Potential Psychology

In this episode, Ellen introduces systems thinking as a powerful tool for personal and professional growth and development. She provides a worksheet and an example to help you start applying systems thinking in your life. Ellen also shares her personal journey and the reasons behind her decision to pivot the podcast towards systems thinking. Links and Resources: Download the systems thinking worksheet at potential.com.au/podcast Learn more about systems thinking at https://thesystemsthinker.com/introduction-to-systems-thinking/ Subscribe to Ellen's newsletter for updates and additional resources at https://potentialpsychology.substack.com/ Contact: Send feedback or questions to podcast@potential.com.au Social Media: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ellenjacksonpotential/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/potentialpsychology/ Credits: This episode is brought to you by Potential Psychology but if you'd like to sponsor the show, let us know - podcast@potential.com.au Audio editing by Andy Maher --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

Our guest for this episode is a long time friend of the show. This is her third appearance and we love having her here. Dr. Sarah McKay, neuroscientist, science communicator, online educator and author of the new book "Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better)" In this illuminating conversation Sarah and I chat about: The paradox of 'baby brain' - women's experience versus the science. The many factors at play in the early life of a new mum How hormones 'resculpt and rewire' our brains in pregnancy - and why Those weird intrusive thoughts about 'breaking' your baby - What's that about? Alloparenting - What is it and why is it important to new parents Does having a baby affect other caregivers neurologically sense too? And so much more! Are You Ready to Fulfil Your Potential? Download your FREE copy of ‘Creating Thriving, Motivated Teams: A How To Guide’ by entering your details below CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT ABOUT OUT GUEST: Dr. Sarah McKay is the founder of Think Brain and the Neuroscience Academy which offers a suite of training programs in applied neuroscience and brain health. Sarah has been published extensively for public, academic and professional audiences. She's been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, Sydney Morning Herald, The Age and Body & Soul. And she can be seen and heard 'explaining the brain' on SBS's Insight, ABC Radio National, Mamamia, NZ Radio National, ABC's Catalyst, and on stage at Business Chicks, Canberra Writers' Festival and Happiness & Its Causes. ***************************** RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Baby Brain: The surprising neuroscience of how pregnancy and motherhood sculpt our brains and change our minds (for the better) The Women's Brain Book: The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness Demystifying The Female Brain: A neuroscientist explores health, hormones and happiness Sarah has previously appeared on the Potential Psychology podcast talking about: Mythbusting, neuroscience and a woman's brain Don't Blame The Reptilian Brain If you'd like to hear more from me about fulfilling your potential, I'm a guest on "Breakfast with Steve Martin: Behind the news and an insight into life in Ballarat" on ABC Ballarat, every second Wednesday. Thank you for listening in and spreading the word about our podcast. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

"Performance is about focusing on the most important thing at the most important time" My guest today on the Potential Psychology Podcast is sports and performance psychologist, Michael Inglis. Michael is Director and Co-founder of The Mind Room. He works with athletes, coaches and teams to build high performance environments and develop key mental skills to enhance performance. In this episode, Michael and I take a peek at the fascinating world of sport and performance psychology and dig into: What a sports and performance psychologist does and why you might seek one out. Your values as your guardrails for performing, whatever that looks like for you The evershifting dynamic between performance and wellbeing Why the present moment is critical to achieving your goals Tolerating discomfort in pursuit of your goals How your values bring meaning to challenging moments Are You Ready to Fulfil Your Potential? Download your FREE copy of ‘Creating Thriving, Motivated Teams: A How To Guide’ by entering your details below CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE INTERVIEW TRANSCRIPT ABOUT OUT GUEST: Michael has worked in the mental health field since 1999 but focused on sports and performance since co-founding The Mind Room in 2012. He believes in a holistic approach to performance and that the wellbeing of athletes off the field is just as important as their performance on it. He is currently lead psychologist for the PFA and works with the Tasmanian Women’s Cricket team. ***************************** RESOURCES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE: Atomic Habits by James Clear ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Values cards from the Mindroom What is Mental Conditioning? Michael's Mental Conditioning Program at The Mind Room If you'd like to hear more about how to fulfil your potential, I'm a guest on "Breakfast with Steve Martin: Behind the news and an insight into life in Ballarat" on ABC Ballarat, every second Wednesday. Thank you for listening in and spreading the word about our podcast. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/potentialpsychology/message

Part 2 of my interview with Bea Boccalandro, author of Do Good at Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing. Bea and I discuss: The importance of empathic connection What is Corporate Social Responsibility and how is it different to job purposing? How to use your strengths to drive success and wellbeing Examples of simple acts that drive purpose and meaning If you're interested in seeing Bea speak live and attending a workshop on job purposing with her she will be doing both of those things in Ballarat, Victoria on the 23rd of March 2023. She is the keynote speaker for the Committee for Ballarat's Corporate Citizenship Conference. Come and join us in beautiful Ballarat! If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

