David is Curious – Details, episodes & analysis

With the new Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally being named, I was curious as to if religion needed to diversify? And if it current institutions need to, how can they? Because isn't religion set in stone? Also, does "religion" need anything, or is religion just an existing thing?

I had all these questions swirling in my head. So I went to ask someone I hold in high regard who may have more insight.

I went to ask my friend, Canon Dr Anthony Lees-Smith from the Chester Cathedral. I am not a religious person, you may already know that. But I LOVE what he is doing at the Cathedral. You may be like me, prone to suspicion of organized religion. But the events being held at the Cathedral lately make me so happy. The discussions on AI, the recent performance of Jay Hulme (transgender poet), the Jugalbandi (classic Indian music) concert, and the humility by which Dr Lees-Smith interacts with people ... I mean, if I were to be religious THAT is how I would want my church to be. So, not only did I feel comfortable enough to ask, I trusted the discussion to be set in logic/humility and not in missionary language. (With even an awareness of colonisation)

So I asked him. And his responses blew my mind!  Stuff I didn't know!

Maybe you have worked with Brian Armstrong at PIE - Portsmouth Improv Experience, or Southampton Improv Community. Maybe you have read Brian Armstrong's book "Disciple of the Broken God."

I have had the lovely pleasure of chatting with Brian online via the Improv Boost and his improv projects. He has always had a constructive and insightful opinion. I am so lucky to have his influence (and humor) in my life.

I hope you enjoy this episode.

To find out more about Brian Armstrong:

PIE-Portsmouth Improv Experience: https://www.facebook.com/PortsmouthImprov

Southampton Improv Community: https://www.meetup.com/southampton-improv-community 

Disciple of the Broken God (book): https://amzn.eu/d/03tYUZv

#improv 

Colin Mee is a strategic and empathetic improviser. I have had the pleasure of hearing his perspective on improv (in bits and pieces). I was so happy to be able to sit down and hear a deeper share on how he attacks improv as a practice.

I am so thankful for his time. 

You can catch Colin as part of the MissImp community in Nottingham: https://www.missimp.co.uk/

You can also catch his improv team, Enter Player 2, at festivals and in Nottingham.

#improv 

I am so happy to finally present this interview with Roderick Millar. The first time I watched Roderick perform was as part of Somewhat Theatre at the Robin Hood Improv Festival in 2024. That show was ELECTRIC.  It was so good. 

Roderick regularly comments on social media posts with such great analysis and communication of his ideas. I have been wanting to chat with Rodericl Millar for such a long time about his views on improv. 

Whit Shiller - FINALLY, I get a chance to interview and get to know Whit Shiller a bit better. Such a fascinating mind in improv. I love his angle on the practice and Whit uses improv to create points of commonality.

I met Whit through his improv podcast, Improv Comedy Connection. He has some AMAZING guests on there. Not only that, but he gets them to talk about some interesting stuff!!

Check it out here: https://improvcomedyconnection.com/category/improv/

He is also the engine behind Fish Sticks Comedy.  Which practices what they call "other-centered improv." Which means on or off stage what they practice is for someone else first. This closely mirrors my own thought on acting in general.  

Had a great chat with Whit. I'm already thinking about having him back on just to learn more!

Here is more info on Fish Sticks Comedy: https://fishstickscomedy.com/

Andel Sudik and I have some of the BEST chats abourt improv. The way she views the practice, the community and the business of improv always inspires new thought in me. Her mind is placed in centralizing the positive pursuit of improving at improv - which may be skills, content or community!  She looks at how improv shows/teams fit into an overal fabric of the practice which reached out beyond time and distance. 

I hope you enjoy this interview with Andel. I feel fortunate enough to consider her a friend. 

You can find out more about Andel at: https://www.yesandel.com/

She is an improv global leader.

Part two of my interview with Tauri Laws-Phillips, Stephanie Rae, and Deana Criess Tolliver.

MOTHERS

Part one of a two part interview.

Tauri Laws-Phillips (ColdTowne Theater), Stephanie Rae (Black Improv Alliance) & Deana Criess Tolliver (Applied Improv Specialist) gifted me with their insight about being a mom or mothers in the improv practice. I think the portion speaking on how improv communities and institutions can make adjustments that might improv the particpation of mothers in improv. 

If you would like to find out more info on Tauri Laws-Phillips: https://coldtownetheater.com/

More on Stephanie Rae: https://blackimprovalliance.com/ 

More on Deana Criess Tolliver: https://deanacriess.com/ 

#improv 

Final part of my interview with Holly Bartolo.  So greatful for this opportunity.

Part 2 of my interview with Holly.