Impropod Podcast

Luke Tomlinson

Composer and producer Luke Tomlinson improvises on the piano creating a spontaneous soundtrack to guest’s stories and ideas. We explore the effect music has on the imagination, its psychology and its relationship to movement. A fun, unique and informative listen! Instagram @impropod

  1. 10. Aug.

    Ep65 Autism and the Peril of Quicksand - Angela Kingdon

    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 changing moment in Jerusalem, where walking through the ancient Jericho Gate gave her a powerful new perspective on love, relationships and her marriage. Along the way, Angela explores autistic traits including masking, monotropic focus, pattern matching and sensory regulation, and explains why music can be a powerful way to understand emotions beyond words. The discuss: ◼ How being diagnosed with autism at 39 changed the way she understood herself, and why learning to mask eventually led to burnout ◼ What happened when she sank into quicksand at Piha in New Zealand while carrying her friend’s guitar — and discovered her musical heroes ◼ Why a night-time walk through Jerusalem’s ancient Jericho Gate gave her a life-changing new perspective on love, her marriage and the need to stop chasing approval ◼ How she uses music, storytelling and autistic culture to explore emotions beyond words, and why she believes autistic traits are human traits that can enrich the world Follow Angela:https://www.autisticculturepodcast.com/podcast ◼ On Instagram: @angelaintheuk The song Kare Kare by Crowded House https://open.spotify.com/track/5JBtS7Svgpao3xUyL3EGqv?si=9d64901bea7244be Follow Impropod: ◼On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34WsYcP0CO0urZJJLz1tOw ◼ See this episode on the podcast map at: https://www.impropod.com/ Follow Luke: ◼On Instagram: @lukeymeankeys ◼On LinkedIn @luke-tomlinson-917ab6252/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Ep65 Autism and the Peril of Quicksand - Angela Kingdon
  2. 10. Juli

    EP64 Bobcat Jeopardy & the Art of Podcasting - Michael Osborne

    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 grueling climb, and an extraordinary encounter with a bobcat while studying at the University of Montana. Their conversation ranges from podcasting and biography to neuroscience, the psychology of hard work, creativity, and the healing power of music. Along the way, they explore how improvisation can reveal emotions and perspectives hidden within our memories, turning familiar stories into something entirely new. Whether you're interested in podcasting, music, psychology, personal growth or simply hearing great stories told in a unique way, this episode is a thoughtful, funny and inspiring listen. They discuss: ◼ How people-watching, strangers and unexpected encounters can inspire improvised music, revealing the mystery of how little we really know about other people ◼ How climbing a mountain as a teenager becomes an improvised soundtrack of struggle, exhaustion, achievement, peace and the fleeting nature of happiness ◼ How an extraordinary encounter with a wild bobcat inspires music that moves from serene stillness and fear to curiosity, confidence and a surprising sense of safety ◼ How music, photography and storytelling can frame our experience of the world, awaken creativity and reconnect us with memories, nature and a sense of wonder Follow Michael: ◼Michael's website, podcast producer and consultant: https://www.fourteenthstreetstudios.com/ ◼On linked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-c-osborne/ ◼Famous and gravey podcast: www.famousandgravy.com ◼From Our Neurons to Yours podcast: neuroscience.stanford.edu/news/podcast Follow Impropod: ◼On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34WsYcP0CO0urZJJLz1tOw ◼ See this episode on the podcast map at: https://www.impropod.com/ Follow Luke  ◼On Instagram: @lukeymeankeys ◼On LinkedIn @luke-tomlinson-917ab6252/     Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    EP64 Bobcat Jeopardy & the Art of Podcasting - Michael Osborne
  3. 7. Juli

