Podcast appearances and mentions of susan magsamen

What if your second act could be even more meaningful than your first? Vasu Tolia is an extraordinary woman whose heart-led career path took her from medicine to art. She is a retired pediatrician who followed a quiet nudge that turned into a bold second act. After decades of caring for others through medicine, she channels that same compassion and creativity into her artwork. Her vibrant, socially conscious pieces are designed to inspire and heal—to bring beauty, reflection, and emotional comfort into the world. What I love most about our conversation is how honest and encouraging Vasu is about what it means to start over. We talked about fear, perfectionism, and the courage it takes to trust your inner voice. She reminded me (and hopefully you!) that creativity can be a powerful tool for healing—emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Vasu shared how her work now lives in hospitals and educational spaces, offering peace in stressful places. We also explored how her medical background gave her transferable skills—empathy, attention to detail, and creative problem-solving—that show up in her art daily. If you're ready for a more creative path or simply curious about the connection of creativity + well-being, this episode is for you. Vasu's story is a beautiful reminder that the most fulfilling paths are the ones led by the heart.

Learn how poetry can help your brain handle stress, process feelings, and spark insight.Summary: This episode of The Science of Happiness is part of our series Using Art As Medicine. We explore poetry, one of the oldest artforms, powers our brains, calms our nervous systems, and reduces anxiety by opening doors into our psyche. Whether you're reading or writing it, elements like rhythm, metaphor and rhyme improve memory, cognition and even self-esteem. This episode is made possible through the generous support of the John Templeton Foundation.How To Do This Practice: Find Your Moment: Notice the time of day when you feel closest to yourself. It might be early morning before the world wakes up, or another quiet pocket of time when your thoughts are unfiltered and your heart is open. Set the Scene: Create an atmosphere that supports you. Play music that matches your mood or inspires imagination. Let it be soft and inviting, not distracting, just enough to signal to your body that this is a sacred moment. Choose Your Tools: Use what feels natural. Journal, laptop, scrap paper, napkin, the format doesn't matter. What matters is that you're ready to begin. Write Without Interruption: Set a timer for 5 to 10 minutes. Let your pen or fingers move freely. Don't stop, don't edit, and don't worry about making sense, just see what comes. Welcome the Unsaid: Allow what's hidden, half-formed, or surprising to emerge.  Let It Be What It Is: When the timer ends, pause. Don't rush to interpret or fix your words. You've just made contact with something real, let that be enough. Scroll down for a transcription of this episode.YRSA DALEY-WARD is an award-winning poet and author. Her debut novel, The Catch, comes out June 3rd. Learn more about Yrsa here: https://yrsadaleyward.squarespace.com/Pre-order her book here: https://tinyurl.com/yanw6bb5DR. SUSAN MAGSAMEN is a Professor of Neurology at John Hopkins, and author of the New York Times bestseller, Your Brain On Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Learn more about Dr. Magsamen  here: https://tinyurl.com/33v8m5mdRead Dr. Magsamen's book here: https://tinyurl.com/426k87f2Related The Science of Happiness episodes:  Using Art As Medicine Series: https://tinyurl.com/k3mneupxHow Art Heals Us: https://tinyurl.com/yc77fkzuHow Awe Helps You Navigate Life's Challenges: https://tinyurl.com/2466rnm4Related Happiness Breaks:How To Awaken Your Creative Energy: https://tinyurl.com/4fknd8evMaking Space For You: https://tinyurl.com/yk6nfnfvA Self-Compassion Meditation For Burnout: https://tinyurl.com/485y3b4yTell us about your experience with poetry. Email us at happinesspod@berkeley.edu or follow on Instagram @HappinessPod.Help us share The Science of Happiness! Leave us a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/2p9h5aapTranscription: https://tinyurl.com/y9r9dyzd

Susan Magsamen makes her life at the frontier: the frontier of neuroscience, of institutional change, of the intersection of art and science. Her's is a life full of wisdom for how to live amongst mystery and befriend complexity.Origins Podcast WebsiteFlourishing Commons NewsletterShow Notes:spontaneous "you are my sunshine" (02:00)T. S. Eliot (08:00)implementation science (08:40)therapeutic recreation (11:00)Trabian Shorters and asset framing (15:00)Daniel Kahneman (16:00)neuroplasticity (22:30)Howard Gardner and Kurt Fisher and Mind, Brain, and Education Program at Harvard (26:15)Karl Alexander (27:30)Curiosity Kits (28:30)NeuroArts (32:00)Gileadby Marilynne Robinson (36:00)more than scientific knowledge (38:00)"Social Support and the Perception of Geographical Slant" (45:00)Resmaa Menakem (46:30)NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative (46:40)"Cirque du Soleil and the neuroscience of awe" on Vox (47:40)Global Watering Hole (51:30)Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Awards (52:30)Rachel Naomi Remen (56:30)Lightning Round (01:03:00)Book: Silent Spring by Rachel CarsonPassion: horseback ridingHeart sing: grandchildrenScrewed up: articulation in these timesFind Susan online:International Arts + Mind LabLogo artwork by Cristina GonzalezMusic by swelo on all streaming platforms or @swelomusic on social media

Art is nice, but it's not just a nice-to-have. And it's not relegated to galleries, museums and exclusive circles. Not only is art everywhere in our lives, day in and out, it has a profound impact on our physiology, psychology and our ability to better connect with other people. On this episode of Looking Outside we speak with author of ‘Your Brain on Art', Susan Magsamen. Having researched the topic of neuroaethethics and neuroarts, Susan leads initiatives within John Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Aspen Institute to spread the rigorous scientific evidence on the benefits of creativity, sensorial immersion, playfulness and awe on our brain. As well as on how we learn, grow and do business.----------More:Looking Outside podcast www.looking-outside.comConnect with host, Jo Lepore on LinkedIn & X & jolepore.comLearn more about Susan MagsamenFollow Susan on LinkedIn & X & Instagram Susan and Ivy's book Your Brain on ArtFollow Your Brain on Art on LinkedIn & InstagramSusan's work at the Art and Mind Lab & the Neuroarts Blueprint----------⭐ Follow & rate the show - it makes a difference!----------Looking Outside is a podcast exploring fresh perspectives of familiar topics. Hosted by its creator, futurist and strategist, Jo Lepore. New episodes every 2 weeks. Never the same topic.All views are that of the host and guests and don't necessarily reflect those of their employers. Copyright 2025. Theme songs by Azteca X.

Visit our Substack for bonus content and more: https://designbetterpodcast.com/p/susan-magsamen-and-ivy-ross In school, art is often positioned in curricula as an enrichment subject, not a core skill like math or language arts. But those of us who pursue the arts instinctually recognize that there is something in creative expression that is foundational to the human experience. Susan Magsamen, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, has spent years studying the effect art has on our mind and body. Her research is surfacing profound health and longevity benefits created through poetry, music, painting, and other arts. Susan recently collaborated with Ivy Ross, Chief Design Officer for Consumer Devices at Google, to co-author a fascinating book called Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. We speak with Susan and Ivy about how they found their way into collaborating on the book, why we are “wired for art,” how practicing art can actually extend your lifespan significantly, and how they bring the ideas in their book into their work to reduce stress and help teams perform at their peak. Bios Ivy Ross Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Hardware Design at Google, where she led the creation of the award-winning design language for Google's hardware products. With a background spanning executive roles at Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach, Mattel, and Gap, Ivy blends design, science, and psychology to drive innovation. Her work has earned over 240 design awards, and she has been recognized by Fast Company, Business Insider, and Surface magazine as a creative leader. A former jewelry designer with works in major museum collections, she is also a sought-after speaker and contributor to books on creativity, leadership, and design. Susan Magsamen Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute. With over four decades of work at the intersection of the arts and neuroscience, she has developed tools and programs to support health, learning, and social equity through aesthetic experiences. A published author and entrepreneur, Susan also founded Curiosityville and Curiosity Kits, and has advised numerous organizations across public health, education, and the arts. *** Premium Episodes on Design Better This ad-supported episode is available to everyone. If you'd like to hear it ad-free, upgrade to our premium subscription, where you'll get an additional 2 ad-free episodes per month (4 total). Premium subscribers also get access to the documentary Design Disruptors and our growing library of books, as well as our monthly AMAs with former guests, ad-free episodes, discounts and early access to workshops, and our monthly newsletter The Brief that compiles salient insights, quotes, readings, and creative processes uncovered in the show. Upgrade to paid ***

What happens in your brain when you hear your favorite song? In our Music and Health podcast miniseries, we're exploring how music affects our minds, bodies, and communities. On this episode, host J. D. Talasek is joined by Sweta Adatia, a neurologist practicing in Dubai, and Fred Johnson, a community engagement specialist and artist in residence at both the National Academy of Sciences and the Straz Center for Performing Arts. They discuss their paths into combining music and science, how music impacts the brain, and how music can go beyond entertainment to create stronger, healthier communities. This series is produced in collaboration with Susan Magsamen and Leonardo journal.Resources:Listen to Fred Johnson's version of “Nature Boy,” and check out his website and his Instagram to listen to more of his music and mantras, and to see Johnson in an upcoming show. Visit Sweta Adatia's website to learn more about her work. Listen to previous miniseries episodes: The Creative Arts and Healing with Renée Fleming and Susan Magsamen.Dancing Together with David Leventhal and Constantina Theofanopoulou.

How can doodling and daydreaming - when your child might otherwise be paying attention - be a good thing? How does art support our child's health? What skills do our kids acquire in art class that help them later in life? This week, join me in conversation with Susan Magsamen, author of Your Brain On Art. She serves as executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, part of the Brain Science Institute at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. She also co-directs the Aspen Institute's NeuroArts BluePrint. This episode originally aired June 2023.I WROTE MY FIRST BOOK! Order your copy of The Five Principles of Parenting: Your Essential Guide to Raising Good Humans Here: https://bit.ly/3rMLMsLSubscribe to my free newsletter for parenting tips delivered straight to your inbox: draliza.substack.com Follow me on Instagram for more:@raisinggoodhumanspodcast Sponsors:Sakara: Head to Sakara.com and check out The Essentials Bundle. And donʼt forget to tell them how you heard about them at checkout (podcast - Raising Good Humans)Great Wolf Lodge: Learn more at GreatWolf.comBetterHelp: Visit BetterHelp.com/HUMANS today to get 10% off your first month.Saks.com: SHOP SAKS.COMVionic: Use code HUMANS at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use onlyOutschool: Get up to $20 off your child's first class or tutoring session on Outschool for a limited time when you use my link: https://outschool.com/HUMANS and use code HUMANS at checkoutPlease note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Send us a textHow are you this week? Have you been seeing more places, spaces, where two opposing forces or states of being intersect? Have you witnessed the magic in those juicy spaces? If you're nodding yes, has the supernatural winked at you? Given you more overt breadcrumbs? This morning as I ran, I watched the clouds move across the sky, one in particular was shaped like a pyramid. It then morphed into a shark. Is cloud scrying a thing? Certain shapes, designs, patterns, images evoke a deep knowing in me, remind me of my connection to everything else. A spiral, for example. It calls to mind a whirlpool, a vortex of energy, a portal. Spirals, pyramids, waves, checkerboard patterns, art on a cave wall, the handprint of another human created thousands of years ago that we can picture placing a hand over, a mental link to ancient ones that stretches the bounds of time and space. Art is a magical bridge, both from us to other civilizations, or cultures, or individuals. It's also an internal bridge between sides of our brain, logic and creativity, math and mental health. Our self-expression is potent medicine.Let's get into it. What to Read/Listen/Watch NEXTWhat Art Does to Your Brain, Berkeley.eduYour Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, Amazon.comArt and the Brain, The Healing Power of ArtHow to Integrate Art into Your Daily Life, The Roanoke Star dot comWhat Your Favorite Color Says about You, According to an Expert, The Pioneer Woman Have you tried the GoodPods app yet? It's free and a fun way to share podcasts with friends and family! Curious Cat Podcast is there, and is sitting pretty in the Top 5 of Angels and other categories! Be one of the first to share and recommend podcasts to your friends. Curious Cat Crew on Socials:Curious Cat on Twitter (X)Curious Cat on InstagramCurious Cat on TikTokArt Director, Nora, has a handmade, ethically-sourced jewelry company!

Chris Appleton is the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, a pioneering initiative using social prescribing to integrate the arts into healthcare and improve mental well-being. A leader in arts and social impact, his work has been featured in The New York Times, CNN, and NPR. With a background in nonprofit leadership Chris is redefining healing one creative prescription at a time. This episode: What if a doctor's prescription didn't lead you to a pharmacy, but to a painting class, a dance performance, or a music workshop? For centuries, artists have played a vital role in well-being, and cultures around the world have embraced the arts as a source of health, community, and renewal. Now, social prescribing is reshaping healthcare by integrating the arts, not just as enrichment but as a science-backed tool for improving both mental and physical health. Decades of research show that engaging in the arts can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, strengthen the immune system, and improve cognitive function. As the founder and CEO of Art Pharmacy, Chris Appleton is proving that creative engagement is more than a feel-good activity. It is a legitimate, measurable intervention that enhances health outcomes. By working with healthcare providers and insurers, he is building a system where doctors can prescribe the arts just like they would medication or therapy. Grant and Chris also explore how programs like Prebys Foundation's Healing Through Arts and Nature initiative are improving community health through greater access to arts, culture, and nature. Grant shares how his own experience stepping onto the dance floor at a recent grantee event led to an unexpected moment of joy, connection, and uplifted spirits that reinforced the power of the arts in fostering well-being.

In episode one of our Makers series, Kelly and her daughter Claire speak with neuroscientist Susan Magsamen and Google's Chief Design Officer Ivy Ross about how art and creativity affect our brains and bodies. Their book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us reveals that making isn't just a hobby but a fundamental human need that improves wellbeing, helps process trauma, and enhances learning. Susan and Ivy explain how singing to babies releases oxytocin, how arts education closes achievement gaps, and why creative expression matters for everyone from CEOs to doctors to children. Check out Kelly and Claire's new children's book Marianne the Maker - you can pre-order HERE. To celebrate the release of Marianne the Maker, Penguin Young Readers is matching each pre-order with a donation of the book to Save the Children's early education programs in the U.S. — up to 2,000 books. Pre-order your copy today and help inspire a love of reading in the lives of children who may not otherwise have access to books. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Creative expression is essential for everyone—to think differently, connect deeply and thrive through uncertainty. In the Season 4 premiere of Learning Through Experience, Heidi Brooks welcomes Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen, co-authors of Your Brain on Art, for a thought-provoking conversation about how engaging with art can help shape the way we learn, collaborate and navigate life's complexities. Ivy and Susan share their personal journeys into the worlds of art and neuroscience, revealing how aesthetic experiences, whether through music, visual art or movement, can rewire the brain, strengthen emotional wellbeing and foster connection. They explore the science behind neuroplasticity and the role of sensory engagement in daily life. This episode is an invitation to reimagine learning and leadership, inspiring listeners to embrace art—not just as a form of expression but as a tool for building resilience, expanding perspective and finding wonder in the everyday.  Learning Through Experience is produced through the Yale School of Management. For deeper insights and reflections about each episode, subscribe to the LinkedIn newsletter. What resonates with you about this conversation? We'd love to hear from you—reach out to LTEpodcast@yale.edu.  Watch this episode on YouTube. Show Notes & Key Moments 00:00 | Welcome to Season 4: How Art Helps Us Face UncertaintyHeidi Brooks introduces the season's theme of “facing uncertainty” and why experiences with art are essential in uncertain times. Ivy and Susan reflect on the growing impact of Your Brain on Art and the movement it has sparked. 01:54 | The Unexpected Paths to Creative ExpressionSusan shares how her twin sister's health journey inspired faith in art's healing powerand sparked her lifelong interest in art and neuroscience. Ivy recalls how growing up in a maker's home led her to a career at the intersection of creativity, business and human potential. 08:41 | Why Experiencing Art Matters—-Even If You're Not an ArtistSimply listening to music, viewing a painting or standing in awe of architecture can spark emotional and neurological shifts that help us feel more connected, grounded and resilient. Heidi shares her experience bringing art into leadership education at Yale. 12:22 | Unlocking Your Brain Through Sensory Experiences Susan explains how sensory experiences activate neural pathways that support memory, learning and improved mental health. The arts, she argues, are essential for cognitive and emotional well-being. 19:09 | Relearning How to Feel, Not Just ThinkIvy challenges the common belief that learning happens only through thinking, emphasizing that we are feeling beings first. They discuss why the arts should be central—not optional—in education. 30:02 | Can Art Make Us Better Collaborators? Yes.Ivy shares how incorporating art and creative exercises helped her build high-performing teams at Mattel and Google. The secret? Trust, play and shared sensory experiences. 35:56 | The Science of Group Flow: Why Shared Experiences MatterSusan and Ivy explore how teams can synchronize at a deep level. Ivy describes her experiment using sound frequencies to enhance brainstorming sessions. 43:30 | From Coping to Thriving: The Keys to FlourishingSusan breaks down what it takes to truly thrive—curiosity, awe, enriched environments and play—and how interfaces with art helps us build a capacity to thrive.. 46:52 | A Final Invitation to Notice MoreIvy offers a simple but profound takeaway: “Pay attention to what gets your attention.” Noticing what moves you is the first step toward living a more enriched and connected life.  Additional Resources  Your Brain on Art website: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/ What is neuroarts? https://www.yourbrainonart.com/what-is-neuroarts Aesthetic Mindset Index https://www.yourbrainonart.com/aesthetic-mindset-index Blend of science and art improving neurological health: https://www.pbs.org/video/your-brain-on-art-1685477928/ How the Arts Can Benefit Your Mental Health: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/05/22/well/mind/art-mental-health.html How music and dance affect your brain and body: https://www.washingtonpost.com/wellness/2023/03/02/music-dance-painting-brain-mental-health/ ‘Your Brain on Art' explore how even bad art makes for good health: https://datebook.sfchronicle.com/books/your-brain-on-art-health-benefits-17775845

“People always say, ‘Well, if I could only do one art form, what would it be?' And I always say dance.” —Susan Magsamen In our podcast miniseries Music and Health, we're exploring how music impacts our minds, bodies, and communities. In this installment, we're learning about the power of dance. Host J. D. Talasek is joined by David Leventhal and ConstantinaTheofanopoulou. Both began their careers as dancers and use dance to inform their current work. Leventhal is a program director and one of the founding teachers of Dance for PD, a program that offers people with Parkinson's disease research-backed dance classes. Theofanopoulou is a research assistant professor at Rockefeller University. Her research focuses on understanding the neuroscience of complex sensory motor behaviors. They discuss how dance is helping patients regain movement abilities, and what neuroscience research says about dance as a form of healing. This series is produced in collaboration with Susan Magsamen and Leonardo journal.Resources:  Listen to the first episode of the mini-series, Music and Health: The Creative Arts and Healing, featuring Renée Fleming and Susan Magsamen.  Visit the Dance for PD website to learn more about the program, and find classes in your area or virtually.  Learn more about Constantina Theofanopoulou's research by visiting her website. 

The world needs more of Maggie Stephens' joyful perspective on art and creativity — and it's why I am SO excited to have her on the show. Maggie is an Austin artist who, in her own words, "Makes things out of things," giving found objects a new life in her installations.  Listen to hear more about her work, how she fills it with stories, how she finds inspiration in the most unlikely places, and why having more FUN might be the secret to it all. If you need to spark some joy back into your art, this episode is for you! Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a thing! And don't forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_ Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at amy@jodieking.com! Resources mentioned: Learn more about the Color Course for Rebels: https://www.jodiekingart.com/ccfr Stay in touch with Maggie on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/magpieinyoureye/  Check out some of Maggie's work here: https://www.madebymagpie.com/  ByGeorge Clothing Store: https://bygeorgeaustin.com/   Beyond Anxiety: Curiosity, Creativity, and Finding Your Life's Purpose by Martha Beck: https://amzn.to/3EO9dII  Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen: https://amzn.to/42VTG3O  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  How are you liking the Honest Art Podcast? Leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform and let us know!     Watch this full episode on my YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC64Vn6NF5BfiwLNTSb_VnDA  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast    

https://Art2Life.com - Arts and aesthetic experiences positively influence our body, brain, and behavior, improving our overall health and well-being. Find out more about the fascinating journey that led Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen to write their groundbreaking book, unveiling scientific proof of what many artists intuitively understand—the transformative power of art in our lives. We'll discuss memorable stories of personal transformation through art, the neurological mechanisms behind our sensory experiences, and the importance of cultivating an "aesthetic mindset" for a more fulfilling life.  Listen in to find out how art can enrich our lives and make us more vibrant, dynamic human beings. If you've ever wanted to understand the profound impact of creativity on our minds and bodies, this episode is one you won't want to miss. ================================ LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN… (00:00) How Ivy and Susan connected over their shared love for play and curiosity  (08:10) Artists intuitively grasp concepts, with science now catching up  (14:27) Creating art allows deep exploration of personal tastes without judgment  (16:31) Connecting with passions fuels creativity and sparks an inspirational energy  (23:26) Feel before thinking; creative expression can reveal true emotions  (30:29) The experiment on neuroaesthetics at Milan Salone  (37:07) How firefighters use painting to alleviate PTSD  (43:00) How their book weaves together science and storytelling  (44:51) Art improves mental health in young moms  (55:52) Artists in Santa Fe create experiential art that moves beyond traditional forms  ================================ RESOURCES MENTIONED Your Brain on Art: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/ Luminary Scholars at Johns Hopkins: https://www.artsandmindlab.org/people/ Finding "A Space for Being" at Salone del Mobile in Milan: https://blog.google/technology/design/a-space-for-being-salone-del-mobile-milan/ The relationship between arts and cultural services and health outcomes by Daisy Fancourt: https://cloa.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Prof-Daisy-Fancourt-The-relationship-between-arts-and-cultural-services.pdf Margaret Chisolm, MD: https://margaretchisolmmd.com/ Dominic Di Mare: https://browngrotta.com/artists/dominic-di-mare About Joan Mitchell: https://www.joanmitchellfoundation.org/joan-mitchell Your Brain on Art: https://www.amazon.com/dp/059344924X Ashes2Art: https://www.firerescue1.com/trauma/articles/ashes2art-the-healing-power-of-creativity-for-firefighters-RGvsB1bDarCKxMLy/ Meow Wolf: https://meowwolf.com/ Ep 151 of the Art2Life Podcast: https://www.art2life.com/2024/11/06/wisdom-art-and-longing-judy-tuwaletstiwa-ep-151/ ================================= CONNECT WITH IVY ROSS AND SUSAN MAGSAMEN Susan Magasmen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/susan-magsamen-6345918/  Ivy Ross on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rossivy/  Your Brain on Art on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/your-brain-on-art/  ============================= CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS WILTON AND ART2LIFE: Get the Free COLOR TIPS PDF: https://workshop.art2life.com/color-tips-pdf-podcasts/  Follow the Sunday Art2Life Vlog: https://art2life.lpages.co/sign-up-for-the-a2l-vlog/  Follow Nicholas Wilton's Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholaswilton/  Follow Art2Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art2life_world/?hl=en  Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Art2Life  #Art2Life #FineArt #AbstractArt #ModernArt #Contemporary

