Mindcog

James Nestor is an author and journalist who has written for Scientific American, Outside, The New York Times, The Atlantic, National Public Radio, The San Francisco Chronicle, and more. His latest book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art, was released May 26, 2020 by Riverhead/Penguin Random House and was an instant New York Times and London Sunday Times bestseller. Breath explores how the human species has lost the ability to breathe properly. This sounds impossible, but it’s true. Snoring, sleep apnoea, asthma, allergies and even autoimmune diseases are among the most prevalent diseases in the modern world, and all of them can be either exacerbated, or sometimes caused, by poor breathing. Nestor spent years in laboratories and ancient burial sites, working with researchers at Stanford, University of Pennsylvania, and other institutions to figure out what went wrong with our breathing--and how to fix it. Breath will be translated into more than 30 languages in 2021.He lives and breathes in San Francisco. More at mrjamesnestor.com.James Nestor’s book, Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art published by Penguin Random House) is out now https://books.apple.com/us/book/id1487371974Instagram: instagram.com/mrjamesnestorFacebook: facebook.com/mrjamesnestorTwitter: twitter.com/mrjamesnestorWebsite: https://www.mrjamesnestor.com/breath

In Part 2 of our conversation with behavioural geneticist, Robert Plomin, we discuss:· The problems with medical or disease model· How the abnormal is normal· How we could use polygenic information to inform educational interventions· The public reaction to Roberts new book: Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are

Today I’m honoured to be speaking with Robert Plomin - Professor of Behavioural Genetics at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King's College London. Robert has previously held positions at the University of Colorado Boulder, and at Pennsylvania State University. He was elected a Fellow of the Academy of Medical Sciences and of the British Academy for his twin studies and his ground-breaking work in behavioural genetics. He is the author or co-author of many books, including G is for Genes: The Impact of Genetics on Education and Achievement (with Kathryn Asbury), and most recently, Blueprint: How DNA Makes Us Who We Are.I’ve spent the past three weeks wrapping my head around Blueprint, and I must admit, I’ve become a little obsessed. So much has changed since I last read up on behavioural genetics. The DNA revolution is now upon us, and if you thought the technological revolution shook up the world, you ain’t seen nothing yet!Today, Robert and I discuss the following:· How Robert came to study behavioural genetics· The history of behavioural genetics· Why Robert waited 30 years to write Blueprint· The concept of heritability – a mysterious 6-syllable word that is perhaps the most confused word in psychology· The mind-bending finding that heritability actually increases with age - in spite of our best efforts - we're become more and more like our parents with each passing day.

Today, I have a conversation with founder and CEO of Hello Sunday Morning, Chris Raine.Hello Sunday Morning was born in 2009 when founder, Chris Raine undertook a year-long experiment to quit drinking. A nightclub promoter at the time, Chris blogged about the challenges and successes of this experiment when he woke up hangover-free every Sunday Morning signing off with “Hello, Sunday Morning!” Since first extending the challenge to his flatmate, Chris has grown Hello Sunday Morning into a bona-fide health service, with Daybreak as its key offering.Today, we discuss the runaway success of HSM, the drinking habits of Australians during COVID, and the success of the Daybreak App.Hello Sunday Morning websitehttps://hellosundaymorning.org

Today, I’m joined by Keith Campbell - Professor of Psychology at the University of Georgia, and author of more than 100 scientific articles. Keith is also the author of The Narcissism Epidemic and The New Science Of Narcissism - both of which are essential reading. His work on narcissism has appeared in USA Today, Time, and The New York Times. Keith also recently appeared on the Joe Rogan podcast - it ranks amongst my favourite JR podcasts of all-time.Learn more about Keith and his research by clicking on the link belowhttp://wkeithcampbell.com

Today, I talk with science journalist Martha Zaraska. Marta’s new book, Growing Young: How Friendship, Optimism and Kindness Can Help You Live to 100 is a research-driven case for why optimism, kindness, and strong social networks will keep us living longer than any fitness tracker or superfood.Marta currently lives in a tiny French village with her husband and daughter. I recently caught up with Marta to find answers to the following questions:· How do optimism and pessimism affect longevity, and what is some of the current research around this?· Where might we be under and overestimating - in terms of our efforts to live long lives?· Are we just wasting our time and energy with fad diets, excessive exercise, supplements, and superfoods?I also asked Martha what inspired her to write the book, and how it all came about. This is a conversation we need now more than ever - enjoy!

