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Our penultimate Season 1 episode is here for you with Bita Joudaki! We open this episode in March of 2022 and we talk about how creating our own platform and making room for our own voices has fostered our individual growth. Then, in an episode recorded in August of 2021, we welcome Bita onto the show to chat about the things that bring her creative delight, and how she brings her lived experience into her comedy.  We chat about creative processes, what it has been like for Bita living in Canada, working in writing rooms, and more. Bita Joudaki is an Iranian-Canadian comedian and filmmaker who has been writing and performing comedy for the last fourteen years.  Bita was also a member of Bad Dog Theater’s featured players and has performed comedy across Canada, at festivals like Vancouver International Improv Festival, and Combustion Festival in Toronto. She holds a BFA in film, video, and integrated media from Emily Carr University, and an MFA in film production from York University. Her films have screened across North America, at LA Webfest, where she was nominated for best comedic actress, and at the National Screen Institute. Bita has worked as a story coordinator and writer on several comedic tv shows in development and is currently working on a feature length horror comedy with development funding from Telefim. We hope that after you hear this episode you, like Bita, will be inspired by the simple things that amuse and inspire YOU! Follow Bita for more tweets at @bitajoudaki ! A basic hang-out with three diaspora kids. Join us! Follow The Elise & John Show on Facebook and Instagram @eliseandjohnshow  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

It’s been one year since we started this podcast and like Biggie once said- THINGS DONE CHANGED. In this episode we talk about the importance of reflecting after such a jam packed and pivotal few years. We connect on what it’s like to be the Directors of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at established improv theaters and the concept of this kind of role in general. Reflecting on the past also leads us to think about the future and we share how we are discovering our new and changing relationship to improv and creative work going forward. A huge thank you to all of our listeners, supporters and Patrons who have been with us for the last year and a big welcome to new listeners- WHERE YOU BEEN?! Follow us on socials @eliseandjohnshow and on Patreon! Mentioned: Latins on Ice, HUGE Theater, Curious Comedy Theater --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

Excited to share this episode featuring BS & J.Ellis from Freestyle Love Supreme Academy! David “BS” Bradshaw has been an active emcee, beatboxer, and event host for the past decade. His primary focus for the better part of the last five years has been refining his craft as an educator, teaching artist, curriculum developer, and programming specialist. He has toured regionally, performed at the Apollo, been featured on BET's 106&Park, RedbullTV, Beatbox The Movie, and The Today Show.  BS is a BEAT Global T3 certified instructor with a background as a Dual Language teacher. He currently facilitates freestyle rhyming, songwriting, and beatboxing workshops for learners of all ages and abilities including full-time emcees, hobbyists, incarcerated youth, and special needs learners.  J.Ellis is an Ohio made & Harlem molded actor, improvisor, instructor and musician, who has coached, directed & performed on Broadway, for “America’s Got Talent”, in the historic main-stage of Carnegie Hall, and at Off Mic Comedy School. He most recently created and directed the fully improvised hip-hop musical “BARS”, produced by Playhouse Square & Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory.  J.Ellis is grateful to be a proud advocate for LGBTQ+ artists’ perspectives in hip-hop!  Speaking of Hip-hop- this episode is a big ol' geek out session on music. We get into how we as humans and artists can mold our communities by simply showing up to move tolerance and progression forward in the hip-hop genre and in all creative spaces. Elise shares her own experience in Freestyle Love Supreme Academy and we all chat about how freestyle rap & psychologically safe spaces can bring about healing. We also get into experiences we’ve had having to code switch in different areas of our lives and how that parallels the duality we experience in hip-hop culture. We even address how masculine societal emphasis has impacted our willingness to be emotional, heart-led humans. LISTEN- this episode has it ALL! You can find BS teaching at Freestyle Love Supreme’s Freestyle Rap Academy or at his own Freestyle Fitness and Beatbox Express workshops. Keep up with him by visiting TRUSTBS.COM or following him on socials @trustbs . J.Ellis can currently be seen directing (“Got Your Back 5: I Got PRIDE”), instructing (Foundations of Freestyle/Recess of Color/youth programming) for the freestyle love supreme academy as well as performing with TONY award winning Freestyle Love Supreme. Follow him @jellis14.  Mentioned: FREESTYLE LOVE SUPREME ACADEMY ; @flsacademy Don’t forget to follow The Elise & John Show on socials @eliseandjohnshow and if you can, Patreon.  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

