THRIVING MINDS PODCAST - podcast cover

THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

Professor Selena Bartlett, Neuroscientist, Brain Health is Everyone's Businesswww.profselenabartlett.com

Do you want to learn how to build resilience, boost your cognitive performance, and achieve mental agility? Then it's time to discover the exciting world of brain health and fitness with Thriving Minds. Hosted by renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Thriving Minds is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest advances in brain science education. 

With decades of experience studying addiction, stress, and mental health, Professor Bartlett is a true expert in her field. And she's on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental and physical well-being. So what makes Thriving Minds so unique? 

It's not just about theory – it's about practical tips and simple tools that you can use to improve your brain health and fitness right now.  From understanding how stress wires the brain, the power of cold exposure, nutrition and exercise and connection. 

Thriving Minds is also a deep dive into cutting-edge brain science and digital technology. From neuroplasticity to brain imaging, Professor Bartlett and her team are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. They're exploring the latest research and innovations and sharing their insights with listeners around the world.And the best part? 

Let's make brain health everyone's business. They're inspiring people to take action and create a culture of mental fitness, where people prioritise their brain health as much as their physical health. 
 
Tune in to the podcast and discover the secrets of brain health and fitness. Whether you're looking to boost your cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve your overall well-being, Selena and her team are here to help you thrive. 

The opinions expressed in the podcast are Selena Bartlett's personal opinion and her guests. They are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The opinions in the podcast do not reflect the opinion of Queensland University of Technology.

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Episodes

Episode #147. Uplifting People Through Talking Stories, Navin Sam Regi, a multi-disciplinary artist.

We often hear that life is a journey, one where we pack bags filled with experiences, accomplishments, and material gains. But what if the most profound journey is not about packing, but unpacking? This sentiment captures the essence of the storytelling project we will discuss in today's episode. Our guest, who has travelled both literally and metaphorically through diverse life paths, found himself at a moment where he was floored by the idea of "unpacking." After achieving various accolades an...

Sep 26, 202352 min

Episode #146. Busting Mental Health Myths and Take a Four-Second Pause when you feel Angry, with Beth Tyson, Trauma Expert, Consultant and Therapist, Philadelphia, United States

In this enlightening episode, we're joined by Beth Tyson, an expert trauma therapist, to demystify some common myths about mental health and child psychology. Taking a four-second pause when you start to feel angry is a simple but effective strategy to create emotional distance from a triggering situation. It allows you a brief moment to gain better control over your emotions, providing a break for your brain to shift from a reactive state to a more reasoned one. This pause can be the first step...

Sep 16, 20231 hr 2 min

Episode #145. Struggling with children's screentime, social media, and devices? Parents we want to help you with tech age skills. Sam Jockel, CEO and Founder of Parent TV.

Are you struggling with your children screentime, messaging apps and devices? You are not alone, there is help, and expertise to help you navigate parenting in the tech age. Enter Parent TV. I recently heard a rather striking story from a teacher who was engaging her primary school students in a discussion about ‘what they would like to be when they grow up?’, she received an unexpected response from one of the children. She raised her hand and replied, 'An iPhone.' 'Why do you want to become an...

Sep 12, 20231 hr

Episode #144. THE STRUGGLE IS REAL. Parenting Children in the Tech Age: Develop Skills for Conversations about Tech and Sex with Young Children, Conrad Townson, Project Paradigm, Expert in Child Safety and Exploitation

Call to Action We live in an era where 18-month-old infants can now navigate YouTube, and the digital landscape has become a playground as well as perilous for our children. In 2023, children as young as 6 years old are now viewing adult material, are being asked to share inappropriate material with each other and to strangers. Australia is a leading country in child exploitation because we think children are safe on-line, that it is happening overseas or to other people’s children. We need to a...

Sep 05, 20231 hr 46 min

Episode #143 Transforming Health Care with Narrative Medicine and Clinical Yarning - A Conversation with Dr. Mariam Tokhi, University of Melbourne, GP, Utopia Refugee and Asylum Seeker Health

We welcome Dr. Mariam Tokhi, a pioneering general practitioner from Melbourne, who has introduced the first course of its kind in Australia on narrative medicine. Storytelling has long been a powerful tool for communication, education, and relationship-building. In the context of healthcare, upskilling clinical skills through storytelling, also known as narrative medicine, and the practice of "clinical yarning" as used by Aboriginal communities, provide unique and transformative approaches to pa...

Aug 24, 20231 hr 46 min

Episode #142. Rethinking how we understand autism spectrum disorders. Helping parents, creating time, space, attention with Professor Andrew Whitehouse, Head Autism Research Team at University of Western Australia, finalist Australian of the Year 2023

Autism spectrum disorders once affected 1 in 2000 individuals, now touches the lives of 1 in 50. This remarkable change underscores the urgency to understand this complex neurodevelopmental disorder and the ways it intertwines with the universal journey of parenting. In this episode we explore the world of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and delve into the broader landscape of parent-child interactions, their profound impact on brain development. Joining us is the esteemed Professor Andrew Whiteh...