Have you ever kept someone in your life far longer than you should have? Do you have a “friend” who always seems to take more than they give?Is a fear of being alone keeping a toxic friendship alive?My guest today is Hannah Korell.Hannah’s a Neuropsychologist, and the author of How To Break Up With Friends - which is released today!I caught up with Hannah to ask her the following questions:· Why do we put up with toxic relationships?· How can we identify bad friends in our lives?· How can we break up with bad friends?I also ask how Hannah, a neuropsychologist, came to write a book about breaking up with friends, and what inspired her to do so.Enjoy!

Social media has quickly become synonymous with the internet. The average Australian now spends up to 6 hours a week on social networking sites. While social media enables us to both connect and collaborate like never before, there’s also a dark side to this networked world. As social media continues to weave its way into the fabric of modern life – abstinence is becoming less of a practical option. My Guest, Bailey Purnell, thinks it’s time we learned to practice "safe social" before it’s too late.Bailey is the Founder & CEO of SkillsCamp - and was named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women. In 2017, Bailey delivered a TedX presentation titled Is Social Media Hurting Your Mental Health? - which has since attracted over 2 million views on youtube.I came across Baileys exceptional Ted talk earlier this year, and immediately invited her on the show.Today, we discuss the pro’s and con's of using social media.We explore the link between social media and mental health, and touch on the highly addictive nature of Facebook and Instagram.I also ask Bailey how she came to research social media, and ask her about her life-changing Ted talk.Enjoy !

Today, I talk with Sleep expert, Dr Gemma Paech. With over 12 years’ experience in sleep, fatigue and circadian rhythms. Gemma is passionate about improving the health and well-being of all individuals.An experienced communicator, researcher and mentor, Gemma has worked in clinical and research-based sleep laboratories in the USA and Australia. Gemma has also appeared on the Today Show (Channel 9 Australia) and radio stations including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), 2SER (Sydney) and Triple J (Australia).Today, I pick Gemma’s brain, ask her the following questions:· What is sleep?· Why do we need sleep?· What are the different stages of sleep?· How can I sleep well?We also discuss:· Common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea· The harmful effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep· The ideal nap time and why you can either wake feeling refreshed or groggy after a nap.· Sleep hygiene, and how to cultivate better sleep habits.Enjoy!

Today, I talk fears and phobias with Dr Celin Gelgec, a clinical psychologist based in Melbourne, who specialises in Anxiety, OCD, and Phobias. Celin is a Senior Clinical Psychologist & the Director of the Melbourne Wellbeing Clinic. She works with children, adolescents, and adults, who experience Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Anxiety and Phobias.I ask Celin:What are phobias?What's the difference between a fear and a phobia?Are some people more predisposed to developing a phobia than others?Is there an evolutionary bias of phobias?What are some of the less common phobias?How do we treat phobias?We also discuss the impact of corona on people with OCD and phobias.Enjoy !

From the tip of your fingers, down to your toes, today, we help you relax your mind, body, and brain. This helps you get into that ‘Sleepy State’Todays Relaxation Strategies:Breath focus techniqueBody ScanProgressive Muscle Relaxation

From the tip of your fingers, down to your toes, today, we help you relax your mind, body, and brain so you can get into that ‘Sleepy State’Todays Relaxation Strategies include:Breath focus techniqueBody ScanProgressive Muscle Relaxation

Today I’m joined by a national treasure in Australia’s leading social researcher and bestselling author, Hugh Makay.In recognition of his pioneering work in social research, Hugh has been elected a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society, and awarded honorary doctorates by Charles Sturt, Macquarie, UNSW, Western Sydney, and Wollongong universities. He was also appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2015For decades, Hugh explored our national psyche by interviewing thousands of Australians about what made them tick. Now aged in his 80s, he is asking us to turn the lens on ourselves in his new book, The Inner Self.Through rich storytelling, and psychological theory, Hugh explores our 'top 20' hiding places. From Addiction to Ambition, busyness to social media, arrogance to victimhood - such places inhibit the desire for self-examination. Spending too long in our favourite “hiding places” only increases the risk that we will live an inauthentic half-life, robbing us of our full potential, forever wondering why we feel permanently unsatisfied.A great conversation for anyone wanting to delve deeper, and ask themselves perhaps the most searching question of all: Who am I?

Welcome to Episode 1 of our 12-part Sleep Series. Over the next 12 episodes, I’ll be discussing all things sleep – We’ll look at the science of sleep, and delve into how sleep affects your mind, brain, body, and behaviour. I’ll share my tips for developing better sleep habits and routine. I'll help you get into that sleepy state by telling you stories that go nowhere, with no real point other than to create a comfortable, safe space for you to unwind, relax, and get a good nights sleep.Oh, and i’ll also be guiding you through sleep mediations, and teaching you various relaxation strategies to help you unwind, and reduce the anxious thoughts that are keeping you up at night.So, today, I will be giving you my 5 tips for developing good sleep habits. We call this developing sleep hygiene, which really just means good and effective sleep habits.Enjoy !

