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The fight for focus in a world of distraction
3 januari 2026 · 30 min
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? Lees meer
Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.
Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans, debunk some myths about focus, and discuss the art of taking a break.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode first aired in March 2025.
Guests:
Dr Emma Fitzgerald Clinical Neuropsychologist
SebEmma's son and distracted teenager
Gloria Mark, PhDChancellor's Professor Emerita, University of California, IrvineAuthor, Attention Span
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Bella Tropiano
To find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.
Extra info:
Gloria's The Future of Attention substack
Smartphones in the nursery: Parental smartphone use and parental sensitivity and responsiveness within parent–child interaction in early childhood (0–5 years): A scoping reviewDitching your smartphone won't stop you being distracted, study finds
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Got the ick? Dating, disgust and evolutionary psychology
27 december 2025 · 30 min
Have you ever experienced "the ick"? Lees meer
It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.
Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it?
To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode first aired in March 2025.
Guests:
MichaelaSingle and ick-prone
Adam HorvathClinical Psychologist at Personal Psychology
Professor Gery Karantzas, PhDCouples therapistDirector, Science of Adult Relationships laboratoryDeakin University
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Michael Grossman
You can find the transcript for this episode on its original webpage here.
More information:
The ick: Disgust sensitivity, narcissism, and perfectionism in mate choice thresholds
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What to know about kids mental health
20 december 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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 on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
This episode first aired in February 2025.
Guest:
Dr Billy GarveyDevelopmental paediatricianAuthor, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental healthPodcast co-host, Pop Culture ParentingFounder, Guiding Growing Minds
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: John Jacobs
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Difficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships
13 december 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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 try and make peace with my problematic family member?
We'll answer these questions and more — from how to avoid becoming a difficult person yourself, to the power of radical acceptance.
Thank you for listening to All in the Mind this year! If you have an episode idea for next year or want to send some feedback, you can email us at mind_rn@abc.net.au
Guest:
Rachel SamsonClinical psychologistCo-author, Beyond DifficultDirector of the Australian Association of Psychologists
Rachael Samson also appeared on our episode in November called Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people.
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Bethany Stewart
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
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From prohibition to social media - what makes bans succeed ... or fail?
6 december 2025 · 30 min
From the prohibition era in the US, to gun control in Australia, bans have been used throughout history to change behaviour. Lees meer
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 succeed or fail – and find out what the history of bans tells us about how effective this policy might be (or not).
Plus – how solid is the research on the link between mental ill health and social media use?
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guests:
Dr Alexis WhittonAssociate Professor and psychologistThe Black Dog Institute and University of New South WalesDr Kate Harrison BrennanProfessor of Practice and Academic Director of the Sydney Policy LabHonorary Associate at the Sydney Law SchoolUniversity of SydneySeb, Eva, Ciara, Lily
With additional thanks to Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, from the University of New South Wales.
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Micky Grossman
A big thank you to everyone who sent us emails and voice memos with their thoughts on the social media ban. We couldn't include everyone but we appreciate getting to hear your perspectives.
Thanks to freesound.org users TRP and davidbain
More information:
Support for under-16 social media ban soars to 77% among AustraliansIllegal tobacco is a deadly $10 billion industry wiping out legitimate businessesSmoking rates continue to decline while vaping triples, national household drug survey showsPsychological reactance to system-level policies before and after their implementationThe presence of laws and man…
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The music that saves us
29 november 2025 · 30 min
When bad things happen, do you berate yourself or treat yourself with compassion? Do you journal, meditate, or listen to music? Lees meer
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 psychology there’s plenty of research on how journalling and meditation can cultivate self-compassion (and plenty of research suggesting self-compassionate people are more mentally and physically healthy).
But Sabrina was shocked to learn there was no research on whether music could cultivate self-compassion. She decided to change that.
Today: the songs that saved Sabrina, and the novel research looking for a link between music and self-compassion.
This episode touches on the topic of sexual abuse, please take care while listening.
Guest:
Sabrina McKenzieAssociate Lecturer in musicPhD candidate in music psychologyUniversity of Melbourne, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Roi Huberman
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Music to listen to:
Why Trust You - Alice CooperNow I Can Dance - Tina ArenaThis Is Me (Official Audio) — The Greatest Showman Cast"Saying Goodbye" — Ondara
More information:
Self-compassion as a predictor of interleukin-6 response to acute psychosocial stressA Systematic Review on Mediation Studies of Self-Compassion and Physical Health Outcomes in Non-Clinical Adult PopulationsExploring the role of music listening in cultivating self-compassion
Support:
Lifeline 13 11 14
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If everything is traumatic, is anything traumatic? The power of labels
22 november 2025 · 30 min
We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health. Lees meer
But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too.
Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours.
We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions.
This episode first aired in November 2024.
Guest:
Professor Nick HaslamProfessor of Psychology, University of Melbourne
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Senior producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
More information:
Concept creep: Psychology's expanding concepts of harm and pathology
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‘What if I’m a paedophile?’ The intrusive thoughts that haunted Uma
15 november 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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 often quite different from the stereotype of handwashing and lining up pencils. It can venture into taboo and dangerous thoughts, from paedophilia to violent harm.
So what does living with these unwanted thoughts feel like? And how much can treatment improve OCD symptoms?
This episode covers some heavy topics from sexual abuse to suicide. There are also a few swear words. Please take care while listening.
Guests:
Uma Chatterjee, M.S., MHPSNeuroscience PhD student, University of Wisconsin-MadisonScience communicatorMental health advocate
Martin IngleWriter and filmmaker
Professor Vlasios BrakouliasPsychiatristSydney Medical School, Westmead Hospital
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Senior Producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Timothy Jenkins
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Support:
Lifeline 13 11 14
SANE Australia
ARCVic Helpline 1300 269 438
More information:
You Can't Ask That - OCD episode
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Consumer behaviour and the quest for cool
8 november 2025 · 29 min
According to consumer psychology, there's a recipe for being cool. And surprisingly, the ingredients are similar across a bunch of countries and cultures. Lees meer
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 episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guest:
Caleb WarrenConsumer psychologistProfessor of MarketingUniversity of Arizona
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
More info:
Trying too hard or not hard enough: How effort shapes statusWhat Makes Things Cool? How Autonomy Influences Perceived CoolnessCool People
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Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people
1 november 2025 · 33 min
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? Lees meer
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 'highly sensitive person' (HSP)?
Got a question about a difficult person in your life? Send us an email at mind_rn@abc.net.au with the subject line "mailbag episode: difficult people".
Guests:
Rachel SamsonClinical psychologistCo-author, Beyond Difficult
Dr Jessie SternDevelopmental psychologist and researcherCo-author, Beyond Difficult
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Micky Grossman
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Extra information:
Beyond Difficult, An attachment-based guide to dealing with challenging people
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How borderline personality disorder makes it harder to hold down a job
25 oktober 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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, a teacher and author who decided to disclose her diagnosis with her workplace. How has borderline personality disorder impacted their careers? And what advice does an occupational therapist have for people with BPD entering the workforce?
This episode includes mention of self-harm and suicide. Please take care while listening.
Guests:
Enya
Rosie CappucinoAuthor, Talking about BPD
Dr Suzanne DawsonOccupational TherapistSenior Research Fellow, Caring Futures InstituteFlinders University
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Bethany Stewart
Thanks to freesound.org users digifishmusic and Scott_Snailham.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Support services:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue
Australian BPD Foundation
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From school avoidance to food anxieties: navigating neurodiverse parenting
18 oktober 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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 a social worker and equine assisted therapist, working with neurodiverse families.
In this episode, Sarah shares her family’s story, her advice for parents navigating school refusal and food aversion – and the shock of getting her own surprise ADHD diagnosis later in life.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guest:
Sarah HaydenSocial workerEquine assisted therapistAuthor, Parenting Different
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Senior producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Roi Huberman
Support services:
Butterfly FoundationLifeline
More information:
What to do if nothing's working, Autism AustraliaPlanning Absences: A Guide for Parents of Autistic StudentsEating disorders and autismAnorexia Nervosa and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic ReviewAutism spectrum disorder and anorexia nervosa: Investigating the behavioural and neurocognitive overlapPersonal essay: "I was unseen, even to myself"Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Comorbidity: Common Features and Treatment Possibilities With Cognitive Remediation Therapy and OxytocinDisability advocates say NDIS changes disregard alternative therapy benefitsEffects of Equine Therapy on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic ReviewEquine-Assisted Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Comprehensive Literature ReviewEquine a…
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Brain Rot: Meet the people who ditched their smartphones
11 oktober 2025 · 29 min
We've all dreamt of lobbing our smartphone into the ocean and going off grid. Lees meer
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 smartphone-free life.
But in 2025, how do you pull it off? And is it actually worth it?