In this episode I'm talking about purpose with my fabulous guest Bea Boccalandro, the author of Do Good at Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing (New York: Morgan James Publishing, 2021). Her book has received critical acclaim and she is a joy to talk to.   In our conversation, Bea and I discuss: Social purpose - What is it and why does it matter? The difference between sense of purpose and meaning. How purpose can be woven into our working lives. How small social acts of purpose create a huge impact on yourself and others. Tips for workplace leaders on finding social purpose. Stories of job purposing and how other people found opportunities to find meaning on their work. Bea is also founder and president of the global purpose advisory firm, VeraWorks, Bea has two decades of experience helping businesses make customer interactions more human, products more inclusive, operations more environmentally sustainable, marketing more charitable or otherwise make work more meaningful.   If you're interested in seeing Bea speak live and attending a workshop on job purposing with her she will be doing both of those things in Ballarat, Victoria on the 23rd of March 2023. She is the keynote speaker for the Committee for Ballarat's Corporate Citizenship Conference. Come and join us in beautiful Ballarat!   ***************************** Resources mentioned in this episode: Veraworks Do Good at Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing Ikigai Job crafting and meaningful work Adam Grant's books The VIA Character Strengths Survey Anthony L. Burrow, Cornell University - Purpose researcher   If you'd like to hear more from me about fulfilling your potential, I'm a guest on "Breakfast with Steve Martin: Behind the news and an insight into life in Ballarat" on ABC Ballarat, every second Wednesday.   Thank you for listening in and spreading the word about our podcast. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're back for season 14 and celebrating this month as the Potential Psychology Podcast has now been on the air for 5 years. Half a decade of great conversations, insights and ideas all helping you to fulfil your potential. This is our 123rd episode, so, let's dive in 1-2-3, go! In this brief 'welcome back' episode, I talk about: What's in store in our upcoming conversations Our fabulous guest line up I also get nerdy with some podcast proliferation facts and my question for you - 'How we should celebrate the podcast's birthday?' Thank you for listening in as we get back into the swing of things here at PPHQ. We appreciate you spreading the word about our podcast. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Will the robots replace us? The future is very hard to predict, but we're very adaptive." It's a wrap! This is our last episode on our mini-series on 'The Future of Work." Big thanks to my co-host this season, Dr. Joe Sweeney, who is a long time friend of the show and our guest expert in the areas of education and AI. You can learn more about him here. In our survey "Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work," we asked parents about their worries and concerns as well as their hopes for their children in the future workplace. One fascinating question that sums up the fears parents have is "will the robots replace us"? Joe and I have fun answering this question and discussing: Parents' answers to "what jobs might come up in the future?" (lot's of fun answers like: AI Prompt Developer, Chief Productivity Officer, Robot Consultant) Will AI, Machine Learning, and Automation eliminate current jobs? How will machines and humans work together in the future workplace What jobs will be replaced and what jobs will stay There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy! Join the exciting discussion by sharing your thoughts on the future of work via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's Homework for Parents: Will AI, ML, and automation make jobs disappear? Send in your questions. Let's learn together! ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Antifragility is more than just resilience. It means you can lean into uncertainty and stress and that you've got what it takes to be able to embrace change." From the results of our recently concluded survey on "Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work," we found that 79% of parents are worried about their kids ability to thrive in the future workplace, and that doesn't come as a surprise. As humans, we're all fearful of things that are outside of our control. We've also had some major disruptions (like the pandemic) that have had an impact on our view of the future. But there's always a silver lining. We dug a bit further and asked parents how they see the future workplace and found that a lot of the parents were actually hopeful that society will thrive and that businesses will prosper in the future of work. In this episode, Joe and I explore these worries and discuss: How do we prepare our kids for thriving in the future environment? Mega trends that can impact change in the future. Scenario planning and finding risk and opportunities from all this change. Tips on how to build antifragility and resilience in our children. What new jobs might exist in the future. There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy! Join the exciting discussion by sharing your thoughts on the future of work via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe This week's Homework for Parents: How are you using current events to enhance learning? Resources mentioned in this episode: Scenario Planning The Child Who Had To Grow Up: Using Scenario Planning to Prepare for Uncertain Future Contexts in Digital Education ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"We have the components of psychological hope to drive and motivate us - the will and the way" We're at the half-way point of our podcast series on "The Future of Work." My co-host, Dr. Joe Sweeney, and I explore the answers to questions we put to parents in our recently concluded survey on "Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work." Here are some interesting talking points of the study: The top 5 most important personal traits parents think their kids should have in the future workplace are: Flexible Focused Dedicated Ethical Resilient The top 5 most important skills parents think their kids should have in the future workplace are: Communication Stress Management Complex Problem Solving Creativity Cognitive flexibility Aside from these interesting stats, Joe and I also discuss: What is Hope Theory? What are the components of psychological hope and how do those help us prepare our children for the future workplace? Activities and steps to establishing helpful pathways to achieve goals Willpower, Why-power, and We-power There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy! Join the exciting discussion by sharing your thoughts on the future of work via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe This week's Homework for Parents: How can we help prepare our children for jobs that don’t exist yet? (sheet attached) Resources mentioned in this episode: "A New Hope" for Positive Psychology: A Dynamic Systems Reconceptualization of Hope Theory by Rachel Colla, Paige Williams, Lindsay G. Oades, and Jesus Camacho-Morles Hope Theory: Rainbows in the Mind by C.R. Snyder ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Artificial intelligence can change the world and that's not entirely a bad thing." In our study on "parenting, education, and the future of work", we asked parents about their most pressing concerns for their children. This is what's on their minds: "Will there be enough jobs for our kids in the future?" "What will the quality of jobs be?" "Will humans and machines work together?" "What industries will be in demand in the future workplace?" "Will machines replace people's jobs or make present jobs obsolete?" "How will technology impact future employment options?" At the heart of these questions is our very human fear of the uncertain. Technologies like artificial intelligence and machine learning are evolving rapidly but for many of us it feels like science fiction. It's a very normal human response for these changes to bring uncertainty and it's why in today's discussion, Joe and I answer some pressing questions and focus on the jobs and skills that will always be needed no matter how much things change. Listen in to hear us chat about: How much of an impact AI, machine learning, robotics, or automation will have on the future of work The industries that will be impacted by automation in the future The skills that will remain constant and needed in the future The nature of AI - What it is, and the role it will play in the future workplace The skills can we teach our children to help them adapt to disruption. There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading for parents and those interested in the jobs of the future. Don't forget to download a copy! Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe This week's Homework for Parents: What other skills will never go out of style? Download the infographic sheet from our website. Resources mentioned in this episode: Fostering Hope and Purpose in Our Kids with Rachel Colla ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Job crafting is something we should be teaching to school students. How do I craft my job in the smallest way to maximise my purpose in life?" Do you worry about your children's ability to thrive in the future workplace? In the survey that my co-host for this podcast series Dr. Joe Sweeney ran to give us some juicy data for our conversations, an overwhelming 79% of parents answered 'YES' to that very question. Understandably, a key concern that came up was about job security for our future workforce. Parents are asking: Will my kids have the same secure work experience that I had or will their life be constantly adapting, changing jobs, scrambling to find employment? To answer this question, Joe and I embarked on a conversation about "the dynamic nature of the future of work" and the skills that kids (and all of us) will need as the nature of work changes into the future. And because the joy of podcast conversations is that they are rarely linear, we also explore: The purpose of purpose at work and the role that employers can play in helping us to thrive at work through social contribution Why it's important that we get involved in policy making to make the future what we want it to be Motivation and the mechanisms that drive it The top, timeless skillsets we need to cultivate in our children for them to thrive in the future including communicating effectively, empathy, stress management, complex problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and self-regulation. Neurodiversity, where it works well at work and while we're all neurodiverse in some ways. The importance of understanding yourself and others for thriving at work Tips on the activities parents can engage in with their kids in to enhance the necessary skillsets. There's an infographic sheet that comes with each episode as a bit of advanced reading/homework for parents. Don't forget to download a copy! Don't forget that you can join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! And you can become a special VIP Member of the Potential Psychology Podcast by subscribing here - https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe This week's Homework for Parents: How do we give our kids an edge in the future workplace? Resources mentioned in this episode: Do Good At Work: How Simple Acts of Social Purpose Drive Success and Wellbeing by Bea Boccalandro Job Crafting and Creating More Meaning in Work with Cass Dunn Drive: The Surprising Truth About What Motivates Us by Daniel Pink Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant PO: Beyond Yes and No by Edward de Bono ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "

"Hope, in the psychological sense, is a combination of pathways and agency. What we're doing is creating HOPE. " Welcome to our new podcast series: "The Future of Work", with guest expert Dr. Joe Sweeney. I'm really excited about this series as not only do I get to talk to a great friend of the show, but he and his team have done some very cool research with parents to explore their hopes and worries when it comes to future employment for our kids. The extensive survey work that Joe has done informs our discussion. It's research in action and makes for a great conversation. A bit about Doc Joe. Joe is first and foremost an educator, but he is also a technologist, advisor, writer, game designer, and an expert in workforce transformation. His particular area of interest is around pathways to employment, which makes him the perfect co-host for this podcast series exploring the future of work. He's been on the Potential Psychology Podcast twice before, once in episode 17 in which we talk about "Kids, Education and The Future of Work" and in episode 79 where we talk about "The Perks and Pitfalls of Working From Home." You can learn more about Joe here. In this very meaty first episode of our podcast series, Joe and I answer the following questions: What did we ask parents for our study - and what did they tell us? What worries parents about the future of work for kids?11 The importance of hope for dealing with an unknown and rapidly changing world - and what does 'hope' really mean? Why, and how, parents should be involved in the education of their children, and How can we create real opportunities for our kids to thrive despite upcoming challenges? We also share tips on the best things you can do to help your children be interested in education and learning (pro tip: read to them!). There's a great infographic that comes with each episode in this series as a helpful guide with tips for parents. Don't forget to download a copy! You can also join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's Question for Parents: What skills can help prepare our children for jobs in an uncertain, highly disruptive future? Resources mentioned in this episode: Kids, Education and The Future of Work with Dr. Joseph Sweeney The Perks and Pitfalls of Working From Home with Dr. Joe Sweeney APAC Zoom Education Summit : Transforming the Education Experience The will and the ways: development and validation of an individual-differences measure of hope ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." On --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series initially went live in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. "A good night's sleep starts the moment we wake up." We're almost at the end of Season 11 with 2 more episodes left. Today, we're back with our second to the last episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. We're exploring the last beam of the BEACON model; a model of thriving that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life. In this episode, we talk about Nurture - the one and only beam of the BEACON model that is about our physical health and how it interplays with our mental health. Nurture focuses on four aspects: eating, moving, sleeping, and being mindful. All of which revolve around, energy. Marie and I talk about: Why maintaining energy is important in helping people thrive A handy acronym to help us remember how to keep our energy levels sustained Why do we need sleep How important is sleep for productivity, performance, and mental health How sleep deprivation impacts cognitive abilities and emotional regulation What is sleep hygiene and why we need to think about it Factors that affect our sleep and some practical tips to improve our sleep quality Your quest for the week: Nurture yourself by making improvements to your sleep quality. You can check out the cheat sheet to "Seven Steps to Splendid Sleep" in Marie's website or any of the resources listed above for tips on how to improve your sleep hygiene. Resources mentioned in this episode: Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Dr. Matthew Walker Fast Asleep by Dr Michael Mosley Headspace Don't Blame The Reptilian Brain with Dr. Sarah McKay Indulge Your Neurobiology TedTalk by Dr. Sarah McKay Sleeping Well with Dr Kate Sprecher The National Sleep Foundation Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series first went to air in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. "When we feel a moment of hope, pride, love, serenity, gratitude, inspiration... we actually open up and quite literally. We broaden our peripheral vision and expand our brain." In the 6th episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive," co-hosts Marie and Ellen explore the fifth "beam" of the BEACON model: Optimism. To recap, the first four beams are: Belonging, Engagement, Accountability, and Compassion. They are discussed in detail in the past 4 episodes of season 11. In each episode, Marie and Ellen talk about the science behind each beam and key you in on how each of these can help you thrive as they share practical applications and real-life experiences. In this exquisitely optimistic episode, Ellen and Marie talk about: How emotions impact our brain and therefore our behaviour Are some people more wired towards optimism than others? How we can rewire our brains for a more positive disposition How our brain is hardwired to broaden, build, and perform better with positive emotions The neurological benefits of optimism and why is it important to notice the moments that give us a jolt of joy Practical tips to increase your positive vs negative emotions ratio Your quest for this week: Create a "joy jar" by putting in a list of things that can help uplift your mood. You can enlist the help of your family, friends, or co-workers in this quest. The more ideas there are, the more opportunities there are to experience and share positive moments. Resources mentioned in this episode: Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. Charles Richard Snyder's Hope Theory Dr. Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive Emotions Seligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychology Jimmy Rees' Meanwhile in Australia Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series first went to air in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. "If only each of us realized the full extent to which all our problems, fears, and desires are shared by the rest of humanity, we'd all be so much more connected, self-forgiving, vulnerable, open, and free." In this, the 5th episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive" Marie and Ellen explore the fourth "beam" of the BEACON model: Compassion. It's relatively easy to feel compassion for others but practicing self-compassion is more challenging. Why, when we would give a friend facing struggle words of encouragement, do we beat ourselves up for not reaching expectations? And how is self compassion a super power? We discuss the answers and more in this episode. Listen in to hear Marie and I ask: What is compassion? How does it differ from kindness and empathy? Why is balance is important and how do we avoid 'empathy fatigue'? Why is it important to pay attention to our self-talk? What are the most common stumbling blocks on the road to self-compassion? And what are the tips for overcoming them? What are the three steps to self-compassion? Your quest for this week: Recall a time when you're were not proud of the way you showed up. How did you take the more self-compassionate route? Did you follow the three steps to self-compassion? (notice the moment, know that we are perfectly imperfect, and bring the intent to soothe ourselves rather than beat ourselves up) Tell us about it, we'd love to hear from you! Resources mentioned in this episode: Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. The Compassionate Mind (Compassion Focused Therapy) by Paul Gilbert Awakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power That Elevates People and Organizations by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. Dutton The How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja Lyubomirsky Kristin Neff's The three elements of self-compassion Developing the Indomitable Gift of Compassion with Dr. Stan Steindl The Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry Kaufman Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series initially went live in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. "Thriving is not a spectator sport. You can't sit back and watch it happen." This is the 4th episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. This series is all about exploring how to thrive and practicing the BEACON model; a model that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life. In this week's episode we explore the third "beam" of the BEACON model: Accountability. This might seem an unusual element of thriving but there is no thriving without doing - and sometimes we need to hold ourselves accountable to get the doing, done. Listen in as Marie and Ellen discuss: What accountability means when it comes to thriving and why it's important Real life, practical examples of where people struggle with accountability (because it's something we all struggle with from time to time) How our personal beliefs impact our goals and motivation. How to find your "why" to build motivation. Tips and techniques for holding yourself accountable to your action steps for thriving. Your quest for this week: Get curious and challenge yourself to try a new activity for a week that you know will help you to thrive - even if it's difficult to get started. You might like to reflect on the activities we've spoken about already in this series - connecting with others, discovering or using your strengths to find 'flow' - or maybe it's an activity you've not tried before or you want to re-integrate into your life. Ellen and Marie discussed yoga and meditation as activities they'd like to get back into. Walking, social activities or new hobbies are also great ideas. Resources mentioned in this episode: Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. Seligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychology Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit BJ Fogg's Tiny Habits Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series initially went live in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. "Flow requires us to use our strengths. Sadly many of us don't really know what those are. One of the first things that you must do is to identify these strengths. What are those things that your brain is wired to do, those things that you love doing?" This is the 3rd episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. This series is all about exploring how to thrive and practicing the BEACON model; a model that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life. Today, we recap what we learned about Belonging and talk about how we did on our weekly quest. We then explore the second "beam" of the BEACON model: Engagement. We discuss: Deep focus or "flow" and how it improves our quality of life, satisfaction and happiness Does personality affect how easy it is to get into a state of flow How can we craft our lives in order to get into a "flow" more often Understanding your profile of individual strengths and how to use that to increase engagement Your quest for this week: Go with the way you're wired and spend more time doing the things you're good at. What activities get you into a state of flow and how do they make you feel? Share your experience with us. We'd love to hear from you. If you need a little help finding your strengths, take the VIA strengths survey. Resources mentioned in this episode: Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. http://potential.pro.viasurvey.org - VIA Strengths Survey Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series initially went live in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. In this episode, we talk about the first "beam" of the BEACON model: Belonging. We ask: What do we mean by belonging? How important is having close connections to others to our wellbeing? What is a Thrive Tribe and how do we cultivate and sustain one? Who gets to be in our "thrive tribe?" What's a micro-moment of connection? And how does it help us to build relationships? Your quest for this week: Find opportunities to create micro-moments of connection and tell us about them! Resources mentioned in this episode: Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. Positivity resonance - Watch this video from Dr. Barbara Fredrickson about Positivity Resonance and Positive Connection Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness TED Talk Seligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychology Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain This 75-Year Harvard Study Found the 1 Secret to Leading a Fulfilling Life Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

We're revisiting our How to Thrive series co-hosted with positive psychotherapist Marie McLeod for Mental Health Month. This series initially went live in late 2021 - almost 12 months ago - while How to Thrive, the documentary, was still in production. It is now out in the world and showing in cinemas all over the country. In this podcast series, Marie and I go deep into the practice of positive psychology and wellbeing science, sharing how we live what we teach in our work and in our lives. We dive into what it means to thrive and dissect a beam of the BEACON model, Marie's evidence-based model of thriving, in each episode. We even have do-at-home exercises for you to complete along with us. That means YOU get to participate in this fabulous collaboration too. In this episode, you will learn: What the BEACON Model is and how it helps you to thrive What each beam of BEACON stands for What we mean by well-being literacy The history and origin of the positive psychology About finding emotional equilibrium Why is it important to look for the things that go well in life. Today's quest: What went well for you? How to focus on what's strong rather than what's wrong and rewire your brain for positivity. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Delightful app that Marie and I are using Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here. Positivity resonance - Watch this video from Dr Barbara Fredrickson about Positivity Resonance and Positive Connection Robert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness TED Talk Seligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychology Want to become a Potential Psychology Podcast VIP? You can now become a special VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast community with access to bonus episodes - the first of which is now ready and waiting for you. Dr Mike Rucker, co-host of our most recent podcast series on Fun and Wellbeing, and I are discussing the importance of making time for fun and positive experiences in our workplaces with tips on better email and meeting management and the kind of workplace we need to really thrive. To join as a subscriber, at the tiny little cost of AU$5.99 a month head to https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe. I'm looking forward to seeing you in our inner sanctum. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"In order to make progress when we're working towards meaningful goals - we need to stop and celebrate our wins." This is my last conversation with Dr Mike Rucker in this podcast series about "Fun and Wellbeing" which is a little sad, but the conversation itself is a cracker. In it Mike and I discuss: The role that fun and pleasure play when pursuing social goals and making a difference to our community. Meaning, purpose and contribution. Finding the small wins in the 'infinite game' of social change. The Progress Principle How to create an environment that helps you collect memories/resources to enable fun. How to make sure that you are having fun even in environments that don't readily allow you to do so. Why working towards meaningful goals and ensuring that you have an aspect of pleasure can help propel you forward. For organisations: how kindness and fun have the same effect on wellbeing and how you can incorporate that into your CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) program. Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's point to ponder: How can you use fun for social good?. Resources mentioned in this episode: The Progress Principle: Teresa Amabile TEDx talk Brene Brown Repair Cafes ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Growth and mastery happen when you don't hit the mark." Sometimes fun doesn't feel that fun. Not in that exact moment anyway. It's only later, when we reflect on the experience that we realise how beneficial it was to us. This is what's known as Type II fun. In this conversation Mike and I explore this Type II fun, peak experiences, awe and wonder, mastery and the importance of pushing through discomfort to reach the sense of accomplishment and wellbeing on the other side. We also discuss: Why 'failure' is important How fun and positive experiences are not 'one size fits all.' The importance of understanding what's positive and important to you as a unique individual How this approach to fun relates to Carol Dweck's 'growth mindset' How and where to find awe and wonder in order to broaden your perspectives. Where to find avenues for fun but challenging activities to help you take the first step towards mastering the art of fun. Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's point to ponder: How can you add fun as an ingredient to your more challenging tasks and situations? Resources mentioned in this episode: PLAY Model What is Type II fun? Article in the Washington Post Episode 3 - Fun & Wellbeing - How to Amplify Fun's Power Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization by Scott Barry Kaufman The Fun Scale ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"We have the autonomy to take moments of fun and expand and magnify their usefulness." We're at the half-way point of our "Fun and Wellbeing" mini-series, co-hosted with Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. To recap the previous episodes, we talked about: How peppering your life with fun is better for your wellbeing than the active pursuit of happiness (Happiness Paradox). How we can tweak our lives in small ways to find more whimsy. We also explored the PLAY model to understand how to use our time to maximise our opportunities for fun (habit bundling). We look at fun at work - how to craft more opportunities to find fun at work and how to make sure our time off work incorporates fun. And lastly, we share tips on how to get a balance or a blend of both work life and personal life. In this episode, we dive into: Savouring, Relishing, and Reminiscing - these are SAVOUR tools used to amplify fun's power. How to find moments of fun and amplify their usefulness in order to enhance your wellbeing. The tools that help us savor, relish, and reminisce. The importance of preserving tangible mementos to take us back to fun moments How to create a repository of fun memories such as a memory garden, and Unpacking bittersweet experiences to uncover their fun Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's point to ponder: How do you amplify fun’s power in your life? Resources mentioned in this episode: ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"If we keep doing what we've always done - we can't expect brilliance to appear." In the 3rd episode of our brand new mini-series 'Fun and Wellbeing,' My co-host, Dr. Mike Rucker and I geek out about whether work can be fun. Feeling like you have control of your time and have enough time each day is a predictor of happiness. It's known as 'time affluence.' When we have the autonomy to choose the activities we spend our time on - at work and at home - our happiness quotient increases. In this conversation we explore: How taking time for fun and pleasure promotes productivity. The difference between 'algorithmic work' and 'knowledge work' and why we need to make the rules of the work game clear. What counts as work and some quick and easy tips on how to change your mindset about it in order to encourage creativity. Do prescribed 'fun' activities at work, work? How to reframe our thoughts, reclaim autonomy, and look for opportunities that invigorate to have more fun. Why protecting and reclaiming your time are key activities for increasing your fun quotient. Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's point to ponder: Do you have fun with your work tasks? Tell us about it! Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Thrive: Optimism and Creating Jolts of Joy John Cleese on Creativity in Management - You Tube Time Poverty & Time Affluence Having Too Little or Too Much Time is Linked to Lower Subjective Well-BeingSharif, Marissa, Cassie Mogilner, and Hal Hershfield (2021), Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Giving Time Gives You TimeMogilner, Cassie, Zoë Chance, and Michael I. Norton (2012), "Giving Time Gives You Time," Psychological Science Time Will Tell: The Distant Appeal of Promotion and Imminent Appeal of PreventionMogilner, Cassie, Jennifer L. Aaker, and Ginger L. Pennington (2008), “Time Will Tell: The Distant Appeal of Promotion and Imminent Appeal of Prevention,” Journal of Consumer Research What Do Happy People Do?Robinson, J.P., Martin, S. What Do Happy People Do?. Soc Indic Res 89, 565–571 (2008). Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "

"Stack the decks in your favour - make sure that what you're doing are things that you are going to enjoy." In the 2nd episode of our brand new mini-series 'Fun and Wellbeing,' we talk about the importance of wonder and delight and how creating opportunities for fun is as important as actually having fun. Our co-host for this series, Dr. Mike Rucker, happens to be a VW bus aficionado. You can see pictures of his VW bus on Instagram @thewonderoffun. In this episode, Mike shares a fun anecdote about how he uses his VW bus to add a fun factor to an otherwise mundane activity. I then share my experience of learning to ballroom dance and how I went from terrified novice to performing live to audience of 300! We also discuss how we're pre-dispositioned to look for the bad and how to cultivate a healthy 'bias towards fun'. Plus these: What is FUN? PLAY and how to use the PLAY model for changing your entire approach to balancing life and work, fun and toil. Tips for incorporating 'jolts of joy' to experiences to boost energy and maximise fun's benefits. Ways to incorporate a “bias toward fun” into every aspect of life and some exercises to help you reconnect to wonder, delight and your natural playfulness. Join the discussion by sharing your thoughts via the Spotify Q&A feature! This week's point to ponder: Which of life's activities will you swap out for more fun? Resources mentioned in this episode: How to Thrive: Optimism and Creating Jolts of Joy The Rucker PLAY model Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic". One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Emotions, if we sit with them, help us start to understand their purpose. To be emotionally healthy, you should have a wide range of emotions. We can still invite joy and delight even in areas where the emotional state of happiness might not be appropriate." We're back for Season 12 and we're having fun! We're talking about the science of fun and how to make it work for you at home and at work. My co-host for this mini-series is Dr. Mike Rucker, author of The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. Mike is a behavioural scientist and a health technology entrepreneur. He is a charter member of the International Positive Psychology Association and a member of the American Psychological Association. You can get to know Mike in this short Q&A. As a scientist Mike made a commitment to implementing the science of happiness in his everyday life - until misfortune intervened and he found himself more miserable than ever. He was left with the burning question: 'If deliberately chasing happiness made me miserable, where do I turn?' His answer? To have fun. Mike says that, unlike happiness, fun isn't a subjective condition that might arise under the right circumstances. Having fun is something you can engage in almost anywhere, anytime. It's also enormously beneficial, physically and psychologically. In this episode, Mike and I explore: The 'happiness paradox'. What is it and how does it stop us from living our best life? And what should we seek instead of happiness for better wellbeing? How sitting with your thoughts can lead to better emotional health and reframe our understanding of happiness. How autonomy can help us reclaim the lost art of fun and wonder. The science of fun (yes, it's a science), its components (fascinating!) and how Mike's book came to be. You can now join the discussion! Share your thoughts via the Q&A feature on Spotify. This week's point to ponder: What ideas do you have for incorporating more fun and whimsy into your life? ***************************** Resources mentioned in this episode: Mike's book: The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life. A wandering mind is not a happy mind - Killingsworth & Gilbert ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic." One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? Email podcast@potential.com.au Want to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcast Check out our --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

The Potential Psychology Podcast is BACK! We've been off the air since January 2022 due to pandemic disruptions but the hiatus gave us an opportunity to rejig, reshape and reinvigorate the show and add some brand new features to the show. What's coming up? Well, we have 2 new co-hosted mini-series starting this month: Fun and Wellbeing with Dr. Mike Rucker Next week, we'll kick-off our brand new season with brand new mini series that's all about FUN. We'll talk about the science behind fun and share tips and strategies to boost wellbeing, enhance productivity, build connections, and make a difference. This mini-series is co-hosted with our guest expert, Dr. Mike Rucker, whose book, The Fun Habit: How the pursuit of joy and wonder can change your life, is set to be released in early 2023. The Future of Work with Dr. Joe Sweeney The second mini-series is all about 'Parenting, Education, and The Future of Work'. What will the future of work be like? How might learning change in the future? Will Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, robotics and automation make jobs disappear? We'll be answering your burning questions in this mini-series which I will be co-hosting with a dear friend of the show, Dr. Joe Sweeney (Joe was on episode 17 and 79). Joe has done a lot of research into the subject and his day job involves finding innovations in the workplace. You can help our ongoing research by sharing your two cents on what you think the future of work might be like, here. As for the exciting new features of the Potential Psychology Podcast: You now have the ability to make this a two-way conversation with the new direct chat feature via the Q&A feature on Spotify. If listen to the show on Spotify, look for the Q&A button on the episode page. PLUS bonus content will soon be available for our subscribers in the new VIP subscriber feature. This could include early releases, archived content, Q&A episodes, video podcasts. There are so many options so please, test out the Q&A function for this episode on Spotify or Anchor.fm and answer the first audience question: What special subscriber content would you like as a VIP member of the Potential Psychology Podcast? To sign up as a subscriber via Spotify or Anchor.fm, the link is https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/subscribe For more information on subscriber-only podcast episodes, visit https://blog.anchor.fm/paid-subscriptions#listeners ***************************** Ready for calm after the chaos? Join Ellen's new mini online program "Thriving Post Pandemic". One hour of video lessons with downloadable planner to help you shift from surviving to thriving. ***************************** If you liked this episode, please consider giving us a 5-star rating over at Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.au Check out our YouTube Channel here --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/potentialpsychology/message

