All In The Mind

By ABC Radio

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 Mar 23, 2022

Muzammil
 May 29, 2020


 May 13, 2020


 Mar 29, 2020

Some topics are ok
 Feb 17, 2020
Needs broader appeal

Description

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

Episode Date
Cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics
30:00
Doing something that goes against your beliefs feels pretty bad, right? But what if those beliefs are stopping you from doing something good for you? Producer Rose Kerr investigates the role cognitive dissonance plays in our lives: how it can lead to some creative mental gymnastics, and when it can be harnessed for good.
Mar 18, 2023
A musician processes her bipolar diagnosis
30:00
ARIA-nominated musician Parvyn knows what it's like to lose touch with reality. Delusions, mania, psychosis — she's experienced it all, often while on tour. Despite processing these experiences on her debut solo album 'Sa', she's never spoken publicly about her mental health — until now.
Mar 11, 2023
Controlling the chatter in your head
30:00
This episode was first broadcast in February 2022.  Most of us have an inner voice – it reminds you to pick up milk on your way home, helps problem solve, or rehearse what you’re going to say. But there are times that helpful voice veers into harmful chatter.
Mar 04, 2023
Teen boys, modern masculinity and The Man Cave
30:00
As a teen, Hunter Johnson wanted to be the best at sport, the best at getting girls, and the best at getting attention. But one moment would change everything for him — forcing him to rethink his ideas about masculinity. Now, he's paying it forward. Last week, we explored why toxic masculinity is tricky to talk about. Today, we hear from someone having that conversation daily — shifting the focus from toxic behaviours and beliefs … to emotional intelligence.
Feb 25, 2023
Why talking about toxic masculinity is getting trickier
30:00
Do you get defensive when you hear the term toxic masculinity? You wouldn't be the only one, if so. In this episode, we follow one dad's attempts to understand where internet algorithms are sending his son… and ask, how do we deal with toxic masculinity, when the very term has become contested?
Feb 19, 2023
Your body, your brain, your self
30:00
From phantom limbs to Alice in Wonderland syndrome — why does the brain sometimes mess up its awareness and understanding of the body it belongs to? Neuroscientist and author of Body Am I, Moheb Costandi explains.
Feb 10, 2023
The Paradoxes of Gossip
30:00
Sex, scandal, money and misdeeds. All elements of good gossip. So why do we love the gossip, but not the gossiper? And why are we invested in the secrets of celebrities, even though they're strangers?
Feb 03, 2023
The History of Brainwashing
30:00
Where do you draw the line between brainwashing… and influence? Thought control… and mere suggestion? From the Korean War, to The Beatles, to current day, we trace the sometimes scary/sometimes weird history of brainwashing.
Jan 27, 2023
The Art of Negotiation: mind games and emotional intelligence
30:00
This episode was first broadcast in September 2022.  You might not think of yourself as a negotiator but big or small we all negotiate daily. Getting better at it could make your life easier. So what's the most effective way to negotiate? Is playing hardball ever a useful strategy? And what do you do when you're at a power disadvantage?
Jan 22, 2023
'Refrigerator mothers' and the history of autism
30:00
This episode was first broadcast in May 2022.  On All in the Mind this week, the early history of autism. With historian of science Professor Marga Vicedo we learn about the blame that was cast on mothers, the fight to get adequate help and support for families, and the movement that one mother, Clara Park, helped spark.
Jan 15, 2023
Humour me: why we laugh and what counts as funny
30:00
This episode was first broadcast in March 2022.  Why do we laugh, and what makes something funny? A psychologist, a neuroscientist and satirist Mark Humphries weigh in on humour and the brain.
Jan 08, 2023
The vicious cycle of alcohol and anxiety
30:00
Over summer, we're sharing some of our favourite episodes of the year. This one was first broadcast in April 2022.  Anxiety and alcohol misuse are a common pairing. How do the two egg each other on and what can be done to halt the cycle? Plus, the personality traits that shape our likelihood of harmful alcohol use.
Jan 01, 2023
What happens when our minds wander?
30:00
This summer, we're sharing some of our favourite episodes of the year. This episode was first broadcast in April.  What are the constructive things our minds do when they wander? And when does mindwandering cross over … into not-so-constructive territory? Guests: Professor Moshe Bar Cognitive Neuroscientist, Bar-Ilan University; Author, Mindwandering: How It Can Improve Your Mood and Boost Your Creativity Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Roi Huberman
Dec 25, 2022
A kid can't be diagnosed as a psychopath. Why?
30:00
As a toddler, Nicole's son was extremely aggressive. As he got older, his behaviour worsened. In our final episode of the year, we examine 'callous unemotional traits' — the early warning signs of psychopathy that emerge in childhood.
Dec 16, 2022
The toxic effects of rudeness
30:00
This episode was first broadcast in November 2021.  Are your colleagues rude? Do people regularly ignore each other or dismiss opinions in meetings? Ever gotten an all caps email? On All in the Mind this week, we examine the toxic effects of rude behaviour. And are we getting more rude as a society?
Dec 09, 2022
#TraumaTok: How trauma took over the internet
30:00
If you open any social media app, you're likely to eventually come across videos of people discussing trauma.  The hashtag TraumaTok has billions of views...   So how did trauma take over the internet? And what effect is it having on our mental health? Technology Reporter Ariel Bogle investigates. 
Dec 02, 2022
Treating IBS with... Hypnotherapy?
30:00
When you get nervous, can you feel it in your stomach?  The gut-brain connection is something many of us have experienced but probably not given much thought to.  Research into this connection has led to the rise of a seemingly unexpected treatment for IBS: hypnotherapy.  Producer Danni Stewart investigates how Irritable Bowel Syndrome can be treated. 
Nov 25, 2022
The Certainty Myth
If the only certainty is uncertainty, how do we manage our anxieties about the unknown? Today we explore why the mind struggles with uncertainty and what we can do to manage it. 
Nov 17, 2022
Trauma, OCD and a PhD
30:00
Before she was Dr Alix Woolard, Alix was a teenager grappling with a traumatic event in her family. It would affect her mental health dramatically, leaving her unsure of her path ahead. Now, Dr Alix Woolard researches childhood trauma and it's lifelong impacts. This episode deals with mental health and discusses suicide. Please listen with care. 
Nov 12, 2022
The dark side of fame and what it does to the brain
30:00
Have you ever thought, I wonder what it's like being famous? Maybe it's something you've always dreamed of, or maybe it's your worst nightmare. Being famous is something many people aspire to, but the reality can be isolating. This week, producer Jennifer Leake looks at what fame does to a person's psychology.
Nov 05, 2022
Milgram Shock and Stanford Prison — what we misunderstand about the most infamous experiments in psychology
30:00
What makes people do evil things? Psychologist Stanley Milgram wanted to understand if people could be led to do awful things, just by being told to do them. The experiment he would devise to test this would become one of the most infamous examples of unethical studies in the field of psychology: The Milgram Shock Experiment. But Professor Alex Haslam says that's not the full picture… And the findings are misunderstood.
Oct 29, 2022
Childhood attachment, animal rights and the 'pit of despair': Harry Harlow's unethical experiments
30:00
Oct 22, 2022
Why being a beginner is good for you
30:00
Learning chess with his young daughter kickstarted a life-long journey of learning for Tom Vanderbilt. Here's what he discovered about being an adult beginner, its benefits, and how kids and adults learn differently.
Oct 15, 2022
Unethical experiments: the Monster Study
30:00
With relatively benign intentions, Wendell Johnson devised an experiment that would go on to be dubbed the Monster Study, inflicting terrible harm on a group of vulnerable and unsuspecting children.
Oct 08, 2022
The psychological tricks that make cults so dangerous
Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have to capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things. So how do cults reel people in and what does it take to leave?
Oct 02, 2022
Language and loss
30:00
What goes on in the multilingual mind? And what does it mean to 'lose' your language?
Sep 24, 2022
The Art of Negotiation: mind games and emotional intelligence
30:00
You might not think of yourself as a negotiator but big or small we all negotiate daily and getting better at it could make your life easier.
Sep 17, 2022
Pleasure, pain, dopamine and the brain
30:00
Addiction has long been a problem for humans, but smart phones and the internet have changed the game. So how can we find balance in a dopamine overloaded world? 
Sep 10, 2022
Busting bias: what works and what doesn't
30:00
You've probably heard of unconscious bias but how are they formed and what can we do to stop the damage they can cause?
Sep 03, 2022
Introversion vs Extroversion Part II: Genes, gender and leadership
30:00
What does neuroscience and psychology tell us about how these traits are developed?
Aug 28, 2022
Introversion vs Extroversion
30:00
Are you outgoing or shy? there are pros and cons of each but is it possible to switch sides?
Aug 20, 2022
Can we 'unlearn' chronic pain?
30:00
Few sensations are as primal, as fundamental to our very survival, as pain. But for a fifth of Australian adults, that useful protective mechanism lingers as chronic pain — persistent aching, searing, stabbing sensations, which can be incredibly stressful and debilitating.  What if you could dial down that pain — or even extinguish it altogether — by retraining your brain?
Aug 13, 2022
The making of a magnificent memory
29:44
Anastasia Woolmer explains the techniques memory athletes use, and how you can apply them to everyday life.
Aug 06, 2022
Misadventures in multitasking
29:11
How many times in a day are you doing just one thing? Or is it more common that you’re multitasking – maybe texting and walking? Reading while listening to music? We all multitask to some degree, but do any of us do it well? And is that even possible? This week on All in the Mind, we look into the science of multitasking – why we struggle to do it, why some of us are better at it than others – and how to do it effectively if you must. First broadcast 19 December 2021.
Jul 30, 2022
Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain
29:12
Would you be able to tell the difference between a bargain bin red and a top drop? Or how about what separates a duck paté … from one made of dog food? Perception is everything when it comes to marketing, and decades of neuroscience and psychology research have given businesses ever greater insights into how we can make decisions and how they can subtly shape our expectations so that yes – even dog food paté can become appealing. But the ramifications of this power may be pushing companies into unethical territory. First broadcast on 22 August 2021.
