Art Heals All Wounds

Pam Uzzell
  • 4.8 (38)
  • ARTS
  • BIWEEKLY SERIES

Do you think art can change the world? So do I! We’re at a pivotal moment when scientists, medical practitioners, and creatives are coming together in recognition of the ways that art plays an indispensable role in our well-being, as individuals, communities, and societies. In each episode we hear from artists and creatives who share their inspiration for their work and its wider impact. These conversations about transformative artistic practices show the ways that art can be a catalyst for healing and change.  How do we change the world? One artist at a time.

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  1. EPISODE 1

    We're Back! Art, Burnout, and Why Creativity Has to Come First

    Hello everyone!  After a very long hiatus, Art Heals All Wounds is coming back!  After a very long hiatus.  I was so burned out. And I realized that I wasn’t really practicing what I preach! There was no time for art or creativity in my life.  So, during this pause, I decided to fix that. I joined a writing group. I started going to a drum circles. Then drum classes. There is nothing like drumming with a group to adjust your attitude for the better.  But now the show is back! This Thursday, February 23rd, I’ll be sharing the first full episode of the season with an interview with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, author of Art Cure.  Doctor Fancourt is a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at the University College London, where she heads the social Biobehavioral research Group. She's also director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Arts and Health, and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world. Daisy’s book Art Cure was such an inspiring read for. I hope you’ll Join me this Thursday to hear her talk about it! In an attempt to not burnout again, I’ll be releasing mini-seasons. About four episodes or so, then a month break. I hope that you’ll stay with the show despite the short seasons and regular breaks. I appreciate your listening more than you can know! I’m also continuing my break from social media. If you like this show and want to share it with a friend, that will help the podcast continue to grow. If you’d like to reach me, you can always connect with me through my website, arthealsallwoundspodcast.com. Thanks for listening!   Support the show

    2 min
  2. Can Art Actually Heal You? Dr. Daisy Fancourt, Author of Art Cure, Shares the Science Behind Art as Medicine

    EPISODE 2

    Can Art Actually Heal You? Dr. Daisy Fancourt, Author of Art Cure, Shares the Science Behind Art as Medicine

    What if the arts weren't just entertainment — but medicine? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, one of the world's most cited scientists and author of Art Cure, about the growing body of research showing that creative engagement — music, dance, visual art — can reduce the risk of depression, slow dementia, help Parkinson's patients maintain motor function, and even slow biological aging. Daisy also shares personal stories, including her own daughter's recovery in the NICU, and practical tips for incorporating the arts into daily life. 00:00 — Intro & Pam's personal story: moving to Arkansas and witnessing the lingering divide of a recently desegregated school01:39 — The music class that changed everything: Mrs. Gilbert and the upright piano02:38 — Introducing today's guest, Dr. Daisy Fancourt04:10 — Interview begins04:47 — Why reading Art Cure kept Pam up at night05:34 — "We are a planet of 8 billion artists" — we are all innately creative06:37 — The "seatbelt moment": when art becomes as automatic as putting on the seatbelt in the car08:01 — The many ways art affects our health: wellbeing, prevention, and treatment09:58 — Daisy's background: from professional pianist to professor at UCL11:41 — Arts on prescription and individual stories from the book12:23 — Josh's story: cerebral palsy, magic camp, and the Magic Circle14:32 — Emily's story: how magic gave a shy girl her voice15:27 — Daisy's personal story: singing to her premature daughter in the NICU18:50 — Dance and Parkinson's disease: what the studies show21:29 — How music affects the brain — and slows aging22:51 — Music, language acquisition, and why we sing to babies26:08 — "Spit Girl": Daisy's PhD in psychoneuroimmunology and saliva research29:09 — Drumming circles and the visceral power of rhythm30:32 — Why your favorite genre is the healthiest music for you33:10 — Elevator music, Muzak, and why grocery store playlists keep you shopping35:12 — Threats to arts funding in the UK and US — and the economic case for the arts37:42 — Practical tips for incorporating art into your daily life39:39 — Why art binges don't work — and what does41:04 — Where to find Art Cure and follow Daisy's research42:24 — Closing thoughts: how arts education broke down barriers in schoolFollow Daisy's Work! https://sbbresearch.org/ Reach Pam at arthealsallwoundspodcast.com Support the show

    44 min
  3. What If We Put Children First? Migration, Trauma, and Education with Harvard's Dr. Gabrielle Oliveira

    EPISODE 3

    What If We Put Children First? Migration, Trauma, and Education with Harvard's Dr. Gabrielle Oliveira

    What really drives families to make the dangerous journey to the United States? And what happens to them — especially their children — after surviving detention and family separation at the border? In this episode, I speak with Dr. Gabrielle Oliveira, Jorge Paulo Lemann Associate Professor of Education and Brazil Studies at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. Gabrielle's new book, Now We Are Here: Family Migration, Children's Education, and Dreams for a Better Life, documents the lives of 16 families from Central and South America who experienced detention and separation at the US border in 2018 and 2019 — and how they rebuilt their lives afterward. Gabrielle shares how she spent three years building deep, trust-based relationships with these families, and why that kind of research — done with people, not on them — matters so much. We explore the surprising role that the dream of an American education plays in the decision to migrate, why children process trauma so differently than adults, and what a truly equitable, child-centered classroom might look like. We also discuss a quietly unforgettable moment: a first-grade morning meeting where two children, asked what they wanted for lunch, spontaneously connected over eating frozen burritos in an immigration detention center — and what that reveals about how trauma lives in children's bodies and memories. Gabrielle's core message is both simple and urgent: what if we made policy — immigration policy, education policy — by putting all children first? Now We Are Here is available at your local independent bookstore, on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, or directly from Stanford University Press. Find Gabrielle on Instagram and at gabrielleoliveira.com. [00:00:12] Intro — "Do you believe art can change the world?" [00:00:48] Pam introduces the topic — migrant family detention and separation at the border [00:01:48] Introduction of Dr. Gabrielle Oliveira and her book Now We Are Here [00:04:06] Interview begins — Gabrielle describes her book and the 16 families she documented [00:05:14] Discussion of research methodology — doing research with people, not on them [00:08:28] Gabrielle reflects on being an immigrant herself and how trust is built over time [00:10:04] How the book idea originated and how the research focus evolved [00:13:57] Education as a driving force behind migration — beyond just fleeing hardship [00:15:12] Moving past the "suffering subject" narrative — immigrant families and the desire for an ordinary life [00:19:20] How trauma affects three groups differently — parents, teachers, and children [00:23:03] The fajita/burrito story — how a first-grade morning meeting unlocked detention memories [00:28:19] How teachers respond to children's trauma — and why "that's in the past" doesn't work [00:33:29] Imagining a more equitable, trauma-informed classroom [00:38:24] The problem with over-structured early childhood education and the loss of play [00:42:08] Gabrielle's wish list — what she hopes readers take away from the book [00:45:43] Where to find the book and follow Gabrielle's work [00:47:06] Pam's closing reflections and outro Follow Gabrielle! Website Book, Now We Are Here Follow Pam! arthealsallwoundspodcast.com Support the show

    48 min
  4. How Artists Resist Oppression: Barbara Benish on Lessons from Cold War Czechoslovakia for Today's Democracy

    EPISODE 4

    How Artists Resist Oppression: Barbara Benish on Lessons from Cold War Czechoslovakia for Today's Democracy

