The Sound Mind

Sophia Omarji
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY
The Sound Mind

The Sound Mind is where music meets psychology. Hosted by music psychologist Sophia Omarji, this podcast explores the science behind how music shapes our minds, emotions, and everyday lives. Whether you're a music lover, a psychology enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of sound, The Sound Mind offers fresh insights into the melodies that move us. Tune in every Wednesday for new episodes to discover music in a whole new way. Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | For business inquiries, contact: thesoundmindtalks@gmail.com

Episodes

  1. 5D AGO

    Ep. 7 The Science of Music and Memory: Why Throwback Songs Feel Like Time Machines

    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

    38 min

  2. MAR 12

    Ep. 6 The Sound of Influence: Music as Propaganda

    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

    46 min

  3. MAR 5

    Ep. 5 Can Music Make You Smarter? The Science Behind Music and Intelligence

    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

    35 min

  4. FEB 26

    Ep. 4 Are You What You Listen To? What Your Music Taste Says About You

    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

    38 min

  5. FEB 19

    Ep. 3 Can Music Be Your Therapist? Music Therapy vs Therapeutic Music

    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

    40 min

  6. FEB 12

    Ep. 2 Can Music Make Us Fall In Love? How Music Shapes Our Romantic Lives

    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

    31 min

  7. FEB 5

    Ep. 1 The Science of Why We Love Music: Exploring Theories of Emotion and Sound

    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

    44 min
  • 7 Episodes

    5
    out of 5
    4 Ratings

    About

    The Sound Mind is where music meets psychology. Hosted by music psychologist Sophia Omarji, this podcast explores the science behind how music shapes our minds, emotions, and everyday lives. Whether you're a music lover, a psychology enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of sound, The Sound Mind offers fresh insights into the melodies that move us. Tune in every Wednesday for new episodes to discover music in a whole new way. Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | For business inquiries, contact: thesoundmindtalks@gmail.com

    Information

    • Creator
      Sophia Omarji
    • Years Active
      2K
    • Episodes
      7
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Sophia Omarji
    • Show Website
      The Sound Mind

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