Podcast Topic

Science of Improv

Stephen M. R. Covey: Trust and Inspire

Guest: Stephen M. R. Covey

Kelly connects with leadership expert Stephen M.R. Covey to talk about his new book "Trust & Inspire: How Truly Great Leaders Unleash Greatness in Others."

Behavioral Grooves

Guest: Kurt Nelson and Tim Houlihan

Kelly joins Kurt Nelson, Ph.D. and Tim Houlihan on the Behavioral Grooves podcast to discuss behavioral science through the lens of improvisation.

Ai-jen Poo: Improvisation For Care

Guest: Ai-jen Poo

Kelly talks to activist, author and co-director of Caring Across Generations about Second City’s new collaboration to bring improvisational skills and practice to the caregiving community.

Improvisation And Alzheimer’s – The Long Hello

Guest: Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter

Kelly connects with Karen Stobbe and Mondy Carter whose story of using improvisational techniques as a way to care for a relative with Alzheimer’s was featured on a memorable episode of “This American Life.”

Max Weinberg: Chemistry, Comedy And Being In The Band

Guest: Max Weinberg

Kelly swaps stories with legendary drummer Max Weinberg of Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band. They talk about Max’s time in a pit band on Broadway, auditioning for Bruce, connecting with Conan O’Brien and giving Charlie Watts an amazing gift.

Kelly McGonigal: The Upside Of Stress

Guest: Kelly McGonigal

Kelly talks to Stanford University psychologist and acclaimed TEDtalk Speaker Kelly McGonigal about her book “The Upside of Stress” and the cutting edge research that shows us how a healthy use of stress can make us happier and more productive.

Lisa Bodell: Why Simple Wins

Guest: Lisa Bodell

Kelly connects with the CEO of Futurethink and author of “Why Simple Wins,” Lisa Bodell. They explore simple techniques to help organizations embrace change and increase their capability for innovation.

Friederike Fabritius: Leading Brain

Guest: Friederike Fabritius

Kelly digs into the powerful science based strategies for achieving peak performance with neuropsychologist Friederike Fabritius who has co-authored a new book called “The Leading Brain.”

Rediscovering Craftsmanship

Guest: Jim Jacoby and Scott Miller

Kelly talks to Jim Jacoby and Scott Miller, who have joined forces to create the American Design and Master Craft Initiative, a venture that supports innovation at the deepest level. Their first project: The Bienville Legacy, a motorcycle...

Katie Watson: Medical Improv

Guest: Katie Watson

Kelly talks to Katie Watson, a teacher of bioethics, law and medical humanities at Northwestern. Katie has been improvising since 1997 and has been an adjunct faculty member at The Second City Training Center. She has created “Medical Improv” – an...

Dacher Keltner: The Power Paradox

Guest: Dacher Keltner

Kelly connects with Berkeley professor Dacher Keltner, author of “The Power Paradox.” Keltner’s research provides surprising insights into how we gain and lose power. He also provides He also consulted on the Pixar smash “Inside Out.”

Dr. Keith Sawyer: Tapping Group Genius

Guest: Dr. Keith Sawyer

Kelly talks to creativity scholar Dr. Keith Sawyer whose experience working with improvisational troupes in Chicago in the 1990’s led to a lifelong fascination with the science of how we use improvisation to create original and innovative ideas.

Adam Alter: Irresistible

Guest: Adam Alter

Kelly is joined by Adam Alter, Professor at NYU Stern School of Business; best-selling author of “Drunk Tank Pink” as well as his latest book on our addiction to technology, “Irresistible.”

Adam Grant: Originals

Guest: Adam Grant

It’s our 50th episode! Kelly celebrates by talking to the great and smart Adam Grant, author of “Give and Take” and “Originals.” Adam has amazing stories and insights.

Tina Seelig: Insight Out

Guest: Tina Seelig

Kelly talks to Tina Seelig, a professor at Stanford’s Department of Management Science and Engineering about her research into creativity and innovation.

Nicholas Epley: Behavioral Science Meets Improvisation

Guest: Nicholas Epley

Kelly talks with Nicholas Epley about The Booth Schools of Business and their new collaboration with Second City Works, as well as insights from Nick’s book Mindwise and other studies into human behavior.