Episodit

  • During Summer, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have

    So many people struggle to switch off at all and find themselves spending breaks (even lunch breaks, let alone holidays) on devices, or madly trying to multi task lots of other seemingly must do items - which defeats the purpose of the break and then they wonder why they don't feel like they had a break at all.

    Does this sound familiar? Do you struggle to REALLY switch off?

    In this episode you’ll learn why it is so important to fully switch off and you’ll gain tips on how to do this, as well as how to deal with anxieties during holidays and other more formal time off.

    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available online at my website).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • Social anxiety is a chronic mental health condition where everyday social interactions cause irrational worry and anxiety, fear, self consciousness and embarrassment. Debilitating and bad for confidence, particularly at social times of the year such as Christmas, end of year, birthdays and work celebrations.

    So listen in to this episode of Psych for Life to learn:

    - what is social anxiety, obsessive thinking and other related disorders

    - gain tips for dealing with these disorders

    - And hear about the range of current clinical treatments

    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

    Should you or someone you know be experiencing anxiety issues, we recommend you consult your GP or a psychologist.

  • Puuttuva jakso?

    Paina tästä ja päivitä feedi.

  • In this episode of Psych for Life I chat with cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Sarah Tashjian. Sarah is a Lecturer within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences with her research focusing on using brain imaging and computational techniques to understand how humans make optimal decisions. She has a particular interest in the way individuals perceive threat, safety, and reward, and how these processes contribute to risk for mental health problems during adolescence and early adulthood.

    Listen in to our chat on how to protect ourselves and our goals during times of uncertainty and stress. We cover:


    - why all humans are motivated to survive, wanting to gain rewards to thrive and avoid threats to stay safe

    - how this innate drive is being impacted in our current VUCA (volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous) times

    - The protective power of personal goals

    - Tips to help us manage threats to our sense of safety and the importance of sociality

    Plus so much more!

    To connect with Dr Sarah Tashjian find her website and social media options below:

    www.sarahmtashjian.com

    Twitter: @TashjianSM

    See Dr Sarah's recent interview on Life Matters for ABC Australia where she talks about healtyh risk taking behaviours in adolescence

    https://abc.net.au/listen/programs/lifematters/?utm_content=twitter&utm_medium=content_

    Other references and resources from this episode:


    Chapter 9 A Mutualism, Affiliation and Status Seeking (MASS) Framework of Fundamental Affective Dynamics and Their Survival Benefits

    Dean Mobbs , Sarah M. Tashjian , and Brian Silston, in Christian E. WaughPeter Kuppens (Editors) Affect Dynamics, Springer.

    ISBN 978-3-030-82964-3 ISBN 978-3-030-82965-0 (eBook)

    https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-82965-0


    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • Most of us suffer cost of living crises personally in our lives, as do our nations and as does the world at times. It impacts how we celebrate special occasions. So with Christmas coming up and as the pressure to spend and socialise increases, this episode explores what you as an individual can do about this, plus tips and optimal strategic mindsets and practices you can use to help navigate these more difficult times.

    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting to Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organizing and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides, promoting the importance of mental health and positive change.

    Listen in to this episode to learn:

    - The impact of clutter on our mental wellbeing

    - The difference between clutter and hoarding as a mental health concern
    - Why you want to break the pattern of cluttering and being disorganised?

    - The benefits of "going more lightly" in your home


    To connect with Megan Golightly and learn more about how she can help, see below:

    Go Simplified

    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • Evil is real and does live amongst us. But who teaches us how to deal with bullies, abuse, cruelty and even criminals in our personal and work life ?

    Unless you’ve suffered at the hands of this – it’s very hard to believe, understand and accept the extreme level of cruelty and abuse that antisocial people can and do dish out on anyone who gets in their way. For those of us who have been on the receiving end, when others close to us or in position of authority don't believe us and can’t help nor empathise – it can be extremely painful and frightening.

    In this episode:

    · You’ll learn that bullying and evil can be hidden or covert as well as visible or overt

    · That occurs just as easily in families, friendships, general society, workplace and business

    · You’ll gain tips on how to manage bullying and evil when you encounter it.

    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • I welcome back author, speaker and activator, Michelle Scheibner. With over 30 years experience in coaching, mentoring, advising individuals and groups. Her extensive training includes a post graduate Diploma in Career Development. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion opened the wounds of absent perspectives of herself. In 2022 Michelle became a published TEDx Speaker on the subject of identity. In 2024, she released her memoir HUSH: unravelling the unintended legacy of family secrets.

