormchaser is doing improv live on facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. For show times and other fun goodies, connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov. And before you go, if you’ve enjoyed the podcast, could you please do us a solid and review us on Apple Podcasts? Tight. Thanks.

    22: Gametape - “Time Traveler”

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 30, 2021 41:26


    Welcome to another Gametape episode! Stormchaser, exactly like Tom Brady in every way, watches gametape to win more Super Bowls. While we don’t have as many rings as Tom (yet), we are slowly getting better at improvising - so that will have to do . Here, we dive into our show from Feb 24th where the suggestion was TIME TRAVELER. We talk about delighting in inspiration, why Anatasha and Andrew enjoy making fun of Travis, the joy of surprising yourself and your teammates, what “DRAMAVILLE” means, building tension, leaning in when things get weird, the pitfalls of letting your brain make decisions, and SO MUCH MORE! Also, if you want to catch us DOING some improv instead of just TALKING about improv please head over to Facebook.com/stormchaserimprov where we’re doing live zoom shows every other Wednesday at 6pm (PST) We love expanding our improv community so connect with us on Instagram and Twitter as Stormchaser Improv and on our website www.stormchaserimprov.com Before you go please take a quick minute to OBLITERATE that subscribe button and, if you haven’t already, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! Love you. Be brave out there.

    21: Stormchaserology - You Have My Sword

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 25, 2021 8:39


    This is Stormchaserology - our made-from-scratch improv dictionary! In today's episode, Andrew talks about “You have my sword” - a phrase from Lord of the Rings that we say to each other (obviously along with “and my bow,” “and my axe”) before we step on stage. He describes how it’s really about being there for your teammates and establishing a solid foundation of trust. Improv! Did you know we're doing improv shows right now? Every other Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. Come check it out - we have fun, and we love to see people commenting during the show. Check us out on Twitter! Already follow us on all the other social things? Of course you do. Well now you can follow us on Twitter too! Check us out @strmchaserimpro! Sponsor! We've got a limited time offer: as we’re getting started, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. Don’t miss out! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com.

    20: Artist’s Brain - Brian James O’Connell - Improviser, Filmmaker, Teacher

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 22, 2021 94:09


    Our Artist’s Brain interview series continues with the man, the myth, the legend - BOC. Brian James O’Connell is more than a staple in the world-wide improv community, he’s the ultimate ambassador for this art form we call home. BOC has directed several feature films, including Bloodsucking Bastards and Angry White Man, and he is one of the creators and stars of the animated series Hell Den on the Syfy channel. He’s an actor, writer, director, filmmaker, teacher, mentor, friend, and hella good improviser. In this episode, we talk about how BOC would start an improv theatre, how improv saved his life, what he learned from directing three feature films, and his "Hot Takes" about what is missing in the improv community. (He doesn’t let us off easy.) Follow Brian on instagram @B3oc and be sure to watch Hell Den on the SyFy Channel. If you enjoyed the podcast, would you please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us move up the charts to expand this community even more. But please. No matter what. Do NOT post any bits in the review section. Seriously. Definitely no bits. Serious reviews only. I repeat. No bits. Did you know - we're doing improv shows right now? Every other Wednesday night at 6pm PST on our facebook page backslash stormchaserimprov. This improv party never dies! Come check it out - we love to see people commenting during the show. We've also got a limited time offer, for all you coupon-cutters, we're looking for sponsors, and right now, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. You read that right! $5! Reach out today!

    19: Gametape - “Debt” with Jacob Sorling

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2021 34:19


    Welcome to another Gametape episode, where we review a recent show of ours, in theory like Michael Jordan would watch gametape to prepare for his next game, but in reality, it’s more like we’re sitting in shock as our Mom just busted out the embarrassing home videos in front of our new girlfriend, get out of here Mom! We’re talking about our improv show from February 10th with Jacob Sorling, our special guest and good friend who joined us for our show. We talk about how clown comedy and theater trainings have influenced our style of play, how the different actor, director, and writer parts of our brain can get locked when we’re improvising, and how playing patiently can give you and your teammates the space to make more skillful moves. If you enjoyed the podcast, would you please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us move up the charts so that we can expand this improv community even more. And we love reading your reviews but especially your critiques - our tastes are very singular, you wouldn’t understand. Did you know - we're doing improv shows right now? Every other Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook page backslash stormchaserimprov. This improv party never dies! Come check it out - we love to see people commenting during the show. We've also got a limited time offer, for all you coupon-cutters, we're looking for sponsors, and right now, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. Take that to the bank ya filthy animal! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com, and you can find Jacob on instagram @jacobsorling and also with Anatasha and their improv duo @buddypuzzle.

