All In The Mind
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.
Episodes
Handling emotionally immature parents, raising emotionally mature kids
If you've never had good parenting modelled to you, how do you raise emotionally mature kids?Clinical psychologist Dr Lindsay Gibson has thoughts. You might remember Lindsay from our extremely popular 2021 episode titled 'The damage done by emotionally immature parents (and how to heal)'. This week, she's back on All in the Mind, talking about the next generation.From the differe
How to catch a liar (it's harder than you think)
Rebecca figured out a brilliant way to catch her partner in a lie. It led to a career in forensic psychology…These days, Rebecca studies lie detection, and it turns out, people generally overestimate their ability to tell fact from fiction. All the classic clues — body language, eye contact, acting nervous … they don't really hold up when put to the test.In our fourth and final p
Ambiguous crimes and inattentional blindness: the science of eyewitness memory
If you saw a crime, how clearly would you remember it? What about if you were questioned years… even decades later?Eyewitness testimony is an important part of the justice system, so how much do we know about our ability to recall details?In part three of our four-part series, Forensic, we take a deeper look at eyewitness memory. Because it's not just about what we can or can't r
Confessing to a crime you didn't commit
Imagine police are interrogating you over a crime you didn't commit. If you're innocent, you're safe, right? Wrong.Sometimes, being innocent can make you more likely to confess. How is that possible?In part two of our four-part series, Forensic, we learn about the police interviewing techniques that make false confessions more likely, and the bizarre cases in which people come to
Can criminal profiling identify a killer?
Criminal profiling promises a lot — being able to piece together a picture of a suspect through clues, intuition and psychology sounds great. But how reliable is it?In our first episode of Forensic, a four-part series unpacking the psychological tools used to solve crimes, we examine the history of criminal profiling. How it got popular in the 1950s after bombings in New York Cit
INTRODUCING — Forensic
Forget everything you’ve learned from crime dramas.Forensic is a new podcast series from All in the Mind on ABC Radio National that takes you behind the psychological tools used to solve crimes.Across four episodes, we investigate criminal profiling, false confessions, eyewitness memory and lie detection, revealing what actually works, what doesn’t, and the surprising ways things
Our millennia-long obsession with immortality
Would you want to live forever? The rich and powerful certainly do. There are numerous examples throughout history of people going to extreme lengths in search of immortality. These days, it's Silicon Valley tech bros, testing out everything from blood transfusions to merging our brains with the cloud.Why are they/we so obsessed with dodging death? What is it about extreme wealth
Pretty privilege, surgery stigma and the cosmetic procedure paradox
Cosmetic procedures aren't reserved for celebrities anymore - they're becoming more and more accessible for every day people. So if we're able to alter our looks or avoid the appearance of aging altogether, what impact does this have on our psychology?Today, we examine how changing our faces might change how we see each other.Please note, this episode includes some discussion of
The psychology behind our moral outrage
Politics, war, abortion, gun control — why do some topics make us so outraged?One theory is that our preoccupation with preventing harm is to blame.So today, we examine how humans developed morality, why we differ in what we consider right and wrong, and how that drives us to moral outrage.And after all of that, we'll find out how to have better conversations with people you disa
Staying sane in space
In the last couple of weeks, a lot of people have been getting excited about space exploration thanks to Artemis II.So this week, we revisit an episode from our archives all about life as an astronaut and the psychological impacts of long distance space travel. And if you enjoy this episode, check out Artemis Explained, a podcast from the Science Friction team, following the Arte
Mind Hacks with Dr Billy Garvey: "being a bit kinder to myself"
Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, we're joined by developmental paediatrician and co-host of Pop Culture Parenting, Dr Billy Garvey. From self compassion to channelling anger into advocacy, Billy shares his own strategies for managing bad days.On Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire ques
