

Better Thinking
Nesh Nikolic
On every episode you will hear inspiring conversations with leading experts in the fields of psychology, sports, personal growth, nutrition and other fields in order to gain clarity and understanding on how to deal with life in these exciting, yet challenging times. Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a Clinical Psychologist based in Canberra, Australia with over 15,000 hours of 1-on-1 therapy experience. He’s trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. Every week, Nesh will bring raw, down-to-earth and nonchalant talks right into your ears that are designed to make you think smarter and better so you can deal with life as it is - no sugar-coating or playing “happy.”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 21, 2019 • 59min
#16 — Kym Robinson on Sex Therapy
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kym Robinson about modern-day challenges in the bedroom techniques for rebooting your sex life. Kym Robinson began her career as a Registered Nurse (RN) and completed her bachelor of nursing at the University of Canberra. She combines more than 15 years’ experience working both locally and internationally with a Master’s of Science in Medicine (MScMed) in Sexual Health Counselling from the University of Sydney. She is a certified Psychosexual Therapist and member of the Society of Australian Sexologists. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/kym-robinsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 12, 2019 • 1h 3min
#15 — Minister Shane Rattenbury on Mental Health & Politics
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with ACT Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury, about mental health services and how politics works to improve policy and implementation. Shane Rattenbury is the Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. Since he was first elected in 2008, he has promoted important issues including clean energy, marriage equality, and major public transport. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/shane-rattenburySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jun 4, 2019 • 1h 3min
#14 — Trish Purnell-Webb on The Art and Science of Love
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Trish Purnell-Webb about practical strategies that go to the heart of what makes relationships strong, meaningful and connected. Trish Purnell-Webb is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Gottman Marital Therapist, Master Trainer and Consultant. Trish and her business partner, John Flanagan, founded Relationship Institute Australasia, an organisation with a guiding principle to utilise sound, evidenced-based approaches to help people build, repair and rejuvenate strong, sustainable relationships. Trish leads live training workshops across Australia, NZ, and Asia. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/trish-purnell-webbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 23, 2019 • 58min
# 13 — Prof Joseph Ciarrochi on Does Being Anti-Social Pay Off?
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Joseph Ciarrochi about aggressive versus pro-social behaviour and the benefits of being anti-social. Joseph Ciarrochi, PhD, is a professor at the Institute of Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University. He has published over 100 scientific journal articles and many books, including the widely acclaimed Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life and Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology. He has been honored with over four million dollars in research funding. His work has been discussed on TV and radio, and in magazines and newspaper articles. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/joseph-ciarrochiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 15, 2019 • 1h 10min
# 12 — Randolph Sparks on Pain Management
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Randolph Sparks about effective pain management treatments. Randolph explains why pain is necessary for survival, how the brain receives signals and interesting experiments in pain management. Randolph Sparks is a clinical psychologist and runs a successful private practice in Canberra, Top Psychology. He completed his clinical training at the Australian National University and continues an association there teaching in the Clinical Psychology program, as well as regularly appearing as a guest lecturer in both the undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology programs. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/randolph-sparksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 8, 2019 • 53min
#11 — Prof Bruce Stevens on Life of a Forensic Psychologist
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Bruce Stevens about his life in forensic psychology. The discussion ranges from treating murderers and psychopaths to schema therapy for couples. Professor Bruce Stevens obtained his PhD at Boston University in 1987. He is Wicking Professor of Aging and Practical Theology at Charles Sturt University and was previously Associate Professor in Clinical and Forensic Psychology in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Canberra. He has written seven books for leading publishers such as Random House, Harper Collins, PsychOz Publications, Australian Academic Press and Wiley-Blackwell. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/bruce-stevensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 1, 2019 • 1h 9min
#10 — Anya Aidman on Separation: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Anya Aidman on family separation, coparenting, domestic violence, spousal maintenance and stories of the good, the bad and the ugly of separation. Anya Aidman is a qualified Independent Children’s Lawyer specializing in working with families going through separation. She completed Master of Laws at the Australian National University (ANU). In addition to being a family lawyer, Anya is a qualified and Nationally Accredited Mediator. Fun fact: Anya started out working in criminal law and she speaks fluent Russian. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/anya-aidmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 25, 2019 • 4min
#9 — Nesh Nikolic on Symptom Reduction
In this mini episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic answers Dr Antonio Di Dio’s question on how he works with clients and their symptoms. "I don't care for symptom reduction because a lot of what we experience in life will never go away." – Nesh NikolicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 17, 2019 • 1h 22min
#8 — Dr Antonio Di Dio, AMA's ACT President, on Mental Health, Hospital Beds and Acute Care
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Antonio Di Dio about mental health, hospital beds and acute care in Australia's capital. Dr Antonio Di Dio is the Australian Medical Association's ACT branch president and general practitioner in his Canberra-based private practice. He is actively involved in helping medical practitioners and government entities to work closer together for a better doctor / patient outcome. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/antonio-di-dioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Apr 10, 2019 • 52min
#7 — Rachel Menzies on Death Anxiety
In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Rachel Menzie about death anxiety and links to mental health disorders. Rachel Menzies is a registered psychologist and lead editor of the book Curing the Dread of Death: Theory, Research and Practice, published by Australian Academic Press in 2018. She has published extensively on the causes of various disorders, including depression, OCD, panic disorder, illness anxiety, social anxiety, agoraphobia, generalised anxiety disorder and the specific phobias, as well as on gender differences in anxiety. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/rachel-menziesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.