Improv Your Parenting with Olivia Walton: Transforming Parenting into Play

In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' host Jeremy Strozer sits down with Olivia Walton, a seasoned improv performer and instructor from the San Francisco Bay Area. Olivia shares her journey from high school theatre sports to professional improv, teaching at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and working with Comedy Sports and MopCo Improv Theatre. They discuss the intersection of improv and parenting, including how Olivia uses play and curiosity to engage with children, overcoming initial fears, the balance of boundaries and creativity, and conflict resolution techniques. Olivia also touches on her approach to teaching children, particularly those who are neurodiverse, and the importance of setting intentions and being present. The conversation wraps up with practical advice for new parents on integrating improv practices into daily parenting. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone looking to turn the art of parenting into an enjoyable and engaging practice.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:06 Meet Olivia Walton: Improv Expert

00:12 Olivia's Journey in Improv

00:46 Improv and Interacting with Kids

01:51 Finding Play in Interactions

02:48 Overcoming Fear in Teaching Improv

04:32 Setting Boundaries and Being Playful

05:16 Practical Tips for Parents

09:04 Adapting to Neurodiverse Needs

11:17 Energy and Presence in Parenting

16:45 Conflict Resolution and Redirection

19:18 Future Parenting Challenges and Goals

21:51 Final Thoughts and Advice for New Parents

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Play is The Relationship - Discover the Playful Art of Parenting with Deana Criess

Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we transform parenting into play! In this episode, host Jeremy welcomes Deana Criess, a seasoned professional improviser with over 25 years of experience as a master instructor, director, and performer. Deana shares her journey of integrating improv into her professional role at Perkins School for the Blind, where she uses it to teach job and socialization skills to students with disabilities. She also opens up about how improv enriched her personal life, making her a more connected and responsive parent. Deana highlights the importance of being present, engaging in play, and fostering emotional regulation in children. The episode delves into using 'Yes, And' in parenting, handling conflicts constructively, and creating an inclusive and supportive environment both at home and in educational settings. Stay tuned until the end for a touching discussion about Deana's collaborative book project with her daughter, exploring the lifelong impact of improv on their family dynamics.

00:00 Introduction to Deana Criess

00:41 Deana's Professional Journey

01:09 Improv in Parenting

03:00 Personal Parenting Stories

03:41 The Power of Play

05:48 Improv and Parenting Techniques

09:46 Evolving Play and Parenting

12:46 Impact on Deana's Children

15:50 Handling Conflicts with Improv

18:07 Comforting New Parents

18:49 Engaging in Physical Play

18:58 Finding Agreement and Intentional Choices

19:40 Handling School Challenges

22:12 Validating Children's Emotions

23:28 Improv in Education

24:49 Career Journey in Improv

31:11 Writing a Book on Improv and Parenting

33:28 Reflecting on Parenting and Future Plans

You can learn more about Deana at  deanachriess.com

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting with Play: Engaging and Connecting with Your Child with Erica Marx

Join us in this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting' as we sit down with Erica Marx, a leadership coach and facilitator, to explore how the principles of improv can inspire playful and effective parenting techniques. Erica shares personal stories and insights about being present, creating structure, and adapting to children's changing needs. From engaging toddlers to navigating the preteen years, discover how improvisation can build trust, enhance communication, and foster mutual understanding within families. To learn more about Erica's work, visit ericamarxcoaching.com.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

00:32 Erica Marx's Approach to Parenting

02:07 Balancing Adult and Child Perspectives

03:25 Evolving Parent-Child Interactions

05:02 Empathy and Understanding in Parenting

12:45 Conflict Management and Improv

14:00 Applying Improv Skills in Parenting

16:56 Building Mutual Understanding

18:07 Dynamic Parenting Strategies

19:53 Playful Parenting Dynamics

20:50 The Role of Trust in Play

22:25 Building a Safe Home Base

24:11 Understanding Children's Perspectives

26:47 Navigating Conflict and Mediation

34:24 Parenting Principles and Advice

You can learn more about Erica at: https://www.ericamarxcoaching.com/

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Improvisation Mindset: Transforming Parenting and Relationships with Fabian Brüggemann

Join us in this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting' as we sit down with Fabian Brüggemann, a Germany-based corporate trainer and improvisational theater enthusiast. Fabian shares insights from his unique parenting journey, where he applies the principles of improv to interact with his two daughters. Learn how co-creation, flexibility, and mindfulness shape his parenting style, and discover practical tips for bringing playfulness into everyday life with your children. Whether you're a new parent or stepping into a blended family, Fabian's experiences offer valuable perspectives on maintaining a balance between fun and structure.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:05 Meet Fabian Brüggemann

