Podcast Summary: "The Many Ways Music Affects Your Brain & How Safe and Effective Are Your Meds?"

Podcast Information:

• Title: Something You Should Know
• Host: Mike Carruthers | OmniCast Media
• Episode Title: The Many Ways Music Affects Your Brain & How Safe and Effective Are Your Meds?
• Release Date: May 8, 2025

Introduction

In this engaging episode of "Something You Should Know," host Mike Carruthers delves into two compelling topics: the profound impact of music on our brains and a critical examination of the safety and efficacy of prescription medications. Through insightful interviews with experts Sarah Layla Sherman and Dr. Jerry Avorn, Mike uncovers fascinating facts and offers valuable advice to help listeners enhance their lives.

Which Side of Your Face Is Your Good Side?

Mike begins the episode with an intriguing question about facial expressions:

Mike Carruthers [04:25]: "So do you know which side of your face is your good side, the one you like to point towards the camera when someone's taking your picture?"

Research from Wake Forest University reveals that most people favor their left side of the face. This preference is attributed to the right hemisphere of the brain, which governs emotions, making the left side more expressive and emotionally intense. Historically, artists have captured this phenomenon in portraits, often depicting the left side of their subjects to emphasize emotional depth.

The Transformative Power of Music

Transitioning to the impact of music, Mike introduces guest Sarah Layla Sherman, a musician and educator who co-authored "Resonant: The Transformative Power of Music One Note at a Time."

Music's Ubiquity and Immediate Impact

Sarah Layla Sherman [01:49]: "Different types of music do different types of things for us. Our brains start firing our neurons 300 to 500 milliseconds after it's exposed to music. So that's faster than we have a conscious thought or before we can even recognize the melody."

Sarah explains that music infiltrates our daily lives more than we realize, being present in various environments like cars, stores, malls, and even doctor's offices. This constant exposure means that music significantly influences our neural activity, often at a subconscious level.

Intentional Use of Music

Mike expresses skepticism about traditional "meditation music," prompting Sarah to broaden the discussion:

Sarah Layla Sherman [07:51]: "Different types of music do different types of things for us. Our brains start firing our neurons 300 to 500 milliseconds after it's exposed to music... music can help lower our blood pressure and our cortisol levels. And maybe it's Bach."

Sarah emphasizes that not all music designed for relaxation is universally effective. She illustrates how different genres activate various parts of the brain, affecting emotions and physiological responses. For instance, classical music with slower beats can reduce stress, while energetic genres like Def Leppard's music can create a sense of community through synchronized brain waves, or "groove."

The Prevalence of Music Consumption

Sarah Layla Sherman [11:20]: "70% of Americans listen to music for three to four hours a day... if you take just 20 to 30 minutes, even less, two to three songs a day, and say, 'Hey, I'm going to attach this song to focus,' it works."

Sarah highlights the staggering amount of time Americans spend listening to music daily, much of it passively. She advocates for intentional music use, where specific songs are associated with particular activities to enhance focus, emotional states, and productivity.

Music as a Memory Cue

Mike and Sarah discuss the phenomenon where familiar songs trigger vivid memories despite not consciously recalling lyrics:

Sarah Layla Sherman [26:51]: "Music predates language... it's a form of early communication. When we sing a song and attach it to a melody, it becomes easier to remember."

This underscores music's powerful role in memory retention and emotional association, making it a valuable tool for learning and personal growth.

Studying with Music vs. Silence

Addressing whether music aids or hinders studying, Sarah advises:

Sarah Layla Sherman [28:16]: "It's very individualized... find the music that supports your focus or experiment with silence to see what works for you."

She acknowledges that while some people benefit from background music, others may find it distracting, especially if the music contains lyrics.

Are Prescription Medications Safe and Effective?

Shifting gears, Mike introduces Dr. Jerry Avorn, a Professor of Medicine at Harvard Medical School, to discuss the reliability of prescription medications.

Questioning Drug Efficacy and Safety

Dr. Jerry Avorn [33:04]: "Does it work and how do we know if it works? Is it safe and how do we know that? What side effects might it cause?"

Dr. Avorn highlights critical questions patients should consider when taking medications. He points out that many believe the FDA directly tests drugs for safety and efficacy, but in reality, the FDA relies on studies submitted by manufacturers, which may be biased.

Flaws in the FDA Approval Process

Dr. Jerry Avorn [34:01]: "The FDA relies on studies submitted by the manufacturer... often the manufacturer will set up those studies in a way that will put the drug in the most favorable light."

He criticizes the FDA's "accelerated approval pathway," which allows drugs to be approved based on preliminary evidence, sometimes leading to ineffective or harmful medications reaching the market. A notable example is the Alzheimer's drug Aduhelm, which was approved despite insufficient evidence of its efficacy and later had to be withdrawn due to severe side effects.

Influence of Pharmaceutical Companies

Dr. Avorn discusses the significant influence pharmaceutical companies have on the FDA:

Dr. Jerry Avorn [47:05]: "Half of the salary that FDA pays to the doctors and other scientists who review the drugs is actually paid by the drug industry... user fees have compromised the FDA's objectivity."

This financial dependency has led to lax drug approval standards, allowing potentially unsafe drugs to be marketed without thorough scrutiny.

Responsibilities of Doctors and Patients

Dr. Jerry Avorn [42:26]: "Doctors and patients alike need to have a high level of scrutiny about how do we know it's better... ask about the cost and effectiveness of prescribed drugs."

He urges both healthcare providers and patients to critically evaluate new medications, comparing them with existing treatments in terms of efficacy, safety, and affordability.

Conclusion

Mike wraps up the episode by reflecting on how our perception of the past is often idealized:

Mike Carruthers [53:32]: "People have a tendency to block out their negative past experiences while we fondly remember the good times... the present never seems as good or as enjoyable as the good old days."

He encourages listeners to rate and review the podcast, fostering a community of informed and engaged individuals seeking to enhance their lives with knowledge.

Key Takeaways

1. Facial Expressions: The left side of your face is typically more expressive due to the right hemisphere's control over emotions.

2. Music's Impact: Music profoundly affects our brains, influencing emotions, stress levels, and cognitive functions. Intentional use of specific genres can enhance focus, reduce stress, and foster community.

3. Drug Safety and Efficacy: The FDA's reliance on manufacturer-submitted studies can compromise drug safety and effectiveness. Patients and doctors must critically evaluate medications, considering both efficacy and cost.

4. Perception of the Past: People often idealize the past by recalling only positive memories, affecting their perception of the present.

Notable Quotes:

• Sarah Layla Sherman [01:49]: "Different types of music do different types of things for us. Our brains start firing our neurons 300 to 500 milliseconds after it's exposed to music."

• Dr. Jerry Avorn [34:01]: "The FDA relies on studies submitted by the manufacturer... often the manufacturer will set up those studies in a way that will put the drug in the most favorable light."

• Mike Carruthers [53:32]: "People have a tendency to block out their negative past experiences while we fondly remember the good times."

This episode offers a deep dive into how music shapes our daily experiences and a critical perspective on the pharmaceutical industry's impact on healthcare. By questioning established norms and encouraging intentional choices, Mike Carruthers provides listeners with actionable insights to improve their well-being and make informed decisions about their health.