All In The Mind

Imagine police are interrogating you over a crime you didn't commit.  If you're innocent, you're safe, right? Wrong. Sometimes, being innocent can make you more likely to confess. How is that possible? In part two of our four-part series, Forensic, we learn about the police interviewing techniques that make false confessions more likely, and the bizarre cases in which people come to believe they really, truly did commit a crime – despite being innocent. Guests: Saul Kassin Distinguished Professor Emeritus at John Jay College of Criminal Justice  Professor Emeritus at Williams College Lisanne Adam  Lecturer in Law, RMIT University School of Law Celine van Golde Associate Professor in Legal Psychology, University of Sydney Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Criminal profiling promises a lot — being able to piece together a picture of a suspect through clues, intuition and psychology sounds great. But how reliable is it? In our first episode of Forensic, a four-part series unpacking the psychological tools used to solve crimes, we examine the history of criminal profiling. How it got popular in the 1950s after bombings in New York City, its shortcomings when scrutinised by researchers, and the techniques it is built on that police deploy today (but with a lot more data). Guests: Michael Cannell Author, Incendiary: The Psychiatrist, the Mad Bomber and the Invention of Criminal Profiling Former Editor, The New York Times Professor Craig Jackson Professor of Occupational Health Psychology Birmingham City University Dr Victoria Berezowski Lecturer, Forensic Science, Deakin University Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Isabella Tropiano You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. Further Information: Incendiary - Michael Cannell The Organized/Disorganized Typology of Serial Murder: Myth or Model? Is criminal profiling dead? Should it be? Psychology Today George Metesky, the ‘Mad Bomber’ – Wikipedia Unmasking the Mad Bomber – The Smithsonian, 2017 A 16-Year Hunt For New York’s ‘Mad Bomber’ – NPR, 2011 An overview of offender profiling – International Journal of Police Science and Management, 2024 Offender profiling: a review of the research and state of the field – Police Psychology, 2021 The Grit, Glamour and Gall of Criminal Profiling – The University of Arizona, 2021 Casebook of a Crime Psychiatrist – James Brussel, 1968 Dangerous Minds - The New Yorker

Forget everything you’ve learned from crime dramas. Forensic is a new podcast series from All in the Mind on ABC Radio National that takes you behind the psychological tools used to solve crimes. Across four episodes, we investigate criminal profiling, false confessions, eyewitness memory and lie detection, revealing what actually works, what doesn’t, and the surprising ways things can go wrong. Forensic gives an evidence-led look at the cracks and complexities inside modern forensic psychology. Our first episode drops this Sunday!  In the mean time, check out our other true crime themed series from 2025, Criminal Psychology.  You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Would you want to live forever? The rich and powerful certainly do.  There are numerous examples throughout history of people going to extreme lengths in search of immortality. These days, it's Silicon Valley tech bros, testing out everything from blood transfusions to merging our brains with the cloud. Why are they/we so obsessed with dodging death? What is it about extreme wealth that makes people dream of defying biology? Today, tech journalist and social psychologist Aleks Krotoski takes us into the world of the ‘immortalists’: what they think the future of humanity might look like, and whether the rest of us want to come along for the ride. Guest: Aleks Krotoski Investigative journalist Social psychologist Author, The Immortalists: The Death of Death and the Race for Eternal Life Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Tegan Nicholls

Cosmetic procedures aren't reserved for celebrities anymore - they're becoming more and more accessible for every day people.  So if we're able to alter our looks or avoid the appearance of aging altogether, what impact does this have on our psychology? Today, we examine how changing our faces might change how we see each other. Please note, this episode includes some discussion of body image and mental health issues such as body dysmorphic disorder. Take care while listening. Guests: Professor Gemma Sharp Clinical psychologist and researcher Adelaide University Dr Sarah Bonell Research Fellow Bolton Clarke Research Institute Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Roi Huberman More information: What's the connection between cosmetic procedures and mental health? Australian Women's Lived Experiences of Stigmatization After Cosmetic Surgery: A Qualitative Investigation The cosmetic surgery paradox: Toward a contemporary understanding of cosmetic surgery popularisation and attitudes Under the knife: Unfavorable perceptions of women who seek plastic surgery New AHPRA Guidelines Require Psychological Screening for Non-Surgical Cosmetic Procedures Cheaper, easier and less taboo: Why more gen Zs are getting cosmetic injectables such as botox Body dysmorphic disorder Support: Butterfly foundation 1800 33 4673     You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Politics, war, abortion, gun control — why do some topics make us so outraged? One theory is that our preoccupation with preventing harm is to blame. So today, we examine how humans developed morality, why we differ in what we consider right and wrong, and how that drives us to moral outrage. And after all of that, we'll find out how to have better conversations with people you disagree with (even if you're feeling outraged). If you want to hear more about that, check out The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too. This episode first aired in January 2025. Guest: Dr Kurt Gray Professor in Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Director, Deepest Beliefs Lab and the Center for the Science of Moral Understanding Author, Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman More information: Lethal Mass Partisanship: Prevalence, Correlates, & Electoral Contingencies The transcript for this episode can be found on its original webpage. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

In the last couple of weeks, a lot of people have been getting excited about space exploration thanks to Artemis II. So this week, we revisit an episode from our archives all about life as an astronaut and the psychological impacts of long distance space travel.  And if you enjoy this episode, check out Artemis Explained, a podcast from the Science Friction team, following the Artemis II mission. This episode was first broadcast in March 2024. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Dr Albert Holland, Senior Operational Psychologist, NASA Johnson Space Center Dr Cady Coleman, Former NASA astronaut Jamey Simpson, Cady's son With excerpts from: Space: The Longest Goodbye, directed by Ido Mizrahy Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite More information: Artemis Explained podcast Science Friction To view the transcript for this episode, please head to its original webpage.

Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks.  In this episode, we're joined by developmental paediatrician and co-host of Pop Culture Parenting, Dr Billy Garvey. From self compassion to channelling anger into advocacy, Billy shares his own strategies for managing bad days. On Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill! If you have feedback or want to suggest a guest, you can reach us on allinthemind@abc.net.au Guest: Dr Billy Garvey Developmental paediatrician Author, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental health Podcast co-host, Pop Culture Parenting Founder, Guiding Growing Minds Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Senior Producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound Engineer: Hamish Camilleri Relevant All in the Mind episodes: Tantrums, sleep training and anxiety: Dr Billy Garvey answers your parenting questions 'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental health You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

How can I help my child with anxiety? What's the deal with sleep training? Are we supposed to ignore tantrums? This week, we've invited developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey back on All in the Mind for a mailbag episode. We'll unpack your parenting dilemmas which cover questions about kids of all ages, from the littlest of newborns right through to teenagers.  So whether you're a parent, aunt, uncle, grandparent, friend or someone just curious about how to support young people in your life, Billy has advice for navigating challenging moments. And please note, one of the questions is a bit heavy, touching on the topic of suicidality. Please take care while listening. Guest: Dr Billy Garvey Developmental paediatrician Author, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental health Podcast co-host, Pop Culture Parenting Founder, Guiding Growing Minds Credits: Present/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Antonia Gauci More information: 'Bad behaviour' or just misunderstood? What to know about kids' mental health Support resources: Lifeline 13 11 14 13YARN 13 92 76 Beyond Blue

This week we're talking about something intimate… and sometimes taboo: masturbation. From self-love, to disordered behaviour and back again, we explore how our perceptions of masturbation have changed over the course of history and why it's still linked to shame and confusion for some. Also, why do humans (and other animals) masturbate in the first place? Just a heads up, if the topic didn't give it away, this episode may not be suitable for little ones. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode first aired in September 2024. Guests: Esme Louise James PhD candidate, University of Melbourne Content creator and author of Kinky History Dr Vijayasarathi Ramanathan Clinical sexologist Senior Lecturer of Sexual Health (Sexology) at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney Dr Ann Jones Host, What the Duck?! Dr Matilda Brindle Evolutionary biologist University of Oxford Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Beth Stewart More information: Sex is Weird | What the Duck?! To find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, health journalist and author Casey Beros on managing your inner critic, balancing competing appetites for more and less in life, and filtering out the external voices to chart your own course in life. Each week on Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill! We're testing this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on allinthemind@abc.net.au And don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday. Guest: Casey Beros Health journalist Author, Next of Kin Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Senior Producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound Engineer: Micky Grossman Relevant All in the Mind episodes: Tough conversations and anticipatory grief: being a carer What influences your inner voice Controlling the chatter in your head You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

When Casey Beros' dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, she knew her entire world would change.  More than three million Australians are carers — a role people are often thrust into without any kind of map. So based on her own experience, Casey wrote one. On All in the Mind this week, what it takes to be a carer for a loved one. How to get through the tough conversations and difficult moments — from giving bad news to talking about voluntary assisted dying — and still come out the other end in one piece. Guest: Casey Beros Health journalist Author, Next of Kin Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

How do you grieve a dying parent you're estranged from? Do cheaters ever change? People say love should feel 'easy', is that true? Psychotherapist Esther Perel is back on All in the Mind, answering your questions about heartbreak, loss, and love in this extra special mailbag episode. We've got questions on how to reconnect with estranged siblings, what to do when global conflicts impact personal relationships, and whether a first love can still feel special, even if it happens later in life. And if you missed part one of our chat with Esther Perel, you can listen to our episode titled "Couples therapy with an AI partner? Esther Perel's just done it" here. Esther also featured on our first episode of Mind Hacks! Guest: Esther Perel Psychotherapist and couples therapist Author, The State of Affairs and Mating in Captivity Host, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman More information: If you want to hear more from Esther Perel, she chatted to Lisa Leong on This Working Life. The episode is called Esther Perel on conflict and power struggles at work. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson tells us how he manages his own stress (clue: it involves saunas!) Each week on Mind Hacks, we're bringing you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill! We're going to test this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on allinthemind@abc.net.au And don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday. Guest: Professor Joel Pearson Psychologist, neuroscientist Founder and Director, Future Minds Lab University of New South Wales Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Harvey O'Sullivan Relevant All in the Mind episodes: Is AI making our brains lazier? "Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Social media gave us brain rot; will AI give us cognitive atrophy? How can we possibly learn to cope with the sheer amount of uncertainty and change heading our way? Cognitive neuroscientist Joel Pearson is back on the show, two years after his mega popular appearance in our episode titled "Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI. In this episode we cover the potential long-term impact of widescale job losses, the anxiety university students are feeling about their job prospects, the risk of cognitive atrophy when outsourcing to AI, and what we can do to be more adaptable and flexible in the age of AI. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Professor Joel Pearson Psychologist, neuroscientist Founder and Director, Future Minds Lab University of New South Wales Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Tim Jenkins More info: When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it Why being a beginner is good for you

