PODCAST · education
Better Thinking
by Nesh Nikolic
On every episode you will hear inspiring conversations with leading experts in the fields of psychology, sports, personal growth, nutrition and other fields in order to gain clarity and understanding on how to deal with life in these exciting, yet challenging times. Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a Clinical Psychologist based in Canberra, Australia with over 15,000 hours of 1-on-1 therapy experience. He’s trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. Every week, Nesh will bring raw, down-to-earth and nonchalant talks right into your ears that are designed to make you think smarter and better so you can deal with life as it is - no sugar-coating or playing “happy.”
Episodes
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#208 – Professor Nancy Pachana on Healthy Ageing: Purpose and Well-Being in Later Life
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Nancy Pachana about healthy ageing, finding purpose and well-being in later life, and navigating the transition into retirement. Professor Nancy A. Pachana is a clinical geropsychologist, neuropsychologist and Professor of...
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#207 – Damien Stewart on How Trauma Can Be Passed Between Generations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Damien Stewart about the impact of intergenerational trauma, how traumatic experiences can influence subsequent generations, and what this means for mental health and wellbeing. As well as an elite level athlete, Damien resigned from a...
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#206 – Niklas Törneke on Understanding Human Behavior Through ACT
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Niklas Törneke about understanding human behaviour through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, and the practical use of language and metaphor in psychological change. Niklas Törneke is a Swedish psychiatrist,...
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#205 – Dr Ella Moeck on How Emotions Shape Memory, Future Thinking, and Uncertainty
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ella Moeck about how emotions shape the way people remember the past, think about the future, and respond to uncertainty. Dr Ella Moeck is a Lecturer in Psychology at Adelaide University who researches the intersection between...
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#204 – Stacey Parker on Designing Work for Wellbeing, Motivation, and Performance
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Stacey Parker about how jobs and careers can be designed to maximise wellbeing, motivation, and performance, and what psychological principles can help create healthier and more fulfilling working lives. Associate Professor Stacey…
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#203 – Professor Jen Hudson on Children's Emotional Health and Anxiety
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jennifer Hudson about the factors that shape children’s emotional health and how we can improve support and services for children experiencing anxiety and other emotional disorders. Professor Jennifer Hudson has made...
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#202 – Dr Eden Robertson on The Psychosocial Needs of Families Affected by Rare Disease
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Eden Robertson about the psychosocial needs of families affected by rare disease and how lived experience can drive better, more compassionate healthcare. Dr Eden Robertson is a Sydney‑based behavioural scientist specialising in...
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#201 – Professor Simon Rosenbaum on the Intersection of Physical Activity and Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Simon Rosenbaum about the intersection of physical activity and mental health, and how movement can play a powerful role in improving psychological wellbeing. Simon is an academic exercise physiologist with a focus on...
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#200 – Dr James Morandini on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr James Morandini about advancing research across gender identity, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, and the mental health challenges connected to these areas. James Morandini is a clinical...
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#199 – Lou Lasprugato on ACT Within The Therapeutic Relationship
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lou Lasprugato about ACT within the therapeutic relationship, including process-based functional assessment and shaping psychological flexibility. Lou Lasprugato is a psychotherapist and internationally recognized trainer in the field…
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#198 – Professor Philip Batterham on Preventing and Understanding Drivers of Suicidal Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Philip Batterham about advancing more efficient and precise methods for assessing suicidality and mental disorders. Philip Batterham is a Professor and Co-Head at the Centre for Mental Health Research, The Australian National...
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#197 – Dr Donel Martin on Brain Stimulation For Improving Cognition
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Donel Martin about new and innovative approaches to improving cognition, with a focus on brain stimulation technologies. Dr Donel Martin is a clinical academic researcher based at the Black Dog Institute and University of New South...
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#196 – Dr Jerry Rosenbaum on How Psychedelics Change The Brain
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum anxiety disorders, depression, and how psychedelics change the brain — and what this could mean for the future of psychiatry. Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum is the Stanley Cobb Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School...
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#195 – Robert Whitaker on Rethinking the Scientific Basis of the Disease Model
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Robert Whitaker about how the disease model of mental illness emerged, what evidence it was built on, and why it may not be as scientifically grounded as many believe. Robert Whitaker is an American journalist and author who has won...
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#194 – Professor Dianna Kenny on Understanding Gender Dysphoria
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Dianna Kenny about understanding gender dysphoria in young people and the complexities surrounding their care and wellbeing. Dr Dianna T. Kenny is an experienced psychologist in Sydney who offers a range of services including...
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#193 – Arthur Thomas Ware on Building Fulfillment and Purpose in Retirement
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Arthur Thomas Ware about fostering long, happy, and purposeful years in retirement, and how psychology can help us create meaning beyond work. Arthur Thomas Ware (He prefers to be called, Tom) will be turning ninety in April next year.…
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#192 – Professor Paul Rhodes on Psychology Beyond The Individual
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Paul Rhodes about moving beyond individual psychology to explore systemic thinking, family therapy, eco-psychology, and affect theory. Professor Paul Rhodes is a clinical psychology academic and at The University of Sydney where he...
