Episodes
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This week we're talking about something intimate … And at-times taboo … Masturbation.
From self-love, to disordered behaviour, and back again, 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.
After listening, why not check out Sex is Weird, a series from our fellow science podcast, What the Duck?!
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It's human nature to form groups — families, friends, online communities. We love to be surrounded by people similar to us.
But that can also make us discriminatory and defensive. And social media makes that instinct worse.
Today, we look at how our brains evolved to connect and divide, and what that means for the problems we face in our modern world.
This episode was first broadcast in April 2023.
Looking for something to listen to next? Check out another All in the Mind episode, The Certainty Myth.
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Missing episodes?
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When you think about pillars of health a few things might come to mind — nutrition, exercise, connectedness. But there's something many of us miss off that list — sleep.
Insomnia does so much more than make us cranky, it's closely tied to our mental health. Not just how we feel on a day to day basis, but our likelihood of developing depression.
This week, what happens when you don't get enough sleep; the effect on your brain and why it's so impactful on your mental health.
If you'd like to learn more about sleep, check out the science team's Sleeptember content.
This episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening. If you need support, you can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.
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Earlier this year, the Netflix program Baby Reindeer brought stalking firmly back into the zeitgeist - sparking discussion about the psychology of people who stalk and the impact it has on victims.
So what goes on in the mind of a stalker? How do the various types, from incompetent suitor to intimacy seeker, differ? And what should you do if you think you have a stalker?
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Attachment theory is a foundation of modern psychology — a framework for understanding human relationships and how we connect other people.
But has social media taken this concept — grounded in decades of research — too far?
Scroll through Instagram or TikTok for too long, and you might think that if you have a certain attachment style, you're fundamentally unlovable — or that you need to steer clear of people who are avoidant, anxious or not secure enough.
Today, what we get wrong about attachment styles. Plus, the experiments that helped discover them in the first place ... and how a better understanding of attachment could help us to heal.
If you liked this episode, you'll love our episode on when to trust your gut instinct and when to ignore it.
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Do you know your love language?
Maybe you've done an online test — tested your partner — spent time talking it over — even made decisions about your relationship on the basis of your love language.
But where did this concept of love languages even come from? And how good is the evidence that backs it up?
Today, two research psychologists go deep on the concept of love languages — and what they really mean for your relationships.
Want more relationship content from All in the Mind? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.
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How would you describe your parents?
Nobody's perfect, of course, but some parents leave more of a mark than others.
Today, we revisit the life-long impact of having 'emotionally immature' parents, as Dr Lindsay Gibson's book hits bestseller lists.
This episode was first broadcast in May 2021.
If you're looking for another episode to listen to, why not check out Milgram Shock and Stanford Prison — what we misunderstand about the most infamous experiments in psychology.
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Can't sleep? Worries keeping you up at night? It might be time to look to the stars.
For National Science Week, we're investigating the relationship between the night sky and mental wellbeing.
So can spending time under the night sky give you a mood boost? And if it does … why?
Looking for more nature in your life? Check out our episode Nature prescriptions — just what the doctor ordered.
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It sounds like fantasy, but the manipulation of dreams is now possible — and it's thanks to a well known video game, Tetris.
So what does Tetris have to do with dreaming, and could companies use this to shape what we see when we sleep?
Want to learn more about dreams? Check out our episode 'As real as waking life' — exploring lucid dreams.
Hear our first episode about Tetris: Why people are playing Tetris to treat their trauma.
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For people with PTSD, flashbacks can be an unwelcome and distressing experience. To tackle this problem, researchers have turned to Tetris.
Yep - the falling blocks puzzle game from the '80s.
Today, we discover how Tetris can be used to treat trauma.
If you'd like to listen to more All in the Mind, check out our episode The confusion around concussions.
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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?
If you're keen to listen to another episode, check out Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.
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What if your entire understanding of the world — your beliefs, how you parent, how you work, how you interact with friends at the pub — all came crashing down?
For Stephanie, Jules and Joel — who are all former conspiracy theorists — that was their reality.
And digging their way out of the conspiracy rabbit hole came with a whole lot of challenges.
Today on All in the Mind: falling into and out of conspiracy ... and rebuilding your life after breaking free.
And if you enjoyed listening, you should go back and check out our earlier episode on how to help conspiracy theorists.
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After enduring years of abuse, Robyn Westgate was jailed for the murder of her husband. Now out of prison, she runs training programs that aim to reduce domestic violence.
Robyn says the key is empowering people to be better bystanders.
Today, one woman's story from domestic violence survivor to domestic violence consultant, and the importance of speaking up.
Please note this episode includes graphic descriptions of sexual assault and domestic violence. It may be distressing for some listeners. Please take care while listening.
Resources:
1800 Respect
Men's Referral Service
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Since the days of gladiator battles and public hangings, dark tourism — our attraction to places linked to death and despair — has been a part of human behaviour.
But there's something in the 21st century that's causing debate… Selfies.
Digital media isn't all bad though. It's also creating opportunities for authentic storytelling.
Today, we examine what dark tourism is, if it's ethical, and when it is (and isn't) appropriate to snap a selfie.
If you're keen for another episode of All in the Mind, check out You've got the music in you.
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Do you wake up each morning refreshed and well-slept? Or are you the kind of person who tosses and turns for ages before falling asleep, ruminating on all of your missteps and stresses from the day?
If you chose option two, this episode is for you. Two sleep experts share advice on making night-time more restful — beyond the standard 'don't look at your phone before bed.' (Though that's important too).
This episode was first broadcast in March 2023.
Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode, Busting bias: what works and what doesn't.
Credits:
Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSound engineer: Ann-Marie DeBettencor -
Long before Bieber fever and Swifties, there was Lisztomania.
Franz Liszt was a Hungarian composer who inspired such intense fandom and frenzy that it was dubbed mania.
So, was it true mania? What caused fans to respond to him so passionately?
And what can Lisztomania reveal about the way we talk about female obsession?
If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode; Hook me baby one more time: the psychology of pop music.
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For 8 months, images and videos of the carnage in Gaza have been flooding social media. They give a powerful view of what's happening to Palestinians on the ground – but they also have the potential to cause vicarious trauma.
Today – what is vicarious trauma, and why doomscrolling doesn't help.
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Trans non-binary performer Dax has spent most of her life not loving who she sees in the mirror. That is, until earlier this year.
A few months ago, Dax finally experienced a particular kind of joy — gender euphoria. And it's transformed the way she sees herself.
So what is gender euphoria? Why is it so powerful for trans and non-binary people? And why are researchers keen to flip the script and talk about trans joy?
If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Taking back control of your time.
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Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype.
From a violent kid, to now a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'.
Plus, there's been some controversy and questions about the veracity of her PhD - so, we fact checked it.
Need something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.
Guest:Patric Gagne, Author, Sociopath: A Memoir.
Credits:
Presenter/Producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Ann-Marie de Bettencor -
Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair.
Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us.
If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Is life coaching legit?
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