All Improv, All In with Brian James O'Connell

Explicit content warning

07/20/24 • 121 min

Brian James O'Connell (or BOC as most people call him), is a working actor, writer, director, filmmaker and teacher based in Los Angeles. As a regular performer, coach and teacher, Brian derives most of his approach to improv from The Deconstruction, which we certainly discuss in this episode. He also offers "All Improv" deep-dive workshops across the country for improvisers looking to improve their skills and craft.
When BOC saw his first improv show 20 years ago, he immediately loved it, and he jumped all in to learn more about the art form. In this episode, BOC shares about his 20-year improv journey, how improv has given him so much in his career and life, and why he wants to give back and help the next generation of improvisers and instructors. He also shares some of his philosophies about improv and becoming a better improviser.
BOC has an amazing memory and recall ability, which is quite evident throughout this episode. BOC goes all in and shares some fun memories, stories, movies, and even scenes from improv shows 20 years ago. It's very impressive!
If you know BOC, you know he goes all in for everything he does — including improv and including this episode! Go all in and give this episode a listen! You will be inspired and motivated to keep going in your own improv, speaking, or creative outlet journey!
You can find out more about Brian James O'Connell (BOC) here:

Website - itsboc.com
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@therealbrianjamesoconnell
IG - @b3oc - https://www.instagram.com/b3oc
Twitter/X - @b3oc - https://twitter.com/b3OC
Dr God Comedy - https://www.drgodcomedy.com/

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Your message might just get a shoutout in another episode!

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Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/
Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list
Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/
WhatsApp Group - Reach out to Dayna for the link! :)

Website - itsboc.com
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@therealbrianjamesoconnell
IG - @b3oc - https://www.instagram.com/b3oc
Twitter/X - @b3oc - https://twitter.com/b3OC
Dr God Comedy - https://www.drgodcomedy.com/

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Your message might just get a shoutout in another episode!

-------------------------------------------------
Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/
Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list
Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/
WhatsApp Group - Reach out to Dayna for the link! :)

Previous Episode

Putting Yourself Out There and Making Discoveries On Stage with Amanda Bonar

Amanda Bonar is an improv and sketch comedian based in Los Angeles. You can find her performing in the Sober Show and Do the Dumb shows at UCB, as well as other shows at the Clubhouse in LA.
Amanda shares her improv journey and how she fell in love with improv around age 10 when her parents took her to a family-friendly improv show. She performed on her high school and college improv teams, and she has been doing some form of improv for almost 20 years now! (That's amazing!)
In this episode, Amanda and Dayna get vulnerable and discuss the ups and downs of trying to improve as a performer. Amanda gives some great tips and advice on reframing our mindsets and managing expectations as beginners and even experienced performers. Amanda also shares about her sobriety and how The Sober Show at UCB got started last year.
We also discuss nerves and how nerves affect us before shows and during shows. Nerves are normal and may never go away, but there are ways to manage your nerves so that once you hit the stage, you start your performance confidently.
You'll definitely want to listen to hear all the crazy and wacky things that Amanda's team Dick Cannon has done on stage for the Do the Dumb Shows, thus making some fun and very interesting discoveries! :)
You can find out more about Amanda here:

https://ucbcomedy.com/people/amanda-bonar/
IG - @amandabonar - https://www.instagram.com/amandabonar/
IG - @the_sober_show - https://www.instagram.com/the_sober_show/
IG - @dickcannonimprov - https://www.instagram.com/dickcannonimprov/

Loved the episode? Now you can send a text message with your thoughts and comments! Your message might just get a shoutout in another episode!

-------------------------------------------------
Want to learn more about Improvly Speaking? Here are all the ways to get in touch:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/improvlyspeaking/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daynagowan/
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/
Join the Mailing List - https://www.improvlyspeaking.com/mailing-list
Pod Mom Gear: https://improvlyspeaking.threadless.com/
WhatsApp Group - Reach out to Dayna for the link! :)

Next Episode

The Power of Playback Theatre to Bring People Together with Ferran Luengo

Ferran Luengo is a Spanish actor, improviser and applied theatre facilitator based in London. He has his postgraduate on theatre in education and Applied theatre master degree.

Ferran is passionate about playback theatre, a community oriented improv art form that he has been practicing since 2013. He’s brought playback theatre workshops around several continents and he has served as the Secretary of the International Playback Theatre Network.

In this episode, we dive into what Playback Theater is, how the performances are led and conducted, and how it can bring communities together and spark social change. Ferran shares examples of some of his memorable Playback Theatre performances and discusses the healing and cathartic nature of playback Playback Theatre, and Applied Theatre and Arts in general.

We also talk about Improv Camp, applied theatre, public speaking, and so much more. Give this episode a listen to get inspired by the healing power of the arts and all it can do for us!

You can find out more about Ferran here: