Impropod Podcast

In this episode of the Impropod Podcast, Luke chats with Mike Flannery , audio educator, lecturer and Technical Director of the Music and Technology programme at Stevens Institute of Technology in New Jersey. Mike is also the author of the forthcoming book The Practice of Songwriting: Inspiration, Lyricism and Musicality. Mike shares his experiences of improvisation, both as a musician and as a te...

In this special Halloween episode, Luke collaborates with the composer Adam Foran to Improvise some spooky soundtracks to stories told by Swailes the good witch. With tales of a haunted painting and mysterious coughing. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Luke chats with filmmaker and visual artist Ash Farkas about two extraordinary travel experiences that changed the way he sees the world. From battling fierce winds and snow on an unexpected hike in Iceland to facing illness, isolation and night terrors deep in the Amazon jungle, Ash shares stories of delirium, survival and unexpected personal growth. Luke improvises piano soundtracks to both stor...

Luke talks to Bob Martin, a trial lawyer, meditation teacher and podcaster, who describes himself a taoist, buddhist christian. They talk about the surprising connections between music, spirituality and relationships. Through piano improvisations, Bob explores the emotions and imagery that emerge from listening, discovering how music can express complex ideas and tell stories without words. Bob sh...

Luke chats with South Carolina based synthwave producer Matt Hancock, about creativity, modular synthesis and the ways music can transform personal experiences into something completely new. As Luke creates improvised piano soundtracks in response to Matt’s stories and ideas, they explore the sounds and influences behind his experimental synthwave project DecoLux, drawing on 1980s and early 1990s...

Luke talks to Angela Kingdon, co-founder of the Autistic Culture Podcast Network about autism, music and storytelling.  Angela tells a story about her adventures involving Neil Finn the leader singer of Crowded House and a near death experience with quicksand in New Zealand on Kare Kare beach, and how she inspired a lyric on the song Kare Kare on the album Together Alone. She also recounts a life...

Luke chats with podcast producer, consultant and Famous & Gravy host Michael Osborne about storytelling, creativity and the surprising ways music can deepen our understanding of life's most memorable moments. As Luke creates completely improvised piano soundtracks in response to Michael's stories, they revisit two unforgettable experiences: falling asleep on the summit of a mountain after a grueli...

Film writer Sean Wilson tells a story about the magnificent lake Orcrid in North Macedonia, how this experience reminded him of Howard Shore's music from Lord of the rings .  He talks about his new book the sound of cinema where he reflects on the history of cinematic scores and the composers who shaped them, from Bernard Herrmann and Jerry Goldsmith to Thomas Newman, Howard Shore and John William...

In a fascinating episode Sue Witheridge talks about her Psychic abilities and the way she can talk to spirit. She tells stories about a haunted house, evicting an angry, attached spirit from a bungalow and her healing terrier Charlie who comforted clients. As well as what it means to go to the light. Ray Charles's spirit also makes an appearance! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.a...

In this episode of the Impro Pod podcast, Luke interviews Erin Whalen, a communication skills coach and playback theater practitioner. They discuss the connection between the closeness of emotions and the notes on the piano. As well as Erin’s dual involvement in playback theater and professional role-playing, particularly in medical contexts, to help people process grief. Erin elaborates on the im...

"Music can transcend things in a way that words and action cannot" Holland based comedian, improviser and musician Steven Morgan tells a story about waking up to reality in Brisbane Australia, and the blurred boundaries between perception and reality. They discuss Steven's absurdist comedy style, his background in music, and his previous band Neon Highwire. They talk about the importance of improv...

Luke talks to Witch, podcaster and security officer Swailes about her whitchcraft podcast and the power of manifestation. She tells a great story about being careful what you wish for, that Luke improvises a soundtrack to with help of a shruti box instrument.   Swaile's podcast: The Bell Witch podcast  Her instagram: @ the_bell_witch_podcast Timestamps: Introduction to Swailes and the Bell Witch P...

Poet, author, body builder and Ex US air force veteran, Peter Gunn, discusses his near death experience when he was 7 years old. As well as a game of poker with an unexpected player. Luke improvises a soundtrack to Peter's NDA and tries to get a sense accession , as well the vibe of Atlantic City where the poker game takes place. Peter also discusses his self-taught pursuit of music, having formed...

