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What if the songs that shaped you could one day save you? When Justin Russo watched 4,000 people wave back at him in perfect rhythm during a music festival, he discovered something profound about connection—but it would take years before he understood music's deeper power.

Now, as Director of Programming at the Institute for Music and Neurologic Function, he's part of a mission asking: how far can music reach into a person's neurologic world, and what can it bring back?

Justin reveals why your teenage soundtrack never leaves you, shares the moment a woman with dementia stood up and danced to a song she hadn't heard in decades, and explains how a simple playlist can help someone recognize their family again. From the "long goodbye" of dementia to caregivers juggling impossible demands, this episode reveals what awakening actually looks like—and offers practical tools you can use today. Because sometimes healing arrives not in milligrams, but in melodies that know the way home.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift! Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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