Ep. 9 Why Do Sad Songs Feel So Good? The Paradox of Musical Melancholy
Why does sad music make us feel good, even when it brings us to tears? In this episode, we explore the paradox of why we willingly seek out melancholic melodies, how they stir deep emotions without overwhelming us, and what makes them so uniquely powerful. We dive into the psychology behind this phenomenon, from catharsis and emotional regulation to aesthetic beauty and personal meaning. Plus, we break down what’s happening in the brain when we listen to sad songs and how our individual traits shape how we experience them.
CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro
01:19 What Makes a Song Feel Sad?
06:05 The Aesthetic Appeal
11:53 Catharsis and Emotional Processing
19:00 Your Brain on Sad Music: The Neuroscience Behind the Feels
24:58 Who Loves Sad Music and Why?
36:55 Summary and Outro
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The Sound Mind
The Sound Mind is where music meets psychology. Hosted by music psychologist Sophia Omarji, this podcast explores the science behind how music shapes our minds, emotions, and everyday lives. Whether you're a music lover, a psychology enthusiast, or simply curious about the power of sound, The Sound Mind offers fresh insights into the melodies that move us. Tune in every Wednesday for new episodes to discover music in a whole new way.
Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalks | For business inquiries, contact: [email protected]
- No. of episodes: 14
- Latest episode: 2025-05-07
- Music
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