All In The Mind

When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread?Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype. Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up?And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter? If you want to hear more about our relationship with objects, check out Why do we love collecting?Guests:Professor Melissa NorbergPsychologistMacquarie UniversityProfessor Jessica GrishamPsychologistUniversity of New South WalesDr Seung Hwan (Mark) LeeProfessor and Associate Dean of Engagement & InclusionTed Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan UniversityDr Omar FaresAssistant Professor in the Faculty of BusinessUniversity of New BrunswickCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteMore information:Understanding 'underconsumption core': How a new trend is challenging consumer cultureBreaking up with belongings: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an unguided web-based program to reduce overconsumptionNudging society toward more adaptive approaches to material possessions: Harnessing implicit approaches to reduce overconsumption and excessive saving

Transcribed - Published: 16 August 2025

Can serial killers ever learn empathy? Is their psychology similar to mass shooters? Why are they almost always men?Welcome to All in the Mind’s first ever ‘mailbag’ episode!These are just some of the many questions you sent us after our recent episode on serial killers, called Where have all the serial killers gone?Forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee is back on the show, answering these questions and a whole lot more.And can we ask a favour? As this is our first mailbag episode, we’d love to know your thoughts. Do you find this kind of format useful or interesting? Would you be keen to hear mailbag episodes more regularly? You can reach us at [email protected] if you have any feedback.Guests:Dr Rajan DarjeeForensic psychiatristClinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation ServicesCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: John Jacobs

Transcribed - Published: 9 August 2025

Have you ever felt like things were not quite real?That you were no longer connected to your body or didn’t know who you were?Nathan Dunne felt this way for years. And it’s never quite stopped affecting the way he sees himself or the world around him.Today, depersonalisation disorder — and what we know about its symptoms, causes and treatments.And a heads up, this episode discusses heavy topics such as suicide. Please take care while listening.Guests:Nathan DunneAuthor, When Nothing Feels RealDr Emma CernisClinical psychologist and researcherAssisant Professor of Clinical PsychologyUniversity of BirminghamCentre Lead, Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation CentreCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarReporter/Senior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Tegan NichollsIf you enjoyed this episode, you might like:Can we trust our memories?Memory loss and identityDissociation and coping with traumaDepersonalisation — when Nathan lost his sense of self and nothing felt real (Conversations)More Information:When Nothing Feels Real - Nathan DunneUnreal: Depersonalisation and Derealisation SupportLike being trapped behind a pane of glass – depersonalisation, derealisation disorder explained (The Conversation, 2025)Depersonalisation-derealisation as a transdiagnostic treatment target: a scoping review of the evidence in anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)The Prevalence of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: A Systematic Review (Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2023)Support resources:Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2025

Love it or hate it, there are reasons you might read your star sign and relate to what it says about you as a person.We all fall into cognitive traps — but if we’re aware of them, is it such a bad thing to indulge in your daily horoscope, or a tarot card reading?Today, we delve into the occult, to understand why some people seek messages from the universe, and if it can play a role in therapeutic care.If you want to hear more about otherworldly beliefs, check out our episode Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience?And Soul Search also has an episode called Astrology and tarot — telling the future, or connecting with the present?Guests:Professor Susan Krauss WhitbourneProfessor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts AmherstRyan FindlayPsychotherapist and tarot readerCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Shelby TraynorSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteExtra information:When It Comes to Personality Tests, a Dose of Skepticism Is a Good ThingWhy You Might Not Want to Trust a Personality Test – Psychology TodayThe validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register dataEven the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrologyThe Power of Rituals – Psychology Today

