Improv Obsession - Conversations About Improvising Better

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The Improv Obsession Podcast is the ideal place to hear fun and thoughtful improv discussion. Your host Stephen Perlstein brings you new guests from the improvisation community to have an enlightening talk about improv comedy.

Recent Episodes
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Recent Reviews
  • Nick Sk.
    Highly impactful
    I have luckily only listened to a few episodes so far, so I still have a lot of this great podcast to listen to. I have jumped around a bit, but there are a lot of “real” moments in this podcast. Talk of insecurities and personal weaknesses that is helpful for a person like me in their first year of improv. Thank you, Stephen. I would love if there were more episodes, but I am thankful for what is here.
  • Lizzykatmc
    2018
    Episodes are old but I love it and it's super helpful for people taking improv classes. ❤
  • overoverunder
    Insightful and thoughtful
    Love this podcast and all the guests. Real, honest talks about some of the biggest questions in improv.
  • Eileen O'C
    A must-listen if you love improv comedy
    Great guests, great interviews, and a great passion for improv!
  • The truth.
    Improv Nerd Fuel
    This podcast goes deep with some of the best improvisers in the world. They talk about approach, comedy, theory... everything. Also, Stephen admitted to Besser that he listens to improv 4 humans on 1.5x speed, which is hilariously misguided. If you like improv, listen to this podcast!
  • Gina I.
    Great for anyone!
    This podcast is great for anyone who improvises, or people who have never done it before and are simply intrigued by it!
  • Cassi Jay
    My Favorite Improv Talk Podcast
    As an improv nerd, this show really fufills my obsession for when I'm not watching or performing improv. I hope there's still more to come!
  • Joey Catboy
    A challenging, yet fulfilling listen
    The host is very opinionated, but I think that's to the podcasts benefit. He challenges the guests on their views and because of that, it really forces people to dig deep on why they are obsessed with improv. Can't recommend enough.
  • Jchiller159
    Great archive
    Awesome show. Hope there are more editions in the future! Does anyone know how to find episodes pre-middleditch (38)? Keep it up!
  • ErikSmashBird
    Great improv insights..!
    Taking a class and calling yourself an improviser can be misleading. and Im realizing through this podcast that the great ones have at least a decade under their belts. And those 10 years bring a lot of experience that gladly fills every episode of this podcast. Stephen asks all the questions I would ask, and many others that aren't on my radar (yet). Probably a little too dense for a non improviser, but for those of us that still have something to learn, this is a fantastic resource. Thanks Stephen!
  • Kelly Witmer
    love it!
    Late in the game I've discovered this awesome podcast.... hopefully not too late!
  • KavesTX
    Heard every one
    I was listening to these before I became an improv student and I'm listening now. Good interviews with people worth interviewing and the only place where you'll find many of them. Glad it's back.
  • NinaP183
    A Must-Listen for All Improvisers!
    So much valuable information for not only starting-out improvisers but also sketch writers! Regardless of where you are in your improv journey- just starting out, trying to get on a Harold Team, considering taking a hiatus from improv, this podcast will have something that fits your interest!
  • SocalChad
    A great resource
    So many great names interviewed, but also up-and-coming people who are enthusiastic to talk about their views. I've listened to them, some of them multiple times, and have taken away a lot of great tidbits that has improved my game.
  • taylor mendoza
    Really amazing show
    This is a really amazing show, it’s super helpful, and I really appreciate this podcast
  • Clayton Michaud
    Awesome Podcast about Improv
    I prefer Stephen’s podcast to Improv Nerd and Improv Yak because they talk much more about improv as opposed to the the person’s life and he has the BEST guests (Sorry Jimmy and Carla). I’ve never felt the need to take notes while listening to a podcast before, but the information contained in some of these episodes are so dense you feel like you just took a workshop with the guests. Best episodes (that I’ve listened to so far) are Miles Stroth, Ian Roberts, Matt Besser, Matt Walsh. I loved the Lauren Lapkus episode, but it was more about her than her technique.
  • GeneAuggie
    Subscribe already!
    I'm glad to see this podcast is back with all new episodes and continues to be as entertaining as always. Improv Obsession not only offers an insightful look at the technique of improv but also really engages in honest conversations getting to better know Los Angeles best comedians.
  • albertandrade
    Curious about improv? Look no more!
