All In The Mind

Dr. Blaise Aguirre, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Harvard Medical School professor, explores the depths of self-hatred and its origins. He explains how pervasive self-loathing differs from normal shame and reveals the impact of childhood trauma. Listing practical strategies, he emphasizes separating identity from learned self-hatred. Aguirre shares anecdotal success stories where reducing self-hate led to decreased suicidality, offering hope that these negative patterns can be unlearned. Ultimately, he reassures that self-love is a natural path back to a healthier self-view.

Gloria Mark, PhD, a leading researcher on digital distraction, and Dr. Emma Fitzgerald, a clinical neuropsychologist, delve into the chaos of modern attention spans. They reveal alarming data showing attention has plummeted from 2.5 minutes to about 47 seconds! Hear Emma’s personal battle with increasing distractibility and Gloria's insights on media multitasking among kids. They debunk myths about focus, emphasizing that constant attention is unrealistic. Practical strategies for regaining control and taking effective breaks are shared, making this discussion a must-listen!

In this fascinating discussion, clinical psychologist Adam Horvath and Professor Gery Karantzas delve into the elusive phenomenon of 'the ick' in dating. They explore how this visceral feeling of disgust can affect mate selection and relationship dynamics. Adam reveals that young women often experience it, tied to evolutionary pressures and personal attachment styles, while Gery highlights how physical traits like clumsiness can trigger it. They also examine the societal impacts of dating apps and the psychological complexities behind this sudden rejection.

Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental paediatrician and author specializing in childhood mental health, shares vital insights for parents. He discusses how emotional difficulties often lead families to seek help and the importance of secure attachments in shaping a child's future. Billy emphasizes understanding the reasons behind behavioral issues, highlighting factors like anxiety and neurodiversity. Through practical tips, he advocates for building relationships over punishment, offering autonomy, and always engaging with children's emotional needs.

Rachel Sampson, a clinical psychologist and co-author of 'Beyond Difficult', dives into the complexities of challenging relationships. She explores why we often mislabel difficult behavior as narcissism and discusses the importance of boundaries while maintaining self-advocacy. Rachel highlights the impact of intergenerational trauma on emotional regulation and reveals how secure relationships can foster brain plasticity. With practical advice for dealing with difficult family members and workplace boundaries, she equips listeners with strategies for navigating tricky dynamics.

In this intriguing discussion, Dr. Kate Harrison Brennan, a public policy expert, and Dr. Alexis Whitton, a psychologist specializing in digital mental health, explore the intricate landscape of bans. They delve into historical successes and failures of bans, from tobacco to gun reforms, revealing how unintended consequences often arise. With the new social media restrictions for under-16s, they examine the factors that influence ban effectiveness and the complexities of proving harm related to social media, all while considering youth perspectives and parental concerns.

Sabrina McKenzie, an Associate Lecturer in music and PhD candidate at the University of Melbourne, shares her personal journey with music as a source of self-compassion. She dives into how Alice Cooper's 'Why Trust You' and Tina Arena's 'Now I Can Dance' helped her cope with trauma and loss. Sabrina discusses her groundbreaking research linking everyday music to self-compassion, revealing that 81% of respondents found solace in music during tough times. The conversation beautifully explores music's therapeutic potential and its role in mental health.

In this discussion, Professor Nick Haslam, a noted psychology expert from the University of Melbourne, explores the concept of 'concept creep.' He discusses how labels such as depression and trauma are increasingly applied to everyday experiences. While broadening definitions can validate suffering, it risks trivializing serious issues. Haslam highlights the duality of labels, showing they can foster empathy yet also reduce personal agency. He emphasizes the importance of mindful language to balance understanding and stigmatization in mental health.

Uma Chatterjee, a Neuroscience PhD student and mental health advocate, and Martin Ingle, a writer and filmmaker, dive deep into the often-taboo world of OCD. They explore how intrusive thoughts manifest and the stigma surrounding them, particularly the distress linked to sexual and violent themes. Uma shares her journey through early compulsions and ineffective therapies before finding evidence-based treatment. Martin discusses the impact on daily life, emphasizing the importance of open conversations to reduce shame and foster understanding.

Caleb Warren, a consumer psychologist and professor at the University of Arizona, delves into what makes things and people 'cool.' He discusses the surprising universality of coolness attributes across cultures, emphasizing how autonomy signals coolness. Intriguingly, he reveals that trying too hard to be cool can backfire. Caleb also explains how brands like Apple convey rebellious coolness, and he shares insights from his research on the importance of effort in shaping perceptions of wealth versus cool status. His advice to his younger self? Focus on being good, not just cool.