Podcasts about improv training

With decades of experience in the commercial casting world, Ryan Bernstein of RMB Casting has cast uniquely cinematic commercials for huge brands including Apple, Geico, AT&T, Best Buy, Progressive, Snickers and much more. Receiving thousands of actor submissions per job, Ryan shares how actors can get on his radar and why he's returned to in-person auditions only. He explains how to use improv wisely in an audition and answers the commonly asked question - how many of those character headshots do you actually need? GUEST LINKS: IMDB: Ryan Bernstein WEBSITE: RMBCasting.com INSTAGRAM: @rmbcasting THAT ONE AUDITION'S LINKS: For exclusive content surrounding this and all podcast episodes, sign up for our amazing newsletter at AlyshiaOchse.com. And don't forget to snap and post a photo while listening to the show and tag me: @alyshiaochse & @thatoneaudition TNTT ACTING MEMBERSHIP: The Bridge for Actors CONSULTING: Get 1-on-1 advice for your acting career from Alyshia Ochse COACHING: Get personalized coaching from Alyshia on your next audition or role INSTAGRAM: @alyshiaochse INSTAGRAM: @thatoneaudition WEBSITE: AlyshiaOchse.com ITUNES: Subscribe to That One Audition on iTunes SPOTIFY: Subscribe to That One Audition on Spotify STITCHER: Subscribe to That One Audition on Stitcher EPISODE CREDITS: HOST/PRODUCER: Alyshia Ochse WRITER: Erin McCluskey OUTREACH: Elle Powell WEBSITE & GRAPHICS: Chase Jennings SOCIAL: Imani Love

I am beyond thrilled to share with you my incredible interview with the talented and insightful Amanda Lehan-Canto. Get ready for a deep dive into the world of comedy, the pursuit of dreams, and the importance of self-care. In this episode, Amanda takes us on a journey through her experiences in the entertainment industry, starting from her time in the prestigious Sunday Company at Groundlings. She shares the intense and rewarding moments of performing, the sacrifices made, and the unwavering support of her loved ones. It's a rollercoaster of emotions that truly showcases the highs and lows of pursuing a career in comedy. Nowadays, Amanda finds herself in a new chapter of her career, working at Smosh, a popular YouTube network. She explains how this opportunity opened up new avenues for creativity and allowed her to rediscover her love for acting. Amanda also dives into her experience with Dungeons and Dragons, an unexpected joy that she stumbled upon during her improv journey. Watch the Full Video Podcast Here! 00:00 — Intro 03:07 — New UCB Show, Free Time, and Slowing Down 06:05 — What is Improv? 08:55 — Performing for Yourself vs. for Validation 11:09 — Choosing Where to Go for Improv Training 14:45 — The Difference Between Improv and Acting Class 19:29 — How Improv Impacts Your Acting Career 24:40 — Character Work 28:24 — Maintaining Momentum In-Between Classes 31:20 — Amanda's Acting Career 36:17 — The Groundlings Class Tiers 39:04 — Sunday Company 44:17 — Sacrifices Made Along the Way 48:46 — ”Well, At Least You're Working” 53:06 — SMOSH 55:51 — Wrap-Up & Class Reflection Resources Mentioned in This Episode: ★ Amanda's Website  ★ Amanda's IMDb  ★ Watch Amanda on Smosh  ★ Follow Amanda on IG @filmingamanda  ★ See Amanda in the Sunday Company at Groundlings  ⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯⎯ Want more? Join The Membership & Check out Patreon for bonus episodes! And don't miss all the content on IG and as always at, OneBrokeActress.com And if you're needing some personalized help from Sam, you can schedule a chat with her right here. Don't forget to join the mailing list here!

