Conversations for Change with Becky Mundt
The Power of Yes, And | Changing the Conversation, Changing What's Possible
With Taryn van Schalkwyk
About this episode
What if two simple words could change the way we communicate, the way we see ourselves, and even the possibilities we create together?
In this episode of Conversations for Change, Becky welcomes Taryn van Schalkwyk back for a fascinating exploration of “Yes, And”—a foundational principle of improvisational theater that offers a surprisingly powerful approach to everyday life.
In improv, “Yes, And” means accepting what another person brings to the scene and building upon it rather than shutting it down. But as Taryn explains, this practice reaches far beyond the stage.
What happens when we replace our habitual “No, but” with curiosity? When we listen to understand rather than respond? When we make room for someone else's perspective without needing to agree with everything they believe?
Drawing on her experience as an improv performer, workshop facilitator, and director, Taryn shares practical exercises that help people rediscover their creativity, embrace imperfection, and become more comfortable with the unexpected—including the wonderfully liberating practice of doing a failure dance!
Together, Becky and Taryn explore how the same principles can transform our relationships with children, our conversations with others, and perhaps most importantly, the conversations we have with ourselves.
As their discussion unfolds, it becomes an exploration of something even deeper: how we release the need for control, reconnect with our natural capacity for joy, and learn to approach life's uncertainties with greater openness and trust.
And what might become possible if we brought that same spirit of curiosity, acceptance, and cooperation into our communities and the wider world?
Because changing the conversation isn't just about finding better words.
It's about creating the space for something new to emerge.
Topics covered
- The power of “Yes, And” in improv and everyday life
- Moving from defensiveness to curiosity
- Listening without judgment
- The difference between acceptance and agreement
- Letting go of perfectionism and the fear of failure
- The liberating practice of the failure dance
- Parenting, children, and honoring individuality
- Reconnecting with childlike joy and creativity
- Self-awareness and the conversations we have with ourselves
- Releasing control and embracing uncertainty
- Finding inner peace in a chaotic world
- Transforming relationships through conscious communication
- Creating cooperation, connection, and new possibilities
Resources mentioned
For more information on Keith Johnstone, pioneer and founder of modern improvisational theatre, please visit this link:
https://www.keithjohnstone.com/