Welcome to Late Boomers, the podcast that is your guide to creating a third act with style, power and impact! Join your hosts, Cathy Worthington and Merry Elkins, as they bring you conversations with successful artists, entrepreneurs and entertainers who have set themselves up for an amazing third act. Everyone has a story, and Cathy and Merry take you along for the ride on each interview, recounting the journey each guest has taken to get where they are, and inspiring you to create a path t ...
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ACTs Third Stage Podcasts
Hosts Jed and Sam take you through the life, events and general hijinks at Abilene Community Theatre in Abilene, TX.
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Hosted by award-winning story coach K.M. Weiland, the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast will take you deep into story theory, writing techniques, and all the incredible wisdom of story. There is no such thing as "just a story." Come along to find out how to write YOUR best story, astound the world, and (just maybe) change your life!
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Your source for inspiring conversations on topics related to the strategies of building peace, fostering nonviolence, and creating a world that thrives. This dialogue will shift our understanding toward empathy, compassion and connection. Peace On gives you access to information and advice from thought leaders across the spectrum, sharing their peace related wisdom and insights that reflect the vast wealth of violence prevention technologies now emerging on the national and international stage.
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Soft Valkyrie
Richard Wagner, David Kanaga (composition and arrangement), Stephen Fry (narrator), Bryan the Mensah (Siegmund), Hailey Clark (Sieglinde), Attila Csihar (Hunding), Mattijs van de Woerd (Wotan), Nadine Secunde (Fricka), Claron McFadden (Brünnhilde)
Can someone whisper Die Walküre in your ear? With opera, you do not think of whispers or sighs but of strong classical voices in grand, spectacular set pieces. But the composer and game designer David Kanaga has turned Richard Wagner’s famous opera into a podcast. In Die Walküre, the second part of Wagner’s Ring des Nibelungen, the supreme god Wotan punishes his daughter Brünnhilde for not following his orders. He makes her mortal and locks her up in a mountain surrounded by fire. While clos ...
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Do you learn, coach, or perform improv and comedy? Then this show is for you. Jen talks about the intersection of comedy and different forms of thinking. How do our brains work when learning and performing improv. Because there are so many different types of brain wiring that affect how we learn and perform together. Good comedy is neuroinclusive when you're performing or learning it. That means that you create a supportive environment inclusive and accommodating of all cognitive types and a ...
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Fearless at Every Age: Suzy Prudden’s Blueprint for a Vibrant Third Act
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1:00:05What does it take to turn a bold idea into a successful business? How do you navigate the twists and turns of reinvention? Join Merry Elkins, alongside Cathy Worthington, as we dive into the inspiring journey of Suzy Prudden, the powerhouse behind Itty Bitty Publishing Company. From her early days as a fitness pioneer in NYC to becoming a publishin…
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Stage Lights, Real Lives: Behind the Curtain with Susan Dormady Eisenberg
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31:33Have you ever wondered what life is like behind the scenes of Broadway and the opera? Join us as we dive into the mesmerizing world of performers with the insightful Susan Dormady Eisenberg! Susan, an acclaimed author, takes us on a journey through her novels, The Voice I Just Heard and One More Seat at the Roundtable, which vividly depict the back…
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Ever wonder how a conference can ignite a spark of transformation? In Episode 258 of Late Boomers, Cathy and Merry dive into our exhilarating experience at the eWomen Network ICON Conference in Dallas, Texas. This wasn't just any event—it was a powerhouse of inspiration and innovation, thanks to the visionary efforts of Sandra and Kim Yancey, and a…
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S17:S24: Big vs. Small Character Arcs: Understanding the Degrees of Change in Storytelling
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26:22Not every story needs a protagonist who undergoes a massive, life-altering transformation. Some of the most memorable tales hinge on smaller, quieter shifts, or even on characters who remain steadfast throughout. In this episode, we’ll explore the full spectrum of character arcs: Big arcs that redefine a protagonist’s worldview Small arcs that mirr…
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Sept 17 2025 DoP Campaign Monthly 3rd Wednesday Call The Origins of International Day of Peace with Tez Gabriel and David Wick of Pathways to Peace
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1:05:28By The Peace Alliance
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S17:E23: How a Character’s Personality Shapes Arc, Voice, and Goals
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22:06What makes a character unforgettable? It’s not just quirks or dialogue. It’s personality. Your characters' personalities shape their arcs, influence their voices, drive their goals, and and connect plot and theme into a cohesive whole. In this episode, we’ll explore why personality is the secret ingredient to compelling storytelling and how you can…
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You might also like... The Human Internet Theory
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1:37The 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 podca…
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Conquering Self-Doubt with Amy L. Bernstein
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38:04How can self-doubt become a catalyst for growth instead of a roadblock? On this episode of Late Boomers, Merry and Cathy sit down with Amy L. Bernstein, author of Wrangling the Doubt Monster. Amy opens up about her shift from a high-pressure career to the joy of writing, sharing practical wisdom on managing doubt, facing rejection, and navigating t…
