Professor Emeritus Gregory S. Aldrete explains some of the hallmarks of Ancient Roman psychology (i.e., their values and motivations). Greg shares rich context and examples, weaving together a story of similarities and differences between life in Ancient Rome and life now. We discuss a wide range of topics, from hand gestures used to compensate for lack of microphones in large arenas, tombstone engravings and graffiti messages, common pets, and sources that historians draw on to find the lesser ...
Jun 22, 2025•36 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about his book The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys , which is currently on presale and is being released 1 June, 2025. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys offers a safe, inclusive space to examine, understand, and heal from systemic and interpersonal threats to your mental well-being. Based on proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book provides proven-effective tools and exercises to help you refl...
May 12, 2025•30 min•Ep. 27
Dr Will Dobud shares insights about his experience of writing and publishing a non-fiction book - a lessons learnt kind of a chat. Rather than focusing on insights from the book content, we talk about the mechanics, processes, and experiences behind bringing together a non-fiction and mental health focused book. Will Dobud, PhD, MSW, is a Senior Social Work Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning practitioner, educator, and researcher. He is recognised as a practitioner with in...
Apr 11, 2025•45 min•Ep. 26
In this episode, I catch up again with Dr Will Dobud about his latest book called 'Kids These Days' , which is currently on presale. ' Kids These Days' is essentially a protest for protecting the heroism and spirit of youth. Will co-authored 'Kids These Days' with Professor Nevin Harper from the University of Victoria in Canada. This anticipated book offers a frank exploration of the rising rates of youth mental illness and the ways in which increased interference, intervention, and ideology hav...
Mar 27, 2025•36 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about envy and its impacts in our social and sexual lives. Rahim is a racialized, queer social worker who works as an instructor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, public speaker, podcast host , and writer . He calls Toronto home and currently teaches at The University of Alabama . His work explores the intersection of mental health and systemic oppression. He has a particular interest in examining innovation in queer relationships an...
Jan 15, 2025•42 min•Ep. 24
To round out 2024, I have created this highlights episode. This year, the 6 guests (from Australia, Finland and the U.S.) and I have covered: investigative interviewing for disclosures of maltreatment ( Episode 17 ) what sex therapy is, kink and paraphilias ( Episode 18 ) academic mental health ( Episode 19 ) self-advocacy and professional development and relationships ( Episode 20 ) human-dog relationships ( Episode 21 ) adolescent mental health and the use of digital phenotyping ( Episode 22 )...
Dec 20, 2024•21 min•Ep. 23
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Taylor A. Braund to hear about his research into digital phenotyping. In particular, we discuss the link between mental health symptoms and keystroke metadata from smartphones. Dr Taylor A. Braund is a Research Fellow at Black Dog Institute and UNSW School of Clinical Medicine , Australia. To see more of Taylor’s work, you can reach out on LinkedIn or Twitter . Research mentioned in this episode Braund, T.A. (2024). The continued hype and hope of digital pheno...
Sep 30, 2024•48 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Miiamaaria Kujala to hear about her research on human-dog relationships. Miiamaaria studies how humans understand dog communication, how dogs understand humans, and the factors affecting the interaction between the two species such as culture, human personality and dog behaviour. We discuss: - Her personal journey from philosophy to neuroscience and eventually to studying both ends of the leash - The cultural differences in dog ownership between countries like...
Sep 01, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 21
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Jade McEwen to hear about her professional and personal experiences of self-care, the benefits of being unapologetically self-promoting, and working out how to be heard in order to get the support you need. Dr Jade McEwen is Assistant Director of Research, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Australia. To see more of Jade’s work, you can reach out on LinkedIn or send her an email . Resources mentioned in this episode Hough, A., & McEwen, J. (2024). Bui...
Jul 31, 2024•36 min•Ep. 20
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Marissa Edwards to hear about her journey advocating for better academic mental health and lessons she has learned along the way. We discuss: What academic mental health advocacy is and why it is important Our own personal challenges working in academia The difference between individual characteristics and systemic issues when it comes to academic mental health The importance of sharing success and failures Ways to safeguard your time and wellbeing as an acade...
