All In The Mind

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

This week we're talking about something intimate … And at-times taboo … Masturbation.From self-love, to disordered behaviour, and back again, 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.After listening, why not check out Sex is Weird, a series from our fellow science podcast, What the Duck?!

It's human nature to form groups — families, friends, online communities. We love to be surrounded by people similar to us.But that can also make us discriminatory and defensive. And social media makes that instinct worse.Today, we look at how our brains evolved to connect and divide, and what that means for the problems we face in our modern world.This episode was first broadcast in April 2023.Looking for something to listen to next? Check out another All in the Mind episode, The Certainty Myth.

When you think about pillars of health a few things might come to mind — nutrition, exercise, connectedness. But there's something many of us miss off that list — sleep.Insomnia does so much more than make us cranky, it's closely tied to our mental health. Not just how we feel on a day to day basis, but our likelihood of developing depression.This week, what happens when you don't get enough sleep; the effect on your brain and why it's so impactful on your mental health.If you'd like to learn more about sleep, check out the science team's Sleeptember content.This episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening. If you need support, you can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Earlier this year, the Netflix program Baby Reindeer brought stalking firmly back into the zeitgeist - sparking discussion about the psychology of people who stalk and the impact it has on victims.So what goes on in the mind of a stalker? How do the various types, from incompetent suitor to intimacy seeker, differ? And what should you do if you think you have a stalker?

Attachment theory is a foundation of modern psychology — a framework for understanding human relationships and how we connect other people.But has social media taken this concept — grounded in decades of research — too far?Scroll through Instagram or TikTok for too long, and you might think that if you have a certain attachment style, you're fundamentally unlovable — or that you need to steer clear of people who are avoidant, anxious or not secure enough.Today, what we get wrong about attachment styles. Plus, the experiments that helped discover them in the first place ... and how a better understanding of attachment could help us to heal.If you liked this episode, you'll love our episode on when to trust your gut instinct and when to ignore it.

Do you know your love language? Maybe you've done an online test — tested your partner — spent time talking it over — even made decisions about your relationship on the basis of your love language.But where did this concept of love languages even come from? And how good is the evidence that backs it up?Today, two research psychologists go deep on the concept of love languages — and what they really mean for your relationships.Want more relationship content from All in the Mind? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.

How would you describe your parents?Nobody's perfect, of course, but some parents leave more of a mark than others.Today, we revisit the life-long impact of having 'emotionally immature' parents, as Dr Lindsay Gibson's book hits bestseller lists.This episode was first broadcast in May 2021.If you're looking for another episode to listen to, why not check out Milgram Shock and Stanford Prison — what we misunderstand about the most infamous experiments in psychology.

Can't sleep? Worries keeping you up at night? It might be time to look to the stars.For National Science Week, we're investigating the relationship between the night sky and mental wellbeing.So can spending time under the night sky give you a mood boost? And if it does … why?Looking for more nature in your life? Check out our episode Nature prescriptions — just what the doctor ordered.

It sounds like fantasy, but the manipulation of dreams is now possible — and it's thanks to a well known video game, Tetris.

For people with PTSD, flashbacks can be an unwelcome and distressing experience. To tackle this problem, researchers have turned to Tetris.

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?If you're keen to listen to another episode, check out Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.

What if your entire understanding of the world — your beliefs, how you parent, how you work, how you interact with friends at the pub — all came crashing down?For Stephanie, Jules and Joel — who are all former conspiracy theorists — that was their reality.And digging their way out of the conspiracy rabbit hole came with a whole lot of challenges.Today on All in the Mind: falling into and out of conspiracy ... and rebuilding your life after breaking free.And if you enjoyed listening, you should go back and check out our earlier episode on how to help conspiracy theorists.

After enduring years of abuse, Robyn Westgate was jailed for the murder of her husband. Now out of prison, she runs training programs that aim to reduce domestic violence.Robyn says the key is empowering people to be better bystanders.Today, one woman's story from domestic violence survivor to domestic violence consultant, and the importance of speaking up.Please note this episode includes graphic descriptions of sexual assault and domestic violence. It may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening.Resources:1800 RespectMen's Referral Service

Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour.But there's something in the 21st century that's causing debate… Selfies.Digital media isn't all bad though. It's also creating opportunities for authentic storytelling.Today, we examine what dark tourism is, if it's ethical, and when it is (and isn't) appropriate to snap a selfie.If you're keen for another episode of All in the Mind, check out You've got the music in you.

