This episode brings together performers, educators and a neuropsychologist to explore how improvisational theatre (“improv”) can support healthy aging. Drawing on experiences across comedy, performance and research, the speakers highlight how improv may help reduce depression and anxiety, which are key risk factors for dementia.

Alongside co-hosts Jay Ingram and Dr. Allison Sekuler, guests Tim Paul, Romy Teperson, Robert E. Daniel and Dr. Kristin Krueger (Rush University Medical Center, Cook County Health) share how improv promotes social connection, physical movement and cognitive engagement.

From training to community programs, the conversation underscores how humour, creativity and practice can build confidence, resilience and well-being, making improv a powerful and accessible tool for enhancing quality of life across the lifespan.

Tune in at defydementia.org, or wherever you get your podcasts.

  • Improv has been associated with reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety. Depression is a risk factor for dementia.

  • Improv engages important lifestyle factors, including social connection, movement, and cognitive activity.

  • Improv can be adapted for anyone.

  • Improv may benefit you - look for a class in your community or online.

  • Caregivers, investigate improv as a way of communicating with a person living with dementia.

Tim Paul

Improv teacher, director and performer since 2010, with Second City and Annoyance Theatre credits across Chicago and beyond. Appeared on stage and screen, and currently studies psychology with a focus on applied improvisation, autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and combined autism and ADHD.

Romy Teperson

Actor and writer trained at Harvard, Yale and Juilliard, currently completing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts. An experienced improviser and sketch comedian with major program training, she has worked across television, film and comedy writing environments.

Robert E. Daniel

Founder and Chief Comedy Officer of Standups & Startups, helping leaders communicate with confidence through comedy and improv. A trained performer and Master of Business Administration graduate, he leads workshops, produces shows and created the Pitches Get Stitches® framework.

Dr. Kristin Krueger

Board-certified neuropsychologist at Rush University Medical Center and Cook County Health, specializing in aging, researching depression, cognition and improv’s impact on brain health. She leads community-based improv programs for older adults and co-founded the Global Research Initiative for the study of Theatrical Improv (GRITI) to advance global research in theatrical improvisation and well-being.

Previous Episode
Ep. 37: When Blood Meets Brain