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Barking Mad

by Dr Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling

Barking Mad is a podcast that explores the world of mental health with honesty, warmth and humour. The name isn’t a criticism of people living with mental illness, but a nod to the idea that parts of the mental health system, myths and assumptions around it can seem “barking mad” and are worth questioning. Psychiatrist Dr Cathy Owen (35+ years’ experience) and co-host Peter Dowling answer real questions, challenge stigma, and unpack complex topics in an accessible, engaging way. For information only; not medical advice; some topics may be distressing; seek appropriate help as needed.

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Episodes

  1. Episode 51: Mental Health shouldn’t depend on your postcode

    Summary This episode explores the unique mental health challenges faced by rural and remote communities in Australia, highlighting issues like isolation, access to services, and community support strategies. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights from her extensive experience in rural psychiatry,...

  2. Episode 50 Retail Therapy: Does Shopping Really Heal the Heart?

    Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, the hosts delve into the concept of retail therapy, exploring its psychological implications and societal perceptions. They discuss whether retail therapy serves as a genuine mood booster or if it can lead to compulsive buying behaviours. The conversation...

  3. Episode 49 Why Dogs Are Good for Your Brain

    Keywords pet ownership, mental health, emotional benefits, mindfulness, pet anxiety, social connection, companion animals, pets on planes Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the multifaceted benefits of pet ownership on mental health. They discuss tangible...

  4. Episode 48 Why You Can't Sleep (and What Your Brain Is Doing)

    Keywords sleep, insomnia, mental health, sleep deprivation, sleep cycle, sleep needs, sleep anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, sleep medication Summary In this conversation, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the critical role of sleep in our lives, discussing its importance for mental and…

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  5. Episode 47 Can Medicinal Cannabis Really Improve Mental Health?

    Keywords cannabis, medicinal cannabis, THC, CBD, regulation, prescriptions, mental health, pain management, Australia, history Summary This conversation explores the evolution of cannabis from a prohibited substance to a prescribed medication, examining the historical context, the role of...

  6. Episode 46: How Ordinary People Become Extremists: The Psychology of Radicalisation

    Summary In this episode, Dr Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling explore the complex topic of radicalization, de-radicalization, and the psychological factors involved. They discuss real-world examples like ISIS brides, community reintegration, and the importance of trauma-informed care. Keywords...

  7. Episode 45: Playing with Fire: The Psychology of Firefighter Arson

    Summary In this episode, we explore the psychology behind firefighter arson, the motivations of individuals who light fires for thrill and recognition, and how screening processes can help prevent such behaviors. Dr. Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling share insights into the mental states, personality...

  8. Episode 44: I Do Not Consent: The Psychology of Sovereign Citizens

    Summary In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling explore the phenomenon of sovereign citizens, their beliefs, behaviors, and the societal implications. Discover how stress, disenfranchisement, and social media fuel this movement and what it means for community safety. Keywords sovereign...

  9. Episode 43: All Bets Are Off: The Psychology of Gambling Addiction

    Summary In this episode, Cathy and Peter explore the psychology of gambling addiction, its prevalence in Australia, and the behavioral and mental health aspects involved. We discuss how gambling impacts individuals and communities, and what can be done to address problem gambling. Keywords…

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  10. Episode 42: Trust No One: the Psychology of Conspiracy Theories

    Summary Explore the fascinating world of conspiracy theories, their origins, psychological roots, and societal impact with Dr. Cathy Owen a psychiatry veteran. Understand why humans are drawn to conspiracy thinking and how to critically evaluate such beliefs. Keywords conspiracy theories,...

  11. Episode 41: The Mental Health of Mental Health Carers

    Summary This episode explores the vital role of family carers in mental health, highlighting their challenges, emotional toll, and the systemic gaps in support. With insights from Margaret a seasoned mental health carer, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to better support these unsung...

  12. Episode 40: What’s in a Name? Identity, Labels & Belonging in a Complex World

    Summary This episode explores the complex world of identity labels, their significance, and how to navigate conversations about gender and sexuality with respect and understanding. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights on terminology, communication strategies, and societal trends in identity politics....

