Description

What if play wasn’t just for kids but a lifelong superpower that fuels creativity, courage, and connection?

In this inspiring episode of Get Superpowered, I’m joined by Jonathan Pitts, an award-winning improv artist, producer, author, and teacher from the Second City in Chicago who has devoted his life to helping people re-discover creativity, courage, and connection through play. From the legendary Second City stage to coaching teams and leaders around the world, Jonathan has made it his life’s work to help people say yes to possibility.

Together we explore why play is far more than entertainment - it is, in Jonathan’s words, a divine right of being human. We unpack the history of improv, where social pioneers like Viola Spolin built games rooted in the belief that every time you play, you are transformed in some capacity. We dive into the iconic principle of ‘Yes, And’ and how the simple act of building on each other’s ideas creates chemistry, trust, and connection. And we talk about the deeper ingredients of play: openness, engagement, and listening.

Jonathan reminds us that play is not frivolous. It’s what keeps us learning, experimenting, and feeling alive. It teaches us to embrace ambiguity, to fail joyfully, and to co-create possibilities bigger than what we could imagine alone.

Key Takeaways:

• Play is open engagement - it’s how we connect, learn, and create together.
• ‘Yes, And’ is more than an improv comedy tool. It’s a mindset that builds trust, chemistry, and momentum.
• Failing joyfully reframes mistakes as fuel for growth, notreasons for shame.
• Openness, listening, and comfort with ambiguity are muscles we can strengthen through play.
• You don’t need permission to play—just start. Even a small playful act can shift your energy and unlock new possibilities.

Ready to rediscover your own spark of play? Hit play on thisconversation—and say yes to possibility.