This show is absolutely wonderful. It is so rare to find a show that focuses on the improv craft, and especially a show that teaches the craft with a combination of fun and tangible practical knowledge. The hosts have a lovely rapport. Their friendship and their love for improv makes this show a true joy. They are so funny, sincere, warm, smart, and full of practical improv wisdom. Listening to this show brightens my day, and gives me confidence through my improv journey. I hope you get to listen to this gem of a show and up your game of life and improv.

I love this show and I’m working through the back catalogue…..hoping it will return one day! (update) THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR COMING BACK! I’m kind of an easy crier (which works for and against me in improv since I also cry when I laugh) but….I think a tear came to my eye when the new episode dropped last week

Really great podcast and fantastic insights into the art of improvisation. It’s like having your own personal improv class!

I don’t. Instead of clearly covering the fundamentals they poorly explain random esoteric minutia. I feel like this a disease infecting most of improv education. I’m not sure if this disease evolved to extract money out of students or if it is a sign that teachers just really don’t understand the heart of improv well enough to explain it.

I really appreciated this podcast back catalog as a newer improviser — there are many episodes that deep dive into different aspects and techniques of this wonderful past time. However, four years in, despite an international backlash against white patriarchal supremacy (read: white guys in charge) in theaters all over (what’s up, IO!) nothing has changed on The Back Line. Every episode is still these Rob and Adam talking and reminding the rest of us they’ve somehow made a living doing and teaching improv. But there have few, if ever been guests on the show, discussion of class, race, and gender in improv, or acknowledging the shift in elevating diverse voices in sketch and improv. There is SO MUCH material and perspective to be gained from letting others step out and start the scene. Maybe this isn’t happening in Toronto or Second City. But it should.

Very enlightening to hear what it’s like to be an improv performer at a professional level!

I had the amazing good fortune to have Adam as a sub at 2nd City a few weeks ago, and I was so blown away by his innovative ideas and precision in analyzing scenes; his feedback was never glib or vague and his exercises completely broke “rules” and yet led to amazing scenes. He gave us tools and ideas without ever pushing students to copy his style of comedy. He cared about how to teach so that we actually learn and didn’t just repeat improv bromides. I bothered him after class to try to learn more about how he honed that analytical skill, and he mentioned he and Rob just so happen to have a podcast that’s all about learning improv. I’ve been tearing through episodes, and it’s just so thoughtful, seriously the best resource for people who truly love improv. I’ve been doing improv for 7 years and these two are the best teachers, and I am really grateful for the care they put into this podcast. I spent a lot of text above just praising Adam, but to be fair, since I can’t tell their voices apart, I consider it all wisdom from the one unified Wise Coach, “Radab.” I can’t wait to read Rob’s book!

Love the guests, sharing the actual details of professional improvisors, being positive and real. Keep up the great work!!👍🏻👍🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

as opposed to most improv themed pod casts, these guys really hit the concept of inch wide mile deep and actually stay on topic.

An Indispensable Resource to any Performing Artist

I can't say enough good things about this podcast. Not only are Rob and Adam extremely experienced improvisors with a vast knowledge about this art form, but they are genuinely kind and open minded individuals who really LOVE improv. Thier playful digs on eachother cause some serious lol moments for me. Thanks guys! Please keep up the good work.

Can't say enough good things about Adam and Rob. I take more bites per episode than I do in improv class. Every conversation is absolutely chock full of things worth writing down and remembering. Even bought Rob's book because of the show. Can't remember the last time a podcast inspired me to buy anything. If you're and improviser - this should be a weekly listen for you, no doubt.

Okay. For actual improv technique and the surrounding skills that improvisors should have, this is the best (and possibly only) resource of its kind. Why? First the topics they discuss is so useful and specific and granular and sadly, uncommon in podcasts : Object work, agreement, call outs, suggestions, hosting, persona - these guys cover lots of good stuff. Next, how they discuss it: They have a clear plan and a set of points they have already agreed to cover. Not two people riffing and pissing around about random nonsense nor is it unnecessary hippification. Very systematic and deliberate tips on stuff. Lastly, the kind of advice: It’s actionable and empowering. You can use many of their tips in your show tonight. It’s also very justified I.e they tell you WHY they recommend whatever they recommend. It’s also very specific – tons of examples. Straight up - if you are a *student* of long form improv technique, this is the absolute best podcast resource out there. I’ve heard every single improv podcast. This one addresses the actual method of improvising. Other podcasts interview improvisors about their careers and lives and/or riff on random things or do the BAT or endlessly do bits while talking over each other that no one outside the room may find valuable. This one gave me exactly what I was looking for –cold hard technique. Hits the spot yall - thanks.

This is great to podcast to help you take your improv to the next level. Unlike many improv podcast it is not just a bunch of interviews with improv greats, but instead get into the details of improv and make it entertains to boot.

Great podcast on the how-to's of improv. Entertaining and informative. I don’t speak Canadian but can understand Rob and Adam just fine. Have helped me immensely with my cool improv moves.

Loving the honest dialogue and pointed notes. Thanks, guys!

loved the podcast so much, I had to buy Rob's book!

Stumbled across this podcast about a month ago and have been really enjoying it. As someone from a small city with an even smaller improv scene (mostly shortform), it's great to have access to this resource for practical improv advice. The two hosts explain detailed improv theory in a way that even this dummy can understand. I wonder if they realize they're giving this away for free.