Jeff Rogers, Managing Partner of Players Workshop talks to WGN Radio's Dave Plier about the history and future of Chicago's original improv training center. To find out more, all are welcome to attend  ‘Taste of Improv' on October 18th at The Apollo Theater Studio. playersworkshoponline.com

Glain launched the Roundtable in 2007 in order to provide a space for leaders where they can cultivate their leadership skills together. The Roundtable received a Gold Award from the Canadian Awards for Training Excellence in 2014 for its peer coaching and mentoring program. In 2016, it was named the Best External Consulting Advisory in Canada by the Canadian HR Awards.With over 25 years of experience in executive roles and helping groups of leaders take control of their careers, Glain is a multiple-time nominee for the RBC Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. She also writes columns for The Globe and Mail and Realizing Leadership magazines, and was a former Leadership Guru for BizTV Canada and Arlene Dickinson's "YouInc." She holds a Diploma in Creative Advertising and completed advanced Improv Training through The Second City, and is a volunteer mentor with the Institute for Performance and Learning.Glain is the author of several books: "Did I REALLY Sign For This?!: #leadershiptruths on How to Drive, Thrive... and Survive" and “The Grassroots Leadership Revolution.”Glain cites that adaptability, agility and long-term thinking are some of the behaviors that leaders need to cultivate in navigating instability and uncertainty. She says leadership is all about self-awareness, which means knowing our tendencies and which ways we are leaning so that we can find the balance to become effective.Glain emphasizes that instead of being hung up on the “little stuff” such as performance reports, it is better to step back and find the opportunity now to impact someone's life. She says it is important to recognize our derailing behavior and to know when our “right approach'' is not working in the current situation.“Your role as a leader is to keep the team functioning without you,” she says. If you want to know more about how your team can together unpack values that align with your organization, then this episode is for you!Find out more about Glain's work at her company's website: https://goroundtable.com/Connect with her through LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/glain/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goroundtableTwitter:@HeyRoundtableInstagram:go_roundtable

Where does creativity fit into compliance? In more places than you think. Problem-solving, accountability, communication, and connection - they all take creativity. Join Tom Fox and Ronnie Feldman on Creativity and Compliance, part of the Compliance Podcast Network. In this show, we discuss how to use creativity your compliance communications to have a more effective compliance program by producing a more robust Speak Up culture in your organization. The recent DOJ 2020 Update to the Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs stated the following: Other companies have invested in shorter, more targeted training sessions to enable employees to timely identify and raise issues to appropriate compliance, internal audit, or other risk management functions. How does Speak Up compliance training fit into this new mandate?  Some of the highlights include: Why is this change both significant and importantly was is the Government’s expectation? What is the difference between “shorter” and “targeted” training? The DOJ has acknowledged what most successful programs have known for a while. That shorter, more frequent training and communications are more effective. Most adult learning principles support this. Training is important, but it should be shorter, relevant and interesting. Comms is separate. It services a different purpose. To advertise where resources are. To drive traffic to those resources – teach people where to go. To remind people and reinforce resources and themes. “Enable employees to timely identify and raise issues” That is making resources accessible and easy to use Show up in more places – Apps, Newsletters, Intranet Posts, email signature, in the mouths of leadership It’s also about making people know that they are safe Targeted is focused on making training relevant. Corporate comms can go to everyone, everywhere, all the time. Training should be tactically relevant to job function. Learnings and Entertainments creates short stories about specific issues so that companies can deploy those to those specific audiences. Broadcat makes job aids which are helpful in this regard. Offerings are aligned with what the DOJ is recommending in their 2020 update. “Hey maybe a group of comedians and improvisers have something to offer.” L&E's whole business is structured around two things. Promoting E&C as helpful advisors and coaches. Promoting Speak Up culture. Short, Entertaining, Memorable Comms & Awareness – this is designed to raise the visibility of the issues policies and resources so they are easy to access. Show up in more places. Try to shift attitudes and behaviors over time. Person on the Street Campaigns – gives voice to employees. Makes it less preachy. Stories that shed light on the speak up process – share why things happen and the results of those things. Very specific and targeted learning. Talk Shows that help leaders shed light on the speak up process – build trust. Improv Training to help leadership encourage speak up culture. Resources: Ronnie Feldman (LinkedIn) Learnings & Entertainments (LinkedIn)  Ronnie Feldman (Twitter) Learnings & Entertainments (Website) 60-Second Communication & Awareness Shorts – A variety of short, customizable, quick-hitter “commercials” including songs & jingles, video shorts, newsletter graphics & Gifs, and more. Promote integrity, compliance, the Code, the helpline and the E&C team as helpful advisors and coaches.

