The Improv Therapist Podcast
The *Improv Therapist* podcast blends the world of improv with personal growth and mental health, using humor and spontaneity to explore everyday challenges. Hosted by Juda Alcabes LCSW, the show covers a range of topics, from dealing with overthinking to navigating the impact of AI on mental health. The tone is light and breezy, making complex issues feel accessible, while offering practical insights through personal stories, guest interviews, and improv techniques. It’s a place where self-improvement meets creative play, encouraging listeners to trust their instincts and simplify their minds. To help support this project go to https://www.buymeacoffee.com/Theimprovtherapist Thanks!
Episodes
Monday Oct 07, 2024
10 | Special Kids Story Episode! - 'My Most Boring Year'
Monday Oct 07, 2024
Monday Oct 07, 2024
This episode is just for kids! It is a full length audio story about the challenges of being a kid with "too much" energy. I partnered with @inkrediblekids podcast to make a story with a mental health message. Enjoy!
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
9 | Special Guest - Angelica Zadak
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Sunday Sep 08, 2024
Today’s special guest is Angelica Zadak, co-founder of "This Is Improv," a South Florida improv company she runs with her sister Alexandra. Known for her high-energy style, Angelica creates fun, interactive experiences that help people develop communication skills, boost confidence, and spark creativity.
Angelica isn’t just an improv pro—she’s also my teacher. I randomly walked into her class in Davie, FL, and it changed my life. Her approach to improv has helped me connect, trust my instincts, and grow in ways I never expected. Let’s chat with Angelica about all things improv and its incredible impact!
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
8 | Can AI be a therapist?
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
Sunday Aug 18, 2024
In this episode, I dive into my recent adventure of asking AI for mental health advice. Spoiler alert: it was...interesting! We explore the quirky, unexpected, and sometimes hilarious outcomes, all while pondering what this means for the future of mental health care. Is AI ready to take over your therapist's couch, or should it stick to recommending cat videos? Tune in for a lighthearted chat on where tech meets therapy!
Monday Aug 05, 2024
7 | Live from the Willowemoc River
Monday Aug 05, 2024
Monday Aug 05, 2024
When did you learn to follow your instincts? (did you ever?). In this episode, I go back to a river that I used to play in when I was a kid. We talk about following your instincts and learning new things. I sat down in this river that I know very well.
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
6 | Special Guest - Tennis Coach Mary Dailey
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
Sunday Jul 21, 2024
We talk with Legendary Tennis coach Mary Dailey about life, learning, and teaching. Mary and I met randomly 3 years back and she has taught me how to play tennis but more, how to calm down.
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
5 | The Good Kind of Anxiety
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Sunday Jul 14, 2024
Is there good anxiety and bad anxiety? How do we know the difference? We talk about irrational anxiety vs. existential anxiety.
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
4 | The COVID Hangover
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
Sunday Jul 07, 2024
The fascinating history of support groups in America and how we've become accustomed to isolation after COVID. How our current society views groups gatherings. Historical data on The Washingtonians referenced from 'Slaying the Dragon: The history of Addiction in America.'
Friday Jun 28, 2024
3 | Special Guest - The Black Sheep Therapist
Friday Jun 28, 2024
Friday Jun 28, 2024
We talk with special guest Dr. Tina Vitolo (the black sheep therapist) about overcoming negative self views. Dr. Tina and I met when we started a doctorate program at FAU where we shared many moments of doubt and triumph. We carry so many of our childhood beliefs about school into our adult lives. It's tough to let them go! Dr. Tina can be found on instagram @the_black_sheeptherapist,
THE POD
"The Improv Therapist Podcast" by Juda Alcabes is a unique blend of mental health insights and improv comedy. Juda, a therapist with a background in improv, uses his expertise to explore various psychological topics in an engaging and accessible way. Each episode often features a mix of therapeutic discussions, improv exercises, and candid conversations with guests, creating a light-hearted yet deeply insightful experience. The podcast is designed to help listeners better understand themselves and others while embracing the spontaneity and creativity that improv brings. It's a refreshing take on therapy that combines humor with valuable mental health advice.