It's human nature to form groups — families, friends, online communities. We love to be surrounded by people similar to us. But that can also make us discriminatory and defensive. And social media makes that instinct worse. Today, we look at how our brains evolved to connect and divide, and what that means for the problems we face in our modern world. This episode was first broadcast in April 2023. Looking for something to listen to next? Check out another All in the Mind episode, The Certainty ...
Sep 21, 2024•29 min
When you think about pillars of health a few things might come to mind — nutrition, exercise, connectedness. But there's something many of us miss off that list — sleep. Insomnia does so much more than make us cranky, it's closely tied to our mental health. Not just how we feel on a day to day basis, but our likelihood of developing depression. This week, what happens when you don't get enough sleep; the effect on your brain and why it's so impactful on your mental health. If you'd like to learn...
Sep 14, 2024•29 min
Earlier this year, the Netflix program Baby Reindeer brought stalking firmly back into the zeitgeist - sparking discussion about the psychology of people who stalk and the impact it has on victims. So what goes on in the mind of a stalker? How do the various types, from incompetent suitor to intimacy seeker, differ? And what should you do if you think you have a stalker?
Sep 07, 2024•30 min
Attachment theory is a foundation of modern psychology — a framework for understanding human relationships and how we connect other people. But has social media taken this concept — grounded in decades of research — too far? Scroll through Instagram or TikTok for too long, and you might think that if you have a certain attachment style, you're fundamentally unlovable — or that you need to steer clear of people who are avoidant, anxious or not secure enough. Today, what we get wrong about attachm...
Aug 31, 2024•30 min
Do you know your love language? Maybe you've done an online test — tested your partner — spent time talking it over — even made decisions about your relationship on the basis of your love language. But where did this concept of love languages even come from? And how good is the evidence that backs it up? Today, two research psychologists go deep on the concept of love languages — and what they really mean for your relationships. Want more relationship content from All in the Mind? Check out our ...
Aug 24, 2024•29 min
How would you describe your parents? Nobody's perfect, of course, but some parents leave more of a mark than others. Today, we revisit the life-long impact of having 'emotionally immature' parents, as Dr Lindsay Gibson's book hits bestseller lists. This episode was first broadcast in May 2021. If you're looking for another episode to listen to, why not check out Milgram Shock and Stanford Prison — what we misunderstand about the most infamous experiments in psychology ....
Aug 17, 2024•30 min
Can't sleep? Worries keeping you up at night? It might be time to look to the stars. For National Science Week, we're investigating the relationship between the night sky and mental wellbeing. So can spending time under the night sky give you a mood boost? And if it does … why? Looking for more nature in your life? Check out our episode Nature prescriptions — just what the doctor ordered ....
Aug 10, 2024•29 min
It sounds like fantasy, but the manipulation of dreams is now possible — and it's thanks to a well known video game, Tetris. So what does Tetris have to do with dreaming, and could companies use this to shape what we see when we sleep? Want to learn more about dreams? Check out our episode 'As real as waking life' — exploring lucid dreams . Hear our first episode about Tetris: Why people are playing Tetris to treat their trauma ....
Aug 03, 2024•29 min
For people with PTSD, flashbacks can be an unwelcome and distressing experience. To tackle this problem, researchers have turned to Tetris. Yep - the falling blocks puzzle game from the '80s. Today, we discover how Tetris can be used to treat trauma. If you'd like to listen to more All in the Mind, check out our episode The confusion around concussions ....
Jul 27, 2024•30 min
The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals. He’s right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it. So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can’t handle it? If you're keen to listen to another episode, check out Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars....
Jul 20, 2024•29 min
What if your entire understanding of the world — your beliefs, how you parent, how you work, how you interact with friends at the pub — all came crashing down? For Stephanie, Jules and Joel — who are all former conspiracy theorists — that was their reality. And digging their way out of the conspiracy rabbit hole came with a whole lot of challenges. Today on All in the Mind: falling into and out of conspiracy ... and rebuilding your life after breaking free. And if you enjoyed listening, you shou...
Jul 13, 2024•31 min
After enduring years of abuse, Robyn Westgate was jailed for the murder of her husband. Now out of prison, she runs training programs that aim to reduce domestic violence. Robyn says the key is empowering people to be better bystanders. Today, one woman's story from domestic violence survivor to domestic violence consultant, and the importance of speaking up. Please note this episode includes graphic descriptions of sexual assault and domestic violence. It may be distressing for some listeners. ...
Jul 06, 2024•29 min
Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour. But there's something in the 21st century that's causing debate… Selfies. Digital media isn't all bad though. It's also creating opportunities for authentic storytelling. Today, we examine what dark tourism is, if it's ethical, and when it is (and isn't) appropriate to snap a selfie. If you're keen for another episode of All in the Min...
Jun 29, 2024•30 min
Do you wake up each morning refreshed and well-slept? Or are you the kind of person who tosses and turns for ages before falling asleep, ruminating on all of your missteps and stresses from the day? If you chose option two, this episode is for you. Two sleep experts share advice on making night-time more restful — beyond the standard 'don't look at your phone before bed.' (Though that's important too). This episode was first broadcast in March 2023. Looking for something to listen to next? Check...
Jun 22, 2024•29 min
Long before Bieber fever and Swifties, there was Lisztomania. Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer who inspired such intense fandom and frenzy that it was dubbed mania. So, was it true mania? What caused fans to respond to him so passionately? And what can Lisztomania reveal about the way we talk about female obsession? If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode; Hook me baby one more time: the psychology of pop music ....
Jun 15, 2024•30 min
For 8 months, images and videos of the carnage in Gaza have been flooding social media. They give a powerful view of what's happening to Palestinians on the ground – but they also have the potential to cause vicarious trauma. Today – what is vicarious trauma, and why doomscrolling doesn't help.
Jun 08, 2024•30 min
Trans non-binary performer Dax has spent most of her life not loving who she sees in the mirror. That is, until earlier this year. A few months ago, Dax finally experienced a particular kind of joy — gender euphoria. And it's transformed the way she sees herself. So what is gender euphoria? Why is it so powerful for trans and non-binary people? And why are researchers keen to flip the script and talk about trans joy? If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Taking...
Jun 01, 2024•29 min
Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype. From a violent kid, to now a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'. Plus, there's been some controversy and questions about the veracity of her PhD - so, we fact checked it. Need something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad . Guest:Patric Gagne, Author, Sociopath: A Memoir. Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineers: Teg...
May 25, 2024•29 min
Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair. Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us. If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Is life coaching legit?...
May 18, 2024•29 min
Have you ever experienced the feeling of awe? Maybe it was sparked by an awesome view, a moving artwork or witnessing the birth of a child. Today we follow one person's attempt at finding awe when she's never felt it before. What does awe do to us? What benefits can it offer? If you'd like to listen to more of All in the Mind, check out our episode Does guilt have a silver lining?...
May 11, 2024•30 min
So you've got a loved one who's fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole. Are they destined to stay there forever? Today, we hear from a former conspiracy theorist and a social psychologist on what fuels these beliefs, how likely people are to change their minds, and what you can (and can't) do to help. Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, The Certainty Myth ....
May 04, 2024•31 min
Over the last couple of weeks, schizophrenia has been appearing in headlines across the country as details of the Bondi Junction attack unfold. Coverage of mental health conditions, especially one as complex as schizophrenia, can be shrouded in stigma. So today, we revisit our conversation with journalist Elfy Scott, sharing the one thing her family never spoke about - her mother's schizophrenia. This episode was first broadcast in April 2023. If you're looking for what to listen to next, check ...
Apr 27, 2024•29 min
The AI revolution is coming. Your mind isn't ready for it. Cognitive Neuroscientist Joel Pearson walks us through the many ways artificial intelligence is messing — and will mess — with our psychology. From falling in love with AI to unforgettable deep fakes, we dive into an uncertain future and what you can do to prepare for it. If you'd like to hear more from Joel, he featured on our episode about intuition called When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it . And if you want to hear...
Apr 20, 2024•29 min
Researchers knew Susannah better than her own parents. They may have even known her better than herself. Today, how spending thirty years in a psychological study warped journalist Susannah Breslin's life. If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out another, take a listen to Trauma, OCD and a PhD .
Apr 13, 2024•29 min
Whether it's shaking hands or which side of the road to drive on, social norms dominate the way we behave. But when norms change suddenly, you get chaos. Just ask Sweden. If you'd like to hear more from today's expert, Matt featured in an episode in 2021 called Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain . Check it out!...
Apr 06, 2024•29 min
Have you ever looked at your pet and thought, what is going on inside your brain? Today, we're heading to the World Science Festival Brisbane for All in the Mind live to discuss animal consciousness. If you enjoyed this episode and are keen to listen to another, check out How our brain chemicals drive our behaviour . This episode was recorded live at the World Science Festival Brisbane....
Mar 30, 2024•29 min
Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have the capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things. Today - how cults reel people in, how coercive control keeps them there and what it takes to get out. This episode was first broadcast in October 2022. And if you enjoyed listening, you should check out our episode The History of Brainwashing ....
Mar 23, 2024•29 min
That voice inside your head - where does it come from? We bring back a topic that was one of our most popular for a long awaited part two. Today, what shapes your internal chatter. Our original episode on chatter is called Controlling the chatter in your head , if you liked this episode you'll love that one!
Mar 16, 2024•29 min
If you could manifest anything into your life, what would it be? A perfect partner, your dream house, winning the lottery? Manifesting promises a limitless potential of dreams to achieve — through methods like vision boards and affirmations. But does manifesting actually help us realise our goals? Is it harmless fun? Healthy positive thinking? Or can manifestation lead the brain down some dark alleys that you might not expect? In this episode we mention another episode called Visualisation and v...
Mar 09, 2024•30 min
NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it? We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars. If you liked this episode, you might like one of our past episodes about the isolation we all experienced during the pandemic. It's called The brain in isolation ....
Mar 02, 2024•29 min