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S17:E22: Why All Stories Are Myth—and How They Transform Us
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21:17Why All Stories Are Myth (and How They Transform the Psyche) What if every story you’ve ever loved—whether it’s Spirited Away, The Lord of the Rings, or Pride & Prejudice—wasn’t just entertainment or even “realistic” fiction, but myth in disguise? In this week’s episode of the Helping Writers Become Authors podcast, we explore the mythic foundation…
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Healthy Soil, Healthy Planet, Healthy You with Louis De Jaeger
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54:54Discover the powerful connection between the health of our soil and our own well-being as Merry and Cathy sit down with Louis De Jaeger, a visionary soil preservationist and environmental designer. Inspired by his grandmothers, Louis has dedicated his life to regenerative agriculture and designing systems that heal the planet. From how our food cho…
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Four Ways to Give your Characters a Clear Point of View
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19:27In 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, but why they do it. A strong, consistent POV is the lens through which your character sees the world, and it’s what separates…
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The Tricks Our Dogs Teach Us With Maryanne Wood
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30:31What happens when a professional dog trainer becomes a beloved children's book author? Join Merry and Cathy as they chat with Maryanne Wood, who made the leap from training basset hounds to penning tales inspired by them. Discover how Maryanne's journey with Randall and Hunter, her sister's dogs, led to heartwarming stories about resilience and ada…
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The Power of Silence: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting
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20:12Alt title: Get to Skin Suit Town: 3 Exercises to Improve Your Acting In 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 sayi…
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S17:E21: What's Happened to Modern Storytelling? (+ 6 Ways Storytelling Can Find Its Soul Again)
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24:34Feeling bored at the movies? Learn what's happened to modern storytelling and what it will take to restore the magic and emotional impact.By K.M. Weiland
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Aug 20 2025 Third Wednesday Dept. of Peacebuilding Call Joy is an Act of Resistance Discussion
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59:08
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59:08By The Peace Alliance
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Military Mysteries: Darrell Berry's Story
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24:05Are you ready to uncover the secrets behind a mystery novel inspired by real military experiences? Join us for episode 254 of Late Boomers as Merry and Cathy sit down with Darrell Berry, a retired Army officer and author of "Early This Morning." We dive into Darrell's fascinating journey from Vietnam draftee to military intelligence officer during …
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3-Step System & Exercise to Manage Self-Criticism in Improv
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18:11Your 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…
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S17:E20: Writing Better Character Conflicts With the 5 Conflict Management Styles
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21:59Here's how writers can apply the five conflict management styles to create richer, more realistic character conflicts in your fiction.By K.M. Weiland
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Glamour, Scandal, and Survival with Countess Ilene Medecin
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47:24
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47:24What happens when glamour meets scandal, and resilience triumphs over adversity? Join us as we sit down with Countess Ilene Medecin, the former First Lady of Nice, France, in Episode 253 of Late Boomers. Discover her electrifying journey from a family in Beverly Hills with roots stemming from legends in organized crime and the Hollywood makeup indu…
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An Improv Workout: 6 Exercises to Build Your "Failure Muscle"
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21:48
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21:48We 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 envir…
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Never Too Late: Dennis Welch's Musical Journey at 69
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48:24What does it take to release a new album at 69? How can passion and perseverance redefine aging? In Episode 252 of Late Boomers, we chat with Dennis Welch, an inspiring author, songwriter, and recording artist. Dennis shares his musical journey, from his family’s country music roots to his latest album, Strong. Discover how encouragement, collabora…
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How Forgetting Can Help to Get Out of Your Head in Improv
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19:51We 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 …
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S17:E19: The 5 Types of Scene Endings Every Writer Must Master
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21:44
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21:44Discover the 5 types of scene endings—Yes, No, No But, and No And—and why one of them might be weakening your story’s momentum.By K.M. Weiland
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From Broadway's "Rent" to TV's Emmys: Behind the Curtain with Billy Aronson
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54:28What sparked the creation of the iconic musical Rent? How does one navigate the ups and downs of a creative career? Join us in episode 251 of Late Boomers, as we chat with the brilliant Billy Aronson! Known for his work on Rent, Billy shares his journey from college heartbreak to collaborating on Broadway. We dive into his ventures beyond theater, …
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Fail More to Learn More (Plus Seven Hacks to Help!)