This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind from Sunday 19 October.
Guests:
Stan Awtrey
Sportswriter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Vincent Paul-Petit
Mayor, Seine-Port, France
Lisa Given
Professor of Information Sciences, RMIT University
Steph Challis
Founder, The Phone Pledge
Jameson Butler
Co-Founder, The Luddite Club
Credits:
Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre
Producer: Fiona Pepper
Senior Producer: James Bullen
Sound Engineer: Ross Richardson
Thanks to Sam Goerling for the assistance with French translation.
This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.
More Information:
The Luddite ClubParents unite to ban teens from smartphones amid social media minimum age review
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.
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Brain Rot: Internet addiction
4 oktober 2025 · 30 min
Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction … to your screen? Lees meer
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 Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October.
Guests:
Jillian and Kate
Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous members
Hilarie Cash
Psychologist and Co-Founder, reSTART
Anna Lembke
Professor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine
Anastasia Hronis
Clinical Psychologist; Author, The Dopamine Brain
Dar Meshi
Associate Professor, Michigan State University
Credits:
Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre
Producer: Fiona Pepper
Senior Producer: James Bullen
Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds
This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.
More Information:
Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta analysis — eClinical Medicine, 2022.
Internet-addicted South Korean children sent to digital detox boot camp.
The Dopamine Brain — Anastasia Hronis.
Everyone is on their phones. But are we actually addicted? The Guardian, 2024.
Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous.
Dopamine Nation — Anna Lembke.
Inside the rehab saving young men from their internet addiction — The Guardian, 2017
Other episodes related to focus and our relationship with smart phones:
When doom scrolling leads to actual harmShould you do a 'dopamine detox'?Sick of scrolling? Digital minimalism could helpFighting for focus in the age of distraction
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stre…
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Brain Rot: What is tech doing to your memory?
27 september 2025 · 30 min
We're trusting tech with more tasks than ever — including the ones our brains once did. Lees meer
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 using AI to help recover his lost memories.
This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October.
Guests:
Dr Julia Soares
Assistant Professor, Mississipi State University
Morris Villaroel
Academic, Spain; Lifelogger
Max
Credits:
Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre
Producer: Fiona Pepper
Senior Producer: James Bullen
Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds
This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.
More Information:
Memory in the Digital Age — Oxford Handbook of Human Memory, 2024.
Lifelog Retrieval from Daily Digital Data: Narrative Review — JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 2022.
People mistake the internet's knowledge for their own — PNAS, 2021.
Data Selves: More-Than-Human Perspectives — Deborah Lupton, 2019.
One man's 10-year experiment to record every moment — BBC, 2019.
The case for using your brain — even if AI can think for you — Vox, 2025.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.
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Brain Rot: Will AI turn us off human relationships?
20 september 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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 designed to simulate human-like interactions through text and voice.
So if the uptake of these AI companions is as rapid as is being reported, what are the ramifications? And could AI companions be both a cause and cure for loneliness?
This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October.
Guests:
Kelly
In a relationship with an AI companion, Christian
Bethanie Drake-Maples
Doctoral Candidate, Research Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence
Nicholas Epley
Professor of Behavioural Science, University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Nicholas Carr
Author and journalist
Credits:
Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre
Producer: Fiona Pepper
Senior Producer: James Bullen
Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds
This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples.
More Information:
Loneliness and suicide mitigation for students using GPT3-enabled chatbots — npj Mental Health Research, 2024.
Hello, stranger? Pleasant conversations are preceded by concerns about starting one — Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 2022.
Talking with strangers is surprisingly informative — PNAS, 2022.
Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart — Nicholas Carr, 2025.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you'd…
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Brain Rot: Is your phone destroying your attention span?
13 september 2025 · 30 min
Everyone seems to have a hunch that their phone is destroying their attention span, but is there any science to back it up? Lees meer
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 how do you know when your own screen use has gone too far?
This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October.
Guests:
Anna Seirian
CEO, Internet People
Dr Mark Williams
Professor, Macquarie University; Cognitive neuroscientist
Michoel Moshel
Clinical Neuropsychologist Registrar; Phd Candidate, Macquarie University
Professor Marion Thain
Professor of Culture and Technology, University of Edinburgh; Director, Edinburgh Futures Institute
Credits:
Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre
Producer: Fiona Pepper
Senior Producer: James Bullen
Sound Engineer: Brendan O'Neill
More information:
Neuropsychological Deficits in Disordered Screen Use Behaviours: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis - Neuropsychology Review, 2024.