    18: Stormchaserology - Soft and Hard Edits

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2021 6:55


    This is Stormchaserology - our made-from-scratch improv dictionary!  In today's episode, Anatasha shines a light on the vast world of improv edits. Edits are an often-overlooked but key part of performing improv. Tasha describes the specific differences between “soft” and “hard” edits and you can use them to take your shows to the next level.  Improv! Did you know we're doing improv shows right now? Every other Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. Come check it out - we have fun, and we love to see people commenting during the show. Check us out on Twitter! Already follow us on all the other social things? Of course you do. Well now you can follow us on Twitter too! Check us out @strmchaserimpro!  Sponsor! We've got a limited time offer: as we’re getting started, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. Don’t miss out! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com.

    17: Artist’s Brain - Brendan Jennings - Improviser, Actor, Writer

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2021 86:09


    Improv nerd? Obsessed with talking shop? This episode is for you. Welcome to another Artist’s Brain episode, where we interview a wide variety of artists and performers to pick their brains for advice. One day, we’re hoping that we too can become Jedi Masters. On this episode, we interview the always-hilarious Brendan Jennings. Brendan is on the renowned improv team Cook County Social Club. He also writes for and acts in A.P. Bio on Peacock, NBC’s streaming app. Here, we discussed Brendan’s early love for comedy, how he found improv, and Cook County Social Club’s on and off-stage habits. Brendan can be found on Instagram @jenningsbrendan.  Improv! Did you know - we're doing improv shows right now? Every other Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook.com/stormchaserimprov. Come check it out - we have fun, and we love to see people commenting during the show. Review! If you enjoyed this episode - would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps us convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews...and critiques - brutal honesty is our love language! Sponsor! We've also got a limited time offer, we're looking for sponsors, and right now as we’re getting started, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. Don’t miss out! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com.

    16: Gametape - Safety Deposit Box

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2021 35:14


    Welcome to another Gametape episode, where we review our most recent improv show by observing and outlining the details of our craft - just like the world’s best athletes review their gametape. Why? Because we’re not good enough yet, and if we can get better, we can finally get the approval from our parents that we’ve been craving since we were born. In this episode, Andrew and Travis chat about surprising yourself, how being slower and weirder can be a lot of fun, and the constant struggle to play slower while dreaming faster. As you’ll hear in the episode, Anatasha was off on some secret mission for MI6. Surprised? Yeah, we didn’t know she was British either. If you enjoyed the podcast, would you please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us move up the charts so that we can expand this improv community even more. Aaaand we LOVE reviews. Nothing like sitting down in your PJ’s with a glass of cold milk and a piping hot plate of fresh reviews. We've also got a limited time offer, we're looking for sponsors, and right now, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. What? That's crazy?! Get in on that! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com.

    15: Stormchaserology - Shred the Gnar

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 19, 2021 12:10


    Welcome to another Stormchaserology episode where we share an entry from our top-secret encyclopedia of improv and creativity - words and phrases we’ve picked up and carried with us on our seven-year journey as an improv team. In this episode, Travis talks about the phrase Shred the Gnar. He talks about challenging yourself so that you continue to grow as an artist; finding flow as you’re carving a path in a fresh improv show; and how, if you shred the gnar, you’ll enjoy improv longer. Improv! Did you know - we're doing improv shows right now? Every Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook page backslash stormchaserimprov. Come check it out - we have fun and we love to see people commenting during the show. Review! If you enjoyed this episode - would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps us convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews and critiques - we're masochists! Sponsor! We've also got a limited time offer, we're looking for sponsors, and right now, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. What? That's crazy?! Get in on that! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com.

