We're Back! Art, Burnout, and Why Creativity Has to Come First
Hello everyone!
After a very long hiatus, Art Heals All Wounds is coming back! After a very long hiatus. I was so burned out. And I realized that I wasn’t really practicing what I preach! There was no time for art or creativity in my life.
So, during this pause, I decided to fix that. I joined a writing group. I started going to a drum circles. Then drum classes. There is nothing like drumming with a group to adjust your attitude for the better.
But now the show is back!
This Thursday, February 23rd, I’ll be sharing the first full episode of the season with an interview with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, author of Art Cure.
Doctor Fancourt is a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at the University College London, where she heads the social Biobehavioral research Group. She's also director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Arts and Health, and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world.
Daisy’s book Art Cure was such an inspiring read for. I hope you’ll Join me this Thursday to hear her talk about it!
In an attempt to not burnout again, I’ll be releasing mini-seasons. About four episodes or so, then a month break. I hope that you’ll stay with the show despite the short seasons and regular breaks. I appreciate your listening more than you can know!
I’m also continuing my break from social media. If you like this show and want to share it with a friend, that will help the podcast continue to grow. If you’d like to reach me, you can always connect with me through my website, arthealsallwoundspodcast.com.
Thanks for listening!
Can Art Actually Heal You? Dr. Daisy Fancourt, Author of Art Cure, Shares the Science Behind Art as Medicine
What if the arts weren't just entertainment — but medicine? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, one of the world's most cited scientists and author of Art Cure, about the growing body of research showing that creative engagement — music, dance, visual art — can reduce the risk of depression, slow dementia, help Parkinson's patients maintain motor function, and even slow biological aging. Daisy also shares personal stories, including her own daughter's recovery in the NICU, and practical tips for incorporating the arts into daily life.
00:00 — Intro & Pam's personal story: moving to Arkansas and witnessing the lingering divide of a recently desegregated school
01:39 — The music class that changed everything: Mrs. Gilbert and the upright piano
02:38 — Introducing today's guest, Dr. Daisy Fancourt
04:10 — Interview begins
04:47 — Why reading Art Cure kept Pam up at night
05:34 — "We are a planet of 8 billion artists" — we are all innately creative
06:37 — The "seatbelt moment": when art becomes as automatic as putting on the seatbelt in the car
08:01 — The many ways art affects our health: wellbeing, prevention, and treatment
09:58 — Daisy's background: from professional pianist to professor at UCL
11:41 — Arts on prescription and individual stories from the book
12:23 — Josh's story: cerebral palsy, magic camp, and the Magic Circle
14:32 — Emily's story: how magic gave a shy girl her voice
15:27 — Daisy's personal story: singing to her premature daughter in the NICU
18:50 — Dance and Parkinson's disease: what the studies show
21:29 — How music affects the brain — and slows aging
22:51 — Music, language acquisition, and why we sing to babies
26:08 — "Spit Girl": Daisy's PhD in psychoneuroimmunology and saliva research
29:09 — Drumming circles and the visceral power of rhythm
30:32 — Why your favorite genre is the healthiest music for you
33:10 — Elevator music, Muzak, and why grocery store playlists keep you shopping
35:12 — Threats to arts funding in the UK and US — and the economic case for the arts
37:42 — Practical tips for incorporating art into your daily life
39:39 — Why art binges don't work — and what does
41:04 — Where to find Art Cure and follow Daisy's research
42:24 — Closing thoughts: how arts education broke down barriers in school
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