PODCAST · society
The Mind Mate Podcast
by Tom Ahern
The Mind Mate Podcast explores the human condition at the intersection of spirituality, philosophy and psychotherapy. Hosted by counsellor, psychotherapist and writer Tom Ahern, the podcast engages deeply with questions of meaning, anxiety, freedom, identity, death, love, and what it means to live authentically in the modern world.
Episodes
-
226: Anxiety Recovery Part 2: What is the Let Down Effect?
In this video, I talk about the let-down effect—that critical slowing down after a period of chronic stress, burnout or panic. I talk about the differences between depression and the let-down effect, how best to manage it, what not to do, and how you can use therapeutic modalities to assist your...
-
225: Anxiety Recovery Part 1: Where Have I Been?
Yes, it's certainly been a while! Lots has happened. Hopefully this update gives you the necessary context. Regarding my recovery journey, here are some links to relevant articles: Embracing the Wisdom of Anxiety https://thomasahern.substack.com/p/embracing-the-wisdom-of-anxiety You Got…
more -
224: The Founders of Terror Management Theory on Death, Meaning, and Human Behaviour
Sheldon, Tom and Jeff are back for another awesome episode of the podcast! I absolutely love hosting these guys! We spoke about how death awareness quietly shapes human behaviour, culture, and politics, drawing on their decades of research and insights from The Worm at the Core. We explored...
-
223: Core Competencies of Relational Psychoanalysis with Dr. Roy Barsness
Dr. Roy Barsness is the author of the text, Core Competencies in Relational Psychoanalysis: A Guide to Practice, Study and Research (Routledge, 2018) and author of the text: Psychodynamic Supervision: In a New Key (Routledge, 2025). He has published several professional articles, presents...
-
222: Gestalt Therapy and the Wisdom of Horses with Duey Freeman
Duey is a sought-after teacher, trainer, licensed therapist, and equine professional worldwide. He has taught worldwide and developed a practical attachment theory and human development theory taught to thousands of university students. He has nearly 80,000 direct client hours and co-founded the...
-
221: God, The Nature of the Self and the Teachings of Buddhism
Dr. John Powers is back for another chat on the show—largely about Tibetan Buddhism, meditation practices, and the nature of self and consciousness. John shared his personal journey into Buddhism, including a transformative experience with the Dalai Lama that led him to explore meditation…
more -
220: At the Edge of Life: Psilocybin Therapy for Depression and Anxiety
In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I speak with the authors of a powerful new study exploring psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression and anxiety in people living with life-threatening illness.The research looks at how a single, carefully supported dose of psilocybin, combined…
more -
219: The Grieving Body, and the Science of Love and Loss with Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor
In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, to explore the intricate relationship between grief, the brain, and the body. Drawing from her decades of research, Mary-Frances shares insights on how our bodies physically experience grief…
more -
218: Dr. Kirk Honda on Cultural Shifts, Philosophical Insights, and Healing Modalities
On this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I chat with the legendary Dr. Kirk Honda about all things therapy, culture, and philosophy. We dive into different therapeutic approaches—what works, what doesn’t, and why it all depends—while unpacking how cultural trends are shaping the way we think…
more -
217: Archetypes, Dreams, and the Hidden Patterns That Rule Your Life with Dr. Michael Conforti
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Michael Conforti, Jungian analyst and founder of the Assisi Institute, to explore the intricate interplay between archetypes, dreams, and the unconscious. Together, we delve into how patterns of meaning shape our lives, the role of the collective...
-
216: Dr. Kirk Schneider on Finding Meaning and Awe in Everyday Life
Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, I have the absolute honour of sitting down with Dr. Kirk Schneider—one of the leading voices in contemporary existential-humanistic psychology and a true pioneer in the field of depth-oriented healing. Dr. Schneider has an impressive career that spans...
-
215: Emmy Van Deurzen on Authenticity, Dreams, and Existential Wisdom
In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Emmy Van Deurzen, an iconic figure in existential psychotherapy and philosophy. We delved into the rich terrain of dream analysis and discussed how our unconscious lives can reveal pathways to authenticity. We...
-
214: Philosophies of Psychedelic Experiences with Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire
In this special episode, I sit down with Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire to explore the profound philosophical implications of psychedelic experiences. We dive deep into how these altered states of consciousness can reshape our understanding of reality, identity, and existential meaning. Dr....
-
213: Living an Examined Life with Dr. James Hollis
Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! In this special episode, I’m joined by the renowned Jungian analyst and author, Dr. James Hollis. Dr. Hollis has written extensively about the human condition, meaning-making, and navigating the complexities of modern life through a depth psychology lens....
-
212: How Psychedelics Are Revolutionising Mental Health With Matt Zemon
Matt Zemon, MSc, an Educator, Author, and Leader in Psychedelic Wellness, specializes in the impact of psychedelics on mental health. Author of the best-selling Psychedelics for Everyone and the preparation and integration journal Beyond the Trip, he holds a Master's degree in psychology and...
-
212: Accessing FLOW STATES To Find Your Purpose With Hailee Ingleton
In the latest episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, Tom interviews Hailee, a distinguished researcher who has completed her PhD studies on flow states and intergroup conflict. In this engaging discussion, Hailee delves into the fascinating intersection of psychological flow—a state of deep focus and...
-
211: Making Sense of Postmodernism with Ian Cattanach (Write Conscious)
In episode 211 of the "Mind Mate" podcast, I sit down with my friend Ian Cattanach for an engaging discussion. We delve into the profound ideas of Jordan Peterson, Martin Heidegger, Cormac McCarthy, and David Foster Wallace. Together, we explore the intersection of philosophy, literature, and...
-
210: Find Meaning In A Chaotic World With Existential Psychotherapy
In this episode of the Mind Mate podcast, Tom and Aaron, both experienced psychotherapists, engage in a deep and dynamic discussion about the varying approaches to psychotherapy. Tom and Aaron explore the nuances of existential psychotherapy, highlighting its focus on personal meaning, freedom…
more -
209: Navigating Anxiety and Parenting in the Digital Age
Welcome back to the Mind Mate podcast! In this episode, Tom and Pauly dive into a lively discussion, blending humour and insight as they explore Jonathan Haidt's new book, "The Anxious Generation." Together, they unpack the book's themes, shedding light on the growing anxiety among today's youth...
-
208: The Evolutionary Psychology of Literary Fiction With William Flesch
William Flesch is the author, most recently, of Comeuppance: Costly Signaling, Altruistic Punishment, and Other Biological Components of Fiction (Harvard, 2008), and The Facts on File Companion to 19th Century British Literature. He teaches the history of poetry as well as the theory of poetic…
more -
207: How Existential Psychotherapy Transforms Therapy With Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire
Dr Julien Tempone-Wiltshire is a senior lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy, who also works as a psychotherapist specialising in complex trauma. Julien holds a PhD in Philosophy and Literature, a Master of Social Work, a Bachelors of Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Philosophy and Science…
more -
206: Nietzsche, Nihilism and the Aesthetics of Grief with Dr. Kathleen Higgins
Kathleen Higgins is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Her main areas of research are aesthetics, philosophy of emotion, philosophy of music, and 19th-century and 20th century continental philosophy (in particular, the works of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich...
-
205: Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom's Perspectives on the Goal of Therapy
Hey guys, welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! I'm your host, Tom Ahern, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of psychotherapy through the eyes of two legendary figures: Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom. Carl Rogers, the mastermind behind client-centred therapy, has...
