The Sound Mind

• Ep. 13 Music and Dreams: How Our Sleeping Minds Create Soundtracks

  Have you ever woken up with a song in your head, only to realise it came from your dream? From why music shows up during sleep to what these musical dreams can symbolise about our emotions, memories, and identity, this episode explores the soundtracks of our sleeping minds. We also explore how music can influence our dreams, plus share listener stories and famous examples of dream-inspired masterpieces.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:26 How Our Brains Create Dreams05:20 Why Music Shows Up in Our Dreams10:24 What Musical Dreams Reveal About Us19:59 Listener Stories: Your Musical Dreams26:42 Can We Shape Our Dreams with Music?34:50 Famous Examples of Musical Dreams39:19 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksSupport us: https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks

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• Ep. 12 Is Music the Secret to Ageing Well? The Soundtrack of Youth

  Can music help us stay young? In this episode, we explore how and why music might be one of the most powerful (and enjoyable) tools we have for living well, longer. From boosting memory and mood to reducing stress and inflammation, music engages our whole system in ways no supplement or skincare routine ever could. Whether you’re 25 or 75, this episode celebrates how music can help us age with grace, connection, and groove.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:45 What Happens to Our Brains and Bodies as We Age06:31 Music and Brain Health: Slowing Cognitive Decline11:09 The Benefits of Playing an Instrument16:15 Singing and Passive Listening21:58 Music for Reducing Stress and Inflammation27:59 Dance Your Way to Longevity31:12 Choirs, Connection & Community34:19 Concerts, Clubbing & Intergenerational Joy38:52 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 11 From Perfect Pitch to Amusia: How the Brain Hears Music

  Why can some people name any note out of thin air, while others can’t tell when a melody goes up or down? In this episode, we explore the fascinating spectrum of pitch perception — starting with perfect pitch, often called a “musical superpower,” and ending with amusia, a condition where music may sound confusing or even meaningless. From the brain science and cultural influences to real listener stories and mental health insights, this episode is all about the many different ways people experience music — and why all of them matter.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro02:06 What Is Perfect Pitch and Who Has It?06:18 Nature vs Nurture: Can You Train Perfect Pitch?15:57 Perfect Pitch in Practice: The Perks and the Pitfalls21:47 Listener Stories: Your Experiences With Perfect Pitch29:44 What Is Amusia?36:59 How the Brain Processes Music40:48 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 10 Why Does Music Give You Goosebumps? The Science Behind Musical Chills

  Why does music give us goosebumps? This episode explores the science behind frisson — that spine-tingling sensation we get from powerful songs. From sudden key changes to sweeping melodies and personal memories, we break down the psychological and neurological triggers that cause chills. Plus, we dive into the personal traits and environmental factors that shape who feels them and why.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:31 What Are Goosebumps and Why Do We Get Them?16:18 The Neuroscience of Frisson22:07 How Mood and Environment Affect Goosebumps25:54 Why Some People Feel It More Than Others31:36 Cultural Context and Personal Music Taste34:29 Listener Submissions: Songs That Give You Chills40:06 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 9 Why Do Sad Songs Feel So Good? The Paradox of Musical Melancholy

  Why does sad music make us feel good, even when it brings us to tears? In this episode, we explore the paradox of why we willingly seek out melancholic melodies, how they stir deep emotions without overwhelming us, and what makes them so uniquely powerful. We dive into the psychology behind this phenomenon, from catharsis and emotional regulation to aesthetic beauty and personal meaning. Plus, we break down what’s happening in the brain when we listen to sad songs and how our individual traits shape how we experience them.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:19 What Makes a Song Feel Sad?06:05 The Aesthetic Appeal11:53 Catharsis and Emotional Processing19:00 Your Brain on Sad Music: The Neuroscience Behind the Feels24:58 Who Loves Sad Music and Why?36:55 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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