Best Patty OConnor Podcasts (2026)

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Parenting & Divorce 23:14

Play Pause

8M ago23:14

23:14

You and your husband decide to get a divorce, how do you tell the kids? We spoke to Dr. Andrew Rosen PHD, ABPP, FAACP to find out how to tell your kids you are getting divorces, how to get divorced without hurting your child and much more. Dr. Rosen founded the Center for Treatment of Anxiety and Mood Disorders.…

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The Vital Role of DEI in a Child's Education 37:59

8M ago37:59

37:59

Diversity Equity & Inclusion is under attack, so we spoke to Dr. Iheoma Iruka about why it is important, in early childhood education, especially in predominantly white communities. If your classroom is mostly white, we talked about how to raise children who will be allies. Iruka also addresses the challenges faced by white teachers in diverse clas…

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Un Episodio Para Padres Inmigrantes 45:21

9M ago45:21

45:21

Las familias inmigrantes viven bajo un estrés tremendo en Estados Unidos, especialmente en estos momentos. En este episodio, hablamos con la consejera profesional boliviano-estadounidense Yesseinia Arias y la dominicana-estadounidense Ana Victoria Morales, ambas hijas de padres inmigrantes. Morales comparte su experiencia con ICE y ofrece consejos …

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An Episode for Immigrant Parents 39:44

9M ago39:44

39:44

Immigrant families live under a tremendous amount of stress in the United States of America, especially right now. In this episode, we speak with Bolivian American licensed professional counselor Yesseinia Arias and Dominican American Ana Victoria Morales, both daughters of immigrant parents. Morales shares her history with ICE and offers advice fo…

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Yikes, My Friend's a Yeller! : Parenting Styles 33:52

9M ago33:52

33:52

There are many ways to parent a child. What do you do if your style is at odds with others? In this episode we speak with Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and Perinatal Mental Health Counselor (PMH-C) Kate Kripke. Kripke has worked supporting mothers and families for more than 20 years in various organizations and settings, most recently as t…

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Is It Their Personality or a Phase? 31:08

10M ago31:08

31:08

Have you ever referred to your kid as the shy one, what about the bossy one? In this episode of Little Feet Community podcast, we will discuss personality types with psychotherapist, best-selling author and national media commentator Niro Feliciano. We discuss personality tendencies present at birth and how experiences, as well as nurturing, influe…

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How to Raise a Confident Child 31:17

10M ago31:17

31:17

In this episode of Little Feet Community podcast, we speak with author and clinical physchologist Dr. Emily Edlynn about critical areas of child development that impact self confidence. We discuss Dr. Edlynn's publication Autonomy Supportive Parenting, a user friendly guide that offers easy to implement action items and techniques that will help su…

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Talking About Mental Health with Kids 32:35

11M ago32:35

32:35

Mental health challenges are common and chances are, you or someone you care about lives with this challenge. In this episode, we spoke to Leslie Cohen-Rubury, a psychotherapist, LCSW and podcast host of, "Is My Child A Monster", about how to support your child and educate them about mental health as well as address mental health concerns in the fa…

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Self Care for Kids & Why It's Important 28:58

11M ago28:58

28:58

Kids who practice self care have fewer meltdowns, more giggles and are more likely to grow up to be emotionally intelligent adults. Self-care practices can be taught and modeled to young children. Nora Painten, Director of the Abigail Lundquist Botstein Nursery School at Bard College in New York's Hudson Valley, speaks with host Patty O'Connor abou…

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Tough Topics: Talking to Kids about Current Events 37:36

12M ago37:36

37:36

How do you talk to kids about difficult current events, like the LA Wildfires? How do you field questions about news children may hear discussed around them? How can a parent or caregiver offer appropriate levels of reassurance using words a child can understand? In this week's episode of Little Feet Community, Dr. Suzanne Button, Clinical Psycholo…

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Tough Topics: Talking to Kids about Death 37:29

12M ago37:29

37:29

How do we talk to kids about death? Unfortunately death is inevitable and when a pet or a grandparent dies your child will have questions. To answer these questions Patty O'Connor spoke to David J Schonfeld, MD, FAAP. Schonfeld established and directs the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement, located at Children's Hospital Los Angeles …

