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PODCAST

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system regulation, and comedy

Jen deHaan: Improv Comedy Performer & Writer

Your Improv Brain: The cognitive side of comedy, performance, and neurodiversity. Do you want to understand the brain-body connection behind great comedy? Your improv brain explores how neurodiversity, including ADHD and autism, impacts how we learn, coach, and perform. Host Jen deHaan digs into the science of why we freeze up on stage, how to find flow state, and using nervous system regulation tools to become a more resilient improviser and actor. Why this show is for you Whether you are

comedy improv

All Episodes

08:03

You don't need backstory: starting scenes in the middle

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2026/02/16

SURPRISE! I'm back. Hi! :) Starting a scene with two people standing there asking "who are you?" or explaining a bunch of backstory is one of the quickest ways to lose your audience. In this episode, I talk about why exposition bogs down the top of your scene and how starting in the middle of the action gives your scene immediate momentum.This is the first in a short four episode series about the top of the scene, initiations, and base reality. I reference Truth in Comedy (linked in the show notes

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22:05

Five Vocal Exercises for Better Improv Characters

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/11/03

Get the PDF "Vocal Basics for Improv" with all the exercises and concepts from this episode at https://improvupdate.com/downloads. This episode is all about using your voice in improv. You do not need to do "funny voices" to be a good performer, you can work with the attributes of your own voice and make some subtle shifts.I explain how to use your own voice effectively. These subtle changes to your vocal dynamics can create clear, grounded characters that you can heighten in a variety of

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18:46

Own Your Weirdness: A Guide to Really Good Improv...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/10/20

In this episode, I explain how to commit to your authentic self in your improv practice. You will learn to reframe perceived weaknesses into compelling strengths on stage. Your messy and imperfect parts are exactly what your scenes need.I discuss how neurodivergent performers can use their unique traits. The episode also covers how to collaborate effectively with scene partners who have different brain wiring. I share a personal story from my past as a dance fitness teacher. A very clumsy moment

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01:37

You might also like... The Human Internet Theory

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/09/10

The week I recorded this trailer and my first episodes - the second week of September 2025 - Sam Altman had just tweeted “I never took the dead internet theory that seriously but it seems like there are really a lot of LLM-run twitter accounts now.” And then a couple days later Inception Point AI announced they were going to generate 3000 new podcast episodes every week. With fake hosts. Calling anyone who doesn't like them "lazy luddites."It's time to take the dead internet theory seriously,

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19:27

Four Ways to Give your Characters a Clear Point of View

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/09/01

In this episode, I'm really getting into what I believe is the most important element for creating a compelling character: their point of view. I’ve found that the most interesting thing about a character isn't what they do, butwhythey do it. A strong, consistent POV is the lens through which your character sees the world, and it’s what separates a memorable performance from a flat cliche.First, I'll give you a clear definition of what a point of view actually is (like, more than just an opinion)

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20:12

The Power of Silence: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/08/25

Alt title: Get to Skin Suit Town: 3 Exercises to Improve Your ActingIn this episode, I'm diving into one of the best acting exercises you can give yourself: practicing scene work with little dialogue, or even none at all. I’ve found that learning to use physicality, emotional reactions, and environment is what changes a performance from "just saying words real good" to truly embodying a believable character. Or like... as I like to say because it is now improv canon, "get to skin suit town".I’ll

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18:11

3-Step System & Exercise to Manage Self-Criticism in...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/08/18

Your inner critic might be a key reason you feel stuck, anxious, or in your head during an improv scene. But trying to fight it or ignore it doesn't work. This episode reveals a completely different approach: give that critical energy to your character.I break down the science of why your brain creates that critical voice and how it’s connected to a deep fear of social rejection. You will learn a practical three-step system for working with your inner critic instead of against it.The episode

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21:48

An Improv Workout: 6 Exercises to Build Your "Failure...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/08/11

We know that failure is the engine of learning, but how do you actually practice it in a safe and productive way? In this episode, I provide a full workout plan with SIX specific exercises designed to put you in challenging situations. Learn practical drills for your practice groups or classes that train you to handle wild scenes, distracting environments, and even challenging scene partners. This is your guide to getting your reps in, building a tolerance for chaos, and developing the confidence

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19:51

How Forgetting Can Help to Get Out of Your Head in...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/08/04

We are often taught that forgetting is a weakness, especially in improv where details seem really important. It's what we practice all the time!However, forgetting can be a skill to practice. In this episode, I explore the science behind why our brains are designed to forget, and how we can use this adaptive process to our advantage in our scenes and shows. Learn how letting go of details can reduce cognitive load, improve listening, and help you get out of your head and out of your own way in a

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18:48

Fail More to Learn More (Plus Seven Hacks to Help!)

