Podcast Summary: "Classic Replay Music Saved Me with Brian Harris-CEO of MedRhythms"

Podcast Information:

• Title: takin' a walk
• Host/Author: iHeartPodcasts
• Episode: Classic Replay Music Saved Me with Brian Harris-CEO of MedRhythms
• Release Date: June 29, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this compelling episode of "takin' a walk," host Buzz Knight delves into the profound impact of music on healing and neuroscience with special guest, Brian Harris, CEO of MedRhythms. Brian, a seasoned neurological music therapist, shares his journey and the groundbreaking work his company is doing to revolutionize healthcare through music.

Brian Harris’s Journey into Music Therapy

Brian Harris discusses his early passion for music and the pivotal moment that steered him towards music therapy.

• Timestamp [07:12]:
  Brian Harris: "I've always been a musician. I grew up as a violist first and then learned to play the drums and became a drum set player... witnessing music therapy in the presence of one of his clients... changed my life because I said a, I need to be using music in this way. This is my calling in life."

This experience at the University of Maine ignited his passion to explore the scientific underpinnings of music's therapeutic effects.

The Science Behind Music’s Healing Power

Brian elaborates on the neurological impact of music and its potential to transform global healthcare.

• Timestamp [05:35]:
  Brian Harris: "Music activates our brain like nothing else on earth. When you just listen to music, the parts of your brain that are responsible for movement, language, attention, memory, emotion—all of these things are activated."

He emphasizes that music therapy can significantly improve functions in patients with various neurological conditions, such as stroke, Parkinson's disease, and multiple sclerosis.

Founding MedRhythms and Clinical Applications

Brian shares the inception of MedRhythms and its mission to make music therapy accessible beyond clinical settings.

• Timestamp [09:35]:
  Brian Harris: "We started MedRhythms around that fundamental mission of how can we bring this important care from inside the hospital to patients around the world that we believe not only need it but really fundamentally deserve to have access to it."

At Spalding Rehabilitation Hospital in Boston, Brian developed a music therapy program that yielded remarkable improvements in patient recovery times and outcomes.

Rhythm and Neuroplasticity: Enhancing Movement and Speech

The discussion delves into how rhythmic auditory stimulation aids in motor and language recovery.

• Timestamp [12:06]:
  Brian Harris: "Rhythm is a primary driver of the brain functions... when we hear an external rhythm in our environment, it activates the auditory system and the motor system, allowing us to use rhythm to activate movement."

• Timestamp [15:33]:
  Brian Harris: "We teach people to speak again through what looks like singing... music activates the entire brain, helping improve language outcomes by utilizing undamaged parts of the brain."

These insights highlight how rhythm can serve as a powerful tool in rehabilitating movement and speech in individuals with neurological impairments.

Introducing In Tandem: The First FDA-Approved Prescription Music Product

Brian introduces MedRhythms' flagship product, In Tandem, designed to aid chronic stroke survivors.

• Timestamp [16:48]:
  Brian Harris: "In Tandem uses rhythmic auditory stimulation to help patients improve their walking. It connects sensors on the shoes to a mobile device, which then delivers customized music interventions based on real-time walking data."

This innovative device not only monitors patients' gait but also adapts the musical stimuli to encourage better walking patterns, making therapy accessible at home without constant clinician supervision.

Collaboration with Universal Music Group

Brian discusses the strategic partnership with Universal Music Group (UMG) to enhance patient engagement through personalized music.

• Timestamp [19:49]:
  Brian Harris: "Our partnership with UMG allows patients to choose music they love, making the therapeutic experience more engaging and motivating. This collaboration ensures that the music used is both enjoyable and clinically effective."

By integrating popular music preferences, MedRhythms ensures higher adherence and effectiveness of the therapy.

Future Horizons: Expanding to Parkinson’s Disease and Beyond

Brian outlines the company's plans to extend the benefits of rhythmic auditory stimulation to other neurological conditions.

• Timestamp [23:13]:
  Brian Harris: "We've conducted successful clinical trials in Parkinson's disease and are exploring next steps to expand our offerings, understanding the vast potential of music in healthcare."

MedRhythms is poised to become a versatile tool in various therapeutic contexts, harnessing the universal language of music to foster healing.

Conclusion and Contact Information

As the episode wraps up, Brian expresses his gratitude and invites listeners to learn more about MedRhythms.

• Timestamp [24:43]:
  Brian Harris: "If people want to learn more about the company, they can go to www.medrhythms.com and visit intandomrx.com to learn specifically about In Tandem."

Lynn Hoffman emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the podcast, highlighting the shared mission to enhance lives through innovative solutions.

Key Takeaways

1. Music’s Neurological Impact: Music uniquely activates multiple brain regions simultaneously, making it a powerful tool for rehabilitation.
2. Rhythmic Auditory Stimulation: Utilizing rhythm to stimulate movement and speech can lead to significant improvements in patients with neurological impairments.
3. Innovative Technology: MedRhythms' In Tandem device exemplifies the integration of technology and therapy, providing personalized, effective interventions at home.
4. Collaborative Efforts: Partnerships with major music entities like Universal Music Group enhance the therapeutic experience, ensuring patient engagement and satisfaction.
5. Future Potential: The applications of music therapy extend beyond stroke rehabilitation, with promising developments in treating conditions like Parkinson’s disease.

Conclusion

This episode of "takin' a walk" offers an inspiring exploration of how music can transcend entertainment to become a cornerstone of modern therapeutic practices. Brian Harris's work with MedRhythms embodies the transformative potential of integrating music with neuroscience to foster healing and improve quality of life for individuals worldwide.

Learn More:

• MedRhythms Website: www.medrhythms.com
• In Tandem Product: intandomrx.com