Photo courtesy of Create and Grow Your Brain Capital
What if music isn’t just entertainment, but a pathway to health, resilience, creativity, and human flourishing? In this conversation, the tables were turned on me and I was the one being asked the questions! We discussed my parents’ brilliant rule that introduced me to music; how music has played a role in various facets of my career; and the transformative role music plays in shaping our brains, our communities, and our lives. This episode is a reminder: music is brain capital.
Guest
Today’s episode is a little different – I’m sharing with you a conversation that I had with Genein Letford on her podcast, Create and Grow Your Brain Capital. Here, the tables were turned on me and I was the one being asked the questions! We discussed my parents’ brilliant rule that introduced me to music; how music has played a role in various facets of my career; and why music isn’t just entertainment, but a pathway to health, resilience, creativity, and human flourishing.
Thanks so much to Genein for having me as a guest on her show; I thoroughly enjoyed our conversation and hope you do, as well!
Notes
We discuss:
- Why music is more than entertainment
- The role parents play in inspiring children’s persistence with music, and why parental involvement matters.
- How music reshapes the brain, boosting executive function, decision-making, and creativity.
- The lifelong benefits of making music, not just listening, including neuroplasticity and dementia prevention.
- Transferable leadership and life skills gained through performance, including confidence, empathy, frustration tolerance, and resilience.
- How music reconnects us to its original cultural role: healing, bonding, thriving, and human flourishing.
Connect/Other Resources
- Genein’s website: GeneinLetford.com
- Create and Grow Your Brain Capital podcast
- I mention the Alive Inside documentary
- I interview Genein in Ep. 215: Building Brain Capital and Preventing Dementia Through Arts Integration; with Genein Letford, M.Ed
Other episodes we mentioned or that you may enjoy:
- Ep. 4: Music Rewires the Brain; with Maegan Morrow (Gabby Giffords’ music therapist)
- Ep. 190: I Heard There Was A Secret Chord – Dr. Daniel Levitin on His New Book and the Science Behind Music as Medicine
- Ep. 112: How are the sounds of my life shaping my brain, and what does music have to do with it? With Dr. Nina Kraus
- Ep. 27: Are musicians better able to pick up subtle emotional cues? with Dr. Nina Kraus
- Ep. 106: How to Talk… when kids don’t want to practice, with authors Joanna Faber & Julie King
- Ep. 76: What are the benefits of being an adult (even “old”!) beginner? With New York Times bestselling author Tom Vanderbilt
- Micro 27: Grip Strength & Music – A Surprising Key to Health and Longevity
- View all episodes related to Education & Community
In-Episode Promo
MUD/WTR: I was never a coffee drinker until about 3 years ago, after my sister coaxed me into trying espresso. I have to admit, I loved that caffeine boost and the strong flavor of espresso! But I saw that people who drank it every day didn’t even feel that caffeine boost anymore – and they felt horrible and got headaches if they DIDN’T have their morning caffeine. So I let myself have espresso a few days a week, and went in search of a morning beverage for the rest of the days – something that would still boost my mental clarity and energy. I was thrilled when I discovered MUD/WTR – it was created by an artist and dad who used to be addicted to coffee. He started to blend mushrooms like lion’s mane, cordyceps, resihi, and chaga with super foods and spices. I’ve become a huge fan of the “Original Masala Chai,” a blend that supports gut health and immune function along with energy and focus. Try it yourself – and get 20% off your first order – at mudwtr.com/ENHANCELIFE.
Closing Words
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn; and by signing up for my monthly e-Newsletter.
Thank you so much for joining me today. Until next time, may your life be enhanced with music.
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