What is harmony and what the heck makes it so delicious, both literally and metaphorically? Ted and Lisa start with a modified round of “Three Things!” (2:34) and then explain what made them chose today’s topic (7:08). Ted shares his impressions of Lisa’s erstwhile musical improv group, Lombard Street Experiment (12:06) and the pair considers whether some people just don't care about harmony. (14:30). They explore how we can expand our ears to include new and unexpected sounds (17:39) and delight in the magic moment of separate parts coming together for the first time (20:19). They consider how harmony relates to mindfulness (24:40) and whether one can learn how to “do” harmony (32:01). Per usual, Ted and Lisa consider whether there’s a down side or “shadow” to the subject (43:30) and what might make up the value of an intentional practice of harmony (48:07). The episode closes with a musical example drawn from Ted’s and Lisa’s summer camp past lives (51:09). Listen all the way through for a special hidden track treat!

As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. Thanks so much for listening—we love you all!

To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com

San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.

The post Monster Baby #18: Harmony appeared first on Anima Learning.

After a world-changing, head-spinning Election Day outcome, Lisa and Ted turn to each other to process their emotional turmoil. Lisa relays the experience of her first post-result class at Stanford and asks, “How can we play or teach when we’re in the face of a devastating loss?” (2:28) They discuss how mindful sharing offers one path to integration and healing (14:17) and how leaning on the practices of mindfulness or improv can help during times of intense disappointment (16:06). Ted wants to acknowledge the trouble with the meant-to-comfort phrase “Everything happens for a reason” (22:54) and Lisa wonders if we’re all still on the same team (26:45). The two explore the ongoing need for play (31:25) and then take up the benefits of a Brechtian approach to improv and social issues (35:39). Ted wonders if Donald Trump would make a good improvisor and the two close with a small bit of laughter as a salve. (48:32)

As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. Thanks so much for listening—we love you all!

To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com

San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.

The post Monster Baby #17: Post-Election Reflections appeared first on Anima Learning.

Lisa and Ted continue their conversation with teacher and mentor, Patricia Ryan Madson, drama teacher and author of the acclaimed Improv Wisdom. In this segment, Patricia explained how she first learned to say “Yes, and” from impro master Ketih Johnstone (1:09) and how one can approach improv games from multiple angles (5:06). The three discuss whether Reality has a design and the value of liking and not liking our circumstances (7:25) before moving on to Patricia’s most helpful improv maxim (10:40) and most challenging one (16:04). Ted and Lisa acknowledge their favorite maxims from Patricia’s book (19:00) and Patricia notes something she’s particularly proud of (25:59). Part Two comes to a close when Patricia has the opportunity to turn the tables on her hosts (32:01) and Ted and Lisa get the chance to reflect on their experience of the episode (36:17).

As always, please send a note, question, or comment if you feel so inspired: info@monsterbabypodcast.com. Thanks so much for listening—we love you all!

To subscribe, go to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com

San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.

The post Monster Baby #16 A Conversation with Patricia Ryan Madson (Part 2) appeared first on Anima Learning.