Introducing All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. Each week, we'll bring you bonus content with special guests, featuring rapid fire questions about their mental health tips and pet peeves. It's like a psychology version of eff, marry kill! Kicking off our first episode is none other than Esther Perel. What mental health advice would she avoid at all costs? We're going to test this format out over the next few weeks, so let us know what you think, or if there's a guest you'd like us to invite back on the program for Mind Hacks. As always, you can reach us on allinthemind@abc.net.au And don't worry, regular All in the Mind episodes will keep dropping every Sunday. Guest: Esther Perel Psychotherapist and couples therapist Author, The State of Affairs and Mating in Captivity Host, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Michael Grossman You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Psychotherapist and relationship expert Esther Perel has had a lot of 'firsts' over her four decade-long career — counselling her first polyamorous relationship, or her first gay couple navigating surrogacy. Now, she's just done her first session with a man and his AI 'girlfriend'… Did she struggle to take this ‘couple’ seriously? What kind of love can someone really form with a chatbot? And why would someone bring their AI partner to a relationship therapy session in the first place? This week, renowned psychotherapist, author, and speaker Esther Perel reflects on what’s changed in the decades she's worked as a relationship therapist; whether AI can be a helpful tool for therapy; and why we might be better off conceptualising AI companions as ‘transitional objects’ instead.  Plus, join us in a few week's time for a very special mailbag episode with Esther, featuring your questions! Guest: Esther Perel Psychotherapist and couples therapist Author, The State of Affairs and Mating in Captivity Host, Where Should We Begin? with Esther Perel Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineers: Harvey O'Sullivan and Emrys Cronin You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey is returning to All in the Mind and we'd love to ask him your questions! Billy is an expert on kids' mental health — last time he was on the show we discussed what's really going on with kids who are labelled "bad"; including insecure attachment, separation anxiety and emotional difficulties.  He co-hosts Pop Culture Parenting and is the author of Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental health. So if you have any questions you'd like to put to Billy, send them to allinthemind@abc.net.au and include "question for Dr Billy Garvey" in the subject line. And if you're looking for inspiration, you can find Dr Billy Garvey's previous episode here. Thanks!  - Sana and the All in the Mind team

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? This episode first aired in July 2024. Guests: Caroline Anderson Performance psychologist Lead psychologist for the Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team Dr Chris Mesagno Senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, Victoria University Louise Potter Footballer and Darebin Falcons legend Mary Spillane Clinical psychologist Credits: Presenter: Sana Qadar Reporter/Producer: Belinda Smith Producer: Rose Kerr, Petria Ladgrove Sound engineer: Russell Stapleton To view the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

40 years ago, NASA experienced one of its most devastating disasters. The Challenger space shuttle disintegrated just 73 seconds after launch, killing all seven crew members. How had this happened? And did the culture of NASA have anything to do with it? In this episode, we dig into a concept called 'normalisation of deviance', which has been touted as an explanation for this incident, as well as the Costa Concordia cruise ship disaster and a clinical drug trial that left six people in intensive care. So what is 'normalisation of deviance'? How does it happen? And given its potential for harm, is there anything we can do to prevent it? If you enjoyed this episode, check out the latest season of Science Friction, The Challenger Disaster (which is also produced by our senior producer James Bullen!) Guests: Dr Nejc Sedlar Lecturer, University of Aberdeen Professor Sidney Dekker Professor, Griffith University Credits: Presenter: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Additional reporting/production: Fiona Pepper Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. More information: A qualitative systematic review on the application of the normalization of deviance phenomenon within high-risk industries. Sidney Dekker — Drift into Failure. Challenger: the disaster five people saw coming. The Challenger Legacy — Science Friction. Has NASA learned anything from the Challenger disaster? When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it A deviation from standard design? Clinical trials, research ethics committees, and the regulatory co-construction of organizational deviance

Renowned psychotherapist Esther Perel is coming to All in the Mind! And we'd love to ask her some of your questions. Esther Perel is an internationally recognised couples therapist. You might know her as the author of Mating in Captivity and The State of Affairs. Family, sex, intimacy, friendship, betrayal - Esther covers it all.  So if you have any thorny relationship questions you'd like to ask her, send them to allinthemind@abc.net.au and include "question for Esther Perel" in the subject line. Thanks!

