Tuesday Aug 05, 2025
Ep55 The Power of music, maths and a Bridge Over Troubled Water - Glenn Berger
Dr. Glenn Berger. is a psychotherapist and coach who's worked for over twenty-five years. Before that, he was in the music business, In the Studio with Dylan, Sinatra, Jagger and More.
They discuss the mathematics of music, why you think and feel certina emotions or imagine things when listening to music. Glenn tells some great stories about how he made the decision to study psychotherapy and his connection to the song Bridge Over Troubled Water. All with a unique soundtrack.
Glenn Berger's online self-cultivation course: https://www.skool.com/heartfinders/about
Instagram: @glennsbergerphd
Timestamps
Introduction and Guest Welcome (00:00:06)
Luke introduces Glenn Berger, psychotherapist and musician, and welcomes him to the podcast.
Glenn’s Music Industry Background (00:00:26)
Glenn shares his early career at A&R Studios, working with legendary artists, and his journey into music engineering.
Burnout and Transition to Psychotherapy (00:01:18)
Glenn discusses burnout from the music industry, personal struggles, and his decision to study psychotherapy.
Working with Artists in Therapy (00:02:20)
Glenn describes his psychotherapy practice, focusing on artists and the overlap between music, art, and therapy.
Improvised Music Prompt (00:02:59)
Luke introduces an improvised music exercise, asking Glenn for spontaneous reactions.
Mushroom Memory and Altered Perception (00:04:06)
Glenn recalls a psychedelic experience with mushrooms, relating it to the improvised music.
Mushrooms and Musical Harmony (00:05:24)
Discussion about the relationship between mushroom aesthetics and musical harmony, and the mathematics of harmony.
Overtones and Musical Perception (00:07:11)
Glenn explains overtone theory, how overtones shape timbre, and how music unfolds over time.
Resolution and Simplicity in Music (00:09:38)
Exploration of why musical resolution feels satisfying and why simple progressions are popular.
Music, Memory, and Association (00:11:06)
Glenn explains how music evokes memories through associative networks in the brain.
Cultural Differences in Musical Perception (00:13:47)
Discussion about how tuning and scales differ across cultures, and how familiarity shapes musical preference.
The Mystery of Writing a Hit Song (00:14:37)
Glenn reflects on the elusive nature of creating compelling, popular music.
Therapy Story: Music and Emotional Expression (00:15:03)
Glenn shares a therapy story involving a client, Aretha Franklin’s "Bridge Over Troubled Water," and his own emotional breakthrough.
Complex Feelings About Mentors (00:17:55)
Glenn discusses his conflicted feelings about his mentors, Phil Ramone and Paul Simon, and the emotional impact of music.
Improvised Soundtrack to Glenn’s Experience (00:19:48)
Luke improvises music to reflect Glenn’s story of conflict, pain, and resolution.
Music as Connection and Meaning (00:22:43)
Glenn describes how music connects him to himself and to something greater, beyond direct memories.
Revelatory Experience at Ellis Island (00:25:11)
Glenn recounts a pivotal moment at Ellis Island that inspired him to return to school and change his life.
Emotional Arc: Despair to Happiness (00:27:24)
Glenn outlines the emotional journey of his Ellis Island story, from despair to clarity and excitement.
Musical Reflection on Emotional Change (00:29:43)
Luke and Glenn discuss how musical dissonance and harmony can mirror emotional states and transformation.
Podcast Reflections and Improvisation (00:32:00)
Glenn reflects on the unique, improvisational format of the podcast and the importance of musical expression.
Glenn’s Heart Finders Course and Contact Info (00:33:14)
Glenn shares information about his online course, Heart Finders, and how listeners can connect with him.
Closing and Farewell (00:34:02)
Luke thanks Glenn and wraps up the episode.
No comments yet. Be the first to say something!