Tackling Taboo. How do you handle offensive subjects?

🎙️ Episode: How Do You Handle Offensive Subjects?

This week on The Secret Improv Podcast, Kristian and Goose tackle one of the trickiest elements of improvisation: dealing with taboo, offensive, or uncomfortable material in the middle of a live scene.

In a raw, thoughtful, and sometimes hilarious conversation, they unpack how experienced improvisers navigate jokes that cross the line, handle audience shock, and hold space for humor without harming the room. Drawing from decades of performing and directing, they dig into what makes something “offensive,” who gets to decide, and why intention, context, and trust are everything.

This episode doesn’t shy away — it wrestles with improv’s responsibility to be both bold and compassionate.

🌀 Topics in this episode:

• What to do when a scene suddenly turns uncomfortable

• The difference between edgy and lazy

• Trusting your scene partner vs. calling a timeout

• Satire, subtext, and the danger of punching down

• Why “getting a laugh” isn’t always worth it

🎭 For performers, teachers, and fans of improv alike, this is an essential episode about maintaining creativity, respect, and courage in the unscripted space.