All In The Mind

Sally Gould was a couple of years into her dream job as a paramedic when it all started to fall apart.It wasn’t the trauma and injury she was exposed to on shifts that was getting to her. It was everything else - the hours, the nonsense callouts, the bullying.The experience would leave her isolated and thinking of suicide. But she found a way back.Today, an episode for those of you who fear you’re burning out - or have burnt out.We hear about the personality traits that put you at higher risk of burnout, how to protect yourself and getting back on the path back to good health.Guests:Sally GouldParamedic; Author, Frog: The Secret Diary of a ParamedicGordon ParkerEmeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of New South WalesCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Tegan NichollsMore info:Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic (Simon & Schuster).Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery (Allen & Unwin).Defining burnout: What is this syndrome and what sets it apart from other labels? (RACGP).To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation sickness, meditation-related adverse effects or meditators in distress – you probably haven't heard these terms, even if you do meditate.Yet research finds adverse effects occur in half of all meditators. For one in 10, it impairs their functioning or lasts more than a month.Experts say many people can benefit from meditation, but it can also come with harms.Today, the second episode of a two-part special on the research into those harms and the personal stories of those who've experienced them. You can hear part one of the series here.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate Professor, Brown University Medical School; Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabNicholas Van DamAssociate Professor, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences; Director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of MelbourneWillem KuykenProfessor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science, University of OxfordJane ReedExperienced adverse effects from meditation and the author of First TellingSueExperienced adverse effects from meditationCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/Producer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExtra info:Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programsThe varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western BuddhistsEffectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trialCheetah HouseTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation has a lot of benefits, but could it also have risks?Over the past decade, meditation and mindfulness have been promoted to reduce stress and increase relaxation.But there is another story of meditation that rarely gets told... one that involves anxiety, insomnia — even psychosis.Today, how one person went from being an evangelical mindfulness meditator, to a leading researcher on the adverse effects of meditation.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate professor, Brown University Medical School and director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabPawan SharmaAssistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Pattan Academy of Health Sciences School of MedicinePierce SalgueroProfessor of Asian History and Health Humanities at Penn State UniversityCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Fiona PepperSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExtra information:Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programsPrevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022Prevalence and predictors of meditation use in Australia and New Zealand: results from a nationally representative surveyMindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves polysomnographic and subjective sleep profiles in antidepressant users with sleep complaintsMeditation-induced psychosis: a narrative review and individual patient data analysisPsychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental MeditationThe varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western BuddhistsCheetah HouseTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Closure can feel like the ultimate solution to help us heal. But is it all it's cracked up to be?Today, we learn about ambiguous loss — the type of grief that comes without closure. We know navigating uncertainty is tricky, so what practical steps can we take to process this kind of loss?A heads up, this episode touches on some heavy topics around loss and trauma.Guests:Carly DoberPsychologistDr Pauline BossProfessor emeritus, University of MinnesotaAuthor, Myth of Closure: Ambiguous Loss in a Time of Pandemic Author, Change and Ambiguous Loss: Learning to Live with Unresolved GriefCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:The psychology of closure — and why some need it more than othersMotivated closing of the mind: "seizing" and "freezing"Beyond dogmatism: The need for closure as related to religionNeed for cognitive closure, tolerance for ambiguity, and perfectionism in medical school applicantsAmbiguous lossTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Nature is good for our wellbeing. But how much green space does a community need, before you can see a wellbeing boost?And how do we encourage people to spend more time outdoors?This episode first aired in September 2023.In celebration of National Science Week, make sure to vote in ABC Radio National's poll for Australia's most amazing wildflower.Guests:Belinda McCawleyFounder, Mindful in NatureDr Xiaoqi FengProfessor of Urban Health and EnvironmentSchool of Population Health,University of New South Wales (UNSW)Founding Co-Director of PowerLabJosh BrownCo-founder, Deadly EdCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Rose KerrSound engineer: John JacobsTo read the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour.But there's something in the 21st century that's causing debate… Selfies.Digital media isn't all bad though. It's also creating opportunities for authentic storytelling.Today, we examine what dark tourism is, if it's ethical, and when it is (and isn't) appropriate to snap a selfie.This episode first aired in June 2024.Guests:Dr Craig Wight, Associate Professor, Business School, Edinburgh Napier UniversityDr Nicole Basaraba, Assistant Professor, School of Languages, Literatures and Cultural Studies and Centre for Digital Humanities, Trinity College DublinDr Mariko Smith, Head of First Nations Collections & Research, First Nations Division, Australian MuseumCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior Producer: James BullenSound engineer: Beth StewartOther information:The Australian Museum's Unsettled exhibitionTo read the transcript from this episode, head to its original webpage.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Why is gaming addictive? How do you know if it's a problem? And what should parents do if they're worried about their kids' gaming habits?This week, psychiatrist and author Dr Alok Kanojia (Dr K) unpacks gaming addiction.Long before Dr K was the co-founder of Healthy Gamer, he had his own story of addiction — playing for 20 hours a day and failing out of uni. How did he turn his own struggles into a global online community supporting gamers?And what practical advice does he have for gamers (and the parents raising them) who want to find a balance?Guest:Dr Alok Kanojia (Dr K)PsychiatristAuthor, How To Raise A Healthy GamerCo-founder, Healthy GamerCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:Inside Perth's gaming addiction clinic — the first in a public hospital in AustraliaTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Whether you're anxious or avoidant, there are steps you can take to make your relationships more secure. And the benefits extend beyond dating — finding secure people can help you build a community and maybe even live longer.Today, neuroscientist, psychiatrist and author Dr Amir Levine joins Sana to discuss all things secure attachment. From tiny meaningful moments with strangers, to prioritising the right people in your life, Amir shares his top advice for anyone wanting to change their attachment style.Guest:Dr Amir LevinePsychiatristNeuroscientistAssociate Professor of Clinical Psychiatry at Columbia UniversitySecure: The Revolutionary Guide to Creating a Secure LifeCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tegan NichollsMore information:We're all stressed. What should we do about it?To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Aggression, not listening, interruptions ... bad behaviour is on the rise in schools. What's causing this trend? Is it parenting styles or the pandemic?Nurse Erin has had plenty of challenges with her son, leaving her family at the end of their tether. But one therapy just clicked.Today, a family's story of oppositional defiant disorder and giving Parent-Child Interaction Therapy a go. Can coaching parents through one-way mirrors and ear pieces help build stronger relationships? And why is PCIT so effective for kids with ODD?Guests:ErinNurse and motherPCIT participantProfessor Eva KimonisClinical PsychologistDirector of the UNSW Parent-Child Research ClinicCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanMore information:Parent-Child Research Clinic at the University of New South WalesPartnering with schools to better deliver effective therapiesInvestigating Western Australian Teacher Perceptions of Young Children’s Challenging Behaviour in the Early Years (Kindergarten to Year 2): An Exploratory AnalysisLandmark report warns wellbeing of Australian children at a crossroadsSchools PlusSoul SearchThe neuroscience of spirituality with Iain McGilchristTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