https://Art2Life.com - Have you ever seen a painting on a satellite or art on a quantum computer?  Forest Stearns, principal artist and founder of Draw Everywhere Studio and the resident artist at Google Quantum AI, shares how he puts art into space, transforming satellites into canvases for beautiful, thought-provoking illustrations.  His unique fusion of art and science doesn't stop there. Forest's curiosity and drive led him to join Google and decorate quantum computers with inspiring art, making them more relatable to the average person. We dig into the synergy between art and science and how art can connect different fields and people as a universal language. This episode celebrates the unexpected, the beautiful, and the creative spirit that drives creative innovation. Listen to learn how we can integrate creativity into our everyday lives.  ================================ LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN… The crossover between art and science (00:00) How art and science bring valuable ideas to life (06:03) Forest's experience with aerospace science and painting on satellites (14:26) How Forest brings art to quantum computers (18:21) Art in non-artistic spaces inspires creativity and self-reflection (25:55) Ornamenting technology with art encourages people to engage with science (33:46) Nature's chaotic beauty inspires awe and investigation (43:36) ================================ RESOURCES MENTIONED Ivy Ross: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/about-us/bio/ivy-ross Susan Magsamen: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/about-us/bio/susan-magsamen Your Brain on Art: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/your-brain-on-art-book Your Brain on Art – Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen: https://www.art2life.com/2023/03/22/your-brain-on-art-ivy-ross-and-susan-magsamen-ep-74/ Forest Stearns: Space Art Dream Remix TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/forest_stearns_space_art_dream_remix_jan_2018 ================================= Connect with Forest Stearns Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/draweverywhere_studios/?hl=en DRAWEVERYWHERE: https://www.draweverywhere.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/foreststearns/ ============================= CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS WILTON AND ART2LIFE: Get the Free COLOR TIPS PDF: https://workshop.art2life.com/color-tips-pdf-podcasts/  Follow the Sunday Art2Life Vlog: https://art2life.lpages.co/sign-up-for-the-a2l-vlog/  Follow Nicholas Wilton's Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholaswilton/  Follow Art2Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art2life_world/?hl=en  Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Art2Life  #Art2Life #FineArt #AbstractArt #ModernArt #Contemporary

From lullabies to movie soundtracks to workout playlists, music has the capacity to change how we feel. But what is the evidence that music's effects can transform physical health? On our new podcast miniseries, Music and Health, we'll explore the power of music to heal our minds, bodies, and even communities.  On the first episode of this series, host J. D. Talasek is joined by Renée Fleming and Susan Magsamen. Fleming is an opera soprano, actress, and long time advocate for the healing powers of the arts. She recently edited a book called Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness. Magsamen founded the International Arts + Mind Lab, and created the NeuroArts Blueprint. They discuss health and arts research, current initiatives to use the arts to heal, and how this vital approach to care can be expanded.  This series is produced in collaboration with Susan Magsamen and Leonardo journal. Resources Read Renée Fleming's book, Music and Mind: Harnessing the Arts for Health and Wellness, to learn more about how music and the creative arts are being used for health. The book was also recently reviewed in Issues by Susan Fitzpatrick, who called Fleming's introduction “beautifully written, providing a lyrical and comprehensive summary of the main ideas in the book.”  Learn more about Susan Magsamen's work by visiting the International Arts + Mind Lab website, and check out Magsamen and Ivy Ross's book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.  Visit the NeuroArts Blueprint website to find information on how the creative arts impact the brain. You can also find more information about and apply for the Renée Fleming Neuroarts Investigator Award.  Visit the Sound Health Initiative website to learn more about the partnership between the National Institutes of Health and the Kennedy Center to research the potential of music to treat a wide range of conditions.  Listen to the Real Young Prodigys' song “Where My Bus At” and learn more about how the song helped inspire change in Louisville. Thank you to the Real Young Prodigys for allowing use of their song in this episode! 

Magsamen and Ross emphasize the transformative power of art, in all its forms. It impacts neural circuitry, physiology, and behavior, enhancing physical and mental well-being, reducing stress, improving cognitive function, and fostering social connections. They highlight the importance of integrating the arts in healthcare, education, and community building. Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthethics (known as the IAM Lab) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she's a faculty member in the Department of Neurology. Ivy Ross is Chief Design Officer of Consumer Devices at Google and has led teams that have won hundreds of design awards. She's a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2019. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are Co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. (Random House 2023)Interview Date: 10/14/2024 Tags: Susan Magsamen, Ivy Ross, doodling, E.O. Wilson, salience, neuro arts, neuroaesthetics, improv, endocrine system, James Pennebaker, Stuart Brown, play, neurosynapses, John Krakauer, Art & Creativity, Health & Healing, Personal Transformation

Susan Magsamen is the founder and executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab, Center for Applied Neuroaesthethics (known as the IAM Lab) at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where she's a faculty member in the Department of Neurology. Ivy Ross is Chief Design Officer of Consumer Devices at Google and has led teams that have won hundreds of design awards. She's a National Endowment for the Arts grant recipient and was ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business in 2019. Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are Co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. (Random House 2023)Interview Date: 10/14/2024 Tags: Susan Magsamen, Ivy Ross, aesthetic mindset, curiosity, playful exploration, sensorial experience, colored pencils, color is a vibration, chromasonics, Art & Creativity Health & Healing, Personal Transformation

Flourishing is not a fixed state; it is an unfolding. In this time of rupture we need encounters with flourishing, to know it in our lived experiences individually and collectively. In this transformative event on December 12, 2024, Ryan McGranaghan, host of the Origins Podcast and founder of the Flourishing Salons, engaged in a moving conversation with four profound provocateurs and a wider community of artists, designers, engineers, scientists, educators, and contemplatives. The event was co-hosted by Flourishing Salons and the Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS) DC Art and Science Evening Rendezvous (DASER).Origins Podcast WebsiteFlourishing Commons NewsletterShow Notes:Video of the event (link) and event page (link)Opening remarks - JD Talasek, Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (03:30)DC Art Science Evening Rendezvous (03:30)Ryan McGranaghan framing (05:50)Flourishing Salons (06:00)Rainer Maria Rilke "Let This Darkness Be a Bell Tower" (07:30)Elizabeth Alexander (09:00)James Suzman (09:40)Danielle Allen (09:40)John Paul Lederach and critical yeast (12:00)Audrey Tang (12:50)David Whyte (13:10)"Knowledge Commons and the Future of Democracy" (14:00)Simone Weil (18:00)American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting (19:00)'Flourishing Summits' (19:45)Susan Magsamen provocation (20:15)Julie Demuth provocation (34:00)Jennifer Wiseman provocation (45:00)Dan Jay provocation (56:15)Salon discussion (01:11:00)Find the guests online:Susan MagsamenJulie DemuthJennifer WisemanDan JayLogo artwork by Cristina GonzalezMusic by swelo on all streaming platforms or @swelomusic on social media

In Alaska, reindeer are much more real than the fantasy animals that pull Santa's sleigh. Introduced to Alaska from Siberia by the US government in the 1890s, reindeer were part of a strategy to solve food shortages among the Native peoples after the gold rush. Today, reindeer provide food security and economic opportunities for the Alaskan Native community. Even more so than farming, reindeer herding requires a deep understanding of the needs of Indigenous communities and academic science—as well as how to navigate and influence local, state, and federal policies. On this episode, host Lisa Margonelli is joined by Jacqueline Hrabok and Bonnie Scheele of the University of Alaska Fairbanks's High Latitude Range Management program to learn more about the interplay of science, policy, and community in reindeer herding.  This is our final episode of 2024. We'll be back in late January for an interview with opera singer and actress Renee Fleming and neurology professor Susan Magsamen on the intersection of music, art, and health. And we would love to explore more local science policy issues in our upcoming episodes! Write to us at podcast@issues.org about any policy developments happening near you.  Resources: Learn more about the University of Alaska Fairbanks' High Latitude Range Management program.  Visit Bonnie Scheele's reindeer farm at the Midnite Sun Reindeer Ranch website and Facebook page. 

We often fill up our free time by listening to a favorite song, watching a movie or going to a museum. But have you ever considered that art can also work as a medicine? Susan Magsamen is the founder of the Arts + Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the co-author of “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us.” In this episode, she discusses her groundbreaking research on the health benefits of art. If you want to learn more about the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, visit neuroartsblueprint.org--If you aspire to be a System Catalyst and need resources to help you on your journey, subscribe to our newsletter. To learn more about our mission and our partners, visit systemcatalysts.com.Subscribe to our YouTube channel This podcast is produced by Hueman Group Media. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

https://Art2Life.com - Judy Tuwaletstiwa, a multidisciplinary visual artist, writer, and teacher, had no idea she was an artist for many many years. After being told she was ‘no artist' by her 7th-grade teacher, she didn't create art until later.  Judy shares her insights on aging as a liberating gift, allowing her to focus on what truly matters. We explore her vision of art as a mysterious, transformative force and she tells me more about an ongoing project, which aims to help people understand how to integrate art into every life stage.  I know you'll love the inspiring stories based on Judy's teaching experiences, including a viral TikTok that demonstrates the power of art in self-exploration. She shares influences that shaped her artistic path, including lessons from a tumultuous childhood, transformative travels, and meaningful collaborations.  Join us to reflect on creativity, intuition, and the enriching exchange of insights between generations, offering valuable takeaways for artists and educators alike in this episode of the Art2Life Podcast. ================================ LISTEN IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN… [6:38] Her grandmother's positivity and magic helped overcome generational wounds [12:35] How Van Gogh brought Judy back to cresting art  [17:01] Providing art-based workshops to help young boys experience healing  [23:23] What brought Judy back to sharing her art 15 years later  [28:21] A soul-searching camping trip in the Southwest at age 41  [34:24] How Judy created her “Songs of the Earth from Space” series  [37:38] Art has no mistakes; it's a doorway that leads you somewhere  [42:32] Intergenerational exchange enriches learning  [46:14] Growing old is a gift because it brings freedom and clarity on what truly matters  ================================ RESOURCES MENTIONED Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl: https://a.co/d/76PPPWP Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross: https://a.co/d/gYqRrK7  Frog Dreaming: https://frogdreamingbooks.com/index.html ================================= CONNECT WITH JUDY TUWALETSTIWA Judy's artwork: https://www.judytuwaletstiwa.com/  Gma Judy on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@judytuwaletstiwa  Judy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tuwaletstiwa/ ============================= CONNECT WITH NICHOLAS WILTON AND ART2LIFE: Get the Free COLOR TIPS PDF: https://workshop.art2life.com/color-tips-pdf-podcasts/  Follow the Sunday Art2Life Vlog: https://art2life.lpages.co/sign-up-for-the-a2l-vlog/  Follow Nicholas Wilton's Art on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nicholaswilton/  Follow Art2Life on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/art2life_world/?hl=en  Subscribe on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Art2Life  #Art2Life #FineArt #AbstractArt #ModernArt #Contemporary

Believe the hype—art can transform your life.In this episode of Flow Radio, hosts Steven Kotler, Dr. Michael Mannino, and Ryan Wickes explore the powerful connections between creativity, longevity, and the future of human-AI collaboration. Tune in for a fresh look at how an “aesthetic mindset” influences aging, cognitive health, and the amount of flow in your life. Plus, get the low down on how partnering with AI can boost your creative potential far beyond a run-of-the-mill brainstorm. This is a must-listen for anyone wanting practical tips to lead a happier, healthier, and more creative life.  Join the discussion by leaving your questions for future Afterthoughts episodes in the comments. In This Episode: 01:36 Art vs. Altruism 04:06 Creativity and Longevity 06:19 The Role of AI in Future Jobs  11:10 Wisdom and Creativity as We Age 17:32 Brain Damage and Creativity 28:27 Hacking Creativity with Daydreaming35:12 Microflow and Daily Art Practice 42:08 Can AI Be Truly Creative? About The Guest: Steven Kotler is a New York Times-bestselling author, an award-winning journalist, and the co-founder and executive director of the Flow Research Collective. He is one of the world's leading experts on human performance. He is the author of eleven bestsellers (out of fourteen books), including The Art of Impossible, The Future is Faster Than You Think, Stealing Fire, The Rise of Superman, Bold and Abundance. His work has been nominated for three Pulitzer Prizes, translated into over sixty languages, and has appeared in over 110 publications, including academic journals such as Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews and Psychophysiology, and mainstream publications like The New York Times Magazine, Wired, Atlantic Monthly, Wall Street Journal, TIME, and the Harvard Business Review. Dr. Michael Mannino is the Director of Programs at the University of Miami's Institute for Data Science and Computing, focusing on AI projects across various domains. He holds a Ph.D. in neuroscience and a Master's in philosophy, with expertise in embodied cognition, critical thinking, and the philosophy of mind. As a professor of philosophy and ethics for over a decade, Michael integrates his academic background with a passion for peak performance, flow science, and the mind-body connection. He is also an athlete, musician, and avid learner, and serves on the Singularity University Miami Chapter. Episode Resources: Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross Book: The Mature Mind: The Positive Power of the Aging Brain by Gene Cohen Book: The Wisdom Paradox: How Your Mind Can Grow Stronger As Your Brain Grows Older by Elkhonon Goldberg Article: Eric Kandel's Research on Aesthetic Experience Podcast: John Kounios on Mood and Creativity  Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you're interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠⁠ ‍ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ Website: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com⁠ ‍ Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world's leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

Mental health and matters of spiritual and mental wellness are often topics we address on Rector's Cupboard and so we were very grateful to speak to Elise Girardin, Executive Director of The Woods Arts & Wellness, a North Vancouver based therapy practice addressing the well being of mind-body-spirit through engagement with nature and the arts. Elise practices what she calls embodied therapy, helping people find healing and flourishing through connection and creativity. This kind of therapy is beneficial for those who have experienced trauma, those who feel disconnected, those who do not feel like they are flourishing. We highly recommend checking out The Woods and their programs. They offer a variety of therapies, some available virtually, and have sliding-scale pricing for accessibility. If you'd like some extra credit, Elise recommends the following books on embodied therapy practices and research: The Body Keeps the Score, Bessel van der Kolk Your Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross

In this episode of Flow Radio, Steven Kotler and Dr. Michael Mannino sit down with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross, co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. These groundbreaking experts explain how making and experiencing art changes the way we think, feel, and perform. From our ancient past to cutting-edge science, find out why art isn't just beautiful—it's fuel for your brain. Learn how just 20 minutes of creative practice can boost your mental edge, unlock more flow, and supercharge problem-solving. Plus, discover how AI is revolutionizing art creation and opening new frontiers in human-machine creativity. Tune in to unlock practical insights for tapping into your creative genius. In This Episode: 00:03  The Intersection of Art, Brain, and Performance 02:11  How Susan and Ivy Became Pioneers in Their Fields 05:04  Bridging Art and Science 09:10  Why We're Wired for Art 14:22  Art as Medicine 22:52  Flow States and Creativity 30:57  Current Research 37:46  Daily Practices for Enhancing Creativity 43:24  AI and Art 48:22  Why Neuroesthetics Matters for Everyone About The Guest: Ivy Ross is the Vice President of Design for the Hardware organization at Google. Over  the past six years, she and her team have launched 50+ products winning over 240  global design awards. This collection of hardware established a new Google design  aesthetic that is tactile, colorful, and bold.  A winner of a National Endowment for the Arts grant, Ivy's innovative metal work in  jewelry is in the permanent collections of 12 international museums.   Ivy has held executive positions ranging from head of product design and development  to CMO and presidencies of several companies, including Calvin Klein, Swatch, Coach,  Mattel, Bausch & Lomb, and Gap.  Ninth on Fast Company's list of the 100 Most Creative People in Business 2019, Ivy  believes the intersection of arts and science is where the most engaging and creative  ideas are found.   Most recently, Ivy co-authored with Susan Magsamen Your Brain on Art: How the Arts  Transform Us.  Susan Magsamen is the executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab (IAM Lab), Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics, a pioneering neuroaesthetics initiative from the Pedersen Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. She is the co-director of the NeuroArts Blueprint with the Aspen Institute and co-author of the New York Times Bestseller, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Susan studies how the arts and aesthetic experiences measurably change the brain, body, and behavior and how this knowledge can be translated to inform health, wellbeing and learning in medicine, public health and education. Episode Resources: Book website: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us Lab: The International Arts + Mind Lab Social: YourBrainonArtBook Flow Radio Is Presented By Flow Research Collective Flow Research Collective is a leading neuroscience research and training company. If you're interested in learning the science-backed techniques we used to train top executives at Facebook, Audi and even the Navy SEALs, click the link here: ⁠https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/zero-to-dangerous/overview⁠ Follow Flow Research Collective: YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@flowresearchcollective⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/flowresearchcollective⁠ X: ⁠https://twitter.com/thefrc_official⁠ Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/flowresearchcollective⁠ Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/6RQY0d5rdlEiinHEtfWy6A⁠ Website: https://www.flowresearchcollective.com/ Flow Research Collective was founded by Steven Kotler, one of the world's leading experts on human peak performance. He is an award-winning journalist and author with over ten bestselling books.

We are the only species that creates and experiences art – not just visual art but music, poetry, dance, theater, and even architecture. The impact that art has on us cannot be overstated, as it affects cognition, mental health, and physical wellbeing. My guests today are Susan Magsamen of the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Ivy Ross, vice president of design for the Hardware Product Area at Google and an artist and designer in her own right. Magsamen and Ross co-authored a book about the brain and the arts; the new field of neuroaesthetics is, as they say, "the closest thing to magic." Find out how we don't just create and enjoy art – we are actually shaped by it, improved by it, made healthier by it. Embracing art just once a month can extend your life up to a decade! Find out how easy it is get started, which arts have an impact on both sides of the brain, and why art makes us better people. Plus... Hear from one of my own patients about how adding art to her environment boosted her recovery from a devastating stroke.  For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org

Susan Magsamen, director of the International Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University and co-director of The NeuroArts Blueprint joins Ryan Rydzewski and guest host Kathy Hirsh-Pasek to talk about the importance of artistic practice in maintaining physical, mental, and social wellness for children and adults alike.

Did you know that people who create art actually live longer? And the good news is you don't have to be good at! Painting, singing a song - even random doodling during a meeting - strengthens the neural pathways in your brain and increases overall physical health.   In our next episode Dr. Stieg discusses the intriguing new field of Applied Neuroaesthetics with co-authors Susan Magsamen of the Pedersen Brain Science Institute and Ivy Ross, VP of hardware design at Google.  Their entertaining new book "Your Brain on Art" explores the healing power of making (even just enjoying!) a broad range of visual and performing arts.  For more information, transcripts, and all episodes, please visit https://thisisyourbrain.com For more about Weill Cornell Medicine Neurological Surgery, please visit https://neurosurgery.weillcornell.org 

Over the summer, I had the pleasure of working with the NeuroArts Blueprint, an initiative from Johns Hopkins Medical School and the Aspen Institute aimed at strengthening and advancing the emerging field of NeuroArts. This field, which we'll dive into in today's episode, sits at the intersection of science, technology, and art. I'm thrilled to have Susan Magsamen with us today. Susan is one of the brains behind the NeuroArts Blueprint. She is the executive director of the International Arts+Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins University and has dedicated her career to unlocking the power of the arts to enhance physical and mental health. She's also the author of Your Brain On Art: How the Arts Transform Us. In this episode, we'll explore the intersection of economics and NeuroArts and discuss what it's like to be an entrepreneur pioneering a new field of study. NeuroArts BlueprintNeuroArts Resource CenterSupport the Show.

Sari is joined by Megan E. Collins for the second installment of their Summer Book Club series as they discuss Your Brain On Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross.This 2023 book is a fascinating peek into the science of neuroaesthetics and how art impacts our lives in myriad ways. I hope you enjoy our conversation and stay tuned for the third and final Summer Book Club next month as we discuss Bianca Bosker's new book, Get The Picture, a first-hand account of an outsider's journey into the art world and beyondThis episode is sponsored by my book, Modern Still Life: From Fruit Bowls to Disco Balls, which you can order now :)This episode is also sponsored by Not Sorry Art and my online art school, Not Sorry Art SchoolEmail Sari at notsorryart@sari.studioFollow Sari: @not_sorry_artSHOW NOTES:Follow Megan:TikTok @VirgoLikeBeyonceInstagram: @TheManicuredShelf

Jack Harwood made history in 2023 when he became the first male Spirit of Fiesta in 99 years of Old Spanish Days Fiesta, Santa Barbara's largest event of the year. He recently returned from Spain where he studied Flamenco and other traditional dance styles. Jack spoke with KCSB's Jennifer Zwigl about his experience at Fiesta and the way dance influences his life. This interview aired on KCSB in conjunction a reading of the UCSB Reads 2024 selection "Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross. Photo credit: Timo Nuñez

Authors, Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen show the healing nature of art through their book, Your Brain on Art. This is the 2024 UCSB Reads book selection. Through their experiences with hardware design, neuroscience, and intuition for the arts, the two authors bridge the gap between the world and another medium of healing and understanding the world. I asked the authors about their collaboration, and the significance of art in our modern society. KCSB's Brandon Yi spoke with the authors ahead of their appearance at UCSB's Campbell Hall.

Psychologist Dr. Deborah Smilovitz Foster explains the impact of art and creativity on your brain and well-being. This interview aired on KCSB on Thursday, April 11 at 5:30pm in conjunction a reading of the UCSB Reads 2024 selection "Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross.

