• Inviting the Play
    Jul 16 2025

    Inviting the Play: Parenting Lessons from the Stage with Declan King


    Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we explore the art of turning parenting into play! In this episode, we're joined by Declan King, a theater maker trained in musical theater at ICMT Belfast. Declan shares his insights on using improvisation and playfulness to interact with children. From his extensive experience in working with children in theater, camps, and workshops, Declan discusses the importance of being present, responding to children's cues, and the parallels between improvisation on stage and engaging with kids. Tune in to learn how to foster creativity, connect meaningfully, and make parenting more playful!

    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:05 Meet Declan King: Theater Maker and Improviser

    00:45 Declan's Journey with Kids and Improv

    01:13 The Art of Playful Interaction

    03:33 Improv Techniques in Parenting

    07:24 Challenges and Mindset in Engaging Kids

    14:59 Balancing Playfulness and Safety

    17:38 Freelance Theater Work and Children's Engagement

    17:54 Volunteering with Children's Charities

    18:07 Immersive and Interactive Theater for Children

    18:27 The Importance of Play and Improvisation

    20:09 Engaging Different Types of Children

    22:03 Techniques for Working with Teenagers

    25:35 Improv Training and Its Applications

    33:59 Practical Advice for Engaging with Kids

    36:14 Final Thoughts and Future Conversations

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

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

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    37 mins
  • Parenting Full Circle
    Jul 9 2025

    Parenting Full Circle: Transforming Childhood with Improv, Agency, and Acceptance with Melissa and Nick Ruffilo

    In this episode of Improv Your Parenting, meet Nick and Melissa Ruffalo, improvisers and parents who seamlessly integrate improv into their everyday parenting. Discover their improv journey, parenting techniques, and how they use playful interactions to nurture creativity and problem-solving skills in their 13-year-old son, Dexter. Gain insights into their gentle parenting approach, the concept of agency and acceptance, and how they use improv to help their son handle real-life situations and emotions. From teaching via playful games to processing emotions through role-play, Nick and Melissa share their unique parenting style that makes life both fun and educational for their child.

    00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

    00:06 Meet Nick and Melissa Ruffalo

    00:21 Improv in Daily Life

    01:49 Parenting with Improv

    02:19 Gentle Parenting and Emotional Processing

    08:04 Improv Origins and High School Days

    11:30 Raising a Confident and Playful Child

    13:26 Improv and LARPing

    15:02 Parenting Advice and Reflections

    24:28 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

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

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    25 mins
  • Moving from Battleground to Common Ground
    Jun 25 2025

    Improv Your Parenting with Sonja Stetzler: Mastering Communication Through Improv


    Join us on 'Improv Your Parenting' with special guest Sonja Stetzler, founder and CEO of Effective Connecting. Sonja, an executive communication coach and international speaker, shares her journey of integrating improv techniques into parenting. Discover how listening and 'Yes, And... ' can transform parent-child relationships and lead to meaningful, empathetic communication. Sonja also touches on her TEDx talk and how these skills benefit professionals in business and healthcare. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with practical tips for better connections!


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:06 Meet Sonja Stetzler: Communication Expert

    01:38 The Accidental Improvisation Moment

    04:18 The Power of Listening in Parenting

    06:20 Building Stronger Relationships Through Improv

    08:53 The Importance of Communication Skills

    22:12 Applying Improv Techniques in Professional Settings

    24:28 Reflecting on Parenting and Play

    26:38 Conclusion and Final Thoughts


    Sonja's TEDx Talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewVwN7CCv6M&pp=ygUOU29uamEgU3RldHpsZXI%3D


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

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

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    27 mins
  • Fostering Agency and Embracing the Journey
    Jun 18 2025

    Improv Your Parenting: Joe Bill on Improv and Parenting Strategies


    Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting: The Art of Turning Parenting into Play'. In this episode, we're joined by Joe Bill, a renowned teacher of scenic long-form improvisation and storytelling. Joe shares his experiences and insights on using improv techniques to enhance parenting skills. He discusses the importance of listening, the role of vulnerability, and how improvisational principles can be applied to parenting to foster better communication and understanding with children. Joe also provides personal anecdotes about his parenting journey, including the challenges of co-parenting, the importance of agency, and the balance between providing structure and allowing creativity. This deep dive into parenting through the lens of improv offers valuable lessons for parents looking to connect more deeply with their children.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:05 Meet Joe Bill: Improv Expert

    00:08 Joe Bill's Improv Journey

    01:25 Parenting with Improv: Joe's Perspective

    03:11 The Role of Listening in Parenting

    04:02 Understanding Children's Cries

    05:04 Self-Soothing and Parenting Instincts

    05:52 Improv and Emotional Awareness

    11:00 Parenting from a Distance

    11:24 Encouraging Children's Interests

    13:51 Developing Agency and Self-Awareness

    17:38 Handling Failure and Disappointment

    18:57 Play and Interaction with Children

    21:35 Improv Techniques in Parenting

    24:12 The Uncertainty of Parenting

    24:29 Lessons from Cancer and Failure

    26:10 Reflections on Childhood and Parenting Styles

    27:06 The Role of Play and Education

    33:07 Navigating Co-Parenting and Cultural Differences

    42:33 Embracing Fear and Teaching Resilience

    45:19 Consistency and Adaptability in Parenting

    46:54 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.

