All In The Mind

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 topic didn't give it away, this episode may not be suitable for little ones.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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.This episode first aired in September 2024.Guests:Esme Louise JamesPhD candidate, University of MelbourneContent creator and author of Kinky HistoryDr Vijayasarathi RamanathanClinical sexologistSenior Lecturer of Sexual Health (Sexology) at Westmead Clinical School, University of SydneyDr Ann JonesHost, What the Duck?!Dr Matilda BrindleEvolutionary biologistUniversity of OxfordCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Beth StewartMore information:Sex is Weird | What the Duck?!To find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

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 questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill!We're testing this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on [email protected] don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday.Guest:Casey BerosHealth journalistAuthor, Next of KinCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Micky GrossmanRelevant All in the Mind episodes:Tough conversations and anticipatory grief: being a carerWhat influences your inner voiceControlling the chatter in your headYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 difficult moments — from giving bad news to talking about voluntary assisted dying — and still come out the other end in one piece.Guest:Casey BerosHealth journalistAuthor, Next of KinCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 impact personal relationships, and whether a first love can still feel special, even if it happens later in life.And if you missed part one of our chat with Esther Perel, you can listen to our episode titled "Couples therapy with an AI partner? Esther Perel's just done it" here.Esther also featured on our first episode of Mind Hacks!Guest:Esther PerelPsychotherapist and couples therapistAuthor, The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityHost, Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:If you want to hear more from Esther Perel, she chatted to Lisa Leong on This Working Life. The episode is called Esther Perel on conflict and power struggles at work.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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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, marry kill!We're going to test this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on [email protected] don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday.Guest:Professor Joel PearsonPsychologist, neuroscientistFounder and Director, Future Minds LabUniversity of New South WalesCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanRelevant All in the Mind episodes:Is AI making our brains lazier?"Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AIWhen to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore itYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 potential long-term impact of widescale job losses, the anxiety university students are feeling about their job prospects, the risk of cognitive atrophy when outsourcing to AI, and what we can do to be more adaptable and flexible in the age of AI.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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.Guest:Professor Joel PearsonPsychologist, neuroscientistFounder and Director, Future Minds LabUniversity of New South WalesCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Tim JenkinsMore info:When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore itWhy being a beginner is good for you

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 test this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on [email protected] don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday.Guest:Esther PerelPsychotherapist and couples therapistAuthor, The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityHost, Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Michael GrossmanYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 chatbot? And why would someone bring their AI partner to a relationship therapy session in the first place?This week, renowned psychotherapist, author, and speaker Esther Perel reflects on what’s changed in the decades she's worked as a relationship therapist; whether AI can be a helpful tool for therapy; and why we might be better off conceptualising AI companions as ‘transitional objects’ instead. Plus, join us in a few week's time for a very special mailbag episode with Esther, featuring your questions!Guest:Esther PerelPsychotherapist and couples therapistAuthor, The State of Affairs and Mating in CaptivityHost, Where Should We Begin? with Esther PerelCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineers: Harvey O'Sullivan and Emrys CroninYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 author of Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental health.So if you have any questions you'd like to put to Billy, send them to [email protected] and include "question for Dr Billy Garvey" in the subject line.And if you're looking for inspiration, you can find Dr Billy Garvey's previous episode here.Thanks! - Sana and the All in the Mind team

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 handle it?This episode first aired in July 2024.Guests:Caroline AndersonPerformance psychologistLead psychologist for the Paris 2024 Australian Olympic TeamDr Chris MesagnoSenior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, Victoria UniversityLouise PotterFootballer and Darebin Falcons legendMary SpillaneClinical psychologistCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/Producer: Belinda SmithProducer: Rose Kerr, Petria LadgroveSound engineer: Russell StapletonTo view the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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 incident, as well as the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster and a clinical drug trial that left six people in intensive care.So what is 'normalisation of deviance'? How does it happen? And given its potential for harm, is there anything we can do to prevent it?If you enjoyed this episode, check out the latest season of Science Friction, The Challenger Disaster (which is also produced by our senior producer James Bullen!)Guests:Dr Nejc SedlarLecturer, University of AberdeenProfessor Sidney DekkerProfessor, Griffith UniversityCredits:Presenter: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenAdditional reporting/production: Fiona PepperProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.More information:A qualitative systematic review on the application of the normalization of deviance phenomenon within high-risk industries.Sidney Dekker — Drift into Failure.Challenger: the disaster five people saw coming.The Challenger Legacy — Science Friction.Has NASA learned anything from the Challenger disaster?When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore itA deviation from standard design? Clinical trials, research ethics committees, and the regulatory co-construction of organizational deviance

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 you'd like to ask her, send them to [email protected] and include "question for Esther Perel" in the subject line.Thanks!