How stressed have you been lately? Are you heading towards burn out?Time and time again, Dr Rangan Chatterjee has seen chronic stress wreak havoc on his patients' lives — contributing to autoimmune disorders, gut problems, low libido and more.But the most devastating blow struck his own family, when his father's punishing work schedule forced him to medically retire in his 50s. It’s an experience that led Rangan to rethink his own work and approach to medicine.Today, Dr Chatterjee, a GP and host of a mega popular wellbeing podcast, shares his story, as well as strategies for better managing stress in your own life.This episode first aired in June 2025.Guest:Dr Rangan ChatterjeeGP, author and host of Feel Better, Live MoreCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tegan NichollsTo find the transcript of this episode, head to its original webpage.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Languages are so much more than words and sounds — they encode culture and shape our identity. So how do you connect to your culture, if language is lost?While many Indigenous languages have already been lost, and more are at risk of extinction, in Australia, people are increasingly trying to revitalise certain Indigenous languages.ABC Radio National presenter and Gamilaraay woman Rudi Bremer is on her own journey of reconnecting with her mother tongue, and it's bringing up a mixed bag of feelings — from a profound sense of loss, to deep contentment and belonging.Guests:Jade McHughes, PhD candidate and Ngarrindjeri woman Trinity Clarke, Language worker and Kuku Yalanji womanCredits:Reporter/presenter: Rudi Bremer, Gamilaraay womanPresenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Kaylene Langford, Guringai womanProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenYou can hear more from presenter Rudi Bremer on Word Up and Awaye!To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

At some point in our lives, we all face the question, "how will I ever get through this?". You know the moments — a sudden loss, a messy break up, an unexpected diagnosis or a career halted…These questions are close to Lucy Hone's heart, not just because of her work as a resilience researcher, but also because of her own experiences of life-altering grief.So today, Dr Lucy Hone shares her tips for navigating the world when it feels like everything is falling apart.Guest:Dr Lucy HoneResilience researcherAdjunct Senior Fellow, University of Canterbury in New Zealand Co-director of the New Zealand Institute of Wellbeing and ResilienceAuthor, How Will I Ever Get Through This and Resilient GrievingCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:The three secrets of resilient people, Dr Lucy Hone and TEDxChristchurchYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