Hello friend!  Today we welcome the formidable Stephanie Rae, founder of The Black Improv Alliance. Stephanie has been studying traditional and musical improv for eleven years. She has directed a Boyz II Men themed show for UCB'S Del Close Marathon,  guest performed in tons of shows, and taught classes and workshops for improvisors from Louisiana to Liverpool. These days she directs the Black Improv Alliance, performs with International Players Club & Wakanda v Everybody, is an ambassador for Freestyle Love Supreme Academy, and runs the 100 black improvisors program. A program which has created scholarships for black improvisors at more than 60 theaters from around the world. She also has a law degree from Georgetown - but mostly uses it to win arguments online. On this episode we ran a real life boundary check-in to illustrate how check ins and boundaries can be done before a show or in a classroom. We also chat about how those boundaries can shift depending on what kind of space we are in. Stephanie shares the Black Improv Alliance’s journey from where it began to becoming the organization it is today- offering scholarships and enrichment to the black improv community. We chat about social dynamics in the improv community including improvisers dating improvisers as well as navigating the social and interpersonal aspect of being both a performer and a leader. We also get into finances, and what it’s like to run a nonprofit organization that… well… requires funds! That paper!  Keep up with Stephanie on Facebook and Instagram & support the Black Improv Alliance by following on social media and donating via Cash App, Venmo, PayPal, Zelle, or Patreon @blackimprovalliance.  ------- Make sure to subscribe to our show on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social and Patreon @eliseandjohnshow!  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

A reflection on our first IRL festival since the pandemic began, set in Minneapolis, MN!  On this episode we talk about the practical actions that contribute to the creation of a safe space in improv and what it was like to be back in person performing and teaching at the Black & Funny and Twin Cities Improv festivals.  We reflect on the duality of being at a festival filled with joy against the backdrop of our realities today, and how the courage to experience joy in the midst of chaos is essential in 2021.  We also take a drive through Minneapolis and talk about everything from hip-hop to social justice, to bodycon dresses(?), and dumb fights among neighbors in FB groups. Shout out to Beth K Gibbs for running tech on our almost live show and to Jill Bernard for “pod-crashing”! Mentioned: MN Fairplay, Burden of Civility, Black & Funny Improv Festival, Twin Cities Improv Festival, Mudcoven, Blackout, The Provettes, HUGE Theater  Support our show by joining our PATREON, and follow us on FB and Instagram @eliseandjohnshow .  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

You’ll need to play this episode back SEVERAL times cause C. Michael Menge is dropping that WISDOM and teaching us to discover ourselves into existence! C Michael Menge is an actor, improviser, and devised theatre artist based in Minneapolis, MN. They currently have a naked stage fellowship through Pillsbury House + Theatre, co-starring Jay Owen Eisenberg. You can catch him there this December! Link to tickets below. On this episode we discuss gendering (and NOT gendering) each other in improv and the importance of grounding scenes in emotion versus gender. We talk about the meaning of embodiment and of aligning ourselves with our values both as artists, and as humans. C. Michael also shares his take on the necessity of resilience in a world that is constantly changing and evolving. Are you willing to change and evolve with it?! Let’s Go! Follow and support C. Michael on Instagram @cmaasirm where you can also donate to help them get more BODIED! Learn more about C. Michaels upcoming December show here: Naked Stage Tickets Want to support The Elise & John show? Join our Patreon! Catch the LIVE taping of this episode HERE & follow us on FB & Instagram @theeliseandjohnshow ! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