"Hope is believing that the future will be better than what life is today and believing that we have the power to make that so."Who else needs to hear that right now?Want to know more? Well, hope is the hot topic for this episode of the Potential Psychology Podcast!We've reached the conclusion of this weekly series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. This series is all about exploring how to thrive and practicing the BEACON model; a model of thriving that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life. The 6 'beams' of the BEACON model are:BelongingEngagementAccountabilityCompassionOptimismNurtureEach one has a dedicated episode where we explore each of the beams and how they help us in our goal to thrive and flourish. Make sure you catch them all.In this episode, Marie and I recap of our quest of getting better sleep from the Nurture episode, we discuss our plans and what we're looking forward to in 2022, and we explore:What's next for the "How to Thrive" series (hint: there's a documentary)Hope - what does it mean and why is it absolutely essential for our mental wellbeing?Tips for mapping out a vision of our "best possible future self"How to set intentions and take steps to plan our thriving yearWhat's in store for 2022 (hint: e-learning and possibly an e-book)Your last 'How to Thrive' quest: Visualise your "best possible future self." If everything went as well as it possibly could, what would your life look like?What goals are you going to set to bring that vision to life?Consider the potential obstacles and plan around them.Check-in frequently to see how you're going.You can use the resources mentioned here and in our previous episodes to help you with this exercise.Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.Positive Psychology: The Scientific and Practical Explorations of Human Strengths by Charles Richard Snyder and Shane J. LopezSeligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychologyFacing Your Fears and Learning to Grow with Dr Patricia Zurita OnaDr. Peggy Kernhttp://potential.pro.viasurvey.org - VIA Strengths SurveyLittle Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Ellen's new online program for leaders grappling with hybrid teams in a post-COVID world is now open. Register here.Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

......................................................................................................................................................................................................................"A good night's sleep starts the moment we wake up."We're almost at the end of Season 11 with 2 more episodes left. Today, we're back with our second to the last episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. We're exploring the last beam of the BEACON model; a model of thriving that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life.In this episode, we talk about Nurture - the one and only beam of the BEACON model that is about our physical health and how it interplays with our mental health. Nurture focuses on four aspects: eating, moving, sleeping, and being mindful. All of which revolve around, energy.Marie and I talk about:Why maintaining energy is important in helping people thriveA handy acronym to help us remember how to keep our energy levels sustainedWhy do we need sleepHow important is sleep for productivity, performance, and mental healthHow sleep deprivation impacts cognitive abilities and emotional regulationWhat is sleep hygiene and why we need to think about itFactors that affect our sleep and some practical tips to improve our sleep qualityYour quest for the week: Nurture yourself by making improvements to your sleep quality. You can check out the cheat sheet to "Seven Steps to Splendid Sleep" in Marie's website or any of the resources listed above for tips on how to improve your sleep hygiene.Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams by Dr. Matthew WalkerFast Asleep by Dr Michael MosleyHeadspaceDon't Blame The Reptilian Brain with Dr. Sarah McKayIndulge Your Neurobiology TedTalk by Dr. Sarah McKaySleeping Well with Dr Kate SprecherThe National Sleep FoundationLittle Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Ellen's new online program for leaders grappling with hybrid teams in a post-COVID world is now open. Register here.Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

"When we feel a moment of hope, pride, love, serenity, gratitude, inspiration... we actually open up and quite literally. We broaden our peripheral vision and expand our brain."In the 6th episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive," co-hosts Marie and Ellen explore the fifth "beam" of the BEACON model: Optimism.To recap, the first four beams are: Belonging, Engagement, Accountability, and Compassion. They are discussed in detail in the past 4 episodes of season 11. In each episode, Marie and Ellen talk about the science behind each beam and key you in on how each of these can help you thrive as they share practical applications and real-life experiences.In this exquisitely optimistic episode, Ellen and Marie talk about:How emotions impact our brain and therefore our behaviourAre some people more wired towards optimism than others?How we can rewire our brains for a more positive dispositionHow our brain is hardwired to broaden, build, and perform better with positive emotionsThe neurological benefits of optimism and why is it important to notice the moments that give us a jolt of joyPractical tips to increase your positive vs negative emotions ratioYour quest for this week: Create a "joy jar" by putting in a list of things that can help uplift your mood. You can enlist the help of your family, friends, or co-workers in this quest. The more ideas there are, the more opportunities there are to experience and share positive moments.Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.Charles Richard Snyder's Hope TheoryDr. Barbara Fredrickson's Broaden-and-Build Theory of Positive EmotionsSeligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychologyJimmy Rees' Meanwhile in AustraliaLittle Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Ellen's new online program for leaders grappling with hybrid teams in a post-COVID world is now open. Register here.Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

"If only each of us realized the full extent to which all our problems, fears, and desires are shared by the rest of humanity, we'd all be so much more connected, self-forgiving, vulnerable, open, and free."In this, the 5th episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive" Marie and Ellen explore the fourth "beam" of the BEACON model: Compassion.It's relatively easy to feel compassion for others but practicing self-compassion is more challenging. Why, when we would give a friend facing struggle words of encouragement, do we beat ourselves up for not reaching expectations? And how is self compassion a super power? We discuss the answers and more in this episode.Listen in to hear Marie and I ask:What is compassion?How does it differ from kindness and empathy?Why is balance is important and how do we avoid 'empathy fatigue'?Why is it important to pay attention to our self-talk?What are the most common stumbling blocks on the road to self-compassion? And what are the tips for overcoming them?What are the three steps to self-compassion?Your quest for this week: Recall a time when you're were not proud of the way you showed up. How did you take the more self-compassionate route? Did you follow the three steps to self-compassion? (notice the moment, know that we are perfectly imperfect, and bring the intent to soothe ourselves rather than beat ourselves up) Tell us about it, we'd love to hear from you!Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.The Compassionate Mind (Compassion Focused Therapy) by Paul GilbertAwakening Compassion at Work: The Quiet Power That Elevates People and Organizations by Monica C. Worline and Jane E. DuttonThe How of Happiness: A New Approach to Getting the Life You Want by Sonja LyubomirskyKristin Neff's The three elements of self-compassionDeveloping the Indomitable Gift of Compassion with Dr. Stan SteindlThe Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanLittle Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Ellen's new online program for leaders grappling with hybrid teams in a post-COVID world is now open. Register here.Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

"Thriving is not a spectator sport. You can't sit back and watch it happen."This is the 4th episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. This series is all about exploring how to thrive and practicing the BEACON model; a model that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life.In this week's episode we explore the third "beam" of the BEACON model: Accountability.This might seem an unusual element of thriving but there is no thriving without doing - and sometimes we need to hold ourselves accountable to get the doing, done.Listen in as Marie and Ellen discuss:What accountability means when it comes to thriving and why it's importantReal life, practical examples of where people struggle with accountability (because it's something we all struggle with from time to time)How our personal beliefs impact our goals and motivation.How to find your "why" to build motivation.Tips and techniques for holding yourself accountable to your action steps for thriving.Your quest for this week: Get curious and challenge yourself to try a new activity for a week that you know will help you to thrive - even if it's difficult to get started. You might like to reflect on the activities we've spoken about already in this series - connecting with others, discovering or using your strengths to find 'flow' - or maybe it's an activity you've not tried before or you want to re-integrate into your life. Ellen and Marie discussed yoga and meditation as activities they'd like to get back into. Walking, social activities or new hobbies are also great ideas.Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.Seligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychologyCharles Duhigg's The Power of HabitBJ Fogg's Tiny HabitsLittle Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Ellen's new online program for leaders grappling with hybrid teams in a post-COVID world is now open. Register here.Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

"Flow requires us to use our strengths. Sadly many of us don't really know what those are. One of the first things that you must do is to identify these strengths. What are those things that your brain is wired to do, those things that you love doing?"This is the 3rd episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. This series is all about exploring how to thrive and practicing the BEACON model; a model that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life.Today, we recap what we learned about Belonging and talk about how we did on our weekly quest. We then explore the second "beam" of the BEACON model: Engagement.We discuss:Deep focus or "flow" and how it improves our quality of life, satisfaction and happinessDoes personality affect how easy it is to get into a state of flowHow can we craft our lives in order to get into a "flow" more oftenUnderstanding your profile of individual strengths and how to use that to increase engagementYour quest for this week: Go with the way you're wired and spend more time doing the things you're good at. What activities get you into a state of flow and how do they make you feel? Share your experience with us. We'd love to hear from you. If you need a little help finding your strengths, take the VIA strengths survey.Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.http://potential.pro.viasurvey.org - VIA Strengths SurveyHow to Support Your Employees (and Yourself) While Working From Home? - Little Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Starting Soon. Don't miss out!Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

We're back with another episode of our new weekly podcast series "How To Thrive", a collaboration with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod. This series is all about exploring how to thrive and practicing the BEACON model; a model of thriving that Marie has developed to guide us through the simple steps to thriving and flourishing in life.In this episode, we talk about the first "beam" of the BEACON model: Belonging. We ask:What do we mean by belonging?How important is having close connections to others to our wellbeing?What is a Thrive Tribe and how do we cultivate and sustain one?Who gets to be in our "thrive tribe?"What's a micro-moment of connection? And how does it help us to build relationships?Your quest for this week: Find opportunities to create micro-moments of connection and tell us about them!Resources mentioned in this episode:Marie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.Positivity resonance - Watch this video from Dr. Barbara Fredrickson about Positivity Resonance and Positive ConnectionRobert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness TED TalkSeligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychologyQuiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan CainThis 75-Year Harvard Study Found the 1 Secret to Leading a Fulfilling LifeHow to Support Your Employees (and Yourself) While Working From Home? - Little Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Starting Soon. Don't miss out!Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

