In our first guest episode of The Sound Mind, we sit down with John Butler to explore a life immersed in every corner of the music industry, from college radio and record labels to Spotify and the era of streaming. We discuss what it truly means to listen: to music, to audiences, and to the cultural shifts shaping the way we connect with sound. Plus, John shares his bold predictions for 2026, from the gamification of music to the impact of AI on how we experience music.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

02:18 Meeting Cyndi Lauper and the Moment the Industry Became Real

09:37 From College Radio to First Promotion Projects

32:49 The Spotify Era: Balancing Data and Musical Intuition

45:40 2026 Predictions: Gamification, Genre-Less Radio and Catalog-Only Labels

59:56 AI Music and the Future of Human Connection

01:03:38 Guiding Artists Today: Mentorship and Community

01:08:30 Summary and Outro

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Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-butler-29727b/

All Hands Collective: https://www.linkedin.com/company/all-hands-collective/

For our first episode of 2026, we explore New Year’s resolutions and why the pressure we put on ourselves, combined with natural fluctuations in emotional state, can make even the best-intentioned goals feel heavy. We introduce a goal-setting model that works with your emotions instead of against them, showing how music can be a practical tool to support the emotional state you need to take action. This episode reveals how music can become your emotional infrastructure, helping you start, sustain, and enjoy the goals that matter most this year.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

05:18 Why New Year’s Resolutions Often Break Down

10:19 How Music Can Emotionally Support Your Goals

22:41 Turning Your Resolutions into Music-Supported Goals

33:32 Summary and Outro

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For our last episode of 2025, we break down the psychology behind Christmas music. We explore why festive songs feel comforting, familiar, and instantly transporting — even if they are decades older than we are. We dive into the musical features that make songs sound “Christmassy", and unpack why some people love Christmas music whilst others hate it. Finally, we bring it all together with a science-backed guide to building the perfect festive playlist: one that regulates mood, reduces stress, and enhances connection.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro

02:01 Why Christmas Music Feels So Nostalgic

10:40 What Makes Songs Sound “Christmassy”?

15:02 Why We Love (or Hate) Christmas Music

21:08 How to Build the Perfect Festive Playlist

30:27 Summary and Outro

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