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Gender Spiral

Ally Beardsley & Babette Thomas

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Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world. Each episode of the podcast explores important topics and questions about navigating expectations of gender and presentation in our society through conversations with the foremost experts on the topic: trans and queer people. You'll hear firsthand accounts of gender variant folks of all stripes and walks of life, to highlight the liberation of questio ...
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In this love letter to improv comedy, comedian Suzi Barrett deep dives with veteran improvisers about their journeys through improv, and discusses the philosophies, theories, tips, lessons, and stories they’ve gathered along the way. If you’re a student of improv, you need this podcast. If you’re a superfan of improv, you’ll love this podcast. If you’ve never heard of improv… well, everybody get in here anyway. New episodes every Tuesday! Email us with your ideas and questions yesalsopod@gma ...
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Ally Beardsley and Zac Oyama (Dimension 20, Yeti), talk about team chemistry, delightful comedic chaos, improv as a path to coming out of the closet, Ally’s first memory of seeing Zac on stage, the early LA indie scene, getting hired by College Humor, their comedic DNA, embracing absurdity, the power of specifics, being surprised by the mundane, Di…
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Casey Feigh (creator of Holy Shit Improv), talks about analyzing his improv, setting shows up for success, vulnerability vs. perfection, amplifying your skillset, demystifying Hollywood, his early comedy grind, things he’s learned as a producer, the origins of Holy Shit Improv, improv as a destination art form, live-streaming, the power of creators…
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Astrologer and writer Alice Sparkly Kat tells us about coming out to their Chinese family, how gender manifests in the planets, and why queer people like astrology so much. Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world. Check out Alice's writing and othe…
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James Mastraieni (Founder of the Shared Experience Studio) talks about the neuroscience of comedy, the connection between performers and audience, starting a comedy think tank, sailing vs. rowing, the importance of mentorship, treating premise openings like menus, relationship microcosms, comedy as the harshest art form, the drive to produce, the t…
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DJ Daria Lourd (Bored Lord) tells us about her musical background growing up in Memphis, how rave culture helped her explore her gender, and what lesbian signaling looks like as a trans woman (hint: caribeaners help). Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gende…
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Rekha Shankar (Dropout, Grand Crew) talks about her early obsession with sitcoms, getting into film school, left-brained comedy, improv as a path to writing, embracing discomfort, the gift of being an outcast, finding game moves, inventing vs. listening, making your own work, Kickstarter tips, letting go of rigidity in scenes, Gravid Water, and mor…
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Craig Cackowski (Second City, Drunk History) talks about learning Harolds before the internet, the benefit of nerves, studying with Del, the improv that inspired him, Stephen Colbert’s last Second City show, the development of JTS Brown, the intersection of comedy and artsy theater, the core philosophies of Dasariski, three guidelines for better sc…
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Multi-talented artist and hilarious human River Ramirez joins us for a chat about their journey to androgyny, the intersection of activism and self-care, and the Christian rock band "Underoath." Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world. Check out Ri…
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As I leave Berlin - the city of Jesse Owens, David Bowie and now Lamine Yamal - I’m recording this final report from Euro 2024, where I have been embedded once more with the Spain team. I saw the treble winners of 2008-12 up close too, and they may not have a prime Iniesta or Xavi, but in their own way I think this team is just as good. Some of the…
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I hope you enjoy this latest update from Germany, as Spain and I depart Donaueschingen, where they have trained and relaxed and prepared for the mesmeric performances you've been watching in this tournament. These reports are also available - for free - at my new Substack, the link is coming up. If you subscribe to this site, you'll receive regular…
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This is my first post on Substack - the new home for my reporting on Spanish football. I hope as many of you as possible will subscribe to receive all my work to your email inbox - for the time being, I’m choosing to make this entirely free of charge. Today you have a choice - listen to this short podcast on the 16-year-old who has lit up the Euros…
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Peter Grosz (The Colbert Report, Veep) talks about studying with Del, the very first Armando show, memories from Boom Chicago, doing a USO tour in Saudi Arabia, writing for Colbert, advice on getting hired for late night shows, experimental long form techniques, eliminating ego, breaking bad habits, doing a Broadway show, writing standup, and more!…
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Mary Holland (ASSSSCAT, Happiest Season) talks about growing up in a small town, her path from Virginia to Hollywood, weathering rejection, the fear of not being enough, the biggest lessons from acting class, the summer she fell in love with improv, her lightbulb moment, her voice as an improviser, the power of emotional commitment, loving high sta…
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Writer Thomas Page McBee shares about his personal and professional journey examining and reimagining masculinity. Content warning for gun violence at timecodes 28:48 to 31:36. Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world. Check out Thomas' work at his …
