The Sound Mind

• Ep 34. The Lost Art of Listening: What Albums Can Teach Us About Attention

  In this episode, we explore the lost art of listening and what albums can teach us about attention in an age of constant distraction. Through the psychology of flow, deep listening, and emotional regulation, we uncover why albums still matter — not just as collections of songs, but as journeys that mirror our inner lives. We also look at how focused listening affects the brain, memory, and stress, and why slowing down with music might just be the mindfulness practice we didn’t know we needed.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro02:40 Our Distracted Listening Culture15:37 The Art of Sequencing20:10 The Psychology of Deep Listening29:31 Mindfulness Exercise33:42 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 33 The Psychology of Music Fandoms: Connection, Community and Obsession

  In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of music fandoms, from the thrill of discovering a new track by your favourite artist to the friendships and communities that form around shared musical passions. From dopamine-fuelled obsession and parasocial bonds to the collective euphoria of concerts and online fan spaces, we unpack the psychology of fandoms. We also ask bigger questions about identity, creativity, and the balance between healthy admiration and unhealthy obsession.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:48 The Science of Obsession09:05 Parasocial Relationships14:16 Fandoms and Community24:17 The Dark Side of Fandoms30:29 Why Fandoms Matter35:19 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 32 The Psychology of Waiting Music: From Elevators to Call Centres

  In this episode, we explore the strange world of waiting music, from the smooth strings in elevators to the tinny loops of call centre hold lines. We dive into the psychology of waiting sounds, from attentional distraction and time distortion to the careful design choices that shape your mood. We also ask bigger questions about ethics, manipulation, and the future of waiting music in an AI-driven world. Whether you love it or hate it, you’ll never hear hold music the same way again.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro03:02 The Birth of Background Music12:04 The Psychology of Waiting Music18:44 The Sound of Anonymity25:26 Modern Approaches: From Bland to Branded30:34 The Ethics37:04 The Future of Waiting Music41:35 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 31 When Music Hurts: The Psychology of Trigger Songs

  In this episode, we explore why some songs feel impossible to listen to, instantly pulling us back into buried emotions and memories. From the way music intertwines with memory and emotion in the brain, to how tracks become bound up with trauma, grief, or heartbreak, we dive into the psychology of trigger songs. Through powerful listener stories of avoidance, reclamation and healing, we also unpack therapeutic approaches that can help us navigate painful music and even find ways to reclaim those tracks.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:52 The Science Behind Trigger Songs08:59 When Songs Become Memories13:56 Why It Hurts So Deeply19:59 Listener Stories31:36 Ways to Cope With Painful Music38:23 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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• Ep. 30 Do Genres Still Matter? Why Labels Can’t Contain Music

  In this episode, we explore why music genres still matter — and why, in many ways, they don’t. From the history of genre classification and their role in shaping communities and emotional expectations, to how streaming, playlists, and globalised sounds are blurring boundaries, we dive into the psychology and cultural significance of musical categories. Ultimately, we reveal how genres remain a powerful yet evolving lens for identity, emotion, and the way we experience the ever-expanding universe of sound.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro01:09 A Brief History of Genres08:27 Why Genres Matter Less Today20:24 Do Genres Still Matter In Some Ways?28:55 Future Trends: What’s Next for Genres?33:49 Summary and OutroFollow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠

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