Dr. Moody talks with Mary Judd, co-founder and Honorary Director of SongwritingWith: Soldiers (SW:S), a non-profit organization that uses collaborative songwriting as a catalyst for positive change by offering veteran participants a unique way to tell their stories, rebuild trust, release pain, and forge new bonds. Mary’s optimistic tale is reflected in her personal mission to connect professional songwriters with military veterans to build Creativity, Connections and Strengths. Also joining the conversation are two U.S. Air Force veteran participants of the SW:S Retreat program: AnnMarie Halterman, co-founder of the non-profit organization, unitingus.org and co-writer of the song, Square Wheels; and Richard Erikson (BGen, retired), co-writer of the song, Born to Bless the Fallen—both songs were written and performed during participation in an SW:S weekend retreat session. DISCLAIMER: This episode contains discussion of suicide and combat related situations; please take care when listening. If you’re struggling, help is available, 24/7, by calling or texting 988.

Dr. Moody talks with Dr. Helen Demetriou, a Chartered Psychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology & Education at the University of Cambridge (UK). She is also the author of the book, “Empathy, Emotion & Education.” Dr. Demetriou’s unique, interdisciplinary research underscores her belief that ultimately, “empathy is a seismic shift, a galvanising force and the oxygen that elicits emotion and enriches education.”

Dr Moody concludes his talk with Anthony, Michael, and Jon in this final installment of their collective account of the magic of music and the social bonding that occurs through decades of friendship.