Episodes

  • The Day of All Days

    The Day of All Days
    Apr 22 2026
    This week, Rob and Adam turn their attention to the concept “Day of All Days.” It’s a phrase that suggests high stakes and life-changing moments, yet so many of the most memorable scenes revolve around the smallest, most ordinary situations. Why do mundane premises so often lead to the biggest laughs? And what does “importance” really look like in an improvised scene? Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    57 mins
  • Underwhelmed

    Underwhelmed
    Apr 15 2026
    This week, Rob and Adam explore how to navigate scenes with a partner who brings a limited emotional range. Together they break down the difference between performing emotion and truly embodying it, and offer practical ways to create better scenes using radical acceptance. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • Lost

    Lost
    Apr 8 2026
    In this episode of The Backline, Rob and Adam explore why performers lose their footing, from overthinking to disconnection, and share practical ways to stay present, reconnect, and move forward without spiraling into shame when you get lost in a scene. Also, a question about basketball, bullying anyone about anything, and the special relationship between a man and his dragon. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • Learning but Bored

    Learning but Bored
    Apr 1 2026
    Advanced improv can be tricky—students freeze, forget the game, or feel overwhelmed by structure. This week Rob and Adam discuss practical strategies to reduce overload, and motivate students who may never perform but just want to have fun. Also, "Missiles", door-Ohs, and your new favourite mantra "It's just a body". Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    58 mins
  • Awareness VS. Agency

    Awareness VS. Agency
    Mar 24 2026
    This week Rob and Adam discuss how to create interiority in a character, how focussing too much on heightening can create undesired outcomes, and how intentionally burning your own Game of the Scene can make for a more interesting, and psychologically complex character. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    53 mins
  • Is it a Scam?

    Is it a Scam?
    Mar 10 2026
    This week, Rob and Adam discuss shady improv classes, incompetent improv teachers, and what to do when you’re dissatisfied with your experience in the classroom. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    42 mins
  • A Surprising Way to Teach Improv

    A Surprising Way to Teach Improv
    Mar 3 2026
    This week Rob and Adam discuss different methods of teaching improv, what's the best way for a teacher to get their ideas across, and how context changes a teacher's lesson plan. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    26 mins
  • Is this the End of the Second City e.t.c?

    Is this the End of the Second City e.t.c?
    Feb 23 2026
    This week, Rob and Adam unpack a major shake-up at The Second City. Starting January 22, 2026, the historic e.t.c. Stage shifts from scripted sketch to Improv Supernova, a fully improvised show—the first change in its 43-year history. They explore why the move makes sense now and what it means for the future of Second City, improv, and sketch comedy. Brought to you By: The Sonar Network https://thesonarnetwork.com/
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    1 hr and 3 mins