KCSB DJ Darla Bea has been actively engaged in Santa Barbara's Summer Solstice celebration since she was a toddler. Darla speaks with KCSB News reporter Jennifer Zwigl about the history of SB Solstice (including some little-known fun facts!) and her passion for music and live performance. This interview aired on KCSB on Thursday, March 21, at 5:30pm in conjunction a reading of the UCSB Reads 2024 selection "Your Brain on Art by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross.

About Maya Colombani:Maya's Profilelinkedin.com/in/maya-colombani-0a118369Websites:https://www.loreal.com/en/nordics/pages/commitments/l-oreal-for-the-future/Email:info@laurainserra.comLaura Inserra MAYA'S BIO:Maya Colombani - L'Oréal Canada - Chief Sustainability & Human Rights OfficerMaya Colombani has been appointed Chief Sustainability and Human Rights Officer of L'Oréal Canada in April 2022. With an international career of over 20 years at L'Oréal, Maya is distinguished by a rich and comprehensive professional background. She began her career in France, working for leading design and advertising agencies such as Dragon Rouge, Publicis, and Euro RSCG. She then joined L'Oréal's Professional Products division in 2001. There, she held positions in operational marketing and DMI (Direction Marketing International), for Kérastase and L'Oréal Professionnel. She carried out assignments in India and in the Western Europe zone, before moving to Brazil in June 2010 where she worked in marketing functions. Since the end of 2016, she has been Director of Sustainable Development for Brazil.In this role, she profoundly transformed L'Oréal Brazil's approach to sustainable development and human rights. She has implemented actions that inspired the L'Oréal Group and positioned L'Oréal Brazil as a national benchmark. L'Oréal Brazil is indeed regularly cited as an example and is used to fuel new reflections, both on environmental issues and on human rights issues, as well as with respect to the relations with the indigenous people of Brazil. Her projects have been rewarded by the best rankings such as Guia Exame 2017/2018/2019; recognized as the best company in climate change as well as biodiversity management; and has received the WEP gold award 2021 on women empowerment supported by ONU Women and Compact Global. In 2022, thanks to her strong inclusive social programs for indigenous and communities, the GLOBO recognized L'Oréal Brazil as “The company that makes the difference in term of inclusion and diversity.”In Canada, Maya's mission is to increase the positive footprint internally and externally in terms of sustainable development and human rights, and to accelerate the actions carried out within the framework of “L'Oréal For the Future.” Among her first projects, she has already focused, with the Canadian teams, on achieving the company's full carbon neutrality on all its sites, as well as accelerating ambitious targets on water management and implementing cleantech partnership and eco-design business with committed brands.Thanks to impactful projects in Canada, earned her the prestigious “Canada's Clean 50” award that "recognized the most impactful 50 individual LEADERs that have demonstrated measurable leadership in fighting climate change and helping Canada transition to a low-carbon economy." Another important achievement for Maya is being named President of the “Positive Impact Club” of the French CCI in Canada, to have a positive impact on our society and reinforce the bond between France and Canada. Maya graduated from Reims Business School and completed an MBA semester of International Business Strategy in Victoria University, Australia. She now lives in Montreal, Québec, Canada with her family.  SHOW INTRO:Welcome to the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast.These dynamic dialogues based on our acronym DATA - design, architecture, technology, and the arts crosses over disciplines but maintains a common thread of people who are passionate about the world we live in and human's influence on it, the ways we craft the built environment to maximize human experience, increasing our understanding of human behavior and searching for the New Possible.    The NXTLVL Experience Design podcast is presented by VMSD Magazine part of the Smartwork Media family of brands.VMSD brings us, in the brand experience world, the International Retail Design Conference. The IRDC is one of the best retail design conferences that there is bringing together the world of retailers, brands and experience place makers every year for two days of engaging conversations and pushing the discourse forward on what makes retailing relevant. You will find the archive of the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast on VMSD.com.Thanks also goes to Shop Association the only global retail trade association dedicated to elevating the in-store experience. SHOP Association represents companies and affiliates from 25 countries and brings value to their members through research, networking, education, events and awards. Check then out on SHOPAssociation.orgIn this episode I talk with Maya Colombani Chief Sustainability and Human Rights Officer of L'Oréal Canada. Maya is one of the most passionate proponents of rethinking sustainable business practices and supporting human rights that I have ever met. Her energy is infectious and her passion is a positive push to do more in support of people and the planet. First though, a few thoughts…             *                         *                         *Certain themes keep on emerging in my discussions with my guests. Health, wellness, and sustainability frequently come into the conversation regardless of whether or not I'm speaking to a designer, a neuroscientist, an artist or obviously someone who's work life is focused on sustainable design Practice within their business.We are more aware today of the influence of the built environment on our mind body state, our very psychology and neurophysiological makeup. I have often referred to this as ontological design - The fact that the things we design and bring into the world design us back.The field of neuroaesthetics that have come up in previous conversations with Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross in the ir book Your Brain on Art or with Tasha Golden in my discussion with her and the work she does at the Arts and Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins have pointed out that the psychological effects of bad or simply banal buildings is part of our potential mental health crisis.Advances in neuroscience driven by technologies is allowing us to see into the human brain and understand the interrelationships between its functional areas and it's and our connection to the environment in a way that we have not been able to do so before. And because of this new ability we are more able to determine, with a very high degree of confidence, what goes on in our inner world when we are immersed in our outer world. We've talked about color and its influence on our mind body state with Valerie Corcias and we've talked about music and how the arts having a deeply resonant place in our collective experience of our social groups and culture.Sustainability keeps on emerging as an obvious focus in the guests that I speak to whether it was with Bruce Mau and talking about his book MC24 or Martin Kingdon and his relationship to the store fixture manufacturing world in Europe and then there was Denise Naguib, of VP of Sustanability and Vendor Diversity at Marriott International, who I won't soon forget reminded me that the planet will be just fine without us and that we just have to decide whether or not we want to live here.When I go to conferences and I listen to the subjects that are often talked about by keynote presenters, panelists and just the everyday conversations that happen outside of the lecture room, sustainable design practice quickly surfaces and becomes a focal point.I think to most of us now, we are aware that we are facing an existential crisis that will shape the course of humanity in the near future. There are some that say we are already too late that reversing the effects of climate change maybe a losing battle. There are others that soldier on believing that it is the responsible thing for us to do and that changing our approach to living, manufacturing, building and other human endeavours needs to be reconsidered so that we change to protecting the planet from ourselves, not so much for the planet itself but for the fact that if we want to live here we need to be able to preserve Mother Nature and be good stewards of the gift that we have been given. When you consider the length of time that this little blue dot has been spinning around our sun, somewhere in the neighborhood of 4.5 billion years, and you consider the amount of time that humans have been occupying the earth, it should be setting off alarm bells that in just a couple of centuries we've begun to destroy the ecosystem that was here long before we arrived. And that frankly will be here a long time after we are gone. The challenge is that I don't think we're going to be able to get off this planet and get on an interplanetary transport to Mars and build colonies there before this earth go through some significant changes that will affect all of humankind.Is it too late? It may be but one thing is for sure, if we don't change our practices and think about regenerating nature along with driving capitalism forward we will most definitely end up in a climate disaster. And so, this is why it is so important that the practices and policies that are being pushed forward by people like my guest on this episode, Maya Colombani, are so critical to the course of humanity. One of the obvious things is that sustainable design practices are not just about saving the planet and providing a viable environment for humans but they also happen to be good for business. One of the opportunities here is to change our thinking about how we see innovation in the sustainable design space and make sure that we consider that it is something that brings value for business and societies.Retailers and manufacturers have a responsibility with the power they wield to address innovating our way into a sustainable future that addresses directly the effects of climate change.Part of this of course is going back to our roots - meaning engaging indigenous communities in understanding how to treat the planet better. A westernized mentality towards dominating the planet and its people have put us on a collision course with a disastrous future. If we could fully realized that indigenous communities can teach western societies a great deal about how to manage our resources we would ultimately be much better off.One school of thought is that we have created this problem and we can therefore therefore fix it, but my hunch is that we are not going to be able to continue to be so arrogant as to believe that we can do it on our own. Large corporations need to turn to the ancient wisdom of indigenous peoples and engage them in a collaborative process of sustainable and social responsibility which should be, in the end, at the center of all of the decisions that we make.L'Oreal Canada along with Maya Colombani wants to be a laboratory for good and they want to reinvent retail and corporate manufacturing policies that are good for society with the added benefit of it being also good for their business. That involves engaging the corporate structure including suppliers in the process of rethinking how they bring goods to market. Maya Colombani will say that it's not good enough just to fight climate change… what we have to do is regenerate nature and part of that is that sustainability is not about having good intentions it's about action and measurable outcomes.This of course requires a significant shift in mindsets which is very difficult, kind of like changing the direction of the aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean because in the end the future belongs not in the hands of major companies but in those of the citizens of the world who have, through their buying power, the ability to vote for companies who are doing the right thing and to do so with their wallets.Maya Colombani would say that in sustainable development there is never an individual victory but only great collective victories that push us to grow further every day. Having won a number of awards for her efforts she sees these recognitions as an invitation to work even harder and faster to face the unprecedented global humanitarian and climate crisis that we are currently embroiled in.Maya Colombani was appointed Chief Sustainability and Human Rights Officer of L'Oreal Canada in April 2022. In her more than 20 years with the company prior to her current role, she had carried out assignments in India and Western Europe and then moved to Brazil in 2010 where she worked in marketing functions.In 2006 she was the director of sustainable development for Brazil. While in this role of she transformed L'Oreal Brazil into a national benchmark for how to rethink both environmental and human rights issue as well as our respect for relations with indigenous peoples.She has received many distinguished awards being recognized for her passionate approach to people and the planet. In Canada, Maya's mission is to increase the positive footprint internally and externally in terms of sustainable development and human rights and to accelerate the actions carried out within the framework of “L'Oreal For The Future.”She has been focused on achieving the company's full carbon neutrality on all of its sites as well as accelerating ambition targets on water management and implementing clean tech partnerships and eco design businesses with committed brands.Thanks to the impactful projects in Canada she earned the prestigious Canada's “Clean 50” award that recognized the 50 most impactful individual leaders that have demonstrated measurable leadership in fighting climate change and helping Canada transition to a low carbon economy.When I met Maya Colombani at the Bensadoun School of Retail Management Retail Summit in the fall of 2023, I was immediately struck by her energy and passion for this subject. I think you'll discover in this episode that to say that Maya is passionate about people on the planet might be an understatement.ABOUT DAVID KEPRON:LinkedIn Profile: linkedin.com/in/david-kepron-9a1582bWebsites:  https://www.davidkepron.com    (personal website)vmsd.com/taxonomy/term/8645  (Blog)Email: david.kepron@NXTLVLexperiencedesign.comTwitter: DavidKepronPersonal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidkepron/NXTLVL Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nxtlvl_experience_design/Bio:David Kepron is a multifaceted creative professional with a deep curiosity to understand ‘why', ‘what's now' and ‘what's next'. He brings together his background as an architect, artist, educator, author, podcast host and builder to the making of meaningful and empathically-focused, community-centric customer connections at brand experience places around the globe. David is a former VP - Global Design Strategies at Marriott International. While at Marriott, his focus was on the creation of compelling customer experiences within Marriott's “Premium Distinctive” segment which included: Westin, Renaissance, Le Meridien, Autograph Collection, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels and Gaylord hotels. In 2020 Kepron founded NXTLVL Experience Design, a strategy and design consultancy, where he combines his multidisciplinary approach to the creation of relevant brand engagements with his passion for social and cultural anthropology, neuroscience and emerging digital technologies. As a frequently requested international speaker at corporate events and international conferences focusing on CX, digital transformation, retail, hospitality, emerging technology, David shares his expertise on subjects ranging from consumer behaviors and trends, brain science and buying behavior, store design and visual merchandising, hotel design and strategy as well as creativity and innovation. In his talks, David shares visionary ideas on how brand strategy, brain science and emerging technologies are changing guest expectations about relationships they want to have with brands and how companies can remain relevant in a digitally enabled marketplace. David currently shares his experience and insight on various industry boards including: VMSD magazine's Editorial Advisory Board, the Interactive Customer Experience Association, Sign Research Foundation's Program Committee as well as the Center For Retail Transformation at George Mason University.He has held teaching positions at New York's Fashion Institute of Technology (F.I.T.), the Department of Architecture & Interior Design of Drexel University in Philadelphia, the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (L.I.M.) in New York, the International Academy of Merchandising and Design in Montreal and he served as the Director of the Visual Merchandising Department at LaSalle International Fashion School (L.I.F.S.) in Singapore.  In 2014 Kepron published his first book titled: “Retail (r)Evolution: Why Creating Right-Brain Stores Will Shape the Future of Shopping in a Digitally Driven World” and he is currently working on his second book to be published soon. David also writes a popular blog called “Brain Food” which is published monthly on vmsd.com.    The next level experience design podcast is presented by VMSD magazine and Smartwork Media. It is hosted and executive produced by David Kepron. Our original music and audio production by Kano Sound. The content of this podcast is copywrite to David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design. Any publication or rebroadcast of the content is prohibited without the expressed written consent of David Kepron and NXTLVL Experience Design.Make sure to tune in for more NXTLVL “Dialogues on DATA: Design Architecture Technology and the Arts” wherever you find your favorite podcasts and make sure to visit vmsd.com and look for the tab for the NXTLVL Experience Design podcast there too.

