Sacred Sound

On this episode we’ll take a look at what’s going on in our brains and bodies when we sing sacred songs together... or listen to jazz. And why from Jewish nigunim to John Coltrane, music can deepen our connection with the divine, each other, and even with ourselves.

Episode 4 of the How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality podcast, hosted by PRX, titled "Sacred Sound" was published on May 14, 2023 and runs 38 minutes.

May 14, 2023 ·38m · How God Works: The Science Behind Spirituality

Summary

Music has the power to transform and connect us, no matter our native tongue. In many ways, it's a language unto itself. It ties us to memories...to people....to places. It heals us, promotes compassion and empathy.  It unites us not only to each other, but according to many people, perhaps even to something greater. On this episode we’ll take a look at what’s going on in our brains and bodies when we sing sacred songs together... or listen to jazz. And why from Jewish nigunim to John Coltrane, music can deepen our connection with the divine, each other, and even with ourselves. Episode guests: Dr. David Michael Greenberg is an award-winning American psychologist, social neuroscientist, musician, and entrepreneur. Find out more about his work on his website. Rabbi Deborah Sacks Mintz serves the Hadar Institute as Director of Tefillah and Music. Find out more about her, and her music, on her website, or listen to her on Spotify, Bandcamp, Apple Music, or YouTube. Find out more about Hadar’s Rising Song Institute here. His Eminence The Most Reverend Archbishop F. W. King D.D. is a leader and co-founder of the Saint John Coltrane Church in San Francisco.

Episode Description