

The SoCap Improv Comedy Podcast
Ralph MacLeod
Hosted by Ralph MacLeod. Owner and Artistic Director of SoCap Comedy Theatre in Toronto. A bite-sized, 5-20 minute show on improv. This show is less about improv as performance (though that will be in here) but more about how improv can improve every aspect of your life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 7, 2023 • 21min
Why Is This So Boring?
There are many reasons a scene, or interaction, may be boring. Here are the top two reasons why scenes can be boring and make you want to gouge out your eyes.

Jul 31, 2023 • 16min
Don't Stop The Action
Stopping the action, or business of the scene, is generally destructive for a number of reasons. Even if your character doesn't like what they're doing or being asked to do, finding a justification to let it happen, will usually serve you well.

Jul 24, 2023 • 15min
Try the Opposite
Discover the power of opposite reactions in improv and how it can spice up comedy. Explore hilarious techniques that embrace unexpected choices. Learn to view life's challenges as growth opportunities by shifting your perspective. Delve into fear responses and how improv can help transform avoidance into empowerment. Join the conversation about making bold, alternative decisions that can lead to unexpected hilarity and personal development.

Jul 17, 2023 • 14min
Call People Out on Their ^&$%
Dive into the world of improv and discover how it transforms confidence and communication. Learn how to 'call people out' effectively to enhance connections through humor. The hosts share practical tips for using improv in daily interactions, helping to clarify misunderstandings while keeping the fun alive. It's all about making life a little lighter and more engaging!

Jul 10, 2023 • 15min
Why Do We Laugh?
Laughter is more about bonding than just enjoying a joke. The welcoming environment of improv fosters connections and helps combat feelings of isolation. It’s a space where everyone, performers or not, can thrive. The podcast also dives into how shared understanding in improv creates laughter, influenced by anticipation and context. Relatability plays a crucial role, shaping group identity through humor.

Jul 3, 2023 • 19min
Yes, And...: A Deeper Dive
Explore the transformative power of improv, which builds resilience and self-confidence. Discover the true essence of the 'yes, and' principle while debunking common misconceptions. Learn how this philosophy enhances creativity and collaboration in real life. By embracing genuine responses, relationships can flourish and understanding of diverse viewpoints deepens. Humor and anecdotes illustrate the journey from discomfort to personal growth.

Jun 26, 2023 • 14min
Be a Benevolent God
Dive into the art of improvisation and its power for personal growth. Discover how creating unique characters, whether people or animals, comes with ethical responsibilities. Learn about the transformative effects of genuine interactions and how focusing on authenticity can revive motivation. Plus, enjoy some humor sprinkled throughout, all while exploring the fascinating world of improv and the judgments that come with it!

7 snips
Jun 19, 2023 • 16min
Improv Rule for Life #3 - Serve the Relationship
Dive into the transformative world of improv where personal development meets humor. Discover how letting go of selfishness can enhance your interactions with others. Explore the delicate balance between accepting life’s challenges and embracing control, drawing on both philosophy and personal stories. Uncover the importance of nurturing relationships through collaborative moments, showing how improv principles can foster deeper connections in everyday life.

8 snips
Jun 12, 2023 • 21min
Creative Process - Part One
The discussion dives into the two methods of creating content: solo invention versus collaborative discovery. Improvisation serves as a powerful tool for expanding comfort zones, promoting confidence, and easing anxiety. The hosts highlight how genuine conversations can enhance interactions, moving beyond clichéd small talk. They also emphasize the importance of collaboration in creating authentic humor, showcasing how connections between performers and audiences lead to richer comedic experiences.

8 snips
Jun 5, 2023 • 19min
Initiation - How to Begin
Starting scenes in improv can be tricky, but embracing imagination is key! Discover the importance of establishing a positive emotional tone to connect performers and audiences. The discussion of choice paralysis reveals how overwhelming options can affect us. Learn how initiating with emotional truth brings characters to life. The episode emphasizes collaborative storytelling, showing how authentic emotions and external conflict enhance creativity and engagement in improvisation.