A panel discussion at the Sydney Writers' Festival explores decision-making processes, biases, and the impact of social media on our thinking. They discuss the role of awareness, unconscious decision-making, heuristics as mental shortcuts, biases in risk perception, and the influence of social media on thought processes and the spread of misinformation.

Discover how music impacts our mental health from the womb to adulthood. Explore the quantifiable effects of music on physical and mental well-being. Learn about the perception of sound by fetuses and the recognition of familiar melodies. Understand why music has a strong influence during adolescence. Explore the testing of musical memory and its depth. Uncover the surprising health benefits of music and a researcher's unexpected love for pop.

Learn about the blame placed on mothers for autism in the 1960s, the harm caused by the 'refrigerator mothers' metaphor, and Clara Park's struggle with experts regarding her autistic daughter. Explore the lasting impact of the book 'The Siege' in shifting the perception of autism and Clara's advocacy efforts.

Explore the possibility of changing your personality as studies find people keen to become more extroverted, agreeable, and conscientious. Follow Erin's transition from introversion to extroversion in university. Learn about the big five personality traits and their impact on work, relationships, and health. Discover how cognitive behavioral therapy-like methods can promote personality change. Investigate the effects of job insecurity on neuroticism, agreeableness, and conscientiousness. Explore the importance of proactivity, networking, and building skills to improve employability.

This podcast explores the ongoing mental health impact of natural disasters on survivors, discussing different psychological responses and factors that influence resilience. It highlights heroic rescues during floods, a parent's dangerous journey through a fire to reunite with their son, and the importance of support and gratitude in finding resilience and hope after losing everything.

The podcast explores the quirks of psychology that influence charitable giving, including motivations like tax rebates and rage donations. It discusses the role of identity in donations, the ethics and psychology of giving, and creating emotional connections. It also explores the psychological benefits of giving, such as building self-esteem and experiencing personal happiness.

Dolls reveal children's views on race. The Clark Doll Study shaped American history. Segregation's impact on children. Bias towards black dolls observed. The importance of discussing diversity openly.

Exploring the intertwined relationship between alcohol use disorder and anxiety, the podcast discusses how they exacerbate each other. It also highlights the impact of alcohol on the mental health of a new mother and the potential benefits of early intervention for alcohol-related problems. The podcast concludes with a discussion on influencing future generations' relationship with alcohol and the importance of leading by example.

Explore the intensified and debilitating experience of grief during the pandemic, including unique symptoms such as suicidal thoughts and confusion over identity. Discover the impact of the pandemic on mental health and grief, highlighting spiritual struggles, trauma, depression, and anxiety. Discuss the distressing losses caused by the pandemic and the challenges of separation from loved ones. Hear different perspectives on grief during the pandemic, including the impact of travel restrictions and the long-term effects of loss and isolation.

Explores the link between mental illnesses, comorbidity in mental illness, challenges in treating multiple mental health disorders, navigating complex mental health issues and shifting perspectives, recognizing strengths and lack of understanding of comorbidity, lack of understanding and challenges in mental health treatment.