The Sound Mind (Sophia Omarji)
Explore every episode of The Sound Mind
| Pub. Date | Title | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12 Mar 2025 | Ep. 6 The Sound of Influence: Music as Propaganda | 00:45:37 | |
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 Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | |||
| 09 Apr 2025 | Ep. 10 Why Does Music Give You Goosebumps? The Science Behind Musical Chills | 00:41:51 | |
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.
0:00 Intro 01:31 What Are Goosebumps and Why Do We Get Them? 16:18 The Neuroscience of Frisson 22:07 How Mood and Environment Affect Goosebumps 25:54 Why Some People Feel It More Than Others 31:36 Cultural Context and Personal Music Taste 34:29 Listener Submissions: Songs That Give You Chills 40:06 Summary and Outro Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | |||
| 05 Feb 2025 | Ep. 1 The Science of Why We Love Music: Exploring Theories of Emotion and Sound | 00:43:30 | |
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 | |||
| 05 Mar 2025 | Ep. 5 Can Music Make You Smarter? The Science Behind Music and Intelligence | 00:35:22 | |
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 | |||
| 26 Mar 2025 | Ep. 8 Why Songs Get Stuck in Your Head: The Science of Musical Earworms | 00:38:10 | |
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 Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | |||
| 19 Mar 2025 | Ep. 7 The Science of Music and Memory: Why Throwback Songs Feel Like Time Machines | 00:38:16 | |
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/ Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | |||
| 19 Feb 2025 | Ep. 3 Can Music Be Your Therapist? Music Therapy vs Therapeutic Music | 00:39:48 | |
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 | |||
| 12 Feb 2025 | Ep. 2 Can Music Make Us Fall In Love? How Music Shapes Our Romantic Lives | 00:31:26 | |
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 | |||
| 26 Feb 2025 | Ep. 4 Are You What You Listen To? What Your Music Taste Says About You | 00:37:43 | |
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 Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | |||
| 02 Apr 2025 | Ep. 9 Why Do Sad Songs Feel So Good? The Paradox of Musical Melancholy | 00:38:26 | |
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.
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 Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | |||