The Thinking Mind Podcast: Psychiatry & Psychotherapy

Jacob Ward, veteran technology journalist and author of The Loop, explores how design, behavioral science and AI shape our choices. He discusses how product teams exploit predictable decision patterns, why LLMs trigger emotional bonds, the risk of shrinking creativity into a hive mind, and practical ways to use AI without losing agency.

In this insightful discussion, weight management takes center stage as the host explores mindset and goal-setting for effective change. Nutrition, exercise, sleep, and alcohol's roles are unraveled. The podcast delves into practical tips like macro guidance and the importance of enjoyable meal planning. A cheap-convenient-healthy framework is introduced, emphasized alongside psychological aspects of weight loss. The conversation also covers measuring progress accurately and the nuances of cutting, maintenance, and bulking. Weight-loss medications are considered as tools rather than cures.

Dive into the emotional depths of 'Blue Valentine' as themes of love, regret, and attachment unfold. Explore how relationships often fail without proactive maintenance. Discover the impact of addiction and how alcohol can cloud judgment during conflicts. The podcast highlights the critical role of playfulness in keeping intimacy alive. Engaging discussions about personal growth emphasize cooperation in partnerships, while a thoughtful examination of the characters sheds light on how our backgrounds shape relationships.

Sean Ruane, founder and CEO of Mind Data, shares insights from his personal journey through depression to create AI-driven tools that enhance mental health outcomes. He clears misconceptions about AI, emphasizing its role as a powerful pattern recognizer, not a sentient being. Sean passionately discusses the importance of therapy, how emotions provide valuable insights, and the innovative features of Mind Data's platform. He warns of potential risks in relying solely on technology but advocates for embracing AI to elevate therapeutic practices while maintaining human connection.

In a captivating conversation with Kenneth Primrose, Alex Curmi, a consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist in training, explores the psychological impacts of our fast-evolving technological landscape. He discusses how tech-driven overstimulation affects our confidence and social skills, and offers practical strategies for preparing for the future. Alex emphasizes the importance of cultivating integrity and community while warning against becoming reliant on AI. He champions a mindset focused on growth through discomfort and the necessity of aligning our lives with our inner values.

Alex Curmi, a consultant psychiatrist and psychotherapist in training, joins hosts Will and Ellie for an insightful discussion. He explores the nuances of patient-centred care, highlighting the differences in his roles across psychiatry, therapy, and coaching. Alex emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, considering biological, psychological, and social factors in mental health. They also tackle the challenges of working within a limited system and the necessity of reducing tribalism in mental health services, advocating for collaboration and integrated care models.

Today Alex discusses David Lynch's 2001 classic Mulholland Drive with David Shariatmadari. David is a writer and editor at the Guardian and is the author of Don't Believe A Word: The Surprising Truth About Language.Including themes such as splitting, repression, the shadow, and the effects of guilt and moral injury - this film remains a beautiful, dark and enigmatic look at human psychology. Interviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training.If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-174371597Episode produced by Ellis Ballard and Alex Curmi. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

Sophie McBain is an award-winning freelance writer based in Boston. She writes longform narrative nonfiction, profiles, book reviews and essays for the Guardian, the Observer, the Times, New Statesman magazine and others.Today she discusses her recent Guardian article: Are We Living in a Golden Age of Stupidity? - about the potential cognitive affects of AI overuse. Link to article: https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/oct/18/are-we-living-in-a-golden-age-of-stupidity-technologyInterviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training.If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-174371597Episode produced by Ellis Ballard and Alex Curmi. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

Prof. Ziad Nahas is a psychiatrist  and researcher who treats adult patients with mood disorders and treatment resistant depression and specializes in performing deep brain stimulation and electro-convulsive therapy. Dr. Nahas is Professor and Vice-Chair for Clinical Affairs in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Minnesota Medical School.Today we discuss a case study of a 44 year old man with treatment resistant depression treated with PACE (Personalized Adaptive Cortical Electro-stimulation) a novel, personalised form of brain stimulation. The Case Study and video of the study patient (alias Mike) can be found here:https://www.linkedin.com/posts/ziad-nahas-67526015a_neuroscience-mentalhealthinnovation-functionalmri-activity-7360347911529910272-C08F?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAFjWpikBGe7Oel-gcC_2ZupvuXI-t9RkwCMInterviewed by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training.Check out Alex on the Examined Life Podcast here:https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/dr-alex-curmi-how-should-we-prepare-for-a/id1680728280?i=1000738070553If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-174371597Episode produced by Ellis Ballard and Alex Curmi. Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast

Today Alex discusses the 1998 high-concept drama The Truman Show, starring Jim Carrey and directed by Peter Weir, about a man unknowingly trapped in a reality tv show. Including themes such as control, trauma, truth over comfort, paranoia and the price of freedom. Presented by Dr. Alex Curmi. Dr. Alex is a consultant psychiatrist and a UKCP registered psychotherapist in-training.If you would like to invite Alex to speak at your organisation please email alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Speaking Enquiry" in the subject line.Alex is not currently taking on new psychotherapy clients, if you are interested in working with Alex for focused behaviour change coaching , you can email - alexcurmitherapy@gmail.com with "Coaching" in the subject line.Check out The Thinking Mind Blog on Substack: https://substack.com/home/post/p-170117699Episode produced by Ellis Ballard and Alex Curmi.Give feedback here - thinkingmindpodcast@gmail.com Follow us here: Twitter @thinkingmindpod Instagram @thinkingmindpodcast