Impropod Podcast

Ep58 Veteran voice radio and the Call of Duty - Donald Dunn

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 game. 
Donald's podcast: Spirt and stories with Donald Dunn 
Veteran Voice radio: veteranvoiceradio.com
VVR instagram: @veteranvoiceradio

Ep57 Checkpoint danger, U2 and a pipe organ - Pete A Turner

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://www.breakitdownshow.com/
Follow impropod on instagram: @impropodpodcast 

Ep56 Magic Johnson, Khabib Nurmagomedov and the power of story telling - Rod Berger

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 selling vegetables. 
Rod also reflects on his emotional connection to sports, particularly his childhood heartbreak over the Detroit Pistons' loss in the 1988 NBA Finals.
Rod's book:  The Narrative Edge: Authentic Storytelling that Meets the Moment
Rod's website: https://www.drrodberger.com/
Rod's instagram: @drrodberger
Timestamps 
Introduction & Rod’s Interviewing Journey (00:00:05)Rod shares how he became a multimedia personality and his approach to interviewing diverse people.
About "A Narrative Edge" Book (00:01:35)Rod explains the themes of his book, focusing on the power and presence of storytelling in life.
Storytelling as a Bridge to Knowledge (00:03:22)Discussion on how stories have historically conveyed knowledge and their evolving role in the age of AI.
Music and Storytelling: Refugee Camp Reflections (00:05:00)Luke improvises music; Rod connects it to his experiences in a Ugandan refugee camp and the theme of resolution.
Marwa Emmanuel’s Story (00:07:05)Rod recounts meeting Marwa, a refugee with dreams of becoming a doctor, and reflects on his depth and resilience.
The Power of Sound and Cultural Memory (00:10:57)Rod describes the impact of sound, recalling the call to prayer in Dakar, Senegal, and its emotional resonance.
UFC’s Khabib Nurmagomedov: Simplicity & Humanity (00:12:07)Rod shares his interview with Khabib, highlighting the athlete’s longing for a simple life post-career.
Musical Interpretation of Khabib’s Story (00:14:14)Luke improvises music inspired by Khabib’s duality—strength and a desire for simplicity; Rod reflects on the emotional layers.
Childhood, Sports, and the 1988 NBA Finals (00:18:01)Rod tells a personal story about his childhood devotion to the Detroit Pistons and the heartbreak of their NBA Finals loss.
Processing Loss and Emotional Growth (00:21:03)Rod discusses the emotional impact of sports losses, connecting it to broader human experiences and family.
The Suddenness of Disappointment (00:22:36)Rod recalls the specific moment of the Pistons’ loss and relates it to the unexpected turns in music and life.
Musical Depiction of Hope and Disappointment (00:23:48)Luke improvises music to capture the optimism and sudden disappointment of Rod’s childhood sports experience.
Reflections and Takeaways (00:28:59)Rod shares his appreciation for the unique podcast experience and the power of creative storytelling.
Outro & Where to Find Rod (00:29:37)Rod provides his contact information and encourages listeners to explore his book and storytelling work.

