Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson - podcast cover

Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson

Dr. Amanda Fergusonpodcasts.bcast.fm
Join Dr. Amanda Ferguson, psychologist and published author as she discusses a range of topics including personal and work issues, relationships, professional and personal development, performance and more. Sharing her insights along side a variety of guests, the Pysch for Life podcast is your insight into mental health, psychology and life.
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Episodes

Healing inherited trauma - how your family history lives in your body, with Dr Meher Chahal

In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Dr. Meher Chahal on healing inherited trauma. Dr Chahal is a medical doctor, author, astrologer, entrepreneur, and investor trained in western medicine, psychiatry, systemic and family constellations therapy, Hellenistic astrology, and Jungian coaching. She left her psychiatry residency to pursue a radically different approach to mental health — one that looks beyond the individual to the family lineage and ancestral patterns that shape our ps...

Jun 05, 202640 minEp. 160

Harnessing stress as a springboard for goal achievement, with Dr Rebecca Heiss, Stress Physiologist

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with stress physiologist and evolutionary biologist, Dr Rebecca Heiss on harnessing stress as a springboard for goal achievement. Rebecca's work centres around eliminating the barriers between who you are, and who you want to become. Tackling fear, stress, and anxiety, with science-backed approaches to move you to a place of clarity, authenticity, and confidence. What more would you DO, what more would you BE, if you were fear(less)? Listen in to our cha...

May 07, 202634 minEp. 159

Coaching with spiritual insight for leaders, with Randall Ian Thames

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Randall Thames, an executive coach and personal concierge advisor to c-suite leaders, author, consultant, master top team effectiveness strategist, national speaker and facilitator, community and ministry leader. Randall is renowned for providing perspectives and insights that inspire cognitive reshaping which ignites decision and discipline to Discover Develop Display™ process and performance habits that create Inevitable Outcomes™ that impact ever...

Apr 23, 202632 minEp. 158

Good Girl, Goodbye with author, Caitlin Judd

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with author, Caitlin Judd about her new book - Good Girl, Goodbye. Caitlin is an author, coach and business strategist who helps women untangle their ‘Good Girl’ conditioning so they can design richer, more meaningful lives. Drawing on positive psychology, wellbeing and entrepreneurship, Caitlin helps women build purpose-led careers and businesses that reflect their individual definition of success. Listen in to our chat on - - the impact of good girl co...

Apr 08, 202635 minEp. 157

Embrace your inner coach, with psychologist and author, Tom Mitchell, PhD.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tom Mitchell, Ph.D. who has spent his adult life coaching and teaching others how to discover their unique, greatness within. His passion for exploring the boundaries of performance excellence began as an athlete in his native Pennsylvania. His avid study of sport psychology, motivation, and leadership, has led Tom to a richly varied career as a college coach and professor, motivational speaker, NBA sport psychology counselor, business coach and tea...

Mar 28, 202636 minEp. 156

Neurodiversity and success in life, with author Alina Bellchambers

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with author Alina Bellchambers. Alina grew up in her family’s bookstore and spent a childhood immersed in fantastical worlds. She now writes twisty thrillers and epic fantasies featuring morally grey characters, seductive court intrigue and powerful heroines. The first book in her fantasy duology, The Order of Masks , published in 2024 became a national Dymocks and indie bookstore bestseller. It was followed by The Weight of Crowns in 2025. Alina has a d...

Mar 11, 202629 minEp. 155

Healing from trauma with storytelling, with trauma specialist + romance author, Dr Alicia Leigh

In my first Psych for Life episode for 2026, I'm chatting with romance author and trauma specialist, Dr Alicia Leigh, about how to heal trauma with storytelling. Dr Alicia is a multi-published author of over 20 fiction and non-fiction books with a PhD investigating how the romance genre serves as a medium through which to explore the complex themes of trauma, trauma response, post-trauma effects, and trauma recovery, subsequently identifying a “post-trauma romance” subgenre. Listen in to our dis...

Feb 26, 202632 minEp. 154

SS5 - Transitioning to Being a Father, with Gender Equality Activist, Mark Morris

In the last episode of the Psych for Life - Summer Series, I'm resharing my chat with Mark Morris about all things transitioning to being a father. Mark is a passionate advocate for positive masculinity and gender equality, an active dad of 2 and volunteers at his children’s school and local football club. With more than 20 years of leadership experience and a degree in Psychology, he specialises in People, is an accredited executive leadership coach, a Board Director, an Adjunct Professor in Le...