What is it that drives a person to mass murder?It's a question forensic psychiatrist Professor Paul Mullen has made a life's study of.While these devastating events can at times appear random — he says that taken together, from Port Arthur to Dunblane to Texas — patterns emerge that tell us about the motivations of lone mass killers.It's often to do with isolation, vengeance and fame. Which is why a growing number of people, including Paul, are pushing never to name the perpetrators of mass killings.Today on All in the Mind: insights into denying mass killers the glory they seek and preventing future massacres.Please note, this episode covers some heavy topics including massacres and suicide. Please take care while listening.Guest:Professor Paul E. Mullen Monash UniversityForensic psychiatristAuthor, Running Amok: Inside the Mind of the Lone Mass KillerCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Antonia GauciSupport:Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue  1300 22 4636

Should you consider estrangement from an emotionally immature parent? How do you process the grief of realising your more stable parent … might have been a passive enabler? And what should you do if you realise you are an emotionally immature parent?This week, clinical psychologist and author Lindsay Gibson is answering your questions about emotionally immature parents. Each family is different, but she shares some key tips and lessons that can help you navigate difficult relationships.If you missed last week's episode with Lindsay, you can find it here, or listen to our original 2021 episode with her here.Guest:Dr Lindsay GibsonClinical psychologistAuthor, How to Raise an Emotionally Mature ChildCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you've never had good parenting modelled to you, how do you raise emotionally mature kids?Clinical psychologist Dr Lindsay Gibson has thoughts. You might remember Lindsay from our extremely popular 2021 episode titled 'The damage done by emotionally immature parents (and how to heal)'. This week, she's back on All in the Mind, talking about the next generation.From the difference between consequences and punishment, to the questionable/cruel videos some parents post on social media, Lindsay has insights, tips and 'absolutes' — her rules on what to definitely not do, in order to raise emotionally mature kids.Also, keep an eye out for next week's mailbag episode, where we ask Lindsay your questions!Guest:Dr Lindsay GibsonClinical psychologistAuthor, How to Raise an Emotionally Mature ChildCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Rebecca figured out a brilliant way to catch her partner in a lie. It led to a career in forensic psychology…These days, Rebecca studies lie detection, and it turns out, people generally overestimate their ability to tell fact from fiction. All the classic clues — body language, eye contact, acting nervous … they don't really hold up when put to the test.In our fourth and final part of our special series, Forensic, we're discovering the truth about lie detection. Are there any giveaways that someone is lying to us? Can lying show up on a brain scan?If you've enjoyed Forensic, please leave us a review or share the show with a friend.And don't forget to send us your questions based on the series, you can reach us at [email protected]:Dr Rebecca WilcoxsonLecturer in Forensic and Social Psychology, CQ UniversityDr Arthur LeeAssistant Professor, Boston UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

If you saw a crime, how clearly would you remember it? What about if you were questioned years… even decades later?Eyewitness testimony is an important part of the justice system, so how much do we know about our ability to recall details?In part three of our four-part series, Forensic, we take a deeper look at eyewitness memory. Because it's not just about what we can or can't recall, there's also the risk that we may not even recognise a crime as it's happening. It turns out we're sometimes less observant than we think, because of a phenomenon called inattentional blindness.Don't forget to send us your questions based on the Forensic series, you can reach us at [email protected]:Celine van GoldeAssociate Professor in Legal PsychologyUniversity of SydneyHayley CullenLecturerSchool of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer/reporter: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Imagine police are interrogating you over a crime you didn't commit. If you're innocent, you're safe, right? Wrong.Sometimes, being innocent can make you more likely to confess. How is that possible?In part two of our four-part series, Forensic, we learn about the police interviewing techniques that make false confessions more likely, and the bizarre cases in which people come to believe they really, truly did commit a crime – despite being innocent.Guests:Saul KassinDistinguished Professor Emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice Professor Emeritus at Williams CollegeLisanne Adam Lecturer in Law, RMIT University School of LawCeline van GoldeAssociate Professor in Legal Psychology, University of SydneyCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Criminal profiling promises a lot — being able to piece together a picture of a suspect through clues, intuition and psychology sounds great. But how reliable is it?In our first episode of Forensic, a four-part series unpacking the psychological tools used to solve crimes, we examine the history of criminal profiling. How it got popular in the 1950s after bombings in New York City, its shortcomings when scrutinised by researchers, and the techniques it is built on that police deploy today (but with a lot more data).Guests:Michael CannellAuthor, Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal ProfilingFormer Editor, The New York TimesProfessor Craig JacksonProfessor of Occupational Health PsychologyBirmingham City UniversityDr Victoria BerezowskiLecturer, Forensic Science, Deakin UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Isabella TropianoYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.Further Information:Incendiary - Michael CannellThe Organized/Disorganized Typology of Serial Murder: Myth or Model?Is criminal profiling dead? Should it be? Psychology TodayGeorge Metesky, the ‘Mad Bomber’ – WikipediaUnmasking the Mad Bomber – The Smithsonian, 2017A 16-Year Hunt For New York’s ‘Mad Bomber’ – NPR, 2011An overview of offender profiling – International Journal of Police Science and Management, 2024Offender profiling: a review of the research and state of the field – Police Psychology, 2021The Grit, Glamour and Gall of Criminal Profiling – The University of Arizona, 2021Casebook of a Crime Psychiatrist – James Brussel, 1968Dangerous Minds - The New Yorker

