Improv Comedy with Ben Cassil

About My Guest

Ben Cassil is a comedian based in Los Angeles, where he performs improv with the team Cosmo. Ben also teaches improv and hosts the comedy podcast “Live from the Big Apple.” You can find him online at bencassil.com and @bencassil on Instagram.

In This Episode

Not everything that has therapeutic value occurs in a formal setting. So for the season finale, I went on a deep dive into an art form that celebrates practicing failure--improv comedy. Comedian Ben Cassil shares about the value of engaging in the playful art of improv comedy. He breaks down the different types of improv comedy and the key tenets that form its foundation. Improv brings many opportunities to practice relational skills: like listening, building empathy, letting go of control, and being more present in the moment. All while laughing.

Ben explores how nonjudgmental awareness expands the experience of improv, both how we reflect on our own behavior and experiences, as well as how we engage with those around us. Vulnerability, expanding comfort with uncertainty, and responding more honestly can enhance experiences and help us to be less precious with each interaction. Ben later covers radical acceptance and how expressing support for our teammates (in improv and in life) starts to change how people treat each other and how safe and confident they feel.

Finally, Ben shares his own experience of switching careers in his late 20's, gathering the courage to "let himself fail," and how stepping into that fear opened up a more rewarding path in life. A naturally gifted teacher, Ben's change out of academia and into improv ironically granted him more opportunities to use this talent. Ben's openness about this journey is a reminder that there is always space to change and grow and that it's okay, even necessary, for this process to take a long time. We are not shaped overnight, we build steadily and slowly as we learn from each experience.

Resources Referenced

Ben provides a number of references for those interested in learning more about improv, including various ways to get involved.

Podcasts and Shows

• The Neighborhood Listen
• Spontaneanation
• Yes, Also
• Live from the Big Apple
• Comedy Bang Bang Podcast (TV show also available on various paid platforms)
• Dropout Comedy

Improv Schools and Theaters (to take a class or watch a show)

• We Improv
• Worlds Greatest Improv School (WGIS)
• The Shared Experience Studio
• Upright Citizens Brigade (UCB)

Books

• Elevator Farts by Jake Jabbour
• The Inner Game of Tennis by W. Timothy Gallwey