Jul 02, 2024•52 min•Ep. 19
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Sarah Ashton to hear about her work in the area of sexual health and intimacy. In particular, we focus on kink and paraphilias, where they come from, as well how to treat a paraphilic disorder and work with clients experiencing shame. Dr Sarah Ashton is a registered psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor, training author, and the Director and Founder of SHIPS. Sexual Health and Intimacy Psychological Services (SHIPS) is a progressive psychology organisation i...
Jun 05, 2024•39 min•Ep. 18
In this episode, I catch up with Associate Professor Lindsay Malloy to hear about her research in developmental psychology and the law. In particular, ways to improve investigative interviewing with people who have experienced maltreatment and. In this discussion, Lindsay explains some developmental differences when interviewing children, adolescents and older adults. Much of the conversation focuses on reasons why children might recant disclosures of maltreatment. Dr Lindsay Malloy is Associate...
Mar 02, 2024•46 min•Ep. 17
In this episode, I team up again with Dr Rachael Fox (journal editor and academic). We reflect on our publication experiences to share insights that will be especially useful for listeners new to publishing. We discuss: · choosing a journal · the importance of scope, formatting, and proofing · what to consider when converting a dissertation or thesis into a publication · getting support from colleagues · communicating with journal editors · the mechanics of submission portals · receiving and res...
Aug 03, 2023•57 min•Ep. 16
In this episode, I am have an artificial conversation with a researcher I refer to as Dr Chat GPT. If you haven't already come across Chat GPT, it is open access software online where you can type anything in and it will use artificial intelligence to feed a response back to you. When you give it some context, it can give you some really cool responses. I have given Dr Chat GPT the context of being an Australian psychology researcher, working at a university, who I want to interview for my podca...
Apr 28, 2023•15 min•Ep. 15
In this episode I catch up with Dr Rachael Fox, journal editor and academic, to discuss what publishing in psychology is and take a critical lens to highlight some issues and barriers to publishing. We discuss: · critical and community psychological approaches to research · why people publish in psychology · common ways quality is thought about in psychological research and publishing · kinds of journals and how they are ranked · how research either about or conducted by certain groups of people...
Mar 13, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 14
This episode focuses on Dr Abigail Alfrey’s research and practice on the ways animals can be involved in mental health practice. We discuss: (1) the significance of pets for people experiencing psychosis, (2) including dogs in cognitive assessment to improve testing experiences and outcomes for child clients, and (3) reducing practitioner burnout by promoting animals in the workplace. We touch super briefly on other creative methods, like poetry, in therapy. Dr Abigail Alfrey is Senior Clinical ...
Dec 29, 2022•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 13
This episode focuses on Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald’s research in trauma exposure and mental health in TV news workers. We discuss how camera operators and reporters have different kinds of trauma experiences, the importance of social support, substance use, and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald is Senior Research Officer, Australian Institute of Family Studies and Adjunct Lecturer, School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University. If you want to keep ...
Oct 31, 2022•1 hr•Ep. 12
This episode and the last one focus on Dr Evita March’s research in the area of cyber psychology. In this second part of our discussion, we consider how the dark tetrad of personality can help us understand cyber dating abuse. Along the way, we consider the role of attachment style and jealousy in intimate partner violence and coercive control online. Dr Evita March is a Senior Lecturer in psychology in the School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University. If you want to keep up to...
Jun 05, 2022•30 min•Ep. 11
This episode and the next one focus on Dr Evita March’s research in the area of cyber psychology. In this first part of our discussion, we start by using mate selection as an example of evolutionary psychology. We then go on to see how the dark tetrad of personality can help us understand antisocial online behaviours like trolling. In the next episode, we dive into Evita’s research on cyber dating abuse. Dr Evita March is a Senior Lecturer in psychology in the School of Science, Psychology and S...
Apr 19, 2022•44 min•Ep. 10
This episode focuses on Dr Will Dobud’s research in the area of outdoor and adventure therapies. We unpack the solution-focused therapeutic work he does on expeditions with young people experiencing poor mental health and/or substance use. Dr Will Dobud is a Lecturer in social work in the School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University. Will is also the director of True North Expeditions, an adventure therapy program for adolescents, based in Adelaide, Australia. If you want to keep up ...
Jan 31, 2022•47 min•Ep. 9
This episode focuses on Dr Erica McIntyres’ transdisciplinary research in the area of environmental psychology. We discuss the impact of environmental contaminants and urban design on human and planetary health and wellbeing. Dr Erica McIntyre is a Research Consultant in the Institute for Sustainable Futures and a Visiting Fellow in the School of Public Health, Faculty of Health at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). If you want to keep up to date with Erica’s research, you can visit her ...
Dec 18, 2021•38 min•Ep. 8
In this episode, Dr Tanya Hanstock and I discuss key issues in mental health for children and young people, using bipolar disorder as an example. Tanya also offers practical tips for how to balance research and practice. Dr Tanya Hanstock is a Senior Lecturer with the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Tanya’s research you can visit her university profile page or reach out via email ( tanya.hanstock@newcastle.edu.au ). Resear...
Oct 29, 2021•50 min•Ep. 7
This episode focuses on Dr Nicole Sugden’s research using neuropsychological assessment tools and uses this work as the basis for a discussion of the importance of psychometric evaluation of assessment tools in general. In particular, we discuss Dr Sugden’s fascinating findings in the areas of premorbid functioning and prospective memory. Dr Nicole Sugden is a Lecturer with the School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University based in Bathurst, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Nicole...
Sep 30, 2021•46 min•Ep. 6
This episode focuses on Dr Averil Cook’s work in the area of political psychology. We discuss examples of how to apply systemic therapeutic approaches with the intention of challenging mainstream assumptions in psychology and developing research and practice that is driven by social justice and cultural awareness. Dr Averil Cook is Director and Clinical Psychologist at Bodhi And Psychology Pty Ltd, based in Sydney, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Averil’s work, you can visit: htt...
Aug 29, 2021•42 min•Ep. 5
This episode focuses on Dr Robyn Brunton’s research unpacking the connection between women’s adverse childhood experiences, such as various kinds of abuse, and subsequent pregnancy-related anxiety. Dr Robyn Brunton is a Lecturer with the School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University based in Bathurst, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Robyn’s research you can visit her university research outputs page . Research papers discussed in this episode Brunton, R., & Dryer, R. (2021). ...
Jul 28, 2021•40 min•Ep. 4
This episode explores the intersection between physiotherapy and psychology with Ryan McGrath. Ryan describes his research unpacking encounters between physiotherapists and clients experiencing psychological distress. Ryan McGrath is a practicing physiotherapist and also a PhD candidate with the School of Community Health at Charles Sturt University, based in Albury, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Ryan’s research you can visit his university research outputs page or email him on ...
Jun 29, 2021•53 min•Ep. 3
This episode explores mathematical models of how people make decisions with Dr Gabriel Tillman. Gabriel describes his research into why people are worse at driving when someone is talking to them, as well as the parts of speech sounds people use to understand what they are hearing. Dr Gabriel Tillman is a Lecturer in psychology at Federation University, based in Ballarat, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Gabriel’s research, you can follow him on Google Scholar or Twitter . Research...
Jun 22, 2021•57 min•Ep. 2
This episode explores the education and training of future psychologists with Dr Elly Quinlan. Elly describes her research unpacking tolerance of uncertainty in psychologists working with complex clients or clients who might be at risk, as well as the potential for discomfort to lead psychologists to avoid asking clients about their sexual abuse histories. Dr Elly Quinlan is Senior lecturer and course coordinator for the Master of Professional Psychology program at the Australian College of Appl...
Jun 13, 2021•52 min•Ep. 1