Because of our need now more than ever to be able to connect with strangers, I decided to rerun this episode with Margaret Hicks on applied improv training.  Margaret is an award-winning tour guide in Chicago and has developed workshops that use improv theater techniques to help other tour guides connect with their audiences quickly and effectively.  Her process is, above all else, filled with kindness and openness--two qualities that will help all of us navigate our way through what is happening now with #BLM and #BlackLivesMatter.  This is the time in our history when we get to listen, to empathize, and to change our outdated and ineffective systems so that they serve everyone. Margaret's workshops are a great place to start. Resources: Margaret Hicks: https://chicagoelevated.com/ and http://thetourboost.com/ Email Becky@virtualexecutivedirector.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beckybrettcaldwell/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeckyBrett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/virtual_exec/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VirtualExecDirector   Subscribe Here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/virtual-executive-director/id1286919221  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3NcVeXJSvrerUM7CgDOVPX?si=2PqkQMklTJmcU1cpjYijiw

Erin Diehl is the Founder and CEO of improve it!, a training and development company leveraging improvisational ("improv") techniques to improve employees' soft skills in corporate settings. Erin has trained and performed with some of the top improv programs in Chicago, places like The Second City, i.O. Theater and The Annoyance Theatre and uses the skills she developed there to work with companies like United Airlines, PepsiCo, Groupon, Deloitte, Motorola, Walgreens, and The Obama Foundation. She is an expert at taking the techniques necessary to build a great ensemble and using them to develop skills, teamwork, and meaningful relationships in the workplace (and in life). Erin has a podcast of her own called The failed it! Podcast where she discusses how you have to fail to succeed. You can find Erin on social media at @Keepinitrealdiehl. 

Let’s talk business. Dave and Jason delve into the world of corporate improv and applied improvisation. How to do it, what to look out for, the difference between performing and teaching, and of course, life.

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

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

Alan Alda talks to Curiosity Daily hosts Cody Gough and Ashley Hamer about to how to connect better with others, what’s stopping people from believing in science (and how to change their minds), exercises he uses to build empathy, and more. Additional resources from Alan Alda: Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University — https://www.aldacenter.org/ Clear+Vivid with Alan Alda — https://www.aldacommunicationtraining.com/podcasts/  Sign up for Alan’s newsletter on his official website — http://alanalda.com/ Follow @alanalda on Twitter — https://twitter.com/alanalda Download the FREE 5-star Curiosity app for Android and iOS at https://curiosity.im/podcast-app. And Amazon smart speaker users: you can listen to our podcast as part of your Amazon Alexa Flash Briefing — just click “enable” here: https://curiosity.im/podcast-flash-briefing. 

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

Improviser and top-ranked tour guide, Margaret Hicks, teaches museum docents, hospitality workers, and anyone who faces the general public some improv tools to better connect with visitors. We got to talk before her workshops in Abingdon and covered everything from radical acceptance to the hidden success found in failure. I can't wait to hear what you think of this! NOTE: there is one swear word, for those sensitive to that ..... Resources and links: Chicago Elevated......The Tour Boost......Need help in your leadership development? Try Executive Coaching...... Support the podcast through Patreon

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

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 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 Michael Burns (The Artistic Director and Co-Owner of Mopco Improv Theatre) as he shares a Dare to be Human Story about sailing in Maine. We discuss the power of daring to name the obvious thing and finding where it takes you. Send us your Maine waves, questions, episode ideas and DTBH stories to hello@daretobehuman.com and follow us on Facebook! Michael Burns is the Co-Director and founder of The Mop & Bucket Company .Before settling in the area, Michael studied theatre at SUNY Purchase, and then improv with David Shepherd in New York, where he directed for the American Modern Dance Theatre and the American Folk Theatre. He was a member of The Big Apple Experience, a short-lived but cleverly named improv troupe. He has since worked for several upstate theaters including Home Made Theater, The Theatre Barn and Steamer 10 Theatre.Michael developed (with David Shepherd) the Compass Institution, an improv troupe touring senior centers and hospitals. He directed inmate-written plays for Very Special Arts at Greene Correctional facility, and has created youth theater troupes for several human services agencies. He is the author of First You Sit on the Floor: A Guide to Developing a Youth Theatre Troupe.

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..

Kat and Alex have a wonderful conversation with Melissa on a range of topics. We discuss the class Acting with Power, the impact it has on her students and the first time she taught it. Melissa shares some interesting insights into people's relationship to power and the difference between power, status, and authority. We talk about chasing those moments where everything just seems to click and things just seems to flow. Kat and I also delve into the role of status and status behaviors around gender with our guest and talks about what we can be more aware of in helping to shift those dynamics. We also discuss improv as a vehicle for personal experimentation and transformation before Melissa shares an awesome, insightful and somewhat heartbreaking Dare to Be Human story On Faculty at Stanford University’s Graduate School of Business (GSB) Melissa Jones Briggs works as a Lecturer in Organizational Behavior teaching Acting with Power. This popular second-year MBA and executive education elective uses performance technique to help students address their issues around power, authority and status. Melissa works as an Executive Coach and Consultant at People Rocket, a management design firm. She also serves on the Board of Directors at Youth in Arts, an arts education non-profit with a focus on social justice. She is an Advisor at Women’s Startup Lab in Silicon Valley. Melissa worked as an actor in professional theater and film in New York City and San Francisco. She has two small girls with her filmmaker husband in the San Francisco Bay Area. Check out the links below to follow Melissa on social media and for the books and people we reference! 'Melissa on LinkedIn' 'Melissa on Facebook' 'Melissa on Twitter' 'Jennifer Palmieri's Book' 'Getting (More of) What Your Want by Margaret A. Neale and Thomas Z. Lys' Logo by Derek WalkerTheme Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Planting Flags

Kat and Alex speak with Theresa Robbins Dudeck and Caitlin McClure the co-editors of the new book Applied Improvisation: Leading, Collaborating, and Creating Beyond the Theatre. This is an incredible new development in the field of Applied Improvisation that draws back the curtain on an exciting, innovative, growing field of practice and research that is changing the way people lead, create, and collaborate Despite some technical difficulties, we persevered in our quest to speak with Theresa and Caitlin and talked to them about how they first began collaborating on this book. We also discuss how they both began improvising, their experience keeping the magic of improv alive in the working world, Keith Johnstone, and of course, get them to share some Dre to Be Human Stories. Check out the links below to check out the book as well as some of their other works and where you can find them on social media! 'Applied Improvisation: Leading, Collaborating, and Creating Beyond the Theatre' 'Keith Johnstone: A Critical Biography' 'Theresa's Website' 'Impact International' Logo by Derek Walker Theme Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Planting Flags

IMPROV FOR DEBRIEFING: This week on DJ Simulationistas, Dan & Janice return from an improvisation training workshop and examine whether the training they received could help with general debriefing skills. Also: eliminating "blocks" from your simulation, establishing identity and role clarity, expressing your "inner monologue" in a crisis, and more!

Kat and Alex explore improv's therapeutic properties and why we're hearing more and more about improv's ability to help treat social anxiety, depression and more. We explore what therapy is, what's the difference between therapy and coaching and where improv may fit in. Dr. Koppett stops by to answer some questions in the Expert Game. This episode's exercise is all about trusting the connections you're inspired to make are legitimate and interesting. It's also about using your "smart person" voice. So Funny, It Doesn't Hurt 'Improv saved my life' 'Improv for Personal Growth ' Logo by Derek Walker Theme Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Planting Flags

In this episode Kat sits down for an interview with Carmen Duncan. Carmen is the founder, head coach and CEO of Mission Accomplished, an organization that helps aspiring young professionals prepare for the global economy by providing access to coaching, job training and professional development. They believe everyone should have access to the help and support so they can reach their fullest potential. Kat and Carmen discuss finding your team of cheerleaders to keep you spreading your truth in the face of naysayers. The role of mentors and coaching in helping people to develop and achieve their goals. The importance and power of bragging rights. “Learning to Adult” and the spaces where you are allowed to prepare, learn and make mistakes. They also explore sharing power and realizing your own power in your performance, whether you’re a millennial or an interviewee. Finally they talk about bringing your full self into whatever spaces you enter is the strong step toward achieving your goals. Carmen's Linked In Mission Accomplished Mission Accomplished on Twitter Millennial to Watch: Carmen Duncan

In this episode we learn more about our intrepid hosts as they share personal stories inspired by their mantra: Dare to be Human. From their first experiences with improv, to framing siblings, defying parents, and tearful cover ups, Kat and Alex explore why these stories stuck with them and discuss their greater implications to what it means to be human. At the end of the episode there's an improv exercise about exploring our innate ability to craft stories and a short tale of a determined Hawaiian detective. Check out daretobehumanpodcast.com for instructions on how to play along at home and stretch your storytelling muscles. Logo by Derek WalkerTheme Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Planting Flags

Tobey Fitch is a longtime pal, colleague and mentor to our very own Kat Koppett. He is the president and founder of Fitch Associates, a leadership and strategy consultancy, which works with all the coolest companies. He helped lead the establishment of Apple University and has prepped speakers for their Worldwide Developers Conference. Fitch's resume also includes working for Prezi, a dynamic presenting software company, which he helped guide through a rapid period of growth as its Head of Strategy and People.We discuss how Kat and Tobey first met in Portland and how improv principles have seeped into his personal life. There is also discussion of Tobey's spirit animal and his related personal mission of spreading friendship and connectedness. At the end of the episode Tobey shares an incredibly touching story about daring to be human in the most devastating times.Tobey Fitch BioLogo by Derek Walker Theme Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Planting Flags

Welcome to the first episode of Dare to Be Human!In this first episode you'll meet your hosts Kat and Alex as they discuss the performance of you! How and why do we inhibit our choices of how we show up and present ourselves? What can we do to be more aware of our performances choice and, with that knowledge, how can we stretch ourselves to better achieve our goals? We explore personality tests and the lessons to take away from an infamous experiment with marshmallows.There's also an exercise at the end of the episode about expanding your range of performance options. It's a whole lot of fun and you can find instructions to play along at home at daretobehumanpodcast.com. Reference Links: When the Kids Crash Your BBC Interview Prof Robert Kelly and Family Invisibilia: The Personality Myth Logo by Derek Walker Theme Music: Blue Dot Sessions - Planting Flags

6 ways to add improv to your performance - at any level. The post Improv Training Wheels appeared first on Belly Dance Geek.

Great business people are able to adapt, think on their feet, speak and captivate an audience, and collaborate and communicate with a variety of people in a variety of situations. These also happen to be the exact types of skills you learn in improv. Improv training is fantastic business training. The skills necessary to stand on stage and improvise any topic thrown at you, is an extremely transferable skill to business. Jonas Koffler of the improv and training group Four Day Weekend, has been helping businesses learn these skills for the past 20 years. What started as a limited six week run at a local theatre, has grown into a 20 year successful business where the group has now worked the who's who of Fortune 500 companies, toured with the USO, and performed for two different U.S. presidents. We were lucky to sit down with Jonas Koffler, and get his story, company background and advice as part of Small Business War Stories.