Aug 23, 202343 min

Episode #141. For the Matildas-Understanding the Brain's Social Network that reduces Burnout and Stress.

The Neuroscience of Connection: Understanding the Brain's Social Network The power of the human minds to unify, inspire, and transform. Drawing from cutting-edge neuroscience research, we explore how the brain's intricate networks foster cooperation, resilience, and the unparalleled teamwork exhibited by the Matildas on the field. We delve into the dynamics of connection, empathy, and shared purpose. How do these cognitive processes shape the success of a team like the Matildas? How can the unde...

Aug 13, 202317 min

Episode #140. Joy in Schools. How to make safe, calm and connected schools in our communities with John Bray, Chief Enthusiasm Officer & Principal Dunwich School, Minjerribah

A joy filled conversation about how to reimagine education systems and its role in community with John Bray, Chief Enthusiasm Officer and Principal of Dunwich School. John has an unwavering commitment to crafting safe, calm, and connected schools, Bray's innovative approach to co-designing educational spaces with the community. He has a pedagogical philosophy that emphasizes the importance of understanding and embracing cultural nuances and practices, most notably the powerful practice of silenc...

Aug 05, 202346 min

Episode #139. School culture and environment are keys to mental health in young people in schools, Myriad trial result in 85 UK schools. Professor Willem Kuyken, Universi

Professor Kuyken suggests that over the next 50 years that will see mental health and wellbeing become a human right that is fundamental to human flourishing. This requires a public health and societal approach to tackle as from about 7 billion people in the world, of which about a 3.5 billion will at some point encounter mental health problems themselves or with their loved ones. How we think about mental health will be the equivalent of passive smoking ~50 years ago. Why school culture and not...

Aug 02, 202346 min

Episode #138 Universal basic income of $500 per week for the common good and conquer yourself with Everald Compton AC AO, a true champion

What would you do if you were given $500 per week, no questions asked? In this episode, we have the honour of hosting a compelling conversation with Everald Compton, a titan in Australian business, an influential social reformer, and a well-respected author. Everald has championed numerous causes throughout his remarkable career, but none have been as significant as his advocacy for a Universal Basic Income (UBI). As he unveils the journey that led him to fervently believe in UBI, he paints a vi...

Jul 25, 202345 min

Episode #137. Healing from the causes of addiction and obesity opens new avenues for treatment. Professor Selena Bartlett interview with Ashutosh Garg, The Brand Called You.

Two powerful ideas to consider when you see someone struggling. 1. I wonder what happened to you? 2. How can I help you? Healing through neuroplasticity is not about quick fixes or short-term solutions; it's about understanding the root causes of these conditions. It's about recognising that it is not about an individual but about the community and Society. How to begin to break the cycle of high stress, multigenerational trauma, adverse childhood experiences (ACES), poor sleep, unhealthy food a...

Jul 21, 202352 min

Episode #136. Crossing a Line in the Sand at Work. Learn about Moral Injury for Journalists, Military, First Responders and Health Care Professionals and the Path to Recovery with Dean Yates.

Step into the captivating world of Dean Yates, the former bureau chief in Iraq whose life took a dramatic turn when a U.S. Apache gunship tragically killed two Reuters journalists in Baghdad in 2007. The shocking footage of this incident, brought to light by Julian Assange, shook the world's conscience. However, this pivotal event was just the beginning of Dean's journey, one that led him to become a staunch advocate for mental health in the journalism industry. Dean Yates shares his deeply pers...

Jul 10, 202352 min

Episode #135. Are you wondering what it takes to be brave and gain financial fortitude in a rapidly changing world? Learn from Claire Hatton and Greta Thomas, full potential labs for career and life.

Are you wondering what it takes to be brave and gain financial fortitude in a rapidly changing world? Do you want to learn how to face criticism, setbacks, and challenges head-on and still thrive? This is exactly what we unpack in our latest podcast episode with Claire Hatton and Greta Thomas, the extraordinary women behind the highly influential 'Don’t Stop Us Now Podcast'. Dedicated to celebrating the achievements of extraordinary women from all walks of life, this episode dives deep into the ...

Jul 06, 20231 hr 2 min

Episode #134 Ten things to whisper into a child’s ear to help them thrive for life. Conversation with Gavin McCormack, one of the most influential educators in 2022.