Tantrums, sleep training and anxiety: Dr Billy Garvey answers your parenting questions
How can I help my child with anxiety? What's the deal with sleep training? Are we supposed to ignore tantrums?This week, we've invited developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey back on All in the Mind for a mailbag episode. We'll unpack your parenting dilemmas which cover questions about kids of all ages, from the littlest of newborns right through to teenagers. So whether you'
The psychology of masturbation
This week we're talking about something intimate… and sometimes taboo: masturbation.From self-love, to disordered behaviour and back again, we explore how our perceptions of masturbation have changed over the course of history and why it's still linked to shame and confusion for some.Also, why do humans (and other animals) masturbate in the first place?Just a heads up, if the top
Mind Hacks: Casey Beros
Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, health journalist and author Casey Beros on managing your inner critic, balancing competing appetites for more and less in life, and filtering out the external voices to chart your own course in life.Each week on Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire ques
Tough conversations and anticipatory grief: being a carer
When Casey Beros' dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, she knew her entire world would change. More than three million Australians are carers — a role people are often thrust into without any kind of map. So based on her own experience, Casey wrote one.On All in the Mind this week, what it takes to be a carer for a loved one. How to get through the tough conversations and difficu
Family estrangement and infidelity: Esther Perel answers your questions
How do you grieve a dying parent you're estranged from? Do cheaters ever change? People say love should feel 'easy', is that true?Psychotherapist Esther Perel is back on All in the Mind, answering your questions about heartbreak, loss, and love in this extra special mailbag episode.We've got questions on how to reconnect with estranged siblings, what to do when global conflicts i
Mind Hacks: Joel Pearson
Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson tells us how he manages his own stress (clue: it involves saunas!)Each week on Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marr
Is AI making our brains lazier?
Social media gave us brain rot; will AI give us cognitive atrophy? How can we possibly learn to cope with the sheer amount of uncertainty and change heading our way?Cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson is back on the show, two years after his mega popular appearance in our episode titled "Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI.In this episode we cover the
Mind Hacks: Esther Perel
Introducing All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. Each week, we'll bring you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill!Kicking off our first episode is none other than Esther Perel. What mental health advice would she avoid at all costs?We're going to te
Couples therapy with an AI partner? Esther Perel's just done it
Psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel has had a lot of 'firsts' over her four decade-long career — counselling her first polyamorous relationship, or her first gay couple navigating surrogacy. Now, she's just done her first session with a man and his AI 'girlfriend'…Did she struggle to take this ‘couple’ seriously? What kind of love can someone really form with a c
We want your parenting questions
Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey is returning to All in the Mind and we'd love to ask him your questions!Billy is an expert on kids' mental health — last time he was on the show we discussed what's really going on with kids who are labelled "bad"; including insecure attachment, separation anxiety and emotional difficulties. He co-hosts Pop Culture Parenting and is the
Why do we choke under pressure?
The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals.He's right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it.So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can't h
Can 'normalisation of deviance' help to explain a catastrophe?
40 years ago, NASA experienced one of its most devastating disasters.The Challenger space shuttle disintegrated just 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members.How had this happened? And did the culture of NASA have anything to do with it?In this episode, we dig into a concept called 'normalisation of deviance', which has been touted as an explanation for this incide
Got a question for Esther Perel?
Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel is coming to All in the Mind! And we'd love to ask her some of your questions.Esther Perel is an internationally recognised couples therapist. You might know her as the author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs. Family, sex, intimacy, friendship, betrayal - Esther covers it all. So if you have any thorny relationship questions yo
The paradox of petty problems: Why small annoyances can snowball
Slow walkers. Unmelted cheese in a toastie. Bad formatting in documents. If these small annoyances make you weirdly mad, you're not alone (in fact, you're human). But when little pet peeves add up, they can contribute much bigger problems like chronic stress. So what can you do about it?Today: why small annoyances have such an outsized impact; why judging yourself doesn't help; a
Grief and guilt: losing a loved one to suicide
When Blake's dad died by suicide, it came as a complete shock. Overwhelming grief, combined with confusion and guilt — it uprooted his life. The loss made him rethink his own mental health, and eventually, channel that into the community — fundraising and taking on three world records.Today, we're talking about suicide bereavement; how it can affect family and friends, its long l
Driving me mad: why we get road rage
Simon considers himself a calm, conscientious, conflict-avoidant type of person. But in the car, his personality flips — and it scares him.It can be hard to admit, but many of us do experience road rage.So what is it about being in the driver's seat that makes us so quick to anger? And does the type of car a person drives have anything to do with their propensity for aggression?T
The cognitive distortions of a high achiever
Over years of practice, clinical psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients.Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism.So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacri
Healing from self-hatred
Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing. Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?We sp
The fight for focus in a world of distraction
Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it?Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans,
Got the ick? Dating, disgust and evolutionary psychology
Have you ever experienced "the ick"?It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it? To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a d
What to know about kids mental health
Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey has seen a lot of kids with behavioural issue over the years, and there are ten things he wishes all parents understood about their kids mental health.From insecure attachment to separation anxiety to emotional difficulties – he gives us the low down on why kids get labelled ‘bad’ – and what’s really going on (usually).You can catch up
Difficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships
Difficult people are everywhere. Maybe you're one of them, or maybe you're about to sit through an awkward holiday situation with someone you REALLY don't know how to handle.This week, clinical psychologist Rachel Samson returns to answer all your questions on challenging people from the All in the Mind mailbox.How do I deal with my coworker who's crossing boundaries? Should I tr
From prohibition to social media - what makes bans succeed ... or fail?
From the prohibition era in the US, to gun control in Australia, bans have been used throughout history to change behaviour. Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Sometimes, they lead to a whole lot of unintended consequences.With the social media ban for under-16’s taking effect this week, we uncover the three factors that can determine whether a ban is more likely to succe
The music that saves us
When bad things happen, do you berate yourself or treat yourself with compassion? Do you journal, meditate, or listen to music?Growing up, Sabrina McKenzie always turned to music to help her through her worst moments.As she got older and began studying psychology, she realised what she felt when she listened to sad or angry songs ... was self-compassion.In the field of positive p
If everything is traumatic, is anything traumatic? The power of labels
We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health.But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too.Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array
‘What if I’m a paedophile?’ The intrusive thoughts that haunted Uma
You've probably experienced intrusive thoughts — bizarre, fleeting, sometimes inappropriate thoughts that cross your mind without warning. Although these can be weird to experience, they're totally normal.But for people with obsessive compulsive disorder these thoughts can become inescapable — leading to worry, compulsions and shame.Today we're talking about OCD, because it's oft
Consumer behaviour and the quest for cool
According to consumer psychology, there's a recipe for being cool. And surprisingly, the ingredients are similar across a bunch of countries and cultures.So today, we explore the concept of cool: what it says about our values and how it influences us. But be warned — if you try too hard to be cool, it might unravel your attempt before you even get there.You can catch up on more e
Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people
You know how certain people are just… difficult? Maybe they're prickly to be around, don't take feedback well, or act like a narcissist?Today we're learning how to handle relationships with difficult people; from setting boundaries, to understanding the role of attachment and temperament on behaviour.Plus, is it ever the right time to cut someone off completely? And what's a 'hig
How borderline personality disorder makes it harder to hold down a job
Extreme emotional turmoil, fears of abandonment, huge amounts of stigma… These factors can make navigating a career when you have borderline personality disorder really tricky. But Rosie and Enya are making it happen.Today, how to navigate your working life when you have BPD.We hear from Enya, a listener who works on fishing boats while receiving treatment for her BPD, and Rosie,
From school avoidance to food anxieties: navigating neurodiverse parenting
Long before Sarah's daughter Chloe Hayden became an award-winning actress starring in Netflix's Heartbreak High, she was a kid facing immense struggles. Chloe was sensitive to smells, lights and foods; she had no friends; she hated school.Sarah never suspected Chloe was autistic, but that’s only because her idea of what autism looked like came from the film Rain Man.Sarah is now
Brain Rot: Meet the people who ditched their smartphones
We've all dreamt of lobbing our smartphone into the ocean and going off grid.So what happens when you follow through with it?For the final episode of Brain Rot, we speak to the people who decided they'd had enough.From a French village, to Gen Z 'luddites' in New York City and a group of parents in regional Victoria, there are clubs, campaigns and even laws dedicated to a smartph
Brain Rot: Internet addiction
Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction … to your screen?In episode four of Brain Rot, we dig into how behavioural addictions work.And we hear from self-described internet addicts about the treatment programs helping them manage their relationship with technology.This episode originally aired on Brain R
Brain Rot: What is tech doing to your memory?
