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 [email protected], join the conversation on our Facebook or leave us a message at 518-212-7886! We record at The Mopco Improv T...
Nov 05, 2019•1 hr 18 min•Season 2Ep. 16
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 Koppett Karen Koppett is...
Oct 22, 2019•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 15
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 Gabe Twitter Instagram Links Third World Improv BIO Gabe is a single dad of a fourteen-year-old boy named Beeto...
Oct 07, 2019•50 min•Season 2Ep. 14
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 Gary Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Links Botjoy Leake Street Botjoy Marc Craig Carolyn McKnight - "To ____ in a way that ______, so that ______" BIO Gary is the co-founder of On Your Feet an early pioneer in the emerging field of Applied Improvisation helping o...
Sep 23, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 13
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 Facebook Twitter Tumbler Instagram BIO 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 Starr...
Sep 09, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 12
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 spokesma...
Aug 26, 2019•59 min•Season 1Ep. 11
On this episode, Kat and Mary talk with Taína Asili a NY-based Peurto Rican singer, songwriter, bandleader, and activist. They discuss reclaiming your humanity in the face of inhumanity through acts of resistance and art, Taína's travels through Peurto Rico after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria, how to discover your own bravery and raising kids as an act of rebellion. Taína Asili is a New York based Puerto Rican singer, filmmaker and activist carrying on the tradition of her an...
Aug 12, 2019•53 min•Season 2Ep. 10
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 shortl...
Jul 29, 2019•30 min•Season 2Ep. 9
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 [email protected], join the...
Jul 15, 2019•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 ...
Jul 01, 2019•1 hr 24 min•Season 2Ep. 8
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 cr...
Jun 17, 2019•58 min•Season 2Ep. 7
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 ti...
Jun 03, 2019•1 hr 5 min•Season 2Ep. 6
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 [email protected], join the conve...
May 20, 2019•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 5
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 hell...
May 06, 2019•55 min•Season 2Ep. 4
Kat and Alex are joined by Jeff Katzman, M.D. and Dan O'Connor the authors of the book Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life . They discuss why it is we can find ourselves stuck in performances that can feel scripted and limiting and how we can break out of them. Dan offers us some advice on turning our inner critics into internal cheerleaders. Jeff offers some insight into why improv can be a powerful tool for the medical profess...
Apr 22, 2019•1 hr 1 min•Season 2Ep. 3
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. M...
Apr 08, 2019•1 hr 40 min•Season 2Ep. 2
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 h...
Mar 25, 2019•53 min•Season 2Ep. 1
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 [email protected] or join the conversation on our facebook ! Mary Darcy moved to Saratoga Springs from Brooklyn in elementary school and has recently made the...
Mar 21, 2019•13 min
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 [email protected] 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 fa...
Mar 14, 2019•7 min
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 [email protected] 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 a...
Mar 14, 2019•5 min
We're starting our second season of Dare to Be Human ! We've got some fantastic guests to tell you about and some amazing new members of our team to introduce you to! Look for more bonus episodes coming out in the next two weeks featuring Dare to be Human stories by Michael, Livia and Mary as we approached the launch of our first official episode of Season 2 on March 25th ! Send us your questions, comments, episode ideas or your very own Dare to be Human stories to hello@daretobehumanp...
Mar 11, 2019•7 min
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 aroun...
Sep 04, 2018•1 hr 7 min•Season 1Ep. 7
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...
Aug 19, 2018•57 min•Season 1Ep. 6
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 ...
Mar 20, 2018•43 min•Season 1Ep. 5
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 th...
Feb 27, 2018•32 min•Season 1Ep. 4
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 ...
Feb 20, 2018•58 min•Season 1Ep. 3
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 ...
Feb 13, 2018•54 min•Season 1Ep. 2
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...
Jan 30, 2018•41 min•Season 1Ep. 1
