

The Many Ways Music Affects Your Brain & How Safe and Effective Are Your Meds?
20 snips May 8, 2025
Sara Leila Sherman, a musician and educator, discusses how music impacts our brains and enhances emotional awareness. She explains how intentional music choices can boost focus and productivity. Dr. Jerry Avorn, a Harvard medical professor, provides insights into the drug approval process, critiquing its complexities and the FDA's role in medication safety. He highlights the need for accountability and a better understanding of drug risks. Together, they explore the fascinating intersection of music and medicine, revealing their profound effects on our daily lives.
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Why Your Left Face Is Your Good Side
- Most people prefer the left side of their face as their "good side."
- The left side reflects more intense emotions because it's controlled by the brain's right side.
Music's Immediate Brain Effects
- Our brains start reacting to music within 300 to 500 milliseconds, even before conscious recognition.
- Different music types affect emotions and brain activity differently via the amygdala, impacting stress and focus.
Use Music as Action Cues
- Use specific songs as cues to trigger actions or states like focusing or getting ready to leave.
- Attaching songs to routines can embed useful automation in daily life, especially for families with kids.