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The Plodcast

270. Robert Macfarlane and Johnny Flynn join the Plodcast to celebrate their new children's book

Oct 29, 2024
Robert Macfarlane, a Cambridge professor and nature writer, teams up with Johnny Flynn, a talented singer-songwriter and actor, for an enlightening discussion. They share insights about their new children's book, 'The World to Come,' inspired by the vibrant ecosystems along the River Lea. The duo delves into the transformative power of nature on creativity and the heartwarming tradition of wassailing trees. Listeners are treated to a live performance of a song that sparked the book's inspiration, blending music and storytelling beautifully.
57:22

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Robert Macfarlane and Johnny Flynn discuss how 'sit spot meditation' during lockdown deepened their connection to nature, influencing their music and storytelling.
  • Their children's book 'The World to Come' engages young readers with the authentic beauty of urban nature while promoting ecological awareness and stewardship.

Deep dives

Exploring Nature's Inspiration for Music

The discussion emphasizes how nature, particularly local landscapes, influences creative processes. During the lockdown, a meditation practice known as 'sit spot meditation' became a significant source of inspiration, allowing the participants to observe seasonal changes in flora and fauna while building connections with their surroundings. Through these observations, deeper insights into the characteristics and behaviors of specific species emerged, which became intertwined with their musical expressions. This relationship between nature and creativity culminated in the song 'The World to Come,' which reflects the beauty and richness of their natural environment.

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