Forget everything you’ve learned from crime dramas.Forensic is a new podcast series from All in the Mind on ABC Radio National that takes you behind the psychological tools used to solve crimes.Across four episodes, we investigate criminal profiling, false confessions, eyewitness memory and lie detection, revealing what actually works, what doesn’t, and the surprising ways things can go wrong.Forensic gives an evidence-led look at the cracks and complexities inside modern forensic psychology.Our first episode drops this Sunday! In the mean time, check out our other true crime themed series from 2025, Criminal Psychology. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Would you want to live forever? The rich and powerful certainly do. There are numerous examples throughout history of people going to extreme lengths in search of immortality. These days, it's Silicon Valley tech bros, testing out everything from blood transfusions to merging our brains with the cloud.Why are they/we so obsessed with dodging death? What is it about extreme wealth that makes people dream of defying biology?Today, tech journalist and social psychologist Aleks Krotoski takes us into the world of the ‘immortalists’: what they think the future of humanity might look like, and whether the rest of us want to come along for the ride.Guest:Aleks KrotoskiInvestigative journalistSocial psychologistAuthor, The Immortalists: The Death of Death and the Race for Eternal LifeCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior Producer: James BullenSound engineer: Tegan Nicholls

Cosmetic procedures aren't reserved for celebrities anymore - they're becoming more and more accessible for every day people. So if we're able to alter our looks or avoid the appearance of aging altogether, what impact does this have on our psychology?Today, we examine how changing our faces might change how we see each other.Please note, this episode includes some discussion of body image and mental health issues such as body dysmorphic disorder. Take care while listening.Guests:Professor Gemma SharpClinical psychologist and researcherAdelaide UniversityDr Sarah BonellResearch FellowBolton Clarke Research InstituteCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:What's the connection between cosmetic procedures and mental health?Australian Women's Lived Experiences of Stigmatization After Cosmetic Surgery: A Qualitative InvestigationThe cosmetic surgery paradox: Toward a contemporary understanding of cosmetic surgery popularisation and attitudesUnder the knife: Unfavorable perceptions of women who seek plastic surgeryNew AHPRA Guidelines Require Psychological Screening for Non-Surgical Cosmetic ProceduresCheaper, easier and less taboo: Why more gen Zs are getting cosmetic injectables such as botoxBody dysmorphic disorderSupport:Butterfly foundation 1800 33 4673You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Politics, war, abortion, gun control — why do some topics make us so outraged?One theory is that our preoccupation with preventing harm is to blame.So today, we examine how humans developed morality, why we differ in what we consider right and wrong, and how that drives us to moral outrage.And after all of that, we'll find out how to have better conversations with people you disagree with (even if you're feeling outraged).If you want to hear more about that, check out The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too.This episode first aired in January 2025.Guest:Dr Kurt GrayProfessor in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel HillDirector, Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral UnderstandingAuthor, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common GroundCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:Lethal Mass Partisanship: Prevalence, Correlates, & Electoral ContingenciesThe transcript for this episode can be found on its original webpage.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

In the last couple of weeks, a lot of people have been getting excited about space exploration thanks to Artemis II.So this week, we revisit an episode from our archives all about life as an astronaut and the psychological impacts of long distance space travel. And if you enjoy this episode, check out Artemis Explained, a podcast from the Science Friction team, following the Artemis II mission.This episode was first broadcast in March 2024.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.Guests:Dr Albert Holland, Senior Operational Psychologist, NASA Johnson Space CenterDr Cady Coleman, Former NASA astronautJamey Simpson, Cady's sonWith excerpts from:Space: The Longest Goodbye, directed by Ido MizrahyCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteMore information:Artemis Explained podcastScience FrictionTo view the transcript for this episode, please head to its original webpage.

Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, we're joined by developmental paediatrician and co-host of Pop Culture Parenting, Dr Billy Garvey. From self compassion to channelling anger into advocacy, Billy shares his own strategies for managing bad days.On Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill!If you have feedback or want to suggest a guest, you can reach us on [email protected]:Dr Billy GarveyDevelopmental paediatricianAuthor, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental healthPodcast co-host, Pop Culture ParentingFounder, Guiding Growing MindsCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Hamish CamilleriRelevant All in the Mind episodes:Tantrums, sleep training and anxiety: Dr Billy Garvey answers your parenting questions'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental healthYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

How can I help my child with anxiety? What's the deal with sleep training? Are we supposed to ignore tantrums?This week, we've invited developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey back on All in the Mind for a mailbag episode. We'll unpack your parenting dilemmas which cover questions about kids of all ages, from the littlest of newborns right through to teenagers. So whether you're a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend or someone just curious about how to support young people in your life, Billy has advice for navigating challenging moments.And please note, one of the questions is a bit heavy, touching on the topic of suicidality. Please take care while listening.Guest:Dr Billy GarveyDevelopmental paediatricianAuthor, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental healthPodcast co-host, Pop Culture ParentingFounder, Guiding Growing MindsCredits:Present/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Antonia GauciMore information:'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental healthSupport resources:Lifeline 13 11 1413YARN 13 92 76Beyond Blue

This week we're talking about something intimate… and sometimes taboo: masturbation.From self-love, to disordered behaviour and back again, we explore how our perceptions of masturbation have changed over the course of history and why it's still linked to shame and confusion for some.Also, why do humans (and other animals) masturbate in the first place?Just a heads up, if the topic didn't give it away, this episode may not be suitable for little ones.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode first aired in September 2024.Guests:Esme Louise JamesPhD candidate, University of MelbourneContent creator and author of Kinky HistoryDr Vijayasarathi RamanathanClinical sexologistSenior Lecturer of Sexual Health (Sexology) at Westmead Clinical School, University of SydneyDr Ann JonesHost, What the Duck?!Dr Matilda BrindleEvolutionary biologistUniversity of OxfordCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Beth StewartMore information:Sex is Weird | What the Duck?!To find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, health journalist and author Casey Beros on managing your inner critic, balancing competing appetites for more and less in life, and filtering out the external voices to chart your own course in life.Each week on Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill!We're testing this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on [email protected] don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday.Guest:Casey BerosHealth journalistAuthor, Next of KinCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Micky GrossmanRelevant All in the Mind episodes:Tough conversations and anticipatory grief: being a carerWhat influences your inner voiceControlling the chatter in your headYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

When Casey Beros' dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, she knew her entire world would change. More than three million Australians are carers — a role people are often thrust into without any kind of map. So based on her own experience, Casey wrote one.On All in the Mind this week, what it takes to be a carer for a loved one. How to get through the tough conversations and difficult moments — from giving bad news to talking about voluntary assisted dying — and still come out the other end in one piece.Guest:Casey BerosHealth journalistAuthor, Next of KinCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

How do you grieve a dying parent you're estranged from? Do cheaters ever change? People say love should feel 'easy', is that true?Psychotherapist Esther Perel is back on All in the Mind, answering your questions about heartbreak, loss, and love in this extra special mailbag episode.We've got questions on how to reconnect with estranged siblings, what to do when global conflicts impact personal relationships, and whether a first love can still feel special, even if it happens later in life.And if you missed part one of our chat with Esther Perel, you can listen to our episode titled "Couples therapy with an AI partner? Esther Perel's just done it" here.Esther also featured on our first episode of Mind Hacks!Guest:Esther PerelPsychotherapist and couples therapistAuthor, The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityHost, Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:If you want to hear more from Esther Perel, she chatted to Lisa Leong on This Working Life. The episode is called Esther Perel on conflict and power struggles at work.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson tells us how he manages his own stress (clue: it involves saunas!)Each week on Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill!We're going to test this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on [email protected] don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday.Guest:Professor Joel PearsonPsychologist, neuroscientistFounder and Director, Future Minds LabUniversity of New South WalesCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanRelevant All in the Mind episodes:Is AI making our brains lazier?"Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AIWhen to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore itYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Social media gave us brain rot; will AI give us cognitive atrophy? How can we possibly learn to cope with the sheer amount of uncertainty and change heading our way?Cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson is back on the show, two years after his mega popular appearance in our episode titled "Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI.In this episode we cover the potential long-term impact of widescale job losses, the anxiety university students are feeling about their job prospects, the risk of cognitive atrophy when outsourcing to AI, and what we can do to be more adaptable and flexible in the age of AI.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.Guest:Professor Joel PearsonPsychologist, neuroscientistFounder and Director, Future Minds LabUniversity of New South WalesCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tim JenkinsMore info:When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore itWhy being a beginner is good for you

