loha! Todd Kramer and Jay Reum welcome Mark Beltzman, an OG improviser with over 40 years of experience on stage and screen, joining the boys from his sofa in paradise — Hawaii.
Mark's career has been shaped by a deep commitment to improvisation, presence, and what he calls the art of "allowing" — not just in acting, but in life. In this wide-ranging and reflective conversation, he shares stories from decades in the craft, insights earned the hard way, and a philosophy that cuts through technique and lands squarely in truth.
Together, Todd, Jay, and Mark explore improvisation as more than a skillset — as a mindset, a discipline, and a way of meeting the unknown without force or fear. The result is a thoughtful, often funny, and quietly profound discussion about trust, timing, and staying open — both onstage and off.
This episode is part acting conversation, part life lesson, and a reminder that sometimes the deepest work comes from learning when to stop pushing and start listening.
00:00 – Aloha greetings & introducing Mark Beltzman
03:40 – Forty years in improvisation
08:30 – Early influences and discovering improv
13:50 – What "allowing" really means
19:10 – Improvisation as a life practice
24:40 – Letting go of control onstage
30:10 – Presence, listening, and trust
35:50 – Mistakes, freedom, and play
41:20 – Teaching, learning, and staying curious
46:50 – Acting technique vs lived experience
52:30 – Life lessons earned through improv
58:10 – Why Hawaii became home
01:03:40 – Slowing down without stopping
01:09:10 – Advice for actors forcing outcomes
01:14:30 – Final reflections & wrap-up
Have you experienced a moment in acting — or life — where letting go changed everything? How do you practice presence and trust in your work? Drop a comment and let's talk about allowing, listening, and staying open.
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