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Jon J Muth and Stillwater 28:21

1y ago28:21

28:21

Jon J Muth is beloved all over the world for his seven books featuring Stillwater the Panda. We spoke to Muth about AI, what led him to write and illustrate his famous children's books like the Stillwater series and his interest in Buddhism. Jon's cat, Hex, was very vocal during the interview. Muth's many enchanting picture books include his Caldec…

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Helping Kids Navigate Emotions 35:28

1y ago35:28

35:28

You are in the supermarket when your two-year old has a meltdown and all eyes are on you, what do you do? Healthy emotional intelligence contributes to resilience, social connection, and empathy. Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Play Therapist Rebecca Lewis speaks with host Patty O'Connor about ways to support little children in managing big fee…

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Welcome to Little Feet Community 1:47

1y ago1:47

1:47

Join us as we help children navigate their emotions, teach self care, and learn how to address tough subjects with your kids. Ms Patty will help you to trust your parental ability to enable your children to see miracles - as imaginations unspool. Join the conversation with therapists, educators, artists, and more.…

1
So Glad You're Here! with Chris Esparza 59:37

4y ago59:37

59:37

Meet Koppett's new VP of Leadership and Culture, Chris Esparza. Chris shares his dare to be human story on transition and the humanity of change and we discuss yes, and-ing with joy, the multidimensional power of play, and seeing the opportunities (or treasures) everywhere around us. Find Chris on LinkedIN (https://www.linkedin.com/in/unscriptedchr…

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Start by Noticing with Kathleen McLean 1:12:28

4y ago1:12:28

1:12:28

Educator, social worker, writer, and President/CEO of the McLean Group, Kathleen McLean, joins us to discuss the power of noticing and asking “why” in the context of equity, power, and purpose. Kathleen’s work has been recognized as one of the top 50 influential people in the Capital Region and as a leader/ champion in DEI. Join us as she shares he…

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Joyful Chaos with Teresa Robbins Dudeck and Caitlin McClure 1:09:08

4y ago1:09:08

1:09:08

We welcome back Theresa Robbins Dudeck and Caitlin McClure to discuss their new book The Applied Improvisation Mindset: Tools for Transforming Organizations and Communities. Theresa and Caitlin share their dare to be human stories on risk, safety, and leaning into discomfort to do the right thing. We explore the power of being average, doing the ne…

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Splashing in a Teaspoon with Patti Stiles 1:19:22

4+ y ago1:19:22

1:19:22

World-renowned actor, teacher, improviser, director, author, and playwright Patti Stiles joins us to talk about her new book Improvise Freely: Throw Away the Rulebook and Unleash Your Creativity. Patti shares her dare to be human story as we discuss courage and fear, creating spaces for creativity to thrive, the great "yes, and" debate, unlearning …

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Becoming Unlonely with Jeff Katzman M.D. and Dan O'Connor 1:07:19

4+ y ago1:07:19

1:07:19

Authors of Life Unscripted: Using Improv Principles to Get Unstuck, Boost Confidence, and Transform Your Life and DTBH veterans, Jeff Katzman M.D. and Dan O'Connor join us to discuss their new book Ensemble!: Using the Power of Improv and Play to Forge Connections in a Lonely World. Jeff and Dan share their dare to be human stories of leadership th…

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But One Day, We Taught All Our Children Theatre...with Kenn Adams 1:03:00

4+ y ago1:03:00

1:03:00

What do two classic improv performance games (Sit, Stand, Kneel and Family Dinner) and the world-famous Story Spine have in common? Kenn Adams! Our guest this week is the Artistic Director of Synergy Theater, the author of the book How to Improvise a Full-Length Play; The Art of Spontaneous Theater, and longtime pal, Kenn Adams. We explore Kenn's c…

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Seeing What You Saw for the First Time: Corey Rosen on choices, resiliency, and POV 1:00:42

4+ y ago1:00:42

1:00:42

Corey Rosen, author of Your Story, Well Told joins Kat and Livia. As much of the USA transitions out of pandemic mode, life becomes all about adapting to the "new normal." From his unique perspective as an improviser and story coach, Corey supplies some valuable techniques for those times when we need some fresh new ideas--now. Corey coaches people…

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What is Positive Psychology Anyway? with Shannon Polly 1:04:47

