Effective collaboration brings great joy. How the heck does it happen? In Part 2 of their two-episode conversation, Lisa, Ted, and Stanford colleagues Matt Abrahams and Adam Tobin (of the “Improvisationally Speaking” course) dive into what makes for joyful collaboration. Matt and Adam talk about what works well for them (1:24) before Adam playfully reveals that he has actually “cheated” on Matt before (5:10). All four suggest the ability to trade roles helps greatly (7:10) before Ted and Lisa recount some of their early experiences teaching together (8:57). Adam mentions that it helps when no one needs to be an “alpha” (14:05) and Ted names how it helps when partners can tee each other up for success—or send up an SOS (19:07). Matt relays his one experience with an improv class (21:00) and Ted shares a story of how boundaries between colleagues can change (27:43). Matt asks about go-to methods for helping people get out of their own way (30:07) and Ted invites plugs for Matt’s “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast and Adam’s two children’s musical productions (35:55). Part One of the conversation started in the previous episode—you’re welcome to start here if you like but it might make more sense if you go there first! If there’s anything else in the episode that brings you particular joy—or raises a question—feel free to write us at [email protected]. To subscribe so you receive immediate notice of future Monster Baby releases, head over to: http://monsterbabypodcast.com. For more information on Matt Abraham’s work, check out the following links: * Matt’s communication consulting company: http://boldecho.com * Matt’s book, “Speaking Up Without Freaking Out”: nofreakingspeaking.com * The “Think Fast, Talk Smart” podcast: https://www.gsb.stanford.edu/insights/think-fast-talk-smart-podcast For more information on the Bay Area Children’s Theater that Adam mentions and for links to help support them, please visit: http://www.bactheatre.org/ and https://bactheatre.org/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=3   If you’re needing some inspiring Monster-Baby based words to get you through these tough times, order a copy of Ted’s Monster-Baby-inspired book, Playful Mindfulness remember you can order a copy from www.playfulmindfulness.info. (Ask nicely and Ted will surely sign it for you!)       San Francisco improvisors Ted DesMaisons and Lisa Rowland explore the beautiful, surprising and unruly intersections between mindfulness and improvisation as they seek to befriend that oft-hidden and sometimes scary part of all of us that can lead to a life well-lived.