<p><strong>This episode’s guest is, actor, director, producer, improviser, and all-around wonderful human, Jennifer Clymer.</strong></p><p>Jen’s journey is a rich tapestry of creativity, resilience, and community building. From founding Chicago’s Playground Improv Theater to producing and directing both indie darlings and major studio projects (<i>Spider-Man</i>, <i>Charlie’s Angels</i>), Jen brings heart and hustle to everything she does.</p><p>We talk about her early days in Chicago’s theater scene, how she pivoted into producing, and the powerful work she does now at the <strong>Motion Picture &amp; Television Fund (MPTF)</strong>—where she helps care for aging and retired members of the entertainment industry. 💛</p><p>This episode is also part of <strong>@podcasthon</strong>, a global initiative spotlighting charitable organizations—and we’re honored to shine a light on the MPTF and the artists it supports.</p><p>Whether you’re a filmmaker, a caregiver, a lover of community, or just someone trying to live your next act with purpose—this episode is for you.</p><p>Chapters:</p><p>00:00 – Intro: Who is Jennifer Clymer?</p><p>02:04 – Reconnecting after the pandemic &amp; intro to MPTF</p><p>07:10 – Jen’s early creative roots and first steps into improv</p><p>10:00 – Building community through The Playground in Chicago</p><p>16:00 – How improv shaped her storytelling and career</p><p>20:00 – Stage vs. screen: vintage vibes and fast fashion</p><p>22:30 – Moving to LA &amp; falling in love with Stanley Kramer films</p><p>25:00 – Producing <i>Timecode</i> &amp; working behind the scenes</p><p>29:00 – Directing with heart: <i>Be Prepared to Stop</i></p><p>31:00 – Jen’s full circle moment with MPTF &amp; Stanley Kramer</p><p>34:00 – From pen pals to LA: a surprise support network</p><p>39:40 – What the Motion Picture Television Fund actually does</p><p>45:30 – Supporting <i>Thelma</i> &amp; MPTF’s approach to aging with agency</p><p>50:30 – Cris shares her journey with <i>Alone Girl</i></p><p>52:27 – Jen’s advice on failure, timing, and creative boldness</p><p>55:26 – On being single, creating joy, and finding your “next act”</p><p>1:00:00 – Shout-outs, creative chaos, and living blissfully</p><p><strong>Jen’s Bio:</strong></p><p>Jennifer Clymer is an award-winning actor who loves singing and being on stage and has since childhood. She performs around Los Angeles with the Harvard Yardbirds a capella group.</p><p>She is a founding member of The Playground Improv Theater in Chicago and was proud to perform in multiple productions and stages in her career there.</p><p>Her time in Los Angeles has included being in front of and behind the camera in film and television. </p><p>Through the pandemic, Jennifer used her improv background to create and host a live, interactive variety show for residents of the MPTF retirement community to keep them engaged and informed.  Also she has created and hosts the annual MPTF Instant Film Festival and has been honored to serve as the executive producer for fundraisers and telethons benefiting MPTF.</p><p>She is a director/producer who has work on Studio productions, such as Spiderman, Joe Dirt, Adaptation, Charlie’s Angles and independent films  - Be Prepared to Stop, Showfolk and Thelma.</p><p>Connect with Jen on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jenclymer?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Instagram</a></p><p>To learn more about MPTF head to their <a href="https://mptf.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">website</a></p><p>To learn more about Podcasthon check out their <a href="https://podcasthon.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">website</a></p> <p></p><p><strong>Links &amp; Love</strong></p><p><i>If your ears like what they’re snacking on, follow, rate, and drop a review—it helps others find the show too.</i></p><p><i>Want to support the show or get access to extra content—like behind-the-scenes journals, guest deep dives, and updates on getting</i> Alone Girl <i>made?</i></p><p> </p><p>Check out my <a href="https://theblissfulspinster.substack.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Substack: <strong>The Blissful Spinster</strong></a>. Just $5/month supports this DIY labor of love and gets you a peek behind the scenes (when I find the time to write, lol).</p><p> </p><p>Find <a href="https://www.instagram.com/pgfreek?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA%3D%3D" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">me</a> and the pod on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/blissfulspinster/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Instagram</strong></a>, <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/TheBlissfulSpinster" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow"><strong>Pinterest</strong></a>, and at <a href="http://blissfulspinster.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">blissfulspinster.com</a>—where you can also find some <a href="https://www.blissfulspinster.com/ppshop" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">pretty cool merch</a>, if you’re into that sort of thing.</p><p> </p><p>Thanks for being on this journey with me—and until next time, <i>go find your happy.</i>💚</p><p></p>