  13. Episode 39: What Motivates Mental Health Professionals?

    Episode 39: What Motivates Mental Health Professionals? Keywords Mental health, psychiatry, healthcare, peer support, burnout, recovery, mental health workforce, patient trust, emotional resilience Summary In this insightful interview, Dr. Cathy Owen, a seasoned psychiatrist with 35 years of...

  14. Episode 38: Rational Suicide? Tough Questions, Kind Answers

    Trigger warning: this episode outline discusses suicide and self-harm. If you or someone is in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services now. If you need urgent support, see crisis contacts in the show-notes. Summary This episode explores the complex and sensitive topic of...

  15. Episode 37: Breaking Bread (and Myths): Demystifying Eating Disorders

    This episode explores the complex world of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Dr. Cathy Owen discusses their causes, societal influences, and how to recognize and address these mental health conditions. Keywords Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating…

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  16. Episode 36 Behind the Bars: Mental Health Inside Prison Walls

    Summary This episode explores the complex world of prison mental health, covering topics from prison environment, mental health challenges, to post-release struggles. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights from her experience, highlighting the importance of mental health services and the human side of...

  17. Episode 35 Behind the Ward Door: Demystifying Psychiatric Inpatient Admission

    Keywords psychiatric ward, mental health, admission process, mental health legislation, inpatient care, visitor tips, substance use, forensic patients, mental health treatment Summary This episode explores the process of admission to a psychiatric ward, the different pathways, what to expect…

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  18. Episode 34 High Hopes & Hard Evidence: Making Sense of Medicinal Cannabis

    Episode 34 High Hopes & Hard Evidence: Making Sense of MedicinalCannabis Keywords cannabis, medicinal cannabis, THC, CBD, regulation,prescriptions, mental health, pain management, Australia, history Summary This conversation explores the evolution of cannabis froma prohibited substance to a...

  19. Episode 33 Me, Myself & Well-Being: When Self-Care Goes Solo

    Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, host Barking Mad welcomes Dr. Rana Pishva, a psychologist from Ottawa, to discuss her article titled "Is the Pendulum of Self-Agency Swinging Too Far?" The conversation delves into the concept of self-care, exploring its evolution and the impact of wellness...

  20. Episode 32 Retail Therapy: Does Shopping Really Heal the Heart?

    Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, the hosts delve into the concept of retail therapy, exploring its psychological implications and societal perceptions. They discuss whether retail therapy serves as a genuine mood booster or if it can lead to compulsive buying behaviours. The conversation...

  21. Episode 31 Turn It Up: When Music Meets the Mind

    Episode 31 Turn It Up: When Music Meets the Mind Music Playlist – mentioned in this episode with thanks to iMind Mental Health Solutions 1. “Vincent” by Don McLean – This song delves into the mind of Vincent Van Gogh, who is believed to have suffered from severe mental health issues. 2. “Adam’s...

  22. Episode 30 When the Bot Believes You

    Keywords AI, psychosis, mental health, ChatGPT, conspiracy theories, technology, vulnerability, social media, mental illness, emotional support Summary This conversation delves into the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, and mental health, exploring how AI...

  23. Episode 29 Is Everyone Mentally Ill Now?

    Episode 29 Is Everyone Mentally Ill Now? Keywords overdiagnosis, medicalization, mental health, obesity, healthcare, pharmaceutical industry, lifestyle issues, suicide prevention, media influence, patient care Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the growing...

  24. Episode 28 Behind the Bark: How We Make Barking Mad

    Episode 28 Behind the Bark: How We Make Barking Mad In this podcast I make reference to John Laws, a multi media legend in Australia. Sadly, since recording this episode he has passed, aged 90 and with a 70 year radio career behind him. RIP Richard John Laws Keywords podcast, mental health,...

  25. Episode 27 Why Dogs Are Good for Your Brain

    Episode 27 Why Dogs Are Good for Your Brain Keywords pet ownership, mental health, emotional benefits, mindfulness, pet anxiety, social connection, companion animals, pets on planes Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the multifaceted benefits of pet ownership...

  26. Episode 26 Fear Factor – Unpacking Our Phobias

    Episode 26 Fear Factor – Unpacking Our Phobias Keywords phobias, mental health, anxiety, treatment, common fears, irrational fears, desensitization, coping strategies, psychology, psychiatry Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, host Peter discusses the topic of phobias with Dr. Professor Cathy...

