Monster Baby: A Curious Romp Through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation

A few tasty chestnuts for a warm November—plus some exciting news! In Episode #87, Ted and Lisa consider a little bit of this and a little bit of that. They start in the not-knowing between Election Day and when results got announced (1:45) before getting to Lisa’s big news (10:11). They discuss the dynamics of being on the brink of big changes and seeing new roads ahead (14:32) and consider a batch of new names (21:28). The pair considers how to make sense of changes coming from inside (23:14) and an invitation from Lisa gets the pair considering different approaches to new ideas (27:25). Ted shares some issues he’s been having with his memory (33:23) and how questioning the righteousness of “proper language” leads to questions of identity (39:18). The pair reiterate the importance of improvisation as a tool for when we don’t know what comes next (44:17) and close out with a traditional Outro summary (50:26). If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   And lastly, if you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these wild times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)       Lisa Rowland and Ted DesMaisons San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #87 November 2020 Grab Bag: Election Day, Lisa’s Big News, and Memory Issues appeared first on Anima Learning.

  Simple stories can give a sweet taste of wisdom. Cued by a compact wisdom tale passed on by friend and colleague William Hall, co-hosts Ted and Lisa wonder about purpose, sweetness, and gratitude in the midst of certain danger. The episode starts with a game that Ted created a while back but hasn’t gotten to play much and a Monster Baby milestone (2:51) before moving on to some quick life updates. Ted recounts his tale of vaccination and shares that he might be heading out of the country for a bit (7:30) before Lisa explains the role she’s taken in helping people get registered to vote (17:19). Eventually, the pair turns to the teaching story at the heart of the episode, along the way considering “clown neutral,” birth and death tigers, and the frightening legacy of Squeezy the Chocolate Milk bully (24:21). Ted raises the question “What’s your strawberry?” and proposes his own answer before hearing Lisa’s take (34:05). Lisa then articulates a difference between play and creativity (37:03) before wondering if life is anything more than just hanging on (39:00). Ted mentions the curious deed that helps him feel like a “raw jungle guy” (40:56) and Lisa details a recent tarot card draw (42:28). The pair considers what tigers, cliffs and strawberries have to say about improvisation (51:21) and appreciates how good teaching stories offer multiple interpretations (57:35). Before closing the episode, Ted notes that Monster Baby Podcast email may have been down for some time—if you’ve sent a note in the last few months, please re-send it as it’s likely we never got to see it! Speaking of sending a note, if there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   And lastly, if you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these wild times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)       Lisa Rowland and Ted DesMaisons San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #86 What’s Your Strawberry? appeared first on Anima Learning.

When is the right time to act or to speak? So much of being skillful with life is getting in rhythm with one’s self and one’s surroundings. In Monster Baby #85, Ted and Lisa explore bunches of angles on timing. The episode starts with a game Lisa recently learned (3:06) and a recap of the recent apocalyptic day in the San Francisco Bay Area (8:04). Lisa wonders about the timing of all these grand large-scale happenings (13:33) and Ted notices that they all have to do with being able to breathe (15:39). Drawing on one of his hobbies, Ted pulls in a glimpse of astrological timing (17:50) and Lisa then introduces the notion of “beats” in improv (17:50). The pair consider the need to stay ready to pivot in real life (30:21) and Ted talks about Patsy Rodenburg’s Second Circle and the idea of moving and speaking in alignment with the breath (35:28). Ted mentions proper timing in a Quaker Meeting setting (43:33) and Lisa distinguishes between timing and inspiration (46:14). Both consider the idea of timing in personal relationships—or is it knowing? (48:35)—and whether we should measure proper timing by moments or by duration (52:01). Ted wonders about the heartbeat as a measure of timing (59:40) and nods to the notion of timing as part of Right Speech in Buddhism (1:02:20). Lisa suggests that not knowing might be an indicator that the time isn’t yet right (1:04:35) and adds another distinction: timeliness versus preparedness (1:08:33). If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   And lastly, if you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these wild times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)       Lisa Rowland and Ted DesMaisons San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #85 All in the Timing appeared first on Anima Learning.