Do we have your attention? How people focus and live in the modern information environment - King's College London, 2022.
Internet addiction-induced brain structure and function alterations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity studies - Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2023.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.
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Why revenge feels good — and what it costs
6 september 2025 · 32 min
Revenge feels sweet... At least for a moment. James Kimmel Jr knows that better than most. Lees meer
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 brain? And can revenge ever be addictive?
In this episode, we explore some of the neuroscience of revenge: what's going on in the brain when we seek it out, the rewards we get from it, the damage it causes and how to stop it. Plus, are we hardwired for forgiveness?
Just a heads up, there is a brief mention of animal cruelty in the intro of this episode, so please take care while listening.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guest:
James Kimmel, Jr., JDAssistant Clinical Professor, PsychiatryYale School of MedicineAuthor, The Science of Revenge
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
Thanks to freesound.org users craigsmith, Scott_Snailham and EwanPenman11.
More information:
The neural basis of altruistic punishmentThe sunny side of fairness: preference for fairness activates reward circuitry (and disregarding unfairness activates self-control circuitry)The neural basis of economic decision-making in the Ultimatum Game"An eye for an eye"? Neural correlates of retribution and forgiveness
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Task paralysis and procrastination - why it's so hard to get sh*t done
30 augustus 2025 · 31 min
Five years of unpaid taxes. Homework handed in on the last day of an extension. Some people are champion procrastinators. Lees meer
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 fight-or-flight mode.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guests:
EvaHigh school student
Dr Catherine HoulihanClinical psychologistSenior lecturer in clinical psychologyDirector of the UniSC Psychology ClinicUniversity of the Sunshine Coast
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Senior producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
More information:
The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn tooOutwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achieverWhy do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it?Fighting for focus in the age of distraction
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Cruel intentions: how toxic tabloids and celebrity culture changed the way we talk about mental health
23 augustus 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
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 about mental health.
If you want to hear more about our relationship with celebrities, check out our episode Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health.
Guests:
Jo PiazzaAuthor and host of Under the Influence
Sophie GilbertStaff writer for The AtlanticAuthor of Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves
Dr Jessica FordLecturer in MediaUniversity of Adelaide
Professor Nick HaslamUniversity of Melbourne
Clinical Professor Jonathan ShedlerDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioural SciencesUniversity of California
Hadley MearesHollywood historian
Matthew SuarezAuthor of Paparazzi Daze: Celebrity Encounters
David KampContributing EditorVanity Fair Magazine
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Reporter/producer: Jennifer Leake
Producer: Rose Kerr
Senior producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
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Is clutter making you feel bad?
16 augustus 2025 · 30 min
When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread? Lees meer
Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype.
Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up?
And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter?
If you want to hear more about our relationship with objects, check out Why do we love collecting?
Guests:
Professor Melissa NorbergPsychologistMacquarie University
Professor Jessica GrishamPsychologistUniversity of New South Wales
Dr Seung Hwan (Mark) LeeProfessor and Associate Dean of Engagement & InclusionTed Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University
Dr Omar FaresAssistant Professor in the Faculty of BusinessUniversity of New Brunswick
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr
Senior producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
More information:
Understanding 'underconsumption core': How a new trend is challenging consumer cultureBreaking up with belongings: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an unguided web-based program to reduce overconsumptionNudging society toward more adaptive approaches to material possessions: Harnessing implicit approaches to reduce overconsumption and excessive savingTry This: declutter your work from home space
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Serial killers: answering your questions about how they think
9 augustus 2025 · 30 min
Can serial killers ever learn empathy? Is their psychology similar to mass shooters? Why are they almost always men? Lees meer
Welcome to All in the Mind’s first ever ‘mailbag’ episode!
These are just some of the many questions you sent us after our recent episode on serial killers, called Where have all the serial killers gone?
Forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee is back on the show, answering these questions and a whole lot more.
And can we ask a favour? As this is our first mailbag episode, we’d love to know your thoughts. Do you find this kind of format useful or interesting? Would you be keen to hear mailbag episodes more regularly? You can reach us at mind_rn@abc.net.au if you have any feedback.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guests:
Dr Rajan DarjeeForensic psychiatristClinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation Services
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: John Jacobs
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Depersonalisation — when nothing feels real
2 augustus 2025 · 30 min
Have you ever felt like things were not quite real? Lees meer
That you were no longer connected to your body or didn’t know who you were?
