ABC Radio
Australian Broadcasting Corporation
The music that saves us
The music that saves us
The music that saves us
Saturday 29th November 2025
Explore how Sabrina McKenzie uses music for self-compassion in recovery. Discover the healing power of songs.
30 minutes
Inspiring
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate
Authentic
About this podcast
Author:
ABC Radio
Overview:
Categories:
Mindfulness & Emotional Wellbeing
Mindful Recovery
Sexual Stigmas & Myths
Mindfulness & Technology in Health
Parenting & Children
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Episodes:
506 (View all)
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Get the buttons here!Music as Medicine: Sabrina McKenzie's Healing Journey
Episode Overview
- Music can foster self-compassion similar to meditation and journaling.
- 81% of study participants felt self-compassion from listening to music.
- Different genres impact individuals uniquely; preferences vary widely.
- Music acts as a social surrogate, offering comfort during solitary moments.
- Sabrina aims to validate music as a tool for mental health improvement.
"Music was the only thing that got me. It was the only thing that understood me."
Ever wondered how music can be a lifeline during tough times? Dive into Sabrina McKenzie's story as she shares her journey of finding solace and self-compassion through the power of music. Growing up amidst childhood abuse and trauma, Sabrina turned to music as her refuge, with artists like Alice Cooper and Whitney Houston providing a comforting soundtrack to her struggles.
Now a PhD researcher in music psychology, Sabrina is exploring how everyday music might foster self-compassion, potentially offering a new avenue for mental health improvement. Sabrina's research delves into whether music can cultivate self-compassion in the same way meditation and journaling do. Her studies show that 81% of participants experienced self-compassion from listening to music during the COVID-19 lockdowns.
Through heartwarming anecdotes, she illustrates how songs have helped her navigate personal loss and emotional pain, revealing music as a potential social surrogate during solitary moments. This episode also touches on the diversity in musical preferences and how different genres can uniquely impact individuals. From heavy metal to soulful ballads, Sabrina uncovers the varied ways people use music to manage emotions and build resilience.
As Sabrina continues her groundbreaking research, she hopes to establish music as a viable tool for self-compassion, comparable to traditional practices like meditation. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of music, encouraging listeners to explore their own musical paths to healing. Curious about how music can be more than just entertainment? Discover Sabrina's insights and consider what tunes might support your own journey toward self-compassion.