Jul 23, 2022
The 'hidden histories' of autistic adults
29:29
Over the past two decades, our cultural understanding of autism and what it means to be autistic has grown - though we have a long way to go. But there are entire generations of people who grew up when the popular conception of autism was a far cry from how it’s now understood. It meant a whole host of people who grew up feeling like they didn’t fit in, but never quite knowing why. They were autistic, but undiagnosed. And when a diagnosis did come as an adult – it was often revelatory and life-changing. On All in the Mind this week, 'hidden histories’ of late-diagnosed autistic adults. First broadcast 8 August 2021.
Jul 16, 2022
Taking back control of your time
29:30
Our brains are easily distracted or overwhelmed. And that can make getting stuff done harder than it needs to be. This week, we look at methods and strategies for avoiding unnecessary stress by managing your priorities, your focus, and your energy with organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber.
Jul 09, 2022
Not broken, just wired differently: ADHD in adulthood
29:05
Imagine getting a diagnosis in adulthood that suddenly made so much of your life make sense. It explains why you’ve always had trouble being on time, starting things you don’t finish, avoiding difficult projects. Producer Jennifer Leake explores the impact of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.
Jul 02, 2022
The secret life of secrets
29:02
Michael Slepian researches the psychology of secrets. But what he didn't know — until about a decade ago — was that his family had a major secret they were keeping from him. One they planned never to reveal. Until …
Jun 25, 2022
Does guilt have a silver lining?
29:07
Guilt and shame are often used interchangeably, but researchers in emotion and psychology say they are distinct – and often motivate people into very different paths of behaviour. For the feeling of guilt, at least, that might even push you into making unexpected positive changes.
Jun 18, 2022
How we make up our minds: Sydney Writers' Festival
29:06
In the uncertain times we live in, how exactly are we meant to make up our minds? How do we weigh up pros, cons and risk factors, and how do stress and fear bear on our capacity for critical thinking? And how often are we even aware of the decisions we’re making? On All in the Mind this week, a special panel discussion recorded at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.
Jun 11, 2022
You've got the music in you
29:06
Music is central to the human experience. We celebrate with it, commiserate through it - often some of our strongest memories are tied to it. On All in the Mind this week, how music affects us from the womb through the rest of our lives - and what new research tells us about its measurable impact on our mental health. Plus, the 'plink' test - how our musical memories can identify a track from just a sliver of song, and the power of music to shape our emotions.
Jun 04, 2022
'Refrigerator mothers' and the history of autism
29:06
On All in the Mind this week, the early history of autism. With historian of science Professor Marga Vicedo we learn about the blame that was cast on mothers, the fight to get adequate help and support for families, and the movement that one mother, Clara Park, helped spark.
May 28, 2022
Can you change your personality?
29:03
Have you ever wanted to change your personality? Many people do - studies find we're keen to become more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious. But what does the evidence say about whether people do change? And can you tweak your personality deliberately?
May 21, 2022
Natural disasters: how floods and fires shape the psyche
29:07
Two disasters, two years apart - the ongoing mental health impact on survivors and what the research can tell us about the different ways people respond to these life-changing events.
May 14, 2022
The psychology of charitable giving
29:08
The quirks of psychology that influence when we give to charity … and when we don't.
May 07, 2022
'I'm going to cook my baby'
29:21
Dolls can tell us a lot about how kids see the world – especially when it comes to race. One American researcher spent months watching pre-schoolers play with dolls and what she observed shocked her. Plus, did you know the very first study of children and their thoughts about dolls actually changed the course of American history? First broadcast 4 April 2021.
Apr 30, 2022
The vicious cycle of alcohol and anxiety
29:07
Anxiety and alcohol misuse are a common pairing. How do the two egg each other on and what can be done to halt the cycle? Plus, the personality traits that shape our likelihood of harmful alcohol use.
Apr 23, 2022
Grief and the pandemic
29:43
Grief is deeply painful but it's something the majority of us …eventually … find ways to live with. But research is starting to emerge on how the pandemic may have changed the way we grieve - making the experience more intense, more debilitating.  As places like Australia and the US move on from the harshest restrictions of the last two years… is how we grieve returning to baseline? Or is it still too early to know? On All in the Mind this week, how the COVID pandemic has changed the nature of grief. 
Apr 16, 2022
Co-morbidity: why one mental illness can lead to more
29:07
About one in five Australians experience a mental illness in any given year. But what about when mental health issues occur ... together? On All in the Mind this week, we look at a massive Scandinavian epidemiological study series which considers why having one mental illness puts you at greater risk of developing subsequent ones, and explore what that might mean for the treatment and prevention of mental health issues.
Apr 09, 2022
What happens when our minds wander?
29:06
What are the constructive things our minds do when they wander? And when does mindwandering cross over … into not-so-constructive territory?
Apr 02, 2022
Why heartbreak hurts so bad
29:44
If you’re lucky enough to have fallen in love at some point in your life, you’ve  probably also had your heart broken. The experience can be excruciating, protracted, disorienting … but can it cause you lasting psychological – even physical – harm? 
Mar 26, 2022
Hacking humans: social engineering and the power of influence
29:06
Chris Hadnagy’s job involves breaking into banks. But he’s not after money, gold or jewels. He’s searching for weaknesses – in systems, in security, and in people.  And he doesn’t use weapons or threats of violence to get past guards and into vaults. He uses a smile - and a few tricks from his toolbox of psychology and social engineering techniques. Chris is the founder and CEO of Social Engineer LLC and lectures about social engineering around the globe. On All in the Mind this week, the psychology of influence and what makes some people more vulnerable to being ‘hacked’ than others. [This episode originally aired on 01 August 2021]
Mar 20, 2022
Humour me: why we laugh and what counts as funny
29:06
Why do we laugh, and what makes something funny? A psychologist, a neuroscientist and satirist Mark Humphries weigh in on humour and the brain.
Mar 12, 2022
All In The Mind presents... What The Duck?!
07:34
An excerpt from a new ABC podcast called What the Duck?! Each week the ABC's resident nature nerd Ann Jones explores the most unusual elements of our natural world — the ones that make you go What the Duck?!
Mar 09, 2022
The pleasure of pain
29:06
Spicy food, scary movies, BDSM … why do humans sometimes chase painful experiences and how are they linked to pleasure?
Mar 05, 2022
'Utterly catastrophic' — life with frontotemporal dementia
29:07
Frontotemporal dementia, or FTD, is tricky to pick up at the doctor's office and impossible to cure. And for those who live with the condition, their families and their carers, the situation can be very challenging. On All in the Mind this week, we hear from those people and a researcher who has spent decades working on the condition.
Feb 26, 2022
Seeing red — anger and aggression
29:29
What happens when we let our most destructive emotion dominate? On All in the Mind this week, we explore why we get angry, how you might control aggression and whether it can ever be ... useful.
Feb 19, 2022
Toxic positivity — when happiness becomes harmful
31:20
We're urged to stay positive and keep up a cheerful disposition ... but sometimes things are just awful, aren’t they? On All in the Mind this week we look at why we engage in toxic positivity, why it's so damaging when we do and whether something called 'tragic optimism' could be the antidote.
Feb 12, 2022
Controlling the chatter in your head
29:07
Most of us have an inner voice – it reminds you to pick up milk on your way home, helps problem solve, or rehearse what you’re going to say. But there are times that helpful voice veers into harmful chatter.  
Feb 05, 2022
How our brain chemicals drive our behaviour
31:09
You’ve heard of adrenaline, oxytocin and cortisol, but what about glutamate and GABA? And how much do you really know about the chemicals coursing through your brain? On All in the Mind this week, we take a whistle stop tour through your brain to learn how various chemicals influence our behaviour.
Jan 29, 2022
Post-partum psychosis
29:09
Having a baby is supposed to be a joyous time, despite the sleep deprivation and constant crying. But for many women, it can be a dark time. We know one in six suffer post partum depression, but there's another condition that affects women during this period that you may not have heard of. It's called post-partum psychosis. It's rare, but for those who get it, it can be utterly debilitating. This episode was first broadcast on 25 April 2021.
Jan 22, 2022
The damage done by emotionally immature parents (and how to heal)
29:10
How would you describe your parents? Nobody's perfect, of course, but some parents leave more of a mark than others. On All in the Mind this week, we look at the life-long impact of having 'emotionally immature' parents. This episode was first broadcast on 30 May 2021.
Jan 15, 2022
Does self-help ... help? The problem with pop psychology
29:08
Have you ever tried a self-help book? Did it… well, help? On All in the Mind this week, why self-help sometimes falls short ... and the problem with pop psychology more generally.
Jan 08, 2022
The making of a magnificent memory
29:08
One spring weekend a few years back, around 15 people gathered in a south Melbourne office space. They were mostly neuroscience and maths types and there for something super niche and somewhat nerdy — the Australian Memory Championships. Anastasia Woolmer was a first time competitor — but she’d go on to win. On All in the Mind, she explains the techniques memory athletes use, and how you can apply them to everyday life. This episode was first broadcast on 30 May 2021.
Jan 01, 2022
Mood and the magic ion
29:08
It’s the lightest metal on the periodic table. Its origins lie in the very beginnings of our universe. And it's taken, in the form of a pill, by thousands of Australians every day. Join us as we dive deep into the story of this wonder element lithium — the magic ion, as it's sometimes called — and its remarkable impact on mood. This episode was first broadcast on 28 March 2021.