    14: Artist's Brain - Jet Eveleth - Improviser, Clown, Teacher

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 15, 2021 86:03


    Welcome to another Artist’s Brain episode where we interview a wide variety of artists and performers to discuss their approach to creativity and art. On this episode, we interview the spectacular Jet Eveleth. Jet was our first improv coach, and our style was largely defined by our time under her wonderfully unique tutelage. We pick her unparalleled brain about her approach to comedy, improv, clown, and performing. Connect with her on instagram @clownchurchla. Improv! Did you know - we're doing improv shows right now? Every Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook page backslash stormchaserimprov. Come check it out - we have fun and we love to see people commenting during the show. Review! If you enjoyed this episode - would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps us convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews and critiques - we're masochists! Sponsor! We've also got a limited time offer, we're looking for sponsors, and right now, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. What? That's crazy?! Get in on that!

    13: Gametape - "Organ Recipient" with Jet Eveleth

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 10, 2021 32:12


    Welcome to another Gametape episode where we talk shop after an improv show. For this improv show, and for this episode, we were joined by the incomparable Jet Eveleth. Jet was Stormchaser's first coach, and we are forever in her debt for her direction when we began. Here, we talk about the idea of feeling more and thinking less on stage, dealing with frustration after a show, and how we might want to slow our zoom improv down. Improv! Did you know - we're doing improv shows right now? Every Wednesday night at 6pm Pacific Standard Time on our facebook page backslash stormchaserimprov. Come check it out - we have fun and we love to see people commenting during the show. Review! If you enjoyed this episode - would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really helps us convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews and critiques - we're masochists! Sponsor! We've also got a limited time offer, we're looking for sponsors, and right now, you can sponsor an episode for as little as $5. What? That's crazy! Get in on that! You can find Stormchaser on Instagram @stormchaserimprov or on our website at stormchaserimprov.com.

    12: Stormchaserology - No Judgment

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 5, 2021 14:08


    Welcome to another Stormchaserology episode where we share an entry from our creative dictionary - words and phrases we’ve picked up and carried with us on our seven-year journey as an improv team. In this episode, Andrew discusses the practice of “no judgment.” With no judgment - your improv will open up and become more playful as you accept yourself more fully, you will be more connected to your teammates as you accept everything they bring to the stage, and you will discover easier improv choices as you accept the unexpected gifts of the world around you. Come join us! Stormchaser is performing improv Wednesday nights at 6 PM PST. Find more info and connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe! And if you’re listening on Apple Podcast/iTunes would you please consider leaving a short review? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us convince hard-to-get guests. Do you have other improv definitions you want us to tackle? Slip into our DMs on instagram @stormchaserimprov. We’re looking for sponsors! For a limited time you can sponsor an episode of this podcast for just $5.00! Send us a message on instagram or www.stormchaserimprov.com for more info.

    11: Artist's Brain - Jim and Sam - Musicians and Filmmakers

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 2, 2021 77:35


    Welcome to another Artist’s Brain episode where we interview a wide variety of artists and performers to discuss their approach to creativity and art. On this episode, we interview the fantastic music duo Jim and Sam. We pick their brains about their approach to music, their new documentary ‘After So Many Days,’ and how, instead of just trying to impress your audience, being vulnerable and honest can help you move your audience. Plus - we got them to play a song for us! You can find Jim and Sam on any music streaming app, and you can now watch their incredible documentary “After So Many Days” on Amazon with Amazon Prime. Follow their journey and their music @wearejimandsam or www.wearejimandsam.com Come join us! Stormchaser is performing improv Wednesday nights at 6 PM PST. Find more info and connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews and critiques of Andrew! We’re looking for sponsors! For a limited time you can sponsor an episode of this podcast for just $5.00! Send us a message on instagram or www.stormchaserimprov.com for more info.

