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The Dr. Jud Podcast

Welcome to the Dr. Jud podcast. I am an addiction psychiatrist and neuroscientist. My lab first at Yale and now at Brown University has been researching how our brains form negative behavior patterns, bad habits and addictions, and the specific techniques needed to create lasting change. My aim with this podcast, is to use every day issues that we all struggle with from anxiety to emotional eating to self judgment to help us understand how our minds work so that we can put them to work for us. I'll show you how you can use your brain to overcome the habits and “everyday addictions” that are holding you back. And along the way, you'll learn how helping yourself can help create a kinder and more compassionate world. Thank you for your interest in learning how to work with your mind.-Dr. Jud Brewer

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The Dr. Jud Podcast

Mindfulness and meditation - Music as Meditation: Unlocking Flow and Focus

August 23, 2025 • Dr. Jud Brewer

0:00 | 10:51

The Psychological Benefits of Reconceptualizing Music-Making as Mindfulness Practice

In this episode, Dr. Jud Brewer and Dr. Matthew Steinfeld explore the deep connection between mindfulness and music-making. Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, and contemplative traditions, this study argues that playing music can serve as a mindfulness practice, fostering presence, flow states, and emotional resilience. By shifting attention from self-judgment to the embodied experience of sound, musicians can reduce performance anxiety, enhance focus, and deepen their connection to their craft. Whether you're a professional musician or a casual player, tune in to discover how mindfulness can transform your musical experience.

Full Reference:
Steinfeld, M., & Brewer, J. A. (2015). The Psychological Benefits of Reconceptualizing Music-Making as Mindfulness Practice. Medical Problems of Performing Artists, 30(2), 84–89.

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