All Episodes

December 20, 2023 23 mins

Rob Hopkins, a key figure in the Transition Town movement, and host of the podcast what if to what next. Tells the story of creating a community experience involving projection mapping & composer Brian Eno. For the 1st time Luke improvises to a story set in the future, they discuss the power of positive intention and its relationship music. The episode highlights themes of time, creativity, and the role of music in shaping future possibilities.

Transcription page

See this episode on the Impropod map

Timstamps

Introduction to Rob Hopkins (00:00:07) Rob Hopkins introduces himself, discussing his role in the Transition Town movement and community activism.

Musical Improv Prompt (00:00:54) The host plays music, asking Rob to share his thoughts and feelings inspired by the piece.

Imagining Landscapes (00:02:15) Rob describes how the music evokes memories of walking through Dartmoor's varied landscapes.

Storytelling and Time (00:03:07) Rob shares his current book project on time travel as a tool for activists.

Atmos Project Overview (00:03:31) Rob discusses the community-driven Atmos project in Totnes, aiming to repurpose a former milk factory site.

Community Campaign Challenges (00:04:31) He recounts the community's struggle to reclaim the site after it was sold to a different company.

Art and Community Projection (00:05:27) Rob shares an idea to project art onto the factory, celebrating community dreams and raising awareness.

Soundtrack by Brian Eno (00:06:48) Rob reflects on the atmospheric music composed by Brian Eno for the projection event.

Layers of Imagination (00:09:57) Discussion on how different experiences of time shape our perception and storytelling.

Future Project Vision (00:11:14) Rob imagines a future moment of receiving good news about the Atmos project’s appeal.

Music and Future Manifestation (00:14:43) Rob discusses how music can help create a vision for the future and inspire action.

Multi-sensory Imagination (00:15:58) Exploring how vivid, multi-sensory images can aid in personal change and goal achievement.

Sun Ra and Imagination (00:17:13) Rob shares insights on Sun Ra's philosophy of improvisation and the power of the impossible.

Field Recordings from the Future (00:19:16) Rob describes his project capturing sounds that evoke a hopeful future.

Creative Spark and Imagination (00:20:23) Rob reflects on the joy of spontaneous creativity and its importance in storytelling.

Improvisation Process (00:21:02) The host discusses his thought process while improvising music and its connection to creativity.

Podcast Promotion (00:23:06) Rob shares how listeners can find his podcast, "From What If to What Next?" and its themes.

Here are the mentions with timestamps arranged by topic:

Tools and Projects "Transition Town Movement": "00:00:15" "Atmos Project": "00:03:31" "77 Million Paintings": "00:05:27" "Functional Imagery Training": "00:15:41" "Field Recordings from the Future": "00:19:16"

Books "Underworld": "00:14:43"

Podcasts "From What If to What Next?": "00:00:15"

Websites "Patreon for From What If to What Next?": "00:23:08"

Notable Figures "Brian Eno": "00:05:27" "Sun Ra": "00:17:13"

Keywords 

transition towns transition movement transition town movement transition town network list of transition towns rob hopkins transition towns the transition movement the transition town movement transition movement rob hopkins transition town initiative transition towns examples

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

On Purpose with Jay Shetty

I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.