In this episode, we uncover why lyrics matter so deeply in music and what makes certain lines unforgettable. From self-expression and storytelling to emotional regulation, we dive into the psychology of why some words resonate whilst others pass us by, and how personal relevance shapes what sticks in memory. We also explore the science of misheard lyrics, the power of vocal delivery, and the neuroscience of why lyrics stay with us — even resurfacing in dementia — showing how songs connect us to our identity, our memories, and each other.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:41 Lyrics as Mirrors of the Self

04:24 Lyrics as Storytelling

11:26 When Lyrics Hit Home

16:28 Do Words or Melodies Move Us More?

23:23 What Makes Lyrics Memorable

27:10 Mondegreens: Why We Mishear Songs

32:35 Lyrics as Social Glue

37:03 Summary and Outro

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In this episode, we explore how our playlists shift with our emotions and life stages, and why the same song can comfort us one day and energise us the next. Using the Brief Music in Mood Regulation scale, we explore seven science-backed strategies for utilising music to regulate mood. Whether you’re chasing a dopamine high, seeking comfort, or just needing a moment to breathe, this episode will help you understand the psychology behind why your emotions pick your playlist.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

02:21 Entertainment: When Music Is Just for Fun

06:01 Revival: Recharging Your Mind and Mood

12:06 Strong Sensation: Chasing Musical Chills and Rush

16:01 Diversion: Pressing Pause on Worries

20:06 Discharge: Letting Your Feelings Out Through Music

24:14 Mental Work: Thinking and Reflecting with Music

28:08 Solace: Feeling Understood Through Sound

32:10 Bringing It All Together: How Moods and Music Intertwine

34:48 Summary and Outro

Cook et al’s (2019) study: https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735617734627

2024 follow-up study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03057356241258959

Brief Music in Mood Regulation Scale: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ft17588-000

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In this episode, we dive deep into the world of live music and explore why concerts are so much more than just sound. We explore how live shows create powerful emotions, meaningful connections, and leave us with unforgettable memories. From the brain chemistry behind goosebumps to the social magic of singing in unison, we unpack the science that makes live music experiences so powerful. This episode is your reason to grab tickets to your next show.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:42 The Science of Live Music

13:58 Social Bonding and Collective Emotion

21:10 The Neuroscience of Anticipation and Setlists

25:43 Why Concert Memories Stick for Life

30:35 Audience Participation and Personal Agency

34:44 Summary and Outro

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In this episode, we’re keeping things light, reflective, and a little more personal as we mark my birthday week with a relaxed, chit-chat-style conversation. From the strange universality of the “Happy Birthday” song to the pop anthems that turn birthdays into a vibe, we explore how music shapes our milestones. We discuss the emotional role of music in birthdays, the rituals we create around it, and why we often return to nostalgic tracks during this time of year. Plus, we dive into summer songs — those feel-good tracks that become emotional time capsules.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:44 Birthday Songs: From Tradition to Pop Anthems

10:16 Music, Rituals and Reflection: The Soundtrack of Growth

15:43 Summer Soundtracks: How Music Captures Seasonal Memories

20:10 Summary and Outro

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In this episode, we explore why music feels so different when you’re wearing headphones. From immersive audio and sonic intimacy to emotional privacy and everyday rituals, we dive into the psychology of how headphones reshape our relationship with sound. We discuss everything from binaural recordings and 8D audio to the power of zoning out and self-regulating inside a personal emotional sanctuary. This episode is a reminder that putting on headphones isn’t just about listening; it’s about entering a space that belongs entirely to you.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:36 How Headphones Pull You Into the Music

10:09 Tuning Into the Music and Tuning Out of Your Surroundings

18:49 Emotional Boundaries: Music as a Personal Sanctuary

24:06 The Headphone Ritual: How Sound Shapes Your Day

28:10 Summary and Outro

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In this episode, we explore what happens when music goes from uplifting to overwhelming. While it’s often a source of comfort and connection, too much music, especially when it’s constant or passive, can lead to playlist fatigue, emotional burnout, and numbness. We unpack the neuroscience of overstimulation, the emotional toll of passive listening, and how stepping away from music can actually deepen your connection to it. From avoidance to intentional listening, this episode is a reminder that in a world full of sound, silence can be healing.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:33 Playlist Fatigue and Overstimulation

09:18 When Music Loses Its Meaning

13:51 Music as Emotional Avoidance

20:18 The Healing Power of Silence

25:43 Finding Balance: Intentional Listening and Sonic Fasting

29:46 Summary and Outro

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In this episode, we explore what really happens inside our minds when we listen to music. Beyond emotion, music guides our thoughts, triggering memories, sparking imagination, or even pulling us into everyday mind-wandering. We dive into new research that maps these “thoughtscapes,” showing how different genres, emotional tones, and musical elements shape the mental journeys we take.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:47 Exploring Music from Feeling to Thinking

06:17 What We Think About When We Listen to Music

11:21 Genre as the Director of Your Thoughts

17:17 Why Your Favourite Songs Feel So Personal

21:50 How Emotion and Musical Change Shape Your Thoughts

25:48 Using Music Intentionally to Curate Your Inner World

29:11 Open Questions: The Future of Thoughtscapes Research

34:05 Summary and Outro

Full research paper: https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356251346654

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In this episode, we explore why we get stuck on one song, playing it over and over until it becomes the soundtrack to our lives. We dive into the neuroscience of repetition, unpacking why our brains love hearing the familiar. We also look at how looping music helps us process intense emotions, regulate our moods, and create comfort through ritual. Repetition in music is more than a habit. It’s a mirror, a memory, and a deeply human way of healing.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

01:22 The Brain Loves Repetition

09:02 Musical Repetition as Emotional Processing

14:55 Looping as Ritual: Comfort, Control and Regulation

20:02 Repetition in Culture and Tech: From Streaming to TikTok

24:21 What Your Repeat Song Says About You

27:40 Summary and Outro

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