Ep. 213: Songwriting Decoded – What the Brain Loves & Why Lyrics Matter; with Mike Errico
Release Date: 07/15/2025
Ep. 222: The Miracle “Dementia Pill” That Isn’t a Pill… But IS Lowering Costs and Improving Outcomes; with Justin Russo
Enhance Life with Music
Did you know that properly selected music is restoring communication, easing pain, reducing medication use, and transforming dementia care for patients – and their family and caregivers? Discover how personalized music is lowering costs, improving outcomes, and helping families reconnect in meaningful, unforgettable moments – without pharmacological side effects. Bonus Tip: Use holiday music thoughtfully this season to spark connection and joy – without causing overstimulation or stress for your loved ones. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: ...
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Micro 47: From Fog to Flourishing – How Music Sparked a Later-Life Reawakening
Enhance Life with Music
Creativity has no expiration date! Let one man's story inspire you to thrive at any age and cultivate a life that’s fulfilling, emotionally rich, and creatively alive. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com!
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Ep. 221: The Little-Known Neurological Link Between Music and Reading Skills; with Anita Collins, PhD
Enhance Life with Music
Can music help kids (and adults) read? Discover the powerful connection between music and literacy as Dr. Anita Collins unpacks the neuroscience behind how rhythm, sound, and musical training strengthen reading skills and language development. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: ( or use Coupon Code musicenhances10 for 10% off. (Or buy on .)
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Micro 46: You’ll Never Regret Prioritizing Music – Here’s One Creative Way to Make Time
Enhance Life with Music
Struggling to fit music lessons into a packed schedule? In this episode, I share a creative scheduling solution that makes time for music, and why prioritizing this life-enhancing experience is always worth it. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com!
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Ep. 220: Decoding Nonsense Lyrics – What’s Really Going On in Songwriting? (IYKYK) with Mike Errico
Enhance Life with Music
Why do many song lyrics make absolutely zero sense?! This has baffled me for years, and today I bring back songwriting expert Mike Errico to finally solve this personal mystery. Are musicians being deep, poetic – or is there something else behind seemingly nonsensical lyrics? Get ready to finally understand the strange genius behind songs that make no literal sense! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: Sheet Music...
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Micro 45: Ignite Creativity and Flow – A Secret from The Beatles
Enhance Life with Music
Creativity isn’t just for artists – it’s a skill anyone can develop. In this episode, we explore Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act and reveal how The Beatles’ approach to inspiration can help you nurture creativity in everyday life. Learn how to cultivate flow, spark inspiration, and make creativity a way of being, not just doing. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: JAMBAR Sheet Music Direct ...
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Ep. 219: The Hidden Resource for Stress Relief, Connection, and Resilience – How Orchestras Are Quietly Transforming Community Well-Being; with Karen Yair, PhD
Enhance Life with Music
Discover how orchestras are stepping into the health and wellness space in powerful ways, building programs that reduce stress, combat loneliness, and support resilience. A new Catalyst Guide from the League of American Orchestras shines a spotlight on this movement. Explore what it means for you, your community, and the future of music. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: or use Coupon Code musicenhances10 for...
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Micro 44: Behind the Mic – Answering One of My Most-Asked Questions
Enhance Life with Music
Ever wonder which podcast episodes leave the biggest mark – and why? In this micro episode, I reveal the conversations that changed me, the listener question that inspired it, and how music can transform your life, too. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com!
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Ep. 218: How a Bruce Springsteen Concert Saved My Life – One Woman’s Story of Depression, Hope, and Rediscovering Life at 60; with Anne Abel
Enhance Life with Music
What happens when one concert flips the trajectory of a life? Author Anne Abel lived with severe depression since her teens – when, at age 60, a Bruce Springsteen concert had an effect that extensive therapies had failed to accomplish. In this moving conversation, Anne shares how that night sparked a journey from despair to hope, inspiring her memoir High Hopes and proving it’s never too late to rediscover life. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on...
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Micro 43: Build Routines, Not Self-Control – Create a Fall Schedule to Shape Your Future Self (in Music and Beyond)
Enhance Life with Music
The Fall (“other New Year”) season is the perfect time to reset and reframe. Instead of relying on limited self-control, build routines that carry you – and your kids – through music practice, learning, and life with consistency and ease. Discover three reasons why small, steady habits can shape not just your days, but your future self. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: Twitter: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com!
info_outlineEver wonder how songs are written, what makes a song a hit, or what it would take to write a song yourself? In this episode, songwriter and author Mike Errico pulls back the curtain on the songwriting process, blending humor, neuroscience, and practical tips from his book Music, Lyrics, and Life. Whether you’re a musician, a music lover, or just curious about the magic behind your favorite tunes, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for what makes a song resonate – and maybe even feel inspired to write one yourself.
Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode213
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