We're shaking things up a bit in season 11 of the show with a new format. I am co-hosting this series with positive psychology coach Marie McLeod - our wonderful guest from our "How To Thrive" episode in season 10.In this podcast series, Marie and I go deep into the practice of positive psychology and wellbeing science, sharing how we live what we teach in our work and in our lives. We dive into what it means to thrive and dissect a beam of the BEACON model, Marie's evidence-based model of thriving, in each episode. We even have do-at-home exercises for you to complete along with us. That means YOU get to participate in this fabulous collaboration too.In this episode, you will learn:What the BEACON Model is and how it helps you to thriveWhat each beam of BEACON stands forWhat we mean by well-being literacyThe history and origin of the positive psychologyAbout finding emotional equilibriumWhy is it important to look for the things that go well in life.Today's quest: What went well for you? How to focus on what's strong rather than what's wrong and rewire your brain for positivity.Resources mentioned in this episode:The Delightful app that Marie and I are usingMarie's website - needtoseesomeone.com and resources here.Positivity resonance - Watch this video from Dr Barbara Fredrickson about Positivity Resonance and Positive ConnectionRobert Waldinger: What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness TED TalkSeligman's PERMA+ Model - a foundational model in positive psychologyHow to Support Your Employees (and Yourself) While Working From Home? - Little Lessons for Leaders Masterclass: Creating Hard Stops on Meeting Creep and Zoom Gloom. Starting Soon. Don't miss out!Feedback? We want to hear from you. Email podcast@potential.com.auWant to hear more? It's all at potential.com.au/podcastCheck out our Potential Psychology YouTube Channel here

"Go and see a psychologist because you want to be premium" - Dr Jo MitchellIn our world the number 100 is of great significance. 100 is the basis of percentages, 100° Celsius is the boiling point of pure water at sea level, currencies use 100 subunits to make 1 unit, and a score of 100 in school is the perfect score!Today we're excited to celebrate our 100th episode with a very special guest. We return to our roots by welcoming our first ever guest Dr. Jo Mitchell back to the show. Jo is the Director & Co-Founder of The Mind Room in Melbourne. She is a clinical and coaching psychologist who works with professionals and performers in sport, small business and creative industries. She is passionate about building lives with meaning. She and her team at The Mind Room believe that "if people know more about how their minds work, they suffer less and live more meaningful, connected and satisfying lives". As Jo and I discuss in this conversation, that's a philosophy that we share and one that made Jo the perfect person with whom to celebrate 100 episodes; where we've come from, where we've been and where we are going.In this episode, Jo and I talk about:The changes, growth, and new contributions of the Positive Psychology and Wellbeing Science communityHow The Mind Room came to be and what drives itWhy shared spaces and collaboration are important not only for clients but for psychologists as wellThe role of community in happiness and wellbeingHow we can smash the stigma around mental illness by doing things differentlyWhat the wellbeing landscape looks like under lockdownThe future of Wellbeing Science and practice and those who are taking the field into the future.Thank you so much for sharing 100 episodes of the Potential Psychology Podcast with us. This conversation is a celebration of who we are and why we do what we do; to help us all to fulfill our potential. Listen in and please let me know what you think - and stay tuned for news about what's next for the Potential Psychology Podcast.Onwards and upwards,Ellen.Where can you find Jo:https://twitter.com/themindroomhttps://facebook.com/TheMindRoomhttps://instagram.com/themindroomResources mentioned in this episode:The Indigo ProjectProject Thrive

"The key thing is to know if it's in your 'zone of genius' or if you could actually hand that down to someone who can do it 10x faster. Let go of the need for control."In this wonderful discussion my guest and I are talking work and business but not in terms of targets, revenue and turnover. We're talking about being human at work and the critical role that values, connection and heart play in getting things done and feeling good about what we do.My guest is Kristy Smith, the energetic and inspiring Founder, Director & Driver of Virtual Elves, an outsourcing and business support team that serves small to medium sized businesses - including Potential Psychology - to do really fulfil their potential. As Kristy says, 'You have to let go to grow' - a philosophy that has helped me greatly here at PP.In this episode, we talk about:The long and fascinating history of Virtual Elves and how Kristy was working with a work-from-home team well before the pandemicWhat is a Virtual Assistant, who needs one and how do they help small businesses to grow and small business owners to stay sane?Learning to let go and delegate in order to be more productive. An important life lesson.How Kristy got into the business of helping people and providing virtual support to othersBuilding trust and camaraderie within a virtual communityUncovering your "zone of genius" and how that works across cultures and organisationsThe joys of working from home and understanding how disruption has lead to exciting breakthroughs in the way we workHow working with remote teams has brought people closer and kept businesses afloatWhere can you find Kristy:TwitterFacebookLinkedInResources discussed in this episode:VirtualElvesSelf CompassionTest Your Level of Self CompassionDr Kristin Neff on The Healing Power of Self Compassion - The Psychology Podcast

"At its core, this study emphasises that our bodies are important. Anything that gets you out of your head and creating an in-the-moment kind of awareness is a powerful and useful thing. Physical awareness is an extra option and options have value."Scientific research, especially in the psychological sciences, is rarely linear. There is no definitive answer and, as with most things, context is important. This is evident in the conversations that have sparked around 'Power Posing' or the idea that body positions can change the way you think and feel.My guest today's guest is Tom Loncar, executive coach, writer, researcher on leadership psychology and mindset and founder of “Grow Gravitas." In a recent article for the British Psychological Society Tom examined power posing's 10-year journey and the role that it has played in social science research. It's a great article about a fascinating topic - whether small postural adjustment make us feel more powerful when facing stressful situations. But while power posing is interesting in its own right, it has an even more fascinating back story that sees it embroiled in psychology's replication crisis'.Listen in to hear Tom and I geek out about:Power posing: What it is and why it took the world by storm.Why there is rarely a 'silver bullet' for behaviour change.How Tom got started in his in-depth research by diving down rabbit holes.A short but long history of embodiment or 'embodied cognition' and how our bodies influence our emotions.The role Power Posing played in behavioural science's 'replication crisis'.Where the dialogue is now for 'power posing' and where it might take us next.About our guest:In addition to his work as an executive coach and researcher, Tom is also a regular contributing writer on leadership for the Australian Financial Review and BOSS Magazine. His articles have covered a wide variety of topics examining leadership growth and the often unseen barriers that can get in the way of doing what matters.Where to find Tom:Twitter - https://twitter.com/TomLoncarLinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/tloncarResources mentioned in this episode:A Decade of ‘Power Posing': Where Do We Stand? by Tom LoncarDoes "Power Posing" really work? ABC Radio interview with Tom LoncarPresence: Bringing Your Boldest Self to Your Biggest Challenges by Amy CuddyTEDTalk: Your body language may shape who you are with Amy CuddySmiling does make you happier – under carefully controlled conditionsAssessing the Robustness of Power PosingSocial Sciences Replication ProjectWhen the Revolution Came for Amy Cuddy

"Thriving is not a spectator sport. Sometimes, showing up is enough but you have to hold yourself and other people in your space accountable for thriving. Find the balance between grit and grace. Know when you need to dig in deep or when you need to fall back with self compassion."In this episode of the Potential Psychology Podcast we're exploring the science of what is right about the human experience and how positive psychology can progress the conversation about mental ill-health in our community. My guest is Marie McLeod, Director of Thriveability and the guiding force behind the upcoming documentary, 'How To Thrive: practical guide to happiness.' in which she coaches 10 volunteers with mental health issues to help them learn ‘how to thrive.'In this episode, Marie and I discuss:How the documentary come about - the magic of synchronicity!Mechanisms and tools that help us get through difficulties.The BEACON model of wellbeing and how to use it.Self-compassion and finding the balance between 'grit and grace.'Exploring the capacity to thrive despite struggle - documentary participants' real life stories.Why Marie was inspired to use the documentary format and an exclusive peak behind the scenes of the "How To Thrive" project.You can watch the trailer to the magnificent documentary "How To Thrive" here.Where can you find Marie:FacebookInstagramLinkedInResources mentioned in this episode:Food Isn't Medicine by Dr Joshua WoolrichPast episodes discussing Acceptance - Dr. Laura Braid, Eric Winters, Dr Patricia Zurita-Ona, Dr Diana HillAbout How To ThriveHow to Thrive: a practical guide to happiness - TrailerWebsite (coming soon!)Subscribe to our newsletter YouTube channel

