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THRIVING MINDS PODCAST — Arts
THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

Do you want to learn how to build resilience, boost your cognitive performance, and achieve mental agility? Then it’s time to discover the exciting world of brain health and fitness with Thriving Minds. Hosted by renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Thriving Minds is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest advances in brain science education.

With decades of experience studying addiction, stress, and mental health, Professor Bartlett is a true expert in her field. And she’s on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental and physical well-being. So what makes Thriving Minds so unique?

It’s not just about theory – it’s about practical tips and simple tools that you can use to improve your brain health and fitness right now. From understanding how stress wires the brain, the power of cold exposure, nutrition and exercise and connection.

Thriving Minds is also a deep dive into cutting-edge brain science and digital technology. From neuroplasticity to brain imaging, Professor Bartlett and her team are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. They’re exploring the latest research and innovations and sharing their insights with listeners around the world.And the best part?

Let’s make brain health everyone’s business. They’re inspiring people to take action and create a culture of mental fitness, where people prioritise their brain health as much as their physical health.

Tune in to the podcast and discover the secrets of brain health and fitness. Whether you’re looking to boost your cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve your overall well-being, Selena and her team are here to help you thrive.

The opinions expressed in the podcast are Selena Bartlett’s personal opinion and her guests. They are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The opinions in the podcast do not reflect the opinion of Queensland University of Technology.

Copyright: © 2022 THRIVING MINDS

Latest Episodes:

Episode #193 Off limits, Body Safety Rules, Prevention Team, Feather Berkower, Parenting Safe Children Expert Mar 31, 2025

Show notes

‘Parents who are so worried about offending others by setting boundaries for their kids make it so easy for me to offend” : Relayed from repeat offender to Feather Berkower, expert in parenting safe children.

In an era where information is at our fingertips, one of the most critical skills for parents and educators in 2024 is empowering our children to navigate their world safely, especially when it comes to protecting them from sexual abuse. "Off Limits: A Parent’s Guide to Keeping Kids Safe from Sexual Abuse" is a groundbreaking resource that has become indispensable in achieving this goal.

Crafted by Feather Berkower, MSW, and Sandy K. Wurtele, Ph.D., two leading sexual assault prevention specialists, and featuring a foreword by Marilyn Van Derbur, former Miss America 1957, incest survivor, and motivational speaker, this book is a beacon of hope and empowerment. It equips us with the necessary tools and knowledge to act as the first line of defense in our children's safety.

"Off Limits" offers invaluable insights into:

Age-appropriate sexual development,
Body-safety rules,
Effective communication strategies for discussing body safety,
Screening questions for caregivers,
Handling disclosures of sexual assault.

Parents who have embraced these strategies share transformative stories of improved communication and safety within their families. This guide is more than a book; it's a movement towards empowering our children with the understanding of their rights, the ability to recognize their instincts, and the courage to advocate for their privacy and safety.

To further facilitate these crucial conversations, the Parenting Safe Children "Conversation-Starter Cards" are an innovative tool, making it easier to discuss body safety with all caregivers involved in your child's life.

As we navigate the complexities of parenting and education in 2024, let's prioritize equipping our children with the skills to protect themselves. "Off Limits" and the accompanying conversation cards are essential tools in this mission, reminding us that prevention begins with education and that safeguarding our children is a collective effort.

👉 Check out the visuals for a sneak peek at the book and some of the powerful conversation cards!

Interested in making a difference in the lives of the children you care for? Click the link in bio to learn more about how you can integrate these critical resources into your family or classroom safety plan.

Together, we can ensure that all children are off-limits to sexual predators.

#ParentingSafeChildren #ChildSafety #OffLimits #PreventionIsPossible #EmpowermentThroughEducation #FamilySafety

https://parentingsafechildren.com/about/

Please join the #BEINGSEEN movement to safeguard children on-line.
Buy the book www.profselenabartlett.com and pass the word to as many parents as possible.
https://www.amazon.com/Being-Seen-Master-Parenting-Digital/dp/0999099736/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1PZH7KRLUDEPY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.CICkiFwRMe-5m1Zp0oWoR5Ln50Fl7i0ZQIgGDxKiUF8.pl_L_7uy2rp8KOfJpxEBEzvU5PfqTEQRg3O1zDe4Y_Y&dib_tag=se&keywords=being+seen+selena+bartlett&qid=1709953306&sprefix=being+seen%2Caps%2C321&sr=8-1

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #192. Free to Learn: How Embracing Play Makes Children Happier, Self-Reliant, and Lifelong Learners. Professor Peter Gray, Boston College Mar 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, we dive into the revolutionary ideas of developmental psychologist Peter Gray, author of Free to Learn: Why Unleashing the Instinct to Play Will Make Our Children Happier, More Self-Reliant, and Better Students for Life. Gray challenges conventional education by making a bold case for self-directed, play-based learning – or "unschooling" – as the best path to prepare kids for a rapidly changing world.

Drawing on insights from anthropology, psychology, and history, Gray argues that unstructured play is essential for developing problem-solving skills, emotional resilience, and social competence. We’ll explore how freeing children from rigid educational systems can unlock their potential, foster independence, and nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Join us as we question the traditional schooling model and discover why trusting children to take charge of their learning could be the key to their happiness and success.

Learn about Dr Peter Gray here

https://www.bc.edu/bc-web/schools/morrissey/departments/psychology-neuroscience/people/affiliated-and-emeritus/peter-gray.html

Learn about Sudbury Valley free to learn school here.

https://sudburyvalley.org/

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #191 Stop Stuffing the Duck, Unlocking Childhood, Why Educators Need Support, ACES too High and More, Mary Hewitt, CEO of Unlocking Childhood. Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Stop Stuffing the Duck with Mary Hewitt

In this insightful episode of Unlocking Childhood, Mary Hewitt unpacks the idea of "Stop Stuffing the Duck"—a powerful metaphor for how we often overload children with expectations, information, and stress. Mary explores how society's approach to childhood can inadvertently suffocate natural curiosity and resilience, rather than nurturing it.

Drawing on the groundbreaking ACEs Too High study, Mary highlights how Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) significantly impact long-term health and well-being. Conducted by Dr. Robert Anda, the CDC, and Kaiser Permanente, this study examined how traumatic events in childhood lead to serious health challenges in adulthood, such as heart disease, depression, addiction, and even autoimmune diseases like mastocytosis. Mary bravely shares her own story as a “textbook case” of the effects of trauma and how understanding her ACE score opened the door to personal healing.

Through her journey of self-discovery and transformation, Mary found hope in the science of neuroplasticity—the brain's ability to rewire itself and break the cycle of stress and trauma. She shares how practices like meditation, yoga, and the teachings of Byron Katie helped her overcome bulimia, anxiety, depression, and the debilitating symptoms of mastocytosis. This episode offers listeners practical strategies to move from survival mode to thriving, breaking free from the toxic stress response ingrained by childhood trauma.

Tune in to learn how we can stop overloading children and ourselves, and instead focus on building resilient, peaceful minds. Join Mary Hewitt as she inspires us to reimagine childhood and create nurturing environments that honor the uniqueness and natural growth of every child.

Listen now to discover how to let go of the pressure, embrace healing, and truly unlock childhood.

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #190 Wired for Good. The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection and Success. Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025 Mar 21, 2025

Show notes

“Wired for Good: The Intersection of Neuroscience, Connection, and Success”
🎙️ Live from the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025

This special International Women’s Day episode explores the fascinating intersection of neuroscience, connection, and success—how our brains are wired for good and what that means for leadership, resilience, and well-being.

Recorded live at the Shand Taylor Lawyers Ladies Function for IWD 2025, this episode unpacks the science of connection, the power of inter-brain synchrony, and how we can harness neuroplasticity to lead with clarity, courage, and compassion.

