Screenshot from my conversation with Genein Letford, M.Ed (Ep. 215)
What can 200+ conversations with the brightest minds in music teach us about life? On the six-year anniversary of the podcast, I share four lessons that have reshaped the way I see music – and its power to transform your everyday life.
I’m Mindy Peterson, host of Enhance Life with Music podcast, where we explore the ways music transforms everyday life. And this is Microhance, a micro-dose of musical enhancement.
As I started thinking about a topic for today’s Microhance, I happened to look at the calendar and it hit me: we are right at the six-year anniversary of the launch of Enhance Life with Music podcast! In these six years, I’ve had more than 200 conversations with some of the best minds in music. And those conversations have shaped not only this show, but also me – as a musician and educator, but also as a wellness enthusiast, parent, and professional. When I launched this podcast, my kids were in middle school and high school; today I’m an empty-nester and a mother-in-law (with a granddog! 🐕). I’ve shifted from teaching a full studio of students to working full-time for a music retailer, supporting music educators. Through it all, the podcast has been a constant – a reminder that music is both anchor and compass.
Six years ago, when I contemplated starting this podcast, my biggest hesitation was wondering if I would run out of content. While I had a substantive list of ideas for topics and guests starting out, I didn’t want to invest the time and effort into starting this endeavor only to have the well of ideas run dry after six months. Six years later, I can honestly say I’ve never once run low. In fact, the list only grows and the well deepens. I’ve been continually amazed by the innovative ways music’s power is being applied – in science and wellness, in sports and education, in communities and beyond. These conversations have only deepened my conviction that music amplifies our health, happiness, and wholeness, whether or not we consider ourselves musicians.
Here are four big lessons I’ve learned along the way:
- Music is holistic. It’s not confined to a practice room or a stage. It impacts our bodies, our brains, our relationships, our communities – truly every part of life.
- Music is a connector. This podcast has expanded my network in ways I never imagined, and I’ve had the joy of connecting with so many inspiring people – from researchers and authors to educators and performers – who are united by the magic of music. I’ve met people on social media, on the phone and on video calls, YES – in real life(!), locally and across the world.
- People who engage deeply with music are some of the most innovative, creative beings I’ve encountered. Whether they’re scientists, educators, performers, or entrepreneurs, they show me again and again how music fuels curiosity, problem-solving, and resilience.
- The world of music offers an endless supply of lifelong learning. No matter how much I’ve studied or experienced, there’s always a new angle, a fresh insight, or an unexpected application waiting to be discovered.
And here’s why this matters to you: the very same things I’ve learned from these conversations are available to you, too. Music can support your well-being, strengthen your relationships, spark creativity in your work, and give you a lifelong source of growth and joy. When you make space for music in your life, you’re not just listening – you’re building health, connection, and resilience that ripple into everything else you do.
Looking back, I’m more convinced than ever of music’s power to transform everyday life. And looking ahead, I can’t wait to keep learning and exploring the next frontiers of music research, to bring you the most innovative voices, stories, and the practical resources that can help you enhance your life with music.
Thank you for being here, for learning and experimenting alongside me, and for enhancing our world with the power of music.
If there’s been an episode that was especially impactful for you or a topic you’d like to hear about in the upcoming year, I would love to hear about it.
You can always connect with me on email (mindy@mpetersonmusic.com), Facebook, Instagram, X, or LinkedIn.
I’m Mindy Peterson, and I hope this inspires you to enhance your life with music.
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