Today, we hear from Julian Treasure, a sound expert whose TED talks have racked up more than 160 million views. In his new book, Sound Affects: How Sound Shapes Our Lives, Our Wellbeing, and Our Planet, he delivers a kind of public service announcement for your ears. Because sound isn’t just background noise — it’s shaping your health, your focus, your mood, even your spending habits. The good news? By becoming better listeners, we can improve almost every area of our lives.

📱 Follow The Next Big Idea Daily on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen

📩 Want more bite-sized insights from the best new nonfiction delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for our Book of the Day newsletter