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18:48What 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 lea…
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S17:E18: 7 Ways to Watch and Read More Intentionally
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19:44If writers don't consume stories with intention, who will? Here are 7 mindful habits to read more intentionally and get more from stories.By K.M. Weiland
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What does it mean to age with style and impact? Episode 250 of Late Boomers is here to enlighten you! Join us as We chat with Joe Owens, the dynamic author of "Feeling Groovy: A Boomer's Guide to Ageless Aging." From a health scare in his fifties to working with music legends like the Rolling Stones, Joe's journey is a testament to living life full…
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Improving Communication Skills So You Can Improvise With Anyone
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18:57
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18:57To 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 stru…
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S17:E17: What Makes a Story "Bad"? A Guide to Why Your Narrative Isn't Working
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20:32
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20:32What makes a bad story? The answer may surprise you. Here's what really makes a story fail—and how to fix it.By K.M. Weiland
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7/16/25 Dept. of Peacebuilding Third Wednesday Campaign call - Meet Rep. Omar, Dept. of Peacebuilding Sponsor
1:02:58
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1:02:58By The Peace Alliance
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The Dream, The Voice, The Journey: Jan Daley's Path to Fame
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45:25Are you ready to be inspired by a journey of perseverance and reinvention? In our new episode of Late Boomers, Cathy and Merry dive into the remarkable life of Grammy and Academy Award-nominated Jan Daley. Join us as we explore Jan's early days in music, her rise to fame, and her courageous battle with stage four cervical cancer. Discover how a cha…
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Mind Blank on Stage? A 3-Step Reboot for Your Brain
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19:18That 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 p…
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Psychology Meets Showbiz with Albert Bramante
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35:35
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35:35Ever wondered how psychology and showbiz intersect? In Episode 248 of the Late Boomers podcast, we dive deep into this fascinating world with Albert Bramante, a New York talent agent, casting director, and psychologist. How did an internship at the Sally Jesse Raphael show steer him from clinical psychology to the entertainment industry? And what r…
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The Pain of Learning Improv: What to Assess, How to Respond
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11:21
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11:21Feeling 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. …
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S17:E16: Why Intentional Storytelling Matters in an Era of AI and Algorithm-Driven Content
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19:48Intentional storytelling means making creative choices with purpose. Here’s why that matters more than ever in an AI-driven content world.By K.M. Weiland
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From Spy Novels to FBI: Gina L. Osborn's Maverick Moves
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43:51Ever wonder how a love for spy novels can lead to a thrilling career chasing spies across Europe and the US? Or how bold, maverick moves can transform your personal and professional life? Join us in this captivating episode of Late Boomers as Merry Elkins and Cathy Worthington sit down with the remarkable Gina L. Osborn. From her beginnings in the …
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A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of Your Head)
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11:33
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11:33If 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…
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Female Filmmaker Spotlight: Ryann Liebl's Path to Power in Hollywood
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37:22
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37:22Ever wondered how a country girl from Wisconsin becomes a powerhouse in Hollywood? In this episode of Late Boomers, we dive into the inspiring journey of Ryann Liebl, an award-winning filmmaker and deputy CEO of Light Touch Media Group. Join Merry and Cathy as they chat with Ryann about her transition from acting to filmmaking, her passion for clea…
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Improv Burnout? Prioritize Yourself for Better Improv Performances
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15:55Are 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 …
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June 18 25 Dept of Peacebuilding Campaign Third Wednesday call The Power of the People
58:20
58:20
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58:20By The Peace Alliance
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Are We There Yet? Jeffrey Peterson's Guide to Wealth
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36:58Are you ready to redefine success and wealth? Merry and Cathy sit down with real estate entrepreneur Jeff Peterson. From running a small upholstery business to navigating high-octane real estate deals, Jeff's journey is anything but linear. Curious about how to leap from a W-2 job to entrepreneurship? Or how marathon running parallels business disc…
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S17:E15: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 2 of 2)
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16:27Discover how to honor your character's history while crafting different character arcs for the same character in new stories.By K.M. Weiland
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Beyond "React Like Yourself" - Level Up Your Grounded Improv Characters
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18:21Tired 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 …
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This is a story of resilience, reinvention, and the power of choice. Merry and Cathy dive deep into this with reinvention strategist Patti Smith. What drove Patti from the glitz of fashion to the heartfelt world of life coaching? How did her sister's battle with cancer reshape her journey? Patti shares insights from her book, "What Am I to Do Now?"…
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Is an inner monologue useful for improv comedy? (ft. NYC improviser Sabrina Banes)
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25:04Tired 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 …
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S17:E14: How to Write Different Character Arcs for the Same Character (Part 1 of 2)
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17:11Discover systems that can help you write different character arcs for the same character in your series. Keep stories interesting and unique!By K.M. Weiland
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Stand Together as One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact with Chip Duncan and Salim Amin
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1:13:18How did a famine in the 1980s spark a global movement, and what role did music and media play in this humanitarian effort? Join us as Merry and Cathy dive deep with filmmakers Chip Duncan and Salim Amin into their documentary, Stand Together as One: The Famine, The Music, The Impact. Discover the untold stories behind iconic initiatives like the so…
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S17:E13: Crafting Archetypal Arcs With Enneagram Insights
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34:09Discover the connection between archetypal arcs and Enneagram insights for transformative storytelling and character growth.By K.M. Weiland
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DoP Campaign Third Wednesday Monthly Call – 5/21/25
59:13
59:13
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59:13A Time for Action - Group discussion of what has been effective, how we've changed from taking an action, what risks do we consider before taking actionBy The Peace Alliance
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