Transcribed - Published: 26 July 2025

The backpacker killer. The Claremont killer. Ted Bundy. The crimes serial killers commit linger in our memories for decades.But when was the last time you heard about an active serial killer in the news?In our final episode of Criminal Psychology, we probe the lead-crime hypothesis, find out about 'chemical castration' and ask — where have all the serial killers gone?And a heads up that this episode explores some heavy themes including sexual assault, child abuse, suicide and murder. It also contains the names of Aboriginal people who have died. Please take care while listening.If you've got more questions for our forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee, please send them to us! We're going to make a special mail-bag episode featuring your burning true crime questions. Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected] with the subject line "criminal psychology question".Guests:Dr Rajan DarjeeForensic psychiatristClinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation ServicesDr Xanthe MallettCriminologistAssociate Professor of Criminology, Central Queensland UniversityCo-Director, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence ResearchPodcast co-host, Motive and MethodCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Emrys CroninMore information:The lead-crime hypothesis: A meta-analysisSupport resources:Beyond BlueLifeline 13 11 141800 Respect

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2025

What drives some people to steal compulsively?This week, as part of our special four-part series Criminal Psychology, we're talking about kleptomania and the impact it can have on a person's life.We speak to someone who’s been diagnosed with kleptomania about their experiences; from their urges to steal, to the guilt and shame they feel.We also chat to a psychiatrist about what treatment looks like for people with kleptomania.Guests:LynnDr Sam ChamberlainProfessor of Psychiatry, University of Southampton Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarReporter/senior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Emrys CroninMore information:Symptom Severity and Its Clinical Correlates in KleptomaniaA Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Opiate Antagonist, Naltrexone, in the Treatment of KleptomaniaWhy do young children sometimes steal? And what should parents do about it?Kleptomania — Mayo ClinicKleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors

Transcribed - Published: 12 July 2025

Australians know the devastation of bushfires all too well. So why would anyone deliberately light a fire?In this episode of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we're exploring the psychology of arson.Answering questions like, how does it relate to pyromania? What do we know about the profile of a typical arsonist? And how do investigators track down the source of a blaze?Guests:Dr Paul ReadClimate criminologistDr Nichola TylerSenior lecturer, forensic psychologySwinburne University of TechnologyRichard WoodsDirector, Wildfire Investigations and AnalysisAdjunct Associate Lecturer, Wildfire Investigation, Charles Sturt UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Emrys CroninExtra information:Adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism who deliberately set fires: A systematic reviewThe truth about Australia's fires — arsonists aren't responsible for many this seasonSome Coalition MPs say that arson is mostly to blame for the bushfire crisis. Here are the factsDeliberately lit vegetation fires in AustraliaClinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients engaging in fireplay or arson: a case–control studyWhat are the differences between children and adolescents who deliberately light fires?The Acquisition of Fire

Transcribed - Published: 5 July 2025

Why would any parent lie about their child's health? Or worse, intentionally make their child sick?In episode one of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we dive into a disorder that’s long been sensationalised in the media: Munchausen by Proxy – and ask: how do these parents get away with their lies? Can their behaviour ever be reformed?Guests:Brenda Bursch, PhDDirector, Pediatric Psychology in Outpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics ProgramProfessor of Clinical Psychiatry & Biobehavioral SciencesProfessor of Clinical PediatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine,University of California, Los AngelesProfessor Jon JureidiniChild psychiatristResearch Leader, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of AdelaideCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExecutive producer: Petria LadgroveSound engineer: John JacobsExtra information:Munchausen by Proxy: Clinical and Case Management GuidanceAPSAC Advisor Volume 30, Issue 1- Munchausen by Proxy Special IssuePsychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy AbuseThe mothers accused of poisoning their kidsSupport resources:Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

Transcribed - Published: 26 June 2025

On All in the Mind, we investigate why people behave the way they do. But there are some perspectives we don't often hear about.Introducing Criminal Psychology, a special series diving into just that.On this four-episode series, we'll cover arson, kleptomania, serial killers and Munchausen by proxy as we look at what drives people to the extremes of human behaviour.And we'll examine how our understanding of the human mind can better help us to prevent harm.Whether you're a dedicated fan of true crime or curious about the inner workings of our minds, stay tuned — our first episode is out on Sunday June 29.

