In this episode of The Secret Improv Podcast, Kristian and Goose crack open one of the most vulnerable questions in the craft: what actually scares improvisers on stage? From the fear of silence to the terror of tanking a scene, they dive into the psychology behind performance anxiety, the difference between “bad nerves” and “good adrenaline,” and why those scary moments are often the most transformative.
With over 50 years of combined improv experience, these two seasoned performers get real about bombing in front of crowds, trusting scene partners, and the haunting feeling of “going blank.” But it’s not just a therapy session — it’s a celebration of the risks that make improv worth doing.
Expect honest stories, a few self-roasts, and an improvised exploration of fear as fuel.
🌀 Topics in this episode:
Why silence is scarier than heckling
The ego trap of “needing to be funny”
That moment when your brain goes totally blank
Learning to stay present even when panicking
Why failure is a feature, not a bug, in improv
🎭 Whether you’re a performer, a student, or just love the art of making it up as you go, this episode offers insight, laughs, and maybe even a little catharsis.