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/07/28

What if the key to becoming a great improviser is the number of failures you accumulate? That moment when you feel like you have failed in a scene, or a scene is falling flat, can feel awful. But it is also one of the most valuable data points for your growth.In this episode, I help you reframe failure as a solvable technical problem. You will learn a toolkit of seven specific, actionable techniques to use that moment you feel a scene is failing. These techniques also help turn these moments into

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18:57

Improving Communication Skills So You Can Improvise...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/07/21

To be a successful improviser, you have to communicate effectively with everyone on your team. But what happens when people think, communicate, and experience the world differently? In this episode, I break down the common causes of communication breakdown between improvisers, and why assuming everyone is on the same page can lead to invisible struggles and burnout. Discover the single most important skill that allows great improvisers to perform with literally anyone, and learn a clear, four-step

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19:18

Mind Blank on Stage? A 3-Step Reboot for Your Brain

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/07/14

That feeling of your mind going completely blank on stage is a top fear for any performer. But what if it's not a personal failure? This week, I explain how this is often a biological response to being overwhelmed, not a lack of ideas. In this episode, you'll learn a simple, three-step system to effectively reboot your brain when it crashes. This practical technique works with your body's natural responses to get you out of your head and painlessly back into the scene, turning a moment of panic into

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11:21

The Pain of Learning Improv: What to Assess, How to...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/07/07

Feeling frustrated, stuck, or even like you're getting worse at improv? This episode reframes the struggle. Discover the difference between productive learning pain and the unnecessary pain that you can walk away from. Learn a clear framework to assess your comedy practice, connect with your "why," and decide if your creative struggle is worth it. Doing this can help you re-engage in improv with more confidence and purpose. And maybe make your growth a bit easier too.Find the web article and YouTube

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11:33

A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/06/30

If you struggle to come up with specific or original ideas in your improv scenes, there's something you can do between scenes to help with that struggle.This episode of Your Improv Brain reframes the problem of trying to get ideas into a scene. Discover why the key to better creative output isn't forced thinking, but quality input and curiosity to get it there. So you can use your noggin RAM.Learn a practical, no-cost method to fuel your creativity using curiosity, making your ideas and characters

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15:55

Prioritize Yourself for Better Improv Performances

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/06/23

Are you sacrificing your well-being for your improv team? This episode of Your Improv Brain challenges the myth that good improvisers must be comedy doormats. Always saying yes outside the scene doesn't help your scene partner in the end.Discover why putting yourself last leads to burnout and how "doing comedy for you first" actually creates more exciting, sustainable, and authentic performances for everyone. Learn practical ways to prioritize your needs and your energy without abandoning your

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18:21

Beyond "React Like Yourself" - Level Up Your Grounded...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/06/16

Tired of being told to "just react like you would in real life" to ground an improv scene? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores advanced techniques for playing the voice of reason or grounded characters in a scene or sustaining them long-term.Discover how shifting from simply "acting normal" to dynamically balancing the scene can make you a more adaptable, supportive, and funnier improviser, especially if "normal" feels challenging.You can also watch this episode on YouTube here or find the

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25:04

Is an inner monologue useful for improv comedy? (ft....

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2025/06/09

Tired of being told to "get out of your head"? This episode of Your Improv Brain explores a different approach. Discover how your active inner voice, often seen as a distraction, can actually become a powerful tool for your improv. Host Jen deHaan and guest Sabrina Banes discuss practical ways to understand and even harness your mental chatter for more grounded, spontaneous, and less anxious performances.How can an inner monologue help you with a core long-form improv concept? Jen lets you know near

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42:58

Suggestions for Protecting Your Mind While Doing...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2024/11/05

This episode provides general suggestions to comedians, especially neurodivergent ones like us autistic and ADHD actors in comedy and improv, to protect our minds while engaging in comedy and with others in the community. Find the video for this episode (has my face, not just captions): YouTube video (you can leave your input here!)Find the written article for this episode here: NeurodiversityImprov.com article (you can also leave your input here!)Checking in on yourself, in whatever spaces you’re

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09:15

Announcement (Bonus): New Podcast Name for One Year...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2024/10/29

This marks one year of making podcast episodes! There are some changes happening next week, and here's what those changes are. And the things not changing (most of it isn't change). Yeah, STUFF IS HAPPENING!This kinda-but-not-really-an-episode talks about how this series started, and what I have planned with the name change for the podcast project.Go here for the written essay of this episode.Your Voice - Neurodiversity SurveyLet me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent in comedy

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20:41

Inclusive, beneficial icebreakers for performers – Ep...

Your Improv Brain: Neurodiversity, nervous system... ·

2024/10/22

Icebreakers. They're common in an improv class, at the top of a jam, or maybe when a team is just getting to know each other.Some people love them.Some people hate them.Some of us have a love/hate relationship depending on the day or the icebreaker in question.Many of the people who really dislike icebreakers are neurodivergent people, which is why such a seemingly simple thing is getting an episode.But many students, neurodivergent or not, need icebreakers to feel comfortable in the scenes that are

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