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.
Creative Pep Talk #7: Protecting Your Creativity
Creative Problem Solving with Trudy Cunningham
Creative Pep Talk #6: You Matter
You Are Not Your Work with Kimberly Stuart
Creative Pep Talk #5: Being "Ready"
Forensic Accounting with Lynda Schwartz
Creative Pep Talk #4: Pay Attention
Knowing Your Strengths with Tosca Lee
Come Hang Out with Me on Sunday!
Creative Pep Talk #3: Perfectionism
You Don't Need to Know Everything with Lisa Townsend
Creative Pep Talk #2: Permission
The Unexpected Path to Opera with Dale Travis
Creative Pep Talk #1: Who's Creative?
Talking to God with John Roedel
Talent vs. Preparation with Richard Oliver
"Writing Saved Me" with Nancy Springer
Changing Lives on Stage with Lisa Houston
Replay: Happily Homeless with Alison Miller
Replay: Happy Accidents with Anthony Wilson
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