Nathan Dunne felt this way for years. And it’s never quite stopped affecting the way he sees himself or the world around him.
Today, depersonalisation disorder — and what we know about its symptoms, causes and treatments.
And a heads up, this episode discusses heavy topics such as suicide. Please take care while listening.
You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.
Guests:
Nathan DunneAuthor, When Nothing Feels Real
Dr Emma CernisClinical psychologist and researcherAssisant Professor of Clinical PsychologyUniversity of BirminghamCentre Lead, Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre
Credits:
Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar
Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls
If you enjoyed this episode, you might like:
Can we trust our memories?
Memory loss and identity
Dissociation and coping with trauma
Depersonalisation — when Nathan lost his sense of self and nothing felt real (Conversations)
More Information:
When Nothing Feels Real - Nathan DunneUnreal: Depersonalisation and Derealisation SupportLike being trapped behind a pane of glass – depersonalisation, derealisation disorder explained (The Conversation, 2025)Depersonalisation-derealisation as a transdiagnostic treatment target: a scoping review of the evidence in anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025)The Prevalence of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: A Systematic Review (Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2023)
Support resources:
Lifeline 13 11 14Beyond Blue
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Divination isn’t scientific, but can it ever be therapeutic?
26 juli 2025 · 34 min
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. Lees meer
We all fall into cognitive traps — but if we’re aware of them, is it such a bad thing to indulge in your daily horoscope, or a tarot card reading?
Today, we delve into the occult, to understand why some people seek messages from the universe, and if it can play a role in therapeutic care.
If you want to hear more about otherworldly beliefs, check out our episode Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience?
And Soul Search also has an episode called Astrology and tarot — telling the future, or connecting with the present?
Guests:
Professor Susan Krauss WhitbourneProfessor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst
Ryan FindlayPsychotherapist and tarot reader
Credits:
Presenter: Sana Qadar
Reporter/producer: Shelby Traynor
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite
Extra information:
When It Comes to Personality Tests, a Dose of Skepticism Is a Good ThingWhy You Might Not Want to Trust a Personality Test – Psychology TodayThe validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register dataEven the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrologyThe Power of Rituals – Psychology Today
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Where have all the serial killers gone?
19 juli 2025 · 32 min
The backpacker killer. The Claremont killer. Ted Bundy. The crimes serial killers commit linger in our memories for decades. Lees meer
But when was the last time you heard about an active serial killer in the news?
In our final episode of Criminal Psychology, we probe the lead-crime hypothesis, find out about 'chemical castration' and ask — where have all the serial killers gone?
And a heads up that this episode explores some heavy themes including sexual assault, child abuse, suicide and murder. It also contains the names of Aboriginal people who have died. Please take care while listening.
If you've got more questions for our forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee, please send them to us! We're going to make a special mail-bag episode featuring your burning true crime questions. Get in touch by emailing us at mind_rn@abc.net.au with the subject line "criminal psychology question".
Guests:
Dr Rajan DarjeeForensic psychiatristClinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation Services
Dr Xanthe MallettCriminologistAssociate Professor of Criminology, Central Queensland UniversityCo-Director, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence ResearchPodcast co-host, Motive and Method
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Emrys Cronin
More information:
The lead-crime hypothesis: A meta-analysis
Support resources:
Beyond Blue
Lifeline 13 11 14
1800 Respect
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Kleptomania: when compulsive stealing takes over your life
12 juli 2025 · 27 min
What drives some people to steal compulsively? Lees meer
This week, as part of our special four-part series Criminal Psychology, we're talking about kleptomania and the impact it can have on a person's life.
We speak to someone who’s been diagnosed with kleptomania about their experiences; from their urges to steal, to the guilt and shame they feel.
We also chat to a psychiatrist about what treatment looks like for people with kleptomania.
Guests:
Lynn
Dr Sam ChamberlainProfessor of Psychiatry, University of Southampton
Credits:
Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar
Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound Engineer: Emrys Cronin
Voice Actor: Swa Kaushik
More information:
Symptom Severity and Its Clinical Correlates in KleptomaniaA Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Opiate Antagonist, Naltrexone, in the Treatment of KleptomaniaWhy do young children sometimes steal? And what should parents do about it?Kleptomania — Mayo ClinicKleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors
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Pyromania vs revenge – why do people light fires?
5 juli 2025 · 30 min
Australians know the devastation of bushfires all too well. So why would anyone deliberately light a fire? Lees meer
In this episode of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we're exploring the psychology of arson.