Slow walkers. Unmelted cheese in a toastie. Bad formatting in documents.  If these small annoyances make you weirdly mad, you're not alone (in fact, you're human). But when little pet peeves add up, they can contribute much bigger problems like chronic stress. So what can you do about it? Today: why small annoyances have such an outsized impact; why judging yourself doesn't help; and how elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help you better navigate these moments (as well as the bigger challenges in life). And if you're not a fan of radical acceptance, which was covered in a recent episode, we go deeper on what it really means. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Dr Patricia Zurita-Ona Clinical psychologist Author Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman More information: Relationship of daily hassles, uplifts, and major life events to health status The peculiar longevity of things not so bad Patricia's website and resources Other recommended listening: Chronically stressed? These small changes can help Difficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships

When Blake's dad died by suicide, it came as a complete shock. Overwhelming grief, combined with confusion and guilt — it uprooted his life. The loss made him rethink his own mental health, and eventually, channel that into the community — fundraising and taking on three world records. Today, we're talking about suicide bereavement; how it can affect family and friends, its long lasting impacts on mental health, and how to support someone going through the experience. It can be really tricky to talk about suicide, so how do you tackle talking to kids about this kind of loss? Also, why are rates of suicide not going down, despite millions spent on prevention? And why do some people experience something called post-traumatic growth while others don't? This episode discusses suicide, grief and mental illness in depth. Please take care while listening. Guests: Blake Johnston Former pro surfer Surf Coach Mental Health advocate Author, Swellbeing Associate Professor Karl Andriessen Principal Research Fellow, Centre for Mental Health and Community Wellbeing Melbourne School of Population and Global Health University of Melbourne Tanja Hirvonen Clinical psychologist Chief Executive Officer, Thirrili Board Director, Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association Board Director, Black Dog Institute Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Harvey O'Sullivan Thanks to freesound.org users tim.kahn and juskiddink Support and resources: Lifeline 13 11 14 Thirrili 1800 805 801 13 YARN 13 92 76 Beyond Blue  1300 22 4636 StandBy Support 1300 727 247 Roses in the ocean More information: Coping With A Parent's Suicide Alarming rise in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander suicide rates A better way: suicide prevention in First Nations communities You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on ABC Listen or wherever you get your podcasts.

Simon considers himself a calm, conscientious, conflict-avoidant type of person. But in the car, his personality flips — and it scares him. It can be hard to admit, but many of us do experience road rage. So what is it about being in the driver's seat that makes us so quick to anger? And does the type of car a person drives have anything to do with their propensity for aggression? Today, we're talking about road rage; owning up to times we've lost our temper and finding out what we can do about it. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Dr Amanda Stephens Senior Research Fellow, Monash University Accident Research Centre Simon All in the Mind listener and business owner Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Harvey O'Sullivan More information: Estimated car cost as a predictor of driver yielding behaviors for pedestrians Higher social class predicts increased unethical behavior The fast and the furious: Research shows that owners of high-status cars are on a collision course with traffic

Over years of practice, clinical psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients. Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism. So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacrificing their mental health. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode first aired in May 2025. Guests: Dr Mary Anderson Clinical Psychologist; Author, The Happy High Achiever Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls You can find the transcript for this episode on its original webpage here. Extra Information: The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia

Many of us have felt self loathing at some point in our lives — maybe when you've failed at an important task at work, or lost an important relationship. But some people hate themselves all the time — their inner monologue is a constant drumbeat of self-criticism and self-loathing.  Where does this kind of all-encompassing self-hate come from? And is there a way to unlearn it? We speak to psychiatrist Dr Blaise Aguirre, author of I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You.  This episode discusses the topic of suicide - please take care while listening. This episode first aired in February 2025. Guest: Dr Blaise Aguirre Child and adolescent psychiatrist Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School Author, I Hate Myself: Overcome Self-Loathing and Realize Why You're Wrong About You Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Isabella Tropiano Thanks to Freesound.org users 7by7, qubodup, laft2k, andre.nascimento To find the transcript for this episode, head to it's original webpage. Resources: Lifeline Australia 1800RESPECT You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

Be honest, how many times have you checked your notifications in the last hour? Or opened a new, totally unrelated tab? Or stopped what you're doing even though you really need to do it? Distractions are everywhere. And whether they're self-imposed or coming from our environment, it can be hard to focus. Today, we explore the ramifications of our rapidly shrinking attention spans, debunk some myths about focus, and discuss the art of taking a break. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode first aired in March 2025. Guests: Dr Emma Fitzgerald  Clinical Neuropsychologist Seb Emma's son and distracted teenager Gloria Mark, PhD Chancellor's Professor Emerita, University of California, Irvine Author, Attention Span Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Bella Tropiano To find the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage. Extra info: Gloria's The Future of Attention substack Smartphones in the nursery: Parental smartphone use and parental sensitivity and responsiveness within parent–child interaction in early childhood (0–5 years): A scoping review Ditching your smartphone won't stop you being distracted, study finds

Have you ever experienced "the ick"? It's that sudden, visceral feeling of being put off by someone you're dating. Maybe it's their hat, a hobby or even the way they laugh. Stories of the ick are prolific online, but it leaves us with a question - what causes it?  To separate red flags from disgust, we get into the psychology of the ick - why you might feel icky, if it should be a deal breaker, and what it says about your own attachment style. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode first aired in March 2025. Guests: Michaela Single and ick-prone Adam Horvath Clinical Psychologist at Personal Psychology Professor Gery Karantzas, PhD Couples therapist Director, Science of Adult Relationships laboratory Deakin University Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Michael Grossman You can find the transcript for this episode on its original webpage here. More information: The ick: Disgust sensitivity, narcissism, and perfectionism in mate choice thresholds

