All in the Mind Awards launch and how music can impact Parkinson’s

The All in the Mind Awards are back for 2027, and nominations are open now!

Claudia Hammond hears from previous finalists on what the Awards mean to them – and Sir Stephen Fry sends in a special note on why the Awards are so important.

Also, how can music make a difference to life with Parkinson’s disease? We investigate prompted by one of our listeners, and hear how even just imagining music could have an impact.

And Claudia is joined by Daryl O’Connor, professor of psychology at the University of Leeds, who shares new research on how listening to music calms our brains. Plus, Claudia and Daryl try some slow-paced breathing in the studio to help lower stress levels.

If you would like to nominate someone for the All in the Mind Awards, then head to bbc.co.uk/allinthemindawards. You’ll find the terms and conditions and the privacy notice on the website, and you must be over 18 to send in a nomination. You have until 1pm on Friday the 8th of January 2027 to enter.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Sophie Ormiston & Gerry Holt Assistant producer: Tabitha Taylor Buck Editor: Ilan Goodman Studio Manager: Tim Heffer Production coordinator: Jana Holesworth