Today, I answer questions from listeners.A HUGE thank you to everyone for your support throughout Season 1. We'll be returning for Season 2 on September 2nd.Mindfulness and Sleep Podcasts will be uploaded sporadically. Subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode.

“We hurt where we care. We care, where we hurt” – Dr Steven HayesWhy is it that the things that can cause us the most pain, are often the things we care about the most deeply?For instance, I’ve never met a client with social anxiety who didn’t have a deep longing to be socially accepted by their peers. Moreover, I’ve never met a person with depression who didn’t desperately wish they could be engaged in the richness and fullness of life again.Often, we turn our back on our true values because of past pain we want to avoid, and when it comes to achieving our goals, we have two choices:1. We can either grit our teeth and do whatever it takes to get the job done (a results-focused/ future - oriented approach)OR2. We can live each moment in the present, engaging with our values, and doing what matters most (a values- focused/ present – orientated approach).Sure, both paths may lead you to your destination, but at what cost? Personally, I learnt this the hard way, and when the final bill came, it was far more than I could afford.Today I discuss values. I identify what values are, and why they matter. I also show you how to reconnect with your values, because often, it matters not “what” you achieved in life, but rather “how” you lived as you achieved. This I believe, is the true definition of success.Enjoy!

“ I can resist anything except temptation” - Oscar WildeToday, I’m joined by Dr. Roy Baumeister, Professor at the University of Queensland. During our conversation, we discuss self-control, the factors that deplete it, and the ways we can increase it. We also discuss the powerful negativity effect, and how we can weaken its power over our lives. Enjoy !

In this episode, we're joined by award-winning psychologist and author, Elizabeth Loftus. Elizabeth has spent her career uncovering the malleability of human memory, and is ranked as one of the top 100 most eminent psychologist of the 20th Century.In a career spanning nearly 50 years, Professor Loftus has written 23 books and published over 500 scientific articles on the malleability of human memory, eyewitness testimony, and courtroom procedure.In today’s episode, we discuss her incredible research and its wide-reaching implications.Websitehttps://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcastFacebookhttps://www.facebook.com/tannerpsychology/Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/mindcogpod/

In today’s conversation, I’m talking sleep, with Dr Kate Sprecher.Dr. Sprecher’s research focuses on the contribution of sleep and circadian rhythms to healthy aging. She is currently investigating how sleep in midlife relates to later life cognition and physical function, capitalizing on the Wisconsin Sleep Cohort, an ongoing longitudinal study that has followed community-dwelling adults for 30+ years.Today, I ask Kate the following questions:· What is sleep?· Why do we need sleep?· What are the different stages of sleep?· How do scientists study sleep in a laboratory?· What are the benefits of a good night’s sleep?· How can I sleep well?· Does sleep change throughout the lifespan?We also discuss:· How culture affects sleep· The relationship between sleep and mental health· Common sleep disorders such as insomnia and sleep apnoea· The harmful effects of alcohol and caffeine on sleep· The ideal nap time and why you can either wake feeling refreshed or groggy after a nap.· Common treatment for sleep problems such as insomnia and sleep apnoea· Sleep hygiene, and how to cultivate better sleep habits.· Emerging sleep researchLink to Websitehttps://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

Are you the type of person who struggles to say NO, or tell people how you “really” feel?Does the very thought of having to decide on which restaurant to go to fill you with horror and dread?If so, then this is the episode for YOU.That’s because today, I’m talking assertiveness with a man who has spent the last twenty-years teaching people this very skill - Dr Randy Paterson.Randy is a psychologist and author practicing in Vancouver, Canada. He is author of The Assertiveness Workbook, which we will be diving into today, and How to be Miserable (40 Strategies You Already Use), which is also essential reading.In todays conversation, Randy and I identify and discuss four different styles of interpersonal behaviour (i.e., the assertive, aggressive, passive-aggressive, and passive styles). We reveal visible and invisible barriers preventing people from being more assertive (i.e., the stress barrier, beliefs barrier, and social barrier). We also look at how your nonverbal behaviour may be letting you down, because often, what matters most, is not WHAT you say, but HOW you say it.Randy also reveals his motivation behind The Assertiveness Handbook, and offers a few practical tips for anyone out there who may be struggling with assertiveness.Enjoy!

