A message from Koppett

This was a year of adventures big and small. Koppett took our show on the road more than ever before, filming our online course Leading with Improvisation in Iceland and launching our global learning experiences with live courses in Singapore, Vancouver, and Brussels. A partnership with Ampersand Future was born, and the 3rd edition of Training to Imagine was published. While back home, our performance company, The Mop and Bucket Company celebrated its 30th anniversary.

We often quote improv guru Keith Johnstone “There are people who prefer to say 'yes' and there are people who prefer to say 'no'. Those who say 'yes' are rewarded by the adventures they have. Those who say 'no' are rewarded by the safety they attain.”

In the current post pandemic world, it can be frightening, and even out of reach, to say “yes.” Safety is oftentimes precisely what is needed. And, we find ourselves asking, when are we choosing habitual comfort at the expense of an opportunity for adventure?

This year, we hope to broaden the definition of adventure and the opportunities that saying “yes” can bring. Maybe it is taking the different route home from the store, speaking up when you would normally let something pass, playing the game with a kid in your life one more time (even though you’re tired), or having a conversation with a colleague you haven’t had a chance to connect with.

We always wish you and yours the safety and comfort they desire and deserve, and this year, we offer a call to you to say yes to adventure, however that may appear. Take the leap of faith and trust in where simply doing the next thing may lead you.

With that, here are some of the things that have been giving us comfort and excitement this year:

Funny Things

Comedy Wildlife Awards

Storytelling and Stand-Up: Josh Johnson

In the world of stand-up comedy, a space often saturated with frenetic and uncaring energy, we love to see comedians like **Josh Johnson** gain notoriety and success. He brings timely, consistent, and of course, hilarious comedy across many platforms, most recently as a regular host of The Daily Show. We love the way he holds space and slowly builds each story, expertly weaving themes to delightful and enlightened effect.

Wait Wait, Don’t Listen to Me

You may not have heard, but Paula Poundstone has a podcast! And, at least some people listen. If you loved her on Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me and are a fan of banter with a dash of friendly ribbing, we suggest you become a nobody and start listening today.

Also, our own Kat Koppett is featured here.

Readable Things

Fluke - Brian Klaas explores how tiny, random moments shape everything—our choices, our paths, our whole sense of meaning. It’s the kind of book that makes you look at your own story with fresh curiosity and gratitude, and will make you question your assumptions about cause and effect.

Parasol Against the Axe - The less revealed the better for Helen Oyeyemi’s twisted tale. The setting, Prague, becomes more than a place, as a story of acquaintances blurs the lines between past and present, reality and fantasy. A dizzying ride in the best of ways!

Anthony Horowitz - Smart, funny, and joyfully meta. Horowitz writes himself in as the slightly beleaguered sidekick to a brilliant, enigmatic detective, and the whole thing becomes a playful wink at how stories get made. Utterly satisfying.

The Serviceberry - In this slim, but powerful volume, Robin Wall Kimmerer explores reciprocity and abundance that exists in the natural world and is woven into Indigenous worldviews. It is a push against the assumption that we live in a world of scarcity, and competition need be the way we engage. A grounding and necessary read.

Watchable Things

We did not expect to care about Formula 1, but now we’re fully invested. With four seasons in the can and more coming, a great holiday binge documentary: compelling characters, high-stakes teamwork, and split-second choices. All the split-second drama of improv, plus lots of money and live-or-die stakes!

One Novelist vs…Everyone

Sort of like a mash-up of great Sci-Fi classics like “Invasion of the Body Snatchers” and “Brave New World” but processed through the genius mind of Vince Gilligan, this is the show for you if you’re into surprises, great characters and philosophizing with friends. No friends to philosophize with? Check out Kat’s sister-in-law, Karen’s great Pluribus podcast!

Naked Gun Has Something for Everyone*

*Which means, there is a content warning on this film: be prepared for some crude, sophomoric humor. So why did it still make our list? For fans of the original Naked Gun series, Liam Neeson is a perfect successor to Leslie Nielsen, there are Easter Eggs abound, a gag a minute pacing, and plenty of quotable moments to add to your lexicon. Some of our favorites include:

Frank Drebin Jr. : I guess you really can’t fight City Hall, huh?

