Insights & inquiries for inspired learning
Monster Baby: A Curious Romp Through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation
Claim This Podcastby Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland
5.0(33 reviews)
102 episodes
Updated Weekly
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Podcast Overview
Insights & inquiries for inspired learning
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
6/20/2016
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Recent Episodes
January 1, 2026
Monster Baby Episode #109 A Story for Everything with Corey Rosen
<br /> What if storytelling isn’t about performance—but about helping meaning emerge?<br /> Monster Baby co-hosts Ted and Lisa welcome back dear friend, storyteller, and teacher Corey Rosen to discuss his new book, A Story for Everything. The trio starts the conversation by taking a brief review look at his first book, Your Story Well Told (1:24), before turning toward to the broader-range view of the new work (9:30). Rather than focusing on performance per se, the conversation explores how storytelling functions in everyday life: in teaching, parenting, feedback, ritual, and moments that rarely feel “story-worthy” at the time.<br /> Corey reflects on the chapter in his book that has taken on special meaning for him (16:01), sharing a personal story about his father and the origins of an approach to communication he calls the “circle method.” From there, the three move into practice, playing the Portkey game (23:45) a super-fun storytelling exercise that uses everyday objects as portals into memory. Together, they explore how small, specific moments carry unexpected weight, and how meaning emerges when we slow down and look more closely (35:05). The conversation then turns toward the question of message—how we move from insight to something shareable without forcing a moral or lesson (39:43).<br /> Corey notes how his understanding of his own book has shifted since its release and how the text has revealed itself as a practical tool and not just a reference text (50:45). Ted, Lisa, and Corey reflect on listening as a mindfulness practice (53:59), considering what it means to offer genuine attention and how being heard can deepen understanding on both sides of a conversation. A related exercise—“The Rant” (58:28)—reveals how complaints often point toward unspoken values, inviting curiosity rather than judgment.<br /> The three friends next turn toward the contemporary question of AI and storytelling (1:05:17). Corey shares a grounded, optimistic perspective on where these tools can support creativity and where they fall short.<br /> If you’re jazzed about Corey’s work, make sure to visit his website, yourstorywelltold.com where you can find his book, story starter kits, great prompts for storytelling, and a whole lot more. If you’re in the Bay Area and want to see him and hear other great storytellers live, check out The Freight in Berkeley on the 1st Wednesday of each month or the Lark Theater in Larkspur on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Corey also leads stories at BATS Improv in San Francisco from time to time as well—check the schedule there at <a href="http://www.improv.org/">www.improv.org</a>.<br /> As always, we so appreciate your listening in. If you’re inspired by what you hear and would like to share a response, you can reach Ted and Lisa at info@monsterbabypodcast.com, or leave a review on your favorite podcast platform.<br /> To subscribe and receive updates on future Monster Baby episodes, visit <a href="http://monsterbabypodcast.com/">http://monsterbabypodcast.com</a><br /> If you want a great mindfulness and improv read for the new year—based on this podcast itself!—visit <a href="http://www.playfulmindfulness.info/">www.playfulmindfulness.info</a> to pick up a copy of Ted’s book Playful Mindfulness: a joyful journey to everyday confidence, calm, and connection.<br /> Thanks again, and Happy New Year!<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.<br /> <br /> <br />
December 18, 2025
Monster Baby #108 Saying Yes to Shanghai — Saying Maybe to AI
<br /> What do we gain, and what do we lose, when we say yes?<br /> After a long Monster Baby stretch apart, Ted and Lisa begin by catching up and acknowledging the recent loss of two dear Podcats (2:46). Ted then shares the story of his move to Shanghai (6:09), describing how an improvisor’s mindset helps him navigate a new culture, unexpected opportunities, and the energy of a megacity.<br /> The conversation turns toward the intense pressures facing Chinese families and students (19:51), including the Gaokao exam system, and the ways those pressures force us to rethink how young people learn and grow. Lisa adds parallel observations about young adults in the U.S. and the challenges they face stepping into adulthood (26:02).<br /> Lisa takes an impassioned and clear stance on the risks and unease she feels around AI (28:25). Ted responds with nuance (35:21), offering examples where AI can support communication without replacing human presence. The two explore questions of authenticity and how technology can distort or erode our sense of what’s real (41:21).<br /> From there, they follow the thread into accepting chaos and working with reality as it is (44:58), and touch briefly on the spectrum of how we use technology to adjust or enhance ourselves (47:28). Ted shares how AI has sometimes helped him carry emotional weight in difficult conversations (48:51), leading into a discussion of what it means to build a mindful, intentional relationship with these tools (56:19).<br /> Near the close, Lisa returns to the importance of being physically present with one another (1:03:48), and the episode wraps with their outro and a warm sign-off (1:08:52).<br /> As always, we so appreciate your listening in. If you’re inspired by what you hear and you’d like to let us know about it, please send a note to Ted and Lisa at <a href="mailto:info@monsterbabypodast.com.">info@monsterbabypodast.com.</a> Or let others know about by leaving a quick review on your favorite podcast platform.<br /> To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: <a href="http://monsterbabypodcast.com/">http://monsterbabypodcast.com</a>.<br /> <br /> If you’d like a bit of Monster-Baby-inspired holiday shopping, visit <a href="http://www.playfulmindfulness.info/">www.playfulmindfulness.info</a> to pick up a copy of Ted’s book Playful Mindfulness: a joyful journey to everyday confidence, calm, and connection.(Ted will surely sign it for you if you like!)<br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.<br /> <br /> <br />
May 10, 2024
Monster Baby #107 Getting Engaged
<p>What does it mean to be engaged? Big news from Monster Baby land: Lisa got engaged! For Episode, #107 she and Ted take the opportunity to explore just what that means—both in a marital sense and in an improv and mindfulness sense. They start by playfully acknowledging some technical difficulties (2:03) before Lisa tells the <a class="more-link" href="https://animalearning.com/monster-baby-107-getting-engaged/">[more…]</a></p> <p>The post <a rel="nofollow" href="https://animalearning.com/monster-baby-107-getting-engaged/">Monster Baby #107 Getting Engaged</a> appeared first on <a rel="nofollow" href="https://animalearning.com">Anima Learning</a>.</p>
102 total episodes available
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- What is Monster Baby: A Curious Romp Through the Worlds of Mindfulness and Improvisation?
- How often does this podcast release new episodes?
This podcast updates weekly.
- Where can I listen to this podcast?
This podcast is available on 10 platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. You can also use the RSS feed directly.
- Does this podcast accept guests?
No, this podcast does not typically feature guests.
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