01:29 Improv in Parenting: Real-Life Examples

04:19 Balancing Roles and Sensitivity

06:02 The Importance of Presence and Flexibility

07:10 Creating Safe Spaces for Growth

16:26 The Power of Letting Go

18:53 Playfulness and Connection

22:43 Improv Principles in Parenting

28:32 Community and Contribution

32:42 Conclusion and Reflections

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join us on 'Improv Your Parenting' as we delve into the unique approach of using improv techniques in parenting with special guest Benjamin Lloyd, founder of bxlloyd consulting. Benjamin shares how his improvisation skills have influenced his interactions with children, both as a parent and as a learning and development professional. He reveals the importance of treating children as equals, fostering authentic connections, and the concept of 'yes, and' in parenting. Benjamin also opens up about personal challenges, the journey of his trans non-binary child, and the impact of addiction within his family. Learn how improvisation can bring mindfulness and playfulness into parenting, and why letting go of control can lead to more meaningful relationships.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:47 Benjamin Lloyd's Approach to Interacting with Kids

02:11 Teaching and Parenting Contexts

04:38 Parenting Challenges and Improv Influence

06:11 Improv and Parenting Techniques

09:57 Personal Journey and Acting Background

14:34 Impact of Improv on Parenting

16:12 Balancing Safety and Agency in Parenting

21:20 Letting Go of Control

25:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections

You can learn more about Benjamin and his work at: www.bxlloyd.com

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bringing Discovery to Parenting- Improv Your Parenting Lived Lessons with Diana Hart

In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' we delve into the world of playful parenting with Diana Hart, an expert with 30 years of experience in improv. Diana shares her journey into improv sparked by personal tragedy and highlights how it has influenced her approach to parenting and grandparenting. She discusses living with her family in Oregon and how improv enhances her interactions with her grandkids. Dive into her insights on creating connection, handling transitions, and fostering creativity through an improv mindset. Learn how to balance authority and playfulness, respect pauses, and bring curiosity to everyday parenting scenarios.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:49 Meet Diana Hart: A Journey in Improv

03:44 Improv and Grandparenting: The Fairy Cafe

05:43 Using Improv in Daily Life and Transitions

07:47 Parenting Through Play and Creativity

10:19 The Zen of Improv and Parenting

17:45 Balancing Playfulness and Discipline

21:56 Creating Connection and Legacy

30:25 Heartfelt Goodbye and Playful Moments

30:48 Navigating Parenting Challenges

31:33 Creative Play and Meal Times

32:49 Learning from Mistakes

35:02 Adapting to Children's Needs

38:38 Illness and Parenting Dynamics

40:22 Intrinsic Motivation and Positive Reinforcement

41:13 Improv Techniques in Parenting

47:35 Physical Games and Playful Parenting

50:29 Maintaining Structure and Flexibility

53:55 Final Thoughts and Reflections

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Embracing the Playful Parent Within with Russ Gooberman

Join us as we dive into the world of improv and parenting with Russ Gooberman, an improv teacher at Burbank's LA Connection. Russ shares his journey from stand-up comedy to long-form improv and discusses his experiences raising three kids, including an 8-year-old, a neurodivergent 6-year-old, and a 3-year-old. Discover how his skills in improv have translated into his parenting style, his family dynamics, and the challenges and joys of managing a household while nurturing a creative career.

00:00 Introduction to Russ Gooberman

00:56 Russ's Improv Journey

02:23 Balancing Improv and Parenting

04:50 Parenting Challenges and Techniques

23:35 Influences and Parenting Philosophy

27:45 Final Thoughts and Advice

Drunkards & Dragons: http://drunkardsimprov.com/

Harry Potter Live!: http://harrypotterimprov.com/

For more, see Russ's IG: https://www.instagram.com/russgooberman/

http://russgooberman.com/

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Improv and Parenting: Lessons from Carrie Blubaugh

In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' we explore the intersection of improv and parenting with Carrie Blubaugh, a seasoned improviser and physical therapist with 12 years of experience in improvisation. Carrie shares her journey from starting improv at 45 to how it has transformed her parenting approach. She discusses how improv has enhanced her empathy towards her daughter and improved their communication. Through personal anecdotes, Carrie illustrates the power of 'yes, and,' and the importance of playfulness, empathy, and mindfulness in parenting. Discover how improv can shape not just your interactions with your child but your overall outlook on parenting and life.

00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

00:06 Meet Carrie Blubaugh: Improv and Physical Therapy

00:53 Carrie's Improv Journey and Parenting

01:43 The Impact of Improv on Parenting

03:15 Learning and Empathy Through Improv

06:50 Yes, And: A Communication Shift

07:44 Realizations and Changes in Parenting

09:28 A Painful Yes, And Moment

15:57 Improv's Influence on Carrie's Daughter

19:26 Improv in Everyday Life

21:48 Playfulness in Parenting

23:53 The Spirit of Yes

25:11 Pride and Generational Differences

27:50 Parenting Styles and Influences

29:58 Love and Logic Parenting

32:38 Balancing Fun and Responsibility

35:28 The Rewards of Parenting an Adult Child

40:53 Mindfulness and Play

42:59 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Improv

For more information please visit: https://jeremystrozer.com/improv-your-parenting

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.