-
204: You HAVE To Read The Creative Act by Rick Rubin
Welcome to the latest episode of The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into one of my favourite books, "The Creative Act" by the legendary Rick Rubin. Known for his transformative work in the music industry, Rubin has distilled decades of creative insights and wisdom into this…
more -
203: Scientific Evidence for the Denial of Death: Terror Management Theory
I am pumped for this episode of the podcast! We have a truly enlightening discussion with the pioneers of Terror Management Theory (TMT), Dr. Sheldon Solomon, Dr. Jeff Greenberg, and Dr. Tom Pyszczynski. Terror Management Theory, a groundbreaking concept in psychology, explores how humans cope…
more -
202: Philosophies of Buddhist Teachings and Practices with Professor John Powers
John Powers currently holds a joint position at the University of Melbourne in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies and the Contemplative Studies Centre. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and author of 20 books and more than 100 articles, mainly on Buddhism and...
-
201: Personal Experiences, Insights and Tools to Manage Depression and States of 'Deep Rest'
Welcome back everyone! In this podcast, we, Tom and Paul, (holistic lifestyle coach) delve into the complexities of depression, exploring its causes, symptoms, and impact on daily life. We share personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of recognising early signs and seeking...
-
200: The Science of Sleep with Registered Nurse Deb Herdman
Deb Herdman is a Registered Nurse, entrepreneur and certified sleep practitioner. She is the creator of Nigh’ Nigh’, an author of two e-books and has been published in print, online, radio, and podcasts both in Australia and across the world. Deb presents sleep seminars to parent groups, health...
-
199: The Grieving Brain, Accessing Flow States, and Exploring Spiritual Practices with Paul Glezer
Welcome to episode 198! In this episode Pauly and Tom touch on a multitude of topics ranging from the grief and what the brain does in response to grieving to ways to access the flow state, The boys also touch on what Pauly learnt on his trip to India as well as his silent retreat meditation...
-
198: Forming New Habits, and Why the Terror of Death Shapes Us All with Paul Glezer
Paul has been immersed in the Health and Wellbeing space since 2003, with extended experience in strength and conditioning, calisthenics, mobility, and stress management. Paul’s approach to training is ‘client first’ training. His experience training hundreds of people over the years has taught…
more -
197: The Secret Life of You with Kerri Sackville
Kerri Sackville is an Australian author, columnist, and social commentator. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including The Sunday Times UK, SBS Life, http://news.com.au , mamamia.com, The Australian Women’s Weekly, and Prevention Magazine. A long-time contributor to the Sydney…
more -
196: The Rise of AI, Echo Chambers and Cultivating Self-awareness with Craig Harper
Craig Harper is one of Australia’s leading presenters, writers and educators in the areas of health, high-performance, resilience, self-management, leadership, corporate change, communication, stress management, addiction and personal transformation. Craig has been an integral part of the...
-
195: Religion, Death, Drugs and Sexuality in the 21st Century with Gary Laderman
Gary Laderman is a professor of American religious history and cultures At Emory University. He teaches and writes about death and dying, religion and sexuality, and sacred drugs. He is the author of Don’t Think About Death: A Memoir on Mortality. His other books include an exploration of the...
-
194: The Future of Psychotherapy with Dr. Margaret Ross
Dr. Margaret Ross is a senior clinical psychologist at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne working in Psychosocial cancer care and Palliative Medicine depts. Marg is the Chief Principal Investigator for Australia's first Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy trial to treat depression and anxiety…
more -
193: Using Music as a Powerful Healing Modality with Rodney Pollak
Rodney is a Registered Music Therapist who has a passion for connecting people to their internal and external worlds through music. Since completing his Masters of Music Therapy in 2017, Rodney has worked across a multitude of settings in both: Hospitals Community Not for Profit Organisations He...
-
192: Movement as an Integrative Therapy for Life with Oscar Meerman
Oscar Meerman is a holistic strength and calisthenics coach who draws on a variety of different fields to get the best out of his clients. Beyond his work, however, he is also a deep thinker, a reflective and wise soul, and someone who sees movement as a pathway to greater learning and...