Transcribed - Published: 23 June 2025

Time and time again, Dr Rangan Chatterjee has seen chronic stress wreak havoc on his patients' lives — contributing to autoimmune disorders, gut problems, low libido and more.But the most devastating blow struck his own family, when his father's punishing work schedule forced him to medically retire in his 50s.It’s an experience that led Rangan to rethink his own work and approach to medicine.Today, Dr Chatterjee, a GP and host of a mega popular wellbeing podcast, shares his story, as well as strategies for better managing stress in your own life.Guest:Dr Rangan ChatterjeeGP, author and host of Feel Better, Live MoreCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tegan NichollsMore information: Rangan's Australian tour

Transcribed - Published: 21 June 2025

Loneliness hurts. And we know it's bad for us, worse than smoking or obesity. Even though a third of us are lonely, we're embarrassed to say so. So, what would happen if we talked about our loneliness openly? And how can we build more meaningful connections?This week we have a special episode from our friends at Ladies, We Need To Talk.Host Yumi Stynes speaks to women who are lonely, one within a marriage and one hoping to find a partner, to understand the toll it can take. Plus, psychologist Dr Bella Ingram shares tips on how we can insulate ourselves from the chill of being lonely.More information:Ending Loneliness ReportResources:Beyond BlueLifeline 13 11 14

Transcribed - Published: 14 June 2025

Concussions are hard to diagnose, often get missed, and don't always get taken seriously.And if you're not a professional athlete, it can be surprisingly hard to get clear information on how to manage and recover afterwards. Why?The brain is your most important organ, after all!This week, we try and make sense of the confusion around concussions.This episode was first broadcast in October 2023.Guests:Dr Lewis FreethPsychiatristKateNaznin Virji-BabulPhysical therapist and neuroscientistAssociate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British ColumbiaShreya McleodPhysiotherapistLecturer, Australian Catholic UniversityPhD candidate, University of NewcastleCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Russell Stapleton

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2025

Avoiding your emotions is generally a recipe for disaster — but Ethan Kross makes a case for occasional 'strategic' avoidance.He’s a professor of psychology from the University of Michigan, and he’s appeared in some of our most popular episodes: Controlling the chatter in your head and What influences your inner voice? Controlling 'chatter' part two.He’s back to share more tools for taking charge of your emotions.Guests:Ethan Kross, PhDProfessor of Psychology and Management, University of MichiganAuthor, Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage YouCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Dylan Prins

Transcribed - Published: 31 May 2025

Panicky. Irrational. Impulsive. These are the traits that have long been associated with crowd behaviour.But modern crowd science suggests that’s an incomplete, if not inaccurate picture.From crowd crushes to terrorist attacks, we take a closer look at how people really behave in crowds, and what you can do to keep yourself safe in one.Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, Can music inspire mania?Guest:Associate Professor Milad HaghaniPrincipal Fellow in Urban Resilience & MobilityUniversity of MelbourneCredits: Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore info:How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 1. Decision making of individualsHow simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 2. Physical movement of individualsHow behavioural changes in social groups affect evacuation efficiency of crowdsContemporary understanding of riots: Classical crowd psychology, ideology and the social identity approachThe role of social identity processes in mass emergency behaviour: An integrative reviewEnglish riots 2011: new research shows why crowd behaviour isn't contagiousHow to stay safe in a New Year's Eve crowd

Transcribed - Published: 24 May 2025

Whether it's stamps, figurines, antiques or toys, plenty of people love collecting. But why?What are the psychological drivers behind the hobby? How much is marketing influencing us, and is there a risk of collecting turning into hoarding?If you enjoy the show or if you have feedback you'd like to share, please check out our survey here.

Transcribed - Published: 17 May 2025

Over years of clinical practice, psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients.Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism.So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacrificing their mental health.If you loved this episode, you should listen to our story on controlling the chatter in your head.And if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only seven questions and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.Guests:Dr Mary AndersonPsychologist; Author, The Happy High AchieverExtra Information:The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia

Transcribed - Published: 10 May 2025

If you're watching sport or browsing social media, odds are you will come across gambling ads. If you work in an office, you might've joined Melbourne Cup or footy tipping comps.In Australia, it can feel like gambling is everywhere.Today, we look at how everything from video games to shopping sites seem to be priming us for betting-like behaviours, and how the ubiquity of gambling ads is influencing young people in particular.And if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only 7 questions and we'd love ot hear your thoughts on the show.Resources:Gambling Help Online or over the phone 1800 858 858Lifeline resources

