In this episode of 'Coffee with a Neuroscientist,' Shonté Jovan Taylor delves into the concept of intentional joy, particularly Black joy, as a form of resistance and a power strategy. She explains how experiencing joy can heal hijacked nervous systems and become a tool for individual and collective well-being.

Emphasizing the difference between joy, pleasure, and happiness, Taylor frames joy as an intentional, engaging practice rather than a passive state. She discusses the historical roots of black joy, its role during the civil rights movement, the neuroscience behind the benefits of collective singing, and the importance of maintaining joy in the face of systemic oppression.

Taylor argues that joy is a revolutionary act that enhances resilience and creativity, spreading through mirror neurons and influencing entire communities. The episode calls listeners to intentionally cultivate joy, use it to reclaim attention from societal distractions, and frame it as a practice for healing and empowerment.

In this episode of "Coffee with a Neuroscientist," host Shonté Jovan Taylor delves into the fascinating intersection of neuroscience and musical theater, using the Broadway show and now movie "Wicked" as a focal point. With her new OZ vibes Starbucks coffee mug in hand, Shonté explores how the storytelling and music of "Wicked" impact the brain, fostering empathy, connection and compassion.

Shonté discusses how watching Elphaba’s journey in "Wicked"—from being labeled as the Wicked Witch to understanding her struggles and humanity—challenges viewers to question preconceived narratives and consider multiple perspectives. She explains the role of mirror neurons in creating empathy, how oxytocin helps deepen trust and social bonds, and how music activates the limbic system (aka emotional brain) for emotional engagement.

Additionally, Shonté highlights how engaging the prefrontal cortex during such performances helps in perspective-taking and understanding complex social situations. She also underscores the broader societal lessons we can derive from musical theater:

- questioning divisive narratives,

-bridging divides through shared emotional experiences, and

-embracing self-worth and resilience.

Listeners are encouraged to apply these insights in their own lives to build empathy and strengthen connections. Shonté concludes by inviting listeners to continue the conversation and share their own experiences with musical theater and its impact on their lives.

This episode is a blend of personal reflection, scientific explanation and practical application, making it a thought-provoking exploration of how the arts can enrich our understanding of ourselves and others.

Link to her article correlating with the article -->

🚀 Elevate your performance with Julie Lowe, the high performance coach on the latest ☕️"Coffee with a Neuroscientist" podcast episode!

🔎 Explore the power of habits and discover a few good habits that can transform your life in ways you never imagined. 🌟

Join Neuroscientist & host Shonté Jovan Taylor in a captivating conversation with Julie Lowe as they dive deep into her book "A Few Good Habits." Discover how these habits can reduce stress, increase energy, boost creativity, and improve relationships.

Tune in to this mind-expanding episode and unlock the secrets to unlocking your full potential. Don't settle for average or burnout when you can achieve greatness!

Listen now to gain valuable insights and practical tips from Julie Lowe, the high performance coach who will guide you on the path to success. 🎯

Start building your habits arsenal today! 🚀

#Podcast #Neuroscience #HighPerformance #Habits #Transformation #UnlockYourPotential

About Julie

Julie Lowe is an Author, Speaker, and Certified High Performance Coach. Using neuroscience-backed practices, she teaches ambitious professionals how to prioritize their mindset, health, and relationships without sacrificing the quality of their work.

Julie's expertise has been featured on Good Morning Washington, The List, Huffington Post, and Yahoo! Life, to name just a few, and her first book, A Few Good Habits, debuts October 5th.

Grab your copy (or 5!) of "A Few Good Habits" on Amazon at: https://amzn.to/46xg02a