Dec 25, 2021
Misadventures in multitasking
28:57
How many times in a day are you doing just one thing? Or is it more common that you’re multitasking – maybe texting and walking? Reading while listening to music? We all multitask to some degree, but do any of us do it well? And is that even possible? This week on All in the Mind, we look into the science of multitasking – why we struggle to do it, why some of us are better at it than others – and how to do it effectively if you must
Dec 18, 2021
Psychedelics for mental illness
28:57
Major trials are bringing us a step closer to seeing psychedelic substances used in therapy practice for PTSD, anxiety and depression. On this episode of All in the Mind, we take a look at where the research is currently at. 
Dec 11, 2021
Overcoming resentment with gratitude
29:11
We all have resentments in our lives, big or small. How can we move past the feeling and even repair relationships that get bogged down in resentment? The answer may have something to do with ... gratitude.
Dec 04, 2021
How dopamine drives our addictions
29:06
What role does dopamine play in cycles of addiction — and how might we use that knowledge to break them?
Nov 27, 2021
Making big decisions
29:07
Career, family, relationships - how do we think about big decisions and in turn how do they shape our lives? And what makes a 'good decision?' On All in the Mind this week, we hear from three people who have faced big life decisions and an expert who researches life's choices and how we can make better ones.
Nov 20, 2021
The toxic effects of rudeness
28:57
Are your colleagues rude? Do people regularly ignore each other or dismiss opinions in meeting? Ever gotten an all caps email? On All in the Mind this week, we examine the toxic effects of rude behaviour. And are we getting more rude as a society?
Nov 13, 2021
Language and loss
29:06
What goes on in the multilingual mind? And what does it mean to 'lose' your language? Author and linguist Julie Sedivy with a story of losing – and re-discovering – her native language.
Nov 06, 2021
Habits and making them stick
29:20
Habits are notoriously hard to change—exercising more often, practising calmness, getting healthy—it all takes time and effort. So perhaps you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a way to get habits into your routine. We talk with Bernard Balleine, Director of the Decision Neuroscience Lab at UNSW; and with B J Fogg, founder of the Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford University about his new book Tiny Habits. 
Oct 30, 2021
Tears, fears and hope — your pandemic life
29:20
With restrictions easing around the country, we wanted to know how you've survived the past year and a half - what's gotten you through and what you can't wait to do next. On All in the Mind this week, we turn the show over to you, our listeners, and hear your pandemic survival stories.
Oct 23, 2021
'As real as waking life' — exploring lucid dreams
29:06
Have you ever realised you were dreaming ... while in the middle of a dream? Lucid dreams are a common phenomenon, but many people don't realise that these surreal experiences of slumber can be influenced or controlled. On All in the Mind this week, we explore the world of dreams, hear some of the latest research in the area and learn the best ways to induce lucid dreaming.
Oct 16, 2021
The peculiar power of talking to strangers
28:58
Are you the kind of person who loves chatting to strangers? Like people in cafes, parks or the train? Or does the thought of small talk make you cringe? On All in the Mind this week, we cover a growing body of research on how talking to strangers can make you feel happier, more connected to your community and less lonely.
Oct 09, 2021
The building blocks of wellbeing
28:57
Wellbeing' has become a bit of a buzz word recently, but what does it really mean? It's not the same as simply being happy, or experiencing pleasure -  it's something deeper and broader  than that. It has to do with how we connect with others, how we feel about ourselves, and much more. So what do we need in order to achieve wellbeing?
Oct 02, 2021
Hey you! Tell us about your pandemic life
03:22
We're working on an episode about how Australians have been coping through the pandemic, and we want your stories. We want to know what’s been getting you through the tough times, and what you’re most looking forward to when this is all behind us. How can you tell us?  You just need to use your smartphone to record yourself telling a story. It can be sad, happy, funny, weird -- like maybe you got a new hobby, or re-discovered an old one, or made an unexpected friend, and that helped get you through. Maybe you’re looking forward to travelling the world, seeing your children again … or just a cold beer at the pub. Whatever it is, put it into a voice recording, and we’ll share it in a special episode of All in the Mind. To record: Find a quiet room and open up the voice memo app on your smartphone. If you don't have one installed, search for a voice memo app in your app store. Hold the phone's microphone (located at the base of the phone) about 15-20cm from your mouth. Press the red 'record' button and share your thoughts. Once you're finished, hit the record button again to stop, then press done and save the recording with a name. If you're unhappy with what you've recorded, just re-do it. When you've got your recording, you should be able to 'send' or 'share' it via email to mind_rn@abc.net.au. Remember to include your name and the area you live so we can credit you on the podcast.
Sep 29, 2021
Whispers, taps and tingles — what is ASMR?
30:15
Have you heard of ASMR? Whispery, clicky, crinkly videos are massive on YouTube - racking up millions of views. The idea is that these sounds elicit a certain tingly, calming sensation in some people. So what is ASMR and what does the science tell us about it? Is it real … or pseudoscience? And why do some people get the opposite reaction – irritation rather than these pleasant tingles?
Sep 26, 2021
Machiavellianism, and the 'dark triad' of personality
29:23
Do you consider yourself a shrewd manipulator? Are you cynical about the nature of human beings? If so, you might rank highly in Machiavellianism - a personality trait that's based on the writing and views of Niccolo Machiavelli, the 16th-century Italian political philosopher. We look at what makes a Machiavellian personality, and how it fits into the so called ‘dark triad’ of traits.
Sep 18, 2021
Forget dad bod ... what about dad brain?
29:05
During pregnancy and then in childbirth, new mums experience some dramatic hormonal changes. But while these changes in women are relatively well studied … there’s a growing body of evidence finding that biological changes - shifts in hormones and brain activity - happen in men, too. And these shifts are just one part of the picture. Men can also experience mental health issues when they become a new dad, like postnatal depression. On All in the Mind this week, the psychological and biological changes that happen during the transition to fatherhood.
Sep 11, 2021
COVID and the brain
29:05
As the pandemic continues, the long-term effects of COVID-19 are a growing concern. Much is still unknown, but one major study suggests up to a third of people who get COVID-19 will go on to develop a psychiatric or neurological condition. Then there's the anxiety, depression and stigma that come with a diagnosis of the disease. On All in the Mind this week, how COVID can affect the brain.
Sep 04, 2021
Electroconvulsive therapy — they still do that?
29:05
ECT has a chequered history, but its modern iteration is nothing like the scenes depicted in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Used to treat severe depression and psychosis, ECT's side effects include some degree of memory loss. We delve into the discussion around benefits vs side effects, and speak to three patients about their varying degrees of success with the treatment.
Aug 28, 2021
Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain
28:57
Would you be able to tell the difference between a bargain bin red and a top drop? Or how about what separates a duck paté … from one made of dog food? Perception is everything when it comes to marketing, and decades of neuroscience and psychology research have given businesses ever greater insights into how we can make decisions and how they can subtly shape our expectations so that yes – even dog food paté can become appealing. But the ramifications of this power may be pushing companies into unethical territory.
Aug 21, 2021
The 'benevolent' brand of sexism
28:57
You’re no doubt familiar with 'hostile sexism' – blatantly negative or restrictive attitudes towards women. But there's another type of sexism it co-exists with - ‘benevolent sexism’ - which is sometimes harder to detect. Benevolent sexism can be well-meaning and positive – describing women as natural nurturers or brilliant carers. It's linked to notions of chivalry and romance - research suggests some women even find benevolent sexism attractive. But these attitudes can still cause major harm to women in the workplace and the home.
Aug 14, 2021
The 'hidden histories' of autistic adults
29:29
Over the past two decades, our cultural understanding of autism and what it means to be autistic has grown - though we have a long way to go. But there are entire generations of people who grew up when the popular conception of autism was a far cry from how it’s now understood. It meant a whole host of people who grew up feeling like they didn’t fit in, but never quite knowing why. They were autistic, but undiagnosed. And when a diagnosis did come as an adult – it was often revelatory and life-changing. On All in the Mind this week, 'hidden histories’ of late-diagnosed autistic adults.
Aug 07, 2021
Hacking humans: social engineering and the power of influence
29:08
Chris Hadnagy’s job involves breaking into banks. But he’s not after money, gold or jewels. He’s searching for weaknesses – in systems, in security, and in people.  And he doesn’t use weapons or threats of violence to get past guards and into vaults. He uses a smile - and a few tricks from his toolbox of psychology and social engineering techniques. Chris is the founder and CEO of Social Engineer LLC and lectures about social engineering around the globe. On All in the Mind this week, the psychology of influence and what makes some people more vulnerable to being ‘hacked’ than others.
Jul 31, 2021
Delirium in the ICU
29:07
It’s a condition which affects some patients who end up in intensive care …  and can continue after they’re released from hospital. People often experience paranoia and fear, sometimes believing doctors are trying to kill them or that ghostly figures have visited during the night. Disrupted sleep, bright lights, the endless beeping of alarms — all are thought to play a role in bringing on the condition. On All in the Mind this week, delirium in the ICU – and how our hospital system might be redesigned to reduce it. 
Jul 24, 2021
Why being a beginner is good for you
29:06
Tom Vanderbilt didn’t know how to play chess. That fact had never bothered him – until his four-year-old daughter decided she wanted to have a go. Within a couple of months, they’d recruited a teacher and both Tom and his daughter combo were battling it out over 64 squares. Tom found the experience of being an adult beginner so challenging and interesting he thought he'd give it a proper go - with a range of different skills and hobbies. Over the next year he embarked on learning multiple new skills, from surfing to singing. On All in the Mind this week, we hear what Tom learnt from his journey, the benefits of lifelong learning, and how kids and adults learn differently.
Jul 17, 2021
On becoming a mother in a pandemic
30:25
More than a year after the novel coronavirus pushed much of the world into lockdown, a generation of new mothers are still coming to terms with having been pregnant - and giving birth - in a pandemic. And if you consider the uncertainty of the past year, the stress, the isolation - there are lots of reasons to be concerned about the impact that might have had on new mums, as well as their babies. On All in the Mind this week, we delve into new research on the impact of the pandemic on new mothers, and hear from mums about the trials, and occasional triumphs, of life in a lockdown limbo.
Jul 10, 2021
Antidepressants and young people
29:06
From 2008 to 2018, the prescription of antidepressants in young people grew by 66 per cent. There’s data to suggest that last year, among the lockdowns and anxiety of the pandemic, that figure ticked even higher. In last week’s episode we looked at how the mental health of teenagers fared through the first year of the coronavirus pandemic. This week, another big issue among teenagers and young people - antidepressant medications. We hear from young people themselves about their mental health journeys, what it’s like to be on anti-depressants and their hopes for the future. And we cover the findings from a major review into antidepressant use in young people. 
Jul 03, 2021
Are the teens alright?
29:04
Your teenage years can be tumultuous, but did you know that half of all mental conditions in adulthood emerge by the age of 14? And on top of regular stressors like school and relationships, teens today have social media to contend with – and a little something called the global coronavirus pandemic. On All in the Mind this week, we speak to experts – and teens – about how young people fared last year.
Jun 26, 2021
When your eyeballs become audible
27:54
There's a condition so bizarre and rare that most doctors haven't even heard of it. It causes people to hear their own blood moving, bones creaking, lungs breathing -  even eyeballs moving. Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome can have a profound impact on a person's life and mental health... so can it be fixed? We go into a hospital operating room to learn about this little-known condition. Warning: this episode contains a description of a surgical operation. This episode first aired on 29 March 2020.
Jun 19, 2021
Does self-help ... help? The problem with pop psychology
29:08
Have you ever tried a self-help book? Did it… well, help? On All in the Mind this week, why self-help sometimes falls short ... and the problem with pop psychology more generally.
Jun 12, 2021
The guru playbook
29:06
On All in the Mind this week, the guru playbook and why we should get smart to their tactics.
Jun 05, 2021
The making of a magnificent memory
29:06
Anastasia Woolmer explains the techniques memory athletes use to recall names, facts and figures, and how you can apply them to everyday life.
May 29, 2021
Super-voice-recognisers
29:04
Are you good at recognising voices?
May 22, 2021
Screaming fans and overzealous stans — the psychology of fandom
29:05
From the Beatles to the Backstreet Boys, Taylor Swift to BTS – music changes, but screaming fans never seem to fade.
May 15, 2021
The damage done by emotionally immature parents (and how to heal)
29:06
How would you describe your parents? Nobody's perfect, but some parents leave more of a mark than others.
May 08, 2021
Phobias, paranoia – and how VR can help
29:06
Virtual reality technology is increasingly being used as a form of therapy – treating everything from the depressive symptoms of dementia to the paranoia people develop as part of psychosis.
May 01, 2021
Post-partum psychosis
30:01
Having a baby is supposed to be a joyous time, despite the sleep deprivation and constant crying. But for many women, it's an extremely vulnerable period.
Apr 24, 2021
The mind of a murderer
29:06
Dr Richard Taylor is a forensic psychiatrist — and he’s assessed well over a hundred accused killers in his career.
Apr 17, 2021
The dark side of daydreams
29:05
For two decades of Hannah Byford’s life, she kept a secret. When things at home got too much to bear, she’d retreat to an imagined life, inside her head — an elaborate daydream.
Apr 11, 2021
'I'm going to cook my baby'
29:06
A few years back, Dr Toni Sturdivant was looking for a preschool for her three-year-old daughter. After considering a few schools around their Texas suburb, she thought she’d found the perfect place.
Apr 04, 2021
Mood and the magic ion
29:10
It’s the lightest metal on the periodic table. Its origins lie in the very beginnings of our universe. And it's taken, in the form of a pill, by thousands of Australians every day.
Mar 28, 2021
No Feeling Is Final — 06 | Now Is The Time For Cake
29:08
Graham doesn't think I am broken, but I still suspect I might be.
Mar 21, 2021
No Feeling Is Final — 05 | Emotionally Deluxe
29:08
How to collect your tears, the existential angst of the shampoo aisle, and the boy returns.
Mar 14, 2021
No Feeling Is Final — 04 | 60,000 Thoughts
29:08
We have 60,000 thoughts each day. I will try to track every single one of them.
Mar 07, 2021
No Feeling Is Final — 03 | A Good Patient
29:08
There are no good snack options in psych hospital. And it’s really hard to not look crazy.
Feb 28, 2021
No Feeling Is Final — 02 | The Vast Wasteland
29:08
Hunting for a psychiatrist is a lot like hunting for 'The One'. Only much more expensive and with a tiny dating pool.
Feb 21, 2021
No Feeling Is Final — 01 | The Voice
29:09
We all have that voice in our head. The one that is brutally honest. It’s a good thing, right? Except when it really isn’t.
Feb 14, 2021
Lived experience, trauma and the 'missing middle': Victoria's mental health royal commission
29:08
On All in the Mind, we look at the problems in Victoria's mental health system and what needs to change going forward.
Feb 07, 2021
Music of memory
29:06
Our relationship with music begins at birth, if not before, and plays a role in the formation of our identity when we are young. Now a heart-warming movement called Music & Memory is creating personalised music playlists for residents with dementia in nursing homes—who use their mobile device to hear it.
Jan 31, 2021
The mysterious corpus callosum: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
29:06
The corpus callosum links one side of our brain to the other. It’s not essential for survival, but in some people it’s missing or malformed, causing quite mild to extreme disabilities. The good news is that research is now revealing that it holds intriguing secrets about brain plasticity. This program was first broadcast in May 2016.
Jan 24, 2021
Girls and Autism: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
29:05
Most people tend to think of autism as a male disorder, and the character in the film Rain Man often comes to mind. But emerging research shows that girls often have different symptoms which cause them to slip through the net. This program was originally broadcast in June 2015,
Jan 17, 2021
Dissociation and coping with trauma: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
29:06
Warning: some listeners may find aspects of this program confronting. The compelling account of a woman who lived with dissociative identity disorder—and how she eventually became integrated.
Jan 10, 2021
A highly superior memory: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
29:05
If you were given a date from the last five years could you say what day of the week it was? One young woman in Australia can remember every single day of her life since she was born. We hear about her life and the research she’s involved with—as a single participant.
Jan 03, 2021
Turn on, tune in: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
29:05
Turn on, tune in and drop out … that was the catch cry of U.S. psychologist Timothy Leary in the 1960s. By 1966 psychedelics were demonised and banned, but now—in controlled scientific settings—there's a psychedelic 'renaissance' in mental health therapy. Early research on the use of ecstasy in the treatment of stress disorders looks promising.
Dec 27, 2020
Parenting with a mental illness: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
29:06
Being a parent can be very rewarding, but if you are managing your own mental health you may not be able to be the parent you’d like to be. It can be sad and confusing for kids too—and they often take on a caring role.
Dec 20, 2020
Synesthesia—seeing sounds, hearing colours: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite programs
50:38
For some people the number six is red and music evokes a range of colours and shapes. Seeing sounds and hearing colours is one type of synesthesia—where the senses are crossed.  Meet an 11-year-old girl who was surprised to find out that not everyone sees colourful auras around people, and who feels that numbers have colours and personalities.
Dec 13, 2020
Anxiety, and the 'worry bully': One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite All in the Mind programs
29:06
Anxiety is an essential human emotion—it kicks in to protect us from threats—but sometimes those threats are only perceived. When worries start to become overwhelming, approximately 25 per cent of us experience clinical anxiety. But it is highly treatable. A ten-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man share their anxious thoughts and their strategies to manage them. 
Dec 06, 2020
Locked in: One of Lynne Malcolm's favourite All in the Mind programs
29:08
At the age of 12 Martin Pistorius developed a mysterious neurological illness. He fell into a coma and was unable to move or communicate. It was assumed he had no awareness but a couple of years later he began to wake up—yet no-one knew. He was trapped inside his body for almost 10 years until he found a way to communicate. Using computer-generated voice technology he tells us about how he coped with this terrifying ordeal, and how he found the love of his life.
Nov 29, 2020
Science of self: In a series of Lynne Malcolm's favourite All in the Mind programs
29:06
Scientists and philosophers have been perplexed by our sense of the self for millennia. Now, by investigating neurological conditions which disrupt the self—such as body identity disorder, schizophrenia, and the doppelganger effect—neuroscience is finding new clues.
Nov 22, 2020
Podcast extra: Jana Pittman extended interview
18:25
As part of our program about Resilience, Lynne spoke with former Olympian - and now medical doctor - Jana Pittman. We thought you'd like to hear the full interview.
Nov 15, 2020
Resilience: What's the buzz?
41:58
As Lynne Malcolm gets ready for life outside the ABC, she’s been thinking about how all of us cope with changes and challenges, and how our sense of ourselves is influenced by our surroundings. This has become even more relevant for us as we get through the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nov 15, 2020
Podcast extra: The question of brain bias
27:03
What happens in our brain when we make assumptions about people who don’t seem to be like us – when they may look, speak, or behave differently. And can brain science help us to override our potential prejudices? I explore some research on this topic, which specifically looks at how we perceive other people, animals, and things outside ourselves - such as technology.
Nov 08, 2020
Preventing Indigenous suicide
36:26
The rate of suicide in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities is double that of non-Indigenous people in Australia, and it’s reached a crisis point – particularly amongst the young.  In this NAIDOC week 2020 we hear from researchers and practitioners, and those with lived experience about the best strategies to stem the tide of indigenous suicide  
Nov 08, 2020
Playing hard to get
29:07
Folk wisdom suggests that playing ‘hard to get’ can help you attract a potential partner. But many psychologists have been skeptical about whether it does have an effect in dating. Over the past few years several new studies on the effect have aimed to pin down the rare circumstances where it might actually be effective.
Nov 01, 2020
Podcast extra: Timothy Carey extended interview
07:46
Lynne Malcolm's extended interview with Timothy Carey about how he applies his perspective on control to address inequality in Rwandan society.
