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EpiccaTalks Episode 4: The Power Of A Piano + How Music Can Act As A Lifeline When Living With Invisible Illness

In this solo episode, host Cassie explores the often-overlooked role music can play in coping with invisible illness and chronic conditions.

In this episode:

• Cassie shares the story of her two-week hospital stay for Lyme disease treatment in summer 2023, and how a piano in the hospital lobby became an unexpected source of comfort
• How music offers an identity beyond being a "patient" — becoming a musician, creator, or fan instead
• Why music can be a physical emotional release when workouts aren't an option due to fatigue or pain
• Practical ways to bring more music into your life, whether or not you consider yourself a musician:
  • Playing solo or joining a music-making group (choir, band, jazz/folk group)
  • Learning an instrument on a budget — free YouTube resources, secondhand instruments, apps like Yousician and Simply Piano
  • The ukulele as a joint-pain-friendly alternative to guitar
  • Enjoying music without playing it — curated playlists, local live music at coffee shops and small venues

Studies on the physiological benefits of music:

• https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17437199.2020.1846580
• https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26142566/
• https://eprints.gla.ac.uk/178400/

Connect:

• Follow on Instagram: @epiccatalks for guest announcements and bonus content
• Go check out our guest announcement for next week on Instagram!
• Challenge: what what music has gotten you through a tough time? Go comment on our Instagram or DM Cassie directly @epiccatalks.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not provide medical, mental health, or other professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding your individual circumstances.