This is a conversation that dives deep into the mind of a visionary, who has dedicated over 25 years of his life to reforming education on a global scale. As a seasoned Montessori teacher and school principal in Australia, a committed advocate for child-centric learning, and a tireless builder of schools in the remote regions of the Himalayas, co-founding upschool.co and Educationinfluence.com, and his ongoing efforts in training teachers across the globe. Gavin McCormack has a uniquely compelli...

Jun 27, 202351 min

Episode #133. Power of listening to inner voices, a journey of discovery and triumph with Kellie Stastny, Chair of Intervoice, BSW.

Step into the captivating world of voices and embark on a transformative journey of discovery with Kellie Stastny, the Chair of Intervoice, mother of 2 children, just graduated from Latrobe University with Bachelor of Social Work and Human Services. In this thought-provoking podcast, we dive deep into the fascinating realm of hearing voices, challenging societal preconceptions, and unravelling the potential of these extraordinary experiences. Kellie Stastny, a leading advocate, and expert in the...

Jun 19, 202342 min

Episode #132 Smartphones and Social media are destroying Children’s Mental health. Dr Mark Williams, cognitive neuroscientist, author "The Connected Species: How Understanding the Evolution of the Human Brain Can Save the World"

Step into a thought-provoking exploration of the alarming collapse of youth mental health since the advent of smartphones in 2010. In this gripping podcast, we delve into the evidence that suggests a troubling correlation between the omnipresence of social media, digital distractions, and the well-being of teenagers worldwide and especially girls. Join us on an enlightening journey as we delve into the groundbreaking book "The Connected Species, how understanding the brain will change the world"...

Jun 11, 202350 min

Episode# 131. Winter swimming to focus your mind and relieve stress. Dr Susanna Soeberg, best selling author of Winter Swimming and the Soeberg Principle.

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I'm thrilled to share my experience with Susanna Soeberg's incredible work on cold exposure, brown fat activation, metabolism and its numerous benefits. Here are key takeaways that I believe everyone can benefit from: Improved Resilience: Through cold exposure techniques, Susanna helps individuals develop mental and physical resilience. Exposing ourselves to controlled cold environments can boost our immune system, increase blood circulation, and improve our ability to handl...

Jun 03, 202351 min

Episode #130. Understand your profound influence on others, even in the most fleeting of encounters. Solene Hegarty-Cremer, PhD student, Université de Montréal.

Understand your profound influence on others, even in the most fleeting of encounters. A serendipitous encounter took place at All Hallows where I was giving a presentation to the year 12 students about my unexpected career as a neuroscientist. Little did I know, until a month ago, that Solene Hegarty-Cremer was sitting in the auditorium that day or that my story would shape her life in the most unexpected ways. While exploring the intricacies of the human brain, I emphasized the unpredictable n...

May 29, 202334 min

Episode #129. Untoxicated: Why high functioning people use alcohol to medicate stress and trauma, new ways that empower recovery and redefining sobriety through community connection with Faye Lawrence.

In this compelling episode, we delve into the inspiring work of Faye Lawrence and the transformative movement she spearheads through Untoxicated. Fuelled by a deep understanding that problem drinking and addiction are health issues, not personal failings, Faye challenges the societal norms and stigma surrounding alcohol use. Having been a heavy but high functioning drinker since her teens, Faye wound up in inpatient detox in late 2017 after the wheels really fell off. Determined not to let her s...

May 22, 202347 min

Episode #128 Smell the Roses. Unlocking the Fascinating Link Between Olfactory Training and Neuroplasticity" A Conversation with Dr. Thomas Hummel.

Get ready to discover the incredible potential of our sense of smell in this fascinating episode of our podcast! Join us as we dive into the world of olfactory science with Dr. Thomas Hummel from the University of Dresden in Germany. In this conversation, we'll explore the importance of our sense of smell, how it impacts our ability to think, and the exciting potential for neuroplasticity in this field. Plus, we'll delve into the latest research on olfactory training and how it can help patients...

May 11, 202337 min

Episode #127. Ever wondered what lies beneath the surface of your mind? Uncover the astonishing power of neuroplasticity! Unravel the secrets of your brain and explore its extraordinary capabilities, unlock the door to a realm of new possibilities!

Get ready to embark on a mind-bending journey that will reshape the way you see yourself and the incredible potential that lies within your own mind. Curiosity awaits—let's unravel the mysteries of your brain together! how your brain works and the amazing potential of neuroplasticity? Join Libby Trickett and Professor Selena Bartlett reveal their secrets!Join Libby Trickett and Professor Selena Bartlett as we dive deep into the fascinating world of neuroscience and explore practical tips and str...

Apr 27, 202336 min

Episode #126. Breaking Barriers: How Vickie Simos Trains Martial Arts for People with Autism and ASD

Welcome to our podcast, where we seek to share inspiring stories that can make a positive impact in people's lives. We know that raising a child with autism can be challenging, and we hope that this conversation can bring some hope and insights for parents who are facing similar situations. As a parent of a child with autism, you might be looking for ways to help your child develop skills and cope with daily challenges. Vickie Simos, an author of the boxer within is a martial artist and an advoc...