Introducing All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. Each week, we'll bring you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill!Kicking off our first episode is none other than Esther Perel. What mental health advice would she avoid at all costs?We're going to test this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on [email protected] don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday.Guest:Esther PerelPsychotherapist and couples therapistAuthor, The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityHost, Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Michael GrossmanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel has had a lot of 'firsts' over her four decade-long career — counselling her first polyamorous relationship, or her first gay couple navigating surrogacy. Now, she's just done her first session with a man and his AI 'girlfriend'…Did she struggle to take this ‘couple’ seriously? What kind of love can someone really form with a chatbot? And why would someone bring their AI partner to a relationship therapy session in the first place?This week, renowned psychotherapist, author, and speaker Esther Perel reflects on what’s changed in the decades she's worked as a relationship therapist; whether AI can be a helpful tool for therapy; and why we might be better off conceptualising AI companions as ‘transitional objects’ instead. Plus, join us in a few week's time for a very special mailbag episode with Esther, featuring your questions!Guest:Esther PerelPsychotherapist and couples therapistAuthor, The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityHost, Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineers: Harvey O'Sullivan and Emrys CroninYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey is returning to All in the Mind and we'd love to ask him your questions!Billy is an expert on kids' mental health — last time he was on the show we discussed what's really going on with kids who are labelled "bad"; including insecure attachment, separation anxiety and emotional difficulties. He co-hosts Pop Culture Parenting and is the author of Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental health.So if you have any questions you'd like to put to Billy, send them to [email protected] and include "question for Dr Billy Garvey" in the subject line.And if you're looking for inspiration, you can find Dr Billy Garvey's previous episode here.Thanks! - Sana and the All in the Mind team

The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals.He's right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it.So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can't handle it?This episode first aired in July 2024.Guests:Caroline AndersonPerformance psychologistLead psychologist for the Paris 2024 Australian Olympic TeamDr Chris MesagnoSenior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, Victoria UniversityLouise PotterFootballer and Darebin Falcons legendMary SpillaneClinical psychologistCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/Producer: Belinda SmithProducer: Rose Kerr, Petria LadgroveSound engineer: Russell StapletonTo view the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

40 years ago, NASA experienced one of its most devastating disasters.The Challenger space shuttle disintegrated just 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members.How had this happened? And did the culture of NASA have anything to do with it?In this episode, we dig into a concept called 'normalisation of deviance', which has been touted as an explanation for this incident, as well as the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster and a clinical drug trial that left six people in intensive care.So what is 'normalisation of deviance'? How does it happen? And given its potential for harm, is there anything we can do to prevent it?If you enjoyed this episode, check out the latest season of Science Friction, The Challenger Disaster (which is also produced by our senior producer James Bullen!)Guests:Dr Nejc SedlarLecturer, University of AberdeenProfessor Sidney DekkerProfessor, Griffith UniversityCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenAdditional reporting/production: Fiona PepperProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.More information:A qualitative systematic review on the application of the normalization of deviance phenomenon within high-risk industries.Sidney Dekker — Drift into Failure.Challenger: the disaster five people saw coming.The Challenger Legacy — Science Friction.Has NASA learned anything from the Challenger disaster?When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore itA deviation from standard design? Clinical trials, research ethics committees, and the regulatory co-construction of organizational deviance

Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel is coming to All in the Mind! And we'd love to ask her some of your questions.Esther Perel is an internationally recognised couples therapist. You might know her as the author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs. Family, sex, intimacy, friendship, betrayal - Esther covers it all. So if you have any thorny relationship questions you'd like to ask her, send them to [email protected] and include "question for Esther Perel" in the subject line.Thanks!