Hmm. Things seem somewhat muted these days. How do you dance with your doldrums? Yup. We’re still in a pandemic and it looks like we will be for quite a bit longer. In this episode, Ted and Lisa take stock of that fact and look to transform their feeling a bit down…by acknowledging that they feel down. Ted starts things off with a check-in about some health-related news and rumination (2:57). Lisa wonders if coronavirus times are real life—or are they just fantasy? (8:04) Lisa shares what she’s thinking about most these days (hint: it’s a shift in joy and it’s white privilege) (11:22) which prompts Ted to share Denise Levertov’s thoughts on guilt and responsibility (15:12). Ted weighs in on his world—how teaching provides a lifeline and how he’s learning to let go of more (17:14). The pair note how emotions seem particularly amplified these days (23:16) and discuss ways they’re leaning on mindfulness to help—or not (28:12). Improv practice provides some perspective, as usual (31:15) and Lisa offers reassurance for her “desiccated husk” (35:04). They discuss how nature helps and how we may be recalibrating our sensitivities (36:37) and Lisa muses about the comforting value of having one’s own circle (40:24).  The pair closes the episode by noting we won’t feel this way forever (43:23) and by posing the question “what will your future self thank you for?” (44:48). The Outro offers a few reflective thoughts post-episode (42:13).   If there’s something in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com.   To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   And lastly, if you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these wild times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)         San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #84 Oh, Those COVID Doldrums! appeared first on Anima Learning.

Where’s *your* focus? Where do you want it to be? Spurred by a suggestion from a Chicago-based listener, Ted and Lisa gallop into a conversation about focus. They start with a rousing round of the new game “D’jever?” (1:54) before Ted kicks off the topic by mentioning the simultaneous different focus tracks in his brain (6:32). Lisa wonders about the difference between laser focus and soft focus (concentration vs. mindfulness?) (11:23) and then the two try to distinguish between attention and focus (17:18). Ted asks what the ideal focus point for doing improv would be (19:07) and describes how focus represents a foundational component of effective mindfulness practice (25:49). Lisa muses whether it’s similarly foundational to good improv (28:21) before the pair explore the intention behind attention (31:29). The episode closes with a heartfelt visit to the world of mantras as focus-holders, both on stage and in life (33:09) and the traditional Outro (42:13). If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #83 Find Your Focus appeared first on Anima Learning.

Screenwriter, Improvisor and Stanford instructor, Adam Tobin Communications expert, author and Stanford GSB instructor, Matt Abrahams  Effective collaboration brings great joy. How the heck does it happen? In Part 2 of their two-episode conversation, Lisa, Ted, and Stanford colleagues Matt Abrahams and Adam Tobin (of the “Improvisationally Speaking” course) dive into what makes for joyful collaboration. Matt and Adam talk about what works well for them (1:24) before Adam playfully reveals that he has actually “cheated” on Matt before (5:10). All four suggest the ability to trade roles helps greatly (7:10) before Ted and Lisa recount some of their early experiences teaching together (8:57). Adam mentions that it helps when no one needs to be an “alpha” (14:05) and Ted names how it helps when partners can tee each other up for success—or send up an SOS (19:07). Matt relays his one experience with an improv class (21:00) and Ted shares a story of how boundaries between colleagues can change (27:43). Matt asks about go-to methods for helping people get out of their own way (30:07) and Ted invites plugs for Matt’s “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast and Adam’s two children’s musical productions (35:55). Part One of the conversation started in the previous episode—you’re welcome to start here if you like but it might make more sense if you go there first! If there’s anything else in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more information on Matt Abraham’s work, check out the following links: Matt’s communication consulting company: http://boldecho.com Matt’s book, “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out”: nofreakingspeaking.com The “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast For more information on the Bay Area Children’s Theater that Adam mentions and for links to help support them, please visit: http://www.bactheatre.org/ and https://bactheatre.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=3   If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #82 Elements of Effective Collaboration (Part 2 of a Conversation with Matt Abrahams and Adam Tobin) appeared first on Anima Learning.

Screenwriter, Improvisor and Stanford instructor, Adam Tobin Communications expert, author and Stanford GSB instructor, Matt Abrahams Speaking on the spot can be tough. And you can get better at it! In the first part of a two-episode conversation with Stanford colleagues Matt Abrahams and Adam Tobin, Lisa and Ted dive into the details of “Improvisationally Speaking.” We get to meet Matt and Adam (2:32) and then hear Matt’s stress-filled public speaking origin story (11:26). Ted shares some of his battle scars in return (15:22) and both Lisa and Adam report that their beginning stories were much happier (18:16). The four discuss how the improv mantra “It’s not about you” can serve as a mantra for public speaking anxiety (23:51) and how mindfulness can help as well (26:26). Ted introduces the paradox of getting out of the way to let your authenic self shine through (29:52) and Matt mentions the notion of turning habits into choices (32:45). Lisa names the challenge for many women in learning to speak at fuller volume (37:42) which leads into a discussion of other epiphanies, including that of “afterburn” from Lisa’s mother (40:18). Matt, Adam and Ted close the episode with wisdom from their parents, including such nuggets as “Tell me the time, don’t build me the clock,” “That’s what makes horse racing,” “If they hit you, you sue,” and “Do what lights you up.” (44:02) Part two of the conversation will continue in the next episode—we’ll hope you’ll tune in there as well! If there’s anything else in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more information on Matt Abraham’s work, check out the following links: Matt’s communication consulting company: http://boldecho.com Matt’s book, “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out”: nofreakingspeaking.com The “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast For more information on the Bay Area Children’s Theater that Adam mentions and for links to help support them, please visit: http://www.bactheatre.org/ and https://bactheatre.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=3   If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #81 Improvisationally Speaking (Part 1 of a Conversation with Matt Abrahams and Adam Tobin) appeared first on Anima Learning.

