Finding the Game and Being Funny

Finding the Game and Being Funny

In this episode of The Secret Improv Podcast, Kristian and Goose dive into one of the most vital elements of improvisational comedy: finding the game. They break down the subtle art of timing and why discovering the game early can transform a good scene into a great one. Whether you're playing a grounded character or someone completely unhinged, they explore techniques for heightening the funny while staying connected to the truth of the moment. Plus, learn how to recognize games that don’t just live in a single scene, but ripple throughout the entire show.

How Are Short-Form and Long-Form Improv Different?

In this episode of the Secret Improv Podcast, we explore the age-old question: What's the real difference between long-form and short-form improv? Whether you're a seasoned performer or brand new to the stage, this discussion illuminates the strengths, challenges, and artistic nuances of both formats. We talk about pacing, audience interaction, creative freedom, and the mindset shift that happens when switching between styles. Along the way, we share personal stories from the stage, reflect on what each form has taught us, and debate which one really gets the biggest laughs (and the deepest moments). 🎭 Expect thoughtful insights, a few laughs, and maybe even a mini identity crisis about your favorite improv style.

Genre Work Pt 2: Comedy, Disney, Directors,

🎙️ Episode: Let's Talk Genres – Part 1 In this episode of The Secret Improv Podcast, Kristian and Goose continue exploring the challenges of fulfilling a genre's promises in the context of a short improv scene. Picking up from where they left off, they discuss comedy, Disney, and some film directors that audiences most commonly request. They discuss the audience's expectations and knowledge and share the specific strategies they use to deliver the experience of a genre without preparation. This is the conclusion of the genre analysis started in the last episode. 🎭 Whether you're a genre nerd, a longform fan, or someone trying to stretch your improv muscles, this episode will give you insight, laughs, and a few new tools to try on stage.

Genres in Short Form: Noir, Horror, and Sci Fi

In this episode of The Secret Improv Podcast, Kristian and Goose take their first deep dive into the wide world of genre-based improv. From noir to rom-com, sci-fi to horror, they explore what makes genre work so uniquely fun — and surprisingly challenging — for improvisers. They break down how genre gives performers structure, tools, and a shared language with the audience, while also revealing the traps: overplaying tropes, forgetting the “scene," or getting lost in style over substance. Part one of this two-part convo covers their favorite genres to play in, how to build genre literacy, and why parody works best when it comes from love and knowledge.) 🎭 Whether you're a genre nerd, a longform fan, or someone trying to stretch your improv muscles, this episode will give you insight, laughs, and a few new tools to try on stage.

Out of your head. How do you stay present when improvising?

In this episode of The Secret Improv Podcast, Kristian and Goose dive into one of the most powerful (and elusive) skills in improvisation: presence. How do you stay fully tuned in to your partner, the scene, and yourself when your brain wants to jump ahead, look good, or edit in real time? They reflect on what presence really feels like on stage, why it’s so hard to maintain, and how being present can change not just your improv, but your life. This is a thoughtful, grounded conversation about attention, ego, flow states, and how to stay awake in the moment — even when everything in your mind is trying to take you somewhere else. 🌀 Topics in this episode: * Recognizing when you’re “not here” in a scene * Grounding yourself without losing the fun * The tension between planning and improvising * How breath, body, and silence bring you back * Why presence is the real superpower of improv 🎭 Whether you’re on stage, in rehearsal, or just navigating a noisy world, this episode is an honest exploration of how to be here, now, and why it matters more than ever.