S5 EP8: music, meaning, and mental health (feat. Aston from towns)

Music is woven into everyday life; in our headphones, our cars, TikTok, gaming, and the moments in between. But music is more than background noise. It shapes our identity, helps us feel connected, and can even support our mental health. In this episode, we explore how music helps us feel seen and understood, the creative side of making music (and why you don’t have to be “good” at it), why creativity can boost mood, slow down stress, and help express emotions, how music can become a coping tool during tough times, Aston’s experience as a musician, and what creativity means to him.  From emotional expression to grounding moments, music can be a skill we use without even realising it, and this episode dives into how and why it works. headspace resources: headspace – learn how to handle tough times headspace – what is anxiety and the effects on mental healthheadspace – tips for a healthy headspace headspace centres – find your local service headspace work & study – free support for work, study and career stress Check out towns: townstownstowns - Instagram towns - Spotify Watch our video podcast now on YouTube or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favourite podcast platform. This episode was created by Ally (Senior Community Engagement Officer, headspace Adelaide), Aston (headspace sessions guest and lead singer of towns), Ben (headspace sessions co‑host), and Santi (headspace sessions co‑host). Led by headspace Adelaide, in partnership with headspace Marion, headspace Edinburgh North, headspace Onkaparinga, and Sonder. The podcast project is brought to you by our centres’ Youth Reference Groups. It is a headspace Adelaide Youth Reference Group initiative. Produced by Claire (Youth Services Community Engagement Team Leader, Sonder) and Ally (Senior Community Engagement Officer, headspace Adelaide). Recorded and edited by Rory at Podbooth Studios, Adelaide. Recorded on Kaurna Country. Acknowledgment of Country voiced by Yanni (Aboriginal Peer Support Worker, headspace Adelaide). If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicide‑prevention support, please contact: Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia) or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (Australia) Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this podcast are from young people and staff involved at Sonder’s headspace centres, or guests invited to be interviewed. Information provided should not be taken as clinical advice.