All In The Mind podcast

All In The Mind

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

 

#246

Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next

Researchers knew Susannah better than her own parents. They may have even known her better than herself. Today, how spending thirty years in a psychological study warped journalist Susannah Breslin's life. If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out another, take a listen to  [Trauma, OCD and a PhD] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/trauma-ocd-phd-childhood/14099474) .  ... Read more

13 Apr 2024

29 MINS

29:06

13 Apr 2024


#245

The unspoken rules that govern our behaviour

Whether it's shaking hands or which side of the road to drive on, social norms dominate the way we behave. But when norms change suddenly, you get chaos. Just ask Sweden. If you'd like to hear more from today's expert, Matt featured in an episode in 2021 called  [Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/neuromarketing-how-brands-target-your-brain/13501070) . Check it out! ... Read more

06 Apr 2024

29 MINS

29:09

06 Apr 2024


#244

Are animals conscious?

Have you ever looked at your pet and thought, what is going on inside your brain? Today, we're heading to the World Science Festival Brisbane for All in the Mind live to discuss animal consciousness. If you enjoyed this episode and are keen to listen to another, check out  [How our brain chemicals drive our behaviour] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/how-our-brain-chemicals-drive-our-behaviour/13730402) .  This episode was recorded live at the World Science Festival Brisbane.  ... Read more

30 Mar 2024

29 MINS

29:04

30 Mar 2024


#243

Cults and coercive control

Popular culture is endlessly fascinated with cults, and they have the capacity to make ordinary people do unthinkable things. Today - how cults reel people in, how coercive control keeps them there and what it takes to get out. This episode was first broadcast in October 2022.  And if you enjoyed listening, you should check out our episode  [The History of Brainwashing] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/history-of-brainwashing/14137504) . ... Read more

23 Mar 2024

29 MINS

29:05

23 Mar 2024


#242

What influences your inner voice? Controlling 'chatter' part two

That voice inside your head - where does it come from?  We bring back a topic that was one of our most popular for a long awaited part two. Today, what shapes your internal chatter. Our original episode on chatter is called  [Controlling the chatter in your head] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/controlling-the-chatter-in-your-head/13739740) , if you liked this episode you'll love that one! ... Read more

16 Mar 2024

29 MINS

29:28

16 Mar 2024


#241

How (not) to manifest a million dollars

If you could manifest anything into your life, what would it be? A perfect partner, your dream house, winning the lottery? Manifesting promises a limitless potential of dreams to achieve — through methods like vision boards and affirmations. But does manifesting actually help us realise our goals? Is it harmless fun? Healthy positive thinking? Or can manifestation lead the brain down some dark alleys that you might not expect? In this episode we mention another episode called  [Visualisation and values — goal setting like a winner] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/visualisation-values-goal-setting-choice-point/102525774) . It's part two of our two part series on the athlete's mindset. Part one is called  [A winning mindset — how top athletes think] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/winning-mindset-how-top-athletes-think/102499952) .   If you have a topic idea for All in the Mind, reach out to us via email at mind_rn@abc.net.au  ... Read more

09 Mar 2024

29 MINS

29:45

09 Mar 2024


#240

Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.

NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it? We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars. If you liked this episode, you might like one of our past episodes about the isolation we all experienced during the pandemic. [ It's called The brain in isolation] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/the-brain-in-isolation/12201054) .  ... Read more

02 Mar 2024

29 MINS

29:08

02 Mar 2024


#239

The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too

What does working for the CIA, navigating hot button topics and talking to teenagers all have in common? They're situations that supercommunicators excel at. Today, we explore how you can become a supercommunicator too.  In this episode we touch on a previous story,  [Introversion vs Extroversion] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/all-in-the-mind-introversion-extroversion/14021598) . If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love that one too.  ... Read more

24 Feb 2024

30 MINS

30:33

24 Feb 2024


#238

Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health

Parasocial relationships can be intense — and we all have them to some degree. Whether you're a Swiftie, a fan of the Matildas or just watch the local news every night. But what its like to be on the receiving end of millions of parasocial relationships? For Blair Joscelyne AKA Moog, one half of Mighty Car Mods, it took some unexpected steps to cope. If you're interested in what it's like to be famous, you'll love our episode  [The dark side of fame and what it does to the brain.] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/dark-side-fame-brain/14095226) ... Read more

17 Feb 2024

29 MINS

29:05

17 Feb 2024


#237

When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it

We all have moments in our lives when we feel an unconscious pull towards a certain decision. Should you walk down that dark alley? Does that person seem a bit off? Why is that giving me the heebie-jeebies? For Isla Lucas, a gut feeling while on holiday saved her life… Or did it? We take a look at the science and fantasy of intuition. If you liked this episode, you'll love our episode on [The Pleasure Of Pain] (https://abclisten.page.link/GVF61u89nbdpEKoG6) ... Read more

10 Feb 2024

29 MINS

29:08

10 Feb 2024


#236

Nine big myths about depression — busted

Now that we're more comfortable talking about mental health, it's time to address some misconceptions. Is depression REALLY a chemical imbalance in the brain? What's the difference between being depressed and distressed? And are psychedelics the solution we've been waiting for? Today, Professor Ian Hickie breaks it all down and reveals the biggest myths about depression. ... Read more

03 Feb 2024

30 MINS

30:07

03 Feb 2024


#235

Think like a winner: performance psychology and lessons for everyday life

What does it take to go from second place, to first? Good, to great? This episode was first broadcast in July 2023. It's part one of our two parter on performance psychology. Part two is called [Visualisation and values — goal setting like a winne] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/visualisation-values-goal-setting-choice-point/102525774) r. ... Read more

27 Jan 2024

29 MINS

29:06

27 Jan 2024


#234

Babies turn us into non-stop singing machines. Why?