Feb 10, 202650 minEp. 153

SS4 - Self-esteem + self love - acceptance is everything

In this episode of my Summer Series, we're revisiting a super popular episode that may be a timely reminder for all of us as the new year picks up pace. We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be lacking? Listen to this quick power ep as I discuss all things self esteem and self love. This episode includes: - understanding more about self esteem and self love - why is acceptance so important - you’ll learn a process of ...

Jan 27, 20266 minEp. 152

Summer Series; Declutter your home and free your mind, with Megan Golightly

In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I'm re-sharing my chat with Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organising and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides, promoting the importance of mental health and positive change. Listen in to this episode to learn: - The impact of clutter on our mental wellbeing - The difference between clutter and hoarding as a mental heal...

Jan 09, 202628 minEp. 151

Summer Series: Boys + emotional intelligence – why soft skills predict success, with Daniel Principe, youth advocate + educator

In this Summer Series episode, I chat with Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives.Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents. Daniel partners with schools and communities, to encourage young people to aspire to healthy relati...

Jan 02, 202657 min

Summer Series - How Self-Compassion Helps our Challenges, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist

In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher, James Kirby, Ph.D., an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. James examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding, and the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically how they help with self-criticism and sham...

Dec 19, 202537 min

The cost of living crisis - managing mood and money, with financial therapist, Jane Monica Jones

In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Jane Monica Jones about the impacts the cost of living crisis is having on our mood and money management. Jane Monica-Jones is Australia's leading Financial Therapist and recent winner of two global awards. Jane is a Trauma Informed Financial Wellbeing Specialist. She is a pioneer in the study of psychological and behavioural challenges with money and financial management practices, such as gambling, overt financial risk, retail therapy, overs...

Dec 04, 202538 min

Co-parenting - finding your new mindset with your ex partner

Ending a serious romantic relationship is hard enough – but what about when there are children involved and you need to navigate co-parenting with your ex? Whereas previously ending a relationship would have removed you from dealing with the same old problems, with co-parenting, they are still there! This requires a significant adjustment, especially in the early days. So how do you move forward while co-parenting with your ex? Tune in to this ep to discover how to find your new mindset while co...

Nov 08, 20258 min

ADHD and money, with coach, accountant, and author, Tina Mathams

In this episode of Psych for Life, we're covering all things money and ADHD - what are challenges and how you can be aware of them to make managing your money easier. Tina Mathams is an ADHD money coach, accountant, and author of ADHD Money - a practical, empowering guide to understanding money when you have ADHD. After 15 years working as an accountant, Tina now helps neurodivergent individuals untangle their financial lives through content, workshops, and accessible tools designed for ADHD bra...

Oct 25, 202522 minEp. 146

Correcting Imposter Syndrome

Do you – or someone you know – have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud? Are you regularly consumed with self-doubt, negative thoughts, anxiety or exhaustion? Do you pass off your achievements simply luck, not skill? Tune in to this episode of Psych for Life, where you’ll learn: - What is imposter syndrome and why you should be aware of it - How it is detrimental to our mental health and careers - Strategies and tips to help yourself or a friend break free from imposter syndrome And so...

Oct 10, 20259 minEp. 145

Reset - calm your mind and body

If you have been feeling a little more on edge or frazzled lately, it wouldn't be a surprise. Our world has become so stressful and chaotic, with challenging and traumatic events accessible to us 24/7. We were not designed to manage such a constant stream of stress. So more than ever, we need to be mindful of how we can reset and calm ourselves down. In this power episode you’ll learn: - Why a calm nervous system is critical to our mental health - How a calm mind is essential in managing both ou...

Sep 24, 20257 minEp. 144

Anxiety shows up around what we care about, with Dr. Jodi Richardson

In this episode of Psych for Life, I discuss with Dr. Jodi Richardson why anxiety shows up around what we care about. Dr. Jodi Richardson is a professional keynote and workshop speaker for mastering anxiety. She provides real-time strategies to help individuals and teams flourish. Dr Jodi has a background in secondary teaching and qualifications in Behavioural Therapy, Wellbeing Science and Exercise Physiology. She is a mum and understands first-hand the challenges of anxiety. Tune in to learn -...

Sep 12, 202525 min

Why High Performers Use Self-Compassion, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Australia’s leading compassion researcher, Dr James Kirby to discuss why high performers use self compassion. Dr James Kirby is an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. He examines compassionate responding, and the effectiveness of compassion focused interventions. James is an Honorary Associate Professor of the C...

