Michael Waite
Michael Waite
Barbara Minton: How Music Heals the Brain | Episode 146
Barbara Minton: How Music Heals the Brain | Episode 146
Barbara Minton: How Music Heals the Brain | Episode 146
Wednesday 3rd December 2025
Psychologist Barbara Minton shares how music heals the brain, exploring its impact on mental states and emotional well-being.
77 minutes
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Michael Waite
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Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
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Healing from Sexual Trauma
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Get the buttons here!Barbara Minton on Music's Healing Power for the Brain
Episode Overview
- Music can be used deliberately to alter mental states.
- Different genres have unique effects on the brain.
- Heavy metal may help calm PTSD symptoms.
- Humming activates the vagus nerve, aiding stress relief.
- Music enhances emotional memory and connection.
Music seems to be a natural emanation of our body and our brains.
How do people find strength in their journey to sobriety? In this episode, Michael Waite chats with psychologist and musician Barbara Minton, who has a fascinating approach to brain healing through music. Barbara crafts neuroscience-informed tunes designed to support mental health, a method she believes can change how we experience our emotions. You'll learn how different genres of music impact the brain and why certain sounds can soothe or energise us.
Barbara shares insights on how playing music differs from listening to it and how these activities affect our mental states. Her anecdotes about orchestra players syncing heartbeats and the power of music at funerals add a personal touch to the science. Barbara and Michael also discuss how heavy metal can calm those with PTSD and why humming could be your new secret weapon for stress relief.
Their conversation explores the emotional resonance of music, from sad songs validating grief to upbeat tracks lifting spirits. The episode is rich with advice on using music as a tool for mental wellness, whether you're battling insomnia or simply seeking a mood boost. Ready to tune into the symphony of your own brain? Discover how music can be more than just background noise—it might just be the key to unlocking a healthier, happier mind.