In this episode we discuss the transformative power of saying "Yes, and..." with improv expert Jeff Ash. Join us as we learn how improvisational skills can cultivate human connection, encourage self-discovery, and enhance professional and personal interactions.

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Jeff Ash is an improv performer, theater owner, and professional speaker with over 25 years of experience in improvisation. As the owner of Westside Improv in Wheaton, Illinois, Jeff has spent the past 10 years developing performers and bringing improv to Chicago's western suburbs.

Jeff has extensive experience applying improv principles in corporate settings, conducting training sessions, and speaking on the instrumental techniques of improvisation to positively influence behavior, enhance team dynamics, and improve both personal and professional relationships.

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Find out more about Jeff’s work and the world of improv comedy at Westside Improv (westsideimprov.com)

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Unrealistic expectations and the pursuit of perfection can lead to extra stress and shame in our lives. In this episode, we explore how comparing ourselves with others can set us up for feeling like a failure. What if we let go of the need to win and instead embraced vulnerability and a values-based approach to success? Join us as we explore the benefits of authenticity over perfection.

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We’d love to hear from you! Check out our website www.withuprojects.com, or email us at withupodcast@gmail.com

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

We end up on some of life's paths by choice, and some not so much. We find that we need extra motivation and equipment for the uphill battles or daunting tasks. Whatever path you're on, we hope that after spending some time with us you'll feel less alone and believe you've got what it takes to see it through.

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produced by Zach Van Dyke

Do you see play as frivolous, extra, or even a waste of time? In this episode, we explore how play is not just for children. As adults, we need it for brain growth, creativity, relational health, and stress relief. We have so much to gain from play, and yet it can be the first thing to go when life gets busy. Join us today as we discover new ways to seek playfulness and fun.

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“Play: How it shapes the brain, opens the imagination, and invigorates the soul” by Stuart Brown and Christopher Vaughan

***Proyer, R. T., Gander, F., Bertenshaw, E. J., & Brauer, K. (2018). The positive relationships of playfulness with indicators of health, activity, and physical fitness. Frontiers in psychology, 9, 1440.

***Brauer, K., Stumpf, H. S. C., & Proyer, R. T. (2024). Playfulness in middle-and older age: Testing associations with life satisfaction, character strengths, and flourishing. Aging & Mental Health, 1-10.

***Tandler, N., Schilling-Friedemann, S., Frazier, L. D., Sendatzki, R., & Proyer, R. T. (2024). New insights into the contributions of playfulness to dealing with stress at work: Correlates of self-and peer-rated playfulness and coping strategies. New Ideas in Psychology, 75, 101109.

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produced by Zach Van Dyke

Coming fresh from supporting the birth of our first grandchild, we dive deep into the topic of physical and emotional pain, and explore how it serves a purpose in our lives and relationships. Using personal stories and professional experiences, we highlight the difference between pain and suffering, explore the role of support and connection in reducing pain's impact, and stress the value of facing pain with understanding to encourage growth.

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Feedback of questions? Please email us at withupodcast@gmail.com

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Gone but not forgotten are the million people who died during the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. During our visit to this beautiful country, we heard stories from almost everyone we met about how the events of their past still affect their lives today. Our guest, John Bosco Rumanzi, shares his story of being born as a refugee in Uganda and what it was like to come back to his country and learn about family members he would never meet. He tells us what he’s learned about the power of human dignity, cooperation, and hope.

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Check out the video of this podcast at the With U Podcast YouTube channel

Find extra photos of people & places mentioned in this episode at Withupodcast.com

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We’d like to introduce you to the projects and people we visited through the links below. Each of these organizations, people, or ministries is doing amazing and transformative work. Please look through the links, read the stories, and if you’re as inspired by them as we are, consider sending a donation that will make a big difference.

• John Bosco Rumanzi, Navigators Rwanda

• Emmanuel Ndolimana, Africa Bora Ministries

• Pascal Ndagijimana, Humura Mission Agency

• Jamie Boiles, Belay Global

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produced by Zach Van Dyke

Sometimes you need to just push way outside what’s normal in your life. We’ve gotten pretty comfortable traveling, but a recent trip to Africa really stretched and challenged us. We made mistakes (hello, visa expediting fee!), met amazing people, and ate stuff we will probably never eat again. Tara resurrected her fear of baboons, David learned to push a truck out of the mud with a leopard lurking nearby, and we both ended each day grateful to be in it together.

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Check out the video of this podcast at the With U Podcast YouTube channel

Find extra photos of people & places mentioned in this episode at Withupodcast.com

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The people of Kenya are even more amazing than the beautiful landscapes and wild adventures we had. We’d like to introduce you to the projects we visited through the links below. Each of these organizations, people, or ministries is doing work we really believe in. We’ve seen them, eaten meals with them, talked to them, heard their struggles, and caught their vision for bringing hope and change to their country. It’s incredible how even the gift of hygienic products or a goat or skill training can radically change a life and a community. Please look through the links, read the stories, and if you’re as inspired by them as we are, consider sending a donation that will make a big difference.

• Malooi Demonstration Farm, Kioko Mwangangi > Donate Here

• Oasis Africa, Gladys Mwiti > Donate Here

• Hope for Life Kenya, Josephine Kiarii > Donate Here

• Maasai Transformation Project, Saruni Lemargeroi

• Dignity 4 Girls, Sandi Helm > Donate Here

• Second Chance Education Center, Kiplagat Misik > Donate Here

• Youth Love, Max Njuguna > Donate Here

And, a shout-out to our wonderful driver, George Mutabari, who got us safely everywhere we needed to go. We’re not sure if he has a website, but if you ever take a trip to Kenya, you’d be in good hands with George at the wheel.

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Produced by Zach Van Dyke

Join David & Tara as they talk about building the video podcast studio with an epic trip to IKEA. David learns to enjoy vegetarian meatballs and Tara puts the kibosh on setting a world record of living in the display rooms.