We are BACK for the second half of Season 1 with a REAL check-in from India featuring Laxmi Priya and Anisha Pucadyil! Laxmi is a Playback Theatre performer, teacher, and improviser in Bangalore, India. She performs with The Adamant Eves (India’s first all women’s improv company) and is a co-founder of Citylamps Playback Theatre. She is a graduate of Interdisciplinary humanities from the Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities, and has facilitated spontaneous theatre-based processes and training since 2014. Anisha performs with Citylamps Playback Theatre (India), the Tiny Dinos team (UK), the sll women's team Tooth Fairy Conspiracy with Queen City Comedy (US),  and the NOAAR team (India).  She has a Masters in Psychology and has advocated for early access to Arts education in India.  She hopes to engage in conversations about intersectionality, climate change, and gender in building community through improv and playback. On this episode Laxmi and Anisha talk about their reality off the stage as artists living in India during the pandemic and amidst political unrest, and varying levels of crisis. They share their passion for Playback Theatre and it’s importance in community building, and discuss what it’s like participating in artforms, that are not native to their country, during tumultuous times. They also share their perspectives on the complexity of coming from caste privilege and creating meaningful, aware, and inclusive work. As the global improv community continues to come together virtually, this episode is a lesson in our responsibility as a community to have awareness of what our friends across the globe are going through off the stage. ******* If you’re enjoying our show and want to keep in touch follow us on social media @eliseandjohnshow . You can also support us on Patreon and get exclusive content and more from the both of us! City Lamps Playback Theatre:  Facebook  ; Instagram  Casteism in Indian Stand-up comedy by the Anurag Minus Verma Podcast  Mentioned: City Lamps Playback Theatre, Queen City Comedy --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

Half way through our first season! Thank you for joining us on this awesome ride to showcase and elevate creative BIPOC voices! On The Half- Time Show we talk about what its been like to start a podcast and what we've learned along the way. We reflect on the guests and episodes we've had thus far and get into what it was like starting the show at the height of the 2020 election. We are also happy to announce the launch of our Patreon! We hope you'll join us in creating a Patreon community where we'll be providing you with exclusive content from our show and having discussions on the episodes and content. We believe that BIPOC creatives deserve to be heard and our voices revered. We also believe that we should be paid. By becoming our Patrons you'll be supporting Elise and John in recording, producing, and editing The Elise and John Show to showcase BIPOC voices and bring BIPOC culture and awareness to the forefront.  If we've ever made you laugh, provided a learning moment, or made you think beyond your own bullshit, this is your chance to support our show and make it possible for us to continue to create and spread awareness. Your support means a lot to us. Soon we will have more tiers for The Improviser and for The Changemaker where we will offer more content specifically for improvisers, teams, and theatres! Let's get to work! https://www.patreon.com/eliseandjohnshow And don't forget to follow us on Facebook and instagram  @eliseandjohnshow ! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On "The Price of Peace" we welcome Toronto-based actor, comedian, and curator, COKO GALORE! She is one half of the improv comedy duo Coko & Daphney, Director of Toronto’s Black and Funny Improv Festival, and founder of Toronto’s Asian and Funny comedy festival. She is also a co-producer of The Untitled Black Sketch Project. Her performance credits include headlining festivals across North America, and multiple other shows curated and written by Coko herself. Most recently, you can catch her on CBC's Tallboyz. Coko is currently Artistic and Managing Director of Bad Dog Comedy Theatre, where she is instrumental in the creation of their YouTube Channel: Bad Dog Comedy TV. On this episode Coko shares how she views everything including media and inclusion, through her sociology background. We explore Coko’s intersectionalities as a black, asian, & queer woman in the improv world; and discuss the importance of protecting and supporting BIPOC folk in positions of power. Plus so much more! *** You can keep up with Coko and her work by visiting her website www.cokogalore.com. Mentioned: Bad Dog Theatre Company, Asian & Funny Festival, The Dark Side of the Room, Black & Funny Toronto --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On this episode we talk about the importance of speaking up when we see harmful behaviors in our communities, and how speaking up can feel difficult and isolating when it challenges the status quo. We discuss the harms that can be imposed upon marginalized communities when we neglect to address these behaviors, and Elise shares a personal story that begs the question: what to do about Karen?? No really- what are you doing about Karen? For more on The Elise & John Show follow us on Instagram & Facebook @eliseandjohnshow  --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