Transcribed - Published: 3 May 2025

For years, psychologist Patricia Harney avoided true crime podcasts and documentaries. They hit too close to home.Recently she's been testing the waters, and noticing these whodunnit shows often leave out a crucial element of the story.This episode was first broadcast in July 2023Take our listener survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7

Transcribed - Published: 26 April 2025

All in the Mind is doing its first-ever listener survey — can you tell us a bit about who you are and why you listen? We'd love to understand you better!We’ve kept the survey snappy — it's only seven questions. We’re especially keen to know the age range of our listeners.Take the survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7And you can always reach us at [email protected] behalf of the team, thank you!

Transcribed - Published: 23 April 2025

Chat bots as therapists. Apps that can track your mood and behaviour, offering earlier detection of psychiatric illness.There's a lot happening at the nexus of mental health and AI – some of it promising, some of it perilous.Today, science writer and author of The Silicon Shrink, Daniel Oberhaus, takes us on a journey through this emerging space. We'll look at the potential benefits, the major limitations and the ethics of adding AI into our mental health mix.And just a heads up, this episode touches on the topic of suicide, please take care while listening.Resources:Lifeline AustraliaBeyond Blue13YARN

Transcribed - Published: 19 April 2025

The brain might be an undiscerning blob that makes up just two per cent of your body, but what it does for you is extraordinary.How much about the day-to-day workings of the brain do we fully understand, and what does the future of medicine have in store for it?In this recording of our live show from the World Science Festival Brisbane, we explore the wonder of brain surgery, advances in neurotech, and whether we could one day preserve consciousness and ‘live’ forever.Keen to listen to another episode? Why not check out Can we trust our memories?

Transcribed - Published: 12 April 2025

Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair.Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us.This episode was first broadcast in May 2024.

Transcribed - Published: 5 April 2025

Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it?Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans, debunk some myths about focus, and discuss the art of taking a break.Want to hear more? Check out our episode, When doom scrolling leads to actual harm.

Transcribed - Published: 29 March 2025

How strong is your memory? Whether you're frequently forgetful or eager to improve, there are ways you can train your brain to recall faster and remember better. This week, we bring you our live show from Podfest at the Adelaide Festival, featuring neuropsychologists, memory athletes, and even some listeners!If you'd like to check out another episode, why not listen to Is life coaching legit?

Transcribed - Published: 22 March 2025

Dementia usually involves a decline in your ability to remember, think and reason over time. And those with dementia are at a high risk of feeling socially isolated, lonely and depressed.As artificial intelligence systems get better and better, researchers are investigating whether AI companion bots could help improve the lives of those with dementia.The combination might sound counterintuitive, but researchers reckon these chatbots have some advantages over human companionship.So, what does a conversation with an AI companion sound like? How might they help? And what do the real people these AI companions are based on think of the experience?Today, former host of All in the Mind Lynne Malcolm reports on the developing field of AI companions for people with dementia.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode with Lynne What's been on Lynne Malcolm's mind (since leaving All in the Mind).

Transcribed - Published: 15 March 2025

Have you ever experienced "the ick"?It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it? To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style.If you want to hear more about dating and psychology, check out our episode The false promise of love languages.

Transcribed - Published: 8 March 2025

NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it?We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars.This episode was first broadcast in March 2024.Looking for another episode to listen to next? Check out Dark tourism + selfie sticks = moral outrage.

Transcribed - Published: 1 March 2025

Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here.Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing. Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Can we trust our memories?Resources:Lifeline Australia1800RESPECT

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here.Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing. Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Can we trust our memories?Resources:Lifeline Australia1800RESPECT

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here.Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing. Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Can we trust our memories?Resources:Lifeline Australia1800RESPECT

Transcribed - Published: 22 February 2025

Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey has seen a lot of kids with behavioural issue over the years, and there are ten things he wishes all parents understood about their kids mental health.From insecure attachment to separation anxiety to emotional difficulties – he gives us the low down on why kids get labelled ‘bad’ – and what’s really going on (usually).Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode, Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.All in the Mind is heading to Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can read more about it here. 