Oct 25, 2020
Controlling behaviour
29:05
We all have a natural need for a sense of control in our lives – but the over-controlling kind can get out of hand. People with a psychopathic personality disorder are highly skilled in manipulative techniques – which can wreak havoc if you’re on the receiving end. But every-day controlling behaviour may be getting an unfair bad rap – and may be essential for our wellbeing.
Oct 25, 2020
WEIRD psychology
29:07
Claims about human psychology and behaviour in top international journals are largely based on the WEIRDest people in the world. People from Western Educated Industrialised Rich Democratic - or WEIRD - societies are widely used as research subjects, but the assumption that they represent a universal human population may be vastly wrong, and skew psychological research. More cultural psychology could be the answer.
Oct 18, 2020
The predictive mind
28:57
The mind contains everything we think and feel – our experiences are created by the brain, mostly without our awareness. This makes it pretty much impossible to fully know the mind of others. Research shows that, to ensure our survival, the brain constantly attempts to predict what will happen next.
Oct 11, 2020
A love letter to smell
32:10
When you're near coriander or parmesan cheese, do you smell fresh sweetness or vomit and soap?
Oct 04, 2020
Podcast Extra: Dr Alex Korb offers more techniques out of depression, anxiety
26:41
Can you rewire your brain to recover from depression?
Sep 27, 2020
How to stay mentally healthy
28:52
What small changes can we make in our daily lives to improve our mental health?
Sep 27, 2020
Trusting Strangers - Who Do We Trust and Why?
29:24
When two strangers meet, how do they figure out whether to trust one another?
Sep 20, 2020
Facing The Dark to See The Light
29:39
Tara Lal was engulfed by grief after the loss of her mother and brother, but found in her brother's diaries her reason to keep going.
Sep 13, 2020
Introducing... Patient Zero
05:15
Even big diseases start small... PATIENT ZERO is a new podcast that tells the stories of disease outbreaks: where they begin, why they happen and how we found ourselves in the middle of a really big one. Over four episodes the team follow the aftermath of a natural disaster, reset the timeline of one of Australia's most devastating epidemics, get to the bottom of a shocking medical mystery, and do their best to keep pace with the new normal. PATIENT ZERO is a co-production of ABC Science and Radio National. To check it out, search for "RN Presents Patient Zero" on the ABC Listen app, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Sep 08, 2020
Sharing dreams and social visions
29:32
If you’re having particularly vivid dreams during this CoVID pandemic then you’re not alone. But your dreams may collectively say something about broader society. Across the globe from Italy to Australia, social dreamers have been meeting in Zoom matrices, to share dreams and gain insights. It’s like a megaphone from the unconscious..
Sep 06, 2020
The bizarre dreaming of COVID-19
35:22
Many of us have had more vivid dreams and nightmares during this global pandemic. A multinational study is set to find out how COVID-19 is affecting our dreams, and whether changes to our inner consciousness could affect our mental health. Along the way researchers will investigate the mysteries of why we dream, why they are often so bizarre, and whether there’s really a difference between dreams during sleep and mind wandering. 
Aug 30, 2020
Reflections on shame
28:56
Shame is a painful feeling of humiliation caused by bad or foolish behaviour and can affect our mental health. This is seen particularly in the rise of anxiety and of self-harm. But public shame - especially in our digital age - can be a strong tool to regulate our social behaviour. 
Aug 23, 2020
Podcast extra: Sam Bloom
15:14
An extra to our recent episode about spinal cord injury research where we heard from surfer Sam Bloom. Sam's beautiful and lively personality made us want to share the whole interview.
Aug 16, 2020
Spinal cord injury: research and resilience
29:04
Around 350 Australians are affected by spinal cord injury each year. Sam leant against a balcony railing and fell six meters; James had a rare injury while learning to surf. Both were left paraplegic. But cutting-edge research may bring back sensation, and even assist people like them walk again.  A baby magpie and a commitment to investigation help to bring hope.
Aug 16, 2020
Podcast extra: Culture Dose views Flowers and Fruit
23:59
As mentioned in yesterday's program, here’s a taste of one of the Culture Dose sessions called 'Joy in everyday life'. Head to our program webapge for a brief meditative exercise with Katherine Boydell from the Black Dog Institute, then Access Programs Producer at the Art Gallery of NSW, Danielle Gullotta, guides the viewer through the painting.
Aug 09, 2020
Prescribing art for mental health
28:56
In this time of social isolation, many of us have turned to getting creative...baking bread, picking up a paintbrush, or checking out online theatre performances and virtual gallery tours. Now there’s research on whether prescribing art could help with mental health conditions, such as depression. Take a dose of culture for your wellbeing. 
Aug 09, 2020
Seeing when you're blind
29:06
Charles Bonnet Syndrome is sometimes called the ‘plaything of the brain’ for the blind and visually impaired. The syndrome isn’t associated with mental illness or dementia, yet people with it are able to ‘see’ things — like little wriggling children in pink and white pyjamas, or a goat riding on a bike through their lounge room.
Aug 02, 2020
Kindness, and Longevity
29:06
We could never have guessed the impact that the Covid-19 pandemic would have on us. We’re all affected in different ways but the need to stay physically distant from one another has highlighted the importance of human connection, empathy, and kindness. We hear about the research showing that strong social networks will keep us living longer than any fitness tracker or superfood. And one man’s determination to promote kindness throughout the world after a family tragedy.
Jul 26, 2020
Electricity and the brain
29:07
Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) has a chequered history, but its modern iteration is nothing like the scenes depicted in films like One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Used to treat severe depression and psychosis, ECT's side effects include some degree of memory loss. We delve into the discussion around benefits vs side effects, and speak to three patients about their varying degrees of success with the treatment.
Jul 19, 2020
The anxious type’s guide to 2020
29:09
It’s hard to know how to look after your mental health at a time like this. But what happens if that’s something you were already struggling with, before the pandemic hit? 
Jul 12, 2020
The 'Grandma Benches' of Zimbabwe
29:07
In Zimbabwe mental health has become a very big challenge, yet there are fewer than 20 psychiatrists in a population of over 14 million people. To help create accessible and effective care, psychiatrist Dr Dixon Chibanda began a talk-based cognitive behavioural therapy called Friendship Benches: training grandmothers to become health workers for their communities. Presenter Kim Chakanetsa hears the grandmothers are having astounding results, and recent clinical trials found they are more effective than conventional medical treatments. Dixon Chibanda is also moving his idea online and giving the world access to a virtual Friendship Bench. A BBC World Service program produced for The Documentary Part of the ABC's Your Mental Health initiative, in partnership with Lifeline and Kids Helpline, to support Australians during this challenging time.
Jul 05, 2020
The psychology of nostalgia
29:06
If recently you’ve been poring over old photos and reminiscing, then you’re not alone. Take heart in learning that nostalgic reminiscing may be an effective strategy to cope with isolation, and perhaps to combat anxiety. But it’s a paradoxical emotion because it can be both sad and uplifting.
Jun 28, 2020
(Repeat) Adventures in sleep
28:52
At night our brain can have adventures. Even if they're fully asleep, some people end up sleep walking or sleep driving! The neuroscience of nightmares and dreaming—and what they can tell us about the workings of our brain. This program was originally broadcast in June 2019.
Jun 21, 2020
Machiavellianism, and the 'dark triad' of personality
29:06
Do you consider yourself a shrewd manipulator? Are you cynical about the nature of human beings? If so, you might rank highly in Machiavellianism - a personality trait that's based on the writing and views of Niccolo Machiavelli, the 16th-century Italian political philosopher. We look at what makes a Machiavellian personality, and how it fits into the so called ‘dark triad’ of traits.
Jun 14, 2020
The anxious shrink
29:07
Dr Mark Cross understands anxiety viscerally. Not only is he a psychiatrist, he’s also lived with the condition nearly all his life. And he’s made the decision to be open about his struggle – a rare move for a doctor. His latest book is called ‘Anxiety: Expert Advice from a Neurotic Shrink Who’s Lived With Anxiety All His Life’'.
Jun 07, 2020
We love Nature Track: A podcast extra
09:16
All in the Mind has become a big fan of the new ABC audio series Nature Track. It's been made by ABC producer Ann Jones - who, as well as making the Radio National program Off Track, has been collecting wildlife and nature recordings from all over Australia and the world. And now you can hear these pristine sounds wherever you are ... anywhere. Nature Track comprises five soundscapes of varying durations, five chances to give yourself the space you need. No music, no voice, just nature. Sana talks with Ann about her wish to share her recordings, and she brings us a sample of the first one - from Wiluna, WA, on the lands of the Martu people. It’s gorgeous, arid country about 960km east of Perth. You can find more on the ABC Science You Tube channel - and via the Off Track podcast feed.
Jun 02, 2020
Healing the trauma of the Stolen Generations
29:07
In Australia there are an estimated 17,000 Stolen Generations survivors, and a lack of culturally relevant mental health services is a major barrier to healing for many of them. Now programs led by Indigenous communities themselves are helping people to confront and move past their trauma. We talk with Stolen Generations survivor Aunty Lorraine Peeters, whose life experience led to a pioneering healing program, and became part of a groundswell of Indigenous-led solutions to address trauma. And Indigenous psychologist Kelleigh Ryan describes the challenges to supporting culturally appropriate healing. Presented as part of Reconciliation Week 2020, and the ABC's Walking Together initiative.
May 31, 2020
Can boredom ever be good? Part 2
29:05
Last week we heard about the different shades of boredom that people can experience in a dull moment. Although it’s considered a broadly negative emotion, believe it or not, it seems boredom can sometimes be beneficial - especially when it lets us daydream. Some research suggests it can even promote our creativity. But do people differ in how they experience boredom? Are some more likely to be able to benefit from getting bored? 
May 24, 2020
Can boredom ever be good? Part 1
29:05
Many Australians have reported a higher level of boredom during the long stretch of isolation brought about by COVID-19. So, if you have felt some boredom, was it good or bad? Psychologists believe they’ve classified several different shades of the beast and not all are bad. So we check out ways to embrace the better versions.