Answering questions like, how does it relate to pyromania? What do we know about the profile of a typical arsonist? And how do investigators track down the source of a blaze?
Guests:
Dr Paul ReadClimate criminologist
Dr Nichola TylerSenior lecturer, forensic psychologySwinburne University of Technology
Richard WoodsDirector, Wildfire Investigations and AnalysisAdjunct Associate Lecturer, Wildfire Investigation, Charles Sturt University
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Emrys Cronin
Extra information:
Adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism who deliberately set fires: A systematic reviewThe truth about Australia's fires — arsonists aren't responsible for many this seasonSome Coalition MPs say that arson is mostly to blame for the bushfire crisis. Here are the factsDeliberately lit vegetation fires in AustraliaClinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients engaging in fireplay or arson: a case–control studyWhat are the differences between children and adolescents who deliberately light fires?The Acquisition of Fire
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Munchausen by Proxy: when parents hurt their kids
26 juni 2025 · 32 min
Why would any parent lie about their child's health? Or worse, intentionally make their child sick? Lees meer
In episode one of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we dive into a disorder that’s long been sensationalised in the media: Munchausen by Proxy – and ask: how do these parents get away with their lies? Can their behaviour ever be reformed?
Guests:
Brenda Bursch, PhDDirector, Pediatric Psychology in Outpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics ProgramProfessor of Clinical Psychiatry & Biobehavioral SciencesProfessor of Clinical PediatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine,University of California, Los Angeles
Professor Jon JureidiniChild psychiatristResearch Leader, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity of Adelaide
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Executive producer: Petria Ladgrove
Sound engineer: John Jacobs
Extra information:
Munchausen by Proxy: Clinical and Case Management GuidanceAPSAC Advisor Volume 30, Issue 1- Munchausen by Proxy Special IssuePsychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy AbuseThe mothers accused of poisoning their kids
Support resources:
Lifeline Australia 13 11 14
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INTRODUCING — Criminal Psychology
23 juni 2025
On All in the Mind, we investigate why people behave the way they do. But there are some perspectives we don't often hear about. Lees meer
Introducing Criminal Psychology, a special series diving into just that.
On this four-episode series, we'll cover arson, kleptomania, serial killers and Munchausen by proxy as we look at what drives people to the extremes of human behaviour.
And we'll examine how our understanding of the human mind can better help us to prevent harm.
Whether you're a dedicated fan of true crime or curious about the inner workings of our minds, find the series linked below and on the All In The Mind website.
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Chronically stressed? These small changes can help
21 juni 2025 · 32 min
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. Lees meer
But the most devastating blow struck his own family, when his father's punishing work schedule forced him to medically retire in his 50s.
It’s an experience that led Rangan to rethink his own work and approach to medicine.
Today, Dr Chatterjee, a GP and host of a mega popular wellbeing podcast, shares his story, as well as strategies for better managing stress in your own life.
Guest:
Dr Rangan ChatterjeeGP, author and host of Feel Better, Live More
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Tegan Nicholls
More information:
Rangan's Australian tour
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Loneliness — you're not alone, from Ladies, We Need To Talk
14 juni 2025 · 32 min
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. Lees meer
So, what would happen if we talked about our loneliness openly? And how can we build more meaningful connections?
This week we have a special episode from our friends at Ladies, We Need To Talk.
Host Yumi Stynes speaks to women who are lonely, one within a marriage and one hoping to find a partner, to understand the toll it can take. Plus, psychologist Dr Bella Ingram shares tips on how we can insulate ourselves from the chill of being lonely.
More information:
Ending Loneliness Report
Resources:
Beyond Blue
Lifeline 13 11 14
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The confusion about concussions
7 juni 2025 · 30 min
Concussions are hard to diagnose, often get missed, and don't always get taken seriously. Lees meer
And if you're not a professional athlete, it can be surprisingly hard to get clear information on how to manage and recover afterwards. Why?
The brain is your most important organ, after all!
This week, we try and make sense of the confusion around concussions.
This episode was first broadcast in October 2023.
Guests:Dr Lewis FreethPsychiatrist
Kate
Naznin Virji-BabulPhysical therapist and neuroscientistAssociate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British Columbia
Shreya McleodPhysiotherapistLecturer, Australian Catholic UniversityPhD candidate, University of Newcastle
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Russell Stapleton
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Managing your emotions so they don't manage you
31 mei 2025 · 31 min
Avoiding your emotions is generally a recipe for disaster — but Ethan Kross makes a case for occasional 'strategic' avoidance. Lees meer
He’s a professor of psychology from the University of Michigan, and he’s appeared in some of our most popular episodes: Controlling the chatter in your head and What influences your inner voice? Controlling 'chatter' part two.
