Yes, Also

Happy Second Anniversary! In this very special episode, Craig Cackowski and Jason Mantzoukas return-- together!-- and talk about the curse of predictability, digging in with a team, Zoom and livestreams, a Gravid Water epiphany, density vs. clarity, the future of the Harold, The Party, provocative content, voice of reason techniques, Craig's unifying theory of improv, Jason's favorite things to teach, UCB blind spots, pre-show goals, living room tactics, Craig's newest coaching exercise, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

Ruha Taslimi (UCB, Dropout) talks about the link between human growth and performer growth, honoroing your inner child, acting presence, longer scenes, how to access confidence, emotional exercises, 360 listening, dance comedy, vulnerability, ways to use music in improv, feeling vs. showing, audition rejection, the beauty of Harolds, elevating third beats, site-specific shows, and more!Access to double the content and other perks at yesalso.supercast.com !Subscribe on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@YesAlsoPodcastFollow us on instagram @yesalsopod or on TikTok @yes.also.podEmail your ideas and questions: yesalsopod@gmail.comHost: Suzi BarrettProducer: Ryan RosenbergAudio/Video Editor: Brian KesslerMarketing: Britt Faye

Will Choi, LA-based improviser and creator of the Asian AF comedy variety show, shares his journey from graphic design to long-form improv. He talks about discovering intimate IO shows, the appeal of monoscenes and ensemble work, building confidence through teams and reps, quitting Harold auditions, and how Asian AF started to fill a cultural gap.

Jeff Hiller, veteran improviser and Emmy-winning actor and author, shares stories from UCB and musical improv. He discusses winning an Emmy, risking big career moves, the power of object work, making bold character choices fast, reframing politeness to participate, and favorite exercises to force emotion and specificity.

Anna Rajo, LA improviser and therapist known for hosting One Big Jam and performing with teams like Lohan and ASSSSCAT. She talks about her improv origins near UCB and the teachers who shaped her. Conversation covers finding personal style, diversity and representation in Harold nights, running diversity programs, hosting jams, and balancing therapy with performing.

Ian Roberts, veteran improviser and UCB co-founder, shares wild Chicago stunts and the birth of experimental shows. He recounts moving to New York, selling sketch work, and training under Del Close. Conversations dive into game-finding, tags, rehearsal methods, and why early creative freedom matters.

Chad Damiani, a clown and improviser known for silent clown and teaching disruption, joins to unpack performance tricks. He explores silent, music-driven bits and how silence sharpens presence. He talks audience triangulation and courting chaos to make viewers collaborators. He also digs into wrestling’s clownish lessons and the ethics of inviting participation.

Anna Garcia, improviser and comedian known for Dropout and UCB work, talks theater roots and gender-bending roles. She explores struggling with game-focused training, reclaiming long-form through Mono Scene Night, and how online shows reshaped the art. Conversations touch on physical comedy, warm-ups that build group mind, vocal health and burnout, and why wholehearted play matters.

Dan Black, creator of The Ultimate Improv Show and longtime UCB performer, blends improv and stand-up with a wrestler’s knack for crowd-winning. He talks wrestling’s theatricality and marketability. He explains finding the “game,” disciplined choices from tough notes, touring a live improv show, and the hustle behind returning to stage life.

A vibrant conversation about dissolving hierarchy and building DIY stages instead of chasing gatekeepers. Deep dives into the rise and risks of a homogenized musical improv curriculum. Passionate talk on emotional commitment, silent soundtrack techniques, and international cross-pollination shaping new improv forms.