We're Back! Art, Burnout, and Why Creativity Has to Come First
Art Heals All Wounds
02/24/26
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Hello everyone!
After a very long hiatus, Art Heals All Wounds is coming back! After a very long hiatus. I was so burned out. And I realized that I wasn’t really practicing what I preach! There was no time for art or creativity in my life.
So, during this pause, I decided to fix that. I joined a writing group. I started going to a drum circles. Then drum classes. There is nothing like drumming with a group to adjust your attitude for the better.
But now the show is back!
This Thursday, February 23rd, I’ll be sharing the first full episode of the season with an interview with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, author of Art Cure.
Doctor Fancourt is a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology at the University College London, where she heads the social Biobehavioral research Group. She's also director of the World Health Organization Collaborating Center on Arts and Health, and is listed as one of the most highly cited scientists in the world.
Daisy’s book Art Cure was such an inspiring read for. I hope you’ll Join me this Thursday to hear her talk about it!
In an attempt to not burnout again, I’ll be releasing mini-seasons. About four episodes or so, then a month break. I hope that you’ll stay with the show despite the short seasons and regular breaks. I appreciate your listening more than you can know!
I’m also continuing my break from social media. If you like this show and want to share it with a friend, that will help the podcast continue to grow. If you’d like to reach me, you can always connect with me through my website, arthealsallwoundspodcast.com.
Thanks for listening!
Previous Episode
Why Supporting the Arts Matters Now More Than Ever
June 11, 2025
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I’m letting you know that the current season of Art Heals All Wounds—focused on arts in medicine—has come to an end and that the podcast will be going on a temporary break. My increased workload and other creative commitments necessitate some time away, but I intend to use this pause to return with renewed perspective and fresh ideas.
This is a challenging climate for the arts in the United States. Recent threats to arts funding is resulting in the rescinding of grants for many organizations, including some previously featured on the show. I hope listeners can support the local arts organizations whenever possible. I also encourage you to harness creativity as a tool for community connection and personal well-being.
Please send in suggestions and ideas for future episodes through the podcast’s website. Thank you to all of the listeners of this show! More to come!
Key Takeaways:
- The current season is ending; the podcast is taking a few months’ break but will return.
- Juggling a demanding day job and other creative projects, leading to the need for a pause.
- Recent political developments in the US threaten funding for the arts, impacting many organizations.
- Support local arts and cultural centers, especially during times of uncertainty.
- You are invited to share feedback and ideas for future episodes via arthealsallwoundspodcast.com.
- Gratitude is extended to the global creative community and the podcast’s listeners.
- Stay tuned—more episodes and inspiration are coming!
Links:
Contact:
Have suggestions or feedback? Reach out through the website!
Thanks for listening, and stay creative!
Next Episode
What if the arts weren't just entertainment — but medicine? In this episode, I talk with Dr. Daisy Fancourt, one of the world's most cited scientists and author of Art Cure, about the growing body of research showing that creative engagement — music, dance, visual art — can reduce the risk of depression, slow dementia, help Parkinson's patients maintain motor function, and even slow biological aging. Daisy also shares personal stories, including her own daughter's recovery in the NICU, and practical tips for incorporating the arts into daily life.
- 00:00 — Intro & Pam's personal story: moving to Arkansas and witnessing the lingering divide of a recently desegregated school
- 01:39 — The music class that changed everything: Mrs. Gilbert and the upright piano
- 02:38 — Introducing today's guest, Dr. Daisy Fancourt
- 04:10 — Interview begins
- 04:47 — Why reading Art Cure kept Pam up at night
- 05:34 — "We are a planet of 8 billion artists" — we are all innately creative
- 06:37 — The "seatbelt moment": when art becomes as automatic as putting on the seatbelt in the car
- 08:01 — The many ways art affects our health: wellbeing, prevention, and treatment
- 09:58 — Daisy's background: from professional pianist to professor at UCL
- 11:41 — Arts on prescription and individual stories from the book
- 12:23 — Josh's story: cerebral palsy, magic camp, and the Magic Circle
- 14:32 — Emily's story: how magic gave a shy girl her voice
- 15:27 — Daisy's personal story: singing to her premature daughter in the NICU
- 18:50 — Dance and Parkinson's disease: what the studies show
- 21:29 — How music affects the brain — and slows aging
- 22:51 — Music, language acquisition, and why we sing to babies
- 26:08 — "Spit Girl": Daisy's PhD in psychoneuroimmunology and saliva research
- 29:09 — Drumming circles and the visceral power of rhythm
- 30:32 — Why your favorite genre is the healthiest music for you
- 33:10 — Elevator music, Muzak, and why grocery store playlists keep you shopping
- 35:12 — Threats to arts funding in the UK and US — and the economic case for the arts
- 37:42 — Practical tips for incorporating art into your daily life
- 39:39 — Why art binges don't work — and what does
- 41:04 — Where to find Art Cure and follow Daisy's research
- 42:24 — Closing thoughts: how arts education broke down barriers in school
Follow Daisy's Work!
Reach Pam at arthealsallwoundspodcast.com
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