"When you step out of your comfort zone, there's going to be a whole slew of thoughts that show up. There are going to be uncomfortable emotions that show up. Acceptance is our capacity to really get curious, open and allow and be willing for that to happen without getting bogged down or entangled in it." - Dr Diana HillIn today's show we're getting curious about psychological flexibility - the skill of not getting sidetracked or bogged down when difficult thoughts, feelings and sensations arise.Being human is hard. We're often outside of our comfort zone, whether that's dealing with a tough situation at work or home, challenging yourself to try something new or just dealing with everyday busy and overwhelm. Today's guest, Dr Diana Hill, talks us through the skill of acceptance - getting curious about life outside our comfort zone as the path to living, working and feeling at our best.Join Diana and I as we explore:Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) and its benefits for work, performance, sports, parenting and flourishing as a humanPsychological flexibility - what it is and how it's like a Rubiks CubeThe skill of perspective-taking how we can use it to our advantage in the workplaceShifting your self-image to open yourself up to new capabilities and possibilitiesHow to get off the roundabout of uncomfortable feelingsA practical technique that can help us break down the stories we craft about ourselves that limit our psychological flexibility - Listen in as my psychological flexibility is tested!About our Guest:Dr. Diana Hill is a clinical psychologist, yoga teacher, podcaster, author and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practitioner. Diana helps her clients build a values-rich life and unpacks the science of ACT through the cutting-edge podcast "Psychologists Off the Clock" as well as through her online courses and retreats. She is the author of the book "ACT Daily Journal: Get Unstuck and Live Fully with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy."You can find Diana on:Website: https://drdianahill.comFacebook: @drdianahillInstagram: @drdianahillTwitter: @drdianahillResources:Here's where you can find Diana's blog, book, and the Act Daily Journal Promotional Toolkit

"Most humans have been training for anxiety their whole life. We live in a mostly anxious society where it's all about hustling, getting straight A's...it's just really stressful. So (our) brain is designed for an anxious life. If we give our brain the practice in relaxing every single day, it's gonna get better at it." - Erika FlintWhen we think of hypnosis we often imagine the magician with a swinging pocket watch. But hypnosis is more than a stage act. It's a genuine psychological therapy that helps us access deeper parts of our minds. Yet many of us still fear it. Today's guest is here to dispel common media misrepresentations and myths surrounding hypnosis.Erika Flint is a Board Certified Hypnotist and Accredited Certified Professional Hypnotherapy Instructor. Her lifelong goal is to help bring hypnosis into mainstream healing and thinking.In this episode, we talk about:What is Hypnosis and how does it workDispelling fears surrounding hypnosis with science based factsHow much is our behaviour driven by our subconsciousHow is hypnosis different from mindful meditationIs there such a thing as self-hypnosis?What is "hypnotic suggestion"?How can hypnosis help with stress management, goal attainment, high performance, and wellbeingHow long does it typically take to realise results from hypnotherapyAre there any risk associated with hypnosisWhere to start if you want to get hypnotherapyErika is also the author of the best-selling books "Reprogram Your Weight" and "Lighter", that combines leading edge hypnosis techniques with client success stories of weight loss.Where to find Erika:(socmed accts)Website - https://cascadehypnosiscenter.com/Books by Erika Flint:https://www.amazon.com/Erika-Flint/e/B01I2DB3OS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_shareResources mentioned in this podcast:https://podcastnotes.org/tim-ferris-show/brene-brown-tim-ferriss-self-acceptance-trauma/https://podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/taken-for-granted-bren%C3%A9-brown-on-what-vulnerability-isnt/

Today's podcast guest is the energetic Cassandra Dunn. Cass is a clinical & coaching psychologist and mindfulness meditation teacher. She is also a podcaster, author, online course creator, speaker and workshop facilitator. In this episode, Cass and I talk about the importance of job satisfaction for our happiness and how we can craft our work circumstances to increase our fulfilment without having to make a major career change.We also discuss:The origin story behind Cass's hugely successful podcast "Crappy to Happy"Real life tools and strategies that we can use to move from crappy to fundamentally happyWhat does living according to your values mean and how does that help us live more authentically and feel more fulfilled?How changing our perception of work or changing the scope of what we do can help us feel happier about our current jobHow to incorporate play and creative elements to invigorate your job and become more engaged in your workCass's book, Crappy to Happy: Love What You DoCass is the vibrant host of the Crappy to Happy podcast. It has consistently ranked in the Top 5 health and wellbeing podcasts on Apple Podcasts since it launched and has been downloaded MILLIONS of times! It's been featured in Apple Podcast’s Best of 2018 list, iTunes “Influencers” category in February 2019 and was iTunes Number 1 in the “Inspiring Women” category for International Women’s Day, March 2019. The show is available on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts.Cass has also authored the Crappy to Happy book trilogy. The books detail simple steps to live your best life, find meaning in your work, and build stronger relationships. She also offers online programs, retreats, and workshops for anyone who is ready to take action towards living their happiest and most meaningful life.Cass has very generously given all our Potential Psychology Podcast listeners 15% OFF on all of her books and online programs. To avail of this great deal, go to cassdunn.com, pick the books and programs you'd like to explore, and use the promo code POTENTIAL at checkout.Where to find Cass on Social Media:TwitterFacebookInstagramCass's books and programs:Crappy to Happy booksCass's online servicesAlso mentioned in this episode...Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine EvaristoEllen facilitating the Arts & Culture Ballarat 'Creative Block' panel. It all went well!

Do you have conversations about sleep in your workplace? Do you know what shift work, working across time zones or catching up on work into the night can do to your safety, productivity and wellbeing? Ever wondered about the strategic use of caffeine and naps to mitigate the risks of interrupted sleep?Today's guest on the Potential Psychology Podcast is a researcher and the Co-Director of the Behaviour-Brain-Body Research Centre at the University of South Australia, Professor Siobhan Banks. We're talking about a topic that might interest you because, despite the fact that it has been a huge part of the universal human experience and is a favourite activity for many of us, sleep remains one of science's greatest mysteries. Siobhan will help explore and explain the mysteries of sleep and its significant role in health and wellbeing.In this episode, we discuss:Why sleep is important to our wellbeing and how we function.How much sleep do we really need and how do we know if we are indeed getting enough?What are the impacts of sleep deprivation and why is it dangerous?Sleep, wellbeing, and work performance.How to mitigate the risks of unavoidable sleep issues created by shift work.Caffeine, napping, and other strategies to manage the effects of shift work on sleep.Siobhan has done extensive research on the impact of inadequate sleep on cognitive performance and health. She has more than 100 published works on sleep and fatigue,Where can you find Siobhan:Resources mentioned in this episode:National Sleep FoundationPotential Psychology Podcast Episode 038: Sleeping Well with Dr Kate SprecherEllen Jackson on how mindset and personality impact your life admin: LifeAdmin LifeHacks PodcastPositive LeadershipPracticing Positive Leadership

We all struggle at times with our relationships, in parenting, at work. We all get sad, stressed and worried. We might feel lonely or isolated. We might feel fear, guilt or shame. These are all forms of suffering, much of which comes from rumination, self-criticism and the complex work of our minds. The good news is that we can alleviate much of this suffering by uncovering our Compassionate Self - the key to a healthier mental life.Today's guest is an expert in compassion, Clinical Psychologist, Adjunct Associate Professor, and Author of the insightful and beautifully written book: "The Gifts of Compassion: How to understand and overcome suffering", Dr Stan Steindl.In this episode, Stan gives us a starting point to understanding compassion and guides us through discovering our most compassionate selves.Join us today as we answer the following questions:What do we mean by compassion?What is the difference between empathy and sympathy as interpersonal skills?Why understanding suffering is the key to unlocking our most "compassionate selves"Identifying fears, blocks, and resistance to open yourself up to receiving self-care and self compassionHow self criticism disguises itself as self challenge with short term benefits but is actually counterproductiveWhat is shame and how is it relevant in self compassion?The difference between shame and guiltUsing imagery to learn about and develop your most compassionate selfWhere can you find Stan:https://psychologyconsultants.com.au/team/dr-stan-steindl/YouTube (Compassion in a T-Shirt)https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCujCvGkc_TFF7KmA0Sk4E7ASoundCloud (The Compassion Initiative with James Kirby)https://soundcloud.com/jamesn-kirby(please add links to Stan's social media, see guest tab)Dr. Stan Steindl's book:https://www.australianacademicpress.com.au/books/details/336/The_Gifts_of_Compassion_How_to_understand_and_overcome_sufferingOther resources mentioned in this episode:About Compassion Focused Therapy - https://positivepsychology.com/compassion-focused-therapy-training-exercises-worksheets/Link and abstract for the meta-analysis on the effectiveness of compassion-based interventionshttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005789417300667Link to my coaching services on the web site please :-)

