Press Release | Music and the Mind Podcast Launch

The new podcast series which will be available in March will explore the positive effects of music on peoples’ lives 

In this new podcast – Music and the Mind, professional musician Shane Mitchell from legendary Irish Folk band Dervish, invites accomplished pioneers from the music industry to share how music has impacted upon their life journey. He is joined by popular psychologist, published author and musician, Shane Martin who is passionate about well-being.

Shane introduces us to experts from the field of health and wellbeing, and together they give a psychological perspective and unearth scientific theories behind the impact of music on peoples’ lives.

To launch this podcast, Shane Mitchell and Shane Martin will be joined by guests Dr Jolanta Burke, Dr Hilary Moss and John McLoughlin, for a panel discussion. Together, they will explore the connection between music and well-being.

Dr Jolanta Burke is a Chartered Psychologist and a Senior Lecturer at the Centre for Positive Health Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences. A well-being researcher, she specialises in  Positive Psychology.

Dr Hilary Moss is Associate Professor in Music Therapy at the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at University of Limerick. She has over 25 years of research and practice experience as a Music Therapist and manager in mental health, older age and adult medical environments.

Guitarist John McLoughlin will also join the panel. A musician and music educator, he holds a masters in Music Therapy and lectures on Guitar skills. He has clinical experience in the areas of special education with children with additional needs, dementia care, adolescent mental health and children with autism. As a musician, he has performed with Gilbert O’Sullivan, Sinéad O’Connor, Damien Dempsey, Frances Black and many more.

Minister Catherine Martin TD said “As a musician and a former music teacher, I have personal experience and appreciation of the power of music as a source of health and wellbeing. Today’s event is a great opportunity to explore this further with experts in academia and the arts. This new podcast series, Music and the Mind, is also to be welcomed as it will undoubtedly shed more light on the connection between music and wellbeing.”

Co Host Psychologist Shane Martin said “Music is something that we are all touched by. It transcends cultures. It connects people deeply to themselves, others and their world. Science also indicates that music calms minds and opens hearts. I am looking forward to discussing the evidence of the therapeutic benefits of music and learning about the practical experiences of musicians reaping these benefits.’

Co Host and professional musician Shane Mitchell said, “I am delighted to be part of this very important series of Podcasts. Over my 30 year professional music career I have encountered so many stories as to how music has positively impacted on peoples’ wellbeing.  It is a subject I have always been interested in and very much wanted to explore it more”

The panel discussion which will be moderated by RTÉ music producer Dave Heffernan, takes place on Sunday 7th January 2024 at 4pm in Smock Alley Theatre, Dublin, as part of the First Fortnight Mental Health Art & Culture Festival

Book tickets to the launch here