He’s back to share more tools for taking charge of your emotions.
Guests:
Ethan Kross, PhDProfessor of Psychology and Management, University of MichiganAuthor, Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage You
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Dylan Prins
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Do people really behave differently in a crowd?
24 mei 2025 · 31 min
Panicky. Irrational. Impulsive. These are the traits that have long been associated with crowd behaviour. Lees meer
But modern crowd science suggests that’s an incomplete, if not inaccurate picture.
From crowd crushes to terrorist attacks, we take a closer look at how people really behave in crowds, and what you can do to keep yourself safe in one.
Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, Can music inspire mania?
Guest:
Associate Professor Milad HaghaniPrincipal Fellow in Urban Resilience & MobilityUniversity of Melbourne
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Roi Huberman
More info:
How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 1. Decision making of individualsHow simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 2. Physical movement of individualsHow behavioural changes in social groups affect evacuation efficiency of crowdsContemporary understanding of riots: Classical crowd psychology, ideology and the social identity approachThe role of social identity processes in mass emergency behaviour: An integrative reviewEnglish riots 2011: new research shows why crowd behaviour isn't contagiousHow to stay safe in a New Year's Eve crowd
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Why do we love collecting?
17 mei 2025 · 29 min
Whether it's stamps, figurines, antiques or toys, plenty of people love collecting. But why? Lees meer
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 collector
Professor Nick NeaveDirector of the Hoarding Research GroupDepartment of Psychology, Northumbria University
Associate Professor Louise GrimmerTasmanian School of Business and EconomicsUniversity of Tasmania
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr
Senior producer: James Bullen
Sound engineer: Micky Grossman
More info:
Why They Collect: Collectors Reveal Their MotivationsHow retailers turn everyday items into 'must-have' collectables
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Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever
10 mei 2025 · 29 min
Over years of clinical practice, psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients. Lees meer
Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism.
So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacrificing their mental health.
If you loved this episode, you should listen to our story on controlling the chatter in your head.
And if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only seven questions and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.
Guests:
Dr Mary AndersonPsychologist; Author, The Happy High Achiever
Extra Information:
The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia
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Ads, sports and games: how gambling infiltrated Australian culture
3 mei 2025 · 31 min
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. Lees meer
In Australia, it can feel like gambling is everywhere.
Today, we look at how everything from video games to shopping sites seem to be priming us for betting-like behaviours, and how the ubiquity of gambling ads is influencing young people in particular.
And if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only 7 questions and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the show.
Guests:
Dr Hannah PittVicHealth Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Health Transformation Deakin University
Dr Anastasia HronisClinical psychologistLecturer, University of Technology Sydney
Nic BloomMental health first aid trainerWellbeing facilitator and speaker
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Ann-Marie de Bettencor
Resources:
Gambling Help Online or over the phone 1800 858 858
Lifeline resources
Extra information:
Meta-analysis of the relationship between problem gambling, excessive gaming and loot box spending
Young people's recall and perceptions of gambling advertising and intentions to gamble on sport
"It's just everywhere!" Children and parents discuss the marketing of sports wagering in Australia
Gambling activity among Australian teenagers
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A different kind of grief — what true crime pods often overlook
26 april 2025 · 30 min
For years, psychologist Patricia Harney avoided true crime podcasts and documentaries. They hit too close to home. Lees meer
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 2023
Take our listener survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7
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Love us? Hate us? Take our short audience survey and tell us!
23 april 2025
All in the Mind is doing its first-ever listener survey — can you tell us a bit about who you are and why you listen? We'd love to understand you better! Lees meer
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/pMNc8TK7b7
And you can always reach us at mind_rn@abc.net.au
On behalf of the team, thank you!
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The silicon shrink – the worrying side of AI in mental health
19 april 2025 · 29 min
Chat bots as therapists. Apps that can track your mood and behaviour, offering earlier detection of psychiatric illness. Lees meer
There's a lot happening at the nexus of mental health and AI – some of it promising, some of it perilous.
Today, science writer and author of The Silicon Shrink, Daniel Oberhaus, takes us on a journey through this emerging space. We'll look at the potential benefits, the major limitations and the ethics of adding AI into our mental health mix.