4+ y ago1:04:47

1:04:47

If the words "positive psychology" make you think of a mashup of canned affirmations and shallow optimism, you aren't alone. But in this episode, Shannon Polly, coach, theatre person, trainer, facilitator, and one of the first 100 people to get a Masters in Positive Psychology, sets the record straight. From a tale of a taping with Paula Poundstone…

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50th Episode! Timey-Wimey; Spacey-Wacey: Michael Burns and Mopco's 25th Anniversary 1:04:58

4+ y ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Michael Burns is Kat's husband and the Artistic Director of our improvisational theatre company, The Mop & Bucket Co (mopco.org). Michael joins Kat and Livia to celebrate our 50th episode AND the 25th anniversary season of the Mop & Bucket Company. (but is it really? All is revealed in the podcast!) Among other things, we talk about what cargo cult…

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Improv Nerdology with Joe Bill 1:10:02

4+ y ago1:10:02

1:10:02

Self-described improv nerd (and renowned improv performer and teacher) Joe Bill talks shop with Kat and Livia. Be forewarned, there's a fair amount of inside baseball in this one--if you aren't an improviser you may scratch your head at some of the references to names or exercises, but these few improv-specific moments keep company with an abundanc…

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Make Another Damn Pie! Dr. Cara Ocobock 1:12:49

5y ago1:12:49

1:12:49

Can you find a living point of connection between powerlifting, Laplandic reindeer herding, biology and anthropology, damaging gender stereotypes in the sports world, and improv? We can! Her name is Cara Ocobock. Dr. Ocobock is the Director of the Human Energetics Laboratory at Notre Dame University. Her research program integrates human biology an…

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How Much is Too Much? Tom Floyd on Transparency, Feedback and Sushi 40:29

5y ago40:29

40:29

Tom Floyd's company, Flouracity, creates " space for managers, leaders and other mammals to grow." He comes to this venture after years inside a number of large and wildly successful companies, the most recent, a fast-paced, fast-growth environment where radical prioritization and charting one's own course is imperative. Tom shares the story of his…

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Just When You Think You Know Yourself: A conversation with Dr. Charles Silberstein 55:59

5y ago55:59

55:59

Charles Silberstein is an esteemed psychiatrist, author, researcher, and fascinating, tireless observer of humanity, his own and others’. He also happens to be Kat's cousin! In this conversation, Charles and Kat discuss awakening to their own privilege, how awareness of conscious and unconscious bias is a never-ending journey, therapy as a form of …

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The Maybe Farmer in the Pandemic World: A conversation with Pam Victor 1:03:42

5y ago1:03:42

1:03:42

Our friend Pam Victor, a teacher, writer, entrepreneur (and of course, improvisor) talks with Kat and Livia about her 30 Day Happiness Experiment- and lots of other things. This far-ranging conversation touches on unexpected results, joy, awareness, self-help, helping others, privilege, social justice, and much more. It might sound like a lot, but …

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Molecules and Meanings: Different Rules Apply. Paul Z. Jackson 57:17

5y ago57:17

57:17

Paul Z. Jackson, a founder of the Applied Improv Network, is a journalist, a philosopher, and of course an improviser who came to improv from the from the "offstage world." Paul joins Kat and Livia to unpack some ongoing conversations. Among other things, they discuss learning from success, improvisation as an evaluative exercise, art vs. engineeri…

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Kevin Eikenberry: Leadership Made Simple 47:21

5y ago47:21

47:21

"Thoughts can be fuzzy; words are clear." Some welcome clarity on the qualities of effective leadership with our friend Kevin Eikenberry, a noted expert and innovator in the field of leadership.By Koppett

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Jeanne Lambin and the Ordinary Extraordinary 59:49

5y ago59:49

59:49

On Nov. 4th, Kat and Livia, no doubt sleep deprived but happy, had a fascinating conversation with Jeanne Lambin, a creator of many experiences for all kinds of folks. A quiet conversation containing some quiet revelations.By Koppett

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Old Dogs, New Learning 1:02:07

5+ y ago1:02:07

1:02:07

Kat and Livia discuss, among other things, learning, play, and the mistaken use of shame in education. WIth a brief cameo appearance by Riggie, Cinnamon, and Chester, the dogs (of varying ages.)By Koppett