Do you wake up each morning refreshed and well-slept? Or are you the kind of person who tosses and turns for ages before falling asleep, ruminating on all of your missteps and stresses from the day?If you chose option two, this episode is for you. Two sleep experts share advice on making night-time more restful — beyond the standard 'don't look at your phone before bed.' (Though that's important too).This episode was first broadcast in March 2023.Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode, Busting bias: what works and what doesn't.Credits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Ann-Marie DeBettencor

Long before Bieber fever and Swifties, there was Lisztomania.Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer who inspired such intense fandom and frenzy that it was dubbed mania.So, was it true mania? What caused fans to respond to him so passionately? And what can Lisztomania reveal about the way we talk about female obsession?If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode; Hook me baby one more time: the psychology of pop music.

For 8 months, images and videos of the carnage in Gaza have been flooding social media. They give a powerful view of what's happening to Palestinians on the ground – but they also have the potential to cause vicarious trauma.Today – what is vicarious trauma, and why doomscrolling doesn't help.

Trans non-binary performer Dax has spent most of her life not loving who she sees in the mirror. That is, until earlier this year.A few months ago, Dax finally experienced a particular kind of joy — gender euphoria. And it's transformed the way she sees herself.So what is gender euphoria? Why is it so powerful for trans and non-binary people? And why are researchers keen to flip the script and talk about trans joy?If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Taking back control of your time.

Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype.From a violent kid, to now a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'.Plus, there's been some controversy and questions about the veracity of her PhD - so, we fact checked it.Need something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.Guest:Patric Gagne, Author, Sociopath: A Memoir.Credits:Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Ann-Marie de Bettencor

Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair.Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Is life coaching legit?

Have you ever experienced the feeling of awe?Maybe it was sparked by an awesome view, a moving artwork or witnessing the birth of a child.Today we follow one person's attempt at finding awe when she's never felt it before.What does awe do to us? What benefits can it offer?If you'd like to listen to more of All in the Mind, check out our episode Does guilt have a silver lining?

So you've got a loved one who's fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole. Are they destined to stay there forever?Today, we hear from a former conspiracy theorist and a social psychologist on what fuels these beliefs, how likely people are to change their minds, and what you can (and can't) do to help.Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, The Certainty Myth.

Over the last couple of weeks, schizophrenia has been appearing in headlines across the country as details of the Bondi Junction attack unfold.Coverage of mental health conditions, especially one as complex as schizophrenia, can be shrouded in stigma.So today, we revisit our conversation with journalist Elfy Scott, sharing the one thing her family never spoke about - her mother's schizophrenia. This episode was first broadcast in April 2023. If you're looking for what to listen to next, check out our episode ADHD, TikTok, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria — meet Matilda's brain

The AI revolution is coming. Your mind isn't ready for it.Cognitive Neuroscientist Joel Pearson walks us through the many ways artificial intelligence is messing — and will mess — with our psychology.From falling in love with AI to unforgettable deep fakes, we dive into an uncertain future and what you can do to prepare for it.If you'd like to hear more from Joel, he featured on our episode about intuition called When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it.And if you want to hear more about artificial intelligence, check out the latest season of Science Friction, Hello AI Overlords.

Researchers knew Susannah better than her own parents.They may have even known her better than herself.Today, how spending thirty years in a psychological study warped journalist Susannah Breslin's life.If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out another, take a listen to Trauma, OCD and a PhD.

Whether it's shaking hands or which side of the road to drive on, social norms dominate the way we behave.But when norms change suddenly, you get chaos.Just ask Sweden.If you'd like to hear more from today's expert, Matt featured in an episode in 2021 called Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain. Check it out!

Have you ever looked at your pet and thought, what is going on inside your brain?Today, we're heading to the World Science Festival Brisbane for All in the Mind live to discuss animal consciousness.If you enjoyed this episode and are keen to listen to another, check out How our brain chemicals drive our behaviour. This episode was recorded live at the World Science Festival Brisbane.

Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have the capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things.Today - how cults reel people in, how coercive control keeps them there and what it takes to get out.This episode was first broadcast in October 2022. And if you enjoyed listening, you should check out our episode The History of Brainwashing.

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

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

NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it?We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars.If you liked this episode, you might like one of our past episodes about the isolation we all experienced during the pandemic. It's called The brain in isolation.

What does working for the CIA, navigating hot button topics and talking to teenagers all have in common? They're situations that supercommunicators excel at.Today, we explore how you can become a supercommunicator too. In this episode we touch on a previous story, Introversion vs Extroversion. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love that one too.

