1

The podcast episode discusses the power of sound in shaping our experiences and emotions. The host invites a guest to discuss the topic, starting with the definition of sound in general and in physics. They then explore the connection between music and emotions, how nature sounds can be calming, and the role of sound in daily life. They also mention how certain sounds can evoke a sense of place or culture, and how sounds from our own bodies can affect our sense of self. The guest shares their thoughts and experiences on these topics. Hello, welcome to the Sonic Spectrum, a podcast all about the fascinating world of sound. I am your host Volodymyr and I am excited to share some thoughts and insights about the power of sound with you. Today we are talking about the ways in which sounds can shape our experiences and emotions. From the way music can evoke memories and emotions to the role that sound plays in our daily lives, we are going to dive into some of the fascinating ways in which sound affects us. So, referring to what I have already said, our topic for today seems very interesting to me, so I invited a guest to the studio to discuss it. Hi there! Oh, hello! I am glad to be invited to this discussion, to have a chance to learn something new and of course share my own thoughts. So, to start with, I have to get an answer for my question of today, that what is sound in general and what is sound in physics? Oh, sounds in general is a big source of knowledge and a huge part of life for many of us, I suppose. And well, sounds in physics is something more clearly defined. Sounds is the oscillatory motion of medium particles propagating in the form of waves in a gas, liquid or solid, or the perception of sound. In a narrow sense, the term sound is defined as vibration perceived by the sensory system of animals and humans. In this case, it refers to disturbances propagating in the air. So, let's continue with the music. What kind of music do you like? Oh, any, I guess. It depends on the moods. But why? I just want to say that we are all inspired how a particular song can transport us back to a specific time or place. What is it about that has two kinds of power, that is? Oh, I think it's because music is so closely tied to emotions and memories. When we hear a sound that we associate with a particular time or experience, our brain automatically retrieves all of those associations, memories and emotions. It's like we are reliving old moments, like in our past lives, all over again. As for me, for example, when I listen to music of, for example, 2070s, I really feel this free life again. Hmm, that makes sense. And what about nature sounds? We all heard how calming and soothing nature sounds can be. Why do you think that's it? I think it's because nature sounds are so primal and universal. They remind us of our connection with the natural world. And they can be very comforting and calming as a result. Hmm, that's a great point. By the way, I recently heard an interesting theory that the reason why we are moved by the sound of rain and thunderstorms is that in the Stone Age, our ancestors could sleep peacefully because when there was a storm outside, no wild animals can attack them. I guess this was passed down to me in my genetic memory, because I love to turn on the sound of rain to concentrate and calm down after a hard day. For real? I can relate. I'm doing it too. This is such a funny theory. Oh, yeah, it is. Anyway, what about the role that sound plays in our daily lives? Do you think it's important for our well-being and happiness? Absolutely. Sound is all around us, and it can have a huge impact to our mood and emotions. For example, research has shown that listening to calming music can reduce stress and anxiety, while listening to upbeat popular music can boost our mood. This is really interesting. What are some other ways that sounds can affect us? Well, for example, the sound of a particular accent or dialect can be incredibly allocative to a particular place or culture. And then there are some sounds of our bodies, like our heartbeat or breathing, which can be incredibly powerful in sharing our sense of self. Wow, that's really cool. Thanks for sharing with us some of your thoughts today, and thank you for... Thanks for having me. I was really pleased to have this conversation.