In this episode we welcome Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross - co-authors of New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us, where they explore how the arts are not just entertainment, but vital to human health, learning, and wellbeing.

Our guests reveal how art physically changes the brain and body. We discuss neuroaesthetics—the science of how art impacts us—alongside practical ways teachers and creatives can use these insights in their own work. Whether you’re curious about creativity, seeking tools for wellbeing, or simply want scientific proof that the arts truly matter, this conversation will inspire and affirm the transformative role of art in our lives.

WHAT’S IN THIS PODCAST?

0:00 ‘Your Brain on Art’ Book Review

4 :08 What art has impacted Susan?

7:17 What art has impacted Ivy?

10:07 What is ‘art?’

13:15 The difference between being the beholder v the creator?

17:09 How art and medicine work together

25:23 What sound and music offer

33:53 How can teachers encourage an aesthetic mindset?

39:14 When art becomes your career

Buy ‘Your Brain on Art’ (USA)  Amazon, Barnes & Noble 

Buy ‘Your Brain on Art’ (UK) Amazon, Waterstones

About the presenter, click HERE

RELEVANT MENTIONS & LINKS

A Little Life by Hanya Yanigahara

Singing Teachers Talk - Ep.207 Singing at the End of Life: The Magic of Music in Hospices

Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks

Former Ballerina with Alzheimer’s Performs ‘Swan Lake’ Dance

National Institute for Play

Dr George Musgrave

Voice Study Centre

ABOUT THE GUESTS

Susan Magsamen, founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University, explores how the arts influence brain, body and behaviour, translating research into programs for health, wellbeing and education. Her Impact Thinking model applies scientific rigour to arts research while ensuring real-world use. She also co-leads the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute. 

Ivy Ross, Chief Design Officer at Google, has led award-winning hardware design since 2017, earning more than 240 global design awards. Previously she held leadership roles at Calvin Klein, Swa

🎁 Free Resource: Get your copy of How to Assess the Singer’s Voice with Confidence — a practical guide to help you understand what’s going on in any singer’s voice. >>> DOWNLOAD HERE

At BAST Training, we help singers turn their experience into a meaningful teaching career. Building the confidence, knowledge, and real-world skills to teach with confidence, clarity, and compassion.

“The BAST Advanced Foundation has given me more than the tools I need to teach — it’s given me confidence, a community, and a future.” Jess McGlinchey, UK

Start with the foundations >>> ENROL NOW

basttraining.com | Updates | Email Us | Free Group