The Science of Singing Along
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For time immemorial, humans have connected deeply through singing with one another. We explore the science behind this, plus how group singing benefits other aspects of our health. 

Link to Episode Transcript: https://tinyurl.com/bdzkmezu)

Episode summary:

When was the last time you sang with another person? This week, we’re digging into the science of singing — and more specifically, the science of singing with others, with author Casper ter Kuile. Casper started hosting signing groups in his home as a way to feel connected to others and build a community after moving to a new city. He found that singing is a powerful mode of communication that’s entirely different from talking, by letting people have fun together before even learning what the other does for work. We also hear from psychologist Arla Good, about how group singing can act as a tool for social bonding through a mood-boosting oxytocin response.

Today’s guests:

Casper ter Kuile is an author and speaker who focuses on themes of community building, rituals and spirituality. 

Read Casper’s book, The Power of Ritual: https://tinyurl.com/5653xymp)

Learn about Casper’s latest project, The Nearness: https://tinyurl.com/yc76wjvj)

Follow Casper on Instagram: )https://tinyurl.com/muueecw2)

Follow Casper on Twitter: https://tinyurl.com/mr2jsufk)

Arla Good is a psychologist at Toronto Metropolitan University whose research specializes in the benefits of group singing on well-being.

Learn more about Arla and her work: https://tinyurl.com/3fxwsffs)

Learn about Arla’s work with the SingWell Project: https://tinyurl.com/4acdhdc6)

Resources from The Greater Good Science Center:

How Music Helps Us Be More Creative: https://tinyurl.com/4mj6vs44)

Four Ways Music Strengthens Social Bonds: https://tinyurl.com/y257y25p)

How Music Bonds Us Together: https://tinyurl.com/np3z3cn)

Five Ways Music Can Make You Healthier: https://tinyurl.com/4ckbtc2e)

Where Music and Empathy Converge in the Brain: https://tinyurl.com/23tehxms)

More Resources on Group Singing:

BBC -The world's most accessible stress reliever: https://tinyurl.com/37atkk78)

Washington Post - Singing is good for you. Singing with others may be even better: https://tinyurl.com/mv3a525d)

Oxford - Choir singing improves health, happiness – and is the perfect icebreaker: https://tinyurl.com/3z78634n)

Ted - Choral Connections: The Surprising Benefits of Singing Together: https://tinyurl.com/y5yu236z)

Have you ever sung with a group? Email us at [email protected]) or use the hashtag #happinesspod.

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Rate us on Spotify and share this link with someone who might like the show: https://tinyurl.com/yzazbec4)