Professor Selena Bartlett shares cutting-edge insights into the field of neuroscience and the brain, how our emotions and interactions shape our neural networks, and practical strategies to rewire stress into strength.

Whether you're a leader, a professional, or simply passionate about thriving in the digital age, this episode will inspire you to leverage the brain’s untapped potential for personal and professional success.

🔹 How connection fuels resilience and leadership
🔹 The neuroscience behind influence and decision-making
🔹 Practical ways to rewire stress into strength

Thank you for the invitation at Shand Taylor Lawyers for bringing a fantastic group of powerful women together to celebrate them.

https://www.shandtaylor.com.au/

Listen now and get ready to transform the way you think, lead, and connect. #IWD2025 #ThrivingMinds #Neuroscience #WomenInLeadership

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #189. Celebrating Early Educators on IWD: Empower, Nurture, Flourish – ECLD Conference 2025 Hosted by Child Australia, Perth. Mar 09, 2025

Show notes

Empower, Nurture, Flourish – ECLD 2025 Keynote

Standing on the stage at Optus Stadium, in Perth looking out at 700 passionate educators, leaders, and changemakers, there was an undeniable energy in the room, with a shared commitment to shaping the minds and hearts of future generations. This was more than a conference; it was a movement.

Delivering the ECLD 2025 keynote was a privilege. The impact of early childhood educators cannot be overstated—every interaction, moment of care, and lesson taught ripples through time, shaping a child’s life trajectory.

My presentation focused on the neuroscience of being seen, learning, resilience, and emotional well-being, unpacking the latest research on how early experiences shape the developing brain. Beyond science, it was about the power of human connection, the inter-brain synchrony between educator and child, moments of kindness, curiosity, and joy, which build the foundation for thriving minds.

In that room were trailblazers who advocate for change, challenge outdated systems, and pour their heart and soul into giving every child the best start in life. Today was not just about sharing knowledge but igniting a shared mission.

We laughed, we reflected, and we explored what it truly means to empower, nurture, and flourish. The message was clear: when we prioritise connection, well-being, and brain health, we don’t just improve individual lives, we transform entire communities, we prevent mental illness.

This is also the driving force behind my book, Being Seen, and the SEEN documentary, which explore the science of how early experiences shape the brain, the impact of the digital age on childhood, and the role of connection in healing and growth. Our work together in education is central to ensuring every child feels seen, heard, and supported.

As I closed, I celebrated the 700 minds and hearts in that room, and their dedication to coming on a Saturday to connect, to learn and make the lives of others 1% better tomorrow. You inspired me and we are ready to take action. This is how real change happens.

Because when educators thrive, children thrive, and when children thrive, the future is limitless.

#ECLD2025 #EarlyChildhoodEducation #Neuroscience #BrainDevelopment #ThrivingMinds #EmpowerNurtureFlourish #BeingSeen #SEENdocumentary

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #188. The courage to be seen as your TRUE self. Welcome, Rudi Landman! Tech expert, fashion model, and life coach Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

In a world that often asks us to conform, it takes immense courage to show up as our true selves. Rudi Landmann embodies bravery, stepping forward with authenticity, heart, and a commitment to being seen.

As part of the 2025 Why People Are Good Inside movement, we welcome Rudi into our bubble of love and support—where kindness, understanding, and connection pave the way for real change.

Being truly seen isn’t just about visibility; it’s about knowing you are valued, safe, and celebrated for who you are. Rudi, your courage inspires us all, reminding us that when we show up as ourselves, we permit others to do the same.

Let’s lift each other, amplify the voices that need to be heard, and continue building a world where authenticity is embraced. 💛

#WhyPeopleAreGoodInside #Authenticity #CourageToBeSeen #Community #Support #Love #Thriving Minds podcast

Contact Rudi here on Linkedin
https://www.linkedin.com/in/rudi-landmann-6913698b/

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #187. Why are People Good Inside, A reflection for 2025. Feb 13, 2025

Show notes

Why Are People Good Inside? A Valentine’s Week Reflection

Have you ever sat back and wondered why everything functions despite the avalanche of news suggesting it is falling apart?

