The Sound Mind

Why do certain songs get stuck in our heads on repeat? Whether it’s a catchy pop chorus or a random jingle from years ago, earworms are a universal experience — but what’s really happening in our brains? In this episode, we explore the psychology and neuroscience behind musical earworms, uncover why some people are more prone to them, and break down the surprising triggers that make a tune stick. Plus, we’ll share science-backed strategies to finally shake off that stubborn song looping in your mind.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:20 What Are Earworms?

07:02 Why Do Songs Get Stuck? Common Triggers & Patterns

12:32 The Evolutionary Purpose of Earworms

21:00 The Neuroscience: What’s Happening in the Brain?

25:38 Who Gets More Earworms?

32:15 How to Stop an Earworm

36:44 Summary and Outro

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Why does hearing an old song instantly transport you to another time and place? This episode explores the powerful connection between music, memory, and nostalgia. We unpack the science behind those vivid throwback moments, the brain chemistry that makes music unforgettable, and why nostalgia is both comforting and bittersweet. Plus, we dive into how music can become the final thread of connection for people living with dementia — offering moments of clarity, joy, and identity when everything else fades.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:37 How Music Unlocks Your Memories

07:36 The Neuroscience of Music Memory

21:37 Music and Nostalgia

28:27 The Last Thing We Forget: Music and Dementia

37:07 Summary and Outro

Playlist For Life resources: https://www.playlistforlife.org.uk/resources/

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In this episode, we explore the use of music as propaganda. From World War II anthems and Cold War jazz diplomacy to revolutionary songs in Iran and state-controlled music in North Korea and China, we explore how music has been harnessed to control, manipulate, and inspire. Learn how rhythms and melodies can unite or divide people and why music is one of the most powerful tools in political warfare. This one might change how you listen.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:22 The Power of Music to Shape Minds

11:17 World War II

16:40 The Cold War

27:09 Iran: Revolutionary Anthems and State Control

34:32 North Korea and China

41:18 Artists as Agents of Influence

43:54 Summary and Outro

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Can music really make you smarter? In this episode, we dive into the science behind music and intelligence. We debunk the Mozart Effect and explore how musical training enhances brain functions such as memory, focus, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence. We also discuss what research says about using music to boost concentration and productivity and what tracks work best.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:12 Debunking the Mozart Effect

12:07 How Learning an Instrument Shapes the Brain

28:38 Music for Focus and Productivity

34:22 Summary and Outro

Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks

Are you what you listen to? In this episode, we explore the link between music and identity, to uncover how your favourite songs may reveal more about your personality than you think. We break down the psychology behind musical preferences, uncover whether music simply reflects who you are or actively shapes your personality over time, and challenge common genre stereotypes.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:04 Why We Identify With Music

14:12 What Your Music Taste Says About You

29:09 Debunking Genre Stereotypes

36:10 Summary and Outro

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Can music be your therapist? In this episode, we explore the difference between music therapy as a professional field and using music as a personal therapeutic tool. We also share practical exercises to help you engage more deeply with music and harness its therapeutic power in daily life.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

00:54 History of Music Therapy

03:37 Music Therapy

15:40 Music As Therapy

18:03 Music for Emotional Regulation and Mood

23:39 Music for Stress Relief and Relaxation

30:14 Music for Reflection

34:34 Music for Self-Expression and Creativity

37:52 Summary and Outro

EPISODE LINKS:

Weightless by Marconi Union: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfcAVejslrU

Soundtrack Your Life article: https://medium.com/illumination/soundtrack-your-life-why-you-should-create-a-personalised-music-playlist-8499d43f4470

Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks

Can music really make us fall in love? How does a song strengthen a bond between two people? How do love songs influence the way we experience and expect romance? And why do we turn to heartbreak anthems when love goes wrong? In this special Valentine’s episode, we explore the deep connection between music and romance.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

02:43 Can Music Make You Fall In Love?

08:32 The Role of Music in Building Relationships

12:18 Using Music to Maintain Relationships

15:41 Heartbreak Anthems

21:57 Love Songs, Expectations and Attachment

29:31 Summary and Outro

Read more on Bamford’s (2024) research:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10899422/

Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love:https://shorturl.at/2gDJH

Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks

Why do we love music? In this episode, we dive into the theories behind our deep emotional connection to sound. From gathering real people’s thoughts on why they love music to exploring music as a universal and historical art form, we touch on what makes it so powerful. We also break down the BRECVEMA model, a key psychological theory that explains our emotional connection to music. Tune in for a deep dive into the emotional power of sound, and discover how music moves us in ways we often don’t even realise.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Intro

03:39 Music as a Universal and Historical Art Form

08:33 The BRECVEMA Model: Understanding Music and Emotion

09:33 Brain Stem Reflex: Evolutionary Responses to Sound

12:56 Rhythmic Entrainment: Moving to the Music

15:08 Evaluative Conditioning: Associating Music with Emotions

18:41 Contagion: How Music Spreads Emotion

21:42 Visual Imagery: Painting Pictures in Our Minds

23:54 Episodic Memory: Reliving Our Lives Through Music

27:09 Musical Expectancy: Predicting and Reacting to Sound

29:55 Aesthetic Judgement: Deciding What Sounds Good

32:59 Crowd Responses: Why We Love Music

41:23 Summary and Outro

Read more on Juslin's BRECVEMA theory:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23769678/

Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks