(Announcement) New Podcast Name for One Year Neurodiversity & Improv Anniversary - Ep #21
This marks one year of making podcast episodes! There are some changes happening next week, and here's what those changes are. And the things not changing (most of it isn't change). Yeah, STUFF!
Listen to this Article:
Hello! Whelp, one year of episodes about the intersection of neurodiversity and improv.
The first episode was October 30th, 2023, one year ago tomorrow. I have read that not many podcasts make it to their first birthday, so I guess it is something to be here still making episodes.
I have a big ol’ episode scheduled for November, so I’m not leaving ya yet!
Yay?
How it all Started
I started this podcast because I thought us neurodivergent improvisers needed a bit more of a voice in this community. There are LOTS of us here. I’ve been in practice groups that are, by accident not by design, 100% openly neurodivergent.
I noticed that learning improv hit so many of my own autistic brain wires that it was… just fascinating from a learning standpoint. And an autistic standpoint.
My degree and professional background is in education and instructional design for adults - so how people think and learn is always top of mind. So I thought I would share what I was noticing every day.
I didn’t really set out to start a podcast though, as I mostly write and prefer text. And… being myself on the internet is tough.
My first extremely short episode was me testing the transcription accuracy of Substack (out of tech-curiousity). So I improvised a “fake podcast” to check out its capabilities, and out popped stuff about neurodivergence. And I clicked publish, because why not, ain’t no one gonna see it. I didn’t even look at what URL I was publishing under, and I don’t recall doing any editing at all.
Some people listened to it though, so I thought “why not do this, maybe? maybe it’s quicker than writing it all out” (it’s not, really) - and here I am a year later. Still forcing my voice upon yalls.
And writing some of it now, too.
What’s Happening Going Forward
You might have noticed a slight graphical and podcast name change on this site. So what’s up?
What’s Changing
This is what I have in mind. Important note: You don’t have to do anything to still get this content!
The name of the podcast part of this project is changing to Neurodivergent Minds in Comedy. The subjects discussed will NOT CHANGE MUCH. I will likely focus a bit more on neurodivergence and performance. This has largely been the site’s focus over the past year anyway, so not too much of a shift. I heard from a few listeners that episodes are quite relevant to neurodivergent people, and actors/performers in general. I wanted a new name is a bit more in line with what I am already doing, topic-wise.
Under the hood, the podcast feed is changing — you don’t have to do anything to keep getting it though, wherever you’re accessing the pod. The current feed will redirect to the new feed. I’ll embed the episodes in pages on this site, just like they have been in the past — so you can access them the same way if you use the newsletter and website to find it (as a majority of you do!)
The cadence of episodes and bonus materials might shift a little. I’m still sorting out a content plan. If you have input for topics or what bonus stuff you want, just let me know (as always!)
What’s Staying the Same
So what’s not changing then?
This site’s name and URL will remain the same. You’ll still get the newsletter with the podcast episodes, and notifications of bonus materials available.
The bonus materials will still primarily focus on improv and neurodiversity. Learning/education, neurodivergence, and improv are my main spaces of interest, so the bonus materials (in addition to the podcast!) will remain focused on these topics.
If any of these things change in a substantial way, I’ll make sure to note it in the newsletter before that happens so you can choose what you want to do.
What’s coming up next, and when?
Okay, I know no one is asking but I’m kinda excited about the first episode under the new podcast name. Nervous excited because it’s a deep dive into my feelings on the improv/comedy space as a whole. It’s raw, vulnerable, and was mostly written from that raw emotional space. Uh oh? Nah, it’s fine.
This introductory episode and article will be free for everyone. “Suggestions for Protecting Your Mind While Doing Comedy” is scheduled for next week.
And I am very much nervous releasing ANY episode on here being a pretty intensely private person. Even if it’s just kinda mundane stuff like icebreakers. Although in reality this upcoming ep might just be, and probably is, a whole big heap of “whatever” :)
Your Voice - Neurodiversity Survey
Let me know what you have experienced as a neurodivergent in comedy! Answer three questions here!
Previous surveys are available here - do any of them at any time!
Where to go to find stuff
This article (and website) has a podcast that accompanies it. You can find it at NeurodivergentComedy.com - and a link to the episode near the top of this page.
For bonus content related to comedy and neurodiversity, you can become a supporter of NeurodiversityImprov.com. Or you can also support the work with one time tip here (use the “buy me a coffee” button).
For FREE podcast and show updates, go to StereoForest.com. This is significantly delayed because of the personal crisis mentioned earlier in this article. But I’ll start releasing what I’ve made soon - I just want to do it properly and not rush things.
For updates about improv you can find online, join the newsletter at ImprovUpdate.com
OR — If you enjoy the podcast in general, please consider leaving a review on Apple Podcasts!
About
This podcast and website was created by Jen deHaan — an autistic + ADHD improviser and performer.
This episode was produced by StereoForest.com. Join the FREE StereoForest newsletter for all podcast and show updates at stereoforest.com.
This podcast is released on Tuesdays, usually twice per month, at NeurodivergentComedy.com and wherever you find podcasts. Bonus resources to support this podcast are available via NeurodiversityImprov.com.
Transcript
Find transcripts for each episode, including this one, at NeurodivergentComedy.com.
Or here’s a transcript video: