Ep. 238: How Music Shaped Miss America 2026 – Cassie Donegan's Story
Release Date: 06/30/2026
Micro 70: Where Music Fits In the Latest Trend Sweeping All Age Groups
Enhance Life with Music
Music offers something that can be difficult to find in our increasingly digital lives: an experience that unfolds in real time, inviting us to slow down, pay attention, and be fully present. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: JAMBAR
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Ep. 244: Why Does Music Ease Pain? Understanding the Science; with Joke Bradt, PhD, MT-BC
Enhance Life with Music
Many studies have shown music’s effectiveness in pain reduction, but researchers haven’t always understood HOW and WHY music helps. Dr. Joke Bradt explains the latest science behind music’s pain-relieving effects, including three key mechanisms – and how we can maximize music’s therapeutic potential. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: ( or use Coupon Code musicenhances10 for 10%...
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Micro 69: Introducing My New Adventure
Enhance Life with Music
What if “better” doesn’t mean more? What would make life better – not bigger, busier, or more bio-hacked, but more “just right”? I’ve been exploring a new question… and it’s led to a new adventure. I hope you’ll join me! Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: ( or use Coupon Code musicenhances10 for 10% off. (Or buy on Check out Lagom Life, available now!...
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Ep. 243: How Music Changed American Legislation – The Soundtrack of Political Change; with Anna Harwell Celenza, PhD
Enhance Life with Music
Most Americans don’t realize that music has not only been written in response to politics – it has actually instigated political and legislative change. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the US, Dr. Anna Harwell Celenza reveals surprising stories of music that sparked debates, influenced lawmakers, shaped policy, and changed America. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: ()
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Micro 68: Back to School, Enhanced with Music – Your Fall Resource Guide
Enhance Life with Music
Whether you're packing lunches, heading into your first day of teaching, settling into a new practice routine, or simply looking for ways to make this next season a little richer – this curated collection of back-to-school episodes will equip and inspire you to elevate your autumn with music. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: Sheet Music Direct
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Ep. 242: Music, Mood & Depression – Helping Young People Navigate Mental Health; with Sandra Garrido, PhD
Enhance Life with Music
The mental health and levels of depression among young people are significant concerns right now. When we’re sad, our music listening time can double – but are our music choices making us feel better or worse? Dr. Sandra Garrido explores the complex relationship between music and depression and how music can be used intentionally to help young people understand and regulate their emotions, including through MoodyTunes, her free app designed to support youth mental health through music. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: ...
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Micro 67: The Many Lives We Live Through Music
Enhance Life with Music
What if one lifetime isn’t the only life you get to experience? Discover how music can transport us into other people’s worlds, expand our empathy, and reveal surprising things about ourselves along the way. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: ()
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Ep. 241: Live vs. Recorded Music – Your Brain Knows the Difference; with Arun Asthagiri
Enhance Life with Music
Why do live concerts feel so much more powerful than listening to a recording? When streaming services deliver instant access to recorded music with crystal-clear sound, why do live concerts continue to sell out and rank among the most popular leisure activities globally? Arun Asthagiri shares groundbreaking neuroscience revealing how live music synchronizes our brain waves differently than recorded music – and what that means for our attention, connection, and musical experiences. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: ...
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Micro 66: Fred Rogers' Life-Changing Musical Gift
Enhance Life with Music
How did music shape Fred Rogers into the beloved host of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood? Discover the remarkable story behind his lifelong relationship with music and the piano that changed his life – and why music doesn't just enrich our lives, it equips us for life. Links and notes related to this episode can be found at Connect with us: Newsletter: Facebook: Instagram: LinkedIn: X: YouTube: Sponsorship information: Leave us a review on Podchaser.com! In-episode promo: JAMBAR
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Ep. 240: When a Parent's Voice Becomes Medicine – Dr. Daisy Fancourt on Music, Premature Babies, and the NICU
Enhance Life with Music
Research is revealing that something as simple as a parent’s voice can improve a premature baby's vital signs, strengthen parent-child bonding, and even help babies leave the NICU sooner. And the healing doesn't stop with baby. For parents navigating one of the most frightening and helpless experiences imaginable, singing offers mutual benefits along with a meaningful way to comfort and actively care for their child when so much else is out of their hands. Dr. Daisy Fancourt combines cutting-edge science with her own deeply personal experience as the mother of a premature daughter. Links and...
info_outlineWhat helps shape a young person into a national leader? For Miss America 2026 Cassie Donegan, music has been a powerful part of the answer. In this episode, Cassie shares how music helped her find her voice, build confidence, and prepare for a life of leadership and service. She also discusses why she's using her national platform to champion music and arts education, and why she believes every child deserves the opportunity to experience its life-changing benefits.
Links and notes related to this episode can be found at https://mpetersonmusic.com/podcast/episode238
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