Impropod Podcast

Luke interviews classical pianist Jamie Loftus, who tells an epic adventure involving brambles, the whirlwind vortex and Buckfast wine! For the 1st time Luke tells a story and Jamie improvises a spontaneous soundtrack to it. Jamie also gives some great musical insight. 
Jamie's website: 
Podcast Episode Timestamps
Introduction (00:00:05)The host welcomes Jamie Loftus, a classical pianist, to the Impro Pod podcast.
Relationship with Improvisation (00:00:14)Jamie shares her minimal relationship with improvisation and an accidental performance story.
Musical Interpretation Prompt (00:01:01)The host plays a piece of music and asks Jamie for her thoughts and emotions.
Imagery from Music (00:02:02)Jamie describes a vivid image inspired by the music, contrasting beauty and ugliness.
Storytelling Setup (00:02:57)The host prompts Jamie to tell a story, which will be accompanied by improvised music.
The Night Out Story (00:03:09)Jamie begins recounting a wild night at the New Lion Bar, filled with chaos and fun.
Crossing the Stream (00:04:45)The group faces a stream and uses a rope swing, leading to a chaotic adventure.
Bramble Bashing (00:06:00)Jamie describes their struggle through dense brambles, creating a humorous image of teamwork.
The Boss Bramble Encounter (00:07:12)The group confronts a barbed wire fence, debating how to get past it.
The Morning After (00:08:21)Jamie reflects on the absurdity of their night, realizing they could have taken an easier route.
Reflection on the Story (00:08:47)The host praises Jamie's story, highlighting its determination and humor.
Musical Interpretation Challenges (00:12:37)The host discusses the complexity of interpreting the story through music.
Musical Elements of the Bramble (00:13:15)Jamie elaborates on how she would musically represent the brambles and their challenges.
Storytelling and Improvisation Swap (00:14:06)The host prepares to tell a story while Jamie improvises a soundtrack.
The Jordan Adventure (00:15:39)The host shares a story about a family trip to Petra, filled with tension and excitement.
Impression of the Story (00:17:10)Jamie expresses her willingness to create a soundtrack for the host's story.
Musical Elements for the Story (00:20:41)Jamie explains her approach to using music to convey the story’s themes and emotions.
Reflections on the Improvisation (00:22:12)Jamie shares her enjoyment of linking storytelling with music during the podcast.
Closing Remarks (00:23:52)The host thanks Jamie for her participation and invites listeners to the next episode.
Keywords
improvisation in music, Jamie Loftus, classical pianist, storytelling, musical prompts, accidental performance, wedding booking, anecdote, emotional narratives, improvising music, creative storytelling, dance floor chaos, Dartington, Buckfast, bramble bashing, barbed wire fence, adventure, musical interpretation, emotional transitions, Petra, ancient city, chaotic escape, camels, flash flood, narrative form, abstract music, audience engagement, unexpected opportunities, artistic expression, humor in storytelling, improvisational soundtrack, contrasting emotions, memorable experiences.

Puppet maker, animator and sister to Luke tells her adventures of the Spanish Camino, puppet trouble and a story about our over-reliance on technology. Luke provides an improvised poignant soundtrack of course! 
Follow Saskia on Instagram: @saskiatomlinson
Where Saskia works: Puppet place Bristol 
Introduction of Saskia Tomlinson (00:00:05)Saskia introduces herself as a puppeteer and prop maker.
Music and Color Association (00:01:35)Saskia shares how a piece of music evokes feelings of excitement and color.
Story of Losing a Phone (00:02:31)Saskia recounts a stressful experience of losing her phone during a trip.
Realization and Technology Trust (00:04:20)She reflects on trusting technology and the absurdity of her assumptions about the phone's location.
Spontaneous Scoring of the Story (00:05:14)The host breaks down the story into sections for spontaneous musical scoring.
Saskia's Camino Story (00:09:57)Saskia shares a humorous tale about walking the Camino in Spain but going off track.
Encounter with the Sad Horse (00:10:37)The story includes a poignant moment with a lonely horse they found during their detour.
Reflection on the Horse's Loneliness (00:11:50)Saskia describes the emotional impact of the horse's situation and their connection to it.
Musical Representation of Emotions (00:12:00)Discussion on how music enhances the emotional storytelling experience.
Hyena Puppet Incident (00:16:58)Saskia narrates a frantic backstage moment when a puppet broke during a performance.
Theatrical Pressure and Repair (00:19:11)She explains the urgency and stress of fixing the puppet quickly during a live show.
Reflection on Anxiety in Storytelling (00:22:31)Saskia shares insights on portraying anxiety through storytelling and music.
Influence of Music on Memory (00:23:02)Discussion on how music affects the recollection of stories and emotions.
Keywords
Saskia Tomlinson, puppeteer, prop maker, music and storytelling, personal stories, technology, creativity, emotions, memory, narrative, spontaneous scoring, puppetry, theater, pilgrimage, Spain, Find My Device, London, tracking system, irrational fears, live theater, backstage chaos, puppet repair, storytelling techniques, emotional resonance, music and color, creativity in storytelling, memorable narratives, personal experiences, audience engagement, humor in storytelling, challenges in puppetry, Camino, adventure stories, artistic expression, connection between music and emotions.

Luke talks to composer and cellist Ben Roberts, Ben improvises on the cello his interpretation of the stories. With Tales of mushrooms in the ball park and metamorphosis. 
We explore his journey from classical training to free-form improvisation. Ben discusses his collaborations with filmmakers, dancers, and art galleries, and the emotional and imaginative aspects of improvisation. The episode concludes with insights on the value of being present and mindful during improvisation.
Follow Ben on Instagram: @ben_cello
https://www.bencello.com/
Introduction to Ben Roberts (00:00:06)Ben Roberts introduces himself as a cellist and discusses his relationship with improvisation.
Classical Training and Evolution (00:00:20)Ben reflects on his classical training and growing adventurousness in improvisation.
Music Interpretation Exercise (00:01:42)Ben listens to a piece of music and shares his interpretation of its emotional journey.
Playing the Journey on Cello (00:04:03)Ben improvises on the cello, attempting to reflect the story of the music.
Discussion of Musical Interpretation (00:05:50)The speakers discuss their different approaches to storytelling through music.
Improvisation from Scratch (00:06:51)Ben explores improvising freely without a predetermined story or imagery.
Imaginary Metamorphosis (00:07:44)The host interprets Ben's improvisation as a story of a lizard's transformation.
Character of the Old Man (00:09:00)Ben describes an old man shedding burdens, connecting to the theme of liberation.
Reflections on Performance (00:11:01)The speakers analyze the musical representation of the old man's journey.
Telling Another Story (00:12:01)Ben shares a story about a toy chicken facing an identity crisis.
Theme of Acceptance (00:15:43)The discussion focuses on themes of self-acceptance and overcoming insecurity.
Bluesy Chicken Theme (00:16:12)The host suggests a bluesy feel for the chicken's story, enhancing its relatability.
Playful Realization (00:19:34)Ben shares a personal story about embracing playfulness in a challenging environment.
Capturing Trepidation (00:22:26)The host reflects on how Ben's story effectively conveyed a sense of trepidation.
Conclusion of the Podcast (00:24:26)The hosts wrap up the episode, discussing the insights gained from improvisation.
Keywords
Info Pod, podcast, Ben Roberts, cellist, improvisation, classical training, free-form improvisation, creative process, storytelling through music, emotional aspects, imaginative aspects, musical improvisation, acoustic cello, electric cello, soundscapes, collaboration, filmmakers, dancers, art galleries, mindfulness, presence, music exercises, journey, New York vibe, self-expression, metamorphosis, identity crisis, acceptance, playful spirit, magic mushrooms, engaging with kids, adult inhibitions, unique sound, cello performance, improvisational storytelling, emotional connection, creative exploration, musical narrative.

Ecological entrepreneur and podcaster Oscar Lindsay-Turner tells a heartfelt story about loss and solace, his hitchhiking adventures in Germany and they discuss music's impact on memory. 
They delve into themes of improvisation, storytelling, and the emotional complexities of death. Oscar shares his experiences in comedy improv, music, and poetry, and reflects on losing friends to suicide. Luke improvises music to accompany Oscar's narratives, enhancing the emotional depth of the stories. They discuss the cathartic nature of sharing personal experiences and the impact of music on memory. Oscar's podcast, "The Nature Deficit Podcast," focusing on environmental issues, is also highlighted.
Follow Oscar's podcast on Instagram: @naturedeficit 
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:03)The host welcomes Oscar Lindsay Tanner, an ecological entrepreneur and podcaster, to the episode.
Oscar's Relationship with Improvisation (00:00:15)Oscar discusses his broad experiences with improvisation in comedy, music, and poetry.