    It's a great podcast that digs into the nitty-gritty of improv through conversations with accomplished people in the improv community. *Thumbs up*
  • WillieBHines
    A great one
    The best improvisers in LA get into deep on this podcast. Stephen asks interesting informed questions and I just like it.
  • JDMP
    Thanks!
    Thanks for getting these great improvisers on record. I really appreciate this!
  • TAGBeans
    For improv fans
    It’s great to hear the host and guests converse about improv, the different forms, approaches, and experiences. DEFINITELY a great podcast for those performing improv, taking classes, or even just a fan. Keep it up, Stephen Perlstein!
  • Joe456456
    A Review
    After hearing Mary Holland on some other podcasts, I wanted to find more of her. Found this podcast. Nice list of guests. And here's a review, because podcasters are obsessed with being reviewed on iTunes.
  • AManInWanky'sWell
    If you're obsessed about improv, give this a listen.
    Really great technical talk about improv, with worthwhile guests. I really enjoy the show, for the most part. The only complaint I have is Stephen Perlstein's voice. It's shaky, fast, and filled with "um"s, "ah"s and "whatever"s. Franky, I find his voice downright irritating and nerve wracking. That said, he's clearly passionate about improv, and inspiringly eager to learn from his wonderful guests.
  • AndyJowettFilms
    “um…yeah…okay…so…i love it…yeah…"
    Great concept, I love that this show is a place where Improv can be discussed in a real / education / constructive sense. I LOVE improv, and am definitely obsessed, and the level of guests that are on this podcast are amazing! However, I must’ve heard questions begin with, “um…yeah…okay…so…i love it…yeah…so...” at least twenty times before I finally turned off the Lauren Lapkus interview (and I absolutely adore Lauren Lapkus!). Stephen, you have every reason to be confident. You’re rubbing elbows with the greatest improvisers in the universe, and are deemed their friend & peer. Show some confidence! You’ve got skills man, just clean up your delivery.
  • Michael Sosnowski
    Thank you
    Awesome! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this. It is a brilliant resource. Keep up the good work and good luck in your future endeavors.
  • BigErnAlex
    Valuable and Informative Resource for Long Form Improvisers
    Thanks for making my obsession with improv and sketch comedy seem like a normal and rational thing. Listening to these legends of long form improv is a great inspiration. I look forward to hearing more.
  • Loreofthejungle
    Great improv conversations.
    A great show! Stephen interviews great improv minds from the L.A. improv scene and beyond. Theres allot of great information in these conversations, and I find this podcast insightful, fun, and informative.
  • Bobrnmsw
    A different perspective on Improv
    I listen to a lot of improv podcasts. What I really enjoy about this podcast is that it is from the perspective of a student. The questions that are asked are the questions that I would ask and the responses really help clarify a lot of the UCB concepts. I really enjoy this podcast... well done!
  • Justin Owades
    My Favorite Podcast!
    Improv Obsession is a must for anyone who wants to learn improv. Highly recommended!
  • One True Raj
    for your inner improv geek
    Great conversations with some of the best improvisers around. The host does a very good job getting useful tips that students of improv can use the next time they are on stage.
  • Motobone
    Just listen
    This is something you need to listen to. The Matt Besser episode alone makes it great.
  • idontcare316
    Amazing & (sometimes) Life Changing
    As much as I try to stray away from being an improv nerd, this podcast combined with Will Hines' tumblr have become my go-to internet saviors. Some of the episodes bum me out because it seems as though they don't speak about doing improv as much as the politics of it all. There are many exceptions to this point of view, however, and the Ian Roberts episode is the most shining example. I gained more from listening to the Ian Roberts interview than in some of my improv classes, it was truly eye opening. Stop worrying about being an improv nerd and start listening!
  • The-Portman
    One of a kind podcast
    There are hundreds of comedy podcasts now but no other podcast goes this in depth into the world of improv. Stephen gets top notch guests, literally some of the greatest improvisers of all times as well as a lot of the rising stars of LA's improv scene. Thanks for doing the show Stephen!