    Ep63 Lake Orcrid and the Sound of Cinema - Sean Wilson

    Film writer and author Sean Wilson joins Luke to explore the fascinating world of film music and the art of musical storytelling. Sean discusses his new book, The Sound of Cinema, which traces the history of cinematic scores and the composers who shaped them, from Bernard Herrmann and Jerry Goldsmith to Thomas Newman, Howard Shore and John Williams. Sean shares the story of discovering the magnificent Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia, an experience that reminded him of Howard Shore’s music from The Lord of the Rings and its ability to capture wonder and reverence. Luke then improvises soundtracks to Sean’s stories, including a visit to The Grapes, a historic, cosy pub in London’s Limehouse, partly owned by Sir Ian McKellen. They explore how harmony, melody and musical space can evoke anticipation, wonder, nostalgia and comfort without words—and how improvisation can transform intangible memories and experiences into music. They discuss: ◼ How film music communicates emotion through tone, harmony, intervals and atmosphere, and why directors often describe music in emotional rather than technical terms ◼ How a journey to Lake Ohrid in North Macedonia inspires an improvised soundtrack of adventure, anticipation, wonder and the awe of discovering an ancient landscape ◼ How a quiet London pub becomes the inspiration for music that captures warmth, nostalgia and sanctuary before returning to the bustle of the city ◼ How musical storytelling transforms intangible memories and impressions into something tangible, revealing the power of improvisation to connect stories, emotions and listeners Many Meetings by Howard Shore:  Follow Sean: ◼On Twitter: @seano22 ◼Instagram: @seanfilmwriter ◼The Sound of Cinema, now available to pre-order from McFarland Publishing: Here Follow the Grapes pub in London Corrections: 5:52 North Macedonia, 5:16 North Macedonia, 5:52 Southern North Macedonia, 14.32 Sir Ian Mckellen is part of a shared ownership of the Grapes Pub Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Ep63 Lake Orcrid and the Sound of Cinema - Sean Wilson
  4. 13. Jan.

    Ep61 Playback Theatre and Meta Closeness - Erin Whalen

    In this episode of the Impropod 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 impact of effective communication and the power of pausing during difficult conversations. They delve into the parallels between music and dialogue, emphasizing the subtleties of emotional content through tone and pace. Erin also shares personal stories, including the emotionally complex reaction to her sister's passing and a recent nature walk where she encountered a deer. The episode features musical improvisations by Luke, reflecting Erin’s experiences and themes of choice, surprise, and emotional complexity. Erin concludes by sharing contact information and a free resource on compassionate communication. They discuss: ◼ How improvisation, playback theatre and deep listening can help people communicate through grief, difficult conversations and complex emotions ◼ How the unexpected death of a loved one can inspire an improvised soundtrack exploring grief, sadness, guilt, relief and release ◼ How a simple choice on a morning walk leads to an unexpected encounter, inspiring music about uncertainty, wonder and delightful surprise ◼ How the closeness of notes on a piano reflects the closeness and unpredictability of human emotions, creating a powerful musical reflection of personal stories Follow Erin ◼On LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-whalen-compassionate-coaching/ ◼https://www.compassionatecoaching.org/ Follow Impropod: ◼On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34WsYcP0CO0urZJJLz1tOw ◼ See this episode on the podcast map at: https://www.impropod.com/ Follow Luke  ◼On Instagram: @lukeymeankeys ◼On LinkedIn @luke-tomlinson-917ab6252/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Ep61 Playback Theatre and Meta Closeness - Erin Whalen
  5. 04.12.2025

    Ep60 Brisbane betrayal and Importance of Improv - Steven Morgan

    "Music can transcend things in a way that words and action cannot." In this episode, Luke talks to Holland-based comedian, improviser and musician Steven Morgan about his approach to comedy, music and improvisation. Steven tells a story about waking up to reality in Brisbane, Australia, exploring the blurred boundaries between perception and reality. They discuss Steven's absurdist comedy style, his musical background and his time with his former band Neon Highwire. They also explore the importance of improvisation in both comedy and music, and how collaboration, constraints and artificial limitations can sometimes enhance creativity. Steven and Luke consider how music can communicate ideas and emotions in ways that words cannot, and how improvisation creates a space where unexpected ideas can emerge. They discuss: ◼ How improvisation can transform an unexpected story into music, capturing emotions that words alone cannot fully express ◼ How a strange encounter with an elderly man in Brisbane challenges Steven’s assumptions about perception, reality and belonging ◼ How small musical changes, sustain and awkward scales can shift the emotional meaning of the same musical idea ◼ How improvisation, collaboration and unexpected limitations can create powerful new ways of interpreting stories and experiences Follow Steven: ◼On instagram: @ma0sm ◼His website https://stevenmorgan.wales/ Follow Impropod: ◼On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34WsYcP0CO0urZJJLz1tOw ◼ See this episode on the podcast map at: https://www.impropod.com/ Follow Luke  ◼On Instagram: @lukeymeankeys ◼On LinkedIn @luke-tomlinson-917ab6252/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Ep60 Brisbane betrayal and Importance of Improv  - Steven Morgan
  6. 18.11.2025