  27. Episode 25 Burnout is not a badge of honour

    Keywords burnout, mental health, hustle culture, workplace stress, organizational strategies, future of work, AI, individual strategies, mindfulness, work-life balance Summary In this episode, Barking Mad explores the concept of burnout in the context of hustle culture, discussing its…

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  28. Episode 24 What Makes Ordinary People Become Extremists?

    Keywords political violence, assassinations, mental illness, ideology, historical context, motivations, public figures, psychological analysis Summary In this episode, the conversation delves into the complex motivations behind political violence and assassinations, exploring historical examples...

  29. Episode 23 NDIS – Promise, Pitfalls, and Psychiatry

    Keywords NDIS, disability support, mental health, psychiatric care, community resources, service costs, fraud, bureaucracy, funding, sustainability Summary In this conversation, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, exploring its vision,...

  30. Episode 22 Private Ride Through Cancer Part 3

    Keywords cancer journey, resilience, treatment options, emotionalimpact, healthcare system, financial burdens, diet, lifestyle adjustments,support systems, community resources Summary In this conversation, Peter shares his ongoing journeywith cancer, discussing the psychological and emotional...

  31. Episode 21 Private Ride Through Cancer Part 2

    Keywords cancer journey, treatment, mental health, support, relapse, coping mechanisms, personal experience, oncology, patient perspective, health awareness Summary In this conversation, Peter shares his ongoing journey with cancer, detailing his initial diagnosis, treatment experiences, and the...

  32. Episode 20 Private Ride Through Cancer Part 1

    Keywords cancer diagnosis, treatment journey, immunotherapy, psychological impact, patient experience, coping mechanisms, healthcare, personal story, lung cancer, medical decisions Summary In this conversation, Peter shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with lung cancer, detailing the...

  33. Episode 19 Public Danger or Public Mistrust? Schizophrenia and the Reality Behind the Headlines

    Keywords Bondi incident, mental health, schizophrenia, community impact, stigma, mental health care, funding, prevention, compassion, mental illness Summary This conversation delves into the Bondi incident, exploring the complexities of mental health, particularly schizophrenia, and the systemic...

  34. Episode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad Rest

    Episode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad Rest Keywords sleep, insomnia, mental health, sleep deprivation, sleep cycle, sleep needs, sleep anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, sleep medication Summary In this conversation, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the critical role...

  35. Episode 17 Why Are ADHD Diagnoses Exploding?

    Keywords ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental health, diagnosis, treatment, medication, lifestyle strategies, education, sociological factors, normalization Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy delve into the complexities of ADHD, exploring its definition,...

  36. Episode 16 Why Men Don't Ask for Help

    Keywords alpha male, mental health, seeking help, emotional literacy, community support, male friendships, suicide statistics, masculinity, mental health barriers, emotional expression Summary This conversation explores the concept of the alpha male in relation to mental health, focusing on the...

  37. Episode 15 Scroll, Post, Repeat – The Psychology of Doomscrolling

    Keywords social media, mental health, anxiety, depression, community, doom scrolling, TikTok, Instagram, youth, resilience Summary This conversation explores the multifaceted impact of social media on mental health, particularly among youth. It discusses the risks associated with excessive use,...

  38. Episode 14 Does Faith Play a Role in Psychiatry?

    Keywords Faith, psychiatry, mental illness, spirituality, demonic possession, stigma, auditory hallucinations, religious practices, mental health, support Summary This conversation explores the complex relationship between faith and psychiatry, discussing how faith can both positively and...

  39. Episode 13 Can Psychedelics Treat Mental Illness?

    Keywords mental health, psychedelic therapy, psilocybin, MDMA, treatment options, Mind Medicine Australia, depression, PTSD, mental illness, therapy, clinical trials Summary This conversation explores the groundbreaking work of Mind Medicine Australia in revolutionizing mental health treatment...

  40. Episode 12 Mental Illness and Work

    Episode 12 Mental Illness and Work Keywords mental health, recovery, workplace, burnout, psychiatry, support, return to work, mental illness, stigma, employer responsibilities Summary In this episode, Peter Dowling and Professor Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the complex journey of recovery from mental...