Ep55 The Power of music, maths and a Bridge Over Troubled Water - Glenn Berger

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 connection to the song Bridge Over Troubled Water. All with a unique soundtrack.
Glenn Berger's online self-cultivation course: https://www.skool.com/heartfinders/about
Glenn Berger's Website
Instagram: @glennsbergerphd
Timestamps 
Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:06)  Luke introduces Glenn Berger, psychotherapist and musician, and welcomes him to the podcast.
Glenn’s Music Industry Background (00:00:26)  Glenn shares his early career at A&R Studios, working with legendary artists, and his journey into music engineering.
Burnout and Transition to Psychotherapy (00:01:18)  Glenn discusses burnout from the music industry, personal struggles, and his decision to study psychotherapy.
Working with Artists in Therapy (00:02:20)  Glenn describes his psychotherapy practice, focusing on artists and the overlap between music, art, and therapy.
Improvised Music Prompt (00:02:59)  Luke introduces an improvised music exercise, asking Glenn for spontaneous reactions.
Mushroom Memory and Altered Perception (00:04:06)  Glenn recalls a psychedelic experience with mushrooms, relating it to the improvised music.
Mushrooms and Musical Harmony (00:05:24)  Discussion about the relationship between mushroom aesthetics and musical harmony, and the mathematics of harmony.
Overtones and Musical Perception (00:07:11)  Glenn explains overtone theory, how overtones shape timbre, and how music unfolds over time.
Resolution and Simplicity in Music (00:09:38)  Exploration of why musical resolution feels satisfying and why simple progressions are popular.
Music, Memory, and Association (00:11:06)  Glenn explains how music evokes memories through associative networks in the brain.
Cultural Differences in Musical Perception (00:13:47)  Discussion about how tuning and scales differ across cultures, and how familiarity shapes musical preference.
The Mystery of Writing a Hit Song (00:14:37)  Glenn reflects on the elusive nature of creating compelling, popular music.
Therapy Story: Music and Emotional Expression (00:15:03)  Glenn shares a therapy story involving a client, Aretha Franklin’s "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and his own emotional breakthrough.
Complex Feelings About Mentors (00:17:55)  Glenn discusses his conflicted feelings about his mentors, Phil Ramone and Paul Simon, and the emotional impact of music.
Improvised Soundtrack to Glenn’s Experience (00:19:48)  Luke improvises music to reflect Glenn’s story of conflict, pain, and resolution.
Music as Connection and Meaning (00:22:43)  Glenn describes how music connects him to himself and to something greater, beyond direct memories.
Revelatory Experience at Ellis Island (00:25:11)  Glenn recounts a pivotal moment at Ellis Island that inspired him to return to school and change his life.
Emotional Arc: Despair to Happiness (00:27:24)  Glenn outlines the emotional journey of his Ellis Island story, from despair to clarity and excitement.
Musical Reflection on Emotional Change (00:29:43)  Luke and Glenn discuss how musical dissonance and harmony can mirror emotional states and transformation.
Podcast Reflections and Improvisation (00:32:00)  Glenn reflects on the unique, improvisational format of the podcast and the importance of musical expression.
Glenn’s Heart Finders Course and Contact Info (00:33:14)  Glenn shares information about his online course, Heart Finders, and how listeners can connect with him.
Closing and Farewell (00:34:02)  Luke thanks Glenn and wraps up the episode.

Ep54 Can mushrooms make music? Was this the weirdest walk home ever? - Dan Blackwell

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
Timestamps
Introduction and Dan’s Current Projects (00:00:05)Dan discusses his YouTube channel, reaction videos, music analysis, and live streams.
The Lonely Mushroom Film & Bio Sonification (00:00:18)Dan explains his short film using mushroom-generated music, bio sonification, and the film’s themes.
Mushroom Music Soundtrack & Film Updates (00:02:18)Description of mushroom music sounds, story inspirations, and where to follow film updates.
Impro Pod Map and Guest Locations (00:04:00)Host introduces the podcast’s interactive map and locations of stories and guests.
Improvised Music Reaction: Forest Journey (00:05:41)Dan shares his impressions of an improvised piece, describing a journey through a forest of light and dark.
Discussion of Musical Imagery and Modulation (00:06:12)Further analysis of the improvised music, focusing on imagery, harmony, and key changes.
Prompt for Storytelling and Musical Improvisation (00:07:21)Host asks Dan to share a story for musical improvisation; Dan prepares to recall a memory.
Hong Kong Surreal Night Walk Story (00:08:13)Dan recounts a surreal late-night walk in Hong Kong, encountering unique characters and scenes.
Musical Interpretation of Hong Kong Story (00:11:20)Host and Dan discuss the musical approach to representing the Hong Kong story’s characters and atmosphere.
Feedback on Musical Storytelling (00:15:03)Dan reacts to the improvised music, discussing how it captured the story’s moods and characters.
Borneo Orangutan Sanctuary Story (00:16:35)Dan tells a story about witnessing an orangutan and a monkey at a sanctuary, reflecting on aggression and strength.
Musical Interpretation of Orangutan Story (00:18:46)Host and Dan discuss the musical representation of the jungle and the story’s conflict.
Reflections on Creativity and the Podcast (00:21:17)Dan reflects on the podcast’s value in accessing creativity and the mind’s visual imagination.
Outro and Film Promotion (00:22:25)Host thanks Dan, and Dan shares where to find updates on The Lonely Mushroom film.
Closing and Map Reminder (00:22:39)Host wraps up, reminding listeners about the podcast map and story locations.