Improvising Music for Storytelling (00:00:40)The host plays improvised music, asking Oscar to share his thoughts and feelings about it.
Reflections on Music and Emotion (00:02:09)Oscar describes how the music evokes memories of judgment, beauty, and church architecture.
Technical Aspects of Improvisation (00:03:30)The host and Oscar discuss the technical challenges and mental processes involved in improvisation.
Exploring the Topic of Death (00:04:28)Oscar shares his experiences with the deaths of three male friends who committed suicide.
Mourning and Reflection (00:05:55)Oscar reflects on the mourning process and the spiritual interpretations of death.
Personal Story of a Friend's Suicide (00:06:23)Oscar recounts the story of a friend from a course who took his own life.
Journey to the Ceremony (00:06:56)Oscar describes his emotional and reckless drive to Bristol for his friend's memorial.
Ceremony and Emotional Connection (00:07:58)Oscar shares the cathartic experience of the memorial ceremony with friends and family.
Therapeutic Insights (00:09:03)Oscar discusses how therapy helped him commit to living fully after his friend's death.
Identifying What Makes Him Feel Alive (00:09:34)Oscar reveals his passions for writing, teaching, and connecting with nature.
Breaking Down the Story (00:11:57)The host outlines the story into sections for further exploration and improvisation.
Cathartic Release of Storytelling (00:12:04)Oscar feels the narrative's emotional journey during the storytelling process.
Musical Interpretation of the Story (00:12:35)The host discusses how music conveys emotions tied to Oscar's story.
Visualizing the Story (00:13:04)Oscar and the host explore how they visualize the narrative through music.
Another Story: Hitchhiking Journey (00:13:45)Oscar shares a story about his adventurous hitchhiking journey across Europe.
Experiences with Hitchhiking (00:14:23)Oscar describes his encounters with various people during his hitchhiking adventure.
Unexpected Journey to Romania (00:15:22)Oscar recounts a miscommunication that led him to Romania instead of Hungary.
Sleeping Outdoors (00:16:31)He shares his experiences and fears while sleeping in a service station.
Arrival in Budapest (00:17:02)Oscar expresses the joy of surprising friends upon his arrival in Budapest.
Reflections on the Podcast Experience (00:21:07)Oscar reflects on how the podcast format helped him understand his life stories.
Influence of Music on Memory (00:22:01)Oscar discusses how the music may shape his memories of personal experiences.
Collaborative Memory Creation (00:22:28)The host and Oscar discuss the idea of music collaborating with memory.
**Closing Thoughts on the Podcast (
Keywords
Impro Pod podcast, Oscar Lindsay Tanner, ecological entrepreneur, improvisation, storytelling, personal experiences, death, comedy improv, musical improvisation, freestyle poetry, emotional journey, loss, suicide, music and memory, Nature Deficit Podcast, environmental issues, emotional complexities, personal storytelling, mourning process, ceremonies, grief, pain of suicide, closure, cathartic journey, ceremony and reflection, hitchhiking journey, alternative living, adventures, challenges, musical accompaniment, podcast experience, influence of music on memory, interconnectedness of life and death, healing through improvisation.
 

Luke Interviews beatboxer and hiphop legend Finn Hopkins (AKA Dr Asparagus), who tells stories of treehouses in the monsoon, and an epic mountain climbing adventure. Finn is the son of Rob Hopkins from Episode 31.
Podcast Episode Timestamps
Introduction and Guest Introduction (00:00:28)Host welcomes Finn Hopkins and delves into his relationship with improvisation.
Finn's Background in Music (00:00:41)Finn shares his journey with improvisation, beatboxing, and hip hop from a young age.
Exploring Looping in Music (00:01:15)Discussion on how beatboxing led Finn to explore looping in his musical performances.
Imagining Music Visions (00:01:45)Finn describes a vision inspired by music, involving a woman dancing and ascending stairs.
Recurring Theme of Ascension (00:03:08)Host notes the recurring theme of climbing in the podcast's musical explorations.
Climbing a Mountain in India Story (00:03:32)Finn recounts a night trek up a mountain in India while under the influence of acid.
Challenges During the Mountain Trek (00:04:44)Finn describes the difficulties faced during the hike, including cold and lack of water.
Barefoot Climbing Experience (00:04:49)Discussion on Finn's choice to climb barefoot and the sensations it brings.
Pre-Journey Excitement (00:05:13)Finn reflects on the excitement and lack of doubt he felt before starting the climb.