Transcribed - Published: 15 February 2025

There are some decisions in life that can be trickier to navigate. Do you want to get married? Should you change careers? Do you want a baby?Parenthood is a choice more vexed than ever in a world threatened by climate change, political instability and cost-of-living crises. So how can people approach this choice? And if you're lucky enough to have a choice, how do you make peace with your decision?Decision coach Merle Bombardieri has been working with couples on this very topic for decades — today, we ask her about the tools, tips and strategies you can use to tackle the baby question.If you're interested in hearing more about parenthood, check out our episode called Why do we sing to babies?

Transcribed - Published: 8 February 2025

Harry had been lucky. He'd never struggled with his mental health.Then, when he was 18, seemingly out of nowhere — he had his first psychotic episode.It was an abrupt change, with ripple effects across his family.Today, the shock of experiencing psychosis, why you're most likely to get it when you're young, and how you can recognise the signs and support a loved one.If you'd like to hear more about this topic, we have an episode called A musician processes her bipolar diagnosis.Extra resources:SANE AustraliaOrygenHeadspace

Transcribed - Published: 1 February 2025

Politics, war, abortion, gun control — why do some topics make us so outraged?One theory is that our preoccupation with preventing harm is to blame.So today, we examine how humans developed morality, why we differ in what we consider right and wrong, and how that drives us to moral outrage.And after all of that, we'll find out how to have better conversations with people you disagree with (even if you're feeling outraged).If you want to hear more about that, check out The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too.

Transcribed - Published: 25 January 2025

If you could manifest anything into your life, what would it be? A perfect partner, your dream house, winning the lottery?Manifesting promises a limitless potential of dreams to achieve — through methods like vision boards and affirmations.But does manifesting actually help us realise our goals? Is it harmless fun? Healthy positive thinking? Or can manifestation lead the brain down some dark alleys that you might not expect?In this episode we mention another episode called Visualisation and values — goal setting like a winner. It's part two of our two part series on the athlete's mindset. Part one is called A winning mindset — how top athletes think. This episode was first broadcast in March 2024.

Transcribed - Published: 18 January 2025

The AI revolution is coming. Your mind isn't ready for it.Cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson walks us through the many ways artificial intelligence is messing — and will mess — with our psychology.From falling in love with AI to unforgettable deep fakes, we dive into an uncertain future and what you can do to prepare for it.This episode was first broadcast in April 2024.If you'd like to hear more from Joel, he featured on our episode about intuition called When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it.

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2025

That voice inside your head - where does it come from? We bring back a topic that was one of our most popular for a long awaited part two. Today, what shapes your internal chatter.This episode was first released in March 2024.Our original episode on chatter is called Controlling the chatter in your head, if you liked this episode you'll love that one!

Transcribed - Published: 4 January 2025

Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype.From a violent kid, to a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'.Plus, there's been some controversy and questions about the veracity of her PhD - so, we fact checked it.This episode was first released in May 2024.Need something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.

Transcribed - Published: 28 December 2024

What do working for the CIA, navigating hot button topics and talking to teenagers all have in common? They're all situations that supercommunicators excel at.Today, we explore how you can become a supercommunicator too. This episode was first broadcast in February 2024. Why not check out Introversion vs Extroversion. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love that one too. 

Transcribed - Published: 21 December 2024

What influences your shopping behaviour? Well, it's likely a mix of what you need, what's presented to you in store and probably some neuromarketing (which we've covered on our program before).But what about the role of product designers? Today, we get into the psychology of design and the battle designers face balancing innovation with our human need for the familiar. And given all the ways design can manipulate us into wanting something, what role will AI play in the future of design?Extra information:The Psychology Behind Design: A Marketing PerspectiveSee the Yamaha Silent Violin

Transcribed - Published: 14 December 2024

How do you feel as you move through a busy space — like an airport, a city street or a crowded shopping centre?For some of us, these spaces are energising — being among the rush of people and the noise of the crowds. But for others, these situations can be a little much. And for some neurodivergent people — especially those with sensory issues — being in these public spaces can be utterly overwhelming, even harmful. That's a problem when you want or need to use them just like everybody else.Today, audio engineer and producer Amelia Geiss takes you inside their mind — for a first-hand perspective of what it's like to move through public spaces as someone with sound sensitivities. We'll hear about how these sensitivities manifest in the brain — strategies for managing them — and building public spaces that are accessible for everyone.If you're looking for something to listen to next, why not check out our episode, How the drive to be perfect is linked to eating disorders.