-
191: Three Tools to get the MOST out of your Dog with Jordan Weizman
Jordan Weizman is an accredited canine behaviourist and trainer and is the founder of chilled & Fulfilled. Chilled & fulfilled are driven by their motto “ teaching people, transforming dogs” and are determined to improve the lives of humans and their dogs through an education in canine…
more -
190: The Infinite Power of the Breath to Create Permanent Life Changes with Siobhan Macleod
Siobhan Lou is a Breathwork Meditation Healer, all the way from the Scottish Highlands! After involving herself in a few Breathwork classes in Bali—whilst working as a head trainer/coach at a functional training facility—she was deeply moved and is now inspired to help others gain a greater sense...
-
189: End Couple Conflict Now! with Renowned Psychotherapist Lissy Abrahams
Lissy Abrahams is an individual and couples psychotherapist. She was one of four candidates selected into a 4-year couples psychotherapy Masters in London at the world-renowned institute, Tavistock Relationships. Later, she tutored and lectured here. Lissy returned to Sydney, and founded the...
-
188: How to Actually get Unstuck and Achieve your Goals with Alex VanHouten
Alex VanHouten began his career studying Chemistry and Psychology at Vanderbilt University on the road to becoming an orthopedic surgeon--- But when the medical field failed to provide answers about how to live well with a rare genetic disorder, Alex turned instead to the world of personal…
more -
187: The Body's Innate Intelligence and Capacity to Heal Itself with Nat Sabaag
Nathalie completed a Bachelor of Clinical Science in 1999 followed by a Master of Health Science 2001 at Victoria University. Over the past 20 years, Nathalie has worked alongside some notable Osteopaths along the eastern side of Australia - from Launceston to the Gold Coast and Sydney before...
-
186: How to Achieve Massive Wealth, Financial Freedom and Live Life on your Terms I Jackson Millan
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
185: Why You Should Be Scared Sit less when Sitting with Dr. Stefan Zavlin
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
184: Finding Meaning at the End of Life with Dr. Chris Kerr
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
183: How to Parent your SPICY Kid, Heal your Trauma and Self Sooth with Psychotherapist Heidi Rogers
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
182: The Therapeutic Benefits of Gardening with Jonathan Kingsley
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
181: How to Take Inspired Action and Stop Procrastinating
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
180: Welcome to 2023! Running, AI, Existentialism and the Privilege of Choosing Suffering
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
179: Purpose and Meaning in Jewish Culture with Menachaim Wolf
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
-
178: Happy Couples Use THIS Communication Technique
Hello and welcome to the Body Meets Mind podcast - the podcast within the podcast! Paul, and Tom here, and we are exploring philosophies and strategies for an elevated life. We are so excited to present to you all the hard work that we've been working on behind the scenes. We've been developing...
We're indexing this podcast's transcripts for the first time — this can take a minute or two. We'll show results as soon as they're ready.
No matches for "" in this podcast's transcripts.
No topics indexed yet for this podcast.
Loading reviews...
ABOUT THIS SHOW
The Mind Mate Podcast explores the human condition at the intersection of spirituality, philosophy and psychotherapy. Hosted by counsellor, psychotherapist and writer Tom Ahern, the podcast engages deeply with questions of meaning, anxiety, freedom, identity, death, love, and what it means to live authentically in the modern world.
HOSTED BY
Tom Ahern
CATEGORIES
Loading similar podcasts...
Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does The Mind Mate Podcast have?
The Mind Mate Podcast currently has 225 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is The Mind Mate Podcast about?
The Mind Mate Podcast explores the human condition at the intersection of spirituality, philosophy and psychotherapy. Hosted by counsellor, psychotherapist and writer Tom Ahern, the podcast engages deeply with questions of meaning, anxiety, freedom, identity, death, love, and what it means to live...
How often does The Mind Mate Podcast release new episodes?
The Mind Mate Podcast publishes regularly with 225 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to The Mind Mate Podcast?
You can listen to The Mind Mate Podcast 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 The Mind Mate Podcast?
The Mind Mate Podcast is created and hosted by Tom Ahern.
URL copied to clipboard!