All In The Mind

Rosie Cappucino, a teacher and author diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, shares her journey of navigating career challenges and the impact of work on her recovery. Dr. Suzanne Dawson, an occupational therapist, discusses practical advice for managing BPD in the workplace, including tips on disclosure and wellness planning. They explore the stigma surrounding BPD, the emotional turmoil it can bring, and how therapy and DBT skills facilitate employment successes. Both guests highlight the importance of finding purpose and stability through work.

Sarah Hayden, a social worker and equine-assisted therapist, shares her journey of raising her daughter, Chloe, an award-winning actress. Discussing unexpected autism diagnoses, Sarah explores the emotional impact of school refusal and food aversions. She highlights practical strategies for neurodivergent kids, such as flexible school attendance and the benefits of equine therapy. The conversation delves into the importance of redefining success and focusing on well-being, making it a must-listen for parents navigating similar challenges.

Join Jameson Butler, co-founder of the Luddite Club, as he shares his journey of ditching smartphones to foster offline communities. He discusses the rise of grassroots movements promoting screen-free living and the compelling reasons behind them. Jameson highlights the challenges of living without a smartphone while celebrating the profound benefits like improved focus and creativity. Discover how young people are championing unplugged lifestyles and the importance of community support in breaking free from tech dependency.

Explore the reality of internet addiction through personal stories and expert insights. Guests discuss the profound effects of excessive screen time, from obsessive social media use to the struggles of withdrawal symptoms. Learn about peer support and the value of face-to-face recovery meetings. Dive into the science of dopamine and how it fuels tech cravings. Plus, discover innovative rehab models and the journey toward reclaiming life beyond screens. A thought-provoking look at our relationship with technology!

Dr. Julia Soares, an Assistant Professor of psychology, explores the complex relationship between technology and memory. She discusses how excessive photo-taking can impair recall when not revisited. Julia reveals that relying on Google alters both knowledge retention and confidence. Guest Morris Villaroel shares his 15-year life-logging journey, while Max narrates how he used ChatGPT to regain lost memories through structured reflections. Together, they advocate for mindful tech use, emphasizing the importance of intentional memory aids.

Exploring the rise of AI companions, the podcast dives into how technology reshapes human interactions. Personal stories reveal the emotional dynamics of romantic relationships with AI. Experts discuss the potential benefits, like suicide prevention, alongside ethical concerns. The conversation questions if these digital friends alleviate or exacerbate loneliness, highlighting the complex balance between human connection and technological mediation. It’s a thought-provoking look at our evolving relationship with intimacy in the digital age.

Mark Williams, a cognitive neuroscientist and professor at Macquarie University, dives into the effects of smartphones on our attention spans. He explores whether 'brain rot' is a real phenomenon or merely a moral panic. The discussion covers how social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram impact concentration, leading to a 'goldfish brain' effect. Williams also highlights the cognitive consequences of disordered screen use and emphasizes the necessity of maintaining core human skills in our tech-driven future.

In this enlightening discussion, James Kimmel Jr., an Assistant Clinical Professor at Yale and author of The Science of Revenge, shares his insights on the neuroscience behind revenge. He reveals how our brains reward us for seeking payback and explores the addiction-like qualities of these feelings. Kimmel contrasts the damaging effects of revenge with the healing power of forgiveness, drawing from personal experiences and cutting-edge research. His journey from a revenge-driven lawyer to a proponent of reconciliation offers a captivating perspective on human psychology.

Catherine Houlihan, a clinical psychologist and senior lecturer, shares insights on task paralysis and procrastination. She discusses how personality traits can lead to chronic procrastination and the emotional toll it takes, especially for students. The conversation highlights the difference between task paralysis and procrastination while exploring strategies like cognitive behavior therapy to combat these issues. Catherine emphasizes the importance of communication, safety nets, and practical techniques to enhance motivation and well-being.

Jennifer Leake, a Reporter and producer for ABC RN, dives deep into the evolution of mental health discussions influenced by 2000s tabloid culture. They explore how intense scrutiny of celebrities like Amy Winehouse and Lindsay Lohan shaped public perceptions. Leake reflects on the shift from toxic narratives to a more compassionate dialogue about mental health in the age of social media. The conversation also highlights the psychology behind societal splitting and ongoing challenges in how we communicate about mental health today.