It’s a Monster Baby birthday: time to consider some improv wisdom! On the 4thanniversary of Monster Baby’s first episode, Lisa and Ted celebrate by going through a recent blog post from their mentor, Patricia Ryan Madson. They start with the obligatory COVID check-in—we are going through a world-changing pandemic after all (2:10). Lisa makes reference to some help she got from Brené Brown’s image of “settling the ball” (7:11) and Ted mentions a great micro-blessing image he got from a business school classmate (11:02). They get into Ryan Madson’s take on Robert Poynton’s three principles of improv, starting with “Let go.” (13:36) After considering Principle #2, “Appreciate more” (20:51), Lisa makes sure to distinguish between gratitude and the Tyranny of Positive Thinking (23:43). Principle #3 suggests we “Use everything” and Lisa wonders about using the mysterious leftovers in her freezer (30:31). The pair offers a few wrap-up thoughts, including the value of breaking patterns (35:44) and they close it out with some final anniversary blessings and gratitudes (39:26).  It’s a short-and-sweet episode—we hope you like it! If there’s anything else in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #80 Let go. Appreciate more. Use everything. (And happy birthday, Monster Baby!) appeared first on Anima Learning.

Photo by Mohamed Hassan from pxhere.com. That’s the thing about half-baked ideas: they could be gems; they could be duds. In a bit of frivolous departure from their usual deliberations, Ted and Lisa take up the fun task of considering a few half-baked ideas for coronavirus-inspired potential new products. Ted kicks off the episode with a couple rants and Lisa gives a lockdown update (1:53). They introduce the notion of half-baked ideas, acknowledging Ted’s advantage in this episode’s format, and considering Lisa’s first stab at a half-baked idea: sex robots (12:40). Ted conjures up a couple half-baked ideas, including “Stick Together” (16:30) and the “Pour Me Depression Decanter” (20:42). Lisa proposes a “Decision Tree” app (25:52) and Ted introduces the idea of the “Night at the Museum Nerf Battle” (29:57). Lisa puts forward her final proposal for “Virtual Foreground” but realizes that’s probably just Virtual Reality (28:06). The two reconsider the Night at the Museum Nerf Battle a bit longer (29:57) before a real-life story suggests the possibility of the “Sturdy Snapshot Snake” (31:00). Lisa mentions a must-listen episode of This American Life (35:22) and Ted introduces his final three ideas: “Drone Delivery” (37:54), “Zoom Frame Combine and Arrange” (39:13), and what Lisa comes to call “Tip-Off” (41:21). The Pour Me Depression Decanter gets some reprise consideration (47:02) before the Outro shows up to bring the episode home (50:45). If there’s anything else in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #79 Half-Baked Ideas appeared first on Anima Learning.

Are you an extrovert or an introvert? Are you sure? In their continued adjustment to living with the reality of a world-sweeping pandemic, Ted and Lisa turn their attention to one of their most noticeable differences. They start the episode by acknowledging the challenging circumstances of the time (1:49) and then begin by introducing the very concepts of extroversion and introversion (11:36). Ted offers a few clarifications for other types that overlap with introversion (17:38) and asks Lisa about the downsides of extroversion (25:51). Naturally, Ted offers his perspective on the downsides of introversion (27:51). The pair then makes some important distinctions between extroversion, introversion and the improv idea of status relationshjps (31:27).  Lisa wonders why Ted felt inspired to have this conversation now (38:00) and then both get into some nitty gritty about more explicit connections to mindfulness and improvisation (44:35). Lisa offers a final Care Bear blessing (51:42) before we get to the wrap-up Outro (52:40). If there’s anything else in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at info@monsterbabypodcast.com. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com.   If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.   The post Monster Baby #78 Extroversion Introversion appeared first on Anima Learning.