All In The Mind

Explore the influence of brands and marketing on preferences and purchasing decisions. Learn about the power of perception and how it can be shaped through examples like dog food and wine taste. Discover how brands create mental models using association design. Understand the impact of unexpected pleasure on consumer behavior. Dive into the unethical exchange of value through monetizing user attention on social media.

Autistic adults discuss their 'hidden histories' and the challenges of growing up undiagnosed. They share their struggles with fitting in, reading social situations, and not knowing how to interact with others. The chapter also highlights the strengths and special interests of autistic adults, challenging stereotypes. They discuss self-awareness, identity, and the importance of funding and support for autistic individuals.

Organisational psychologist Dr Amantha Imber discusses practical methods for managing distractions and overwhelm, including the benefits of focusing on systems over goals. The podcast also explores the negative impact of smartphones on sleep, social interactions, and productivity, while offering strategies to reduce phone usage and overcome procrastination.

Explore the impact of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood, from struggles and frustrations to the transformative effect of medication. Understand the symptoms and diagnosis of adult ADHD, the different subtypes, and the stigma surrounding it. Navigating the effects of medication, its initial effectiveness and challenges in different settings.

Psychology researcher Michael Slepian explores the impact of secrets on mental well-being. The podcast delves into different types of secrets and motivations behind them. It discusses the consequences of keeping secrets, the benefits of confessing, and artistic projects centered around anonymous secrets.

Exploring the distinction between guilt and shame, researchers discuss how guilt can lead to unexpected positive changes. The podcast delves into the protective role of guilt in preventing re-offenses and the long-term impacts of guilt and shame on well-being. A personal story from Professor June Tangney highlights the importance of values and the impact of guilt stemming from trauma and abuse.

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.