We're trusting tech with more tasks than ever — including the ones our brains once did.We're Googling things we used to know, taking screenshots of things we'll instantly forget, and hoarding all kinds of data we'll never check again.On this episode of Brain Rot: is tech giving your brain a holiday, or putting it out of a job?You'll also meet a guy who's turned the tables, by usi
Brain Rot: Will AI turn us off human relationships?
Whether it’s social media, the omnipresent smartphone or AI companions, in recent decades the way we relate to each other has been completely up-ended.In episode two of Brain Rot, we explore the potential implications that tech poses to human relationships.Worldwide estimates suggest there are around one billion users of AI companions — people using software or applications desig
Brain Rot: Is your phone destroying your attention span?
Everyone seems to have a hunch that their phone is destroying their attention span, but is there any science to back it up?In episode one of Brain Rot, we’re doing our best to focus on the topic of attention for a full 25 minutes — and find out what's actually happening in your brain every time your phone buzzes or dings.Is brain rot a real thing? Or just another moral panic?And
Why revenge feels good — and what it costs
Revenge feels sweet... At least for a moment. James Kimmel Jr knows that better than most.As a lawyer, he made a career out of helping clients get payback. But the drive for revenge started to eat away at him, threatening to destroy his work life and relationships.Coming back from the brink, he started to wonder — why are we drawn to payback? What impacts does it have on the brai
Task paralysis and procrastination - why it's so hard to get sh*t done
Five years of unpaid taxes. Homework handed in on the last day of an extension. Some people are champion procrastinators.Why? And what does task paralysis (sometimes called ADHD paralysis) have to do with it?Today: the personality traits that make you more prone to procrastination, the types of tasks we're most likely to put off, and what to do if your to-do list sends you into f
Cruel intentions: how toxic tabloids and celebrity culture changed the way we talk about mental health
If you opened up a magazine in the 2000s, you'd likely be met by countless images of celebrities on their worst days. And the conversation accompanying those images? Pretty toxic.We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health since then, but how did we get here? What changed?Today, we reflect on the cruelty of tabloid culture and how the internet shifted the narrative a
Is clutter making you feel bad?
When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread?Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype. Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up?And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clu
Serial killers: answering your questions about how they think
Can serial killers ever learn empathy? Is their psychology similar to mass shooters? Why are they almost always men?Welcome to All in the Mind’s first ever ‘mailbag’ episode!These are just some of the many questions you sent us after our recent episode on serial killers, called Where have all the serial killers gone?Forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee is back on the show, answe
Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real
Have you ever felt like things were not quite real?That you were no longer connected to your body or didn’t know who you were?Nathan Dunne felt this way for years. And it’s never quite stopped affecting the way he sees himself or the world around him.Today, depersonalisation disorder — and what we know about its symptoms, causes and treatments.And a heads up, this episode discuss
Divination isn’t scientific, but can it ever be therapeutic?
