Your Improv Brain
A show about neurodiversity and improv
Your Improv Brain is a show that helps you understand your brain (and body!) to be a happier, better performer. I’ll also explore the intersection of improv comedy, neurodivergence, and the science of performance. Episodes cover how different brain types, including neurodivergent and neurotypical minds, experience comedy and performance. The show discusses creating supportive environments and understanding cognitive differences in improv practice.
For additional resources about improv and comedy, see the Improv Update archive here.
Podcast
Your Improv Brain
Focusing on ALL types of brains doing improv and comedy alone and together as a group. If you are an improviser, this show is for you.
Watch or Listen
This show is available as a video series on YouTube, or as an audio-only podcast. Each version of the show is recorded separately.Jen also offers articles in text based format (which also link to their video and audio versions). The podcast is recorded separately from the video, and sometimes has a few additional details. Find the show here:
JEN DEHAAN
PODCAST & YOUTUBE SHOW HOST
Your Improv Brain – Improv Podcast & YouTube Show
Your Improv Brain explores learning improv through the lens of neurodiversity. This show is for anyone who learns, coaches, or performs comedy. Jen deHaan discusses the intersection of neurodivergence and performance, analyzing how different brain types process improvisation.
Neuroinclusive comedy creates a supportive environment for all cognitive abilities. Whether you are neurodivergent or neurotypical, understanding cognitive diversity improves how teams write and perform together. Episodes feature voices from across the spectrum of brain wiring, offering strategies for acting, improv, and applied performance.
Topics cover executive function in improv, sensory processing, and communication styles. Understanding these mechanisms helps performers work more efficiently and function better on teams.
Neurodiversity refers to all types of brain wiring, while neurodivergent refers to less statistically common types. This show discusses these differences to improve comedy practice and reduce misunderstandings. We’re not doing therapy here. This show is a tool for technical improvement and inclusion.
Hosted by Jen deHaan, an autistic and ADHD comedy performer and writer. Produced by StereoForest.
Note: This show was formerly titled “Neurodiversity and Improv.” New name, same focus.
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Have the show’s back with one-time support using the button below! Alternatively, grab any of Jen’s Downloadable Improv Resources to do the same. Much appreciated! You rock! Backs backs!
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Jen’s Latest Video on YouTube
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More Videos about Performance and Improv
Listen to the Your Improv Brain podcast
Access the latest episodes of the improv podcast series. Note that the audio podcast is recorded separately from the YouTube version of the show, just for podcast listeners.That’s why it’s a bit longer! You can click a link to see the full show notes and transcripts for each episode, or click the links in the embedded podcast player box below.
Recent Episodes
“Get out of your head” is advice that sounds reasonable until you try to follow it. When you do, you end up monitoring whether you’re monitoring the scene. That’s just...
Your brain goes blank in the middle of a scene. Or the opposite happens: twelve ideas at once and you can’t pick one, so you stand there smiling while your...
Emotion connects you to your scene partner, your character, and the audience. It gives a scene depth and grabs attention fast. And if you use it at the top of...
Initiating a scene can be stressful at any level, and when your brain goes blank up there, it’s easy to panic. In this episode I talk about a simple approach...
Questions at the top of a scene are an advanced move, and if you’re still building your skills, they can stall your scene before it gets going. In this episode...
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...
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...
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...
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...
Alt 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...
Check out the web articles
How to start an improv scene without backstory or exposition
February 16, 2026
Five Vocal Exercises for Better Improv Characters
November 3, 2025
Host
Jen deHaan
Host
Jen founded StereoForest.com in 2024 to focus on creating comedy podcasts and audio dramas and audio fiction series that blend scripted and improvised material, and also integrate solo improv. This is currently her primary improv-based activity. Jen has taught long form improv classes at/with World’s Greatest Improv School (WGIS), Compass Improv, Highwire Improv, and Queen City Comedy. She was also the WGIS Online School Director. She is not currently affiliated with any theatre or group. Jen is INDIE IMPROV!