At Spoke 18, inspiration begins with intention.
Our work is grounded in four key pillars that shape everything we do. By integrating these core areas (tied to Michelangelo Effect Model), we offer a holistic and transformative approach—one that creates more opportunities, fosters deeper growth, and opens up meaningful paths forward for the individuals and communities we serve.
We utilize principles from world class experts and authors to supplement our Michelangelo Effect Program:
The Book – “Art Cure: The Science of How the Arts Save Lives” by Daisy Fancourt argues that engaging with the arts is a powerful, evidence-based health intervention, not just a luxury, showing how activities like music, dance, and visual art reduce stress, depression, and pain, improve brain health, and lower risks for loneliness, frailty, and mortality, with effects comparable to medication in some cases. Fancourt, a leading scientist, synthesizes research from neuroscience, psychology, and epidemiology to explain the biological mechanisms, such as dopamine release and reduced cortisol, that underlie these benefits, and provides practical ways to incorporate the arts into daily life for better health.
Arts engagement lowers stress hormones (cortisol), reduces inflammation, and activates brain reward systems, releasing dopamine, which improves mood and well-being.
Music supports children’s brain development, creative hobbies build resilience against dementia, and dance can build new neural pathways for those with brain injuries.
The arts can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, with effects sometimes similar to medication, and improve the function of major organ systems.
Regular attendance at cultural events is linked to a lower risk of loneliness, frailty, and even death, even when controlling for socioeconomic factors.
Fancourt positions the arts alongside diet, sleep, exercise, and nature as a crucial, yet often overlooked, component of health and well-being.
What the book offers
Evidence-based approach: Fancourt uses data from neuroimaging, biomarkers, and large datasets to move beyond anecdotal evidence.
Practical application: The book provides actionable ways to use the arts for health, from listening to music to visiting museums.
Holistic view: It covers the arts across the entire lifespan, from childhood development to aging.
The Book – “Your Brain on Art: How the Arts Transform Us” by Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen explores how engaging with art, from painting to music, is essential for well-being, not just entertainment, using research from neuroscience, psychology, and public health. The book argues that art provides proven solutions for stress reduction (even 45 minutes of art lowers cortisol), building community, and improving overall health, and it features insights from experts like David Byrne and Renée Fleming. It’s a guide to “neuroaesthetics,” showing how artistic expression nourishes the brain and helps us flourish by enlivening our senses and fostering curiosity.
The Book – “Eat Your Ice Cream: Six Simple Rules for a Long and Healthy Life” by Ezekiel J. Emanuel argues that longevity isn’t about extreme restriction but about simple, sustainable habits that improve quality of life, not just quantity of years. The book cuts through wellness fads to offer six evidence-based rules: don’t be a schmuck (avoid self-destructive risks), talk to people (cultivate social connections), expand your mind (stay mentally sharp), eat your ice cream (enjoy healthy food, including treats), move it (exercise), and sleep like a baby (get rest). It emphasizes happiness, purpose, and common sense over obsessive biohacking.
We believe the arts provides an opportunity to both express and heal. Whether it’s painting, poetry, music, dancing, sculpture, photography, crafts such as dream boards, etc – we make sure everyone gets an opportunity to immerse themselves.
Many of the principles we teach are highlighted above and detailed in the books “ART CURE – The Science of How the Arts Saves Lived” and “Your Brain On Art – How the Arts Transform Us”.
We believe that what we eat plays a vital role in building strong, healthy minds and bodies. That’s why every one of our programs includes a hands-on approach to nutrition—bringing practical, accessible strategies to the table. From preparing meals to understanding how food affects mental and physical well-being, we treat nutrition as an essential pillar of overall health.
Our program is both founded and grounded in helping people build lasting Strength—individually and collectively. At its core is a unique approach to Spirituality and Wellness, designed to inspire participants to embark on a meaningful journey driven by higher purpose.
The Strength Component of our program is always tailored to meet the specific needs and culture of each organization. For those seeking a deeper exploration of spirituality and faith, we proudly partner with the Alpha International – including Youth Alpha—as the cornerstone of our spiritual framework.
This innovative approach to build strength, we believe that every individual can benefit from exploring spirituality and wellness as sources of strength, purpose, and hope. Through creating space for honest conversation and personal reflection, we support each person’s journey.