Developmental paediatrician Dr Billy Garvey has seen a lot of kids with behavioural issue over the years, and there are ten things he wishes all parents understood about their kids mental health. From insecure attachment to separation anxiety to emotional difficulties – he gives us the low down on why kids get labelled ‘bad’ – and what’s really going on (usually). You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode first aired in February 2025. Guest: Dr Billy Garvey Developmental paediatrician Author, Ten things I wish you knew about your child's mental health Podcast co-host, Pop Culture Parenting Founder, Guiding Growing Minds Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: John Jacobs

Difficult people are everywhere. Maybe you're one of them, or maybe you're about to sit through an awkward holiday situation with someone you REALLY don't know how to handle. This week, clinical psychologist Rachel Samson returns to answer all your questions on challenging people from the All in the Mind mailbox. How do I deal with my coworker who's crossing boundaries? Should I try and make peace with my problematic family member? We'll answer these questions and more — from how to avoid becoming a difficult person yourself, to the power of radical acceptance. Thank you for listening to All in the Mind this year! If you have an episode idea for next year or want to send some feedback, you can email us at mind_rn@abc.net.au Guest: Rachel Samson Clinical psychologist Co-author, Beyond Difficult Director of the Australian Association of Psychologists Rachael Samson also appeared on our episode in November called Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people. Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Bethany Stewart You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

From the prohibition era in the US, to gun control in Australia, bans have been used throughout history to change behaviour.  Sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. Sometimes, they lead to a whole lot of unintended consequences. With the social media ban for under-16’s taking effect this week, we uncover the three factors that can determine whether a ban is more likely to succeed or fail – and find out what the history of bans tells us about how effective this policy might be (or not). Plus – how solid is the research on the link between mental ill health and social media use? You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Dr Alexis Whitton Associate Professor and psychologist The Black Dog Institute and University of New South Wales Dr Kate Harrison Brennan Professor of Practice and Academic Director of the Sydney Policy Lab Honorary Associate at the Sydney Law School University of Sydney Seb, Eva, Ciara, Lily With additional thanks to Associate Professor Susanne Schweizer, from the University of New South Wales. Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Micky Grossman A big thank you to everyone who sent us emails and voice memos with their thoughts on the social media ban. We couldn't include everyone but we appreciate getting to hear your perspectives. Thanks to freesound.org users TRP and davidbain More information: Support for under-16 social media ban soars to 77% among Australians Illegal tobacco is a deadly $10 billion industry wiping out legitimate businesses Smoking rates continue to decline while vaping triples, national household drug survey shows Psychological reactance to system-level policies before and after their implementation The presence of laws and mandates is associated with increased social norm enforcement Youth mental health enters 'dangerous phase' Social psychologist and author of best-selling book The Anxious Generation Jonathan Haidt talks to News Breakfast about Australia's world-first under 16 social media ban — ABC Lifestyle eSafety appoints Stanford University-led academic advisory group to assess the impacts of the Social Media Minimum Age obligation Digital mental health, Black Dog Institute

When bad things happen, do you berate yourself or treat yourself with compassion? Do you journal, meditate, or listen to music? Growing up, Sabrina McKenzie always turned to music to help her through her worst moments. As she got older and began studying psychology, she realised what she felt when she listened to sad or angry songs ... was self-compassion. In the field of positive psychology there’s plenty of research on how journalling and meditation can cultivate self-compassion (and plenty of research suggesting self-compassionate people are more mentally and physically healthy). But Sabrina was shocked to learn there was no research on whether music could cultivate self-compassion. She decided to change that. Today: the songs that saved Sabrina, and the novel research looking for a link between music and self-compassion.  This episode touches on the topic of sexual abuse, please take care while listening. Guest: Sabrina McKenzie Associate Lecturer in music PhD candidate in music psychology University of Melbourne, Melbourne Conservatorium of Music Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Music to listen to: Why Trust You - Alice Cooper Now I Can Dance - Tina Arena This Is Me (Official Audio) — The Greatest Showman Cast "Saying Goodbye" — Ondara More information: Self-compassion as a predictor of interleukin-6 response to acute psychosocial stress A Systematic Review on Mediation Studies of Self-Compassion and Physical Health Outcomes in Non-Clinical Adult Populations Exploring the role of music listening in cultivating self-compassion Support: Lifeline 13 11 14

We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health. But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too. Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours. We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions. This episode first aired in November 2024. Guest: Professor Nick Haslam Professor of Psychology, University of Melbourne Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. More information: Concept creep: Psychology's expanding concepts of harm and pathology

You've probably experienced intrusive thoughts — bizarre, fleeting, sometimes inappropriate thoughts that cross your mind without warning. Although these can be weird to experience, they're totally normal. But for people with obsessive compulsive disorder these thoughts can become inescapable — leading to worry, compulsions and shame. Today we're talking about OCD, because it's often quite different from the stereotype of handwashing and lining up pencils. It can venture into taboo and dangerous thoughts, from paedophilia to violent harm.  So what does living with these unwanted thoughts feel like? And how much can treatment improve OCD symptoms? This episode covers some heavy topics from sexual abuse to suicide. There are also a few swear words. Please take care while listening. Guests: Uma Chatterjee, M.S., MHPS Neuroscience PhD student, University of Wisconsin-Madison Science communicator Mental health advocate Martin Ingle Writer and filmmaker Professor Vlasios Brakoulias Psychiatrist Sydney Medical School, Westmead Hospital Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Timothy Jenkins You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Support: Lifeline 13 11 14 SANE Australia ARCVic Helpline 1300 269 438 More information: You Can't Ask That - OCD episode