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Jeff Mitchell and Kat Koppett facilitate each other! 56:20

5+ y ago56:20

56:20

Kat talks about facilitation with Jeff Mitchell, President of Proteus International. Proteus and Koppett partner on a number of projects, including a series of programs to develop, coach and measure Facilitation Excellence. Through this lens, Kat and Jeff and Livia muse on collaboration, what's different and what's not at this strange time, and how…

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Morgan Heyward Returns: Shining Brighter than Ever 1:22:13

5+ y ago1:22:13

1:22:13

Morgan Heyward of Illuminate Theatre returns to update us on her work, her thoughts on the state of the arts at this moment in our national consciousness, and some exciting new opportunities she has coming up. Check out our first DTBH follow-up episode! https://www.facebook.com/IlluminateTheatre518 https://teespring.com/illuminatetheatremerch?pid=2…

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The Actor's Nightmare 1:09:44

5+ y ago1:09:44

1:09:44

Broadway performer Adam Grupper recounts the tale of his real-life actor's nightmare, which happened to take place on the night of his Broadway debut in a starring role. In this conversation Adam and Kat talk about dedication, process over product, and the critical importance of the improv precept "make your partner look good." A fascinating hour w…

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This New Performance with Kristen van Ginhoven 53:44

5+ y ago53:44

53:44

WAM Theatre is a professional theatre company based in Berkshire County, MA, USA, that operates at the intersection of arts and activism. WAM creates theatre for gender equity and has a vision of theatre as philanthropy. The founding artistic director of WAM, Kristen van Ginhoven, talked to us about the new performance called for in this unique tim…

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Where Do You Store Your Power? with Dion Flynn 53:54

5+ y ago53:54

53:54

Our first-ever repeat guest, Renaissance man DIon Flynn talks about Grandma's purse, knowing everything will be OK, and the perception of our own personal power in a complicated time. Join us as we traverse the Escher-like corridors of a wonderful mind.By Koppett

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Putting Our Money Where Our Mouths Are: Improv in a Time of Crisis 44:55

6y ago44:55

44:55

Kat and Alex discuss improvising in a time of crisis. If we weren't on the mark about us all improvising all the time, we certainly are now. Cancellations. New rules and guidelines. The ways things were can't be, so how do we keep moving? We discuss some basic improv principles that you may find helpful as you navigate and adjust to challenges, dis…

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"Hollow Manners" - A DTBH Story with Kat and Alex 21:50

6y ago21:50

21:50

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! _____…

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"Hunting for Good Gatherings" with Lindsey Caplan 1:09:25

6y ago1:09:25

1:09:25

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 inten…

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Mind the Mindfulness Gaps 55:08

6y ago55:08

55:08

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…

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"Where Habit and Authenticity Collide" 1:00:41

6y ago1:00:41

1:00:41

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…

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"What Does the Scene Need?" with Brenny Rabine 1:04:54

6y ago1:04:54

1:04:54

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 workin…

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"Safety and Social Engineering in Games" with Jason Morningstar 58:33

6y ago58:33

58:33

Kat and Alex talk with game designer Jason Morningstar about "meta techniques" to create games where we can play safely, bringing FIASCO to the Mopco Improv Theatre, the brilliance of the group, social engineering through games, and why his work his like making a fine table leg. Support Jason and Bully Pulpit Games on Patreon! Jason Morningstar Jas…

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Daring to be Human @ Weddings 1:18:00

6y ago1:18:00

1:18:00

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 s…

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"Listening, Laughing and the Zombie Apocalypse" with Karen Koppett and Jason Cabassi 1:06:58

6y ago1:06:58

1:06:58

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 th…

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"Living a Dream I Never Knew I Had" with Gabe Mercado 49:31

6y ago49:31

49:31

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 h…

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"Hooked on Collaboration" with Gary Hirsch 1:06:27

6+ y ago1:06:27

1:06:27

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…

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"Mind Ghosts in the Bardo" with Dion Flynn 1:04:49

6+ y ago1:04:49

1:04:49

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 Art…

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"Eat and Living Together" with Ric Orlando 58:49

6+ y ago58:49

58:49

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, showma…