May 17, 2020
(Repeat) The power of social norms—rules to make or break
29:06
What ultimately drives human behaviour? A leading professor of psychology, Michele Gelfand, suggests that culture is one of the last uncharted frontiers. From her pioneering research into cultural and social norms she’s found an important distinction between tight and loose cultures, and their tendency to make or break rules. These social norms or informal rules of conduct determine whether we co-operate or come into conflict, at both the collective and individual levels. This program was first broadcast in June 2019
May 10, 2020
The brain in isolation
25:02
Over the past few weeks many of us have been living more isolated lives than we’re used to. We might not be in government-mandated quarantine but there’s no doubt that COVID-19 has upended our social lives. Yet isolation can be deeply troubling for humans because we’re social animals; and that’s just as true in our current circumstances as it is in very extreme forms of isolation.
May 03, 2020
Podcast extra: The pineapple project
27:13
Sharing with you one of the ABC's other great podcasts. Join Jan Fran and friends as they take life’s prickly bits and make them sweeter and easier to deal with.
Apr 27, 2020
Seeking help for the first time in a crisis
30:08
If you’ve noticed a change in your mental well-being over the past few weeks you’re not alone.  As the effects of the pandemic and the conditions of isolation begin to be take hold, many Australians are searching for support for the first time in their lives. So if you choose to ask for help, how do you take the first steps. 
Apr 26, 2020
Mental health on the Covid frontline
29:06
The uncertainty, isolation, and danger posed by the Coronavirus pandemic affects the mental health of many people - but for those on the frontline, all of those feelings can be heightened. We talk to health professionals who have been managing their own panic attacks and anxiety. 
Apr 19, 2020
The ageing brain: it ain't all downhill
29:06
Growing older is something we only get to do if we’re lucky, so why are so many of us unenthusiastic about the prospect of ageing? We speak to neuroscientist and author Dan Levitin about his new book The Changing Mind, which looks at the ways the brain actually improves as we age, and how we can help it. 
Apr 12, 2020
A riff on creativity, design, and toys
29:07
Design and creativity really can work together. We talk with a design critic and a product design educator who both have an interest in toys - their history, and how they’re created and assessed in the real world. Get your blocks ready to play along. 
Apr 05, 2020
When your eyeballs become audible
28:16
There's a condition so bizarre and rare that most doctors haven't even heard of it - it's called Superior Canal Dehiscence Syndrome and it causes people to hear their blood moving, bones creaking, lungs breathing and even eyeballs moving. It can have a profound impact on a person's life and mental health. So can it be fixed? We go into a hospital operating room to learn about this little-known condition. Warning: this episode contains a description of a surgical operation.
Mar 29, 2020
Brains old, new, and augmented
28:52
Believe it or not … a Formula 1 car can be driven by someone just using their brain. We consider the neurogeneration: people who in the future are likely to be using some kind of brain-powered technology to do their job or to extend their knowledge. But we don’t leave the past behind, there’s also a peek into the brain collection of Cornell University.
Mar 22, 2020
Contagious behaviour
29:05
We all know that certain diseases are contagious, but sometimes behaviour is contagious as well. We take a look at some historical examples—such as the Tanganyika laughter epidemic of 1962, and the 1518 case of uncontrollable dancing—and we consider what might drive copycat crimes. There's also the possibility of suicide contagion. Trigger warning: this episode touches on the subject of suicide, please take care while listening.
Mar 15, 2020
Habits, and making them stick
25:16
Habits are notoriously hard to change—exercising more often, practising calmness, getting healthy—it all takes time and effort. So perhaps you’ll be pleased to know that there’s a way to get habits into your routine. We talk with Bernard Balleine, Director of the Decision Neuroscience Lab at UNSW; and with B J Fogg, founder of the Behaviour Design Lab at Stanford University about his new book Tiny Habits. 
Mar 08, 2020
The mind's musical ear
29:08
How good are you at imagining or hearing music in your head? Can you think of the tune to ‘Happy Birthday’ and bring the notes to mind without actually singing? We consider the mind’s musical ear and what it reveals about us. And ... earworms—those pesky songs stuck in your head—where they come from and persuading them to leave.
Mar 01, 2020
Suckers for pseudoscience
29:07
When it comes to pseudoscience you might consider yourself to be a sceptic But don’t give yourself too much credit because we’re all vulnerable to believing dubious claims. This is because of powerful cognitive biases in the brain—and we could actually be satisfied with quite shallow explanations for things—and for being suckers for pseudoscience. 
Feb 23, 2020
Why we need more Indigenous psychologists
29:09
Indigenous people in Australia are having a very difficult time finding a psychologist who understands Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and history. Sometimes Indigenous patients seeking treatment have been denied a voice, and the reality of their situation. There are about 800,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia, but only 218 Indigenous psychologists. Australia needs more of them—and we look at what many mainstream psychologists fail to understand about Indigenous patients.
Feb 16, 2020
Music and imaginary hearing
01:58
Dr Rebecca Gelding is a cognitive scientist who investigates what is going on in the brain as people imagine musical pitch and rhythm. As part of the series This Sounds Like Science, you can explore music on a different level in a free lunchtime event by Dr Gelding, presented by City Recital Hall and Inspiring Australia. In an upcoming program, All in the Mind will feature an interview by Sana Qadar with Dr Gelding, so stay tuned—in the meantime, here's a short extract about some topics being discussed at her talk on Tuesday, 18 February, at the City Recital Hall.
Feb 12, 2020
Workplace bullies—and corporate psychopaths
28:52
At some point in your career there’s a good chance that you’ll cross paths with a workplace bully. If you do, it can have a profound impact on your well-being and mental health. But why do bullies do it and what motivates them? And do corporate psychopaths fit into the picture? We take a look at the personality and organisational factors that play a role in workplace bullying.
Feb 09, 2020
Lynne Malcolm takes a short break—and hello to Sana Qadar
01:49
While presenter Lynne Malcolm takes a short break, the program will be presented by Sana Qadar—looking forward to your continued company for 2020.
Feb 03, 2020
What is my child thinking?
28:52
We used to believe that babies and young children had irrational and naive thinking skills. Developments in psychology and neuroscience now reveal that infants are actually smarter, more thoughtful, and have a different consciousness to adults. Children’s exploratory and creative style of thinking may even inform improved AI design.
Feb 02, 2020
Fate, and predicting the human mind
29:07
Questions about whether we are masters of our own destiny and if we really have free will have puzzled philosophers and scientists for many years. Now neuroscience is challenging much of what we thought we knew about ourselves—from how much our pre-birth experience affects our later lives, to how we make decisions and form our own reality.
Jan 26, 2020
Look up and connect
29:05
When you’re waiting in a queue there are various ways to bide your time: chat to someone, gaze off into the distance, or check your phone. The science of human interaction tells us that the impact on your brain and body is vastly different depending on your choice. Live person-to-person connection changes us and the society we live in, so it’s in our best interests to use technology sensibly. This program was first broadcast in June 2019.
Jan 19, 2020
On happiness—notes from prison
29:07
Picture this—an Australian journalist sitting near a squat toilet under the only light in the prison cell he shares with 140 others, writing pages of notes about happiness. After 15 months in a notorious Cambodian prison, for a crime he denies, James Ricketson shares his insights into his personal experience in Prey Sar prison—and his new reflections on the state of happiness. Please note that this episode contains a small amount of strong language This program was first broadcast in July 2019
Jan 12, 2020
Facing fears and phobias
29:06
Would you be comfortable with a Huntsman spider crawling on your arm, or a python slithering over your shoulder? Not many of us would, but when this discomfort causes you so much anxiety that it interferes with your daily life – it’s become a phobia. But there is treatment, and virtual reality can assist.
Jan 05, 2020
Why smart people do stupid things
29:06
Smart people are not only just as prone to making mistakes as everyone else—they may even be more susceptible to them. This idea has been dubbed the Intelligence Trap. It explains the flaws in our understanding of intelligence and expertise, and how the decisions of even the brightest minds and talented organisations can backfire.
Dec 29, 2019
Telomeres, trauma, and mindfulness
28:57
The connection between our minds and bodies determines our health and well-being, and the rate at which our cells age and die can be influenced by lifestyle choices. We hear about keeping our genes in good order by protecting our telomeres—a buffer zone at each end of our chromosomes. We'll also hear about a mindfulness-based intervention which could really help millions of extremely traumatised displaced people around the world. This program was first broadcast in August 2019
Dec 22, 2019
Dementia, sleep, and daydreaming
29:05
Dementia affects around 450,000 Australians, and it comes in hundreds of forms. New research reveals that one form of dementia takes away the ability to daydream, and this has implications for improved care. Sleep disruption in middle age also emerges as another risk factor. And we hear how, after diagnosis, one person found a meaningful role in breaking down the stigma of dementia.
Dec 15, 2019
Music and the brain
29:06
Music deeply affects us emotionally, and individually—and now we know that our relationship with music provides a unique opportunity to gain further insight into the workings of the brain itself. We discuss the latest in music research with one of the editors of The Oxford Handbook of Music and the Brain. Hear about why we may prefer particular types of music, how being a musician can change the brain over time, and what happens to our musicality as we age. 
Dec 08, 2019
Climate change anxiety
29:07
There’s more and more scientific evidence that climate change is having a major impact on our planet. Recently more than 11,000 scientists across the world declared a climate emergency, and many of us are experiencing grief, anxiety and powerlessness about the future. We discuss the connection between climate change and mental health, and the strategies we need to maintain hope and take action.
Dec 01, 2019
Childhood trauma and the brain
29:06
What we see, hear, and feel as a child affects us later in life—and our brain is changed by childhood traumas. A leading Canadian psychiatrist is working to understand how childhood harm can impair brain development and affect mental health, in the hope of effective treatment. And we hear about an intervention which can improve educational outcomes for vulnerable children.