    In this episode of Psych for Life, Michelle generously bares her heart and experience of caring for her terminally ill soul mate and ex-partner. If you or someone you know is a carer, this episode and the lived experience and gems Michelle so willingly shares, will help so many in similar situations.

    You can find out more, buy her book and connect with Michelle via her website:https://www.Michellescheibner.com

    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website.

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what really are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be a little lacking? Listen to this power ep as I discuss all things self esteem and self love.

    This episode includes:

    - understanding more about self esteem and self love

    - why is acceptance so important

    - you’ll learn a process of self acceptance that increases self esteem and you’ll gain another process that enhances self-love


    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).


    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tara Hurster, Founder and CEO of The TARA Clinic – or Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance – providing Modern Addiction Support For Successful People. She is a Psychologist & Speaker.

    Join us as we discuss:

    - how addiction doesn't discriminate

    - modern solutions to addiction

    - what are the Stages of Change

    - the impact of shame and guilt in addiction recovery

    - the importance of removing stigma and showing compassion

    You can contact Tara via:

    Free Resources - https://www.thetaraclinic.com/free

    Premium Recovery Essentials Program https://www.thetaraclinic.com/essentials

    Instagram - @thetaraclinic

    Linkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/in/tarahurster/

    Or contact Tara via www.thetaraclinic.com


    Other resources discussed in the episode:


    The Alcohol and Drug Information Service (ADIS) on 1800 250 015

    SMART Recovery Australia https://smartrecoveryaustralia.com.au/


    Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).

    If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.

    Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Michelle Scheibner an author, speaker and activator. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion opened the wounds of absent perspectives of herself. In 2022 Michelle became a published TEDx Speaker on the subject of identity and in 2024, she released her memoir HUSH: unravelling the unintended legacy of family secrets. Listen in for our inspiring conversation to learn:-what is intergenerational trauma and how science supports trauma being passed down from generations- what impact do family secrets have- what is an activator- 5 tips to finding out more about your heritage and how family trauma shapes lives- solutions for healingAnd so much more!You can find out more, buy her book and connect with Michelle via her website:https://www.Michellescheibner.comLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • It's a never ending quest to work out how to find balance in our lives. One that most of us struggle with endlessly. I first discussed this in my book Life Works – because many of us identify with ourselves as humans doing early in our lives – until we might hit a wall
 when suddenly this no longer works for us any moreSo in this episode, I dive into:· How to learn the right relationship between our being and doing selves· I discuss my dramatic journey in discovering balance between being and doing self· You'll gain direction on how to implement useful strategies in your own life to find better balance.Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Georgie Dent, former lawyer and CEO of The Parenthood, a NFP advocacy organisation that represents over 80,000 parents, carers and allies around Australia. Georgie is a passionate and prominent advocate for children, parents, families and women. She is a regular media commentator and the author of Breaking Badly, her best-selling memoir recounting the nervous breakdown she suffered at age 25. She is also busy being a mother!Listen in to our chat on:- the challenges of parenthood and why many are invisible- what is The Parenthood and how is it advocating for all Australian parents- the difficulties combining parenting and work- ways to find solutions so all parents can thriveAnd so much more!You can find out more about Georgie and the work of The Parenthood via the links below:Book: Breaking BadlyWebsite: The Parenthood – to join, donate, find out about campaignsThe Parenthood is an inclusive movement of parents and carers, launched in 2013 with the ambition of creating a movement of Australian parents working together to create a better world for our children. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • Are you – or someone you know - constantly late ? Always arriving at work, meetings, family and social occasions late? Always rushing?Sick of feeling guilty and embarrassed for making people wait? Spending money unnecessarily, tired of feeling stressed out? Ashamed of frustrating people and being judged?If any of those feelings resonate with you, then this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn:- why constant lateness occurs- the reasons it is important to correct being routinely late- simple strategies to overcome being late Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • Like it or not, we all have attachment styles! You have probably even heard the term before - but what are they and why should you be familiar with yours? In this episode I welcome back Jennifer Nurick to dive deep into all things attachment and how it impacts our relationships.Jennifer Nurick (Jen) specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma. She is a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central. She has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychotherapy. She offers transformational courses to help individuals and couples heal trauma and build secure long-term relationships.Listen in to this episode to learn:What is attachment and what are the different attachment stylesHow does it impact our relationshipsTips to recognise different attachment stylesWays to navigate relationships when attachment styles differ or are negatively impactingAnd so much more!Have you ever wondered why a work colleague or boss has you feeling like you're dealing with a family member? It's not as crazy as it sounds. In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome Jennifer Nurick a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central and has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychotherapy. She specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma.Listen to hear our discussion on:- Why childhood patterns do roll into business- How current triggers may be indicators of unresolved past conflicts- The impact of attachment patterns in behaviour in the workplace- Solutions for dealing with your boss feeling like a parent...and much more!Browse Jen’s suite of online courses: https://www.psychotherapycentral.health/storeFind Jen on: ‱ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychotherapy.central/ ‱ Facebook: https://facebook.com/psychotherapy.central/ ‱ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@psychotherapycentral ‱ Visit her website: www.psychotherapycentral.healthOr purchase her book ‘Heal your anxious attachment' - available at all major bookstores

  • Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's one you should probably pay attention to.The cornerstone of Co-dependence is when we care too much what other people think about us. This keeps us limited, stuck and failing to grow and eventually impacts our relationships, keeping us stuck and miserable.Listen in to hear - - Why co-dependence is dysfunctional- How much is too much?- Ways to stop the cycle in yourself and your relationshipsLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Ella Zhang on alignment and congruence in great leadership. Ella is a passionate, strategic change maker, Organisational Development Consultant and executive coach with decades of experience in Fortune100 companies and start-ups. Her expertise includes leadership development, cultural transformation and talent development and last year she published her first book, Upgrade: How to outperform your default self to gain your superpowers.Listen to hear our discussion on - - Why congruent and aligned leaders are great leaders - How awareness is the Cornerstone for congruent and aligned leadership?- Why one size fits all solutions don't work for businesses- The importance of taking control of your impact And so much more!See the extended podcast episode page for information on Ella's book and courses and how to contact her for more information.

  • We can all relate to working with someone who seems just that little bit more difficult to manage. One minute everything may feel fine and the next, we wonder what we did wrong or how we misinterpreted instructions. The feeling you have to walk on eggshells or maybe just find yourself wanting to limit contact with this manager, co-worker or business colleague. So if this sounds familiar and you're tired of feeling uncertain how best to navigate these personalities listen in to learn - - the warning signs you may be dealing with a difficulty personality in your workplace- what is a personality disorder- tips to manage difficult personalitiesShould this episode have resonated with an experience you're having in business or your workplace, feel free to contact me to discuss the option of a more comprehensive workshop, seminar or keynote for your organisation.

  • Now more than ever, supporting our youth to thrive is essential. So in the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with "human behaviour expert" , Sabina Read on how best to support this. Sabina is a psychologist, speaker, media commentator, and life sherpa who works to help people become the architects of their own growth and freedom so they can ultimately "human better." Sabina is the Resident Psychologist on Melbourne's top-rating Radio 3AW in the Afternoons, co-host of the Human Cogs podcast, and Brand Ambassador with SEEK and Board Member of The Reach Foundation. Tune in to hear our discussion on - - Why supporting our youth now is so needed? - The importance of connecting young people to overcome loneliness and social disconnection- How focusing on our sameness, enables us to engage and thrive, as well as build meaningful connections and find purpose- Identifying what's holding you back and how to live for yourself, not by others expectationsYou can contact Sabina about speaking, media and interview opportunities via her website - https://www.sabinareadpsychology.com.au/The Human Cogs PodcastLearn more about Reach , book a workshop for your school or community , become a supporter, or donate - https://www.reach.org.au/Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and transform your relationships and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from my website and via Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • As explored in my previous episode on Loneliness and Solitude, loneliness is something we all experience at times in our lives. With our need to connect being innate, it's important to understand how connection impacts our wellbeing and happiness.So in this episode I discuss: what loneliness is, why connecting to the right people is critical and how to help yourself to connect when connecting feels difficult. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia).If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

  • There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and relationships more than ever, so I chat with Dr Kristy Goodwin, about what we can do to tame them.Dr Kristy Goodwin studies what it takes to thrive in the digital world. Kristy is the author of Dear Digital, We need to talk where she decodes the neurobiology of peak-performance in a digital age. Described by her clients as a ‘pracademic’ Kristy translates cutting-edge research and science into realistic strategies to bolster productivity and enhance wellbeing in the ‘always-on’ digital world. Tune in to hear us chat about:- How our digital habits and behaviours are impacting our stress- Top tips to tame our tech habits - Dr Kristy's brain-based hacks for peak performance in a digital ageYou can find Dr Kristy and the resources discussed in this episode via the below links:https://drkristygoodwin.com/https://drkristygoodwin.com/podcastresources_corporate/Book - Dear Digital, We need to talk is available via Booktopia as both a hard copy and ebook