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; and how elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you better navigate these moments (as well as the bigger challenges in life).And if you're not a fan of radical acceptance, which was covered in a recent episode, we go deeper on what it really means.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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.Guest:Dr Patricia Zurita-OnaClinical psychologistAuthorCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanMore information:Relationship of daily hassles, uplifts, and major life events to health statusThe peculiar longevity of things not so badPatricia's website and resourcesOther recommended listening:Chronically stressed? These small changes can helpDifficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships

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 lasting impacts on mental health, and how to support someone going through the experience. It can be really tricky to talk about suicide, so how do you tackle talking to kids about this kind of loss?Also, why are rates of suicide not going down, despite millions spent on prevention? And why do some people experience something called post-traumatic growth while others don't?This episode discusses suicide, grief and mental illness in depth. Please take care while listening.Guests:Blake JohnstonFormer pro surferSurf CoachMental Health advocateAuthor, SwellbeingAssociate Professor Karl AndriessenPrincipal Research Fellow, Centre for Mental Health and Community WellbeingMelbourne School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneTanja HirvonenClinical psychologistChief Executive Officer, ThirriliBoard Director, Australian Indigenous Psychologists AssociationBoard Director, Black Dog InstituteCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanThanks to freesound.org users tim.kahn and juskiddinkSupport and resources:Lifeline 13 11 14Thirrili 1800 805 80113 YARN 13 92 76Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636StandBy Support 1300 727 247Roses in the oceanMore information:Coping With A Parent's SuicideAlarming rise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide ratesA better way: suicide prevention in First Nations communitiesYou 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 ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

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?Today, we're talking about road rage; owning up to times we've lost our temper and finding out what we can do about it.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 Amanda StephensSenior Research Fellow,Monash University Accident Research CentreSimonAll in the Mind listener and business ownerCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Harvey O'SullivanMore information:Estimated car cost as a predictor of driver yielding behaviors for pedestriansHigher social class predicts increased unethical behaviorThe fast and the furious: Research shows that owners of high-status cars are on a collision course with traffic

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 sacrificing their mental health.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 May 2025.Guests:Dr Mary AndersonClinical Psychologist; Author, The Happy High AchieverCredits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Tegan NichollsYou can find the transcript for this episode on its original webpage here.Extra Information:The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia

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.This episode first aired in February 2025.Guest:Dr Blaise AguirreChild and adolescent psychiatristAssistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical SchoolAuthor, I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About YouCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Isabella TropianoThanks to Freesound.org users 7by7, qubodup, laft2k, andre.nascimentoTo find the transcript for this episode, head to it's original webpage.Resources:Lifeline Australia1800RESPECTYou 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.

Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it?Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus.Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans, debunk some myths about focus, and discuss the art of taking a break.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 NeuropsychologistSebEmma's son and distracted teenagerGloria Mark, PhDChancellor's Professor Emerita, University of California, IrvineAuthor, Attention SpanCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Bella TropianoTo find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.Extra info:Gloria's The Future of Attention substackSmartphones 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

Have you ever experienced "the ick"?It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh.Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it? To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style.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-proneAdam HorvathClinical Psychologist at Personal PsychologyProfessor Gery Karantzas, PhDCouples therapistDirector, Science of Adult Relationships laboratoryDeakin UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Michael GrossmanYou 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

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 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 MindsCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: John Jacobs

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 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 [email protected]:Rachel SamsonClinical psychologistCo-author, Beyond DifficultDirector of the Australian Association of PsychologistsRachael Samson also appeared on our episode in November called Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people.Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Bethany StewartYou 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.

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 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, LilyWith additional thanks to Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, from the University of New South Wales.Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Micky GrossmanA 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 davidbainMore 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 mandates is associated with increased social norm enforcementYouth mental health enters 'dangerous phase'Social psychologist and author of best-selling book The Anxious Generation Jonathan Haidt talks to News Breakfast about Australia's world-first under 16 social media ban — ABC LifestyleeSafety appoints Stanford University-led academic advisory group to assess the impacts of the Social Media Minimum Age obligationDigital mental health, Black Dog Institute

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 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 MusicCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Roi HubermanYou 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" — OndaraMore 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-compassionSupport:Lifeline 13 11 14

We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health.But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too.Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours.We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions.This episode first aired in November 2024.Guest:Professor Nick HaslamProfessor of Psychology, University of MelbourneCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteYou 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