  41. Episode 11 From Breakdown to Recovery - a Personal Journey

    Keywords mental health, psychiatry, psychosis, recovery, marijuana, stigma, medication, mindfulness, personal journey, mental wellbeing Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, host Peter Dowling engages with Clay, a listener who shares his personal journey through mental health challenges,...

  42. Episode 10 Is Grief and Loss a Mental Illness?

    Keywords grief, loss, counselling, complicated grief, stages of grief, emotional support, retirement, gender differences, pet loss, healing Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen delve into the multifaceted nature of grief and loss. They explore various types of...

  43. Episode 9 Is Mental Illness Easy to Fake (and why would you do it?)

    Keywords Faking mental illness, psychiatry, factitious disorder, legal implications, mental health awareness Summary This conversation explores the complexities of faking mental illness, discussing the motivations behind it, the spectrum of behaviors from conscious manipulation to factitious...

  44. Episode 8 Misconceptions about Mental Illness

    Keywords psychiatry, mental health, medications, treatment, public perception, medication adherence, psychiatric disorders, therapy, mental illness, healthcare Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Dr. Cathy Owen discusses the complexities surrounding psychiatric medications, including public...

  45. Episode 7 Alcohol & Mental Health: What Every Drinker Should Know

    Episode 7 Alcohol & Mental Health: What Every Drinker Should KnowKeywords alcohol, mental health, coping mechanism, personality changes, cultural context, non-alcoholic beverages, Australia, alcohol consumption, health promotion, addiction Summary In this conversation, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy...

  46. Episode 6 Where Have All the Services Gone?

    Episode 6 Where Have All the Services Gone? Keywords mental health, psychiatry, access to care, stigma, mental health services, healthcare professionals, mental health podcast, mental illness, public perception, mental health challenges Summary This podcast episode delves into the complexities of...

  47. Episode 5 Where Does The Law Meet Mental Illness?

    Episode 5 Where Does The Law Meet Mental Illness? Keywords law, psychiatry, mental illness, community safety, involuntary treatment, mental health legislation, historical context, personal stories Summary This conversation explores the intersection of law and psychiatry, focusing on the...

  48. Episode 4 What Actually Causes Mental Illness?

    Episode 4 What Actually Causes Mental Illness? Keywords mental health, psychiatry, causes of mental illness, genetic factors, early life trauma, substance use, recovery, environmental factors, sleep deprivation, PTSD Summary This conversation explores the multifaceted causes of mental illness,...

  49. Episode 3 Are Psychiatric Treatments as Bad as They Sound?

    Episode 3 Are Psychiatric Treatments as Bad as They Sound? Summary In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen demystifies psychiatry and discusses various treatments available. She addresses the stigma surrounding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and highlights its effectiveness in treating profound...

  50. Episode 2 A Range of Ailments

    Episode 2 A Range Of Ailments Summary In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen discusses the range of psychiatric ailments that people may present with, from less severe conditions like anxiety and mild depression to more serious and enduring conditions like psychosis and treatment-resistant depression.…

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Barking Mad is a podcast that explores the world of mental health with honesty, warmth and humour. The name isn’t a criticism of people living with mental illness, but a nod to the idea that parts of the mental health system, myths and assumptions around it can seem “barking mad” and are worth questioning. Psychiatrist Dr Cathy Owen (35+ years’ experience) and co-host Peter Dowling answer real questions, challenge stigma, and unpack complex topics in an accessible, engaging way. For information only; not medical advice; some topics may be distressing; seek appropriate help as needed.

HOSTED BY

Dr Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling

CATEGORIES

health fitness mental

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Barking Mad have?

Barking Mad currently has 51 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Barking Mad about?

Barking Mad is a podcast that explores the world of mental health with honesty, warmth and humour. The name isn’t a criticism of people living with mental illness, but a nod to the idea that parts of the mental health system, myths and assumptions around it can seem “barking mad” and are worth...

How often does Barking Mad release new episodes?

Barking Mad has 51 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.

Where can I listen to Barking Mad?

You can listen to Barking Mad on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Barking Mad?

Barking Mad is created and hosted by Dr Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling.
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