Love it or hate it, there are reasons you might read your star sign and relate to what it says about you as a person.We all fall into cognitive traps — but if we’re aware of them, is it such a bad thing to indulge in your daily horoscope, or a tarot card reading?Today, we delve into the occult, to understand why some people seek messages from the universe, and if it can play a ro
Where have all the serial killers gone?
The backpacker killer. The Claremont killer. Ted Bundy. The crimes serial killers commit linger in our memories for decades.But when was the last time you heard about an active serial killer in the news?In our final episode of Criminal Psychology, we probe the lead-crime hypothesis, find out about 'chemical castration' and ask — where have all the serial killers gone?And a heads
Kleptomania: when compulsive stealing takes over your life
What drives some people to steal compulsively?This week, as part of our special four-part series Criminal Psychology, we're talking about kleptomania and the impact it can have on a person's life.We speak to someone who’s been diagnosed with kleptomania about their experiences; from their urges to steal, to the guilt and shame they feel.We also chat to a psychiatrist about what t
Pyromania vs revenge – why do people light fires?
Australians know the devastation of bushfires all too well. So why would anyone deliberately light a fire?In this episode of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we're exploring the psychology of arson.Answering questions like, how does it relate to pyromania? What do we know about the profile of a typical arsonist? And how do investi
Munchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kids
Why would any parent lie about their child's health? Or worse, intentionally make their child sick?In episode one of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we dive into a disorder that’s long been sensationalised in the media: Munchausen by Proxy – and ask: how do these parents get away with their lies? Can their behaviour ever be refor
INTRODUCING — Criminal Psychology
On All in the Mind, we investigate why people behave the way they do. But there are some perspectives we don't often hear about.Introducing Criminal Psychology, a special series diving into just that.On this four-episode series, we'll cover arson, kleptomania, serial killers and Munchausen by proxy as we look at what drives people to the extremes of human behaviour.And we'll exam
Chronically stressed? These small changes can help
Time and time again, Dr Rangan Chatterjee has seen chronic stress wreak havoc on his patients' lives — contributing to autoimmune disorders, gut problems, low libido and more.But the most devastating blow struck his own family, when his father's punishing work schedule forced him to medically retire in his 50s.It’s an experience that led Rangan to rethink his own work and approac
Loneliness — you're not alone, from Ladies, We Need To Talk
Loneliness hurts. And we know it's bad for us, worse than smoking or obesity. Even though a third of us are lonely, we're embarrassed to say so. So, what would happen if we talked about our loneliness openly? And how can we build more meaningful connections?This week we have a special episode from our friends at Ladies, We Need To Talk.Host Yumi Stynes speaks to women who are lon
The confusion about concussions
Concussions are hard to diagnose, often get missed, and don't always get taken seriously.And if you're not a professional athlete, it can be surprisingly hard to get clear information on how to manage and recover afterwards. Why?The brain is your most important organ, after all!This week, we try and make sense of the confusion around concussions.This episode was first broadcast i
Managing your emotions so they don't manage you
Avoiding your emotions is generally a recipe for disaster — but Ethan Kross makes a case for occasional 'strategic' avoidance.He’s a professor of psychology from the University of Michigan, and he’s appeared in some of our most popular episodes: Controlling the chatter in your head and What influences your inner voice? Controlling 'chatter' part two.He’s back to share more tools
Do people really behave differently in a crowd?
Panicky. Irrational. Impulsive. These are the traits that have long been associated with crowd behaviour.But modern crowd science suggests that’s an incomplete, if not inaccurate picture.From crowd crushes to terrorist attacks, we take a closer look at how people really behave in crowds, and what you can do to keep yourself safe in one.Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Chec
Why do we love collecting?
