This week on Breaking Waves, Riley and John Mark explore the meaning of harmony and the many ways it appears in music, relationships, society and the natural world.

The conversation begins with the origins of the word, including the ancient Greek goddess Harmonia and the Roman figure Concordia. Riley and John discuss harmony as the joining together of different parts, whether that means musical notes combining pleasantly or people living and working together peacefully.

From there, the episode moves into the difference between harmony and disharmony in everyday life. Riley introduces the psychological idea of behaving in ways that conflict with the story of who we are. The pair also reflect on how families, schools and communities teach people the rules of cooperation, civility and social behaviour.

John draws on his background in electronics to explain harmonics, resonance, analogue sound and the differences between valve amplifiers, transistors and digital technology. Their discussion explores why some forms of distortion sound pleasing while others sound harsh, and how culture shapes the way people hear music, language and unfamiliar sounds.

The episode also looks at ancient Egyptian ideas of balance, truth and order through the concept of Ma’at, as well as philosophical traditions that see movement and vibration as fundamental parts of reality.

Later, Riley and John turn to domestic harmony, conflict and personal growth. They discuss childhood, disagreement, emotional reactions, family dynamics and the value of learning from people who challenge or annoy us. They also consider whether constant agreement is always healthy, and how respectful disagreement can help people better understand themselves.

The conversation finishes with a fascinating look at group behaviour, conformity and the “hive mind”, from people following strangers at crossings to crowds moving together without questioning why.