The Applied Mind

The future of cancer treatment may already exist.In this episode of The Applied Mind I sit down with Professor Nikola Bowden, a cancer researcher at the University of Newcastle whose work focuses on personalised cancer treatment, DNA repair, melanoma, ovarian cancer and drug re-purposing. Her research explores how existing drugs can be used in new ways to treat cancers that are resistant to standard therapies. We unpack what cancer actually is, why it is so difficult to treat, and how DNA damage, UV exposure, immune response, and treatment resistance all play a role. Nikola explains how melanoma develops, why ovarian cancer is often detected late and why repurposing older drugs may offer a faster and more patient-centred path forward than waiting decades for entirely new treatments.We also explore the realities of cancer research funding, the role of pharmaceutical companies, philanthropy and government, the unexpected history of drug repurposing and what it takes to move a discovery from the lab into a clinical trial.This conversation is a clear and accessible look at the science of cancer, but also the human side of research: patients, urgency, hope and the drive to find better options when current treatments are not enough.Topics covered include: cancer basics, melanoma, ovarian cancer, UV damage, DNA repair, immunotherapy, drug repurposing, clinical trials, patient-centred research, funding, personalised medicine and the future of cancer treatment.Link to Professor Bowden's University Profile:https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/nikola-bowden

In this episode of The Applied Mind, I sit down with Dr Jay Raman, a Clinical Psychologist, Senior Lecturer at the University of Newcastle and Founder/Director of the Three Squares Lab. We explore the psychology of body image, eating disorders, weight, shame, comparison and self-worth.Jay brings over 18 years of clinical and supervision experience, along with research expertise across body image, eating disorders, cognitive remediation, obesity, emotion regulation and health psychology. We unpack why body image concerns are so common, when they can become clinically serious and why eating disorders are never as simple as “just eat more” or “just stop worrying about your body.”We also explore the role of social media, photo editing, comparison, control, emotional regulation, family support and the deeper psychological mechanisms that can keep people stuck.This conversation is for anyone who has struggled with food, body image, exercise, appearance, or self-worth, as well as parents, partners, friends and future clinicians wanting to better understand how to support someone through these challenges.Listen to the full episode of The Applied Mind with Dr Jay Raman on Spotify.https://www.newcastle.edu.au/profile/jay-ramanhttps://www.threesquareslab.com.au/

In Episode 09, I sit down with Associate Professor Darren Burke to explore the psychology of evolution, attraction and dark personality traits. Darren is an Experimental and Biological Psychologist whose work examines how evolutionary pressures have shaped the way we see, think, learn and relate to one another. We unpack what evolutionary psychology actually is (and what it isn’t), why sexual dimorphism exists and how traits linked to attraction may function as signals of health, dominance or reproductive fitness.We also explore the darker side of attraction — discussing traits associated with the Dark Tetrad (Narcissism, Machiavellians, Psychopathy, and Sadism), why they can sometimes appear appealing and how evolutionary theory helps explain both their persistence and their risks.This episode challenges oversimplified narratives about “men vs women” and instead focuses on variability, function and the deeper psychological mechanisms that shape human behaviour.If you’re interested in biology, social cognition, attraction or the evolutionary roots of personality — this conversation brings nuance to one of psychology’s most misunderstood areas.