  • JorgeMacD
    Great interviews, but please grow a backbone
    I wasn't going to write a review, since I have something less than five-star to say, but the constant begging for reviews has driven me to it. There are great interview subjects, and some great information is revealed, but the lack of confidence from Mr. Perlstein drives me insane. The nervous laughter, the approval-seeking behavior, the apologies for having opinions that don't 100% align with the guest--they're maddening. You're an improviser with an opinion, you run a podcast, and you should accept that.
  • M-HARBAR
    Great
    Great
  • Milton42
    Great Reinforcer!
    This podcast was suggested to me by one of my improv classmates and I am addicted! Really great guests who force you to think about your own practice and common pitfalls that people face. Nicely done!
  • NerdyBatman
    Awesome Job
    Such a great podcast, definitely helps to bring in the points of view of so many great talented people to give you a well rounded insight into improv. Keep it up!
  • Adam Kangas
    Fantastic stuff
    As a former member of the Los Angeles improv comedy scene (iO West and UCB), I find this podcast fascinating. Great interviews with passionate, intelligent people at the top of their game. Now that I'm teaching improv in Australia, I'll frequently assign episodes to my students as "homework".
  • The Duck Pigeon
    California-tastic
    Being and improviser in the midwest, it's very interesting when Steven and his guests talk about the UCB west, or other California improv places, makes me want to go out there. It is also a great improv show all around
  • eatcute
    Love this Podcast!
    Every time I get in my car the first thing I do is put on this podcast! I've learned so much! Thank you Stephen!
  • onesteveconnor
    Insightful, essential listening!
    To quote someone - simple and accurate. Thanks Stephen!
  • bedsore
    yes!
    I like this podcast!
  • Mofobamma
    Amazing
    Even though I'm new to the Improv world, I love listening to the podcast and the stories of how people got started. I may not know a lot about improv but its great to learn about it from someone who has fun! Keep it up!!
  • Jurassicalien
    Love it
    After performing a show and seeing Stephen do a set after us, one my team members said "Oh, he's the guy that does that show." "What show?" I asked. They informed me and I've listened to almost every episode since. As someone doing improv in the LA scene, it's inspirational to hear the life stories and advice from the people I admire. Stephen's style of interview is friendly and informative. A show that's both funny and insightful. Always excited for the next episode (and hoping that Stephen does that Goosebumps podcast... because that'd be amazing.) If there's a catchphrase for the show, it'll be a small pause and then, "I love it." If you are into improv or just inspired by creativity, listen tot his show, you'll... love it.
  • martybenson
    one of your reviewers used the word "probe", and i liked that.
    I've spent many hours listening to Stephen have lengthy discussions about playing pretend with other full-grown adults. Sometimes, I even listen to the discussions more than once. My mother is very proud.
  • Dannn1492
    5 Star Podcast
    Great podcast for anyone wanting to hear insight from improvisers of different backgrounds!
  • Marie McIntosh!
    Interesting podcast
    Thank you for doing this! I've listened to most of these episodes and learned great little nuggets of information. Get Zach Woods! I know it's a tall order but it's mandatory. Also Rebecca Drysdale and again, mandatory.
  • Oversaturatedinc
    I think this will make me #100
    The best podcast I've found for a wide range of improv advice and opinions. Stephen does an awesome job of getting great LA improvisers on to talk in depth about the skill/craft/art- form. Totally a must for every improviser.
  • All4Leyna
    Required Listening
    This guy Perlstein has given the LA Improv community something that I'm not sure existed until now. Especially if you're a student or fan of the UCB. The questions he asks are well thought out along with great pacing and banter with guests. The list and caliber of guests he has had on the show is amazing. The show has been going for over a year and the guests continue to be stellar. A true testament to the hard work and effort he's put in and continues to give to the show. I recommend this Podcast to anyone looking to supplement their training with in depth analysis of what it takes to understand Improv from many different angles. S You can listen to Thomas Middleditch talk about his approach to and style of Improvising. Priceless. Now, if you ever see him in a bar, you don't have to pester him with questions. You can just buy him a beer and say thank you. If you are an avid Improviser, listen to this Podcast. By the way, it is important to mention that Alex Berg is interviewed. Twice. Enough said. Thank you Mr. Perlstein. -Ben Wickham
  • jrcs3
    I Love It!
    If you like the above phrase, you will love this how. Stephen will use that phrase to describe everything the finds amusing. As an older improv pretender from the middle of nowhere, it is fun to hear Stephen talk shop with LA's finest.
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