The Write Brain

Can sound actually balance your brain?
In this episode, Ellis and Dr. Robert Melillo break down the science of sound: high vs. low frequencies, why one ear can stimulate the opposite hemisphere, bone-conduction hacks, and how music choice (yes, even Mozart vs. jazz) can shift mood, focus, anxiety, and reading/rhythm issues. We also share quick at-home tests and everyday listening tweaks you can try safely.
What you’ll learn
  • High vs. low frequency sound and which hemisphere they stimulate
  • Why listening in your right ear targets the left brain (and vice versa)
  • Bone conduction vs. air conduction (and when bone wins)
  • Dissonance vs. resonance: turning brain “noise” into flow
  • Music types that tend to be more left- or right-brain activating
  • Easy daily tweaks: one-ear listening, volume biasing, playlist swaps
Timestamps
00:00 Cold open & dinner debrief (Nashville updates)
02:15 Sound ≈ frequency—how the brain “hears” waves
05:40 High vs. low notes: which side of the brain they hit
08:55 Bone conduction headphones 101 (why they help vertigo/reading)
12:20 Jazz, classical, sad songs & what they say about your wiring
16:45 DIY tests: the one-ear trick, volume bias, tuning forks
21:10 Anxiety triggers (honks, dryers) & the startle/Moro reflex
25:30 Building a smarter playlist for focus or calm
30:10 Quick recap & how to experiment safely
Try these quick experiments
  • Run with one earbud in your right ear for focus (left-brain boost).
  • Swap to lower-frequency, slower music when you feel overstimulated.
  • Test bone-conduction headphones if you struggle with motion/reading rhythm.
  • Notice which genres soothe vs. spike your nervous system—keep notes for a week.
Resources mentioned
  • Disconnected Kids (chapter on sound & color) – Dr. Robert Melillo
  • Brain-balance music concepts & left/right-leaning playlists (Ellis’s notes)

What is The Write Brain?

The Write Brain is a podcast that explores the intersection of mental health and the music industry. Hosted by singer/songwriter Ellis Melillo and functional neurologist Dr. Robert Melillo, each episode features intimate conversations with musical artists about their mental health journeys. With insights from Dr. Melillo on brain health and Ellis' personal experiences, the show uncovers the challenges musicians face in balancing creativity, performance, and well-being. Tune in for powerful stories of resilience, healing, and creative expression.