We have one question for you- DO YOU KNOW HELLENA JANG?! Hellena is a Korean improviser who lives in Seoul, South Korea. She became an improviser 10 years ago and in that time has immersed herself in improv by touring the US & Canada to visit and work with improv theatres throughout. In 2014 she founded the first Korean improv company where she started IMFROG a Korean improv team. She is now an established teacher, performer, and leader in the improv community.  In this episode Hellena takes us through her improv career and what it was like to discover improv through an ex-pat group in South Korea and then embark on a quest to share and marry improv with Korean culture. This is an improv story yes- but it is also a story about discovery, integrity, curiosity, courage, and leadership. In our conversation we talk about introducing improv to cultures that have no idea what improv is. We also get into the importance of boundaries and time outs in group settings and the challenges we can face when introducing these ideas to new groups and cultures. Hellena shares her story of having to walk away from a role she loved in order to create a safer space for herself and other improvisers. Hellena also shares her perspective on what it was like traveling to the United States to learn improv and, in turn, American culture, in theatres throughout the country. You can find Hellena at the links below. Thanks for listening friends, find us on Facebook & Instagram @eliseandjohnshow and make sure to subscribe to our podcast on your favorite podcast platform.  Mentioned: MN Fairplay, IO, Manila International Festival, Busan International Comedy Festival, IMFROG Facebook: Hellena Jang Instagram: hellena_jang Videos(YouTube) : https://www.youtube.com/user/dkdltm80 Korean website:  http://hellenajang.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On "Take the Red Pill" we welcome Minnesota-based rapper Nur-D! Nur-D has won 95.3 FM’s “Shut Up & Rap” competition four times in a row and has performed at musical festivals and venues nationally- sharing bills with the likes of Jaden Smith, Tyler the Creator, and the Wu Tang Clan. Nur-D’s musical content includes all of the things that make him who he is with everything from geek culture to activism. You can check out all FIVE of his albums on Spotify. His Ted Talk addresses how the very pillars of his of music, storytelling, and origins of his success were forever altered after being thrust into the middle of the uprising that followed the murder of George Floyd. On this episode we interrogate representation in media, how it can be skewed around racial lines, gender issues, and even mental health issues. We break down how the consumption of mainstream media affects our cultures and talk about the choices we make to take the red pill of truth and authenticity. Nur-D also shares how the events of the last year have shaped his music and artistic expression and discusses using comedy to address injustice and the black experience. Thank you for tuning into this episode. Here is how you can support Nur-D, watch his Ted Talk, and donate to his non-profit, Justice Frontline Aid: Instagram @nurdrocks   https://nurdrocks.com Watch the ted talk: Nur-D — TEDxMinneapolis Justice Frontline Aid - Home Reach out to us on social media or gmail @eliseandjohnshow to let us know what you’ve thought about the show so far or what you want to hear more of! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On this episode we welcome our actual brother Will Luera. Will is the Director of Improvisation at Florida Studio Theatre, Director of Big Bang Improv, incoming artistic director at Improv Asylum and serves as the Artistic Director Emeritus of ImprovBoston. He is the co-creator of Healing Moments for Alzheimer’s, a non-profit organization that provides education, advocacy, and ministry for persons with dementia and their caregivers. Will tours globally as an improv comedy actor, instructor, and director and performs and teaches regularly all across North America, South America, Europe and Asia. On this episode we discuss what it’s like to be performers who grew up in immigrant cultures and Will shares his experiences in traveling globally to teach and perform improv. He also shares his long term experience in the industry and what it’s been like to be a BIPOC professional, parent, and life-long learner. And because we have the legend that is Will Luera with us- you better believe we have a well-rounded improv geek out session where we touch on everything from the Freeform format, the true and applied meaning of Yes &, and so much more. For more on Will Luera and his upcoming workshops visit Www.will-luera.com Thanks for hanging with us. Make sure to follow us on FB or instagram @eliseandjohnshow. HASTA LA PROXIMA! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

