Today Chris is talking with Clay Drinko, Ph.D. Clay is an author and educator. He writes for Psychology Today about the intersection between improv comedy, science, and everyday life. He's also the author of the first academic book connecting improv and cognitive science, Theatrical Improvisation, Consciousness, and Cognition. His most recent book, Play Your Way Sane, was published by Simon & Schuster last year and applies his improv research to everyday life. [June 14, 2022]

00:00 – Intro

Social-Engineer.com - http://www.social-engineer.com/
Managed Voice Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/vishing-service/
Managed Email Phishing - https://www.social-engineer.com/services/se-phishing-service/

02:27 – Clay Drinko intro

03:27 – How does someone in Improv decide to study Cognitive Science?

05:46 – Losing anxiousness through performance

07:34 – The importance of a shift in focus

08:52 – Active Listening

11:41 – Yes, and...

14:01 – Don't try to be funny

15:54 – Establishing "who" and "where" you are

18:57 – How do you apply Cognitive Science to the idea of improv?

21:56 – Leaving your "baggage" at the door

25:13 – Managing the negative

26:40 – What are the biggest life skills you've learned from improv?

28:13 – Reflective questioning - Empathy or Selfishness?

31:03 – You are not special

34:29 – Do you want my help?

37:37 – Find Clay Drinko online

Website link: www.playyourwaysane.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/playyourwaysane

38:13 – Book Recommendations:

Unmasking the Social Engineer - Christopher J. Hadnagy
Nightbitch - Rachel Yoder
Clay’s Book – Play Your Way Sane - Clay Drinko

40:34 – Who would you consider your biggest mentors?

Advisor and Professor – Shirley Huston-Findley

43:14 – Guest Wrap Up

44:04 – Outro

Ep. 171 - Human Element Series - Yes and... with Clay Drinko