US military veteran and podcast host Donald Dunn talks about the importance of music in the military, while serving and afterwords dealing with PTSD. Luke improvises a soundtrack to the complexities of returning to family life. They explore how improvised music can be beneficial in the recovery process after serving in the military. Donald also tells a ridiculous story involving a popular video ga...

Producer, podcaster and former spy Pete A Turner tells a story about a potentially deadly checkpoint crossing in Iraq. He talks about his love for music, the pipe organ, and the intersection of spying and podcasting skills. They discuss his podcast, with over 2000 episodes where he's interviewed many acclaimed musicians and diverse guests. Pete's podcast: https://www.youtube.com/peteaturner https:...

Author and host, Rod Berger, has hosted over 4000 interviews including the late Pope, NBA great Magic Johnson and the Crown Princess of Sweden. He's documented stories on behalf of WaterAid in refugee camps across Africa. They discuss the power of storytelling, Rod recounts an interview with Khabib Nurmagomedov who is the longest-reigning UFC Lightweight Champion and his longing for a simple life...

Dr. Glenn Berger. is a psychotherapist and coach who's worked for over twenty-five years. Before that, he was in the music business, In the Studio with Dylan, Sinatra, Jagger and More.  They discuss the mathematics of music, why you think and feel certina emotions or imagine things when listening to music. Glenn tells some great stories about how he made the decision to study psychotherapy and his...

Youtuber and composer Dan Blackwell talks about his latest project with musical mushrooms and tells a story about a weird walk home in Hong Kong, involving a turtle on a lead and some rave dogs as well a jungle story about revenge.  Dan's instagram: @peacebeatswithdanblackwell Dan's Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@PeaceBeatsWithDanBlackwell   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See...

In an eloquent interview poet and performer Pete the Temp discusses how improvisation is integrated into life, he tells a story about a spontaneous marriage proposal involving hyaenas, and an awkward surprise in Soho. Pete's Website: petethetemp.co.uk/education Pete's Instagram: @petethetemp The Festival where Pete and Luke are performing in the vibe machanics : shambalafestival.org Hosted by Simp...

Newfoundland based composer and multi instrumentalist, Adam Foran tells some great stories involving a vicious owl, and meeting wale whilst in a kayak. He collaborates on Luke's improvisations with an impressive array of instruments and skill, they discus the composition process and chicken music! Adam's website: www.adamforan.ca Adam's Linkedin Check out the podcast map here: Link Hosted by Simpl...

Writer & performer Malika Kegode tells an intriguing story about gaining a sense of integrity after falling down a hole, as well as a story about the mysterious theft of an xmas tree. They also discuss the power of improvised music, what makes something sound christmasy, the musical interpretation of rain, false optimism and the power of musical idents like notification sounds. Malika's instagram...

Violin player Greta Murmaite, plays some fantastic improv. She tells a precarious bike ride story, and one about her childhood in Lithuania, they discus the power of improvised music. Greta shares her journey from starting classical violin training at age six to exploring a wide range of genres, including indie, folk, and jazz. She performs at various festivals with her band, Psychoacoustic Goat,...

Educator, Instrumentalist and audio editor teacher William Barkley, talks about a revelation he had whilst playing a gig at a ski resort that changed the way he sees the world, as well as a story of connection with an old irishman, with a passion for poetry by WB Yates.  Follow William on Instagram @gingertearoom Timestamps Introduction to William Barclay (00:00:06)   William introduces himself an...

Film and TV composer (Sky Arts Amazon Prime) Myles McLeod tells of his double life he leads and the sacrifices he's made to become a successful composer. He talks about working with the team on Strictly Come Dancing , hanging out with the pet shop boys and working at the Bristol Hippodrome , as well his illusive french past. Myle's website: https://www.mylesmcleod.co.uk/ Myle's Instagram: @myles_m...

Experimental pop artist and vocal couch BexX, discuses his innovative vocal workshops, and performs a spontaneous electronic soundtrack with synths an a loop station. He also tells an entertaining story involving graduation and a cat, and the time he experienced his profound soul song. BexX's Instagram: @bexx.me BexX's website: bexx.me Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com...