Empowering Military Veterans with Healing and Resilience through Applied Improv with BJ Lange

Improvly Speaking

Special guest BJ Lange shares how he supports military veterans by leading applied improv workshops and helping them learn important resilience skills as they navigate back into civilian life. BJ Lange is an actor (The Prank Panel, General Hospital, The Rookie), retired USAF Reserve medic, two-time testicular cancer survivor, and an alumni of iO West & Upright Citizens Brigade. He's also a teaching artist at The Geffen Playhouse and the applied improv comedy coach for the Air Force Wounded Warrior (AFW2) Program as part of the resiliency programs.
During his applied improv workshops, BJ helps veterans and their caregivers learn listening and communication skills, problem solving skills, and thinking outside the box, just to name a few benefits. He also allows them the opportunity to be present in the moment, have fun, and forget about their problems and struggles for at least their time in the workshop.
BJ joined the Air Force Reserve at age 35 because he wanted to serve his country, and it was always something he wanted to do. Service is a big core value for him. He says that helping others helps him to heal as well.
BJ's energy, humor, and love of life is contagious. He calls himself a big goofball, and he even shares some stories of when he was an extreme goofball, which got him into trouble. He has had so many ups and downs, but he continues to show up and serve the military and veteran community, improv community, and everyone around him. His story and journey is incredibly inspiring!
You can find out more about BJ here:

• Linktree - https://linktr.ee/bjlange
• BJ's Birthday Roast - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qBxOvzr_ldw
• Tower of Hope Gala Speech - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cVvSd6SW1Go
• In May 2023, BJ hosted Fleet Week in LA. Check out their IG page to see some of BJ's interviews at this event - @lafleetweek - https://www.instagram.com/lafleetweek

Other improv resources mentioned in this episode:

• Clay Drinko's Blog - https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/play-your-way-sane
• Shoutout to Viola Spolin - https://www.violaspolin.org/
• Improv and Sports Article that BJ mentioned - https://chapelboro.com/sports/improv-and-sports-unc-womens-lacrosse-program-forging-unlikely-partnership

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