How to Handle Anything

In this episode of How to Handle Anything, we talk stress. During this episode Marie shares how she’s learned to handle stress differently—both in her work and her life—because of her improvisational practice. From being highly organized and carrying stress in her body, to learning how to let go, adapt, and play the scene she’s in, she offers a refreshing and often humorous perspective on how to navigate everyday stress with more e...

Bonus Elixir (Subscribers Only): How YOU Can Handle a Layoff

In this Bonus Elixir, I share a simple but powerful improv-inspired mindset shift inspired by the How to Handle a Layoff conversation.

The Elixir: This Happened for Me.

If you were already someone who handled money well, how would you think? What choices would you make? How wou...

In this episode of How to Handle Anything, we talk layoffs. During this episode Sara shares what it really looks like to navigate a layoff—from the initial shock to the weeks and months that follow. Having been laid off four times herself, she offers both practical tools and mindset shifts to help you move through job loss in a way that keeps you grounded, supported, and moving forward.

We discuss…

How to handle the first 24 hours af...

Bonus Elixir (Subscribers Only): How YOU Can Handle Money

In this Bonus Elixir, I share a simple but powerful improv-inspired mindset shift inspired by the How to Handle Money conversation.

The Elixir: Act as if.

If you were already someone who handled money well, how would you think? What choices would you make? How would you show up di...

In this How to Handle MONEY episode, Shang Saavedra shares her expertise on the connection between mindset and financial success, emphasizing how mental health impacts decision-making, especially under stress. She offers practical strategies for cultivating an abundance mindset, managing stress, and making smarter financial choices in uncertain times.

Key Topics

- The impact of mental health on financial decision-making

- Strategies f...

What do you do when life doesn’t go according to plan?

When the script falls apart.When something unexpected shows up.When control slips, even just a little.

You improvise.

How to Handle Anything is a conversation-driven podcast hosted by Mary Lemmer, writer, entrepreneur, longtime improviser, and author of the forthcoming book How to Handle Anything.

Each episode features thoughtful, honest conversations with writers, leaders, creativ...

This week's episode features Bart Sumner…

In 2009 Bart Sumner’s life was shattered when his 10-year-old son, David, suffered a traumatic brain injury at football practice and died in his arms. Finding a way back to the road forward in a world where mourners are told “He’s in a better place” or to “Get over it” is a daunting and painful journey. He came to realize that the twenty-five plus years he spent as a perfo...

This week’s episode features longtime HR executive, Lauren Schaad. In this episode:

• Lauren shares about her background in HR and her improv origin story


• She talks about the importance of leaning into who you are


• We discuss how improv allows us to try out different hats 


• We talk about the connection between improv and business 


• Lauren shares how improv helped her be her authentic self a...

This week's episode features David Fessell, M.D. 

David is an executive coach, faculty associate at Ross School of Business, and a recently retired Professor of Radiology at the University of Michigan. As an author, he publishes in HBR, JAMA, Psychology Today, and many other venues. He speaks and facilitates webinars & workshops on wellness, resilience, EQ, & humor. He loves to help individuals & group...

This week's episode features Nicholas Hamlett. In this episode…

• Nicholas shares why and where he took his first improv class


• Learn why warm up improv exercises are imperative to mentally preparing to improvise (for improv and life)


• Hear how improv helped Nicholas in his role at Twitter and how improv changed how he reacted to challenges and opportunities at work


• Get to know how adopting ...

This week's episode features actress and two time cancer survivor, Aniela McGuinness. In this gift of an episode…

• Aniela shares what inspired her to take an improv class


• Learn how improv helped her through her mother’s cancer diagnosis and death and her own cancer diagnosis and treatment


• Find out why and how improv is a “brain brake” and “oasis” that provides presence, joy, and support when go...

This week's episode features, Jordana Cole. In this gem of an episode…

• Jordana shares her improv origin story (i.e. how and when she started improvising)


• Find out what Jordana does for her ukuleles at Thanksgiving


• Learn about athletes as improvisers


• Learn about positive psychology - what it is, why it matters, and how improv relates


• Discover why improv is so much more than team building

Welcome to Improved, the podcast. There’s one certainty in life, and that’s that it’s filled with uncertainty. One of the things that helps us navigate chaos and uncertainty is the ability to improvise. This podcast is all about how we create, adapt, navigate change, and improvise in our own lives and work. Listen, subscribe, and tune in to hear special guests and special tips. Let’s improve…

If you liked what you hea...