Aug 29, 202541 minEp. 142

Self Sabotage - how to self correct

Have you neglected to put your new year’s resolutions into place - and yet again you're wondering why? As we pass the mid point of the year, are you feeling disappointed, frustrated or angry at yourself? Take heart – in this episode I'm discussing all things self sabotage - what it is, why we do it, the reasons we can find it so diffcult to follow through and importantly - how to correct it. I’ll show you why it can be so difficult to follow through for ourselves and how to correct this. So if y...

Aug 13, 20257 minEp. 141

Where Passion Meets Climate Action, with Lisa Blair, World Sailor

On this episode of Psych to Life, I chat with Lisa Blair OAM, the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht Climate Action. She very nearly didn’t live to tell the tale, in a life-threatening dismasting. Lisa is now setting her sights on her upcoming NZ records before focusing on the Arctic Ocean. Tune in to hear our discussion on - - Dealing with uncertainty; whilst we can chart a course, there's always unexpected challenges - How Lisa manages her minds...

Jul 30, 202533 minEp. 140

“Adolescence” and the importance of a grounded sense of self, with Daniel Principe, youth advocate + educator

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Daniel Principe to discuss the series "Adolescence” and the importance of a grounded sense of self. Daniel champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives. Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents: such as toxic influencers, the objectification...

Jul 18, 202529 minEp. 139

The Beauty Load, with Author + Counsellor Nicole Mathieson

In this episode of Psych for Life I am chatting all about The Beauty Load and its potential self-esteem dealing damage, with author and counsellor, Nicole Mathieson. Nicole is a relationship coach, counsellor, couple therapist and author of The Beauty Load. She helps women, men and couples in their intimate relationships both with others and themselves. Nicole has impacted the lives of thousands of women through her writing, speaking, podcasts and work as a counsellor. In the therapy room, Nicol...

Jul 03, 202535 minEp. 138

Paradigm-shift that tricky relationship (my effective dinner party exercise)

Do you want to Paradigm-shift – or turn the tables – on a tricky relationship? Particularly one in which you feel trapped, controlled, treated like a younger version of yourself? Then tune in to this Psych for Life power ep, where I share my super effective "dinner party exercise" to help you improve and create healthier, more functional relationships. No longer feel entangled in toxic dynamics. Learn this technique and start applying it to all of the difficult relationships in your life today. ...

Jun 18, 20258 minEp. 137

Workplace Bullying, with psychologist Evelyn M. Field OAM

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back psychologist and one of Australia's most expert leaders and trainers in bullying, Evelyn Field OAM. Evelyn has spent over forty years helping students and adults develop social survival skills to manage school and workplace bullying. Listen in to our insighful conversation about workplace bullying to learn - What is workplace bullying? Why the gap between school and workplace bullying is getting smaller The impacts of bullying as a workplace inju...

Jun 04, 202538 minEp. 136

Co-narcissists - Are you one?

Did you grow up with a Narcissistic parent? Are you trying to breaking free of them - or another? Did you feel like you were growing up in their shadow – or now living in another’s shadow? Listen in to this power ep to learn - - What is a co-narcissist - How to recognise an expected or current connection that clouds your view - How to shift out of a co-narcissistic mindset and relationship Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships...

May 22, 20259 minEp. 135

Mental Health the New Physical Way, with Clinical Psychologist Bart Traynor

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Clinical Psychologist, Bart Traynor, who has a particular passion for men's mental health and helping athletes and people become the very best version of themselves. He also consults with and provides training and support to organisations struggling with mental health issues in the workplace. Bart is Head of Operations at Atlantis Recovery Centre in QLD, Australia – which specialises in veteran and NDIS health care, combining clinical treatment with...

May 08, 202527 minEp. 134

Finding Good Role Models – It’s never too late

A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is admired and imitated by others, particularly by younger people. They serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, influencing values, attitudes, and behaviors. As we grow and develop through life – having good role models can really make us – and not having them may break us! In this ep you’ll learn the importance of role models for children, adolescents and adults and how to build more of these for your child and yourself. I draw...

Apr 25, 20259 minEp. 133

When mental illness enters your family, with author Sarah Martin

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Sarah Martin, author of Dear Psychosis, her first award-winning book describing not only the dramatic rescue of her unwell daughter from Turkey, but the ongoing impact of helping a loved one deal with mental illness. Despite being an experienced theatre nurse and part of an extended family of medical professionals, nothing could have prepared Sarah for navigating the health system after her daughter Alice began experiencing psychosis and later, bipo...

Apr 09, 202530 minEp. 132

How Self-Compassion Helps our Challenges, with Dr James Kirby, Clinical Psychologist

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher, James Kirby, Ph.D., an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. James examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding, and the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically how they help with self-criticism and shame that underpi...

Mar 27, 202537 minEp. 131
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