Parasocial relationships can be intense — and we all have them to some degree. Whether you're a Swiftie, a fan of the Matildas or just watch the local news every night.But what its like to be on the receiving end of millions of parasocial relationships?For Blair Joscelyne AKA Moog, one half of Mighty Car Mods, it took some unexpected steps to cope.If you're interested in what it's like to be famous, you'll love our episode The dark side of fame and what it does to the brain.

We all have moments in our lives when we feel an unconscious pull towards a certain decision.Should you walk down that dark alley? Does that person seem a bit off? Why is that giving me the heebie-jeebies?For Isla Lucas, a gut feeling while on holiday saved her life… Or did it?We take a look at the science and fantasy of intuition.If you liked this episode, you'll love our episode on The Pleasure Of Pain

Now that we're more comfortable talking about mental health, it's time to address some misconceptions.Is depression REALLY a chemical imbalance in the brain? What's the difference between being depressed and distressed? And are psychedelics the solution we've been waiting for?Today, Professor Ian Hickie breaks it all down and reveals the biggest myths about depression.

What does it take to go from second place, to first? Good, to great?This episode was first broadcast in July 2023. It's part one of our two parter on performance psychology. Part two is called Visualisation and values — goal setting like a winner.

A founding member of the band Gang of Youths. A single mum from Adelaide. A dad of two in Brisbane. What do all these people have in common?They all have young kids, and they all sing to them constantly!This week we ask: why do babies turn us into non-stop singing machines? Where does this instinct come from and what purpose does it serve?This episode was first broadcast in August 2023.

ARIA-nominated musician Parvyn knows what it's like to lose touch with reality.Delusions, mania, psychosis — she's experienced it all, often while on tour.Despite processing these experiences on her debut solo album 'Sa', she's never spoken publicly about her mental health — until now.This episode was first broadcast in March 2023.

As a teen, Hunter Johnson wanted to be the best at sport, the best at getting girls, and the best at getting attention. But one moment would change everything for him — forcing him to rethink his ideas about masculinity. Now, he's paying it forward.Last week, we explored why toxic masculinity is tricky to talk about. Today, we hear from someone having that conversation daily — shifting the focus from toxic behaviours and beliefs … to emotional intelligence.This episode was first broadcast in February 2023.

Do you get defensive when you hear the term toxic masculinity?You wouldn't be the only one, if so.In this episode, we follow one dad's attempts to understand where internet algorithms are sending his son… and ask, how do we deal with toxic masculinity, when the very term has become contested?This episode was first broadcast in February 2023.

Sex, scandal, money and misdeeds. All elements of good gossip.So why do we love the gossip, but not the gossiper?And why are we invested in the secrets of celebrities, even though they're strangers?This episode was first broadcast in February 2023.

The best grades, the best schools, the best sports programs, the best universities – sure, it's great for students to strive for success. But when does the pressure to succeed become too much?American journalist Jennifer Wallace says 'toxic achievement culture' is harming the mental health of many students.Is this a uniquely American phenomenon?

We all tend to get a bit cranky when the weather turns super hot, but did you know heatwaves can worsen certain mental health conditions?We explore the troubling ways heat can affects our mental health and behaviour.Just a heads up, this episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care.

Talking about death and grief is hard for anyone, let alone children.But children do experience grief and often have questions they want to ask.Today, how to talk to kids about death, loss and grief.

Aiming for perfect sounds like a good thing, right?But when perfectionism grows into hurtful self-criticism and unrelenting standards, it can be damaging for your mental health. And it turns out, perfectionism is linked to an already complex group of mental illnesses.Today, the role perfectionism plays in eating disorders.Please take care while listening if this topic is sensitive for you. And if you would like support, the Butterfly Foundation has a national support helpline for body image issues or eating disorders. You can reach them on 1800 33 4673 or head to their website.

Pulitzer prize finalist Meg Kissinger grew up in the 1960's and 70's, steeped in feelings of shame and guilt about the mental illness that plagued her family.Now a journalist covering mental health, she's made it her mission to share stories of lost loved ones and the systems that failed them.This episode explores the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Social media abounds with mindset mentors, spiritual healers, influencers and more — many of who offer life coaching.Does anyone know what they're talking about?

To imagine the future of artificial intelligence, it's important to reflect on some of the big moments in it's past.This week, James Purtill from Science Friction brings us a story of competition, surprise and thinking machines.This is the only time you'll hear Science Friction in the All in the Mind feed. To hear the full six-part series on AI, Hello AI Overlords, search for Science Friction in your podcast feed.

TikTok is a mixed bag when it comes to mental health content. Great at raising awareness and building community, but not always accurate or evidence based.Journalist Matilda Boseley sees both sides – but she says TikTok was the push she needed to seek out a formal diagnosis.