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In this very special Bonus Episode™, Suzi and Ryan answer listener questions and share their perspective on: imposter syndrome, playing with stage hogs, building and releasing comedic tension, starting new teams with tact, finding the right ratio of rehearsals to performing, and neurodiversity in improv. If this episode sparks more questions or any…
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This week, the legendary Convoy (Alex Berg, Alex Fernie, and Todd Fasen) talk about how they met, the evolution of their style, guiding the energy of a show, favorite short form games, their alt universe lives, making a pilot, the frustrating reality of TV development, taping shows to accelerate improvement, favorite character types, the demystific…
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Brian James O'Connell (Co-Founder of The Pack Theater) talks about his early days in Hollywood, training at ioWest, finding a kindred spirit in Miles Stroth, memories of Zumpf, starting The Pack, Camp Improv Utopia, position play, his original form “the ladder”, using longform structure in script writing, the dark joy of the human condition, and mo…
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Gender Spiral TIME TRAVEL EDITION! Chef and restauranteur Halo Perez-Gallardo of Lil' Deb's Oasis in Hudson, NY talks to Ally about emotion, evolution, and good eats as they reflect on clips from the first time Ally interviewed them in 2020. Follow Lil' Deb's Oasis on Instagram Check out "Please Wait to Be Tasted: The Lil' Deb's Oasis Cookbook" Fol…
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Jess McKenna (Off Book, Baby Wants Candy, Dropout) talks about talks about being a theater kid, useful characters for initiations, choosing the fun path in a scene, the MEOW show, going for a joke vs. exploring a comedic idea, the clarity of premise, striving for variety in shows, musical improv and the origins of Off Book, overcoming nerves, navig…
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Genetra Tull (JV, Benetton) talks about her original career path as a set builder, why she fell in love with improv, her comedic epiphanies, the journey to Harold night, personal pep talks, her team JV, being a physical player, coming of age as an adult, processing grief through comedy, writing a one-woman show, auditioning for SNL and more!Email u…
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Our FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON 2(!) features a chat with poet, artist, model, and overall incredible human Bay Davis about Brujería, burnout, and building a new relationship with herself through spirituality. Hosted by Ally Beardsley and Babette Thomas, Gender Spiral is a quest to explore the modern experience of being a human in our gendered world. L…
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Today’s story comes from Michael O’Neill, who describes how he kindled the team spirit in his Northern Ireland squad. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Michael O’Neill Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham …
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Craig Gordon from season two. This was a fascinating discussion about Craig’s remarkable campaign at Celtic, during which he proved he could play out from the back – even at the Camp Nou. We also talked about the devastating injury which kept the Scotland No1 out of the game for two years. Craig revea…
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Ryan Rosenberg (Big Grande, ManDogPod) talks about humor as a survival mechanism, being a shy performer, how to save a dying sketch, the benefits of ADHD, Big Grande’s writing process, the fun of setting up a base reality, finding comedy without being mean, playing at the top of your emotional intelligence, why and how you should let the unusual ch…
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Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes his favourite Iron Maiden gig – when the England, Ipswich and Rangers legend actually performed on stage with the heavy rockers. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy f…
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Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who reminisces about the sheer genius of Celtic legend Jimmy Johnstone. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Host…
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Peter Crouch from season two. Peter was a footballer who played with an accomplished technical ability and a sense of fun which made him a joy to watch. He was so much more than a good touch for a big man. In this Big Interview we discover learning the game using the Coerver Method, some of his best s…
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Julie Brister (UCB, WGIS) talks about self-doubt, her beginnings in New York in the late 80’s, the start of UCBNY, being taught by Ian Roberts and Amy Poehler, improvising on Zoom, teaching internationally, opinions on forms, learning to listen, her trick for remembering suggestions, finding characters through physicality, her love of selfish chara…
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Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who expresses his love for Tino Asprilla, an extraordinary footballer and one of the funniest and most eccentric men ever to have played the game. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic B…
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Today’s story comes from Jody Morris, who describes his protracted exit from his boyhood heroes Chelsea. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Jody Morris Part Two - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted…
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Here’s another chance to hear part two of my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris had the pick of every top team in England in 1994, but it was upwardly mobile Blackburn that took him from Norwich for a British record transfer fee of £5 million. Paired with Alan Shearer in the famous SAS partnership, Chris helped Rovers win the 1994/9…
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Carl Tart (Grand Crew, In the Know), talks about improv as basketball, how to move a scene forward as the voice of reason character, Carl’s early days as a background actor, his training at Second City, how he deals with not getting laughs, working on Grand Crew, improv as a way to sharpen your instincts, the comedic voices that shaped him, and mor…