Whether it's stamps, figurines, antiques or toys, plenty of people love collecting. But why?What are the psychological drivers behind the hobby? How much is marketing influencing us, and is there a risk of collecting turning into hoarding?If you enjoy the show or if you have feedback you'd like to share, please check out our survey here.Guests:Sam ToddContent creator and collecto
Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever
Over years of clinical practice, psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients.Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism.So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacri
Ads, sports and games: how gambling infiltrated Australian culture
If you're watching sport or browsing social media, odds are you will come across gambling ads. If you work in an office, you might've joined Melbourne Cup or footy tipping comps.In Australia, it can feel like gambling is everywhere.Today, we look at how everything from video games to shopping sites seem to be priming us for betting-like behaviours, and how the ubiquity of gamblin
A different kind of grief — what true crime pods often overlook
For years, psychologist Patricia Harney avoided true crime podcasts and documentaries. They hit too close to home.Recently she's been testing the waters, and noticing these whodunnit shows often leave out a crucial element of the story.This episode was first broadcast in July 2023Take our listener survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7
Love us? Hate us? Take our short audience survey and tell us!
All in the Mind is doing its first-ever listener survey — can you tell us a bit about who you are and why you listen? We'd love to understand you better!We’ve kept the survey snappy — it's only seven questions. We’re especially keen to know the age range of our listeners.Take the survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7And you can always reach us at mind_rn@abc.net.a
The silicon shrink – the worrying side of AI in mental health
Chat bots as therapists. Apps that can track your mood and behaviour, offering earlier detection of psychiatric illness.There's a lot happening at the nexus of mental health and AI – some of it promising, some of it perilous.Today, science writer and author of The Silicon Shrink, Daniel Oberhaus, takes us on a journey through this emerging space. We'll look at the potential benef
Dissecting the brain - live at the World Science Festival Brisbane
The brain might be an undiscerning blob that makes up just two per cent of your body, but what it does for you is extraordinary.How much about the day-to-day workings of the brain do we fully understand, and what does the future of medicine have in store for it?In this recording of our live show from the World Science Festival Brisbane, we explore the wonder of brain surgery, adv
How the housing crisis is warping people's view of the future
Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair.Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us.This episode was first broadcast in May 2024.
Fighting for focus in the age of distraction
Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it?Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans,
The magic of memory - live at Podfest
How strong is your memory? Whether you're frequently forgetful or eager to improve, there are ways you can train your brain to recall faster and remember better. This week, we bring you our live show from Podfest at the Adelaide Festival, featuring neuropsychologists, memory athletes, and even some listeners!If you'd like to check out another episode, why not listen to Is life co
Could AI keep you company as you age?
Dementia usually involves a decline in your ability to remember, think and reason over time. And those with dementia are at a high risk of feeling socially isolated, lonely and depressed.As artificial intelligence systems get better and better, researchers are investigating whether AI companion bots could help improve the lives of those with dementia.The combination might sound c
The ick: dating, disgust and evolutionary psychology
Have you ever experienced "the ick"?It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it? To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a d
Can humans make it to Mars without losing their minds?
NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it?We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars.This episode was first broadcast in March 2024.Looking for another episode to listen to next? Check out Da
Do you hate yourself? Healing from self-hatred
Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here.Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and
'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental health
Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey has seen a lot of kids with behavioural issue over the years, and there are ten things he wishes all parents understood about their kids mental health.From insecure attachment to separation anxiety to emotional difficulties – he gives us the low down on why kids get labelled ‘bad’ – and what’s really going on (usually).Looking for somet
The baby decision — how to decide when you can't decide
There are some decisions in life that can be trickier to navigate. Do you want to get married? Should you change careers? Do you want a baby?Parenthood is a choice more vexed than ever in a world threatened by climate change, political instability and cost-of-living crises. So how can people approach this choice? And if you're lucky enough to have a choice, how do you make peace
'My brain snapped': Harry's sudden psychosis
Harry had been lucky. He'd never struggled with his mental health.Then, when he was 18, seemingly out of nowhere — he had his first psychotic episode.It was an abrupt change, with ripple effects across his family.Today, the shock of experiencing psychosis, why you're most likely to get it when you're young, and how you can recognise the signs and support a loved one.If you'd like
