Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson
by Dr. Amanda Ferguson
Join Dr. Amanda Ferguson, psychologist and published author as she discusses a range of topics including personal and work issues, relationships, professional and personal development, performance and more. Sharing her insights along side a variety of guests, the Pysch for Life podcast is your insight into mental health, psychology and life.
Episodes
-
Dear Carer: caring for loved ones - with mental health advocate and nurse, Sarah Martin
In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Sarah Martin to discuss her latest book, Dear Carer. Sarah is an author, perioperative nurse, mental health advocate, a carer peer worker - advocating for those with complex mental health concerns and a peer ambassador for Sane Australia. Sarah's...
-
What’s behind male aggression, with psychotherapist Geoffrey Price
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with psychotherapist Geoffrey Price about what's really behind male aggression. Geoffrey has 40 years clinical experience as a psychotherapist for men and couples, and is executive coach to CEOs around the world. He is a co-founder and senior facilitator…
more -
Bad days may be inevitable, but staying stuck in them isn't, with author, Dr Gayle Smerdon
In this episode of Pysch for Life I chat with author, speaker and Learning + Organisational Development specialist, Dr Gayle Smerdon about Bay Days are inevitable, but we don't need to stay stuck in them! For more than two decades, Gayle has worked across universities, government and...
-
Parenting in the age of professionalising parenting, with Family Therapist, Dr. Jenny Brown
In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Dr Jenny Brown about how the over-professionalisation of parenting is eroding parents' trust in their own instincts and increasing anxiety, guilt and burnout. Dr. Jenny Brown is a family therapist, founder of the Parent Hope Project and host of...
-
Motherhood of today, with sociologist Dr Sophie Brock
In the latest Psych for Life episode, I speak with sociologist, Dr Sophie Brock about the Motherhood of today. Dr Sophie Brock specialises in Motherhood Studies and offers education and professional training on the social construction of motherhood and how cultural systems shape maternal...
-
Healing inherited trauma - how your family history lives in your body, with Dr Meher Chahal
In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Dr. Meher Chahal on healing inherited trauma. Dr Chahal is a medical doctor, author, astrologer, entrepreneur, and investor trained in western medicine, psychiatry, systemic and family constellations therapy, Hellenistic astrology, and Jungian...
-
Harnessing stress as a springboard for goal achievement, with Dr Rebecca Heiss, Stress Physiologist
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with stress physiologist and evolutionary biologist, Dr Rebecca Heiss on harnessing stress as a springboard for goal achievement. Rebecca's work centres around eliminating the barriers between who you are, and who you want to become. Tackling fear…
more -
Coaching with spiritual insight for leaders, with Randall Ian Thames
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Randall Thames, an executive coach and personal concierge advisor to c-suite leaders, author, consultant, master top team effectiveness strategist, national speaker and facilitator, community and ministry leader. Randall is renowned for providing...
-
Good Girl, Goodbye with author, Caitlin Judd
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with author, Caitlin Judd about her new book - Good Girl, Goodbye. Caitlin is an author, coach and business strategist who helps women untangle their ‘Good Girl’ conditioning so they can design richer, more meaningful lives. Drawing on positive…
more -
Embrace your inner coach, with psychologist and author, Tom Mitchell, PhD.
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tom Mitchell, Ph.D. who has spent his adult life coaching and teaching others how to discover their unique, greatness within. His passion for exploring the boundaries of performance excellence began as an athlete in his native Pennsylvania. His avid...
-
Neurodiversity and success in life, with author Alina Bellchambers
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with author Alina Bellchambers. Alina grew up in her family’s bookstore and spent a childhood immersed in fantastical worlds. She now writes twisty thrillers and epic fantasies featuring morally grey characters, seductive court intrigue and powerful...
-
Healing from trauma with storytelling, with trauma specialist + romance author, Dr Alicia Leigh
In my first Psych for Life episode for 2026, I'm chatting with romance author and trauma specialist, Dr Alicia Leigh, about how to heal trauma with storytelling. Dr Alicia is a multi-published author of over 20 fiction and non-fiction books with a PhD investigating how the romance genre serves as…
more -
SS5 - Transitioning to Being a Father, with Gender Equality Activist, Mark Morris
In the last episode of the Psych for Life - Summer Series, I'm resharing my chat with Mark Morris about all things transitioning to being a father. Mark is a passionate advocate for positive masculinity and gender equality, an active dad of 2 and volunteers at his children’s school and local...
-
SS4 - Self-esteem + self love - acceptance is everything
In this episode of my Summer Series, we're revisiting a super popular episode that may be a timely reminder for all of us as the new year picks up pace. We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be lacking? Listen to this...