    In this episode, I speak with artist, curator, and author Barbara Benish about her book ArtMill: A Story of Sustainable Creativity in Bohemia — a hopeful, timely memoir about artistic resistance, creative community, and rebuilding culture after totalitarianism. In This Episode: [0:12] Host Pam Uzzell introduces the episode, reflecting on fear of communist countries during the Cold War and how that connects to today's political climate in the US[2:34] Introduction to Barbara Benish's book ArtMill: A Story of Sustainable Creativity in Bohemia and why it feels especially relevant now[3:49] Barbara describes her memoir — from leaving California as a young artist to integrating into Cold War Czechoslovakia, working with underground artists, and eventually founding a rural arts center[6:14] Growing up in Southern California with Czech immigrant heritage, witnessing the Soviet invasion of Prague in 1968, and losing connection to the Czech language[7:42] Crossing the Iron Curtain as a young American backpacker — navigating fear, border crossings, and Cold War propaganda[10:41] Connecting with dissident artists in Prague — serendipity, secret networks, and the surveillance state[12:08] Life under the secret police — being followed, bugged venues, and how artists developed coded communication to resist oppression[13:53] Barbara's frustration with the commercialization of art in 1980s Los Angeles and what drew her to the underground art scene in Czechoslovakia[15:14] The Art Dialogue exchange — bringing together LA and Czech artists during the Cold War and the challenges of mounting a cross-cultural exhibition under an authoritarian regime[16:57] The Velvet Revolution of 1989 — why it's also called the Artist Revolution, the role of playwright-turned-president Václav Havel, and lessons from The Power of the Powerless for democracy today[21:47] Buying the Červený Mlýn (Red Mill) in rural Bohemia — a $17,000 ruin, a leap of faith, and the beginning of a new life[26:28] Renovating the mill, building a rural arts community, and the reality behind the romance[27:46] ArtMill today — artist residencies, children's programs, university study abroad, and regenerative creativity in rural Central Europe[29:12] Art as sustainability — how creative practice connects to environmental stewardship, indigenous ways of knowing, and regenerative living[34:42] What today's political resistance in the US has in common with Cold War Czechoslovakia — and what comes after resistance[38:45] Barbara reads a moving passage from ArtMill about climate, beauty, dignity, and hope for future generations[40:35] Where to find Barbara Benish, upcoming California readings, and how to get the book Resources & Links: Barbara Benish's website: barbarabenish.comArtMill: A Story of Sustainable Creativity in Bohemia — published by New Village Press, distributed by NYUArt Heals All Wounds Podcast: arthealsallwoundspodcast.comSupport the show

    43 min
  5. It's Never Too Late: Reclaiming Your Creative Identity with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey

    EPISODE 5

    It's Never Too Late: Reclaiming Your Creative Identity with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey

    In this episode, I sit down with Clarissa Castillo-Ramsey, abstract painter, life coach, and host of the Painting Your Path podcast — for a rich conversation about how she reclaimed her own creative identity and how she coaches her clients, usually women in midlife, to do the same.  We talk about overcoming self-doubt, and building resilience in the face of unexpected challenges. Clarissa shares her winding journey from retail management to graphic design to finding her true calling as an artist and coach, and how a diagnosis of spasmodic dysphonia — a rare neurological voice disorder — forced her to reimagine her work and reconnect with her deepest purpose. We also discuss: How well-meaning discouragement in childhood can silence our creative instincts for decadesPractical strategies for processing rejection as a creative personWhy "giving yourself grace" is the foundation of any creative practiceClarissa's work supporting the Altadena community in the aftermath of the devastating 2025 Eaton Fire through artWhether you're an artist, a creative in midlife, or someone rebuilding after loss, this episode with Clarissa offers genuine wisdom and encouragement. 00:00:12 — Introduction to the show and host Pam Uzzell 00:01:10 — Podcast updates: new schedule and hiatus explanation 00:01:53 — Introduction of guest Clarissa Castillo Ramsey and her background 00:02:37 — Clarissa's diagnosis with spasmodic dysphonia 00:03:08 — Clarissa's resilience and involvement with the Altadena community after the Eaton Fire 00:04:03 — Interview begins; Clarissa introduces herself 00:05:57 — Clarissa's life coaching work with women in midlife 00:07:13 — Growing up and receiving discouraging messages about pursuing a creative career 00:09:33 — The journey back to art: from retail management to graphic design to painting 00:11:40 — Discovering painter Rassouli at Agape International Spiritual Center 00:16:22 — Clarissa's spasmodic dysphonia diagnosis and how it affected her work 00:21:12 — Pam shares her own experience with myotonic dystrophy and voice challenges 00:24:56 — Theories on resilience and what keeps Clarissa going 00:27:55 — Dealing with rejection as a creative person; the TEDx talk rejection 00:36:16 — The Altadena community after the Eaton Fire and the healing power of art 00:39:11 — Where to find Clarissa and her podcast, Painting Your Path     🎙️ Find Clarissa on Instagram: @clarissacastilloramsey.art 🎙️ Listen to her podcast: Painting Your Path. Clarissa's Website. Support the show