According to consumer psychology, there's a recipe for being cool. And surprisingly, the ingredients are similar across a bunch of countries and cultures. So today, we explore the concept of cool: what it says about our values and how it influences us. But be warned — if you try too hard to be cool, it might unravel your attempt before you even get there. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Caleb Warren Consumer psychologist Professor of Marketing University of Arizona Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite More info: Trying too hard or not hard enough: How effort shapes status What Makes Things Cool? How Autonomy Influences Perceived Coolness Cool People

You know how certain people are just… difficult? Maybe they're prickly to be around, don't take feedback well, or act like a narcissist? Today we're learning how to handle relationships with difficult people; from setting boundaries, to understanding the role of attachment and temperament on behaviour. Plus, is it ever the right time to cut someone off completely? And what's a 'highly sensitive person' (HSP)? Got a question about a difficult person in your life? Send us an email at mind_rn@abc.net.au with the subject line "mailbag episode: difficult people". Guests: Rachel Samson Clinical psychologist Co-author, Beyond Difficult Dr Jessie Stern Developmental psychologist and researcher Co-author, Beyond Difficult Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Micky Grossman You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Extra information: Beyond Difficult, An attachment-based guide to dealing with challenging people

Extreme emotional turmoil, fears of abandonment, huge amounts of stigma… These factors can make navigating a career when you have borderline personality disorder really tricky. But Rosie and Enya are making it happen. Today, how to navigate your working life when you have BPD. We hear from Enya, a listener who works on fishing boats while receiving treatment for her BPD, and Rosie, a teacher and author who decided to disclose her diagnosis with her workplace. How has borderline personality disorder impacted their careers? And what advice does an occupational therapist have for people with BPD entering the workforce? This episode includes mention of self-harm and suicide. Please take care while listening. Guests: Enya Rosie Cappucino Author, Talking about BPD Dr Suzanne Dawson Occupational Therapist Senior Research Fellow, Caring Futures Institute Flinders University Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Bethany Stewart Thanks to freesound.org users digifishmusic and Scott_Snailham. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Support services: Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue Australian BPD Foundation

Long before Sarah's daughter Chloe Hayden became an award-winning actress starring in Netflix's Heartbreak High, she was a kid facing immense struggles. Chloe was sensitive to smells, lights and foods; she had no friends; she hated school. Sarah never suspected Chloe was autistic, but that’s only because her idea of what autism looked like came from the film Rain Man. Sarah is now a social worker and equine assisted therapist, working with neurodiverse families. In this episode, Sarah shares her family’s story, her advice for parents navigating school refusal and food aversion – and the shock of getting her own surprise ADHD diagnosis later in life. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Sarah Hayden Social worker Equine assisted therapist Author, Parenting Different Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Roi Huberman Support services: Butterfly Foundation Lifeline More information: What to do if nothing's working, Autism Australia Planning Absences: A Guide for Parents of Autistic Students Eating disorders and autism Anorexia Nervosa and Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review Autism spectrum disorder and anorexia nervosa: Investigating the behavioural and neurocognitive overlap Personal essay: "I was unseen, even to myself" Adolescents With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anorexia Nervosa Comorbidity: Common Features and Treatment Possibilities With Cognitive Remediation Therapy and Oxytocin Disability advocates say NDIS changes disregard alternative therapy benefits Effects of Equine Therapy on Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Systematic Review Equine-Assisted Therapy for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: a Comprehensive Literature Review Equine assisted activities and therapies in children with autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review and a meta-analysis Autism and Equine-Assisted Interventions: A Systematic Mapping Review Effects of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Effectiveness of Equine-Assisted Activities and Therapies for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: An Update A Scoping Review of Equine-Assisted Therapies on the Mental Health and Well-Being of Autistic Children and Adolescents: Exploring the Possibilities

We've all dreamt of lobbing our smartphone into the ocean and going off grid. So what happens when you follow through with it? For the final episode of Brain Rot, we speak to the people who decided they'd had enough. From a French village, to Gen Z 'luddites' in New York City and a group of parents in regional Victoria, there are clubs, campaigns and even laws dedicated to a smartphone-free life. But in 2025, how do you pull it off? And is it actually worth it? This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind from Sunday 19 October. Guests: Stan Awtrey Sportswriter, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution Vincent Paul-Petit Mayor, Seine-Port, France Lisa Given Professor of Information Sciences, RMIT University Steph Challis Founder, The Phone Pledge Jameson Butler Co-Founder, The Luddite Club Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Ross Richardson Thanks to Sam Goerling for the assistance with French translation. This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More Information: The Luddite Club Parents unite to ban teens from smartphones amid social media minimum age review You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

Plenty of people will say they are addicted to the internet. But how well-recognised, scientifically, is an addiction … to your screen? In episode four of Brain Rot, we dig into how behavioural addictions work. And we hear from self-described internet addicts about the treatment programs helping them manage their relationship with technology. This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October. Guests: Jillian and Kate Internet and Technology Addiction Anonymous members Hilarie Cash Psychologist and Co-Founder, reSTART Anna Lembke Professor of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine Anastasia Hronis Clinical Psychologist; Author, The Dopamine Brain Dar Meshi Associate Professor, Michigan State University Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More Information: Changes and correlates of screen time in adults and children during the COVID-19 pandemic: A systematic review and meta analysis — eClinical Medicine, 2022. Internet-addicted South Korean children sent to digital detox boot camp. The Dopamine Brain — Anastasia Hronis. Everyone is on their phones. But are we actually addicted? The Guardian, 2024. Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous. Dopamine Nation — Anna Lembke. Inside the rehab saving young men from their internet addiction — The Guardian, 2017 Other episodes related to focus and our relationship with smart phones: When doom scrolling leads to actual harm Should you do a 'dopamine detox'? Sick of scrolling? Digital minimalism could help Fighting for focus in the age of distraction You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

We're trusting tech with more tasks than ever — including the ones our brains once did. We're Googling things we used to know, taking screenshots of things we'll instantly forget, and hoarding all kinds of data we'll never check again. On this episode of Brain Rot: is tech giving your brain a holiday, or putting it out of a job? You'll also meet a guy who's turned the tables, by using AI to help recover his lost memories. This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October. Guests: Dr Julia Soares Assistant Professor, Mississipi State University Morris Villaroel Academic, Spain; Lifelogger Max Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More Information: Memory in the Digital Age — Oxford Handbook of Human Memory, 2024. Lifelog Retrieval from Daily Digital Data: Narrative Review — JMIR mHealth and uHealth, 2022. People mistake the internet's knowledge for their own — PNAS, 2021. Data Selves: More-Than-Human Perspectives — Deborah Lupton, 2019. One man's 10-year experiment to record every moment — BBC, 2019. The case for using your brain — even if AI can think for you — Vox, 2025. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

Whether it’s social media, the omnipresent smartphone or AI companions, in recent decades the way we relate to each other has been completely up-ended. In episode two of Brain Rot, we explore the potential implications that tech poses to human relationships. Worldwide estimates suggest there are around one billion users of AI companions — people using software or applications designed to simulate human-like interactions through text and voice. So if the uptake of these AI companions is as rapid as is being reported, what are the ramifications? And could AI companions be both a cause and cure for loneliness?  This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October. Guests: Kelly In a relationship with an AI companion, Christian Bethanie Drake-Maples Doctoral Candidate, Research Fellow, Stanford Institute for Human-Centred Artificial Intelligence Nicholas Epley Professor of Behavioural Science, University of Chicago Booth School of Business Nicholas Carr Author and journalist Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Tim Symonds This story was made on the lands of the Gadigal and Menang Noongar peoples. More Information: Loneliness and suicide mitigation for students using GPT3-enabled chatbots — npj Mental Health Research, 2024. Hello, stranger? Pleasant conversations are preceded by concerns about starting one — Journal of Experimental Psychology: General, 2022. Talking with strangers is surprisingly informative — PNAS, 2022. Superbloom: How Technologies of Connection Tear Us Apart — Nicholas Carr, 2025. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

Everyone seems to have a hunch that their phone is destroying their attention span, but is there any science to back it up? In episode one of Brain Rot, we’re doing our best to focus on the topic of attention for a full 25 minutes — and find out what's actually happening in your brain every time your phone buzzes or dings. Is brain rot a real thing? Or just another moral panic? And how do you know when your own screen use has gone too far? This episode originally aired on Brain Rot, a series of the ABC podcast Science Friction. Sana will be back with all-new episodes of All in the Mind in mid-October. Guests: Anna Seirian CEO, Internet People Dr Mark Williams Professor, Macquarie University; Cognitive neuroscientist Michoel Moshel Clinical Neuropsychologist Registrar; Phd Candidate, Macquarie University Professor Marion Thain Professor of Culture and Technology, University of Edinburgh; Director, Edinburgh Futures Institute Credits: Presenter: Ange Lavoipierre Producer: Fiona Pepper Senior Producer: James Bullen Sound Engineer: Brendan O'Neill More information: Neuropsychological Deficits in Disordered Screen Use Behaviours: A Systematic Review and Meta‑Analysis - Neuropsychology Review, 2024. Do we have your attention? How people focus and live in the modern information environment - King's College London, 2022. Internet addiction-induced brain structure and function alterations: a systematic review and meta-analysis of voxel-based morphometry and resting-state functional connectivity studies - Brain Imaging and Behavior, 2023. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. If you'd like to access the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage.

