EPISODE · Aug 13, 2025 · 35 MIN
Ep. 28 Why Your Emotions Choose Your Playlist: The Mood-Music Loop
from The Sound Mind · host Sophia Omarji
In this episode, we explore how our playlists shift with our emotions and life stages, and why the same song can comfort us one day and energise us the next. Using the Brief Music in Mood Regulation scale, we explore seven science-backed strategies for utilising music to regulate mood. Whether you’re chasing a dopamine high, seeking comfort, or just needing a moment to breathe, this episode will help you understand the psychology behind why your emotions pick your playlist.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro02:21 Entertainment: When Music Is Just for Fun06:01 Revival: Recharging Your Mind and Mood12:06 Strong Sensation: Chasing Musical Chills and Rush16:01 Diversion: Pressing Pause on Worries20:06 Discharge: Letting Your Feelings Out Through Music24:14 Mental Work: Thinking and Reflecting with Music28:08 Solace: Feeling Understood Through Sound32:10 Bringing It All Together: How Moods and Music Intertwine34:48 Summary and OutroCook et al’s (2019) study: https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356177346272024 follow-up study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03057356241258959Brief Music in Mood Regulation Scale: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ft17588-000Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks
What this episode covers
In this episode, we explore how our playlists shift with our emotions and life stages, and why the same song can comfort us one day and energise us the next. Using the Brief Music in Mood Regulation scale, we explore seven science-backed strategies for utilising music to regulate mood. Whether you’re chasing a dopamine high, seeking comfort, or just needing a moment to breathe, this episode will help you understand the psychology behind why your emotions pick your playlist.CHAPTERS:0:00 Intro02:21 Entertainment: When Music Is Just for Fun06:01 Revival: Recharging Your Mind and Mood12:06 Strong Sensation: Chasing Musical Chills and Rush16:01 Diversion: Pressing Pause on Worries20:06 Discharge: Letting Your Feelings Out Through Music24:14 Mental Work: Thinking and Reflecting with Music28:08 Solace: Feeling Understood Through Sound32:10 Bringing It All Together: How Moods and Music Intertwine34:48 Summary and OutroCook et al’s (2019) study: https://doi.org/10.1177/03057356177346272024 follow-up study: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/03057356241258959Brief Music in Mood Regulation Scale: https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ft17588-000Follow us on Instagram: @thesoundmindtalksJoin The Sound Mind Circle for exclusive content! https://tinyurl.com/thesoundmindmembershipSupport us: https://buymeacoffee.com/thesoundmindtalks
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Ep. 28 Why Your Emotions Choose Your Playlist: The Mood-Music Loop
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