A State of Mind podcast

The Science & Mysticism of Sound with Murray Hidary

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Is music more than just entertainment? Can sound re-architect our nervous systems and create deep human connection?


In this episode of A State of Mind, Julian Royce sits down with Murray Hidary, classical composer and creator of the global music project Mind Travel. An early internet pioneer who co-founded EarthWeb and Dice.com in the 1990s, Murray now brings live music and nature together for over 200 silent headphone concert experiences annually.


Together, they explore the parallels between coding and classical counterpoint, the neurobiology of sound perception, curating an intentional "auditory diet," and why music acts as a multidimensional language for emotional integration.


Main Topics Covered


  • The Early Internet & Tech Boom: Building EarthWeb, putting major institutions online, and founding Dice.com.
  • Left-Brain Meets Right-Brain: How Bach's mathematical counterpoint bridges logic and artistic expression.
  • The Physics of Sound: How acoustic vibrations transform into internal emotional experiences within the brain.
  • Curating Your Auditory Diet: Managing noise pollution, silence, and intentional listening for nervous system health.
  • The Multidimensional Language of Music: Why music expresses complex, non-linear emotional states better than spoken words.


Key Takeaways

  • Music Happens Inside: External sound is just molecular motion; music is an internal creation of human perception.
  • Acoustic Nutrition: What you listen to throughout the day directly impacts your cortisol levels, stress, and mood.
  • Therapeutic Potential: Sound and music therapy offer scientifically validated pathways for reducing anxiety and supporting recovery.


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