Nov 24, 2019
Our sexy brain
28:52
Even when it gets the go-ahead, research on sex and the brain is still highly stigmatised—yet there is still so much to learn. Sometimes a brain injury or disease causes hypersexuality, or a change of sexual preference; orgasm can cause a brain aneurysm to rupture, and the latter becomes more likely if it’s sex with someone other than your usual partner.
Nov 17, 2019
Refugees, sport, and mental health
29:03
The trauma of war and displacement has a negative impact on the mental health of hundreds of thousands of refugees around the world. Australian researchers recently travelled to a large refugee camp in Bangladesh* where around 500,000 Rohingya people are living. The researchers found that sports and exercise programs make a huge difference to these refugees' physical and mental health, and to their well-being. *There are around 900,000 Rohingya refugees now living in Bangladesh
Nov 10, 2019
Untranslatable emotions
25:06
In English there's no single word to describe an anxiety about how much aeroplane flight is damaging our environment. But in Swedish the word for this anxiety is 'flygskam'. And perhaps, having a word for this specific emotion may change the way we think about it  Come on our tour of culture and language to explore some strange destinations and untranslatable emotions.
Nov 03, 2019
Creating selves to survive
29:08
Our guest, Rhonda Macken, tells her remarkable story—a testament to the power of human creativity and resilience in the face of unimaginable childhood trauma. Rhonda created a complex jigsaw of multiple personalities as protection against her harsh reality. Now in her 70s, and after years of intense psychotherapy, she's fully integrated and enjoying the love of her family.
Oct 27, 2019
Meditation for the collective good
29:07
Is an enlightened planet possible? Co-writers of a new film and book called The Portal say it is—through the power of collective meditation. They share personal stories of inspiring individuals who have come through adversity by reflecting inwards, using meditation.  Hope for humankind may lie in the cumulative effect of individual meditation and whether mindfulness can promote empathy.
Oct 20, 2019
Empathy for mental health through the arts
29:09
The Big Anxiety festival uses the arts and lived experience to re-imagine mental health. Through creativity and innovative technology, empathy replaces fear and stigma. Virtual reality worlds open up to an optimistic future and offer insight from ancient indigenous stories.
Oct 13, 2019
A roller-coaster of emotion—Borderline Personality Disorder
29:05
Gabby was on an emotional roller-coaster, feeling empty and needy. After lashing out in anger, she’d regret it and say sorry over and over again. Her partner, Eliza, felt like she was walking on eggshells, always fearful of arousing Gabby’s intense emotions. Gabby was diagnosed with the highly stigmatised Borderline Personality Disorder. They share their journey together to a calmer and happier life. ** Trigger warning: please note that this interview contains references to self-harm, abuse, and violence**
Oct 06, 2019
Autism and superheroes
29:13
When Tim was 11 years old he created his own superhero. Laser Beak Man now appears in colourful artworks showing Tim’s unique sense of humour connected to his literal understanding of language. And when Oakley was 5 years old he drew a pirate, inspiring his mother to write a kids’ book to raise understanding about autism and difference.
Sep 29, 2019
A memoir on drugs and addiction
29:15
Meet an Australian philosopher and cultural analyst who spent 20 years of his life addicted to just about every drug you could imagine. His best work was done when he was enveloped in haze of cannabis smoke, he prowled local pharmacies to score large doses of codeine, and drank until he lost consciousness. Amazingly he lives to eloquently share his insights into the thought processes of an addict.
Sep 22, 2019
Anxiety—and the 'worry bully'
29:16
Anxiety is an essential human emotion—it kicks in to protect us from threats—but sometimes those threats are only perceived. When worries start to become overwhelming, approximately 25 per cent of us experience clinical anxiety. But it is highly treatable. A ten-year-old girl and a 30-year-old man share their anxious thoughts and their strategies to manage them. 
Sep 15, 2019
Inside talking therapy
29:12
The art of talking and listening in therapy can be powerful and transformative. The talking cure has changed since Freudian psychoanalysis, but evidence is building that the therapeutic relationship can have deep and lasting benefits. Two leading psychotherapists reveal the common dynamics that can interrupt our sense of well-being, through characters based on real-life case studies.
Sep 08, 2019
Indigenous language and perception
29:07
Our perception of the world is significantly affected by the language we speak. Indigenous languages from around Australia pose a vastly different perspective of the world than that of English. We explore how these languages influence perceptions of self, kinship and the natural world.
Sep 01, 2019
Your attention, please!
29:06
Are you paying attention? It’s not as simple as it sounds because our focus is constantly being pulled in different directions. Good attention skills are crucial for the development of other cognitive abilities, but a concerning number of children have difficulties to a clinical level, such as those seen in ADHD and autism. The common treatment is medication but there are training interventions which are proving effective. 
Aug 25, 2019
Creativity and the A-ha moment
25:17
Watson and Crick saw the structure of DNA in a spiral staircase, and Newton understood gravity in the falling of an apple—but all human beings regularly experience flashes of inspiration, seemingly out of nowhere. Insight researchers want to know more about the nature of the so-called ‘a-ha moment’, so they are setting us a citizen science challenge. Find out what they know already, and how you can contribute to the science of creativity. And we hear from a neuroscientist whose recent research shows that the most creative people have superior connectivity between three distinct brain regions. 
Aug 18, 2019
Telomeres, trauma, and mindfulness
29:08
The connection between our minds and bodies determines our health and well-being, and the rate at which our cells age and die can be influenced by lifestyle choices. We hear about keeping our genes in good order by protecting our telomeres—a buffer zone at each end of our chromosomes. We'll also hear about a mindfulness-based intervention which could really help millions of extremely traumatised displaced people around the world.
Aug 11, 2019
Tripping for depression
29:05
In 1966, as a reaction to disturbing reports of people having bad trips, the psychedelic drug LSD was banned in the U.S. Now some scientists are seeing promising results from studies into the therapeutic benefits of using psychedelic drugs to treat mental illness.
Aug 04, 2019
Turn on, tune in
28:48
Turn on, tune in, and drop out … that was the catchcry of U.S. psychologist Timothy Leary in the 1960s. By 1966 psychedelics were demonised and banned, but now—in controlled scientific settings—there's a psychedelic 'renaissance' in mental health therapy. Early research on the use of ecstasy in the treatment of stress disorders looks promising.
Jul 28, 2019
On happiness—notes from prison
29:07
Picture this—an Australian journalist sitting near a squat toilet under the only light in the prison cell he shares with 140 others, writing pages of notes about happiness. After 15 months in a notorious Cambodian prison, for a crime he denies, James Ricketson shares his insights into his personal experience in Prey Sar prison—and his new reflections on the state of happiness. Please note that this episode contains a small amount of strong language
Jul 21, 2019
Getting in touch with our haptic sense
28:52
Do you prefer ‘vibrate on’ or ‘vibrate off’? Well, either way—heads up, as we explore the world of haptics. To get the best information from whatever you choose to touch, haptic sensing involves a lot of neural effort. We'll hear about how this sensing has been examined in the past, as well as some speculation on where haptics might go in the future.
Jul 14, 2019
Justice for Juvies
29:05
Criminal lawyer Sarah Hopkins' novel The Subjects is about the overcriminalisation and overmedicalisation of young people—and her innovative ideas for youth justice. The protagonist, Daniel, is 16-years-old and has just arrived at a Juvie delinquent centre—but there’s no medication and he doesn’t have to stay. Then he gets the eerie sense that he’s part of an experiment.
Jul 07, 2019
Look up and connect
28:51
When you’re waiting in a queue there are various ways to bide your time: chat to someone, gaze off into the distance, or check your phone. The science of human interaction tells us that the impact on your brain and body is vastly different depending on your choice. Live person-to-person connection changes us and the society we live in, so it’s in our best interests to use technology sensibly.
Jun 30, 2019
Psychiatry for the future
29:06
It could be that the profession of psychiatry needs a revolution. A UK medical doctor with experience in mental health feels that we’re still trying to understand and come to terms with mental health issues—and how best to provide treatment. He talks with two psychiatrists, a historian, and a service user. They all can imagine a different future for psychiatry.
Jun 23, 2019
Adventures in sleep
28:52
At night our brain can have adventures. Even if they're fully asleep, some people end up sleep walking or even sleep driving! The neuroscience of nightmares and dreaming—and what they can tell us about the workings of our brain. 
Jun 16, 2019
The power of social norms—rules to make or break?
29:06
What ultimately drives human behaviour? A leading professor of psychology, Michele Gelfand, suggests that culture is one of the last uncharted frontiers. From her pioneering research into cultural and social norms she’s found an important distinction between tight and loose cultures, and their tendency to make or break rules. These social norms or informal rules of conduct determine whether we co-operate or come into conflict, at both the collective and individual levels.
Jun 09, 2019
Mental health in Indonesia
29:07
Mental health is a major and highly stigmatised problem in Indonesia. Some villages still practise ‘pasung’ where the mentally ill are kept in cages separate from the family home—because of a taboo. Indonesian PhD candidate Sandy Onie had his own lived experience of mental illness, and so did his father—but psychological help was hard to come by. Now Sandy is determined to make a change.
Jun 02, 2019
The silence around schizophrenia
30:09
What’s the scariest word in the English language? Still highly stigmatised, schizophrenia is the illness that we dare not speak about openly, and this silence may get in the way of recovery.
May 26, 2019
Why smart people do stupid things
29:06
Smart people are not only just as prone to making mistakes as everyone else—they may even be more susceptible to them. This idea has been dubbed the Intelligence Trap. It explains the flaws in our understanding of intelligence and expertise, and how the decisions of even the brightest minds and talented organisations can backfire.
May 19, 2019
Disasters and children's mental health
29:07
Traumatic events such as mass shootings and natural disasters can cause high proportion of children to suffer mental health problems. We hear how to equip adults to minimise the impact of trauma on children.
