The Sound Mind

Ep. 49 How Technology Is Changing Our Relationship With Music: Inside Vinyl Group with CEO Josh Simons

Joined by Josh Simons, CEO of Vinyl Group and founder of music industry networking platform Vampr, this episode explores the psychology of music fandom, parasocial relationships, and creativity in the digital age. We unpack why, in a streaming-first world, people are still drawn to deeper, more tangible connections with music, artists, and the communities around them. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 02:27 Josh’s Journey From Musician to Music Tech 29:05 The Resurgence of Vinyl and Collectibles 37:40 Artists, Fans, and Parasocial Relationships 44:12 Monetisation vs. Authenticity in Music 53:21 The Future of Music and Human Experience 01:02:40 Final Reflections Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks Support us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks] Download Vampr: https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1069819177&code=SOUNDMIND [https://apps.apple.com/redeem?ctx=offercodes&id=1069819177&code=SOUNDMIND]   Get $5 off an annual subscription with the code: SOUNDMIND

Ep. 48 The History of MTV and the Psychology of Music Videos

This episode explores the rise of MTV and how visual storytelling reshaped the music industry, artist identity, and global pop culture. We explore the psychology behind this shift, exploring how music videos shape memory, emotional interpretation, and our attachment to songs and artists. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 06:04 Before MTV: The Origin of Music Videos 12:59 The Launch of MTV: Video Killed the Radio Star 19:13 When Music Became Visual Identity 26:16 The Controversy: MTV and Representation 33:21 The Psychology of Music Videos 42:17 Final Reflections Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks Support us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks]

Ep. 47 The Psychology of Taste: Music, Identity and Connection with Jennie Silber

Joined by Jennie Silber from Koodos Labs, we unpack how platforms like Shelf are turning taste into something social and even predictive, from matching people through music to building a broader picture of identity across culture and lifestyle. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 01:58 Jennie’s Journey: From Law to Data 06:32 What Is Taste? 17:20 Can Taste Be Measured? Inside the Data 29:05 Building Shelf: Turning Taste into a Product 34:32 Music, Identity and Self-Presentation 45:19 Taste and Compatibility: Connecting Through Music 51:35 Beyond Music: The Future of Taste 57:50 Final Reflections Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks Support us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks] Connect with Jennie: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-silber/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennie-silber/] Follow Jennie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniesilber/ [https://www.instagram.com/jenniesilber/] Download the Shelf app: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shelf-music-books-movies/id1667391175 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/shelf-music-books-movies/id1667391175]

Ep. 46 Music Therapy for Autism: Celebrating World Music Therapy Week

To honour both World Music Therapy Week and World Autism Month, this episode explores the power of music therapy in autism. From understanding how autistic individuals experience the world to the psychology and neuroscience behind why music can unlock connection, we explore how music can become a language of its own and what it reveals about expression, connection, and what it truly means to communicate. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 02:25 What is Autism? 08:18 Defining Music Therapy 16:48 Why Music Works for Autism 24:44 Case Study 29:27 Final Reflections Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks Support us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks] Nordoff-Robbins Music Therapy video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CuAjiU7RBg [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_CuAjiU7RBg]

Ep. 45 The Psychology of Jazz Music: What Jazz Reveals About the Creative Brain

What happens in your brain when creativity unfolds in real time? In this episode, we explore the psychology of jazz, from its rich history and roots in expression and identity, to the neuroscience behind improvisation, flow state, and emotional connection. Discover how jazz musicians create in the moment, why it feels so powerful to listen to, and what it can teach us about creativity, focus, and letting go. CHAPTERS: 0:00 Intro 02:05 The History of Jazz Music 08:48 Emotion and Expression in Jazz 12:18 The Brain on Jazz Improvisation 21:13 Jazz as a Language: Prediction and Surprise 23:54 Benefits of Listening to Jazz 29:47 Final Reflections Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks Support us: ⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks⁠ [https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks]