Episodes
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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 expectations
You can contact Sabina about speaking, media and interview opportunities via her website -
https://www.sabinareadpsychology.com.au/
The Human Cogs Podcast
Learn 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. -
Missing episodes?
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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 age
You 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 -
Burnout and unpaid overtime are a common problem, often leading to unhealthy work relationships and unhappy working environments. Often though, it's a tricky path to navigate if we find ourselves experiencing this. Do we want to ruffle feathers? What impact will it have on our job security? What are the long term impacts? These delicate issues are ones we all need to be able to manage, not just tolerate. So in this episode you'll learn:
- How to manage the problems of Burnout and overtime
- How to protect your job security
- Ways to approach those difficult, yet necessary convos about time off, payrises and promotions
Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia and 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. -
In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting with Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Counsellor, Rosemary Gattuso who specialises in trauma informed Family Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice.
Rosemary’s career began as a lawyer and then progressed away from the courts and towards mediation rooms. She became curious about how people manage personal crisis, adversity and self-reflection. After completing postgraduate studies in dispute resolution and then mediation at Harvard University, Rosemary became a mediator for the family court of Australia. This placed her in a unique position to observe and learn. She became a Couples and Family Therapist, with further self-study of childhood trauma, emerging discoveries about the brain and the mind.
Tune in to hear our discussion on alternate dispute resolution - what it is, warning signs you might need it and the benefits of understanding child development, trauma and neuroscience in navigating disputes.
You can connect with Rosemary via her website - rosemarygattuso.com (her books are currently closed for mediation 3/2024)
Plus pick up a copy of her just released book -
It’s not you – it’s me -
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 tasks - 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 from Booktopia and 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. -
In this episode, I welcome back Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives.
Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents. Daniel partners with schools and communities, to encourage young people to aspire to healthy relationships built on mutual respect and empathy.
Listen in to hear our discussion on:
- all things boys and emotional intelligence
- how the 'crisis of masculinity is impacting boys and how we can help
- the impact of tech dependency and addiction on boys emotional development and wellbeing
- the solutions to overcoming these challenges experienced by young boys. Find out how to best help! -
It’s hard to believe this is my 100th Psych for Life podcast episode. I hope you’re enjoying listening to these eps as much as I am in making them! In honour of 100 eps, in this one I offer my top tips for thriving in our ever-changing world.
These days – we are warned of more pandemics, economic and supply pressures and climate disasters. We live in what is known as VUCA times – volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous times.
When I think about my top tips – I looked at my other eps for ideas and curated the most pertinent and practical tips you can take on board as we navigate fast changing and often difficult times in the world as it is today. Tune in now and feel free to share your fave Psych for Life episode in the comments!
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. -
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/store
Find 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.health
Or purchase her book ‘Heal your anxious attachment” - available at all major bookstores
www.psychotherapycentral.health -
In this episode, I welcome Gaj Ravichandra, a Peak Performance Coach, Registered Psychologist and the co-founder of Kompass Consultancy, a global Talent Management Consultancy that enables Performance Excellence. Gaj provides individual coaching on developing mental toughness, career pivots, finding purpose, opportunity and increasing mental resilience. Gaj helps people every day to map out their careers and take tangible steps to achieve their goals.
Listen for our discussion on peak performance, including:
- how to define your own version of ‘success’
- Is a dream job less realistic or even attainable these days?
- How achieving greatness or peak performance – is about mindset and is it the same mindset for everyone?
- Why a growth mindset is more important than happiness
You can check out Gaj's programs and resources via:
The career Kickstarter program
https://kompass.mykajabi.com/
Kompass The Coaching Company – to engage Gaj, his team, buy the book, other resources.
– go to http://www.kompassconsultancy.com
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. -
Loneliness....it is something we all can experience at various times in our lives. As humans our need to connect is innate, so when there is a gap between the connection desired and the actual lived experience, one can feel lonely.
So in this episode I'll discuss all things loneliness, what it is, how it potentially impacts our health and wellbeing, and solutions for dealing with it when it's negatively impacting your life.
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. -
Today I'm sharing the final episode in my 2024 Summer Series - some of my most popular Psych for Life episodes. I hope you enjoy it as much as my other listeners have.
There is a lot of focus on the joy and gains of motherhood – however, with all the focus on what a woman gains when baby arrives, it’s easy to forget what they may lose – in particular the loss of a sense of self. The focus often stays on the baby rather than the woman and how to care for her after baby and her developmental issues.
So in this episode you'll learn about:
· Matrescence - what it is and how this transition and journey impacts mothers
· How women can lose their sense of self in the process of becoming a mother
· Ways to reclaim your sense of self and manage the transition
If you enjoy listening to this 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. -
During January, 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.
In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams to chat about his fascinating new book, The Connected Species - How the evolution of the human brain can save the world. This book is a compelling read, with wise and reassuring guidance and an essential guide for all of us in this time – showing how we evolved to our current position and how we can best navigate our way forward to empower and help both ourselves and the world.