-
Summer Series; Declutter your home and free your mind, with Megan Golightly
In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I'm re-sharing my chat with Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organising and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides,...
-
Summer Series: Boys + emotional intelligence – why soft skills predict success, with Daniel Principe, youth advocate + educator
In this Summer Series episode, I chat with Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives.Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia…
more -
Summer Series - How Self-Compassion Helps our Challenges, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist
In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher, James Kirby, Ph.D., an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of…
more -
The cost of living crisis - managing mood and money, with financial therapist, Jane Monica Jones
In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Jane Monica Jones about the impacts the cost of living crisis is having on our mood and money management. Jane Monica-Jones is Australia's leading Financial Therapist and recent winner of two global awards. Jane is a Trauma Informed Financial...
-
Co-parenting - finding your new mindset with your ex partner
Ending a serious romantic relationship is hard enough – but what about when there are children involved and you need to navigate co-parenting with your ex? Whereas previously ending a relationship would have removed you from dealing with the same old problems, with co-parenting, they are still...
-
ADHD and money, with coach, accountant, and author, Tina Mathams
In this episode of Psych for Life, we're covering all things money and ADHD - what are challenges and how you can be aware of them to make managing your money easier. Tina Mathams is an ADHD money coach, accountant, and author of ADHD Money - a practical, empowering guide to understanding money...
-
Correcting Imposter Syndrome
Do you – or someone you know – have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud? Are you regularly consumed with self-doubt, negative thoughts, anxiety or exhaustion? Do you pass off your achievements simply luck, not skill? Tune in to this episode of Psych for Life, where you’ll learn: - What…
more -
Reset - calm your mind and body
If you have been feeling a little more on edge or frazzled lately, it wouldn't be a surprise. Our world has become so stressful and chaotic, with challenging and traumatic events accessible to us 24/7. We were not designed to manage such a constant stream of stress. So more than ever, we need to…
more -
Anxiety shows up around what we care about, with Dr. Jodi Richardson
In this episode of Psych for Life, I discuss with Dr. Jodi Richardson why anxiety shows up around what we care about. Dr. Jodi Richardson is a professional keynote and workshop speaker for mastering anxiety. She provides real-time strategies to help individuals and teams flourish. Dr Jodi has a...
-
Why High Performers Use Self-Compassion, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist
In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Australia’s leading compassion researcher, Dr James Kirby to discuss why high performers use self compassion. Dr James Kirby is an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the...
-
Self Sabotage - how to self correct
Have you neglected to put your new year’s resolutions into place - and yet again you're wondering why? As we pass the mid point of the year, are you feeling disappointed, frustrated or angry at yourself? Take heart – in this episode I'm discussing all things self sabotage - what it is, why we do...
-
Where Passion Meets Climate Action, with Lisa Blair, World Sailor
On this episode of Psych to Life, I chat with Lisa Blair OAM, the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht Climate Action. She very nearly didn’t live to tell the tale, in a life-threatening dismasting. Lisa is now setting her sights on her upcoming NZ...
-
“Adolescence” and the importance of a grounded sense of self, with Daniel Principe, youth advocate + educator
In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Daniel Principe to discuss the series "Adolescence” and the importance of a grounded sense of self. Daniel champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives. Having presented to…
more -
The Beauty Load, with Author + Counsellor Nicole Mathieson
In this episode of Psych for Life I am chatting all about The Beauty Load and its potential self-esteem dealing damage, with author and counsellor, Nicole Mathieson. Nicole is a relationship coach, counsellor, couple therapist and author of The Beauty Load. She helps women, men and couples in…
more -
Paradigm-shift that tricky relationship (my effective dinner party exercise)
Do you want to Paradigm-shift – or turn the tables – on a tricky relationship? Particularly one in which you feel trapped, controlled, treated like a younger version of yourself? Then tune in to this Psych for Life power ep, where I share my super effective "dinner party exercise" to help you...
-
Workplace Bullying, with psychologist Evelyn M. Field OAM
In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back psychologist and one of Australia's most expert leaders and trainers in bullying, Evelyn Field OAM. Evelyn has spent over forty years helping students and adults develop social survival skills to manage school and workplace bullying. Listen in to...
-
Co-narcissists - Are you one?
Did you grow up with a Narcissistic parent? Are you trying to breaking free of them - or another? Did you feel like you were growing up in their shadow – or now living in another’s shadow? Listen in to this power ep to learn - - What is a co-narcissist - How to recognise an expected or current...
-
Mental Health the New Physical Way, with Clinical Psychologist Bart Traynor
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Clinical Psychologist, Bart Traynor, who has a particular passion for men's mental health and helping athletes and people become the very best version of themselves. He also consults with and provides training and support to organisations struggling...