Formation of Conscious Cabbages Band (00:05:22)Finn mentions forming a band while living in India, focusing on a carefree lifestyle.
Reaching the Mountain Summit (00:06:10)Finn shares the mix of feelings upon reaching the summit, including hunger and bartering.
Improvising a Musical Soundtrack (00:07:02)Host breaks down Finn's story into musical segments to create an improvised soundtrack.
Reflecting on the Improvised Soundtrack (00:09:51)Finn reacts positively to the improvised music, relating it to his journey.
Introduction to Second Story (00:11:08)Finn begins a new story about living in a treehouse in Ghana during monsoon season.
Living in Paradise Beach, Ghana (00:11:50)Description of the beautiful treehouse and the environment in Ghana before the monsoon.
Experiencing the Monsoon (00:12:47)Finn recounts the chaos and isolation he felt when the monsoon hit after friends left.
Health Issues in the Jungle (00:13:34)Finn shares his experience of getting ill and feeling lonely while in the jungle.
Bizarre Awakening Experience (00:14:48)Finn describes a strange awakening after a night spent on a table in a restaurant.
Realization of Needing to Escape (00:14:50)Realization of needing to leave the jungle due to his health and circumstances.
Reflecting on the Monsoon Music (00:17:57)Discussion on how the improvised music reflected Finn's experiences during the monsoon.
Contrasting Rain Vibes (00:18:01)Finn contrasts the monsoon rain with typical rain, emphasizing its intensity.
Musicians' Perception of Stories (00:18:44)Discussion on how different musicians interpret stories through music differently.
Final Thoughts on Improvisation (00:19:22)Finn appreciates the improvisational process and how it allows for unique interpretations.
Conclusion and Farewell (00:20:55)Host thanks Finn for sharing his stories and insights.
Keywords:
Impro Pod, improvisation, music, storytelling, Finn Hopkins, beatboxing, hip hop, looping, personal anecdotes, creative process, ascension, narrative, mountain climbing, India, acid, treehouse, Ghana, monsoon season, musical interlude, emotions, subjective interpretation, unique experiences, improvisational style, French exchange trip, ballet dance, camaraderie, jungle, loneliness, illness, chaotic experiences, musical soundtrack, creative expression, shared experiences, podcast episode.
 

House designing renegade, father to Luke, & director of Village Makers, discuss the soundtrack of sea slugs and hot busses. Bob tells his adventures involving mushrooms and guns in New Orleans...
Podcast Episode Timestamps
Introduction to Bob Tomlinson (00:00:03)The host introduces his father, Bob, a "house designing renegade."
Bob's Design Philosophy (00:00:15)Bob explains his approach to designing houses and living spaces.
Improvisation in Music (00:00:29)Bob shares his limited experience with improvisation in music.
Trial and Error in Design (00:00:42)Bob discusses learning from existing designs through trial and error.
Musical Reflection (00:01:03)The host plays music for Bob to evoke thoughts and imagery.
Imagery from Music (00:01:12)Bob describes a vivid scene inspired by the music he hears.
Transition Points in Music (00:02:54)Bob identifies transition points in the musical narrative he perceives.
Ceremony in Dance (00:03:32)Bob reflects on the ceremonial quality of a dance he imagines.
Story of New Orleans (00:04:03)Bob begins recounting a memorable trip to New Orleans with his grandmother.
Mushroom Picking Adventure (00:05:27)Bob shares a humorous story about picking mushrooms early in the morning.
Vigilantes in New Orleans (00:06:35)Bob describes a tense moment involving vigilantes while picking mushrooms.
Music Interpretation (00:09:24)The host and Bob discuss how music captured the essence of the story.
Engine Rhythms in Music (00:10:40)Bob explains the rhythmic qualities of different engine sounds and their musicality.
Bus Journey in India (00:12:29)Bob recounts a challenging bus journey in India and the struggle for a seat.
Madras Bus Station Description (00:14:54)Bob describes the atmosphere of the bus station in Madras.
Sweat and Tension (00:17:42)Bob reflects on the physical sensations experienced during the bus journey.
Pickled Sea Slug Experience (00:18:30)Bob shares a story about tasting pickled sea slugs in Samoa.
Musical Representation of Taste (00:19:50)The host attempts to create music that reflects the taste of the sea slug.
Conclusion and Insights (00:21:54)Bob shares insights on how music can enhance storytelling and memory.
