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July 14, 2025 • 19 mins

That feeling of your mind going completely blank on stage is a top fear for any performer. But what if it's not a personal failure?

This week, I explain how this is often a biological response to being overwhelmed, not a lack of ideas.

In this episode, you'll learn a simple, three-step system to effectively reboot your brain when it crashes. This practical technique works with your body's natural responses to get you out of your head and painlessly back into the scene, turning a moment of panic into a moment of connection.

You'll also learn the final, most important safety net all improvisers have.

Read and share the web article for this episode, which includes the YouTube video and this podcast. Find it here.

In this episode, I refer to an earlier episode called "A Source of Great Improv Ideas (bonus: Get Out of Your Head)". This was episode 26.

Find the YouTube here.

Read the article and find the podcast here.

Downloadable content

Download the Free Post-Show Reflection Guide: Sent to your inbox when you subscribe to either newsletter (and added to the footer to each message if you're already subscribed).

Get a booklet with six exercises to help you get reps in challenging scenes called "Exercises to Ruin You"

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About

This podcast was created, written, and is hosted by Jen deHaan. You can find her bio here.

This episode was and edited and produced by StereoForest.com. Contact StereoForest for information about producing YOUR podcast, website, and more at reasonable rates.

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