Ep53 Improvisation Integrated Into Everything - Pete (the Temp) Bearder

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
Timestamps
Pete the Temp’s Work (00:00:04)Pete the Temp introduces himself, discusses his poetry, books, performance lectures, and recent show on Wordsworth and Coleridge.
History Storytelling Show and Revolutionary England (00:01:02)Details about the “Romantics, Mystics and Revolutionaries” show, psychedelic testing, and Bristol’s history of riots.
Improvised Music Impressions (00:02:04)Host plays improvised music; Pete shares meditative impressions and emotional responses inspired by the music.
Story: Whirlwind Romance and Marriage Proposal (00:04:00)Pete tells the story of his parents’ rapid romance, proposal in an antique store, and marriage before moving to South Africa.
Musical Interpretation of the Antique Store Story (00:09:10)Discussion of musical cues, emotional turning points, and how music interprets the story’s key moments.
Reflections on Improvisation and Storytelling (00:12:43)Pete reflects on improvisation, the Oxford Imps, and the principle of bold decisions in performance and music.
Host’s Creative Process and Musical Imagery (00:13:58)Host describes how he visualizes scenes while improvising music and the interplay between image and sound.
Story: Tattoo Parlor Mistaken for Brothel (00:16:45)Pete recounts an awkward experience in Soho, accidentally entering a brothel while seeking a tattoo.
Musical Interpretation of the Soho Story (00:18:09)Host improvises music to match the Soho story’s mood, with Pete analyzing the narrative arc in the music.
Meta-Conversation on Improvisation and Metaphysics (00:21:01)Discussion on the nature of improvisation, its metaphysical significance, and music as a universal creative force.
Sufi Philosophy and the Music of Existence (00:23:49)Pete shares a quote from Inayat Khan, exploring mystical ideas about music, harmony, and the universe.
Outro and Promotions (00:25:27)Closing thanks, Pete promotes his music and poetry, and mentions upcoming performances.

