Lynne Malcolm is used to being in the host's seat, but today, the tables are turned. She's back on All in the Mind to discuss her new book, appropriately titled All in the Mind. So what did she learn through 9 years of interviews? How did the show help her process her own mental health? Lynne reflects on her expansive career at the ABC and the personal connections she made along the way.

All In The Mind

What's been on Lynne Malcolm's mind (since leaving All in the Mind)

This episode was first broadcast in September 2021. Have you heard of ASMR? Whispery, clicky, crinkly videos are massive on YouTube - racking up millions of views. The idea is that these sounds elicit a certain tingly, calming sensation in some people. So what is ASMR and what does the science tell us about it? Is it real … or pseudoscience? And why do some people get the opposite reaction – irritation rather than these pleasant tingles?

Whispers, taps and tingles — what is ASMR?

This episode deals with descriptions of abuse. Please take care while listening. Michael Baldwin cycled through seven therapists over 22 years. No one could help him overcome the trauma of his childhood — until he tried EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing therapy). But why would eye movements help a person process their trauma? It sounds fantastical. Is it?

What's the deal with EMDR?

It's human nature to form groups — families, friends, online communities. We love to be surrounded by people similar to us. But that can also make us discriminatory and defensive. And social media makes that instinct worse. In this episode, we look at how our brains evolved to connect and divide, and what that means for the problems we face in our modern world.

The human drive to connect – and divide

A magical kingdom with ogres and fairies. A post-apocalyptic world ruled by machines. An underwater monster that resembles a dragon. These fictional worlds might only be described by words, but the images they create in our minds feel so real. Why are our brains so good at creating imaginary images? Producer Rose Kerr explores how an author's words translate into the mind's of readers.

Fantasy and make believe — how our brains interpret fiction

Journalist Elfy Scott grew up in a loving and tight knit family, but there was one topic they never spoke about, for a long time: her mother's schizophrenia. Now, Elfy is sharing her family's story, and interrogating why stigma so often silences conversations about complex mental health disorders.

The one thing we've never spoken about

This episode was first broadcast in June 2021.  Have you ever tried a self-help book? Did it… well, help? On All in the Mind this week, why self-help sometimes falls short ... and the problem with pop psychology more generally.

Does self-help ... help? The problem with pop psychology

A lot of us would like to think we could spot a scam a mile away. Spelling errors, suspicious email addresses and requests for money… all tip offs that something isn't right. But none of us are immune to scammers' psychological tricks – not even psychologists. In this episode, forensic neuropsychologist Dr Stacey Wood reveals the tricks and techniques scammers use, and what makes us most vulnerable to their tactics.

Scam psychology – how scammers get in our heads (and wallets)

Do you wake up each morning refreshed and well slept? Or are you the kind of person who tosses and turns for ages before falling asleep, ruminating on all of your missteps and stresses from the day? If you chose option two, this episode is for you. We get advice on making nighttime more restful — beyond the standard 'don't look at your phone before bed.' (Though that's important too).

The battle for better sleep

Doing something that goes against your beliefs feels pretty bad, right? But what if those beliefs are stopping you from doing something good for you? Producer Rose Kerr investigates the role cognitive dissonance plays in our lives: how it can lead to some creative mental gymnastics, and when it can be harnessed for good.

Cognitive dissonance and mental gymnastics

ARIA-nominated musician Parvyn knows what it's like to lose touch with reality. Delusions, mania, psychosis — she's experienced it all, often while on tour. Despite processing these experiences on her debut solo album 'Sa', she's never spoken publicly about her mental health — until now.

A musician processes her bipolar diagnosis

This episode was first broadcast in February 2022.  Most of us have an inner voice – it reminds you to pick up milk on your way home, helps problem solve, or rehearse what you’re going to say. But there are times that helpful voice veers into harmful chatter.

Controlling the chatter in your head

As a teen, Hunter Johnson wanted to be the best at sport, the best at getting girls, and the best at getting attention. But one moment would change everything for him — forcing him to rethink his ideas about masculinity. Now, he's paying it forward. Last week, we explored why toxic masculinity is tricky to talk about. Today, we hear from someone having that conversation daily — shifting the focus from toxic behaviours and beliefs … to emotional intelligence.

Teen boys, modern masculinity and The Man Cave

Do you get defensive when you hear the term toxic masculinity? You wouldn't be the only one, if so. In this episode, we follow one dad's attempts to understand where internet algorithms are sending his son… and ask, how do we deal with toxic masculinity, when the very term has become contested?

Why talking about toxic masculinity is getting trickier

From phantom limbs to Alice in Wonderland syndrome — why does the brain sometimes mess up its awareness and understanding of the body it belongs to? Neuroscientist and author of Body Am I, Moheb Costandi explains.

Your body, your brain, your self

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

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All In The Mind

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