Can music become medicine? In this fascinating episode of The Curious Cardiologist, Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj speaks with Grammy-winning producer and author Barry Goldstein about the emerging science of Acousticeuticals™—the intentional use of music to influence brain function, heart health, stress physiology, sleep, and emotional wellbeing.
Barry explains how music affects the autonomic nervous system, heart rate variability, inflammation, cognition, and even our internal chemistry through dopamine, oxytocin, and cortisol. Together they explore ancient practices like chanting OM through the lens of modern neuroscience, discuss research on Alzheimer's disease and PTSD, and explain why certain tempos can literally entrain the heart and brain into healthier rhythms.
The episode concludes with practical strategies anyone can use—including Barry's "Musical Nutrition" framework—to intentionally use music throughout the day for better health.
Chapters / Time Stamps
00:00 Introduction: Can Music Become Medicine?
02:30 What are Acoustaceuticals?
05:20 Ancient Healing Meets Modern Science
09:00 The Neuroscience of Chanting OM
14:00 Alzheimer's Research & Memory Improvement
18:00 Drumming, PTSD & Inflammation
21:30 Heart Coherence Explained
26:00 Music, HRV & The Vagus Nerve
30:30 Why Noise Can Harm the Body
36:30 Ultrasound, Medicine & Future Therapies
41:00 Music's Effect on Hormones & Inflammation
45:00 How to Build a Daily Music Practice
51:00 Musical Nutrition: Morning, Midday & Evening
58:00 The Future of Acoustaceuticals
What is The Curious Cardiologist?
Rethinking heart health, one question at a time.
I’m Dr. Sanjay Bhojraj—interventional cardiologist, functional medicine expert, and lifelong student of what really keeps us well. In this podcast, we go beyond prescriptions and procedures to explore the deeper drivers of health, disease, and healing.
From inflammation to intuition, cholesterol to consciousness, I sit down with doctors, researchers, and changemakers who are reshaping how we think about the heart—and the whole human behind it.
Whether you're a fellow clinician, a health seeker, or someone navigating your own transformation, this show will challenge what you thought you knew—and invite you to stay curious.