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 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 advocateMartin IngleWriter and filmmakerProfessor Vlasios BrakouliasPsychiatristSydney Medical School, Westmead HospitalCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior Producer: James BullenSound engineer: Timothy JenkinsYou 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 14SANE AustraliaARCVic Helpline 1300 269 438More information:You Can't Ask That - OCD episode

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 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 ArizonaCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteMore info:Trying too hard or not hard enough: How effort shapes statusWhat Makes Things Cool? How Autonomy Influences Perceived CoolnessCool 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 'highly sensitive person' (HSP)?Got a question about a difficult person in your life? Send us an email at [email protected] with the subject line "mailbag episode: difficult people".Guests:Rachel SamsonClinical psychologistCo-author, Beyond DifficultDr Jessie SternDevelopmental psychologist and researcherCo-author, Beyond DifficultCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Micky GrossmanYou 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

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, 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:EnyaRosie CappucinoAuthor, Talking about BPDDr Suzanne DawsonOccupational TherapistSenior Research Fellow, Caring Futures InstituteFlinders UniversityCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Bethany StewartThanks 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 14Beyond BlueAustralian BPD Foundation

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 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 DifferentCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Roi HubermanSupport services:Butterfly FoundationLifelineMore 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 assisted activities and therapies in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and a meta-analysisAutism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping ReviewEffects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-AnalysisEffectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An UpdateA Scoping Review of Equine-Assisted Therapies on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Autistic Children and Adolescents: Exploring the Possibilities

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 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 AwtreySportswriter, The Atlanta Journal-ConstitutionVincent Paul-PetitMayor, Seine-Port, FranceLisa GivenProfessor of Information Sciences, RMIT UniversitySteph ChallisFounder, The Phone PledgeJameson ButlerCo-Founder, The Luddite ClubCredits:Presenter: Ange LavoipierreProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Ross RichardsonThanks 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 reviewYou 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.

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 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 KateInternet and Technology Addiction Anonymous membersHilarie CashPsychologist and Co-Founder, reSTARTAnna LembkeProfessor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Stanford University School of MedicineAnastasia HronisClinical Psychologist; Author, The Dopamine BrainDar MeshiAssociate Professor, Michigan State UniversityCredits:Presenter: Ange LavoipierreProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Tim SymondsThis 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, 2017Other 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 distractionYou 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.

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 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 SoaresAssistant Professor, Mississipi State UniversityMorris VillaroelAcademic, Spain; LifeloggerMaxCredits:Presenter: Ange LavoipierreProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Tim SymondsThis 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.

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 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:KellyIn a relationship with an AI companion, ChristianBethanie Drake-MaplesDoctoral Candidate, Research Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centred Artificial IntelligenceNicholas EpleyProfessor of Behavioural Science, University of Chicago Booth School of BusinessNicholas CarrAuthor and journalistCredits:Presenter: Ange LavoipierreProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Tim SymondsThis 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 like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

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 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 SeirianCEO, Internet PeopleDr Mark WilliamsProfessor, Macquarie University; Cognitive neuroscientistMichoel MoshelClinical Neuropsychologist Registrar; Phd Candidate, Macquarie UniversityProfessor Marion ThainProfessor of Culture and Technology, University of Edinburgh; Director, Edinburgh Futures InstituteCredits:Presenter: Ange LavoipierreProducer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenSound Engineer: Brendan O'NeillMore 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.

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 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 RevengeCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteThanks 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

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 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 studentDr Catherine HoulihanClinical psychologistSenior lecturer in clinical psychologyDirector of the UniSC Psychology ClinicUniversity of the Sunshine CoastCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteMore 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

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 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 InfluenceSophie GilbertStaff writer for The AtlanticAuthor of Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against ThemselvesDr Jessica FordLecturer in MediaUniversity of AdelaideProfessor Nick HaslamUniversity of MelbourneClinical Professor Jonathan ShedlerDepartment of Psychiatry and Behavioural SciencesUniversity of CaliforniaHadley MearesHollywood historianMatthew SuarezAuthor of Paparazzi Daze: Celebrity EncountersDavid KampContributing EditorVanity Fair MagazineCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Jennifer LeakeProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteYou 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.

When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread?Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype. Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up?And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter? If you want to hear more about our relationship with objects, check out Why do we love collecting?Guests:Professor Melissa NorbergPsychologistMacquarie UniversityProfessor Jessica GrishamPsychologistUniversity of New South WalesDr Seung Hwan (Mark) LeeProfessor and Associate Dean of Engagement & InclusionTed Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan UniversityDr Omar FaresAssistant Professor in the Faculty of BusinessUniversity of New BrunswickCredits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Simon BranthwaiteYou 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

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

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

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

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