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#191 – Professor Zoltán Sarnyai on Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Zoltán Sarnyai about his recent randomized controlled trial on ketogenic metabolic therapy for serious mental illness and the broader implications of this emerging field for the future of psychiatric treatment.Professor Zoltán...
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#190 – Dr Lucy Johnstone on The Power Threat Meaning Framework
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lucy Johnstone about the Power Threat Meaning Framework and how it offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric diagnoses by focusing on power, threat, and meaning in people’s lives. Dr Lucy Johnstone is a consultant clinical...
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#189 – Professor Gordon Parker on How the Gut Shapes Mood and Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Gordon Parker AO about the gut–brain connection and how it could transform our understanding and treatment of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Professor Gordon Parker AO is Scientia Professor of...
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#188 – Dr Matt Bernstein on The Relationship Between Metabolism and Mental Illness
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Matt Bernstein about the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry and how metabolism, nutrition, and lifestyle factors influence mental health. Dr. Matt Bernstein is a respected clinical psychiatrist for more than 20 years. He is also...
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#187 – Dr Joanna Moncrieff on her book: Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of The Serotonin Myth
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Joanna Moncrieff about her latest book: Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of The Serotonin Myth. Dr Joanna Moncrieff is a practising psychiatrist, part-time academic, and author with a deep interest in the history,...
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#186 – Jacqueline Anderson on Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Associate Professor Jacqueline Anderson about the long-term impact of traumatic brain injuries and how they affect cognition, identity, and daily life. Jacqueline Anderson, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Clinical Neuropsychology in…
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#185 – Dr David Healy on How Antidepressants Shape Mental Health and Impact Society
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. David Healy about how psychotropic drugs and clinical trials have influenced the way we understand mental health and the broader impact these developments have had on society. David Healy, a professor in the Department of Family...
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#184 – Professor Jae Jung on Understanding and Supporting High-Ability Students
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jae Jung about how to better understand and support gifted students, the importance of differentiated education, and the future of high-ability learning. Jae Yup Jung, PhD is a Professor in the School of Education and the...
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#183 – Lisa Anne Williams on How Emotions Are Shaped by Our Social World
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lisa Anne Williams about how our emotions are shaped by social experiences and the powerful, adaptive functions of positive social emotions like pride and gratitude. Dr. Lisa A. Williams is a social psychologist whose research examines...
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#182 – Nik Steffens on Social Identity and the Psychology of Teamwork in Organizations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Nik Steffens about how identity, connection, and purpose shape not only individual outcomes but also drive collective success within organizations. Niklas Steffens is Associate Professor and Director of the Centre for Business and...
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#181 – Dr Zhi Yi Ong on The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Food Intake and Addiction
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Zhi Yi Ong about the neurobiology of food intake, exploring how gut-brain interactions shape eating behavior and its connection to addiction. Zhi Yi Ong is a Senior Lecturer and ARC Future Fellow at the UNSW School of Psychology.…
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#180 – Lana Tikhomirov on the Ethics of AI in Human Decision-Making
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lana Tikhomirov about the intersection of AI and human decision-making, exploring its ethical concerns, cognitive challenges, and growing role in high-stakes fields like healthcare. Lana Tikhomirov is an AI safety researcher at the...
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#179 – Dr Simon Byrne on Evolving Treatments for Anxiety and Children’s Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Simon Byrne about evolving approaches to anxiety treatment—including CBT and ACT—and how evidence-based models can better support children’s mental health. Dr Simon Byrne is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland (UQ) since 2021....
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#178 – Dr Poppy Watson on Compulsive Reward-seeking Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Poppy Watson about compulsive reward-seeking behavior, commonly seen in drug or gambling addiction, but also in more subtle forms that influence our everyday actions and habits. The research interests of Dr Poppy Watson lie at the...
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#177 – Dr Amy Peden on Global Drowning Prevention Through Research and Advocacy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Amy Peden about the global drowning crisis, the key risk factors involved, and what can be done to reduce these tragic incidents. Dr Amy Peden is a Senior Research Fellow in the School of Population Health at the University of New...
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#176 – Dr Robyn Walser on Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Trauma
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Robyn Walser about using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals navigate and heal from trauma. Robyn D Walser, PhD is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, educator, and author. She is the…
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#175 – Ahu Kocak on Suicide Assessment and Prevention Strategies
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ahu Kocak about her experience in developing suicide assessment and prevention strategies in correctional settings. Ahu Kocak is endorsed in Forensic Psychology with over 14 years experience in prison, court and private practice…
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#174 – Ben Newell on The Role of Behavioural Science in Promoting Climate Action
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ben Newell about the power of behavioral science and the role that psychology can play in motivating individuals and societies to take meaningful action on climate change. Ben Newell is Professor of Behavioural Science in the School of...
