All In The Mind

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.

Rachel Sampson, a clinical psychologist specializing in challenging relationships, joins Dr. Jessie Stern, a developmental psychologist focused on attachment theory. They explore how attachment styles influence interactions, particularly in work settings. The duo discusses the concept of highly sensitive people, the importance of setting healthy boundaries, and effective conflict de-escalation strategies. They delve into when to cut ties with toxic individuals and emphasize the need to not take difficult behavior personally.

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.