Revenge feels sweet... At least for a moment. James Kimmel Jr knows that better than most. As a lawyer, he made a career out of helping clients get payback. But the drive for revenge started to eat away at him, threatening to destroy his work life and relationships. Coming back from the brink, he started to wonder — why are we drawn to payback? What impacts does it have on the brain? And can revenge ever be addictive? In this episode, we explore some of the neuroscience of revenge: what's going on in the brain when we seek it out, the rewards we get from it, the damage it causes and how to stop it. Plus, are we hardwired for forgiveness? Just a heads up, there is a brief mention of animal cruelty in the intro of this episode, so please take care while listening. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: James Kimmel, Jr., JD Assistant Clinical Professor, Psychiatry Yale School of Medicine Author, The Science of Revenge Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite Thanks to freesound.org users craigsmith, Scott_Snailham and EwanPenman11.  More information: The neural basis of altruistic punishment The sunny side of fairness: preference for fairness activates reward circuitry (and disregarding unfairness activates self-control circuitry) The neural basis of economic decision-making in the Ultimatum Game "An eye for an eye"? Neural correlates of retribution and forgiveness

Five years of unpaid taxes. Homework handed in on the last day of an extension. Some people are champion procrastinators. Why? And what does task paralysis (sometimes called ADHD paralysis) have to do with it? Today: the personality traits that make you more prone to procrastination, the types of tasks we're most likely to put off, and what to do if your to-do list sends you into fight-or-flight mode. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Eva High school student Dr Catherine Houlihan Clinical psychologist Senior lecturer in clinical psychology Director of the UniSC Psychology Clinic University of the Sunshine Coast Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite More information: The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it? Fighting for focus in the age of distraction

If you opened up a magazine in the 2000s, you'd likely be met by countless images of celebrities on their worst days. And the conversation accompanying those images? Pretty toxic. We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health since then, but how did we get here? What changed? Today, we reflect on the cruelty of tabloid culture and how the internet shifted the narrative about mental health. If you want to hear more about our relationship with celebrities, check out our episode Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health. Guests: Jo Piazza Author and host of Under the Influence Sophie Gilbert Staff writer for The Atlantic Author of Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves Dr Jessica Ford Lecturer in Media University of Adelaide Professor Nick Haslam University of Melbourne Clinical Professor Jonathan Shedler Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences University of California Hadley Meares Hollywood historian Matthew Suarez Author of Paparazzi Daze: Celebrity Encounters David Kamp Contributing Editor Vanity Fair Magazine Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Jennifer Leake Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.

When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread? Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype.  Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up? And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter?  If you want to hear more about our relationship with objects, check out Why do we love collecting? Guests: Professor Melissa Norberg Psychologist Macquarie University Professor Jessica Grisham Psychologist University of New South Wales Dr Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee Professor and Associate Dean of Engagement & Inclusion Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University Dr Omar Fares Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business University of New Brunswick Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. More information: Understanding 'underconsumption core': How a new trend is challenging consumer culture Breaking up with belongings: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an unguided web-based program to reduce overconsumption Nudging society toward more adaptive approaches to material possessions: Harnessing implicit approaches to reduce overconsumption and excessive saving Try This: declutter your work from home space

Can serial killers ever learn empathy? Is their psychology similar to mass shooters? Why are they almost always men? Welcome to All in the Mind’s first ever ‘mailbag’ episode! These are just some of the many questions you sent us after our recent episode on serial killers, called Where have all the serial killers gone? Forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee is back on the show, answering these questions and a whole lot more. And can we ask a favour? As this is our first mailbag episode, we’d love to know your thoughts. Do you find this kind of format useful or interesting? Would you be keen to hear mailbag episodes more regularly? You can reach us at mind_rn@abc.net.au if you have any feedback. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Dr Rajan Darjee Forensic psychiatrist Clinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation Services Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: John Jacobs

Have you ever felt like things were not quite real? That you were no longer connected to your body or didn’t know who you were? Nathan Dunne felt this way for years. And it’s never quite stopped affecting the way he sees himself or the world around him. Today, depersonalisation disorder — and what we know about its symptoms, causes and treatments. And a heads up, this episode discusses heavy topics such as suicide. Please take care while listening. You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Nathan Dunne Author, When Nothing Feels Real Dr Emma Cernis Clinical psychologist and researcher Assisant Professor of Clinical Psychology University of Birmingham Centre Lead, Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls If you enjoyed this episode, you might like: Can we trust our memories? Memory loss and identity Dissociation and coping with trauma Depersonalisation — when Nathan lost his sense of self and nothing felt real (Conversations) More Information: When Nothing Feels Real - Nathan Dunne Unreal: Depersonalisation and Derealisation Support Like being trapped behind a pane of glass – depersonalisation, derealisation disorder explained (The Conversation, 2025) Depersonalisation-derealisation as a transdiagnostic treatment target: a scoping review of the evidence in anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025) The Prevalence of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: A Systematic Review (Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2023) Support resources: Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue

Love it or hate it, there are reasons you might read your star sign and relate to what it says about you as a person. We all fall into cognitive traps — but if we’re aware of them, is it such a bad thing to indulge in your daily horoscope, or a tarot card reading? Today, we delve into the occult, to understand why some people seek messages from the universe, and if it can play a role in therapeutic care. If you want to hear more about otherworldly beliefs, check out our episode Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience? And Soul Search also has an episode called Astrology and tarot — telling the future, or connecting with the present? Guests: Professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne Professor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst Ryan Findlay Psychotherapist and tarot reader Credits: Presenter: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Shelby Traynor Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite Extra information: When It Comes to Personality Tests, a Dose of Skepticism Is a Good Thing Why You Might Not Want to Trust a Personality Test – Psychology Today The validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register data Even the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrology The Power of Rituals – Psychology Today