Susan Magsamen, Co-Author of "Your Brain on Art"

Susan Magsamen, Co-Author of "Your Brain on Art"

From CI to Eye with Monica Holt by Capacity Interactive

May 14, 2026 · 43 min

About this episode

Susan Magsamen discusses the importance of creativity and aesthetic experiences as biological necessities and their impact on human wellbeing.

Susan Magsamen has spent her career arguing that creativity and aesthetic experiences are not luxuries, but biological necessities woven into how we heal, learn, and connect. A researcher, educator, and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Your Brain on Art , Susan has become one of the leading voices in the growing field of neuroaesthetics: the science of how the arts and sensory experiences shape the brain and body. Through her work with the International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins and the NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative , she has helped bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world practice in healthcare, education, and community life. In this episode, Susan reflects on the winding path that led her into this emerging field and explains what the latest research reveals about the profound impact of arts engagement on human wellbeing. She also explores how arts organizations can better communicate their value, why community-centered approaches matter, and what it will take to make neuroaesthetics a mainstream part of public policy in the years ahead. —— LINKS: Your Brain on Art: https://www.yourbrainonart.com/ International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns…

People in this episode

Host: Monica Holt

Guest: Susan Magsamen

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: International Arts + Mind Lab at Johns Hopkins, NeuroArts Blueprint Initiative, Neuroarts Resource Center

Books & works: Your Brain on Art

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