  Art, whether you're creating it or experiencing it, is capable of literally rewiring your brain. That's what I explore on this episode with Ivy Ross and Susan Maximum. Specifically, you'll learn 1. Tips on how to use colors, textures, and lighting in your home to stimulate your body's natural ability to relax and restore. 2. You'll discover why picking up an art like singing, dancing, or painting, regardless of how good you are at it, is so beneficial for your brain and body. 3. You'll gain insights on how creating art actually helps develop resilience in children that they then carry on into adulthood. If you're looking for new ways to bring joy, balance, and well being into your life, you don't want to miss this episode. Susan and Ivy's insights in "Your Brain on Art" bring to light the profound connection between creative expression and mental well-being, suggesting that art might be key to not just surviving, but thriving. Step into a world where the space around you shapes how you feel and heal. We uncover the hidden ways our environment—its colors, textures, and even the lighting—affects us more deeply than we might expect. This conversation dives into the personal journey of discovering which art forms resonate with each of us, whether it's the shared rhythm of a dance or the solitary reflection in writing. We also champion the role of arts in education and the broader community. As we discuss California's move to bring art teachers into every classroom, we're advocating for a renaissance in how we approach learning and healing. Art, as we see it, is a vital tool for building resilience, fostering joy, and connecting us to one another. This episode is an open invitation to embrace creativity—for the sake of our health, our children, and the very fabric of our society. Join us as we celebrate the arts not as a luxury, but as a necessity, with Ivy and Susan guiding us through this transformational landscape. International Arts and Mind Lab at John Hopkins University Your Brain on Art      

After a career in the corporate world, Jennifer underwent a significant life transformation by transitioning to a career as a botanical artist and educator. This shift aligned with her values around nature, creativity, and connection.Listen to hear more about:The New Zealand landscape and what it means to Jennifer. How Jennifer made a shift from a corporate career to art and teaching. What Jennifer enjoys most about teaching art and nature journaling.The similarities and differences between botanical art and nature journaling. The pitfall of perfectionism.Nature journaling in a conference setting. Nature journaling for self-care. Selling nature art at markets.  To see Jennifer's work you can visit her website https://jenniferduval-smith.com/ and connect on Instagram @jenniferduvalsmithart.Two artists that Jennifer mentioned as being influential on our journey were Sandra Morris and Leslie Alexander.The books that Jennifer mentioned during the conversation were:Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross.Find Your Unicorn Space: Reclaim Your Creative Life in a Too-Busy World by Eve Rodsky-----------------Sign-up for Journaling With Nature's Newsletter to receive news and updates each month. You can support Journaling With Nature Podcast on Patreon. Your contribution is deeply appreciated.Thanks for listening!

There is an increasing body of scientific evidence demonstrating a phenomenon humans across cultures have long known intuitively: we are biologically wired for art. Engaging in the arts transforms our neural circuitry in deep ways that we are only beginning to uncover, and studies are showing how the arts can help us live longer, stave off cognitive decline, reduce our stress hormones, nurture the development of young minds, reduce the impacts of PTSD, and more. Joining us in this episode are two individuals at the forefront of the movement to translate this groundbreaking research to medicine, public health, education, the workplace, and other real world applications. Susan Magsamen is the director of the International Arts and Mind Lab at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where her research focuses on how our brains respond to artistic experiences. Ivy Ross is an acclaimed jewelry designer and Vice President of hardware design at Google. Together, they coauthored the 2023 New York Times best seller Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Over the course of our conversation, Susan and Ivy discuss the emerging field of neuroaesthetics, how the arts can make us healthier, smarter and happier, and how we can incorporate more art into our everyday lives.In this episode, we discuss: 2:40 - How Susan and Ivy's paths led them to neuroarts7:46 - What does it mean to be in a “flow state”? 15:12 - An introduction to neuroaesthetics and neuroarts 18:33 - Surprising impacts the arts have on health 25:58 - The health benefits of creating art in community 29:51 - What “aesthetics” means in the context of Susan and Ivy's studies 33:53 - The science behind how the arts support healing 39:45 - Practical tips for someone who wants to begin engaging with art 46:32 - Dispelling the myth of “high art vs low art”Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross are the co-authors of Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us (2023).Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross can be found on Instagram at @yourbrainonartbook.Visit our website www.TheDoctorsArt.com where you can find transcripts of all episodes.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review our show, available for free on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. If you know of a doctor, patient, or anyone working in health care who would love to explore meaning in medicine with us on the show, feel free to leave a suggestion in the comments or send an email to info@thedoctorsart.com.Copyright The Doctor's Art Podcast 2024

The challenges of creating on a deadline, having faith and trust in the thing you're doing, and the feelings that arise when switching from the act of writing to marketing and promotion all come up during our conversation.Nick Petrie is the author of 8 best-selling Peter Ash crime fiction novels, including The Price You Pay, out February 2024. His debut, The Drifter, won both the ITW Thriller award and the Barry Award for Best First Novel, and was a finalist for the Edgar and the Hammett Awards. He is also  an excellent husband (mine!) and father (to our son Duncan).TakeawaysWinnow down and lean into the thing that is interesting to you and that you really want to pursue and then let go of the outcome when it gets out into the world.“Keep a clean antenna."Get comfortable with being uncomfortable.Seamus Heaney on the hardest thing about writing: “Getting started, keeping going and getting started again.” LinksNick Petrie's websiteFollow Nick Petrie on InstagramFollow Nick Petrie on FacebookFollow Nick Petrie on XYour Brain on Art, Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossMystery Tribune, The Cleveland JobBill SchweigartBoswell BooksThe Poisoned Pen BookstoreMurder By the Book bookstoreKaye PublicityMichael Mann, Blackhat and CollateralThe Great Creators with Guy Raz episode 67 with Andy J Pizza of Creative Pep Talk

To save 15% off an Apollo device, click THIS LINK and use code PERLMUTTER at checkout.

Margo is joined by listener favorite guest Beth Buffington. Beth is a licensed illustrator, and an online digital illustration instructor, creative coach, and podcaster. Like most creatives, she has been drawing since she was old enough to hold her favorite red crayon. After graduating with a degree in art and graphic design, Beth began her creative career working for “in-house” corporate art departments. 
After years of corporate communications, she decided to focus on her personal creative passions, by starting her own business. Her work has grown into several facets including home decor products, course creation and her latest creative outlet, adventure exploring and podcasting.   Margo and Beth discuss: Beth's creative path from in-house designer to entrepreneur The importance of making time for self-improvement and finding joy in learning something new Benefits of using technology, like Procreate, to create art anywhere Challenges of rejection and finding a supportive community in pursuing creative work How she discovered her passion for teaching Balancing creative pursuits with other responsibilities The power in consistent creativity and its effect on health Her upcoming course, free workshops and podcast And more!   Mentioned in this episode: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen   Connect with Beth: https://www.bdi-create.today/windowsill https://bdi-celebrate.today/ Create Today Podcast https://www.instagram.com/b.b.buffington_celebratetoday/ https://www.facebook.com/BDIcreatetoday https://www.linkedin.com/in/bbbuffington/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFNR_jaR-CnBXIHC5RVTnQg https://www.skillshare.com/profile/Beth-Buffington/4859209   Connect with Margo: www.windowsillchats.com www.instagram.com/windowsillchats www.patreon.com/inthewindowsill  

