Musical Mindspace

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Amy Clements-Cortes to explore the powerful role music plays at the end of life. We’ll discuss how music therapy can bring comfort, connection, and dignity to individuals receiving hospice and palliative care - often creating moments of profound meaning for patients, families, and clinicians alike. We also discuss her contributions to the growing body of literature in this field, including the research and writings that are helping to expand understanding and elevate best practices in music therapy. This episode offers an intimate, insightful look at how music can ease transitions, honor life stories, and create space for humanity when it’s needed most.

In this insightful episode, we dive into the powerful intersection of voice, emotion, and healing with Kelly Meashey—a trained music therapist, BMGIM (the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music) Fellow, and vocal psychotherapist. Kelly shares her unique perspective on how singing goes far beyond technique or performance—exploring how the voice can be a gateway to deeper emotional expression, personal transformation, and even trauma healing. Whether you're a singer, music therapist, or someone simply curious about the connection between music and mind, this episode offers a fascinating look at the human voice as a tool for connection, self-discovery, and growth. Listen now to discover how singing can truly be a form of therapy—and what it means to find your voice in every sense of the word.

In this episode of Musical Mindspace, we dive into the powerful intersection of music and trauma-informed care. Music has long been recognized as a tool for healing, but how can we use it responsibly and effectively within a trauma-informed framework? Tune into our conversation with Linsdy Burns - a certified trauma specialist, music therapist, MARI practitioner and clinical counselor - as she shares insights on how music can support emotional regulation, build resilience, and promote healing in individuals who have experienced trauma. We explore the principles of trauma-informed care, discuss practical ways to incorporate music into therapeutic settings, and hear stories of how sound and rhythm can create safe spaces for healing.Content warning: This episode discusses trauma, the various types of traumatic experiences, and its impact on mental health. Please be advised that some content may be activating for listeners.

In this episode, we will delve into the world of music therapy with Dr. Kenneth Aigen who takes us on a journey through his innovative approach to music therapy, known as music-centered music therapy. Join the conversation as he sheds light on how this unique method can benefit individuals in profound ways. He also shares his experiences working within the Nordoff-Robbins model of music therapy, offering insights into the transformative power of music in therapeutic settings. Through his personal anecdotes and clinical encounters, we will gain a deeper understanding of the healing potential of music and its ability to connect us on emotional, cognitive, and transcendental levels.

Join us for an insightful podcast episode featuring Dr. Michael Zanders, where we delve into the fascinating realm of music psychotherapy and specifically, the psychology of music elements. We'll explore the psychological significance of various musical elements (meter, tempo, melody, harmony), how they can be interpreted in the context of music psychotherapy, and how they can mirror different aspects of our psyche including our emotions and life experiences. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in exploring the intersection of music and mental health.

In this episode, we explore the intriguing realm of Guided Imagery and Music (GIM) with Dr. Nicki Cohen. As an expert GIM practitioner and trainer, Dr. Cohen delves into the ways in which music and imagery can combine to unlock insights from our subconscious mind. She also shares her firsthand experiences training under the guidance of Helen Bonny and her personal, archetypical experiences as a GIM traveler. Tune in to discover the power of imagery and the many ways it can facilitate healing through musical experiences.

In this episode, we explore the world of neutral music - music that doesn't necessarily make you feel happy or sad but rather falls somewhere in between. We'll discuss the importance of this type of music and how it can provide a sense of comfort and support during uncertain times. Join our guest Allyson Rogers, MMT, MT-BC and dive into the conversation about why this type of music can be effective in regulating our emotions. Tune in to "The Musical Grey Area" and discover the power of neutral music through playlist creation, musical genres, research, Dorian mode, and our personal experiences as music therapists in private practice.

In this episode, we explore the topic of musical burnout, a very common experience among individuals in music careers. This episode features Omar Oyoque, a professional touring musician and music therapy student. Join us as we discuss what musical burnout is, the symptoms of it, and share tips on how to cope with it. Whether you're a professional musician or a hobbyist, this episode is for anyone who has ever felt overwhelmed or exhausted by the demands of making music. Tune in to learn more about coping with musical burnout and taking care of your mental health as a musician.

In this episode, we explore the incredible relationship between music and social health. Today's guest, Heather Mock, shares insights from her thesis on the topic and explains how resource-oriented music therapy can help improve our social connections. We discuss the many ways in which music brings people together and enhances our ability to form relationships. From the role of music in society to the use of music in therapy, we discuss the social benefits of music in depth. Tune in to learn more about the power of music to improve our social lives and overall well-being.

In the second episode, "Our Musical Brain," we delve into the fascinating topic of how the brain processes music. From the rhythms and melodies that we hear to the emotions that we feel, music has a profound impact on our brains. We explore the neurology behind this experience and provide an introduction to parts of the brain that are activated by making or listening to music.