All In The Mind

Hannah Pitt, a senior research fellow at Deakin University, and Anastasia Hironis, a clinical psychologist from the University of Technology Sydney, discuss the pervasive influence of gambling in Australian culture. They explore the ineffectiveness of responsible gambling messages, especially among youth, who see betting as socially normalized. The conversation touches on the risks of loot boxes in video games and the deep cultural acceptance of gambling advertising. Both experts advocate for stricter regulations to protect young Australians from the growing gambling landscape.

Patricia Harney, a clinical psychologist from Harvard Medical School, dives into the overlooked emotional aftermath of true crime narratives. She discusses the complexities of grief experienced by the families of murder victims, emphasizing their unique struggles and trauma. Harney highlights the importance of validation and empathy in healing, and critiques current inadequacies in trauma treatment. The conversation also explores prolonged grief disorder, addressing both its implications and misconceptions, providing a poignant reflection on the human cost of violence.

All in the Mind is doing its first-ever listener survey — can you tell us a bit about who you are and why you listen? We'd love to understand you better!We’ve kept the survey snappy — it's only seven questions. We’re especially keen to know the age range of our listeners.Take the survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7And you can always reach us at mind_rn@abc.net.auOn behalf of the team, thank you!

In this insightful discussion, Daniel Oberhaus, a science writer and author of The Silicon Shrink, explores the interplay between AI and mental health. He highlights innovative solutions like chatbots and mood-tracking apps that show promise but also raise ethical concerns. Daniel emphasizes the risks of over-reliance on AI tools in therapy and the critical need for transparency in their use. Through personal stories and research, he advocates for a cautious approach, ensuring that technology enhances rather than compromises patient care.

In this lively discussion, Brisbane-based neurosurgeon Alex Kofman shares thrilling insights into awake brain surgery, revealing the extraordinary reality of operating on conscious patients. Meanwhile, neuroscientist Ariel Zeleznikov-Johnston delves into the intriguing realm of brain preservation and the mysteries of consciousness. They explore advancements in neurotechnology, brain-computer interfaces, and the ethical dilemmas surrounding longevity and personal choice in healthcare. This vibrant exchange highlights the complexities and wonders of our most vital organ.

In this engaging discussion, Priya Kunjan, a postdoctoral research fellow at RMIT, shares insights on how the housing crisis emotionally impacts renters in Melbourne, revealing deep feelings of despair and hopelessness. Clinical psychologist Gene Hodgins explains the concept of locus of control, illustrating how perceptions of agency affect resilience during these challenging times. Together, they explore the psychological toll of housing insecurity and the broader implications on individuals' futures, shedding light on a pressing social issue.

In this discussion, Gloria Mark, Chancellor's Professor Emerita at UC Irvine, unpacks the chaos of digital distractions and their toll on our attention spans. She shares alarming statistics about focus decline, particularly among younger generations. The conversation also delves into how students juggle studies and social media, revealing the nuances of multitasking. Gloria introduces insight into overcoming workplace misconceptions about distractions, emphasizing personal attentional rhythms and strategic breaks to boost productivity and mental clarity.

Join Tansil Ali, a four-time Australian memory champion, and Hayley Caldwell, a memory and sleep researcher, as they explore the fascinating world of memory. Discover how sensory experiences, especially smell, play a crucial role in memory formation. Tansil shares innovative techniques like visualization and storytelling to improve recall, while Hayley discusses the importance of sleep in memory consolidation. The lively discussion also touches on the concept of déjà vu and how environmental cues can trigger powerful memories.

Dementia usually involves a decline in your ability to remember, think and reason over time. And those with dementia are at a high risk of feeling socially isolated, lonely and depressed.As artificial intelligence systems get better and better, researchers are investigating whether AI companion bots could help improve the lives of those with dementia.The combination might sound counterintuitive, but researchers reckon these chatbots have some advantages over human companionship.So, what does a conversation with an AI companion sound like? How might they help? And what do the real people these AI companions are based on think of the experience?Today, former host of All in the Mind Lynne Malcolm reports on the developing field of AI companions for people with dementia.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode with Lynne What's been on Lynne Malcolm's mind (since leaving All in the Mind).

In this engaging discussion, clinical psychologist Adam Horvath and couples counselor Jerry Karancis explore the intriguing phenomenon of 'the ick' in dating. They dissect how minor details, like a peculiar hat or quirky laugh, can suddenly turn attraction into aversion. The conversation dives into evolutionary psychology, examining how social and cultural factors shape our irrational dislikes. They also address the role of attachment styles and modern dating dynamics, shedding light on how these elements influence our romantic connections.