In this captivating episode, Susan Magsamen explores the profound impact of art on our well-being. With compelling research and engaging stories, Magsamen reveals how art activities, from painting to music, can reduce stress, enhance cognitive skills, and even extend our lifespan. Join the conversation to discover the transformative power of the arts in improving our physical, mental, and emotional health. Subscribe for ad-free interviews and bonus episodes https://plus.acast.com/s/the-unmistakable-creative-podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Note: I'm taking next week off for the new year and to work on my next book—this month's More Things bonus episodes has thus been moved to this upcoming Thursday, and you'll see the next LKT episode on January 2!This week we talk about Venezuelan, Guyana, and the British.We also discuss oil deposits, gold, and the Geneva Agreement.Recommended Book: Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy RossTranscriptIn 1581, Dutch colonists arrived in South America, setting up a colony along the northern coast—but that embryonic settlement, called Pomeroon, was wiped out about a decade and a half later by the British; and survivors from Pomeroon then founded a new settlement on the back of an existing but abondoned Portuguese fort, located on an island in the middle of a river, that was an offshoot of the major regional waterway, the Essequibo River—they took over this fort, and then eventually retook Pomeroon from the British, with the help of their allies, the French.The specifics of all this conquering and reconquering aren't terribly important, though: what's important to know is that this settlement was located in a strategic area, globally, because it allowed Europeans to grow incredibly valuable crops, like sugarcane, in an region that was accessible to ocean-traversing vessels, and in a location that was an established crossroads for local trade, which made acquiring local resources a lot easier, and getting workers for these plantations at lot simpler, as well.All of which has meant this region—like many other scattered throughout the world, but especially those with natural ports and located somewhere near the equator—was a somewhat tumultuous, violent place for a long while, in large part because all these Europeans kept popping in to kill and take and build and destroy existing buildings and to fight with each other, while also leaving a lot of dead locals and destroyed local infrastructure and ecosystems in their wake.Following that initial period of back and forth, though, things calmed down a bit, and the Dutch fleshed out their holdings, vastly expanding the scope of their plantations, even to the point—and this was fairly controversial at the time—that they allowed English planters to join them from 1740, onward, which increased the scope of the plantations thereabouts still-further.In February of 1781, some British privateers showed up, captured the main settlements, and then left, and in March of that same year two Royal Navy sloops arrived and did the same, conquering the area for the British Crown until the French showed up, beat the local British forces, and occupied the colony; though a peace deal back in Europe resulted in this colony being handed back to the Dutch in 1783.In 1796 it was reoccupied by the British, the Dutch retook it, holding it from 1802 until 1803, then the British took it again during the Napoleonic Wars, and it became an official British territory in mid-1814.That was the end of that second period of conflicts, as the big, violent rush to claim as much area as possible during the Age of Discovery was beginning to wane, there was a sort of peace, in some aspects of the word, at least, emerging between European powers, and many of these entities were finding they made more money by trading than by fighting with each other all the time.That said, a more fundamental conflict remained in this area, as the Spanish held a neighboring territory, the border between that territory and this one held by the British typically delineated by the Essequibo river.So the Spanish were busy with a series of colonial independence movements when the British rolled up this collection of plantations and habitations on the east side of the Essequibo river, and thus the Spanish didn't really have anything to say on the matter, despite at times having claimed portions of the territory the British were now claiming as their own.And maybe partially because of that distraction on the part of Spain, Britain's new, official maps that were drawn in 1835 showed British Guiana, the name of its new, official territory thereabouts, beginning at the Orinoco River, not the Essequibo, while neighboring Venezuela's maps showed the latter river as the border.When the government of the relatively newfound state of Venezuela, which is what that neighboring Spanish territory became, realized that their neighbor was claiming territory they thought of as their own on their maps, they complained, threatened, and negotiations began, but no compromise was reached and in 1850 the two governments agreed to not occupy the disputed area along their shared border.Less than a decade later, though, gold was discovered in that disputed area, and British settlers almost immediately moved in and started setting up formal mining infrastructure, alongside a company through which they could profit from it.The Venezuelan government continued to complain and attempted to solve the disagreement through arbitration, but the British weren't keen to do so. This led to Venezuela breaking diplomatic relations with the British in 1887, and it asked the US for help, and when the US suggested that the UK enter arbitration, they were told no, even when then-President, Grover Cleveland, said that the US might have to intervene if the British didn't do something, based on the Monroe Doctrine, which basically says European powers shouldn't meddle in the Western Hemisphere, or else.The British eventually said okay to arbitration in 1897, and a decision handed down in 1899 gave 94% of the disputed area to British Guiana—and the Venezuelan government was perhaps predictably fairly upset about this outcome, but both sides formally accepted this new boundary in 1905.What I'd like to talk about today is a new rift resulting from a fresh batch of resources discovered in this long-contested area, and how that rift could spark still-further conflict.—In 1958, British Guiana was divided into official administrative regions, and that led to the dissolution of an historical region called Essequibo, after the river that bisected it.In 1962, as the European powers were undergoing a phase of decolonization in the wake of WWII, Venezuela re-stated its position that the claim it made to the territory back in the 19th century was legit and should never have been questioned or legalized away, and part of its argument was that the British had a deal with the Russians back when that arbitration effort was completed, the folks on the arbitration board—who were supposed to be objective—allegedly were swayed by that alliance to rule in favor of the Brits.The British said this is nonsense, as did the government of British Guiana, but this remained in dispute—and still is to this day in dispute, in some corners of policy and diplomacy—until British Guiana gained independence from the British, as a dominion, in 1966, becoming the nation of Guyana, with those arbitration-established borders still in place, and they remained in place when it became a republic in 1970, as well.Shortly after that independence was attained, though, Venezuela started taking action of diplomatic, economic, and military varieties to retake the territory it considered to be its own, and to have been unfairly stolen from it, arguing—and this is just one of the many arguments it has made toward this intended end—that the Geneva Agreement that it, then-British Guiana, and the British signed in 1966 nullified the original arbitration agreement the parties signed earlier that established the still-in-place, British Guiana-favoring border.That new agreement also said that the signatory nations would solve all disputes through dialogue, though, which is part of why recent saber-rattling by Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has been so shocking to many, as even though this has been an, again, tumultuous and violent area for a long time, in recent memory it's been tumultuous, but mostly peaceful, despite those long-simmering resentments from Venezuela about this perceived violation of trust and wholesale theft of a region it considers its own.On December 3, 2023, Venezuela held a referendum that asked voters if they reject the 1899 arbitration agreement, if they support the 1966 agreement, if they agree with the government's stance that the International Court of Justice has no say in this matter, if they agree that the Venezuelan government should be able to oppose Guyana's claims about the region, and if they think the government should turn the disputed region into a new Venezuelan state called Guayana Esequiba, granting all locals Venezuelan citizenship as a consequence.Low turnout was reported at polling stations for this referendum, but the official results indicated that more than 95% of voters responded "yes" to each of those five questions, and despite that low turnout and claims that the government may have falsified these results, they've been using those "yes" numbers as part of their justification for seemingly moving forward with an annexation of the region—though as of the day I'm recording this at least, and this could change before this episode goes live, that annexation is only on paper, not a practical, real-life reality.Now, part of why that vote and the results and the government's response to the results are so shocking is that this region has been governed by Guyana in its many governmental guises for generations; this isn't an area that's gone back and forth between the two countries in recent memory—it's been well and truly Guyanan for a long time, and the people living in the region, all 125,000-or-so of them, out of Guyana's total 800,000-ish population, would tell you the same if you asked them. It also makes up something like 2/3 of Guyana's total landmass.In 2015, though, oil was discovered just off the coast of this disputed territory, and that led to calls by then, as today, Venezuelan President Maduro, to take this territory back; Venezuela has a lot of oil already, but these new reserves were looking to be sizable, and this new discovery had the potential to further enrich already rapidly enriching, from the sale of oil in other reserves, Guyana—so through some lenses, it made sense to to try grab the land attached to these reserves if possible, both to get that money, and to prevent a neighbor with whom they've long had all sorts of conflicts from getting that money, as well.That call eventually died down a bit; it remained, but wasn't at the forefront of conversation the way it was in 2015, when Venezuela was in the midst of a Presidential crisis that Maduro was likely keen to conceal a bit, moving the spotlight to something else, and ideally something nationalistic in nature.So while getting that money was probably a big part of that renewed push, there's a good chance that political expediency and trying to get both the public and the media to look at something else, something potentially titilating in the sense that the possibility of military action tends to be titilating, and something that might rile up the nationalistic base in support of their president, rather than encouraging them to continue questioning that president's legitimacy, which was otherwise a major topic of conversation.In October of 2023, a consortium of fossil fuel interests, led by Exxon Mobile, announced the discovery of a significant new reserve of oil and gas, marking the fourth such discovery in 2023, alone.That announcement ran parallel to increasingly bad news for Venezuelan president Maduro, who is incredibly unpopular with Venezuelans, for all sorts of alleged corruption and driving the economy into the ground, and who is up for election in January of 2024, that election almost certain to be rigged, though the US has offered him incentives to not rig the election, allowing it to be free and open and fair, in exchange for lessening some of the oil export sanctions the country has been operating under for a long while.So the state of play is that Maduro would almost certainly like to rig this upcoming election the way he has previous elections, keeping his hold on power as a consequence, and he kind of has to rig it if he wants to win, based on his popularity numbers, but he could potentially better those numbers by allowing something closer to a free election, getting sanctions lifted, the economy improving a bit, and he could possibly goose his numbers further by raising the Essequibo issue once more, riling up the nationalistic base and thus, possibly benefitting from those lifted sections while also winning the election with the minimum of corruption required on the back of pro-Venezuela fervor.That's one theory of what he's up to, at least, as there's a chance he's ramping up to just move into the contested region, start setting up shop, guarding roads and claiming the area for Venezuela based on those historical claims.But that option is considered to be quite risky by many analysts, as military action of that kind, annexing a neighbor's internationally recognized territory, in the western hemisphere, could be a step too far, bringing neighboring militaries, including Brazil's, which already has troops on the border because of this dispute, into the conflict, alongside forces or other types of support from the US.What might be better, instead, for his seeming purposes, at least, is to just keep on rattling that saber, raise the possibility of annexing the area, maybe make some deals with the Guyanan government, threatening the whole time, and consequently grabbing some small piece of the territory, or maybe just economic, monetary rights to some of the assets—deals instead of land—and that would still be more than he started with, alongside those aforementioned election-related benefits that could help him stay in power, without having to do much in the way of election fraud.This is all speculation at this point, though, as the public face of this burgeoning crisis is the threat of a much larger, wealthier, more powerful nation and military telling their smaller, weaker neighbor that a significant portion of their land is not theirs, and will therefore be incorporated into that larger neighbor.That's not unheard of—it's similar to the claim made by the Russian government about Ukraine, recently, pre-invasion—but it's also not super common in the modern world, as the taking of territory in this way has been disincentivized by international structures and alliances that generally make the consequences of doing so a lot weightier than the benefits of acquiring that bit of land.We're entering a new, post-Ukraine-invasion age, though, in which a lot of those prior norms and expectations are being challenged or upended, neighbors invading neighbors, maybe gesturing at a new norm, but some of these governments maybe just hoping to get in while the getting is good, righting perceived wrongs and grabbing what they can before the international order gets wise and implements some new system of carrots and sticks, assuming—not without reason—that it will make more sense for everyone, in the aftermath, to just leave things where they are at that point, rather than trying to put the pieces of the former setup back together in some way.The governments of Venezuela and Guyana had a meeting in the nearby island of St. Vincent recently, in which they agreed to an 11-point declaration, which included a mutual promise not to use force against each other, no matter what, and to avoid escalating the conflict in any way—but their disagreement over who should have jurisdiction here, with Guyana pointing at the International Court of Justice, and Venezuela saying that Court should have no say in the matter, could complicate these discussions before they really start, making any progress a slogging, pit-trap laden effort.Show Noteshttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67635646https://time.com/6343549/guyana-essequibo-region-venezuela-dispute/?utm_placement=newsletterhttps://www.bbc.com/news/world-latin-america-67645018https://apnews.com/article/venezuela-opposition-referendum-machado-guaido-0f615a5aa835a4cae7d83403321c6c6dhttps://www.semafor.com/article/12/07/2023/guyana-venezuela-tensions-drive-us-military-exerciseshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flag_of_Venezuela#2006_changeshttps://apnews.com/article/guyana-venezuela-essequibo-oil-united-nations-maduro-fd9e3a3275de8d88dc0a0982f8e7cda4https://archive.ph/VMWiRhttps://www.france24.com/en/americas/20231214-venezuela-guyana-presidents-meet-to-de-escalate-tensions-over-disputed-oil-rich-regionhttps://www.aljazeera.com/news/2023/12/15/venezuela-and-guyana-agree-not-to-use-force-in-essequibo-disputehttps://www.reuters.com/world/americas/venezuela-tells-world-court-referendum-go-ahead-despite-guyana-resistance-2023-11-15/https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2023/dec/14/guyana-venezuela-essequibo-maduro-kenneth-mohammedhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Guianahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Essequibo_(colony)https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Kyk-Over-Alhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana%E2%80%93Venezuela_territorial_disputehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guyana This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Sex and creativity…what do they have in common? Turns out, a LOT more than you may think. But how do we tap into those similarities? And how can we use them to improve BOTH? Even both at the same time?  It's what I'm digging into on this episode of the Honest Art Podcast. Tune in to see the correlation between sex and creativity, and how improving one almost always improves the other.   Make sure to subscribe to this podcast so you don't miss a thing! And don't forget to come hang with me on Instagram @jodie_king_. Interested in being a guest on a future episode of Honest Art? Email me at amy@jodieking.com! Resources mentioned: Studio Elite: https://www.jodiekingart.com/studioelite    The Proceedings of the Royal Society (B), Creativity Linked to Active Sex Life: https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna10253413  Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill: https://amzn.to/3teWYzH  Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us by Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross: https://amzn.to/3RqGDzQ   The Creative ACT: A Way of Being by Rick Rubin: https://amzn.to/3Nupu7o  Sara Blakely, Founder of Spanx: https://www.instagram.com/sarablakely/?hl=en  Have a question for Jodie? Ask it here: https://forms.gle/hxrVu4oL4PVCKwZm6  For a full list of show notes and links, check out my blog: www.jodieking.com/podcast  