-
Finding Good Role Models – It’s never too late
A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is admired and imitated by others, particularly by younger people. They serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, influencing values, attitudes, and behaviors. As we grow and develop through life – having good role models can…
more -
When mental illness enters your family, with author Sarah Martin
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Sarah Martin, author of Dear Psychosis, her first award-winning book describing not only the dramatic rescue of her unwell daughter from Turkey, but the ongoing impact of helping a loved one deal with mental illness. Despite being an experienced...
-
How Self-Compassion Helps our Challenges, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher, James Kirby, Ph.D., an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. James...
-
Transitioning to Being a Father, with Gender Equality Activist, Mark Morris
In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm talking with Mark Morris about all things transitioning to being a father. Mark is a passionate advocate for positive masculinity and gender equality, an active dad of 2 and volunteers at his children’s school and local football club. With more than 20 years...
-
Your job and your mental health - a crossroad
Life brings crossroads every so often. When our work conflicts with our mental health – this is a major crossroad – and one that comes to many of us sooner or later in our careers. Most of us are lucky enough to be able to direct the quality of our lives, and these crossroads are opportunities to...
-
Racing the Sydney-Hobart - chosen + unchosen challenges in life, with sailor Dr. Emmanuella Noble
In my first new episode for 2025, I welcomed Dr Emmanuella Noble, a Clinical Psychologist and Sailor who recently completed the classic Sydney to Hobart oceanic yacht race. Emmanuella is deeply passionate about reducing the stigma of Mental Health in the community and she often talks about health...
-
Summer Series 4 - How our digital habits + behaviours impact our stress + relationships, with Dr Kristy Goodwin
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and...
-
Summer Series 3 - Co-dependence - why it makes us miserable and how to untangle it
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's…
more -
Summer Series 2 - Big Goals + the power of self-awareness with Craig Harper
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. In this episode, I chat with motivational speaker, author, researcher and podcaster, Craig Harper. We discuss audacious...
-
Summer Series 1 - Why switching off from work during breaks is critical
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have So many people struggle to switch off at all and find themselves spending breaks (even lunch breaks, let alone...
-
Social Anxiety + Obsessive Thinking - insights and tips
Social anxiety is a chronic mental health condition where everyday social interactions cause irrational worry and anxiety, fear, self consciousness and embarrassment. Debilitating and bad for confidence, particularly at social times of the year such as Christmas, end of year, birthdays and work...
-
Protecting ourselves + our goals from uncertainty + stress with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Tashjian
In this episode of Psych for Life I chat with cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Sarah Tashjian. Sarah is a Lecturer within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences with her research focusing on using brain imaging and computational techniques to understand how humans make optimal decisions. She...
-
Celebrating Christmas and other celebrations in a cost of living crisis
Most of us suffer cost of living crises personally in our lives, as do our nations and as does the world at times. It impacts how we celebrate special occasions. So with Christmas coming up and as the pressure to spend and socialise increases, this episode explores what you as an individual can…
more -
Declutter your home and free your mind, with Megan Golightly
In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting to Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organizing and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides, promoting the importance of…
more -
Evil is amongst us - dealing with narcissists, sociopaths and antisocial personalities in our work and personal lives
Evil is real and does live amongst us. But who teaches us how to deal with bullies, abuse, cruelty and even criminals in our personal and work life ? Unless you’ve suffered at the hands of this – it’s very hard to believe, understand and accept the extreme level of cruelty and abuse that…
more -
Becoming a carer – a partner’s unwelcome news and unexpected gift, with author, Michelle Scheibner
I welcome back author, speaker and activator, Michelle Scheibner. With over 30 years experience in coaching, mentoring, advising individuals and groups. Her extensive training includes a post graduate Diploma in Career Development. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion...
-
Self esteem and self-love - acceptance is everything
We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what really are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be a little lacking? Listen to this power ep as I discuss all things self esteem and self love. This episode includes: - understanding more about self esteem and self love -...
-
Modern addiction support for successful people, with psychologist Tara Hurster
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tara Hurster, Founder and CEO of The TARA Clinic – or Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance – providing Modern Addiction Support For Successful People. She is a Psychologist & Speaker. Join us as we discuss: - how addiction doesn't discriminate -...
About this show
Join Dr. Amanda Ferguson, psychologist and published author as she discusses a range of topics including personal and work issues, relationships, professional and personal development, performance and more. Sharing her insights along side a variety of guests, the Pysch for Life podcast is your insight into mental health, psychology and life.
Hosted by
Dr. Amanda Ferguson
Categories