Podcast Summary: 3 Takeaways – "This Is Your Brain on Beauty — And It's Powerful" (#252)
Release Date: June 3, 2025
Host: Lynne Thoman
Guest: Susan Magsamin, Executive Director of the International Arts and Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuro Aesthetics at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine

Introduction

In episode #252 of 3 Takeaways, host Lynne Thoman delves into the profound impact of the arts on our brain and overall well-being. Challenging the common misconception of the arts merely as entertainment or escapism, the conversation reveals scientific evidence demonstrating how various forms of art can heal, enhance our lives, and fundamentally transform our daily experiences.

Guest Introduction

Susan Magsamin, a renowned expert in the field of neuroaesthetics, serves as the Executive Director of the International Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She is also a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts and the co-author of the New York Times bestselling book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Susan brings a wealth of knowledge on how an aesthetic mindset can amplify health and well-being.

The Science of Art and the Brain

Susan opens the discussion by highlighting how engaging with art activates multiple regions of the brain. She explains, “If you're a beholder of music, we see tremendous brain activity in all different lobes of the brain” (02:28). This activation includes areas responsible for emotion, memory, and even motor functions, showcasing the interconnectedness of artistic experiences with our neurological processes.

One of the most fascinating points Susan makes is about the synchronicity observed among listeners of music. She notes, “We see that there is this ability to be able to be in union with each other” (02:50), emphasizing the role of music in fostering social cohesion and collective emotional experiences.

Enriched vs. Impoverished Environments

Delving into environmental impacts on the brain, Susan references Marion Diamond's groundbreaking research from the 1960s. Diamond's experiments with rats demonstrated that enriched environments—those filled with novelty and opportunities for exploration—led to significant brain growth and stronger synaptic connections (04:11). Conversely, impoverished environments resulted in reduced brain mass and fewer neural connections.

Susan explains, “This was the first experiment on neuroplasticity. People thought that... environments change the brain. They change it in profound ways” (05:00). This foundational understanding underscores the importance of cultivating enriched environments for cognitive and emotional health.

The Aesthetic Mindset

Introducing the concept of an aesthetic mindset, Susan outlines its key components:

1. Curiosity: Maintaining an open mind and being inquisitive about the world around us.
2. Playful Exploration: Engaging in activities without the pressure of outcomes or perfection.
3. Sensory Exploration: Actively engaging all senses—seeing, hearing, touching, smelling.
4. Intentional Making and Beholding: Purposefully creating and appreciating art and beauty in daily life (06:58).

She emphasizes that adopting an aesthetic mindset is not about adding more to our already busy lives but about enhancing our existing experiences through intentional and mindful engagement with our surroundings.

Living an Aesthetic Lifestyle

Susan provides practical examples of how an aesthetic mindset can permeate daily routines:

• Morning: Waking up to sunlight, savoring the sensory experience of a morning shower by activating the vagus nerve and touch receptors (08:29).
• Daytime: Being mindful of environmental factors like lighting and incorporating movement or dance to regulate the nervous system.
• Evening: Creating bedtime rituals involving dimmed lights and soothing music to prepare for rest (09:00).

These small, intentional practices contribute to overall well-being by making each moment more rich and engaging.

Aesthetic Mindset vs. Other Pillars of Health

When comparing the aesthetic mindset to traditional pillars like exercise and nutrition, Susan argues for its essential role in human health. She states, “We have forgotten that the arts and aesthetics are essential for being human, like exercise and nutrition and good sleep patterns and habits” (10:29). The decline in valuing the arts, particularly in educational settings, has had ripple effects on various aspects of health, including sleep and nutrition.

Cultivating an Aesthetic Mindset

Susan advises that cultivating an aesthetic mindset involves:

• Expanding Sensory Awareness: Being present and fully experiencing sensory inputs.
• Creating Enriched Environments: Incorporating elements that stimulate curiosity and exploration.

She reassures listeners that these changes are simple and do not require significant time investments. For instance, “making a cup of tea, just acknowledging the water in your shower” (12:38) can significantly enhance one’s sensory experience and overall well-being.

Favorite Quote

Susan shares her favorite quote from her book, capturing the essence of her message:

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” (13:34)

This quote encapsulates the idea that enhancing our sensory perception can transform mundane experiences into moments of magic and wonder.

Three Key Takeaways

1. Scientific Proof of the Arts' Impact:

   • “We have proof that the arts and aesthetic experiences change our brains, our bodies, and behavior” (13:52).
   • Engaging with art is not just enjoyable but also beneficial for neurological and physical health.

2. There is an Art for Every Need:

   • “There is an art for that. If you are experiencing health issues around dementia... dance. If you're feeling overwhelmed... write poetry” (13:52).
   • Different forms of artistic expression can aid in addressing various emotional and health-related challenges.

3. Change Your Lens, Change Your Life:

   • “When you are intentional and you see that these arts and aesthetic experiences are all around you and you become more present... everything changes” (13:52).
   • Adopting an aesthetic mindset can transform one's perspective and enhance life at multiple levels—from personal to societal.

Conclusion

Susan Magsamin's insights offer a compelling argument for integrating the arts and an aesthetic mindset into daily life as fundamental components of health and well-being. By understanding and applying the principles discussed in this episode, listeners can unlock new pathways to personal and communal growth.

Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your preferred podcast platform. For more insights, visit 3takeaways.com and subscribe to the newsletter.

Timestamp Reference:

• MM:SS indicates specific points in the transcript where the quoted material can be found.