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 Intro

01:19 What Makes a Song Feel Sad?

06:05 The Aesthetic Appeal

11:53 Catharsis and Emotional Processing

19:00 Your Brain on Sad Music: The Neuroscience Behind the Feels

24:58 Who Loves Sad Music and Why?

36:55 Summary and Outro

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