    41 min
  6. Earth Day 2026: How Art and Activism Are Changing the World

    EPISODE 6

    Earth Day 2026: How Art and Activism Are Changing the World

    I sit down with Evan Raskin, National Campaign Manager for Earthday.org, to explore the powerful relationship between art and environmental activism. Evan shares how artists have been central to the Earth Day movement since its very first gathering in 1970 and how creative expression continues to drive climate action today. Evan shares his own life as an artist and how art helps him find harmony in a world full of dissonance. We discuss why collective action — starting at the local level — matters more than ever. 🔗 Find Earth Day events in your community: earthday.org 🎵 Find Evan's music on Spotify: search Raskin 🌍 Learn more about the Global Halt street art project: search #EarthDay2020Halt Timestamped Highlights [00:00] I introduce the episode and its Earth Day theme [01:03] Why I'm dropping this episode now: Earth Day is right around the corner [01:34] I introduce my guest, Evan Raskin, National Campaign Manager for Earthday.org [02:03] We introduce this year's Earth Day theme: Our Power, Our Planet [03:22] I ask Evan what a National Campaign Manager actually does — he breaks down his role [05:03] I learn that Evan is also a musician, painter, and poet — and just published his first book! [05:43] I ask Evan which art form he turns to when he needs release — his answer about music and rhythm is beautiful [07:29] Evan explains how art can open perspectives, build empathy, and call people to civic action [10:54] I ask Evan about his origin story: growing up with a Hollywood hairdresser mom and a Cirque du Soleil / hospital clown dad [13:13] Evan tells me how a required college art class unlocked his visual creativity [14:08] Evan makes the case that everyone has latent creative potential — and why you should just pick up that paintbrush [15:15] I share my recent conversation with scientist Daisy Fancourt and her book Art Cure — even 10–15 minutes of creativity a day has measurable benefits [16:27] I ask Evan how he came to work at Earth Day — it started with a college internship phasing out single-use plastics at the British Embassy [17:49] Evan walks me through the history of Earth Day and how the 1970 movement used art, music, and protest to spark real policy change [22:23] I'm amazed to learn that the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the EPA were all born from Earth Day 1970 [22:48] We do a deep dive into this year's theme: Our Power, Our Planet and what it means at every level [25:51] I bring up the current political climate — Evan responds with hope, local action, and the wisdom of Fred Rogers: "Look for the helpers" [29:37] Evan shares an encouraging stat: solar power has been the leading source of new U.S. electricity for nearly 25 months [32:51] Evan tells me about his visit to COP 27 in Egypt, where global artists displayed installations made from pollution collected in their home countries [33:20] Evan introduces me to Earthday.org's Artists for the Earth program and the annual official Earth Day poster [33:52] The Global Halt Project: I love this — 500 artists across the world painted climate murals under cover of darkness, unveiled on Earth Day 2020 [35:47] Evan shares how YOU can get involved: visit earthday.org, find local events, organize a community cleanup, and start conversations in your school, faith community, or family [38:10] I ask Evan where we can find his music and art Support the show