    10: Gametape - “Talking Dog”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 29, 2021 31:33


    Welcome to another Gametape episode where we review a recent improv show and reflect on the details of our craft - ideally, like the world’s best athletes review their gametape but realistically, like Travis eyes his next candy bar - with lust and in a stupor. On this episode, we work through our feelings after a lackluster show, we talk about learning to love the bomb, and we discuss how we might turn a “garbage” show into the manure for tomorrow’s successes. Come join us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website with links to the podcast including show notes at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews - and critiques of Travis! This episode is sponsored by:Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    9: Stormchaserology - Absorption

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 27, 2021 13:58


    Welcome to another Stormchaserology episode where we share an entry from our creative dictionary - words and phrases we’ve picked up and carried with us on our seven-year journey as an improv team. In this episode, Anatasha discusses the act of absorbing energy and emotion onstage and practical ways to practice letting your walls down to become a braver artist. This episode was edited and produced by the wonderful Jacob Sorling. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe! And if you’re listening on Apple Podcast/iTunes would you please consider leaving a short review? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us convince hard-to-get guests. Do you have other improv definitions you want us to tackle? Slip into our DMs on instagram @stormchaserimprov.  This episode brought to you by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    8: Artist's Brain - Juzo Yoshida - Clown Comedian, Improviser, Actor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 25, 2021 83:52


    Welcome to another Artist’s Brain episode where we interview a wide variety of artists and performers to discuss their approach to creativity and art. On this episode, we interview Juzo Yoshida, one of Stormchaser's oldest friends and a brilliant clown comedian, improviser, and actor. Juzo is a force of nature on stage - one second, he's making you laugh at his joyous absurdity, and the next second, he touches your heart with beautiful emotional honesty. Here, we talk about how he went from being a real estate broker to a full-time actor and comedian, how he stays present on stage, and make sure to listen to the end where he talks about his pre-show ritual with seven mantras he says to himself before shows. You can find him on the series Two Pink Doors (now on Hulu) and Instagram @juzoyoshida. Come join us! Stormchaser's performing improv Wednesday nights at 6 PM PST on our Facebook page! Find more info and connect with us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews and critiques of Travis! This episode is sponsored by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com!

    7: Gametape - “Don’t F*cking Call Me Again”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 22, 2021 35:08


    Welcome to another Gametape episode, where we review our most recent improv show by observing and outlining the details of our craft - just like the world’s best athletes review their gametape. Why? We are giant improv nerds. Big, old, giant nerds. We love improv, we love talking about improv, and we’re on a never ending quest to get better at improv. In this episode, Anatasha and Travis chat about our recent show aptly called “Don’t F*cking Call Me Again.” We talk about what it’s like when your improv is inspired by your real life, the trials of capturing a stage-like sense of play over zoom, and things we would’ve could’ve done differently if we were as good as Cook County Social Club. As you’ll hear in the episode, Andrew was off on some grand adventure that we weren’t invited to, and he wasn’t able to do this show - but he still manages to make a special appearance. You can watch the full show on our YouTube Channel. If you enjoyed the podcast, would you please consider leaving us a review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us convince hard-to-get guests. Aaaand we LOVE reviews. We can’t get enough! But it’s not a problem… we could stop reading reviews literally at any time… if we wanted to… we just don’t want to. This episode brought to you by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

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    6: Stormchaserology - Dreaming

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 19, 2021 9:39


    Welcome to another Stormchaserology episode where we share another entry from our improv dictionary - words and phrases we use to talk about improv and creativity. In this episode, Travis talks to us about “dreaming” in improv. There are a lot of different types of dreams: daydreams, dreams of the future, super scary and intriguingly sexual fever dreams… Here, Travis defines what it means to dream in your improv, and how dreaming quickly and specifically can make your improv more colorful and detailed. If you enjoyed this podcast, please subscribe! And if you’re listening on Apple Podcast/iTunes would you please consider leaving a short review? It takes less than 60 seconds, and the reviews really help us convince hard-to-get guests. Do you have other improv definitions you want us to tackle? Slip into our DMs on instagram @stormchaserimprov. This episode brought to you by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    5: Artist’s Brain - Shane Hartline - Actor, Filmmaker, Comedian

