On this episode of House Calls with Dr. Vivek Murthy, Yo-Yo Ma and the Surgeon General continue the conversation about the power of music. Yo-Yo reflects on how music was an antidote to his father’s loneliness while trapped in Paris during WWII, and how Yo-Yo shared his music to comfort people during the pandemic.
Continuing with personal stories about connection, the conversation turns to parenting, why it seems harder for men to connect, and what Mr. Rogers taught both of them. They also talk about why connecting to yourself is so important, and how Yo-Yo does that through practicing what he calls “The Beginner’s Mind.”
If you enjoy the art of conversation, this episode will be music to your ears. It will build up what Yo-Yo Ma refers to as your “emotional bank account” and bring about a sense of hope.
(02:04) How Yo-Yo's father turned to music to address loneliness
(07:14) How Yo-Yo's childhood informs his parenting
(12:15) On men & loneliness
(15:32) Lessons from Mister Rogers
(20:26) How did Yo-Yo Ma use music to help people during the COVID-19 pandemic?
(24:03) The importance of the Beginner’s Mind
(26:55) On burnout
(33:57) What are you grateful for?
(38:38) What are Yo-Yo Ma and the Surgeon General reading these days?
(42:02) What gives Yo-Yo Ma hope?
For more conversations, visit www.surgeongeneral.gov/housecalls.
We’d love to hear from you! Send us a note at housecalls@hhs.gov with your feedback & ideas. _
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