May 12, 2019
Loving Lucy
29:07
Parenting can be tough—even when your child is considered so-called ‘normal’. Nine-year-old Lucy looks like a curly haired angel, but she's often strangely manipulative and physically violent. Her mum and dad are still searching for a diagnosis which could make sense of her extreme behaviour. But their patience and love for Lucy is extraordinary.
May 05, 2019
Dementia, sleep and daydreaming
29:08
Dementia affects around 450,000 Australians, and it comes in hundreds of forms. New research reveals that one form of dementia takes away the ability to daydream, and this has implications for improved care. Sleep disruption in middle age also emerges as another risk factor. And we hear how, after diagnosis, one person found a meaningful role in breaking down the stigma of dementia.
Apr 28, 2019
A highly superior memory
28:52
If you were given a date from the last five years could you say what day of the week it was? One young woman in Australia can remember every single day of her life since she was born. We hear about her life and the research she’s involved with—as a single participant.
Apr 21, 2019
The changing face of eating disorders
29:06
In a world fixated on how we look and what we eat, it’s not surprising that body dissatisfaction represents an increasing mental health issue—and it affects all body types, genders, and ages. Whilst anorexia nervosa is still a significant condition for girls and young women, some boys can experience a condition called muscle dysmorphia.
Apr 14, 2019
Loneliness — a social pain
28:52
Loneliness is a growing issue around the world, and a recent national survey reveals that 1 in 4 Australians are lonely.
Apr 07, 2019
All In The Mind presents ... The Parenting Spectrum
22:29
We would like to share with you an excerpt from a new ABC podcast called The Parenting Spectrum. A show about autism and family life—hosted by Fiona Churchman, Travis Saunders, and their son Patch.They explore issues like safety, lack of sleep, finding the right school, and how to help your child embrace their identity and prepare for adulthood.
Apr 01, 2019
Autism and musicals
29:06
Sophie and Ryan are both on the autism spectrum, and they call themselves ‘Aspies’ even though Asperger’s is no longer an official diagnosis. They also share a passion—even an obsession—for musical theatre, so they’ve teamed up to create a cabaret called ‘The Aspie Hour’. It’s irreverent and funny and it breaks down commonly held misconceptions about autism.
Mar 31, 2019
Facing fears and phobias
28:51
Would you be comfortable with a Huntsman spider crawling on your arm, or a python slithering over your shoulder? Not many of us would, but when this discomfort causes you so much anxiety that it interferes with your daily life – it’s become a phobia. Many people never seek help for them, but treatment can be effective. Whether it’s a fear of birds, dogs, heights, or having injections, exposure and virtual reality can assist.
Mar 24, 2019
The power of compassion
29:07
Imagine somebody being critical of you, putting you down every day. That can be depressing. What’s more, if you do it to yourself over a long period it can cause changes in your brain, your body, and your feelings. Some psychologists say that a focus on compassion can soothe your inner critic and make a real difference. It’s known as Compassion Focussed Therapy.
Mar 17, 2019
The post-natal mind
29:06
After the birth of her first child Nicola Redhouse experienced unrelenting post-natal anxiety. She’d grown up in a household steeped in psychoanalytic thought and had expected to gain insight from the Freudian concept of the unconscious mind. Instead she went on to discover neuropsychoanalysis—a field which investigates where the brain ends and the mind begins.
Mar 10, 2019
Health in body and mind
29:05
Conditions such as depression, anxiety, obesity, diabetes, and gut problems are common in Australia. British TV presenter Dr. Michael Mosley, who’s known for his Fast diet and exercise programs, says there are effective preventive measures which highlight the crucial connection between body and mind. He shares knowledge from experts and those with lived experience on how to reset your health.
Mar 03, 2019
Psychedelics, addiction, and mental health
29:05
Psychedelic drugs were banned in the US in the late 1960s, which ended the flourishing research into their potential for treating mental illness. Now a leading professor from Imperial College London is re-visiting the field. He’s convinced that psychedelic therapy offers a new paradigm for mental health. His other passion is treatment for addiction, and to discover why some of us are more vulnerable than others.
Feb 24, 2019
The autism project
29:06
Socially awkward Professor Don Tillman was the protagonist in the best-selling novel The Rosie Project, a book which built awareness of and helped to reduce the stigma around autism. The final book in author Graeme Simsion's Rosie trilogy has Don and his wife Rosie raising their 11-year-old son, who may have autism.
Feb 17, 2019
The mystery of the inflamed brain
29:54
The Netflix drama ‘Brain on Fire is the story of a young woman in the U.S. who suddenly develops severe psychiatric symptoms. Some clever detective work reveals that she has a rare and mysterious condition causing brain inflammation. We hear from an Australian teenager who’s been through the same ordeal—but once treated has survived and thrived.
Feb 10, 2019
Getting sexy with robots
31:36
Sex robots are here to stay and the technology is developing fast. From the ancient Greeks to the latest science fiction, robots in human form have captured our imagination, but is it possible to form intimate relationships with these inanimate objects? Do we want to? And what about the many ethical concerns sex robots raise?
Feb 03, 2019
Shame: the ups and downs
29:04
Embarrassment, guilt, or remorse are difficult emotions and most of us avoid. These excruciating shameful feelings are often masked by addiction, self-loathing or narcissism, but shame can also help uphold societal values, and even help build our self-esteem
Jan 27, 2019
Creativity and your brain
29:20
We humans have ‘creative software’ in our brains—so says neuroscientist and author David Eagleman. We're driven to invent and innovate, yet at the same time we’re attracted to the familiar—and our creativity lives in that tension.
Jan 20, 2019
Mothering and mental illness
31:38
Having children can be wonderful but there’s no doubt that parenting can be challenging, especially for women with mental illness. We hear about the lives of mothers diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder—it’s a disorder defined by extreme emotional instability and is surrounded by stigma. The treatment can make a real difference to the wellbeing of families.
Jan 13, 2019
Synesthesia: seeing sounds, hearing colours
50:23
For some people the number six is red and music evokes a range of colours and shapes. Seeing sounds and hearing colours is one type of synesthesia—where the senses are crossed.  Meet an 11-year-old girl who was surprised to find out that not everyone sees colourful auras around people, and who feels that numbers have colours and personalities.
Jan 06, 2019
Carrots, sticks ... and other ways to motivate
29:06
What does it take to drag yourself off the couch and get motivated on a fitness regime? In all areas of life, to be well motivated we need to feel autonomous and find our own internal rewards. We hear from a renowned motivational psychologist and a personal trainer about what works.
Dec 30, 2018
On being a dog
38:56
If you love your pet dog, do they love you? This question intrigued Professor of Neuroscience Gregory Berns. He wanted to know what it’s really like to be a dog—if they feel the same emotions and have similar thoughts to us. So he persuaded his own dog to get into an MRI machine for a brain scan. He’s now trained 100 dogs to go into the scanner and they think it’s a fun game.
Dec 23, 2018
The art of neurodiversity
28:52
Neurodiversity is a radical social movement challenging the notion of what’s normal and what’s a disorder. What better place to explore neurodiversity than in the arts and theatre—we hear from actors on the autism spectrum and a synesthete using her perceptions of colour and music to create art.
Dec 16, 2018
Neuroscience, consciousness, and leadership
28:52
The recent revolution in technology allows us to peer into the mind as never before—says Dr. Hannah Critchlow. She’s explored what neuroscience can tell us about consciousness, free will, and fate. she’s also investigated the neuroscience leadership to build a more ethical, altruistic work environment.
Dec 09, 2018
A mother's story of madness, murder, and love
29:29
One Sunday afternoon Mary Pershall received a devastating call from the police that her daughter Anna had murdered someone. Anna had struggled throughout her life with mental illness and drug addiction, and the tragic event lead Mary to ask how society can protect a child in crisis.
Dec 02, 2018
Podcast extra: Layne Beachley talks surf therapy
13:06
Seven-time world surfing champion Layne Beachley discusses the mental health challenges she's faced in her life, how the ocean and surfing have been emotionally healing for her, and the benefits of surf therapy for mental wellbeing.
Nov 25, 2018
The stoke of surf therapy
29:52
You might have seen Australian surfers decked out in fluro gear raising awareness for mental health. The OneWave community is all about increasing the visibility of mental illness — and it's part of a growing international community exploring the therapeutic benefits of surfing. What is it about being in the ocean that can benefit your mental health? All In The Mind heads to Bondi Beach.
Nov 25, 2018
The extremes of love
28:52
From old fashioned 'lovesickness' to sex addiction, obsession, and jealousy — how does society decide what's normal in love? Drawing on the latest scientific research into the mechanisms underlying love and romantic attachment, a leading psychotherapist explores the extremes of love.
Nov 18, 2018
Transitioning to motherhood: Perinatal mental health
29:06
Pregnancy and early parenthood is an exciting and rewarding time — but for many families, it brings about unexpected challenges. In Australia, one in five expecting or new mums will experience anxiety or depression, some experience both. What's being done to support women as they transition to motherhood?
Nov 11, 2018
The Australian Mental Health Prize winners
28:57
Janne McMahon has drawn on her own lived experience of mental illness to advocate for patient-centred care. Professor Gavin Andrews introduced cognitive behaviour therapy to Australia. Meet the dual winners of the 2018 Australian Mental Health Prize.
Nov 04, 2018
The mind's eye
33:31
Picture an apple. Now picture your favourite character from a novel. And now a loved one's face. Can you see those images in your mind's eye? Some people can't because they have a condition called aphantasia which disrupts their ability to create a mental image.
Oct 28, 2018
First impressions: the face bias
28:56
The science behind our judgement of faces for their trustworthiness, competency, and character.
Oct 21, 2018
Ways to stay alive
31:31
When you're overwhelmed by distressing feelings and big emotions, it can feel lonely, particularly if you can't find the help you need in the mental health system. Alternative grassroots approaches to staying alive are now being explored, which focus on connecting with others in a similar space.
Oct 14, 2018