Ep52 Witchcraft, manifestation and a shruti box - Swailes

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  
1. Introduction, Guest Welcome, and Everyday Magic (00:00:06 – 00:03:14)  Host introduces Wales, the friendly Green Witch, welcomes her to the podcast, and Wales describes her own podcast, which explores witchcraft, paganism, and spirituality. She shares how she discovered witchcraft after becoming a mother and reading "Witch" by Lisa Lister. The conversation shifts to superstition and everyday magical practices, such as birthday candles and Christmas trees, with Wales explaining the ritual and intention behind these acts as forms of magic and manifestation.
2. Podcast Map Project, Story Locations, and Oceanic Music (00:03:24 – 00:05:05)  The host introduces the podcast’s map project and York as the location for the upcoming story. Improvised music is played, prompting Wales to describe oceanic imagery and the emotions evoked by the piece. They discuss the layers beneath the surface in both music and life, and the importance of being willing to explore them.
3. Story: Sigil Magic, Personal Growth, and Musical Interpretation (00:06:32 – 00:08:33; 00:10:06 – 00:11:23)  Wales recounts her first experience with sigil magic during a moon circle in York, involving bread baking. She explains the significance of her first sigil and its impact on her personal growth. The host improvises music to accompany the story, and Wales shares her emotional response, viewing music as a form of magic. She discusses her regret at not being musically trained, the relationship between music and witchcraft, and her use of instruments like the shruti box in ritual and meditation.
4. Cautionary Tale: Manifesting Money and the Universe’s Neutrality (00:12:32 – 00:14:01; 00:16:17 – 00:19:34)  Wales tells a cautionary tale about manifesting money, her husband’s near-redundancy, and the unintended consequences of magic, emphasizing the need for specificity in manifestation. They discuss the universe’s lack of moral bias in responding to magical requests. The host creates a musical piece using the shruti box, reflecting the emotional journey, while Wales describes how the drone represents the universe’s constant presence during manifestation.
5. Reflections, Podcast Map, and Farewell (00:20:40 – 00:23:19)  Wales reflects on her experience being on the podcast and hearing her stories interpreted musically. She shares where listeners can find her podcast, her interest in collaborations, and her latest episode featuring singer Shannon Pearl and the art of Cornyn. The host and Wales discuss the map project marking story locations, including York and Leeds Bradford airport. The episode concludes with thanks and information on where to find the Bell Witch podcast.
 

Ep51 What does nearly getting eaten by a wale sound like?! Dangerous creatures and composition - Adam Foran

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
Timestamps by PodSqueezeIntroduction and Meeting at London Podcast Show (00:00:06)Luke introduces Adam Foran, and they discuss meeting at the London Podcast Show.
Composing for Podcasts vs. Film (00:00:22)Adam explains differences between podcast music creation and film scoring, including workflow and creative approach.
Current Projects and Musical Influences (00:00:49)Adam shares about an upcoming sci-fi project and his influences, like John Carpenter and Trent Reznor.
Cape Royal and Improvised Music Reflection (00:01:24)Luke locates Adam on the Impro Pod map; Adam reacts to an improvised piece, picturing a Cape Royal sunrise.
Story Setup: Kayaking with Whales (00:03:38)Adam sets the scene in Cape Royal, describing peaceful kayaking and encounters with humpback whales.
The Whale Encounter Story (00:03:59)Adam recounts a close call with two humpback whales while kayaking, nearly getting caught in their hunt.
Musical Interpretation of the Whale Story (00:06:20)Luke discusses his musical approach to the whale story; Adam gives feedback on the improvisation.
Second Take: Whale Story Music (00:09:16)Adam reacts to a second musical take, noting improved tension and lingering anxiety after the whale encounter.
Collaborative Musical Process (00:11:19)Adam and Luke discuss how they might collaborate, instrument choices, and Adam’s improvisational process.
Breakdown of the Whale Story Composition (00:14:24)Adam explains his instrumental choices and techniques for the three sections of the whale story music.
Chicken and Owl Story Introduction (00:16:50)Adam introduces his next story about raising chickens and a dramatic encounter with a great horned owl.
The Chicken and Owl Story (00:16:53)Adam tells how a great horned owl killed all his chickens, describing the event and its aftermath.
Musical Interpretation: Chickens and Owl (00:19:51)Luke and Adam discuss the musical approach to representing chickens, heavy metal, and the owl’s majesty.
Second Take: Chicken and Owl Music (00:22:44)Adam reacts to a second musical take, appreciating the thematic connection and emotional tone.
Collaborative Process: Chicken and Owl Piece (00:24:26)Adam discusses adding clarinet, flute, and his homemade "Chicken Big" instrument to the composition.
Breakdown of the Owl Composition (00:26:25)Adam explains his approach to layering instruments, creating chaos, and evoking the story’s emotional arc.
Podcast Reflections and Outro (00:28:11)Adam reflects on the experience, shares his website and social links, and Luke closes the episode.