Professor Williams is an Internationally recognised Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience & conference speaker who has worked at top Universities in Australia and overseas including MIT in the USA. He has been published in top tier international academic journals and widely featured in the media. Mark runs programs for schools and businesses on the neuroscience of learning, and the impact of modern technologies on our brains.
Tune in to hear our wide-ranging conversation on why humans’ innate ability to connect physically has led to our success, yet also to our current divisiveness and why it's imperative we prioritise physical, social connection for a sustainable future.
LINKS:
To purchase Mark's book click here: https://rethinkingthebrain.com/books/
To connect with Mark please visit: www.drmarkwilliams.com
Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14 -
During January, 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.
In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.
Listen in to hear -
- What is grey area drinking?
- Why being surrounded by grey area drinkers may increase risk
- How the women "can have and do it all" mentality is impacting drinking
- Why people are becoming sober curious
- Plus Busting alcohol myths and limiting beliefs related to drinking
This must listen episode offers insight and wisdom for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol and to obtain support if needed.
Links:
You can find Sarah and the resources discussed in this episode -
Website: www.sarahrusbatch.com
Instagram: @sarahrusbatch -
During January, 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.
You know that negative - often damning - voice inside your head? The one that says...you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve that, you’ll never get there! It's often referred to as our negative ego or inner critic. So where does it come from? What’s it all about? Is it ever a good thing? How do we know? What do we do if it’s clearly holding us back? In this power ep you’ll learn answers to these questions and tips for keeping your inner critic in check.
If you enjoy listening to this 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 we quickly head towards the turn of the year, it is a natural time to take stock and reassess. Our unconscious mind naturally starts to do this most years, however, this year – more than many others - staying happy and empowered in these times of volatility and disruption – is a big challenge!. So in the last Psych for Life episode for 2023, we look at how to seize more control of our lives, simply by improving our physical and mental health, mindset, expanding our knowledge or belief systems, taking stock of our lives and making a conscious decision to be in charge – where we can be.
In this podcast you’ll learn:
· Expert findings about the new time we live in
· Ways to let go of the old things not serving you and how you can focus on and bring in things to improve your new year
· The importance of finding a new sense of meaning and focus to get the most out of 2024
Plus watch out for my Psych for Life - Summer Series starting on January 3rd, 2024!
And if you enjoy listening to this 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, I welcome back Australia's leading FInancial and Trauma Informed Financial Wellbeing Specialist, Jane Monica Jones. She is the co-founder of the Financial Wellbeing Company and author of The Billionaire Buddha and the Money Mental Health Card series. Jane has a passion for this sometimes challenging subject and works compassionately with clients and employees of organisations to repair this - often problematic - relationship people have with money.
Listen in to hear our discussion on:
- When the best time to start teaching children about money is
- Important elements to teach children about money: needs vs. wants, budgeting and saving
- Why modelling can be more important than teaching
- Research shows we all learn better when it’s fun – so ways to make this fun
You can find Jane and the resources discussed in this episode at:
Jane's website - https://www.janemonicajones.com
Capabilite - Financial wellbeing courses & tools - https://capabilite.com
If you enjoy listening to this 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. -
People often ask me - how can I know whether it is fear or my intuition talking to me? We would all like to be better equipped to tune into our intuition and let it drive our choices without being held back by fear.So tune in to this episode as I discuss all things intuition and fear.
In this podcast you’ll learn:
- What is fear and the difference between irrational and rational fear
- How to know what intuition is and recognise it when it is activated
- Strategies to weigh up fear and intuition and which to choose and when -
In this episode I welcome psychologist, Carl Nelms. Carl is the founder of Blokes Psychology and has a passion for assisting men to overcome the stigma of reaching out for support. His vision is that by creating a service targeted towards males, more men can improve their psychological health and well-being, stop suffering in silence, and receive the support they desperately need, so they and their families can start living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Listen in to hear our discussion on -
- What the barriers are for men seeking support and why men often don't reach out
- Why there is a crisis of masculinity, both in identity and role of men, and what can be done about it
- Breaking down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and providing accessible support and resources
Links:
You can find Carl at:
Blokes Psychology Practice https://blokespsychology.com.au/
Carl's practice provides face to face psychological support & counselling to boys' & men, specifically tailored for males and also offer services via telehealth (phone & video sessions) to males all around the country and the world. They currently have clinicians in the Bayside and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne (Cheltenham & Hawthorn, Scoresby & Telehealth Australia wide).
Carl also hosts The Blokes Psychology Podcast.
For speaking, events and media interviews contact Carl via https://blokespsychology.com.au/ -
In this time of increasing challenges and uncertainty, we are all needing to do more to look after our feelings, mental health and wellbeing. Self regulation – or self management - is a critical part of this. 'Glimmers' is a term coined by social worker Deb Dana, whose work centres around polyvagal theory – or how our daily feelings result from the state of our nervous system. This new concept helps us to regulate our minds and feelings, to feel calm, reassured and safe.
So tune in this episode as I discuss all things Glimmers - what they are and why it's important to recognise these positive triggers more than ever before, plus ways to notice and gain these positive experiences in your own life. - Show more