Keywords,
Bob Tomlinson, house design, improvisation, storytelling, music, creative process, livable spaces, trial and error, personal anecdotes, musical inspiration, community, celebration, narrative, New Orleans, grandmother, unique home, grain barges, mushrooms, tension, humor, musical interpretation, jazz, V8 engine, sound, machinery, travel, Chennai, bus station, public transport, cultural nuances, adventure, pickled sea slugs, flavors, textures, creative expression, storytelling through music, emotions, memories, interpersonal connection.

Luke interviews surfer, fitness couch and movement specialist Joe Kelly. They discus the change in perception of time when faced with a dangerous wave! They discuss how micro-attention to details helps navigate challenging environments, and what this sounds like on the piano! As well as the music and movement relationship.
Follow Joe on instagram: @barefootathlete
Introduction to Joe Kelly (00:00:04)The host welcomes Joe Kelly and discusses his relationship with improvisation.
Improv as Freedom (00:00:19)Joe shares his view on improvisation as a natural and unrestricted movement.
Musical Reflection (00:01:29)Joe reflects on music's emotional impact, likening it to movement and delicacy.
Surfing Experience (00:02:00)Joe narrates his surfing experience, focusing on micro-attention in challenging conditions.
Eerie Silence in Surfing (00:04:21)He describes the contrast between intense surfing and the calm silence afterward.
Biking Incident (00:05:22)Joe recounts a memorable biking accident while managing a shopping bag.
Musical Representation of Biking (00:06:53)The host plays music to capture the essence of Joe's biking experience.
Travel Story: Dengue Fever (00:08:14)Joe shares his experience of contracting dengue fever while traveling in Central America.
Musical Interpretation of Fever (00:11:20)The host improvises music to reflect Joe's experience during the fever.
Touch Rugby Insights (00:12:14)Joe discusses how touch rugby influences his perception of time and movement.
Perception of Time in Movement (00:15:11)He explains how movement can alter one’s perception of time and rhythm.
Sound and Movement (00:16:26)Joe describes how different sounds can emerge in chaotic movement situations.
Improvisation vs. Composition (00:17:58)The conversation shifts to how improvisation can evolve into composition.
Asking Questions in Improv (00:19:06)Joe emphasizes the importance of exploring and questioning in both movement and music.
Learning from Mistakes (00:20:21)Joe shares a story about his son's balance and how mistakes can lead to improvement.
Conclusion (00:20:49)The host thanks Joe for discussing the parallels between music and movement improvisation.
Keywords
Impro Pod, improvisation, music, movement, Joe Kelly, movement specialist, lifeguard, surfing, cycling, touch rugby, micro-attention, natural movement, fluidity, adaptability, personal experiences, storytelling, Muhammad Ali, float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, gentle rain, subtlety, awareness, challenging environments, ocean navigation, chaos, clarity, unexpected movement, balance, dengue fever, travel stories, perception of time, improvisational nature, creativity, dynamic play, evolution, adaptation, embracing mistakes, personal anecdotes, audience engagement, exploring creativity.

How do you portray drunkenness on the piano? Classical pianist Dylan Allan  discuses the sound of royalty, and tells a heartfelt story about mortality and death. As well as a tale of a ridiculous misunderstanding in a pub!
Follow Dylan on instagram @dylana431
]Introduction to Improvisation (00:00:16)Host welcomes Dylan Allen and asks about his relationship with improvisation.
Musical Background (00:00:25)Dylan shares his experience with a band and his classical training on the piano.
On-the-Spot Improvisation (00:00:56)Host plays music, prompting Dylan to share his spontaneous thoughts and feelings.
Imagining a Story (00:03:04)Dylan recounts a personal story about his grandmother's passing and its emotional impact.
Emotional Phases of Loss (00:06:30)Discussion about the emotional stages experienced during the car ride after receiving bad news.
Contrasting a Lighter Story (00:07:42)Dylan shares a humorous incident from a recent outing with friends, involving a piano.
Drunkenness and Musical Interpretation (00:12:23)Exploration of how to musically portray the feeling of drunkenness.
Theoretical vs. Practical Learning (00:15:38)Discussion on whether it's better to learn improvisation theoretically or through experimentation.
Improvisation Patterns (00:18:24)Dylan reflects on the importance of patterns and repetition in improvisation.
A Story from Morocco (00:18:41)Dylan shares a story about an encounter with aggressive stray dogs while on vacation.
Closing Thoughts on Improvisation (00:22:04)Dylan expresses his desire to explore improvisation further and reflects on music's connection to memory.