Transcribed - Published: 7 December 2024

Dopamine feels great, but is it always good for us?The answer is complicated, so today, we get into what dopamine actually does in the brain.How does it affect our motivation, movement and behaviour? And how does our environment influence that?Plus, should we be detoxing from dopamine ... and why are people raw dogging flights?If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Nine big myths about depression — busted.

Transcribed - Published: 30 November 2024

We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health.But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too.Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours.We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions.Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode about parasocial relationships: Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health.

Transcribed - Published: 23 November 2024

How clear is your inner voice? Do you internally narrate your life? And do you get songs stuck in your head?Almost all of us can imagine sounds in our minds. But a small part of the population don't have internal auditory imagery — a phenomenon called anauralia.Today, we explore the experience of anauralia, in an episode from Radio New Zealand's Our Changing World.Our Changing World is produced and presented by Claire Concannon and Ellen Rykers for RNZ.The original version of this episode was first broadcast on RNZ as The puzzle of the silent mind.Special thanks to Auckland University Student Chamber Orchestra, for allowing use of their recording of Beethoven's 5th symphony.

Transcribed - Published: 16 November 2024

Music is a universal feature of the human experience — present from our very first cultures and civilisations.But do the features of particular songs and styles translate across cultural boundaries? Like, is a lullaby recognisable even when it's from a different culture? Can you identify a love song in another language?Today, we explore the special relationship between music and our minds, in an episode from Radio New Zealand's Our Changing World.Our Changing World is produced and presented by Claire Concannon and Ellen Rykers for RNZ.The clips from the Natural History of Song project used in this episode are available online under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.The original version of this episode was first broadcast on RNZ as Our Musical Minds.

Transcribed - Published: 9 November 2024

Laura would spend weeks feeling normal — even happy. But like clockwork, every month, suddenly she would feel intense depression, making her unrecognisable to herself and friends.It took her nearly two decades to identify what was causing this rollercoaster of mood: PMDD, AKA Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.So what is it about hormones that make some people feel such intense emotions? And why is PMDD still so misunderstood?This episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.It was first broadcast in June 2023.Looking for something to listen to next? Why not check out Demystifying menopause.

Transcribed - Published: 2 November 2024

Professor Chris French has been studying the paranormal for decades. But — he’s a sceptic.In an All in the Mind Halloween special, we explore the psychology behind our spooky encounters.What's going on in your brain when you see a ghost? How do people talk to the dead?And why would a sceptic study the paranormal?

Transcribed - Published: 26 October 2024

How many hours have you spent on your phone today? And do you feel like it's too many?A growing movement of people are going without their smartphones and computers in favour of just about anything that doesn't have a screen.They say it's giving their lives more meaning — and improving their mental health.This week, meet the digital minimalists ditching their devices, and how you can do it too.Want to hear more about the impact social media is having on your mental health? Check out our episode When doom scrolling leads to actual harm.

Transcribed - Published: 19 October 2024

We don't remember everything that happens to us — so why do we remember what we remember?And the memories we do lock away aren't always accurate or trustworthy.This week, we're talking about the fallibility of memory and why sometimes it's healthy to forget.We'll also get into how to remember special moments more clearly, and here's a hint — you might want to put down your camera sometimes.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Overcoming resentment with gratitude.

Transcribed - Published: 12 October 2024

We know running is good for the body, but what about the brain? Hear from people who love running about the psychological tools they use to stay active, including some advice from a professor who's taught their entire class to run a marathon. Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why being a beginner is good for you.

Transcribed - Published: 5 October 2024