Get ready to explore the world of stand up and improv with the multifaceted Steven Morgan! You'll be hooked from the get-go with our password-themed dad joke, before diving into the delightful juggle that Steven masters daily—balancing a conventional day job with his night-time escapades in stand-up comedy and improv. His financial stability doesn't chain down his creative charisma, allowing him to handpick only those projects that dance to the beat of his heart.

Steven recounts his adventurous leap into a new country and the new world of making others laugh. Eavesdrop on our chat as we peel back the curtain on the unpredictable thrills of live performance, the craft of comedy writing, and the epiphanies that come from embracing the winds of change. His approach isn't just about delivering punchlines; it's about discovering newfound freedom and opening doors to exhilarating opportunities.

The episode ends with a conversation around the dynamic energy exchange between a performer and their audience in the spontaneous world of improv comedy. We get real about the strategies that keep performances fresh and authentic, such as mixing with the crowd pre-show and vibing off an audience member's energy. Then a game of Survey Says, capping off a session brimming with insights on the essential role of playfulness in life. Join us for this playful episode that might just inspire you to sprinkle more joy into your daily grind!

(00:30) - Jokes of the Week with Steven Morgan

(11:53) - Embracing Change Through Comedy and Improv

(19:27) - Finding Balance Between Structure and Creativity

(22:57) - Connecting With Audience Through Improv

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Could the secret to peak performance lie in embracing imperfection and playfulness? Find out as I join forces with Jordana Confino in a revelatory discussion that promises to dismantle your drive for perfection and rewire your approach to success. Jordana, a former type A legal eagle turned positive psychology guru, shares her personal awakening to a life beyond the relentless pursuit of flawlessness. Her insights shed light on the often misunderstood relationship between play, productivity, and well-being. This episode is a treasure trove of strategies for anyone looking to infuse their life and work with a sense of joy and sustainable achievement.

Laugh along with us as we engage in a light-hearted game that exemplifies how play can transform the mundane into the extraordinary. Jordana's captivating anecdotes serve as a powerful testament to the idea that our inherent worthiness is not tied to our achievements. Together, we dissect the nuances of perfectionism and highlight the profound impact that letting go can have on creativity, client relationships, and presence in all aspects of life. If you're ready to break free from the chains of perfection and inject a dose of play into your daily routine, this heartwarming conversation is your starting point for a more fulfilling existence.

Find Jordana at https://www.jordanaconfino.com/

(00:13) From Perfectionist to Playful
Jordana's journey from perfectionism to playfulness, and the role of positive psychology in achieving balance and peak performance.

(13:10) Letting Go of Perfectionism for Success
Perfectionism, balance, and creativity are key to achieving long-term excellence in work and life.

(26:07) Navigating Perfectionism Through Play
Managing inner critic and perfectionism in work and play, recognizing worthiness, and turning tasks into games.

Support the show

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

• Subscribe to the YouTube channel
• Subscribe to the Podcast
• Book a playshop for your team
• Support our sponsors

Ever wondered how a symphony of ideas can emerge from the chaos of creativity? Angus Clark from SongDivision joins me to share the melody of innovation that resonates through improvisational music and playful songwriting. Tune in as we strike a chord with musician humor, discuss the true worth of a performance, and unveil how songwriting can be a powerful tool for problem-solving and team building, even for those without a musical bone in their body.

As we riff with Angus, you'll learn how music is an inclusive language that invites all personality types to the creative process. Our discussion harmonizes the elements of crafting a song with the dynamics of group collaboration. We also explore how a structured approach to creativity can lead to unexpected and impactful outcomes, and why sometimes, a touch of competition in a 'song slam' can bring out the best in a team's collective anthem.

Angus doesn't skip a beat as he walks us through his eclectic career, from his academic pursuits to electrifying stages with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and Broadway's "Rock of Ages". His experiences with SongDivision reveal how one can orchestrate a career that blends the zest of the arts with the rhythm of the corporate world. So plug in, and let the symphony of ideas, laughter, and practical advice inspire your own creative journey in music or beyond.

(00:15) Unleashing Creativity Through Music and Play
Angus Clark from Song Division talks about improvisational music, gig performance, 'exposure bucks', and SongDivision's role in team building.

(09:45) Creative Problem Solving Through Songwriting
Nature's workshops use music and activities like Lego building to foster problem-solving and team building in a global context.

(21:25) Song Division Collaboration and Process
Collaborative songwriting, structured approach, clear rules, song slam, career insights, sustaining passion in music.

(26:04) Diverse Career Paths and Problem Solving
Versatile guitarist's journey from academia to touring, Broadway, and corporate work, showcasing the power of diverse skill sets in the arts industry.

Support the Playful Humans mission to help adults rediscover the power of play:

• Subscribe to the YouTube channel
• Subscribe to the Podcast
• Book a playshop for your team
• Support our sponsors