All In The Mind

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.

In this captivating discussion, former NASA astronaut Katie Coleman shares her six-month experience aboard the International Space Station, emphasizing the mental health challenges of long missions. Al Holland, a NASA psychologist, reveals the rigorous selection process and the importance of teamwork and communication. They delve into the psychological toll of isolation during a Mars mission and explore innovative solutions for managing stress. Both guests highlight humanity's relentless spirit of exploration and the emotional resilience required to journey to Mars.

Join us for a live episode of All in the Mind at Podfest in Adelaide this March. You can enter to win tickets here.Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship.But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing. Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it?We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You. This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening.If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Can we trust our memories?Resources:Lifeline Australia1800RESPECT

Dr. Billy Garvey, a developmental pediatrician from Melbourne, specializes in children's behavioral issues and is also the author of "10 Things I Wish You Knew About Your Child's Mental Health." He discusses why kids often get labeled as 'bad' and dives into the complexities of attachment and emotional difficulties. Dr. Garvey emphasizes the importance of secure relationships and effective parent-child communication. He also shares strategies for fostering emotional resilience and supporting caregivers in understanding their children's mental health challenges.

Merle Bombardieri, a licensed clinical social worker and decision coach with extensive experience, delves into the complexities of the baby decision. She explores societal pressures and emotional challenges that couples face, especially in light of modern issues like climate change. Merle introduces a 'chair dialogue' exercise to help individuals reconcile conflicting desires about parenthood. The conversation also touches on the rising acceptance of child-free living and the increasing trend of one-child families, urging listeners to trust their instincts.

Harry Jordan, who experienced his first psychotic episode at 18, shares his shocking journey from mental health stability to a crisis that altered his life and relationships. Ellie Brown, a senior research fellow, discusses how such episodes often strike young people and the critical importance of recognizing warning signs. They delve into the profound disconnection from reality during psychosis, the challenges of treatment, and the emotional toll on families. Ultimately, they emphasize the power of timely intervention and compassionate support in the recovery process.