Apr 23, 202331 min

Episode #125 Find meaning in your story by unanchoring from the past; incredible conversation with Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal, Macquarie Business School

Professor Debbie Haski-Leventhal is a leading expert in helping people create meaningful lives. Her new book, "Make it Meaningful," is a must-read for anyone feeling anchored to their past and searching for a way forward. Part memoir and part self-help guide, the book outlines the 7 enablers to finding meaning in your life. Debbie's passion for helping people find meaning is evident in her TEDx talk on the impact of volunteering, prosocial behaviour, and corporate social responsibility. She emph...

Apr 17, 202356 min

Episode #124. How parenting shapes a child's brain and start in life. Dr Catherine Lebel, Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Imaging.

Parent-Child Brain Connection for Life. Dr Catherine Lebel is an Associate Professor of Radiology at the University of Calgary and a Canada Research Chair in Pediatric Imaging. She leads the Child Brain & Mental Health Program at the Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute and is a member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute. Dr. Lebel received her PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Alberta and completed postdoctoral training in Neurology and Pediatrics at the University...

Apr 10, 202346 min

Episode #123. The Empty Cradle: Unplanned Childlessness with Sarah Roberts, Founder and Counsellor.

Sarah Roberts welcomes you to come and sit by the fire and tell your precious story. She founded the Empty Cradle as a grief counsellor to help others find opportunity from unplanned childlessness. In this episode, we will explore the journey of Sarah Roberts, who transformed her grief of unplanned childlessness into an opportunity to help others. The desire to have a child is a natural and common aspiration for many people. However, sometimes life does not turn out as planned, and some individu...

Apr 03, 202353 min

Episode #122. Power of Sweat. Physical activity is 1.5x more effective than medications and counselling for improving symptoms of depression, anxiety and distress. Dr Ben Singh, Research Fellow, UniSA.

Why don't we want to use the cheapest tool known to prevent and improve mental health disorders? Dr Ben Singh is a research fellow at the University of South Australia and recently published a paper in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, that is the most comprehensive to date, encompassing 97 reviews, 1039 trials and 128,119 participants. It shows that physical activity is 1.5x more effective than medications and counselling and is extremely beneficial for improving symptoms of depression, a...

Mar 27, 202346 min

Episode #121. The vital sign you will live longer, how well can you navigate a Figure-of-8-Walk (F8W) Test? Dr Jennifer Brach, University of Pittsburgh, School of Public Health.

Every 11 seconds, an older adult is admitted to the emergency room due to a fall, and every 19 minutes, a fall-related death occurs. We focus on what we eat, exercise, and relationships and connections. We think about preventing cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic respiratory disease, and dementia to have longer healthier lives. However, falling is the most prevalent and expensive issue facing people. Falls are the primary cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries in those aged 65 and over, ...

Mar 20, 202344 min

Episode #120. Navigating Unplanned Childlessness with Stephen Shaw documentary. Birthgap, the population collapse out of view.

Navigating Unplanned Childlessness. Birthgap, the population collapse out of view. For many people, the idea of having children is deeply ingrained in their life plans. From a young age, we are taught to aspire to find a partner, settle down, and start a family. But for some, life has a different plan. Stephen Shaw joins us to discuss unexpected findings that there is a 30 per cent increase in people becoming childless without meaning to. Most think people choose to be childless, it is certainly...

Mar 13, 20231 hr 3 min

Episode #119. Become a HEERO™ and make lifelong relationships with Dan Martin, Founder of HEERO and Raven Bartman and Alicia Johnson

Become a HEERO™ and make lifelong relationships with Dan Martin, Founder of HEERO and Raven Bartman and Alicia Johnson HEERO™ is a revolutionary practice approach that recognizes the importance of relationships in overall health and wellbeing. Young people with lived experience are providing tools, helping others learn about adverse childhood experiences (ACES) and other to health using networks of people. They haved changed the way people in Canada work with people in child welfare care, juveni...

Mar 06, 20231 hr 1 minEp. 119

Episode #118. Feeling stuck. Get to know your blind spots with Daniel Mate, Co-Author of the Myth of Normal with Dr Gabor Mate.

Are you stuck? Daniel Mate, co-author of “The Myth of Normal” calls these blind spots that we get a lot of benefit from. He asks, do you really want to change? Have you ever said that you want change in your life but still find yourself stuck in the same old habits and thought patterns? You're not alone. Daniel Mate, the co-author with his father Gabor Mate of the Myth of Normal, discusses what it was like writing this book with his father and his role in bringing it to life. He discusses that o...

Mar 03, 202346 min
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