Ed Hocken Jr. : No, it’s a building.

Richard Cane: Miss Spaghetti, may I speak freely?

Beth Davenport: I’d prefer English.

Beth Davenport: That’s quite a view you have.

Frank Drebin Jr. : You know, I’ve been drawn to the hills ever since I moved here for college.

Beth Davenport: UCLA?

Frank Drebin Jr. : I see it every day. I live here.

Equal Parts Sweetness and Sting

We were lucky enough to travel a decent amount this year, and that means catching in-flight-movies and finding gems that we missed. Released in 2019, Honeyland explores the relationship between humans and their environment in ways that are still, if not more, relevant in 2025. You will fall in love with our unlikely heroine, Hatidze Muratova, a beekeeper making her way in a remote village in North Macedonia.

Good Things

Listenable Things

There is a reason ***Maybe Happy Ending*** (a powerful love story that explores mortality) swept the Tony Awards this year. You don’t have to have seen this live to appreciate the sense of space and character the recording offers. Combing jazz, classic, and contemporary musical theater styles, you will be hard pressed to not have one of these delightful songs on loop in your head.

Micaela Blei - We get to partner with some brilliant people, but none are quite like the incomparable storytelling expert Micaela Blei. Her exclusive audiobook offers a candid, deeply human, and deeply funny snapshot into a chapter of young womanhood that will have you feeling…well…everything!

Circle Round - Geared towards kids, but delightful for all ages, Circle Round tells stories across cultures and time with special guests and a rotating stable of talented and engaging performers. They even have live events from time to time, so keep an eye out for when you can circle around in person.

Giftable Things

Leading With Improvisation

Monikers

Dropout

Leading With Improvisation - One of the business leaders we had the honor of interviewing as part of our Iceland journey filming Leading with Improvisation is co-owner of 66°North, Bjarney Harðardóttir. Hundreds of years old, originally creating the clothes that were the difference between life and death for Icelandic fisherman, 66°North now holds the same ideals of sustainability and quality for all outdoor adventures, and daily activities. If you are looking for top quality in the world, check out their myriad offerings.

Monikers - Looking for a game that is somewhat like charades, but way more fun? Try Monikers! This timed collaborative guessing, and memory, game offers different challenges each round for your group of words. With random pop-culture references and non-sensical phrases, you will be laughing and cheering as you try to beat the clock. (Bonus points if you choose to go for the last round which is giving clues only using your face 🤪)

Dropout - Dropout (formerly CollegeHumor) is a subscription video streaming platform filled with original shows. We are partial to the focus on improvisation and the way they platform improvisors. And,

they make gifting a subscription easy. Our favorite show is Very Important People, where extreme special effects makeup, character work, and the expert interview format combine into a delightful, and often times unhinged, interview.

The Leo Lionni Treasury

Connection Cards

Mopco Gift Cards

The Leo Lionni Treasury -

Whether you are already a fan of Leo Linonni’s work, or have yet had a reason to experience their children’s books, we highly recommend adding this collection to your library.

Our very favorite story Frederick,

follows a family of field mice preparing for winter. While the others gather food, Frederick sits quietly. “Why aren’t you working, Frederick?” the other mice say. “I am working,” he says. The mice are resentful, but when the supplies run low in the cold months, Frederick shares the images and poetry he’s stored, comforting the mice and lifting their spirits, helping them endure the hard season. A timely, and timeless message.

Connection Cards - Our Connection Cards: Kickstarters for Networking make a great gift for anyone you know who works with a team, manages networking events, or interacts with groups of people regularly. Filled with conversation starters and individual challenges, this deck offers a fun and rewarding way to make connecting with other feel easier and more playful.

Mopco Gift Cards - As always, a Mopco Gift Card makes the perfect gift! It can be used for shows, classes, concessions and more!

Favorite Things 2025