Marc Kaye calls himself a “restless creative”—a musician, writer, and comedian who loves to tell stories and make people laugh. He also, through his company, VitalConex, uses those skills to help develop the vital connections needed for focused, united teams and creative problem solving. Marc tells me how—and why—he took the leap into stand-up, how his comedy and his writing skills have influenced each other, and how he takes both of those, and his business partner’s therapy background, and creates programs to help teams create a sense of psychological safety that lets them do difficult work from a place of greater unity.
Episode breakdown:
00:00 Childhood creativity shapes lifelong passion for creation.
05:37 Piano, writing, science, marketing, stand-up comedy.
07:49 Email to Gary Goldman about Last Comic Standing.
11:48 Got hooked on comedy, performed sporadically. Kids grew.
15:32 Song critique circle provides valuable but diverse feedback.
18:26 Improving character portrayal in writing and comedy.
21:41 An exercise in making unexpected connections.
23:45 Comedy, improv, and creativity in storytelling.
27:23 Adults miss suspending belief in harmless ways.
31:03 Comedy clubs are a past entertainment trend.
34:24 Challenges with DEI initiatives and team building.
36:42 Avoiding the “consultant” label
40:33 Using humor to build real interpersonal connections.
43:12 Identifying strengths and weaknesses through team activity.
46:24 Human experience involves shared emotions and perspectives.
52:26 Humor is crucial in navigating change.
54:38 Finding humor in life is a superpower.
Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and connect with me and fellow creatives on Substack.
Please leave a review for this episode and in it, tell us about a time when humor made something easier for you. If you enjoyed our conversation, I hope you’ll share it with a friend.
Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews with guests in writing and theatre.
CPT #81: It's Okay Not to Finish
Replay: Uncovering Forgotten Histories with Rahna Reiko Rizzuto
Give Yourself Permission to Play
CPT #80: Choose Courage
Art and Commerce with Domenic Sciortino
CPT #79: Other People's Opinions
Celebrating Five Years of FYC with Nancy Norbeck
CPT #78: Lapsed Creativity
Finding Fulfillment in Writing with Raquel Drosos
CPT #77: Embrace Normal
The Crossroads of Conflict and Creativity with Alex Poppe
Replay: CPT #36: Start Where You Are
Writing, Memory, and Healing with Kerry Malawista
CPT #76: Recognize Your Creativity
Revision, Rejection, and Perseverance with Kevin Carey
CPT #75: Let Yourself Be Happy
The Transformative Power of Play with Tim J. Myers
CPT #74: Structure
CPT #73: Resolutions and Expectations
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
Navigating Life After 40
Teaching Learning Leading K-12
Regenerative Skills
The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast
The Mel Robbins Podcast