People-pleasing isn’t just about being “too nice.” For many of us, it’s a learned survival strategy.In the very first episode of Applied Mind: Solo Sessions, Eddie unpacks the psychology behind people-pleasing — why it forms, why it feels so hard to stop, and how it’s often rooted in attachment patterns, fear of abandonment, and nervous system responses rather than personality flaws.This episode explores how people-pleasing shows up in everyday life — at work, in friendships, in relationships — and why it can quietly erode self-esteem, create imbalance, and leave you feeling exhausted, resentful, or invisible. Through relatable scenarios and grounded psychological explanations, Eddie breaks down concepts like anxious attachment, the fawn response, emotional suppression, and why logic alone doesn’t calm attachment anxiety.Most importantly, this episode isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about understanding why your system learned these patterns and how real change comes from creating safety, self-awareness, boundaries, and authenticity — not self-criticism.In this episode, we cover:What people-pleasing really is (and what it isn’t)How fear of abandonment and attachment shape our behaviourWhy people-pleasing can feel automatic and hard to stopThe fawn response and emotional suppressionHow over-giving impacts relationshipsPractical strategies for setting boundaries without guiltThe difference between being kind and abandoning yourselfThis episode is grounded in psychological research and lived experience. It’s not therapy or professional advice — but it is an honest, compassionate deep-dive into a pattern many of us struggle with, especially in our twenties.If you’ve ever said yes when you meant no, felt anxious about disappointing others, or struggled to feel safe being fully yourself — this one’s for you.

In this episode of The Applied Mind, I’m joined by Nicole Ennis-Oakes, clinical psychologist and Director of Neuronexus to unpack ADHD without the hype, oversimplification or misinformation.We break down what ADHD actually is — and what it isn’t — exploring common misconceptions, why the condition is so often misunderstood and how it can profoundly impact attention, relationships, emotion regulation, identity and daily functioning across the lifespan.Nicole brings a grounded, clinical lens to diagnosis and assessment, discusses why accurate profiling matters and explains how thoughtful planning and support can genuinely improve quality of life for neurodivergent individuals. We also touch on the broader neurodiversity framework, overlapping presentations and why “one-size-fits-all” approaches consistently miss the mark.This conversation is for anyone who:Has ADHD or suspects they mightSupports someone with ADHDFeels confused by conflicting information onlineWants a clearer, evidence-based understanding of neurodiversityNo shortcuts. No buzzwords. Just clear psychology applied to real life.Enjoy! If you are interested in learning more - check out the following links! https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/attention-deficit-disorder-add-or-adhdhttps://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/adhd/what-is-adhd

Domestic and family violence isn’t always loud, obvious, or physical. Much of the harm happens in the quiet — through patterns of control, isolation, monitoring, and fear that slowly shape a person’s entire world.In this episode, I sit down with Ashleigh Chapman, a Specialist Domestic and Family Violence Counsellor with nearly a decade on the frontline, to unpack what coercive control really looks like and why it’s so often misunderstood.Ashleigh breaks down how control develops long before any visible abuse occurs, the psychological tactics that keep people stuck, why leaving can be the most dangerous time, and the common misconceptions that prevent friends, families, and communities from recognising what’s happening.This conversation is honest, confronting, and deeply human. Whether you’re learning for the first time or want a clearer understanding of DFV, Ashleigh offers insight that cuts through the noise and gives shape to an issue many people struggle to see.If at any point this episode feels heavy or brings something up for you, please reach out for support — we’ve included relevant services in the show notes.Support Links: 1800RESPECT is the major referral resource- families may contact the hotline and they will link in with local support services. Relationships Australia is where Ashleigh also refers couples for DFV related counselling. https://www.anrows.org.au/Hotline Power & Control Wheel: At The Hotline, our frame of reference for describing abuse is the Power and Control Wheel created by the Domestic Abuse Intervention Project in Duluth, MN.https://www.thehotline.org/identify-abuse/power-and-control/What is coercive control: https://www.relationshipsvictoria.org.au/news/what-is-coercive-control/White Ribbon Helplines: https://whiteribbon.org.au/helplines/Support Service: Confidential information, counselling and support service. 1800RESPECT is available for free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence.https://1800respect.org.au/Australian Government Serviceshttps://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/family-and-domestic-violence

