Discovering Improv

Learning Improv has changed my life immensely, and I'm always looking for podcasts, videos, and articles about it. Below are some of my favorites:

Andy Daly:
My favorite improviser! There are so many things to like about this guy, but what is most impressive is how he can be put into any situation and keep it grounded. By the end of a show you believe everything he just told you, no matter how ridiculous it is. Below are my two of my favorite Comedy Bang Bang episodes that showcase his talent.

Andi Callahan: http://www.earwolf.com/episode/andi-callahan-rn/

Dip Didda Dip Dow: http://www.earwolf.com/episode/dip-didda-dip-dow/

Improv Obsession:
This guy interviews a ton of professional improvisers in Los Angeles. My favorite is his interview with Miles Stroth and Lennon Parham. Miles especially provides a lot of great notes that you have to pause the podcast to really let sink in. One of the most poignant notes is when he says that if you are stuck in a scene, it's because you don't know your character. From knowing your character, everything else flows: You know how you would react and what this character would do in this situation. Lennon is another great character actress that always catches you by surprise.

Miles Stroth: http://improvobsession.com/post/55524457711/miles-stroth-is-on-the-show-you-know-him-from

Lennon Parham: http://improvobsession.com/post/35580297185/lennon-parham-is-on-the-show-you-know-her-from

Dierkis and Fernie
These short five minute clips of Dominic Dierkis and Alex Fernie are highlights from their Cagematch at UCB LA. Really fast tag out runs that show how fun improv is.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtQnBUxs0Ec

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4j7wFyF1hE8

Derrick Comedy
Comedy sketch group with familiar faces and awesome connections.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66p3_G_ijGM

Convoy
A great 20 minute long form set from a cohesive LA-based improv group.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qm0rTdUN4C0

Enjoy these and I'll be back with some other useful resources...in the future!

The big 3-0

This weekend marked a life milestone. A lifestone. Leading up to my 30th birthday, I had a lot of time to reflect on past life choices and plan for future choices. Some of the things I'm learning and focusing on are:

• Listening: This is the most important skill I can learn. 
• Trusting my instincts and confidence
• Coming up with lists

This is a short post just to start writing again. I plan to do these more often to make it a habit. And when I find funny things, I'll put them here.

What I will do

Things I want to accomplish when I am 30:

1. Code
• I'm learning to code, very very slowly, on CodeAcademy. 
• Everyone's advice is the same: Just pick a language and work on a project.
• This is very hard to do. 
2. Write on this blog, and use it to share thoughts, generate ideas, and start discussions.
• So far, it has been about pictures that are funny. To me.
• My English Teacher said you can never have just one bullet point. 
3. Manage Myself
• Become a leader
• Improve my communication with others
• Listen with Interest
4. Continue to post funny pictures.
• Funny to me at least. Take that, English Teacher!

Restarting the blog

In a little over one month, I will be turning 30.
It's a milestone, and more than enough reason to restart this blog.

And ask the question, "What am I doing here?"