All In The Mind

Why do people lie? Why do relationships fall apart? Can trauma change your brain?

Every week on All in the Mind, award-winning journalist Sana Qadar explores the psychology behind the biggest questions in our lives — how we think, feel and behave.

Featuring leading experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross, you’ll hear personal stories and practical insights that will leave you thinking long after the podcast ends.

Whether it’s debunking pop psychology trends or translating the latest neuroscience research, more than 100,000 listeners join Sana each month to learn the best strategies for surviving life with your mental health intact.

All in the Mind is created for ABC’s Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and was awarded Best Health and Wellness podcast at the 2026 Australian Audio Awards

Latest Episodes:

Gender euphoria and an untold story of joy Jun 02, 2024

Show notes

Trans non-binary performer Dax has spent most of her life not loving who she sees in the mirror. That is, until earlier this year.

A few months ago, Dax finally experienced a particular kind of joy — gender euphoria. And it's transformed the way she sees herself.

So what is gender euphoria? Why is it so powerful for trans and non-binary people? And why are researchers keen to flip the script and talk about trans joy?

If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Taking back control of your time.

Inside a female sociopath's mind: "I'm capable of almost anything" May 26, 2024

Show notes

Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype.

From a violent kid, to now a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'.

Plus, there's been some controversy and questions about the veracity of her PhD - so, we fact checked it.

Need something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.

Guest:Patric Gagne, Author, Sociopath: A Memoir.

Credits:

Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Ann-Marie de Bettencor

No control, no agency. The housing crisis is warping people's view of the future May 19, 2024

Show notes

Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair.

Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us.

If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Is life coaching legit?

Searching for awe, when you've never felt it May 12, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever experienced the feeling of awe?

Maybe it was sparked by an awesome view, a moving artwork or witnessing the birth of a child.

Today we follow one person's attempt at finding awe when she's never felt it before.

What does awe do to us? What benefits can it offer?

If you'd like to listen to more of All in the Mind, check out our episode Does guilt have a silver lining?

How to help a conspiracy theorist: an ex believer and an expert weigh in May 05, 2024

Show notes

So you've got a loved one who's fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole. Are they destined to stay there forever?

Today, we hear from a former conspiracy theorist and a social psychologist on what fuels these beliefs, how likely people are to change their minds, and what you can (and can't) do to help.

Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, The Certainty Myth.

Stigma, shame and schizophrenia Apr 28, 2024

Show notes

Over the last couple of weeks, schizophrenia has been appearing in headlines across the country as details of the Bondi Junction attack unfold.

Coverage of mental health conditions, especially one as complex as schizophrenia, can be shrouded in stigma.

So today, we revisit our conversation with journalist Elfy Scott, sharing the one thing her family never spoke about - her mother's schizophrenia.

This episode was first broadcast in April 2023.

If you're looking for what to listen to next, check out our episode ADHD, TikTok, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria — meet Matilda's brain

"Scarier than killer robots": why your mind isn't ready for AI Apr 21, 2024

Show notes

The AI revolution is coming. Your mind isn't ready for it.

Cognitive Neuroscientist Joel Pearson walks us through the many ways artificial intelligence is messing — and will mess — with our psychology.

From falling in love with AI to unforgettable deep fakes, we dive into an uncertain future and what you can do to prepare for it.

If you'd like to hear more from Joel, he featured on our episode about intuition called When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it.

And if you want to hear more about artificial intelligence, check out the latest season of Science Friction, Hello AI Overlords.

Being a human lab rat for 30 years: what happens next Apr 14, 2024

Show notes

Researchers knew Susannah better than her own parents.

They may have even known her better than herself.

Today, how spending thirty years in a psychological study warped journalist Susannah Breslin's life.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to check out another, take a listen to Trauma, OCD and a PhD.

The unspoken rules that govern our behaviour Apr 07, 2024

Show notes

Whether it's shaking hands or which side of the road to drive on, social norms dominate the way we behave.

But when norms change suddenly, you get chaos.

Just ask Sweden.

If you'd like to hear more from today's expert, Matt featured in an episode in 2021 called Neuromarketing — how brands target your brain. Check it out!

Are animals conscious? Mar 31, 2024

Show notes

Have you ever looked at your pet and thought, what is going on inside your brain?

Today, we're heading to the World Science Festival Brisbane for All in the Mind live to discuss animal consciousness.

If you enjoyed this episode and are keen to listen to another, check out How our brain chemicals drive our behaviour.

This episode was recorded live at the World Science Festival Brisbane.