I’ve watched everyday people helping others—lifting grocery bags for a stranger, steadying an elderly person’s walker on a staircase, retrieving a lost toy that slipped from a parent's grasp. I've seen nurses and assistants speaking gently to a young man who suffered a stroke, crying in agony from his muscle loss. I’ve stood beside palliative care workers and pastors, their voices hushed and full of grace, comforting families over the beds of their dying loved ones.

And I’ve seen more.

The everyday people I meet are kind and generous. Yes, they may be fearful of a daunting future, but still, they show up. They are the volunteers sitting with dialysis patients, offering comfort in quiet moments. They are the students pushing forward in an increasingly performative society, balancing hope and exhaustion. They are the Uber drivers, the cyclists, the late-night workers. They are the musicians crafting songs that make you feel understood, the writers shaping words that help you heal, the chefs designing flavors that bring you home.

They are you.

And after all is said and done, the only thing that truly matters is love and connection. The rest? It’s fluff.

If you don’t have someone to love you, know this: love surrounds you. It is in every living species, in every act of kindness, in the unseen and the unnoticed.

During this week—especially this week—know that you are not alone.

I challenge you to see the good inside others and write down the large number of tiny acts of kindness that are the glue holding us together.

We are thinking of you. No matter your circumstance.

💛 Now let’s start shouting this from the rooftops. 💛

#KindnessMatters
#HumanityFirst
#CompassionInAction
#EverydayHeroes
#PeopleHelpingPeople

#ProtectOurChildren
#ChildSafety
#AdvocacyForChange
#JusticeForChildren

#CommunityMatters
#SupportingEachOther
#TogetherWeThrive
#HelpingHands

#DigitalWellbeing
#EducationMatters
#FutureOfEducation
#SafeOnlineSpaces

#LeadWithLove
#ChangeMakers
#InspiringAction
#CreatingImpact

#MentalHealthAwareness
#HealingTogether
#TraumaInformed

#InnovationForGood
#NeuroscienceMatters
#WomenInSTEM
#TechForGood

#ValentinesWeek
#LoveAndConnection
#LoveInAction

To suggest guests and bring love to the podcast visit

www.profselenabartlett.com

and

www.womenrise.com.au.

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #186 Sugar and Mental Health – Our Most Downloaded Episode Ever! with Guy MacGillivray Feb 09, 2025

Show notes

Guy MacGillivray on Sugar and Mental Health – Our Most Downloaded Episode Ever!

This episode is a game-changer! Our conversation with Guy MacGillivray has become the top episode of all time—and for good reason.

Guy is a psychologist and social worker in Port Lincoln, a devoted father of three, and a passionate advocate for people with disabilities. But his journey into understanding sugar and mental health started with a personal revelation: he was using sugar to medicate stress in his life.

Realising this, he made a change—cutting back on sugar, adjusting his morning routine, and practising gratitude for family, friends and meditative prayer. He quickly noticed the impact on not just his weight but his mental clarity and overall well-being.

Guy poses a powerful question:
"Are you a leaver or a finisher?"
Can you stop at one scoop of ice cream, or do you finish the whole tub?

For Guy, the only way forward was utterly removing sugar from his diet. And he believes you can do it, too.

Beyond his journey, Guy’s work is deeply impactful. He supports people with disabilities and their families to navigate housing, employment, and the NDIS system—helping them overcome barriers and live their best lives.

Thank you, Guy, for making a difference in Port Lincoln and beyond!

🎧 Tune in to hear his inspiring story.

💡 Support the show:
Subscribe & support: buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more: www.profselenabartlett.com

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #185 Women & Investing: Breaking the Stereotype and your Path to Financial Independence with David Hobart, Performance Coach for Founders and Fund Managers Jan 30, 2025

Show notes

Who shaped your understanding of financial independence? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments. When my sister and I were about 10 years old, my mum, June Hocart, often said, "My job is to make you financially independent." At the time, we didn’t fully grasp what she meant. But as we grew older, we saw how she lived those words—studying by torchlight under the sheets in her dormitory to become a nurse, later running a pharmacy with my father, and always making sure we understood the value of hard work, smart decisions, and standing on our own two feet.