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Chris Sutton from season two. Chris uses the word ‘character’ a lot and explains how his was forged – from an initial rejection from Norwich City to his dad’s boot camp approach to physical fitness to an uncompromising youth team coach at Carrow Road. Also in part one: Sri Lankan cricketer Ravi Pushpa…
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Jake Jabbour (founder of WE Improv) talks about the origin and philosophy of his school, cultivating non-judgmental awareness, improv as a window into self, Jake’s epic nine-audition journey to Harold night, holding scenes loosely, external vs. internal validation, aiming for surprise in scenes, advanced moves for established groups, and more!Email…
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Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes trying to keep a straight face when Bobby Robson was scolding him, while Gazza was making funny faces at him in the background. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy fo…
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Today’s story comes from Charlie Nicholas, who relates how his Celtic hero Danny McGrain used to pick him up in the mornings – to the amazement of his pals. Listen to the original full episodes: Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Charlie Nicholas Part Two - The Big …
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. In part two, we hear how Mark grew up with a football field (almost) for a back garden. Mark talks about running out at Upton Park, and the final game there, against Manchester United under the lights. We also hear about the Legacy Foundation, which Mark founded alongside t…
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Mark Noble from season two. Mark starred in the midfield at his beloved West Ham United for most of his senior career. In part one, you’ll hear about his ice-cool prowess as a penalty-taker – he once scored two in an epic shootout against the Netherlands in the semi-finals of the European Under-21 Cha…
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Today’s story comes from Gordon Strachan, who declares that the team that wins together does not necessarily have to drink together. Listen to the original full episode: Classic Big Interview: Gordon Strachan - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information. This is a public episode. If you …
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Today’s story comes from Peter Beardsley, who tells the incredible tale of how he ended up - briefly - at Manchester United, courtesy of George Best. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Peter Beardsley Part Two …
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Today’s story comes from Darren Fletcher, who explains what it was like to miss the 2009 Champions League final in which Manchester United took on Barcelona’s greatest side. Listen to the original full episode: The Big Interview with Darren Fletcher - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more infor…
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Vic Michaelis (Dropout's Very Important People) shares their insights on filmed improv, the power of an audience to determine the fate of a show, Dropout TV, Vic’s reinvention as an actor, the gift of obstacles, approaching improv mathematically, how to mark your improvement, the X factor of team chemistry, examples of favorite object work, and mor…
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two. This second part is the audience Q&A section of the live fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by actor and friend of the Big Interview Martin Compston. There are great responses from Neil about player development and the most talented managers in football today…
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Today’s story comes from Joe Jordan, who describes the revolutionary preparations undertaken by Leeds United’s legendary manager Don Revie. Listen to the classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part One - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Classic Big Interview: Joe Jordan Part Two - The Big Interview …
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Today’s story comes from Terry Butcher, who describes how his former Ipswich team-mate Kevin Beattie could have been one of the all-time England greats and was a legend off the pitch. Listen to the original full episode: Terry Butcher: Beattie, Banter & Sir Bobby - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy …
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Today’s story comes from Michael Carrick, who explains how his nickname ‘Havoc’ originated in a war game which some of the Manchester United stars would indulge in while on long hauls abroad. It could get a bit too competitive at times, but overall it was excellent for team bonding. Listen to a classic versions of the original episodes: Classic Big…
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Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso’s co-creator and Coach Beard) drops by to talk about the Chicago improv scene of the 90’s, the perceived long form / short form divide, his journey to and through Boom Chicago, how emotional growth can help your improv, the importance of practice, the origins of Ted Lasso, his new solo show, hilariously nightmarish corporate…
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Here’s another chance to hear my interview with Neil Lennon from season two. We recorded our first live event when Neil, then the Hibernian manager, joined us at Greenock Town Hall for a fundraising event for Ardgowan Hospice organised by screen star Martin Compston. In part one, you’ll hear about Martin O’Neill dragging his Leicester City players …
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Today’s story comes from Harry Redknapp, who muses on the diverse talents of the late great John White, Paulo Di Canio, Tony Currie, Alan Hudson, Peter Osgood, Charlie Cooke and Robert Prosinečki. Listen to the original full episode: Harry Redknapp: Di Canio, Kanu & The Art Of The Deal - The Big Interview with Graham Hunter | Acast Hosted on Acast.…
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