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#173 – Professor Kim Delbaere on Promoting Healthy Ageing
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Kim Delbaere about understanding physical, psychological and cognitive factors causing falls as well as topics about promoting healthy ageing. Professor Kim Delbaere is a Senior Principal Research Scientist and Director of...
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#172 –Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski on Virtual Reality for Life Skills in Intellectual Disabilities
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski about using an AI-powered VR application to build life skills and improve healthcare access for people with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Stefan Michalski is a Research Fellow in the National Centre of...
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#171 – Jacinta Hawgood on Suicide Research and Prevention
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jacinta Hawgood about evaluating suicide prevention training programs, their effectiveness, and the critical role they play in reducing suicide rates. Jacinta Hawgood is Associate Professor and Program Director of Suicidology at the...
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#170 – Dr Lydia Brown on Navigating the Journey of Menopause and Aging
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Lydia Brown about understanding and enhancing well-being during the menopause transition and aging. Lydia Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne. She...
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#169 – Jill Maree Newby on Technology-Based Interventions for Depression and Anxiety
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jill Maree Newby about innovative technology-based interventions for depression and anxiety, highlighting the impact and effectiveness of internet and e-mental health approaches in modern mental health care. Jill Maree Newby…
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#168 – Dr Ivan Raymond on The Power of 'Intent' in Shaping Care and Support
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ivan Raymond about the concept of intentional practice, which helps individuals and communities navigate complexity by offering a common framework for thinking and planning. Dr Ivan Raymond is a clinical psychologist and the Director...
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#167 – Kristy Martire on The Processes of Evidence Evaluation in Criminal Trials
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kristy Martire about how evidence is evaluated in criminal trials and ways to enhance communication between experts and lay decision-makers in forensic settings. Dr. Kristy Martire is a Professor in the School of Psychology at the...
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#166 – Dr Stevan Nikolin on Understanding How Depression Affects Brain Activity
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Stevan Nikolin about understanding how depression affects brain activity and how this knowledge is being used to develop new treatments and improve existing ones. Dr Stevan Nikolin is a Neuroscience Fellow at the Black Dog Institute,...
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#165 – Margaret Morris on The Impact of an Unhealthy Diet
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Margaret Morris about the connection between poor diet and behavior, and how dietary changes can help mitigate the behavioral effects of early life stress. Margaret Morris is a Professor of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical...
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#164 – Dr David Bakker on Using Technology for Mental Health Purposes
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr David Bakker on the use of technology such as smartphone apps for mental health purposes. David Bakker is a clinical psychologist in private practice at Archer Street Health in Hobart. He is also a lecturer and research supervisor at...
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#163 – Dr Kamilah Majied on Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Kamilah Majied about her insightful book entitled “Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living”. Dr. Majied is Professor of Social Work at California State University, Monterey Bay. She teaches clinical...
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#162 – Professor Sally Gainsbury on Recreational Gambling vs Problematic Gambling
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Sally Gainsbury about the differences between problematic and recreational gambling while exploring the development of responsible gambling strategies. Professor Sally Gainsbury, PhD, Doctor.ClinPsych, BPsych(Hons) is a leader...
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#161 – Dr Christoph Klebl on The Psychology of Climate Change and Biodiversity
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Christoph Klebl about the psychology of climate change and biodiversity, and his work on aesthetics and morality that relates to that (e.g., why people are most concerned about protecting beautiful animal species). Dr. Christoph…
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#160 – Dr Kinga Szymaniak on How the Emotion of Anger Impacts the Way We Think and Act
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Kinga Szymaniak about the impacts of anger on the way we think and act, and how it shapes our decisions and judgments. Kinga Szymaniak is a Research Associate in the School of Psychology at UNSW. She was awarded her PhD in 2022 from...
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#159 – John Sweller on The Cognitive Load Theory
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with John Sweller about The Cognitive Load Theory which suggests that learning happens best under conditions that are aligned with human cognitive architecture. John Sweller is an educational psychologist and Emeritus Professor at the...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
On every episode you will hear inspiring conversations with leading experts in the fields of psychology, sports, personal growth, nutrition and other fields in order to gain clarity and understanding on how to deal with life in these exciting, yet challenging times. Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a Clinical Psychologist based in Canberra, Australia with over 15,000 hours of 1-on-1 therapy experience. He’s trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. Every week, Nesh will bring raw, down-to-earth and nonchalant talks right into your ears that are designed to make you think smarter and better so you can deal with life as it is - no sugar-coating or playing “happy.”
HOSTED BY
Nesh Nikolic
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Better Thinking have?
Better Thinking currently has 208 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Better Thinking about?
On every episode you will hear inspiring conversations with leading experts in the fields of psychology, sports, personal growth, nutrition and other fields in order to gain clarity and understanding on how to deal with life in these exciting, yet challenging times. Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a...
How often does Better Thinking release new episodes?
Better Thinking publishes regularly with 208 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Better Thinking?
You can listen to Better Thinking 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 Better Thinking?
Better Thinking is created and hosted by Nesh Nikolic.
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