    Ep59 Witchcraft, manifestation and a shruti box - Swailes

    Luke talks to Witch, podcaster and security officer Swailes about her witchcraft podcast and the power of manifestation. She explains how everyday rituals, from blowing out birthday candles to decorating a Christmas tree, can be viewed as forms of magic. Swailes tells the story of how she discovered sigil magic at a moon circle in York, and how creating and eating a piece of bread with her own sigil on it became a powerful moment of personal growth. She also shares a cautionary story about manifesting money and accidentally connecting it with her husband’s redundancy. Luke improvises a soundtrack to the story and Swailes uses a Shruti box drone, exploring the ideas of manifestation, panic, uncertainty and the universe observing everything from the background. The episode explores how music can offer a completely different perspective on personal stories, and how improvisation can create unexpected connections between storytelling, spirituality and emotion. They discuss: ◼ How everyday rituals such as birthday candles and Christmas trees can be viewed as forms of witchcraft and manifestation ◼ How discovering sigil magic at a moon circle in York leads to a story about growth, letting go and trusting the process ◼ How a cautionary story about manifesting money inspires an improvised soundtrack using a Shruti box drone to explore panic, uncertainty and the unexpected ◼ How improvisation can transform personal stories into music, creating new perspectives on spirituality, emotion and experience Follow Swailes: ◼On instagram: @the_bell_witch_podcast ◼Her podcast: The Bell Witch podcast  Follow Impropod: ◼On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34WsYcP0CO0urZJJLz1tOw ◼ See this episode on the podcast map at: https://www.impropod.com/ Follow Luke  ◼On Instagram: @lukeymeankeys ◼On LinkedIn @luke-tomlinson-917ab6252/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Ep59 Witchcraft, manifestation and a shruti box - Swailes
  7. 18.11.2025

    Ep58 Near death Experience & an unexpected game of poker - Peter Gunn

    Poet, author, bodybuilder and former US Air Force veteran Peter Gunn discusses his extraordinary near-death experience at the age of seven, and how it influenced his creativity and outlook on life. Luke improvises soundtracks to Peter’s NDE, exploring the intensity of heat, death, ascension and the feeling of being told it wasn’t his time to leave. Peter shares a memorable story about unexpectedly playing poker with... during a trip to Atlantic City. Luke gets a musical sense of the vibe of Atlantic City where the poker game takes place, and how the game unfolds. The conversation explores Peter’s self-taught journey into music, his fascination with the spiritual side of creativity, and how he formed a band to create an album inspired by the nostalgic sounds of the 1980s. They discuss: ◼ How a childhood near-death experience inspires improvised music exploring heat, death, ascension and a return to life ◼ How Peter’s unexpected encounter in an Atlantic City casino becomes the inspiration for a high-energy improvised soundtrack ◼ How music, spirituality and Peter’s belief that inspiration can be “channeled” influence his songwriting and creative process ◼ How improvisation creates a musical conversation between Peter’s stories, Luke’s piano and the emotions behind each experience Follow Peter: ◼On Ticktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@petergunnpoetry?_t=8rp8Jd4JS8t&_r=1 ◼Peter's Band, The Angelics on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2vECOl1UhrFzgnb1y7SFFT?si=4CDx3bfCTVyvwUgmURCRmg Follow Impropod: ◼On Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC34WsYcP0CO0urZJJLz1tOw ◼ See this episode on the podcast map at: https://www.impropod.com/ Follow Luke  ◼On Instagram: @lukeymeankeys ◼On LinkedIn @luke-tomlinson-917ab6252/   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Ep58 Near death Experience & an unexpected game of poker - Peter Gunn

Info

Composer and producer Luke Tomlinson improvises on the piano creating a spontaneous soundtrack to guest’s stories and ideas. We explore the effect music has on the imagination, its psychology and its relationship to movement. A fun, unique and informative listen! Instagram @impropod