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    47 mins
  • Relax Your Craic and Improv Your Parenting
    Jun 11 2025

    In this episode of 'Improv Your Parenting,' host Jeremy welcomes Susan Messing, an acclaimed improviser and educator with global experience. Susan shares her unique blend of parenting, utilizing improvisational techniques to nurture and connect with her daughter. Susan discusses the importance of meeting children where they are, offering them choices, and allowing them to explore their interests. With insights on balancing structure and flexibility, and anecdotes from her parenting journey, Susan highlights the value of empathy and adaptability. This engaging conversation is filled with wisdom for parents and educators alike, demonstrating how to transform parenting into artful play.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:06 Meet Susan Messing: A Journey in Improv

    00:44 Improv and Parenting: A Natural Fit

    02:03 Parenting Techniques and Improv Insights

    04:09 Navigating Challenges with Improv

    06:32 Adapting and Evolving as a Parent

    08:24 Balancing Structure and Flexibility

    14:28 Encouraging Self-Discovery in Children

    16:56 Managing Expectations and Realities

    23:27 The Importance of Apologizing and Learning

    25:16 Parenting Challenges and Humor

    26:09 Adapting Parenting Styles

    28:05 Religion and Parenting

    29:19 Co-Parenting Dynamics

    30:50 Encouraging Child's Interests

    31:53 Navigating Parenting Rules

    35:46 Improv and Parenting

    43:46 Final Thoughts on Parenting

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

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

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    50 mins
  • Unleashing Creativity and Connection
    Jun 4 2025

    Improv Your Parenting: Jessica Rogers on Using Improv to Enhance Parenting and Education


    Welcome to 'Improv Your Parenting,' where we transform parenting into play! In this episode, we're joined by Jessica Rogers—an experienced improv teacher, director, and performer with over two decades of experience in the Chicagoland area and beyond. Jessica shares her journey into improvisation, her transition into education, and how she integrates improv principles in her personal and family life. Learn how Jessica fosters open communication, adaptability, and connection using improv. Discover practical tips for incorporating improvisation into parenting to create a fun, supportive, and collaborative environment for both parents and children. Don't miss this insightful conversation about the art of improv in parenting and education!


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    01:08 Jessica Rogers' Journey into Improv

    03:17 Transition to Education and Chicago

    05:38 Teaching at Second City and Learning from Youth

    09:51 Improv Principles in Parenting

    11:51 Balancing Fun and Responsibility

    19:40 Building Trust and Openness

    21:31 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.

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    25 mins
  • Transforming Everyday Life into an Engaging Learning Experience
    May 28 2025

    Improv and Parenting: A Conversation with Dr. Jim Ansaldo | Improv Your Parenting


    Join us in this episode of Improv Your Parenting as we explore the intersection of parenting and improvisation with Dr. Jim Ansaldo, a research scholar at Indiana University Bloomington. With over 20 years of experience in applied improvisation, teacher professional learning, and supporting teens on the autism spectrum, Dr. Ansaldo shares his rich insights into how improv can transform both educational and parenting practices. Discover the unique approach of Camp Yes, And, where educators learn and apply improv techniques, and hear personal stories about leveraging improv in homeschooling and parenting. Whether you're a parent, educator, or improv enthusiast, this engaging conversation offers valuable takeaways for enhancing learning and connection.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Your Parenting

    00:05 Meet Dr. Jim Ansaldo

    00:16 Jim's Professional Journey

    01:07 Improv and Personal Life

    02:57 The Start of Jim's Improv Journey

    04:29 Improv in Education

    09:35 Creating Camp Yes, And

    11:22 Homeschooling and Parenting

    16:29 Community and Collaborative Learning

    19:47 Supporting Children's Choices

    22:49 Transition to Public School

    24:30 Post-High School Decisions

    26:45 Navigating Family Conflicts with Improv

    27:45 Balancing Authority and Independence in Parenting

    30:59 The Role of Self-Determination in Parenting

    33:02 Introduction to Camp Yes, And

    34:38 Creating Optimal Learning Conditions at Camp

    36:51 Empowering Educators and Parents through Improv

    46:29 The Importance of Presence and Play in Parenting

    47:52 Final Thoughts and Encouragement


    You can find out more about Jim and his work at: (http://yesand.indiana.edu)

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

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

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    49 mins
  • Your Whole Life is Improv
    May 21 2025

    Join us on Improv Your Parenting as we explore the transformative power of improv in parenting with Jay Sukow. With over 30 years of experience in improv and as a father of four, Jay shares insightful stories and practical tips on how to use improv games and principles to enhance communication and problem-solving with kids. From dealing with high emotional intensity to the importance of empathy and adaptability, Jay's engaging conversation offers a fresh perspective on modern parenting. Learn how improv can turn everyday parenting challenges into opportunities for growth and connection.


    00:00 Introduction to Improv Parenting

    00:22 Jay Sukow's Approach to Interacting with Kids

    01:11 Using Improv Games with Kids

    03:02 Parenting Advice and Personal Experiences

    08:17 Role of Play and Improv in Parenting

    15:02 Balancing Parenting and Personal Needs

    21:52 Embracing Creativity in Everyone

    22:23 The Role of Creativity in Anxiety

    22:42 Parenting Advice from a Neighbor

    23:11 The Power of Empathy in Parenting

    23:34 Positive Reinforcement vs. Threats

    24:15 Adapting Parenting Techniques

    25:16 Learning from Mistakes and Empathy

    28:35 Balancing Play and Discipline

    31:52 The Influence of Improv on Parenting

    33:46 Supportive Parenting and Personal Growth

    35:48 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.

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    41 mins