Mum believed financial independence wasn’t just about money but about having freedom, security, and choices. It was about never feeling trapped in a situation because of financial constraints.
Despite the stereotype that women are less engaged in investing, research suggests they often outperform men. Why? Mindset.

Investing is as much about mindset as it is about numbers. Women tend to approach investing with patience, discipline, and risk-awareness—key traits of successful investors.

It's time to challenge outdated perceptions and empower more women to take control of their financial future.

In honour of her wisdom, this episode of Thriving Minds Podcast #185 is dedicated to helping people take control of their financial future. I sat down with David Hobart, a performance coach with decades of experience in investment management, to talk about how we can develop the mindset and strategies needed to make sound financial decisions in an uncertain world.

💡 What we covered:
🔹 How David’s career as a hedge fund manager shaped his approach to coaching
🔹 Why a culture of blame and denial holds people back from financial freedom
🔹 Tools to overcome performance anxiety and make confident financial decisions
🔹 The paradox of uncertainty—how embracing it can lead to better outcomes
🔹 Why women are underrepresented in investing and how to change the game

Mum’s words have stayed with me my entire life, and I hope this conversation helps others gain the confidence and knowledge to step into their financial independence.

🔗 Learn more about David: [https://davidhobart.com/]

. 💬⬇️ #ThrivingMinds #FinancialIndependence #RiskManagement #Investing #DavidHobart

💬 What’s been your experience with investing? Let’s discuss. ⬇️ #Investing #FinancialIndependence #WomenInFinance

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Episode #184. Parenting Neurodiverse and Twice-Exceptional Children Yush Sztalkoper Jan 16, 2025

Show notes

In this episode, Yush Sztalkoper shares her transformative journey as a parent raising neurodiverse and twice-exceptional children—kids who are both gifted and experience challenges such as ADHD or dysregulated behaviours.

By replacing screen time with enriching activities like reading, outdoor play, and family board games. Within two weeks, her children exhibited reduced impulsivity and became more autonomous, underscoring the power of reducing dopamine-seeking behaviours.

Diagnosed with ADHD herself, Yush reframed her understanding of behaviours as linked to brain function and dopamine regulation. This realization led her to leave her corporate career and dedicate herself to raising awareness about twice-exceptionality, fostering innovation and community in this often-isolated parenting journey.

Key Insights:

Screen Detox and Family Connection

Recognizing the impact of technology addiction, Yush implemented a strategic family-wide screen detox. Key steps included:

Educating her children about the harmful effects of screens on brain development.

Building buy-in by involving her kids in creating the plan.

Yush emphasized the need for parents to model the behaviours they want to see, create healthy boundaries, and prioritize quality connections. She highlighted how small, intentional steps—like spending time in nature and saying no to overcommitment—can significantly improve family dynamics.

Support for Neurodiverse Families

Yush founded a nonprofit to help parents navigate the challenges of raising neurodiverse children, offering authentic community connections and practical resources. She stressed the importance of in-person support groups to combat isolation and foster shared growth.

Building Resilience and Shifting Perspectives

Yush advocates for a strengths-based approach to parenting, where understanding a child’s unique brain and behavior replaces judgment with empathy. She encourages parents to focus on personal growth, recognizing how trauma and environment shape behaviors and brain development.

Breaking Generational Patterns

Inspired by research on epigenetics and early life experiences, Yush underscores the importance of love, connection, and healing in parenting. She shares personal insights about overcoming generational trauma and fostering a thriving environment for her children.

Final Message:

Yush calls on parents to step away from screens, create healthier boundaries, and connect deeply with their children. She reminds us that parenting neurodiverse children is challenging but immensely rewarding, requiring community, intentionality, and a willingness to grow alongside our kids.

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

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