This episode goes far beyond diets and gym plans — it’s an honest, unfiltered look at the psychology of women’s health, body image, and the pressure to “bounce back.”Anna is a fat loss coach who’s lived every extreme in the fitness space — from bodybuilding competitions to boxing fights, from disordered eating to becoming a coach who now helps women rebuild a healthy relationship with food, exercise, and self-worth.We unpack her personal story — years of silent struggle with bingeing, purging, and perfectionism — and how that pain became the foundation for a more sustainable, compassionate approach to fitness.But this episode also dives deep into the science and strategy behind women’s training and wellbeing. We talk about:🧠 The psychology of shame, self-talk, and emotional eating💪 Training around your menstrual cycle — and why syncing your workouts with your cycle changes everything🤰 Pre- and post-pregnancy training: realistic expectations, recovery, and strength👩‍👧 Navigating fitness and identity as a mum⚖️ Weight loss for women — how to do it sustainably without restriction or burnoutThis conversation bridges mindset and method — showing that health isn’t about chasing perfection, it’s about understanding your body and treating it with respect.

In this episode, I sit down with performance and physique coach Gary Lapitan, who works with CEOs and elite athletes, to unpack the psychology of getting in shape. We dive into the habits that fuel long-term results, the mental traps that hold people back, and how social media distorts our idea of “fitness.”Gary also opens up about his personal journey from the Philippines to Australia, and how resilience, discipline, and identity shaped both his career and his coaching philosophy.If you’ve ever wondered why staying consistent feels harder than the workout itself — this one’s for you.

Tucked away deep in the hardest part of the skull hides the vestibular system, the mysterious unsung hero of the senses. Professor Alan Brichta is its number one fan. Most of us never think about balance until we lose it. But behind every step you take, every glance you stabilise, and every movement you make, there’s a silent system at work: the vestibular system.In this episode I sit down with Professor Alan Brichta, a leading neurobiologist from the University of Newcastle, to explore the science of balance—and why it matters more than we realise.Alan’s groundbreaking research has redefined what we know about the brain’s “hidden sense.” From pioneering semi-intact inner ear models to uncovering how the brain talks back to the ear through efferent pathways, his work sheds light on a system that connects motion, emotion, and cognition.We dive into:The biology of balance—why the vestibular system is the unsung hero of everyday movement.How efferent feedback reveals a two-way dialogue between brain and ear.What happens when the balance system malfunctions—vertigo, dizziness, and their psychological toll.The surprising links between vestibular dysfunction, anxiety, and sense of self.How balance training could support healthy ageing, concussion recovery, and even elite performance.Whether you’re a neuroscientist, a psychologist, an athlete, or simply someone who’s ever felt dizzy, this conversation will change the way you think about balance and the brain.

In this episode of The Applied Mind, I sit down with psychotherapist Sophie Cook to unpack the deep connections between trauma and addiction. Sophie brings a raw and human perspective from her extensive experience —exploring the ways we carry trauma, how it manifests in destructive patterns, and what the underlying mechanism of addiction and trauma actually are. Whether you’ve walked this path yourself or want to understand it better, Sophie’s insights will shift the way you think about trauma and recovery.

Infertility rates across the developed world are on the rise — and around one in six Australian couples will face fertility challenges. A major part of the problem? A decline in sperm count and quality.In this episode, I’m joined by reproductive biologist Dr. Geoffrey De Iuliis, whose world-leading research is uncovering the hidden factors behind male infertility. From oxidative stress and environmental toxins to the potential effects of mobile phone radiation, Geoff’s team is asking the hard questions: Why does infertility occur in some men? How can we treat it? And what lifestyle changes can protect fertility?We dive deep into the science of sperm health, exploring how damage at the molecular level can sabotage fertility and how social factors are pushing younger generations decisions to conceive back later and later.Whether you’re planning a family, working in health, or simply curious about how modern life is impacting men’s biology, this conversation sheds light on a silent crisis and where the science is taking us.

We sit down with Ari Paparestis – a psychologist with real experience working on both sides of our juvenile justice centres. Expect to learn what life is like as a guard but also what life is like for some of the youth who are being detained - we dive into Ari’s humorous journey into psychology, explore the raw lessons learned inside juvenile detention, and unpack the mental game behind boxing.