In part two of this two-episode special, I continue my discussion with freelance writer, novelist, and recovering teacher, Gabbie Stroud.On today’s show, Gabbie and I discuss the following:· The rise of anxiety amongst children, parents, and teachers· The need to ‘leave children alone when they are skateboarding’ - and allow them to learn from their own mistakes.· The benefits of rewarding effort, not just achievement· Intrinsic vs extrinsic motivational techniques· Teaching during the time of COVID, and the demoralisation of teachers· The need for firmer boundaries within the teaching profession· How big business is taking over public schoolsEnjoy!Website https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

In this two-episode special, I talk to freelance writer, novelist, and recovering teacher, Gabbie Stroud.Gabbie's smash-hit memoir, Teacher, was shortlisted for Biography Book of the Year at the 2018 ABIA Awards and contributed to the national dialogue on education.Her most recent book, Dear Parents, has a ‘no-filter’ style that is both funny (the laugh-out-loud with snorts kind), and heartbreaking.On today’s show, Gabbie discusses her experiences writing ‘Teacher’ and ‘Dear Parents’, the outpouring of positive feedback she’s received since they were both published, her reasons for leaving teaching, and the mental health of teachers.I hope you enjoy part one of this two-part conversation as much as I did. Gabbie is warm, and refreshingly transparent.Enjoy!Website https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

In today’s conversation, I talk OCD with Dr Celin Gelgec - Director of the Melbourne Wellbeing Group.Celin's enthusiasm for working with people with OCD is evident as soon as you hear her speak.Together, we discuss the psychological mechanisms that drive OCD, the neuroanatomy and neurochemistry of OCD, the unfortunate misuse of the term, the human cost of OCD, and treatment options.We also discuss OCD during COVID.Website https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

In today’s conversation, I discuss the incredible challenges facing our junior doctors.My guest is Dr Sonia Henry. Sonia is also the author of ‘Going Under’, a book that lifts the lid on the medical profession, particularly the experiences of young doctors.Together, Sonia and I discuss her inspiration for writing the book, the medical hierarchy, the ingrained culture of bullying within the medical profession, and the mental health challenges facing young doctors.Website https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

Today, I’m talking to Dr. Steven Hayes.Dr. Hayes is a professor of Psychology at the university of Nevada, Reno. The author of 44 books, and nearly 600 scientific articles, he ranks amongst the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), which is the approach to cognition on which ACT is based.In this episode we discuss:The early life experiences and influences that shaped Steven’s career.Steven’s new book ‘A Liberated Mind’ACT and social transformationACT and the environmentThe importance of ACT principles during Covid-19The development of the online ACT Immersion course for therapists.The future for Steven Hayes and ACTWebsite https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

In today’s conversation, I talk domestic abuse with Stella Prize winning author, Jess Hill. Jess is the author of See What You Made Me Do, and has spent the last 5 years researching domestic abuse. Jess is joined by her partner, psychotherapist, David Hollier, who discusses the relationship between abuse and shame. David also co-wrote a chapter in the book.Jess describes the shock of winning the Stella, adjusting to life as a ‘thought leader’, and the personal toll of her confronting research.Jess also identifies the social, cultural, political, and psychological barriers to domestic abuse, and calls for changes to the current legal system.Website https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

In today’s raw and honest conversation, I talk anxiety, with Dr Mark Cross. Mark is a consultant psychiatrist, senior university lecturer, and author.On today’s show, Mark discusses his life growing up in South Africa, his passions for the law, public education, and ethics, his book on Anxiety, and anxiety in the time of Corona.Mark also discusses his sexuality, his own battle with anxiety, and identifies some of the barriers to achieving better mental health outcomes in Australia.I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. Mark is warm, honest, and engaging- everything you’d want your ideal therapist to be. Enjoy!Website https://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast

Hi everyone, I’m your host, Glen Tanner, and welcome to the Mindcog podcast.Throughout this series, you’ll hear honest, raw conversations about the mind, the brain, behavior, and just being human.I speak to psychologist, doctors, neuroscientists, academic researchers, coaches, CEOs, authors, and artists, as we all try to make better sense of ourselves, each other, and the world we live in.Each season will run approximately 11 episodes, with new episodes dropping each Wednesday.At the end of each season, we’ll also have a “role reversal” episode, whereby I’ll become the guest, and my listeners, the hosts. Listeners can interview me, and ask me questions about the show, and my incredible guests.We will set up a Facebook page in June, and listerners can post their questions there, as well as access exclusive content.The mindcog is a primarily a podcast about the mind, brain and behavior. We explore the inner mechanisms that drive, shape, and shift human thought and action. BUT, It’s also about what it means to be human.The conversations are raw and honest. At times we will focus on the science, at others, we cut through it, to the heart of being human.I hope you enjoy season one as much as I did making it.Enjoy!Websitehttps://tannerpsychology.com.au/podcast