Have you ever felt a shiver run down your spine while listening to a violin tune, or a knot in your stomach when faced with a melancholic melody? Why can simple vibrations in the air, pure physics, trigger such deep and visceral emotions?

In this fascinating episode of “Learning English with Human Beans,” Alice and Marc explore one of the greatest mysteries of the human experience: the emotional power of music. Beyond the notes, we delve into neuroscience to understand how sounds “hijack” our brains and bodies.

On the agenda for this sonic journey:

The science of thrills: What happens in our brains when we get “goosebumps”?

The paradox of sadness: Why do we actively seek out sad music when we flee from sadness in real life?

Mirror neurons and empathy: How music allows us to “feel” the emotion of an instrument as if it were a human voice.

Body mapping: Why do we feel music physically in our chest or throat?