    41 min
  7. No More Side-Dish Art: Nikko Kimzin on Community-Led Placemaking

    EPISODE 7

    No More Side-Dish Art: Nikko Kimzin on Community-Led Placemaking

    What happens when artists are brought in at the beginning of public space design — not as an afterthought, but as essential problem solvers? In this episode I sit down with Nikko Kimzin, founder of Kimzin Creative, an arts and equity consulting firm based in Petaluma, California. Nikko shares how his team uses the power of art to unlock community imagination, inform city planning, and build public spaces that truly reflect the people who use them. Plus, Nikko makes a passionate case for radical joy as a daily practice and a force for social change — and honestly, I left this conversation feeling more hopeful than I have in a long time. Timestamped Highlights 0:47 — I share my thoughts on the lack of community-designed public spaces, including some honest reflections on my own neighborhood in Deep East Oakland2:41 — I introduce my guest Nikko Kimzin and the work of Kimzin Creative6:19 — Nikko explains his "why": uplifting the human spirit through art and community11:07 — Nikko's origin story: from a Mexican-American household to musical theater and New York City13:18 — The turning point: how Nikko shifted from performer to producer and educator, telling more complex stories for marginalized communities18:40 — The Petaluma River Park project: a two-year community engagement process for a 35-acre park24:34 — "I wish this could be…" — how a simple sticker activity unlocked community dreams29:02 — Why a patch of grass is not a park: Nikko makes the case for raising the standard for public spaces38:07 — Radical joy as a daily practice and a tool for social change — this part of our conversation really stayed with me47:13 — Nikko's passionate case for artists as problem solvers in policy, planning, and beyond Guest Links Website: nikkokimzin.comConsulting: kimzincreative.comSubstack: Nikko Kimzin — Advice from a NobodyInstagram & TikTok: @nikkokimzin If you enjoyed this episode, please follow Art Heals All Wounds on your favorite podcast app and leave a five-star rating or review. You can get in touch with me at arthealsallwoundspodcast.com or find me on Substack. Music by Ketsa and Lobo Loco. Support the show

    55 min
  8. Climate Fiction That Challenges Everything: Mona Shomali on Water Mamas, Geoengineering, and Indigenous Consent

    EPISODE 8

    Climate Fiction That Challenges Everything: Mona Shomali on Water Mamas, Geoengineering, and Indigenous Consent

    Water Mamas: Climate Fiction That Challenges Everything | Mona Shomali on Geoengineering, Indigenous Rights, and the Amazon In this episode, I sit down with author and visual artist Mona Shomali to discuss her debut novel Water Mamas — a gripping work of climate fiction that explores the collision of indigenous human rights, environmental justice, and geoengineering in a near-future Amazon on the brink of collapse. Mona's background is as rich as her storytelling. Before writing Water Mamas, she spent years as a college professor teaching Indigenous Human Rights and International Environmental Governance, worked as a case researcher on the landmark indigenous rights case Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku vs. Ecuador, and served as an environmental policy analyst lobbying the UN on behalf of small island states facing extinction due to sea level rise. This is a conversation that goes deep. Water Mamas doesn't give you easy answers — and that's exactly what makes it so powerful. If you care about climate change, indigenous sovereignty, and the ethics of technological intervention in our ecosystems, this episode is for you. Timestamped Highlights: (00:00) Introduction to Water Mamas and its themes of climate crisis and indigenous rights(03:12) Mona's academic background — teaching Indigenous Human Rights and International Environmental Governance(03:52) Her work on the landmark case Kichwa Indigenous People of Sarayaku vs. Ecuador and indigenous land rights(08:06) The central conflict: cloud seeding, geoengineering, and indigenous consent in the Amazon(10:16) Why geoengineering is more complicated than it seems — and who it's already helping(13:18) Meet Afa, the protagonist: a UN representative torn between mission and conscience(14:44) How Mona's work with small island states facing sea level rise shaped Afa's backstory(18:32) The water mamas: indigenous spirituality, mythology, and a chilling dream sequence(21:38) The real Macuxi mythology behind the water mamas — and why it matters(24:33) Vishnu, the love interest: a character you'll keep changing your mind about(28:42) Could there be a sequel to Water Mamas? Mona shares what she's thinking(39:07) Where to find Water Mamas, Mona's Substack, and her environmental art collection Invisible StainsResources & Links: 📖 Water Mamas by Mona Shomali — available at independent bookstores and Amazon🎨 Mona's artwork and environmental collection Invisible Stain: monashomali.com✍️ Mona's Substack on international environmental issues and mythology: search Mona Shomali on Substack🎙️ Learn more about the show: arthealsallwoundspodcast.comMusic in this episode by Ketsa and Lobo Loco. Support the show

    43 min
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About

Do you think art can change the world? So do I! We’re at a pivotal moment when scientists, medical practitioners, and creatives are coming together in recognition of the ways that art plays an indispensable role in our well-being, as individuals, communities, and societies. In each episode we hear from artists and creatives who share their inspiration for their work and its wider impact. These conversations about transformative artistic practices show the ways that art can be a catalyst for healing and change.  How do we change the world? One artist at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    Pam Uzzell
  • Episodes
    153
  • Seasons
    9
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Art Heals All Wounds
  • Show Website
    Art Heals All Wounds