In October, 2025, I was honored to be interviewed by Dr. Justin James Kennedy of npnHub. In it we discussed the intersection of neuroplasticity and non-narrative music.
From the npnHub YouTube channel...
"In this emotionally resonant episode, Dr. J.J. Kennedy is joined by Robert Killen - a neuroplastician, musician, and seasoned storyteller - to explore how instrumental music can shift brain states, facilitate calm, and create emotional healing. Robert shares his personal story of writing ambient music during his father’s final weeks and how this non-linguistic piece helped him regulate his emotions and find peace amidst grief.
Together, they explore the science of music entrainment, suspension, and frisson - how melody and tempo shape our breath, trigger emotional releases, and bypass the analytical mind to access deeper awareness. From movie soundtracks to therapeutic uses of music, this conversation reveals how sound can shift consciousness and create new neural pathways.
If you’ve ever been moved by music, or you work with clients navigating emotional overwhelm, this episode will transform how you think about sound, breath, and healing."