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:

Not broken, just wired differently: ADHD in adulthood Jul 03, 2022

Show notes

Imagine getting a diagnosis in adulthood that suddenly made so much of your life make sense.

It explains why you’ve always had trouble being on time, starting things you don’t finish, avoiding difficult projects.

Producer Jennifer Leake explores the impact of an ADHD diagnosis in adulthood.

The secret life of secrets Jun 26, 2022

Show notes

Michael Slepian researches the psychology of secrets.

But what he didn't know — until about a decade ago — was that his family had a major secret they were keeping from him.

One they planned never to reveal. Until …

Does guilt have a silver lining? Jun 19, 2022

Show notes

Guilt and shame are often used interchangeably, but researchers in emotion and psychology say they are distinct – and often motivate people into very different paths of behaviour.

For the feeling of guilt, at least, that might even push you into making unexpected positive changes.

How we make up our minds: Sydney Writers' Festival Jun 12, 2022

Show notes

In the uncertain times we live in, how exactly are we meant to make up our minds?

How do we weigh up pros, cons and risk factors, and how do stress and fear bear on our capacity for critical thinking?

And how often are we even aware of the decisions we’re making?

On All in the Mind this week, a special panel discussion recorded at the Sydney Writers’ Festival.

You've got the music in you Jun 05, 2022

Show notes

Music is central to the human experience. We celebrate with it, commiserate through it - often some of our strongest memories are tied to it.

On All in the Mind this week, how music affects us from the womb through the rest of our lives - and what new research tells us about its measurable impact on our mental health.

Plus, the 'plink' test - how our musical memories can identify a track from just a sliver of song, and the power of music to shape our emotions.

'Refrigerator mothers' and the history of autism May 29, 2022

Show notes

On All in the Mind this week, the early history of autism.

With historian of science Professor Marga Vicedo we learn about the blame that was cast on mothers, the fight to get adequate help and support for families, and the movement that one mother, Clara Park, helped spark.

Can you change your personality? May 22, 2022

Show notes

Have you ever wanted to change your personality?

Many people do - studies find we're keen to become more extroverted, more agreeable and more conscientious.

But what does the evidence say about whether people do change? And can you tweak your personality deliberately?

Natural disasters: how floods and fires shape the psyche May 15, 2022

Show notes

Two disasters, two years apart - the ongoing mental health impact on survivors and what the research can tell us about the different ways people respond to these life-changing events.

The psychology of charitable giving May 08, 2022

Show notes

The quirks of psychology that influence when we give to charity … and when we don't.

'I'm going to cook my baby' May 01, 2022

Show notes

Dolls can tell us a lot about how kids see the world – especially when it comes to race.

One American researcher spent months watching pre-schoolers play with dolls and what she observed shocked her.

Plus, did you know the very first study of children and their thoughts about dolls actually changed the course of American history?

First broadcast 4 April 2021.

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