Daisy Fancourt

Daisy Fancourt, a Professor at UCL and director at the WHO on Arts and Health, discusses how arts engagement can enhance physical and mental health. She highlights exciting evidence linking creativity to improved brain function and reduced stress. Tom Service, a BBC presenter and music expert, explores music’s evolving cultural significance, celebrating its communal power and impact on society. Rosamund Bartlett, a translator of Chekhov, shares insights on his early works, revealing the connection between literature and health in challenging times. This conversation untangles the profound influence of the arts.

Daisy Fancourt, a professor at University College London and author of "Art Cure," explores the surprising health benefits of engaging with the arts. She reveals how art can boost brain function, improve emotional regulation, and even enhance respiratory health. Fancourt discusses arts' role in building cognitive resilience and possibly altering gene expression to promote a younger biological age. With practical tips for incorporating art into daily life, she highlights its potential to improve well-being at any age.

Lexi Bynum, known as Lexi the Hobbyist, dives into the surge of Gen Z's real-world hobbies, sparked by pandemic isolation. She shares how her craft club fosters community and self-exploration through hands-on activities like junk journaling and pottery. Daisy Fancourt brings a scientific lens, explaining how hobbies enhance mental health by boosting dopamine and reducing stress. They discuss hobbies as a reaction to digital overload, with insights on building confidence and resilience. Discover the joy of creativity and its profound impact!