And just a heads up, this episode touches on the topic of suicide, please take care while listening.
Guest:
Daniel OberhausScience writerAuthor, The Silicon Shrink: How Artificial Intelligence Made the World an Asylum
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Isabella Tropiano
Extra info:
Meta preys on insecure teens, whistleblower says - The Australian
Meta whistleblower Sarah Wynn-Williams says company targeted ads at teens based on their ‘emotional state’ - Yahoo Finance
Comments on Research and Ad Targeting - Meta
Resources:
Lifeline Australia
Beyond Blue
13YARN
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Dissecting the brain - live at the World Science Festival Brisbane
12 april 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
How much about the day-to-day workings of the brain do we fully understand, and what does the future of medicine have in store for it?
In this recording of our live show from the World Science Festival Brisbane, we explore the wonder of brain surgery, advances in neurotech, and whether we could one day preserve consciousness and ‘live’ forever.
Keen to listen to another episode? Why not check out Can we trust our memories?
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How the housing crisis is warping people's view of the future
5 april 2025 · 29 min
Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair. Lees meer
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.
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Fighting for focus in the age of distraction
29 maart 2025 · 30 min
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? Lees meer
Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.
Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans, debunk some myths about focus, and discuss the art of taking a break.
Want to hear more? Check out our episode, When doom scrolling leads to actual harm.
Guests:
Dr Emma Fitzgerald Clinical Neuropsychologist
SebEmma's son and distracted teenager
Gloria Mark, PhDChancellor's Professor Emerita, University of California, IrvineAuthor, Attention Span
Credits:
Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
Senior producer: James Bullen
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineer: Bella Tropiano
Extra info:
Gloria's The Future of Attention substack
Smartphones in the nursery: Parental smartphone use and parental sensitivity and responsiveness within parent–child interaction in early childhood (0–5 years): A scoping reviewDitching your smartphone won't stop you being distracted, study finds
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The magic of memory - live at Podfest
22 maart 2025 · 30 min
How strong is your memory? Lees meer
Whether you're frequently forgetful or eager to improve, there are ways you can train your brain to recall faster and remember better.
This week, we bring you our live show from Podfest at the Adelaide Festival, featuring neuropsychologists, memory athletes, and even some listeners!
If you'd like to check out another episode, why not listen to Is life coaching legit?
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Could AI keep you company as you age?
15 maart 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
As artificial intelligence systems get better and better, researchers are investigating whether AI companion bots could help improve the lives of those with dementia.
The combination might sound counterintuitive, but researchers reckon these chatbots have some advantages over human companionship.
So, what does a conversation with an AI companion sound like? How might they help? And what do the real people these AI companions are based on think of the experience?
Today, former host of All in the Mind Lynne Malcolm reports on the developing field of AI companions for people with dementia.
If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode with Lynne What's been on Lynne Malcolm's mind (since leaving All in the Mind).
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The ick: dating, disgust and evolutionary psychology
8 maart 2025 · 29 min
Have you ever experienced "the ick"? Lees meer
It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.
Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it?
To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style.
If you want to hear more about dating and psychology, check out our episode The false promise of love languages.
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Can humans make it to Mars without losing their minds?
1 maart 2025 · 29 min
NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it? Lees meer
We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars.
This episode was first broadcast in March 2024.
Looking for another episode to listen to next? Check out Dark tourism + selfie sticks = moral outrage.
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Do you hate yourself? Healing from self-hatred
22 februari 2025 · 30 min
Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here. Lees meer
Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.
But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing.
Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?
We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You.
This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening.
If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Can we trust our memories?
Resources:
Lifeline Australia
1800RESPECT
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'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental health
15 februari 2025 · 30 min
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. Lees meer
From insecure attachment to separation anxiety to emotional difficulties – he gives us the low down on why kids get labelled ‘bad’ – and what’s really going on (usually).
Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode, Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.
All in the Mind is heading to Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here.
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The baby decision — how to decide when you can't decide
8 februari 2025 · 30 min
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? Lees meer
Parenthood is a choice more vexed than ever in a world threatened by climate change, political instability and cost-of-living crises.
So how can people approach this choice? And if you're lucky enough to have a choice, how do you make peace with your decision?
Decision coach Merle Bombardieri has been working with couples on this very topic for decades — today, we ask her about the tools, tips and strategies you can use to tackle the baby question.
If you're interested in hearing more about parenthood, check out our episode called Why do we sing to babies?