A sketch inspired by Elise's realtor story in our "BOUNDARIES!" episode. Mt. Zion Realty Written and Produced by Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez Performed by John Gebretatose, Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez Music by Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez Edited by Elise Rodriguez Artwork by Amanda Hargen Follow The Elise & John Show on Facebook & Instagram @eliseandjohnshow --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

This episode is all about BOUNDARIES. The importance of setting boundaries, what it feels like to set boundaries, and how we can take care of ourselves and each other by healthy boundary setting. We share stories of moments in our lives where we have set boundaries- and one of those stories inspires our first podcast sketch! Stay tuned to the end of the episode for our newest segment “Oooooooo that’s a Sketch.” Be sure to follow us on Facebook & Instagram @eliseandjohnshow .  ------- Mt. Zion Realty Written and Produced by Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez Performed by John Gebretatose, Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez Music by Amanda Hargen & Elise Rodriguez Edited by Elise Rodriguez Artwork by Amanda Hargen --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

Welcome back! Thanks for tuning in to part two of “Mystic Fkn Bunnies” with guest Shannon Stott. Be sure you catch up on Part I - if you want to have any idea of what we’re talking about in this episode. In part II we discuss how new efforts to make improv and creative industries more inclusive have brought BIPOC communities closer together. We talk about the importance of making sure we do our parts to contribute to BIPOC inclusion while balancing self care and nurturing our own sense of inspiration. We also explore how our relationships with our higher powers shape how we operate in creative and business spaces. For more on the incredible Shannon Stott and her business Improv On & Off the Stage visit shannonstott.com and follow Shannon on Facebook @shannon.d.stott & Instagram @shannonstott. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On this two part episode we welcome our first guest - Shannon Stott! Shannon is an improvisor based in Austin, TX who has been performing and teaching Improv to theater students and corporate clients since 2001. Shannon utilizes improv as a tool to change lives, encouraging her students to carry these tools out of their theaters and into their workplaces and homes. On part I of this episode we talk all about her new business Improv On & Off the Stage- a virtual improv studio providing resources to performers and non-performers so they can practice who they want to be on and off the stage. We get into what it’s like to be in leadership roles in the creative industry and how to best serve our teammates in collaboration. We also give you juuuuuust the right amount of woo-woo and mystical vibes while exploring our purpose in collaborating with others. Also, prepare for solid analogies & bits, folx! To learn more about Improv On & Off the Stage visit www.shannonstott.com and follow Shannon on FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM. Stay tuned for Part II as we continue our conversation with Shannon and go further into…. the bunny hole??  BUNNY BUNNY amirite? Make sure to follow our show on FB or instagram @eliseandjohnshow. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On this episode we talk about and question the origins of the upcoming holidays and how it feels to approach the holiday season in 2020. We also get into how friendships have evolved this year and how we can continue to grow after a year filled with revelation and challenge. And of course, because we can’t help that improv is in our bones, we share experiences we’ve had as actors and performers in predominantly white industry spaces. If you’re enjoying our show or if there is something you want to hear us talk about, let us know on Instagram or Facebook @eliseandjohnhsow and make sure you subscribe on your favorite platform. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

On Part II of "Take the L" we close out election week by celebrating the Biden/Harris win and reflecting on our outlooks for what is to come. WARNING: Bits & laughter included. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support

We recorded part I of episode 2 the day before President Elect Biden was announced as the winner of the 2020 presidential election. In part I of this episode, in anticipation of the official results, we process election week and the events and media coverage surrounding it. We get into discussions on our countries of origin, Cuba & Eritrea, and what it’s like as first generation American’s to have these kinds of discussions with family and community members. Have a listen and stay tuned till next week for part II.  In the meantime, follow us on Facebook and Instagram @eliseandjohnshow . --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/eliseandjohnshow/support