If you think of the arts as entertainment or luxury, Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross might ask you to reconsider. The authors of the New York Times bestseller “Your Brain on Art” argue that engaging with music, craft projects, and museums can transform our lives in unexpected ways. Susan, Ivy, and Adam delve into the fascinating science of neuroaesthetics, and explore how art can unlock creativity, enhance well-being, and enrich communities. Transcripts for ReThinking are available at go.ted.com/RWAGscripts

Did you know that just 20 minutes of art a day is as beneficial as exercise and mindfulness? Or that participating in one art experience per month can extend your life by ten years? Our guests Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen talk about their new book, Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us. Together they explore the new science of neuroaesthetics, which explains how the arts can measurably change the body, brain, and our behaviors. This is the first installment in a three part series we're running called, Mundane Glory about learning not to overlook the little things in your daily life that can be powerful and evidence-based levers for increased happiness. In this episode we talk about:Their definition of the arts and aesthetic experiencesHow they see nature as, “the highest form of art”How simple actions like humming in the shower & gardening can be categorized as art experiencesHow you don't have to be good at making art to benefit from itThe difference between “makers” and “beholders” of artWhat they mean by art being a part of our evolutionary DNAHow engaging in the arts can help strengthen our relationships and connectivityHow arts and aesthetic experiences create neuroplasticity in the brainHow society's emphasis on optimizing for productivity has pushed the arts asideThe four key attributes that make up a concept called an “aesthetic mindset”The benefits of partaking in a wide array of art experiencesThe importance of infusing play and non judgment into the art you makeHow art can be a form of meditation and mindfulnessHow artistic experiences can extend your life, help treat disease and relieve stressHow the arts affect the way we learnThe emerging field of neuroarts and neuroaestheticsHow food fits into the arts categorySimple ways to integrate the arts into our daily livesTechnology's relationship to the artsAnd the importance of architecture and your physical space as a form of artFor tickets to TPH's live event in Boston on September 7:https://thewilbur.com/armory/artist/dan-harris/themightyfix.com/happierFull Shownotes: https://www.tenpercent.com/tph/podcast-episode/ivy-ross-susan-magsamenSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We have a new podcast! It's called Universe Of Art, and it features conversations with artists who use science to bring their creations to the next level. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.    A See-Through Squid Success Story Adult octopuses have about 500 million neurons, which is about as many neurons as a dog. Typically, more neurons means a more intelligent and complex creature. But it's a bit more complicated than that. Unlike dogs, or even humans, octopuses' neurons aren't concentrated in their brains—they're spread out through their bodies and into their arms and suckers, more like a “distributed” mind. (Scientists still haven't quite figured out exactly why this is.) And that's just the tip of the iceberg, in terms of unanswered cephalopod questions. Now, researchers have successfully bred a line of albino squid that were first engineered using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology, creating a see-through squid. Their unique transparency allows scientists to more easily study their neural structure, and a whole lot more. SciFri experiences manager Diana Plasker talks with Joshua Rosenthal, senior scientist at the University of Chicago's Marine Biological Laboratory, based in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, about this see-through squid success story. When Eye-Grabbing Results Just Don't Pan Out You know the feeling — you see a headline in the paper or get an alert on your phone about a big scientific breakthrough that has the potential to really change things. But then, not much happens, or that news turns out to be much less significant than the headlines made it seem. Journalists are partially to blame for this phenomenon. But another guilty culprit is also the scientific journals, and the researchers who try to make their own work seem more significant than the data really supports in order to get published. Armin Alaedini, an assistant professor of medical sciences at Columbia University Medical Center in New York, recently co-authored a commentary on this topic published in The American Journal of Medicine. He joins Ira and Ivan Oransky — co-founder of Retraction Watch and a medical journalism professor and Distinguished Writer In Residence at New York University — to talk about the tangled world of scientific publishing and the factors that drive inflated claims in publications.     How Art Can Help Treat Dementia And Trauma We might intrinsically know that engaging with and making art is good for us in some way. But now, scientists have much more evidence to support this, thanks in part to a relatively new field called neuroaesthetics, which studies the effects that artistic experiences have on the brain. A new book called Your Brain On Art: How The Arts Transform Us, dives into that research, and it turns out the benefits of the arts go far beyond elevating everyday life; they're now being used as part of healthcare treatments to address conditions like dementia and trauma. Universe of Art host D. Peterschmidt sits down with the authors of the book, Susan Magsamen, executive director of the International Arts + Mind Lab at the Pederson Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins University, and Ivy Ross, vice president of design for hardware products at Google, to talk about what we can learn from neuroaesthetic studies, the benefits of a daily arts practice, and the kinds of art they both like making.   Testing Mars Rovers In Utah's Red Desert Take a 20-minute drive down Cow Dung Road, outside of Hanksville, Utah, and you'll stumble across the Mars Desert Research Station. This cluster of white buildings—webbed together by a series of covered walkways—looks a little alien, as does the red, desolate landscape that surrounds it. “The ground has this crust that you puncture through, and it makes you feel like your footprints are going to be there for a thousand years,” said Sam Craven, a senior leading the Brigham Young University team here for the University Rover Challenge. “Very bleak and dry, but very beautiful also.” This remote chunk of Utah is a Mars analogue, one of roughly a dozen locations on Earth researchers use to test equipment, train astronauts and search for clues to inform the search for life on other planets. While deployed at the station, visiting scientists live in total isolation and don mock space suits before they venture outside. To read the rest, visit sciencefriday.com.   To stay updated on all-things-science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters. Transcripts for each segment will be available the week after the show airs on sciencefriday.com.  

This episode is brought to you by WHOOP, BON CHARGE, and Joovv. Today on The Dhru Purohit Podcast, Dhru and Susan Magsamen discuss how we can use art to transform our neurocircuitry and help heal our bodies and minds. Susan Magsamen is the founder and director of the International Arts + Mind Lab Center for Applied Neuroaesthetics at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Susan cowrote the book Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us with Ivy Ross. In the book, Magsamen and Ross offer compelling research that shows how engaging in an art project—from painting and dancing to expressive writing, architecture, and more—for as little as 45 minutes reduces the stress hormone cortisol, no matter your skill level, and just one art experience per month can extend your life by 10 years. In this episode, Dhru and Susan dive into:-How art can radically transform the body and brain (00:30)-How we're wired to engage with art (2:31)-The connection between art and nature (8:03)-Susan's story and how she got into the mind-art connection (10:03)-Using art as a way to connect to ourselves and the external world (18:03)-Rewiring the brain with art (35:16)-Carving out time for art: the minimal viable dose (40:49)-Enriching your environment for inspiration and creativity (44:42)-Establishing new connections in the brain (51:39)-The default mode network: daydreaming and letting your mind wander (59:11)-What we're missing by removing art from school (1:07:42)-Integrating art, science, and culture (1:10:03)-The connection between plant medicine and awe (1:19:50)-How art and creativity can extend our life span and help us flourish (1:28:02)-First steps to bringing art experiences back into your life (1:31:28)Also mentioned in this episode:-Neuroartsblueprint.org-Artsandmindlab.org-Yourbrainonart.com-Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform UsFor more on Susan Magsamen, follow her on Instagram @susanmagsamen, Facebook @susan.magsamen.9, or through her website, Artsandmindlab.org.WHOOP is a personalized digital fitness tracker and health coaching platform that monitors your physiology 24/7 and provides personalized recommendations based on what your body needs. To get yours, go to join.whoop.com and get your first month free with code DHRU15.BON CHARGE is a holistic wellness brand with a HUGE range of evidence-based products to optimize your life. Right now, my community can go to boncharge.com/DHRU and use coupon code DHRU to save 15%.Enhance your health with red and infrared LED light therapy with Joovv. Right now, Joovv is offering an exclusive offer on your first order. Head over to Joovv.com/dhru and apply my code DHRU. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Passion Struck, I am joined by Susan Magsamen, the founder of the International Arts + Mind Lab and co-founder of NeuroArts BluePrint. Our conversation revolves around her recently published book, “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us,” which explores the latest scientific research that highlights the inherent human capacity to create and appreciate art and how it has the potential to bring about transformative changes in our lives. In This Episode, Susan Magsamen And I Discuss Her Book "Your Brain on Art" On the podcast, Susan Magsamen argues that although the arts are often seen as a luxury or entertainment, activities like painting, dancing, and architecture are essential to our well-being. They believe that we are at the cusp of a cultural shift where the arts can offer powerful and accessible solutions to improve the lives of everyone. We go through the changer world of neuroaesthetics and why they must be viewed as a have-to-have. Full show notes and resources can be found here: https://passionstruck.com/susan-magsamen-how-the-arts-transform-us/  Brought to you by Green Chef. Use code passionstruck60 to get $60 off, plus free shipping!” Brought to you by Indeed. Head to https://www.indeed.com/passionstruck, where you can receive a $75 credit to attract, interview, and hire in one place. --► For information about advertisers and promo codes, go to: https://passionstruck.com/deals/  Like this show? Please leave us a review here -- even one sentence helps! Consider including your Twitter or Instagram handle so we can thank you personally! --► Prefer to watch this interview: https://youtu.be/mpeXW51AezU  --► Subscribe to Our YouTube Channel Here: https://www.youtube.com/c/JohnRMiles Want to find your purpose in life? I provide my six simple steps to achieving it - passionstruck.com/5-simple-steps-to-find-your-passion-in-life/ Want to hear my best interviews from 2022? Check out episode 233 on intentional greatness and episode 234 on intentional behavior change. ===== FOLLOW ON THE SOCIALS ===== * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passion_struck_podcast * Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/johnrmiles.c0m  Learn more about John: https://johnrmiles.com/ 

Susan Magsamen and Ivy Ross (Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us) are researchers and authors. Susan and Ivy join the Armchair Expert to discuss how important it is to participate in the arts, why room designs can affect moods, and how technology can be used to improve quality of life. Susan and Ivy explain how humans are feeling beings that have learned to think, that writing down a secret can reduce your stress levels, and what being in a completely silent room would be like. Susan, Ivy, and Dax discuss the importance of play, humans perpetual state of aesthetic fatigue, and why people feel most comfortable in curved spaces. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.