Slow walkers. Unmelted cheese in a toastie. Bad formatting in documents. If these small annoyances make you weirdly mad, you're not alone (in fact, you're human). But when little pet peeves add up, they can contribute much bigger problems like chronic stress. So what can you do about it?Today: why small annoyances have such an outsized impact; why judging yourself doesn't help; and how elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you better navigate these moments (as well as the bigger challenges in life).And if you're not a fan of radical acceptance, which was covered in a recent episode, we go deeper on what it really means.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.Guest:Dr Patricia Zurita-OnaClinical psychologistAuthorCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:Relationship of daily hassles, uplifts, and major life events to health statusThe peculiar longevity of things not so badPatricia's website and resourcesOther recommended listening:Chronically stressed? These small changes can helpDifficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships

When Blake's dad died by suicide, it came as a complete shock. Overwhelming grief, combined with confusion and guilt — it uprooted his life. The loss made him rethink his own mental health, and eventually, channel that into the community — fundraising and taking on three world records.Today, we're talking about suicide bereavement; how it can affect family and friends, its long lasting impacts on mental health, and how to support someone going through the experience. It can be really tricky to talk about suicide, so how do you tackle talking to kids about this kind of loss?Also, why are rates of suicide not going down, despite millions spent on prevention? And why do some people experience something called post-traumatic growth while others don't?This episode discusses suicide, grief and mental illness in depth. Please take care while listening.Guests:Blake JohnstonFormer pro surferSurf CoachMental Health advocateAuthor, SwellbeingAssociate Professor Karl AndriessenPrincipal Research Fellow, Centre for Mental Health and Community WellbeingMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneTanja HirvonenClinical psychologistChief Executive Officer, ThirriliBoard Director, Australian Indigenous Psychologists AssociationBoard Director, Black Dog InstituteCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanThanks to freesound.org users tim.kahn and juskiddinkSupport and resources:Lifeline 13 11 14Thirrili 1800 805 80113 YARN 13 92 76Beyond Blue  1300 22 4636StandBy Support 1300 727 247Roses in the oceanMore information:Coping With A Parent's SuicideAlarming rise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide ratesA better way: suicide prevention in First Nations communitiesYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Simon considers himself a calm, conscientious, conflict-avoidant type of person. But in the car, his personality flips — and it scares him.It can be hard to admit, but many of us do experience road rage.So what is it about being in the driver's seat that makes us so quick to anger? And does the type of car a person drives have anything to do with their propensity for aggression?Today, we're talking about road rage; owning up to times we've lost our temper and finding out what we can do about it.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.Guests:Dr Amanda StephensSenior Research Fellow,Monash University Accident Research CentreSimonAll in the Mind listener and business ownerCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanMore information:Estimated car cost as a predictor of driver yielding behaviors for pedestriansHigher social class predicts increased unethical behaviorThe fast and the furious: Research shows that owners of high-status cars are on a collision course with traffic

Over years of practice, clinical psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients.Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism.So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacrificing their mental health.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode first aired in May 2025.Guests:Dr Mary AndersonClinical Psychologist; Author, The Happy High AchieverCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Tegan NichollsYou can find the transcript for this episode on its original webpage here.Extra Information:The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia

Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing. Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening.This episode first aired in February 2025.Guest:Dr Blaise AguirreChild and adolescent psychiatristAssistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolAuthor, I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About YouCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Isabella TropianoThanks to Freesound.org users 7by7, qubodup, laft2k, andre.nascimentoTo find the transcript for this episode, head to it's original webpage.Resources:Lifeline Australia1800RESPECTYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it?Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans, debunk some myths about focus, and discuss the art of taking a break.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode first aired in March 2025.Guests:Dr Emma Fitzgerald Clinical NeuropsychologistSebEmma's son and distracted teenagerGloria Mark, PhDChancellor's Professor Emerita, University of California, IrvineAuthor, Attention SpanCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Bella TropianoTo find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.Extra info:Gloria's The Future of Attention substackSmartphones in the nursery: Parental smartphone use and parental sensitivity and responsiveness within parent–child interaction in early childhood (0–5 years): A scoping reviewDitching your smartphone won't stop you being distracted, study finds

Have you ever experienced "the ick"?It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it? To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style.You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode first aired in March 2025.Guests:MichaelaSingle and ick-proneAdam HorvathClinical Psychologist at Personal PsychologyProfessor Gery Karantzas, PhDCouples therapistDirector, Science of Adult Relationships laboratoryDeakin UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Michael GrossmanYou can find the transcript for this episode on its original webpage here.More information:The ick: Disgust sensitivity, narcissism, and perfectionism in mate choice thresholds

Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey has seen a lot of kids with behavioural issue over the years, and there are ten things he wishes all parents understood about their kids mental health.From insecure attachment to separation anxiety to emotional difficulties – he gives us the low down on why kids get labelled ‘bad’ – and what’s really going on (usually).You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode first aired in February 2025.Guest:Dr Billy GarveyDevelopmental paediatricianAuthor, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental healthPodcast co-host, Pop Culture ParentingFounder, Guiding Growing MindsCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: John Jacobs

Difficult people are everywhere. Maybe you're one of them, or maybe you're about to sit through an awkward holiday situation with someone you REALLY don't know how to handle.This week, clinical psychologist Rachel Samson returns to answer all your questions on challenging people from the All in the Mind mailbox.How do I deal with my coworker who's crossing boundaries? Should I try and make peace with my problematic family member?We'll answer these questions and more — from how to avoid becoming a difficult person yourself, to the power of radical acceptance.Thank you for listening to All in the Mind this year! If you have an episode idea for next year or want to send some feedback, you can email us at [email protected]:Rachel SamsonClinical psychologistCo-author, Beyond DifficultDirector of the Australian Association of PsychologistsRachael Samson also appeared on our episode in November called Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people.Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Bethany StewartYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

From the prohibition era in the US, to gun control in Australia, bans have been used throughout history to change behaviour. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Sometimes, they lead to a whole lot of unintended consequences.With the social media ban for under-16’s taking effect this week, we uncover the three factors that can determine whether a ban is more likely to succeed or fail – and find out what the history of bans tells us about how effective this policy might be (or not).Plus – how solid is the research on the link between mental ill health and social media use?You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.Guests:Dr Alexis WhittonAssociate Professor and psychologistThe Black Dog Institute and University of New South WalesDr Kate Harrison BrennanProfessor of Practice and Academic Director of the Sydney Policy LabHonorary Associate at the Sydney Law SchoolUniversity of SydneySeb, Eva, Ciara, LilyWith additional thanks to Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, from the University of New South Wales.Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Micky GrossmanA big thank you to everyone who sent us emails and voice memos with their thoughts on the social media ban. We couldn't include everyone but we appreciate getting to hear your perspectives.Thanks to freesound.org users TRP and davidbainMore information:Support for under-16 social media ban soars to 77% among AustraliansIllegal tobacco is a deadly $10 billion industry wiping out legitimate businessesSmoking rates continue to decline while vaping triples, national household drug survey showsPsychological reactance to system-level policies before and after their implementationThe presence of laws and mandates is associated with increased social norm enforcementYouth mental health enters 'dangerous phase'Social psychologist and author of best-selling book The Anxious Generation Jonathan Haidt talks to News Breakfast about Australia's world-first under 16 social media ban — ABC LifestyleeSafety appoints Stanford University-led academic advisory group to assess the impacts of the Social Media Minimum Age obligationDigital mental health, Black Dog Institute

When bad things happen, do you berate yourself or treat yourself with compassion? Do you journal, meditate, or listen to music?Growing up, Sabrina McKenzie always turned to music to help her through her worst moments.As she got older and began studying psychology, she realised what she felt when she listened to sad or angry songs ... was self-compassion.In the field of positive psychology there’s plenty of research on how journalling and meditation can cultivate self-compassion (and plenty of research suggesting self-compassionate people are more mentally and physically healthy).But Sabrina was shocked to learn there was no research on whether music could cultivate self-compassion. She decided to change that.Today: the songs that saved Sabrina, and the novel research looking for a link between music and self-compassion. This episode touches on the topic of sexual abuse, please take care while listening.Guest:Sabrina McKenzieAssociate Lecturer in musicPhD candidate in music psychologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne Conservatorium of MusicCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.Music to listen to:Why Trust You - Alice CooperNow I Can Dance - Tina ArenaThis Is Me (Official Audio) — The Greatest Showman Cast"Saying Goodbye" — OndaraMore information:Self-compassion as a predictor of interleukin-6 response to acute psychosocial stressA Systematic Review on Mediation Studies of Self-Compassion and Physical Health Outcomes in Non-Clinical Adult PopulationsExploring the role of music listening in cultivating self-compassionSupport:Lifeline 13 11 14

We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health.But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too.Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours.We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions.This episode first aired in November 2024.Guest:Professor Nick HaslamProfessor of Psychology, University of MelbourneCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteYou can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.More information:Concept creep: Psychology's expanding concepts of harm and pathology