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 15, 2021 96:59


    Welcome to another Artist’s Brain episode where we interview a wide variety of artists and performers to pick their brains for nuggets of gold we can mine and sell for bitcoin. On this episode, we interview Shane Hartline. Actor, filmmaker, comedian, TikTok star - this creative genius wears many hats. Stormchaser discusses Shane’s new film, The Haunting of Grady Farm (available on Amazon Prime), his former career as a wrestler, and how he manages so many different projects at one time. We hope you enjoy this wide-ranging conversation. Check him out @shane_hartline. Come join us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website with links to the podcast including show notes at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews! This episode is sponsored by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    4: Stormchaserology - Predator Mind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 11, 2021 9:10


    Welcome to another Stormchaserology episode where we share an entry from our homemade improv dictionary - full of improv vocabulary and lingo that has made a lasting impact on us and the way we play. In this episode, Andrew explains a focused state of listening called “Predator Mind.” He discusses how to stay relaxed on stage, why meditation might be a great tool for the improviser, and how to warm up your listening muscles before an improv show. Come join us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website with links to the podcast including show notes at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews! This episode is sponsored by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    3: Artist’s Brain - Whitney Morgan Cox - Actress, Dancer, Choreographer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 64:13


    This is our first Artist’s Brain episode, and in these episodes we interview a wide variety of artists and performers to pick their brains for those nuggets of gold that we all could use in our own process. On this episode, we pick the brain of one of our favorite artists on the entire PLANET; Whitney Morgan Cox. Whitney is an award-winning actress, dancer, choreographer and so much more. You know her from ‘Criminal Minds’ and ‘In the Wake of Ire.’ We talk with Whitney about her history as a ballerina, how she overcame a devastating injury, how the movie ‘Blue Crush’ changed her life forever, and how she landed in a career as an actor. She shares her insight and wisdom on overcoming stage fright, overcoming injury, and even overcoming a breast cancer diagnosis. She also drops some acting tips, and lets us in on what she loves (and doesn’t love) about live improv. Follow Whitney on Instagram @whitneymcox! Come join us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website with links to the podcast including show notes at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews. This episode is sponsored by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    2: Gametape - “Face In the Clouds”

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 36:53


    This is our first Gametape episode, and in these episodes we review our own improv shows to talk about our process: what went well, what we could do differently next time, and what Travis could possibly have been thinking in that one scene with the kaleidoscope. In this episode, we discuss our virtual show from December 9th, 2020 which we’ve titled “Face in the Clouds.” We talk flow, edits, and how judgement affects your play. Come join us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website with links to the podcast including show notes at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews! This episode is sponsored by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    1: Stormchaserology - Stormchaser

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 4, 2021 11:12


    This is our first Stormchaserology episode, and in these episodes we share the unique improv lingo we’ve come to use over the years. In this episode, Anatasha defines our team name, Stormchaser. She discusses leaning in, being comfortable in the uncomfortable, and the lifelong journey to be brave. Come join us on Instagram @stormchaserimprov, on Facebook /stormchaserimprov, and on our website with links to the podcast including show notes at stormchaserimprov.com. If you enjoyed this podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and as we're getting started here, it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. And we love reading reviews! This episode is sponsored by: Kim Alu, improv teacher extraordinaire! Whether you’re a newbie improviser looking to up your game or an expert looking to stay fresh, she’s got an improv class for you. Check out her upcoming classes, including start dates and pricing at AluWho.com or thepit-nyc.com.

    Trailer for The Stormchaser Improv Podcast Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2020 3:15


    Hi, we’re Stormchaser! We’re an improv comedy team in Los Angeles, CA that loves talking shop about improv and creativity. We’ve performed together for around eight years and 600 shows - that’s 0.22 shows a day! Come join us for our Artist’s Brain episodes where we pick the brains of a wide variety of artists and performers and try to find those nuggets of gold that we all can bring into our own process. Then listen to our Game Tape episodes where we review our own shows to talk about our process, detail what we could do differently next time, and ask Anatasha what she was thinking in that one scene. Lastly, check out our Stormchaserology episodes where we define some of the unique improv lingo we’ve come to use over the years - like "that's schmangin" and "rivulet" and "commonwealth".

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