Comedian Dr. Pop: "Music is a miracle weapon for the brain"
Is music really the best medicine? For Markus "Dr. Pop" Henrik, the answer is clearly yes. Music relieves stress, keeps you mentally fit - and can even prolong life. The musicologist and cabaret artist explains with humor and profound knowledge how songs get the body and soul going. In this interview, he shows us the incredible effect music has on our health - and why playing the piano even helps with reverse parking.
"Music is the only medicine without any side effects."
Music is often used as a therapy, e.g. for dementia, stress or depression. Is music the all-round pill for illnesses?
Dr. Pop: The effects are fantastic, and overdosing is almost impossible. We know that songs known from the past can act as a kind of brain pacemaker for dementia patients. As music is processed in all areas of the brain, it has an invigorating effect on all areas. Studies have shown that singing and listening to music together not only invigorates the mind, but also improves motor skills. In the case of depression, it is possible (with professional psychotherapeutic support, of course) to build playlists during stable phases that can help in darker phases. Music gives us the feeling that we are not alone. And it expresses feelings for which there are no words.
How can people use music to become happier or healthier?
Many people intuitively use music during sport. That's great. But there are tips from research on how to optimize it. For example, with the 2-to-1 rule: if you do sport on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays (well, I don't do that, just as an example here), then you can use music on the first two days. But leave it out on Fridays. That way there is no wear and tear effect. And the results of exercising with music on Mondays and Wednesdays are better in the long term. This was discovered at the Cologne Sports University.
From a medical point of view, is there a difference between making music yourself and just consuming it?
Already. Playing and practising music is a miracle weapon for the brain. Like solving crossword puzzles, but with a factor of 100. There was a study in which people in their 70s were given regular piano lessons for six months. They all enjoyed it, but they were also all better at reverse parking afterwards. Making music improves coordination skills. It is incredibly important for children's language development. But it helps at every stage of life.
Between stage, radio and writing - do you specifically use music to stay healthy and balanced despite stress?
Yes, I have a playlist on my smartphone called "Before the show". There are always new songs on there that are good for me, but that I can also use as warm-up music for my audience. And I have my all-time favorites that help me in stressful situations. Music is part of our identity. If we look more to ourselves for answers and less to the outside world, it can reduce stress.
Do you have a daily ritual that helps you with this?
I often have to get up at 4:30 a.m. for breakfast TV. To get up then, there's no music that's under 130 bpm (beats per minute) - just ask my neighbors. A little joke. The volume is not so important for me. More the energy. By the way, being woken up by music is better for the brain than traditional wake-up sounds. This has also been well researched.
You combine humor and music in your programs. What role does laughter in combination with music play for mental health?
Laughter and music are like a duet of endorphins. One tickles the diaphragm muscles, the other the synapses. That's why concerts with a comedy twist are doubly healthy. I would be delighted if my show "Hitverdächtig" was finally available on prescription.
Dr. Pop is a speaker at Health Day 2025 on October 9, the digital health event for companies.
Studies say that going to concerts can prolong your life. Is there a live experience that has felt like a health boost for you?
It was actually discovered in a long-term study: People who regularly go to concerts live longer. This goes hand in hand with various social activities. Even if you go to a concert on your own, you are among people. We need that from time to time. Withdrawal alone is not healthy. Active participation in cultural life prolongs life and is also good for the economy. There are initiatives calling for the promotion of public concerts in municipalities.
Have you ever experienced that music motivated you so much that you almost overcame physical limits?
Certainly when dancing. My program currently includes a 2- to 3-minute dance number. Without music, I could never move that much and that fast in one go. There are also a few Michael Jackson moves in there - but afterwards I usually feel like I need an oxygen tent, like he used to do, according to legend.
If you could prescribe a 'health track' for someone who is completely unfamiliar with music - what song would it be and why?
A study in the Netherlands found that "Don't Stop Me Now" by Queen would make most people feel good on average. But you can also listen to songs and they can degenerate into clichés.
Therefore, music is something very individual. Preferences are linked to growing up, the social environment and, in the long term, personal experiences. However, music is and remains the only "drug" or rather medicine without any side effects.
Except for catchy tunes, perhaps. But they are also better than their reputation. They often arise when we let go and our brain is in standby mode while cycling or ironing. And at a time when there are so many distractions and so much is bombarding us, that's also a good thing.
Markus "Dr. Pop" Henrik is the author of the book "Dr. Pop's musical consultation hour" (Heyne).