A founding member of the band Gang of Youths. A single mum from Adelaide. A dad of two in Brisbane. What do all these people have in common? They all have young kids, and they all sing to them constantly! This week we ask: why do babies turn us into non-stop singing machines? Where does this instinct come from and what purpose does it serve? This episode was first broadcast in August 2023. ... Read more

20 Jan 2024

34 MINS

34:21

20 Jan 2024


#233

The diagnosis that inspired an album

ARIA-nominated musician Parvyn knows what it's like to lose touch with reality. Delusions, mania, psychosis — she's experienced it all, often while on tour. Despite processing these experiences on her debut solo album 'Sa', she's never spoken publicly about her mental health — until now. This episode was first broadcast in March 2023. ... Read more

13 Jan 2024

29 MINS

29:06

13 Jan 2024


#232

How The Man Cave talks to teens about toxic masculinity

As a teen, Hunter Johnson wanted to be the best at sport, the best at getting girls, and the best at getting attention. But one moment would change everything for him — forcing him to rethink his ideas about masculinity. Now, he's paying it forward. Last week, we explored why toxic masculinity is tricky to talk about. Today, we hear from someone having that conversation daily — shifting the focus from toxic behaviours and beliefs … to emotional intelligence. This episode was first broadcast in February 2023. ... Read more

06 Jan 2024

29 MINS

29:06

06 Jan 2024


#231

A dad's attempt to understand toxic masculinity

Do you get defensive when you hear the term toxic masculinity? You wouldn't be the only one, if so. In this episode, we follow one dad's attempts to understand where internet algorithms are sending his son… and ask, how do we deal with toxic masculinity, when the very term has become contested? This episode was first broadcast in February 2023. ... Read more

30 Dec 2023

29 MINS

29:00

30 Dec 2023


#230

Gossip is fun! Gossip is bad! Gossip is… Good?

Sex, scandal, money and misdeeds. All elements of good gossip. So why do we love the gossip, but not the gossiper? And why are we invested in the secrets of celebrities, even though they're strangers? This episode was first broadcast in February 2023. ... Read more

23 Dec 2023

29 MINS

29:03

23 Dec 2023


#229

Only as good as your grades – why 'toxic achievement culture' can crush kids

The best grades, the best schools, the best sports programs, the best universities – sure, it's great for students to strive for success. But when does the pressure to succeed become too much? American journalist Jennifer Wallace says 'toxic achievement culture' is harming the mental health of many students. Is this a uniquely American phenomenon? ... Read more

16 Dec 2023

31 MINS

31:37

16 Dec 2023


#228

Hot and bothered

We all tend to get a bit cranky when the weather turns super hot, but did you know heatwaves can worsen certain mental health conditions? We explore the troubling ways heat can affects our mental health and behaviour. Just a heads up, this episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care. ... Read more

09 Dec 2023

29 MINS

29:07

09 Dec 2023


#227

The 5 things kids ask when they're grieving

Talking about death and grief is hard for anyone, let alone children. But children do experience grief and often have questions they want to ask. Today, how to talk to kids about death, loss and grief.  ... Read more

02 Dec 2023

29 MINS

29:27

02 Dec 2023


#226

How the drive to be perfect is linked to eating disorders

Aiming for perfect sounds like a good thing, right? But when perfectionism grows into hurtful self-criticism and unrelenting standards, it can be damaging for your mental health.  And it turns out, perfectionism is linked to an already complex group of mental illnesses. Today, the role perfectionism plays in eating disorders. Please take care while listening if this topic is sensitive for you. And if you would like support, the Butterfly Foundation has a national support helpline for body image issues or eating disorders. You can reach them on 1800 33 4673 or head to their [website] (https://butterfly.org.au/get-support/helpline/) .  ... Read more

25 Nov 2023

29 MINS

29:09

25 Nov 2023


#225

Mental illness ran in Meg's family. Suicide forced them to talk about it.

Pulitzer prize finalist Meg Kissinger grew up in the 1960's and 70's, steeped in feelings of shame and guilt about the mental illness that plagued her family. Now a journalist covering mental health, she's made it her mission to share stories of lost loved ones and the systems that failed them. This episode explores the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636. ... Read more

18 Nov 2023

29 MINS

29:36

18 Nov 2023


#224

Is life coaching legit?

Social media abounds with mindset mentors, spiritual healers, influencers and more — many of who offer life coaching. Does anyone know what they're talking about? ... Read more

11 Nov 2023

29 MINS

29:27

11 Nov 2023


#223

The decades long feud of mind vs brain in AI

To imagine the future of artificial intelligence, it's important to reflect on some of the big moments in it's past. This week, James Purtill from Science Friction brings us a story of competition, surprise and thinking machines. This is the only time you'll hear Science Friction in the All in the Mind feed. To hear the full six-part series on AI, [Hello AI Overlords] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/sciencefriction) , search for Science Friction in your podcast feed. ... Read more

04 Nov 2023

29 MINS

29:05

04 Nov 2023


#222

ADHD, TikTok, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria — meet Matilda's brain

TikTok is a mixed bag when it comes to mental health content. Great at raising awareness and building community, but not always accurate or evidence based. Journalist Matilda Boseley sees both sides – but she says TikTok was the push she needed to seek out a formal diagnosis. ... Read more

28 Oct 2023

30 MINS

30:28

28 Oct 2023


#221

The confusion around concussions

Concussions are hard to diagnose, often get missed, and not always taken seriously. And if you're not a professional athlete, it can be surprisingly hard to get clear information on how to manage and recover afterwards. Why? The brain is your most important organ, after all! This week, we try and make sense of the confusion around concussions. ... Read more

21 Oct 2023

29 MINS

29:04

21 Oct 2023