Did you know music can change your nervous system in under 30 seconds?

In this vibrant and soulful minisode of Talk Healing to Me, host Karen Dwyer reflects on her uplifting conversation with music therapist and neuroscientist Dr. Shane Cassidy. From reducing stress and reconnecting with your identity, to supporting walking, mood, memory and more — music may be one of the most powerful, underused healing tools we have.

Karen breaks down the 10 most surprising and powerful takeaways from their chat — including how tempo influences your stress response, why group singing raises your oxytocin, and how personal playlists can be therapeutic. Whether you're navigating chronic illness, feeling disconnected from yourself, or simply looking to heal with more joy — this episode will hit the right note.

In This Episode, We Cover:

📚 Why music lights up your whole brain 

🎶 How tempo tunes your nervous system (and mood) 

💬 Why singing in a group boosts your connection hormone (oxytocin) 

🎧 How lyrics stick in long-term memory 

🔧 Why your custom playlist is your personal superpower 

🌍 How music affects your choices — even in the wine aisle! 

🤲 How rhythm-based therapy supports movement and motor skills 

🌿 Why creativity and writing music are part of healing 

🎵 Why you don’t need to be musical to benefit 

❤️ How music shapes your identity and reconnects you to joy

Resources & Links Mentioned:

🎤 Recommended Artist: Tracy Chapman

🧠 Study Reference: Daniel Levitin’s TED Talk on music and the brain

Connect With Dr. Shane Cassidy

💼 Dr. Shane Cassidy’s LinkedIn: Shane Cassidy on LinkedIn

🌐 Neurolinks Website: https://neurolinks.ie

Connect With Karen Dwyer:

🌐 Talk with our nurse and get support with your MS health goals here⁠ 

💬 Join the Free Facebook Group: Karen Dwyer Wellness Accelerator

⏱️ Discover Your 5 Key Health Pillars in Under 3 Minutes: www.karendwyer.com

📸 Instagram: @iamkarendwyer

👍Facebook: Karen Dwyer

💼 LinkedIn: Karen Dwyer

🎥 Karen Dwyer TEDx Talk here

Talk Healing to Me:

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Music by Max Chubrey from Pixabay

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