Happy New Year, everyone! After a restful and well deserved break, we're back for Season 10 and we've got a very timely topic: training our body and brain to improve our wellbeing and perform at peak state. This episode is perfect for those who need a motivational nudge with their new year, 'new you' resolutions.My guest is the multi talented Andrew May. He is an author, entrepreneur, speaker, CEO and founder of StriveStronger.com, a boutique media and digital consultancy that delivers workplace wellbeing, coaching and leadership programs. Andrew's unique background in professional sport, academia, performance coaching and business positions him perfectly to discuss mind-body training for peak performance. In addition, Andrew's media experience, communication skills and experience as a coach allow him to cut through by asking simple, yet profound questions that inspire individuals, teams and organisations to reach their full potential.In this thought provoking episode, Andrew and I discuss:How the stories we tell ourselves limit our beliefs and our concept of successWhy having a B-side to our life and persona helps us with acceptanceWhy positive self talk is importantThe power of writing to get your thoughts in orderThe 6 key areas in your life that you need to optimise, from his brilliant book MatchFit, co-authored with Dr Tom Buckley.Andrew is author of the bestselling book Flip the Switch and the recently released MatchFit which has sold more than 75,000 copies. He has a regular segment on ABC News Breakfast and appears across multiple media platforms including TV, radio, printed publications and online. His popular Business Fit Podcast is designed to support small business owners manage their physical and psychological wellbeing.

Today's international episode is an extra special one and got me thinking "why haven't done this earlier?" It explores the dynamics of remote working teams and gives us a peek inside the inner workings of the Potential Psychology Team. My guests on the podcast are the people who make Potential Psychology possible: podcast producer, Jaie Obillo, podcast audio producer, Andy Maher, and online business manager Tamsin Parry.In this episode, we discuss:What has life been like Covid-style in each team member's part of the world?What have been their the challenges and upsides?What have they done to maintain self-care?A little Christmas wish for our audienceJaie is a freelance content writer, licensed teacher, and disaster response volunteer. Andy Maher is an audio producer and voice over artist with 25 years of experience in Australian media. Tamsin Parry supports entrepreneurs build healthy and profitable online businesses, through systems, automations and team management.Are You Ready to Fulfil Your Potential?Download your FREE copy of ‘Creating Thriving, Motivated Teams: A How To Guide’ by entering your details belowIf you like this podcast, please give us a rating at https://reviewthispodcast.com/Potential. We appreciate your support.

Our guest today is self leadership coach, speaker and author Eric Winters. His book, "Swipe Right on Your Best Self: Simple steps to a bolder life with fewer regrets", is an uplifting and informative guide that describes simple strategies backed by science to meet challenges more effectively, in our professional and personal lives.In this episode, we delve into:What is Self Leadership?Applying Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) in your personal and professional lifePracticing courage and developing the capacity to take actionWorking through and working around self limiting mindsets and expectations3 human predicaments that cause most people to live smaller, timid livesRecognising alternative effective motivating strategiesSteps to help you prepare for meeting challenges more effectivelyEric is English by birth and now based in Sydney. He has lived and worked in Scotland, Germany, the Middle East and Australia. He is a leadership development specialist, performance coach and speaker with particular expertise in developing resilience, courage and well-being for greater professional success. His work is grounded in over 20 years of international corporate experience, 2 masters degrees in human behaviour change, and over 12 years experience in helping leaders and their teams become more proactive, courageous and collaborative.He's also a great conversationalist who peppers this discussion with humour, insight and positivity. Listen in!If you like this podcast, please give us a rating at https://reviewthispodcast.com/Potential. We appreciate your support.

Do you move your body to improve your mind?We are all aware the mind and body connection and how one affects the other, but this connection goes well beyond common cliché. Movement actually affords us a host of physical and neurological benefits that can help us make better decisions, keep physically fit and stay psychologically sound.Today's special guest on the podcast is neuroscientist, neurologist, and esteemed author, Dr. Scott Grafton. He joins us from sunny California.In this insightful episode, Scott and I explore:What is Physical Intelligence?Why the mind and body connection is not merely a metaphorThe wonders of the human body and how wonderfully designed we areHow our brain benefits from movementCool stuff about advancements in the engineering fields with regard to movementThe concept of 'optic flow' and the profound difference between physical engagement in complex environments versus exerciseThe importance of body identityThe impact of fatigue and perseverance on mood and choice.Scott is a distinguished professor at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is director of UC Santa Barbara’s Brain Imaging Center. He uses his personal experience, camping and hiking around California’s High Sierra region to write the highly illuminating book, "Physical Intelligence: The Science Of Thinking Without Thinking."If you enjoyed and learned something from this episode of the Potential Psychology Podcast, please give us a rating and leave a review at https://reviewthispodcast.com/Potential. We appreciate your support!

What are your beliefs about anger?Is it a 'negative' emotion? The cause of distrust and destruction? Does it equate in your mind to aggression? Indignation? Rage?Can anger be helpful? Does it fuel action? Motivate? Even inspire?Our guest today, Dr. Steven Laurent is an expert on anger and the co-author of ‘The Anger Fallacy: Uncovering the Irrationality of the Angry Mindset.’ He argues that there is always an alternative to anger. That's not just touchy-feely psychologist-speak either. He contends that anger doesn't make sense strategically. No matter your goal or the relationship context, it turns out that getting angry does you in the eye. There are wiser ways, he says, of making your point.In this intriguing episode, Steven and I discuss:Why anger is the most commonly experienced negative emotionThe paradox of anger or why people actually like holding on to angerAnger fallacies, beliefs and misconceptionsHow people find themselves in a rage spiral and how to get out of itMore progressive and useful approaches to resolving conflictWhat is "shoulding"The empathy factor in angerSteven completed a PhD in Psychology at Sydney University, and Masters in Clinical Psychology at the University of New South Wales. He writes Psychology Today’s anger blog, entitled Chill Pill and operates a generalist psychology practice in Sydney. He's currently working on a new book about love and relationships.

Today, speaker, media personality, and Australian-based neuroscientist Dr. Sarah McKay, returns to our podcast to talk about our emotions, our brain, some misconceptions about reptiles and why we're not beholden to emotional and behavioural triggers.In this information packed episode, we get our geek on about:What we're getting wrong if we talk about 'lizard brains' and emotional triggersWhy getting the scientific fundamentals right is vital when talking about our brain and behaviourAn alternative to fear, fight and flight and how the words we use shape our physiological responses and emotional experienceCurrent theories of constructed emotion and how our feelings might be an emergent property of the meaning we make from the world around usTaking control through choice and mindsetScience education and watching the scientific method unfold during a pandemicSarah is an Oxford University-educated neuroscientist, presenter of ABC Catalyst, director of The Neuroscience Academy, and author of The Women's Brain Book. The neuroscience of health, hormones and happiness.

My guest today is a licensed clinical psychologist from sunny California. Dr Patricia Zurita Ona, fondly known as Dr. Z, is talking to us about overcoming the challenges of fear-based responses, an experience she knows well. Growing up in Bolivia in the midst of a dictatorship, she understood at a early age what it meant to be shaped by fear. This lead to her passionately pursuing her practice, helping others to overcome anxiety and trauma.In our conversation, Dr Z and I explore the questions:What are fear-based reactions, and how do they shape us?Why do we get stuck and find it hard to change our safety seeking patterns?What is perfectionist behaviour and how we can use it in a more functional, helpful, and workable way?How we can learn to be more flexible, mindful and adaptive?Dr Patricia Zurita Ona gives us a few tips and tools to reshape our fear based thinking and make incremental but important improvements to achieve personal growth.Tune in to learn how to face your fears, get unstuck and fulfill your potential.

After taking a long-ish hiatus from the Potential Psychology Podcast to focus on introspection, self-care, and exploring available opportunities in the midst of a pandemic, I am back with inspiring guests and engaging episodes for you.But first, let's get up to speed with what's happening on PPHQ:What happened on Potential Psychology since our last episode (if you missed it, catch it here: Finding Antifragility in a World of Failure with Dr Paige Williams) went on air.Exploring deeper community involvement and taking on an exciting new role.Growth opportunities within the PP Team and fruitful partnerships.And more importantly, The Self Care Club - what is it and why you should be in it.Also, please keep an eye out on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn for our "Lockdown Life" tips - a tips series on living in the 'new normal', with thought provoking notes on topics such as ambiguous loss, surge capacity and adjusting to a ‘new normal’.