Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson
Dr. Amanda Ferguson
Join Dr. Amanda Ferguson, psychologist and published author as she discusses a range of topics including personal and work issues, relationships, professional and personal development, performance and more. Sharing her insights along side a variety of guests, the Pysch for Life podcast is your insight into mental health, psychology and life.
Racing the Sydney-Hobart - chosen + unchosen challenges in life, with sailor Dr. Emmanuella Noble
In my first new episode for 2025, I welcomed Dr Emmanuella Noble, a Clinical Psychologist and Sailor who recently completed the classic Sydney to Hobart oceanic yacht race. Emmanuella is deeply passionate about reducing the stigma of Mental Health in the community and she often talks about health and wellbeing issues. Listen in to our conversation on -- the realities of racing the Sydney to Hobart- the importance of facing challenges head on, despite difficulty or risk of failure- how to build r
Summer Series 4 - How our digital habits + behaviours impact our stress + relationships, with Dr Kristy Goodwin
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and relationships more than ever, so I chat with Dr Kristy Goodwin, about what we can do to tame them.Dr Kristy Goodwin studies what it takes to thrive in the digital world. Kristy is the author of Dear Digital,
Summer Series 3 - Co-dependence - why it makes us miserable and how to untangle it
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's one you should probably pay attention to. The cornerstone of Co-dependence is when we care too much what other people think about us. This keeps us limited, stuck and failing to grow and eventual
Summer Series 2 - Big Goals + the power of self-awareness with Craig Harper
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.In this episode, I chat with motivational speaker, author, researcher and podcaster, Craig Harper. We discuss audacious goals, self awareness, motivation and so much more.Listen in to hear -- What big hairy audacious goals (BHAG) are and why we might pursue them- Why we are our own biggest projects and the challenge is no
Summer Series 1 - Why switching off from work during breaks is critical
During Summer, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners haveSo many people struggle to switch off at all and find themselves spending breaks (even lunch breaks, let alone holidays) on devices, or madly trying to multi task lots of other seemingly must do items - which defeats the purpose of the break and then they wonder why they don't feel like they had a break at all. D
Social Anxiety + Obsessive Thinking - insights and tips
Social anxiety is a chronic mental health condition where everyday social interactions cause irrational worry and anxiety, fear, self consciousness and embarrassment. Debilitating and bad for confidence, particularly at social times of the year such as Christmas, end of year, birthdays and work celebrations.So listen in to this episode of Psych for Life to learn:- what is social anxiety, obsessive thinking and other related disorders- gain tips for dealing with these disorders- And hear about th
Protecting ourselves + our goals from uncertainty + stress with cognitive neuroscientist Dr. Sarah Tashjian
In this episode of Psych for Life I chat with cognitive neuroscientist, Dr. Sarah Tashjian. Sarah is a Lecturer within the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences with her research focusing on using brain imaging and computational techniques to understand how humans make optimal decisions. She has a particular interest in the way individuals perceive threat, safety, and reward, and how these processes contribute to risk for mental health problems during adolescence and early adulthood. Listen
Celebrating Christmas and other celebrations in a cost of living crisis
Most of us suffer cost of living crises personally in our lives, as do our nations and as does the world at times. It impacts how we celebrate special occasions. So with Christmas coming up and as the pressure to spend and socialise increases, this episode explores what you as an individual can do about this, plus tips and optimal strategic mindsets and practices you can use to help navigate these more difficult times. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself a
Declutter your home and free your mind, with Megan Golightly
In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting to Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organizing and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides, promoting the importance of mental health and positive change.Listen in to this episode to learn:- The impact of clutter on our mental wellbeing- The difference between clutter and hoarding as a mental health concern- Why you want
Evil is amongst us - dealing with narcissists, sociopaths and antisocial personalities in our work and personal lives
Evil is real and does live amongst us. But who teaches us how to deal with bullies, abuse, cruelty and even criminals in our personal and work life ?Unless you’ve suffered at the hands of this – it’s very hard to believe, understand and accept the extreme level of cruelty and abuse that antisocial people can and do dish out on anyone who gets in their way. For those of us who have been on the receiving end, when others close to us or in position of authority don't believe us and can’t help
Becoming a carer – a partner’s unwelcome news and unexpected gift, with author, Michelle Scheibner
I welcome back author, speaker and activator, Michelle Scheibner. With over 30 years experience in coaching, mentoring, advising individuals and groups. Her extensive training includes a post graduate Diploma in Career Development. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion opened the wounds of absent perspectives of herself. In 2022 Michelle became a published TEDx Speaker on the subject of identity. In 2024, she released her memoir HUSH: unravelling the unintended legacy
Self esteem and self-love - acceptance is everything
We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what really are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be a little lacking? Listen to this power ep as I discuss all things self esteem and self love. This episode includes:- understanding more about self esteem and self love- why is acceptance so important- you’ll learn a process of self acceptance that increases self esteem and you’ll gain another process that enhances self-loveLiked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life W
Modern addiction support for successful people, with psychologist Tara Hurster
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tara Hurster, Founder and CEO of The TARA Clinic – or Therapeutic Addiction Recovery Assistance – providing Modern Addiction Support For Successful People. She is a Psychologist & Speaker.Join us as we discuss:- how addiction doesn't discriminate- modern solutions to addiction- what are the Stages of Change- the impact of shame and guilt in addiction recovery- the importance of removing stigma and showing compassion You can contact Tara via
How trauma is passed down the generations, and how to heal yours, with author, Michelle Scheibner
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Michelle Scheibner an author, speaker and activator. In 2016 the passing of her former partner and constant companion opened the wounds of absent perspectives of herself. In 2022 Michelle became a published TEDx Speaker on the subject of identity and in 2024, she released her memoir HUSH: unravelling the unintended legacy of family secrets. Listen in for our inspiring conversation to learn:-what is intergenerational trauma and how science supports t
Being versus doing - what's the balance?
It's a never ending quest to work out how to find balance in our lives. One that most of us struggle with endlessly. I first discussed this in my book Life Works – because many of us identify with ourselves as humans doing early in our lives – until we might hit a wall… when suddenly this no longer works for us any moreSo in this episode, I dive into:· How to learn the right relationship between our being and doing selves· I discuss my dramatic journey in discovering balance betwee
The Parenthood, supporting the early years, with CEO Georgie Dent
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Georgie Dent, former lawyer and CEO of The Parenthood, a NFP advocacy organisation that represents over 80,000 parents, carers and allies around Australia. Georgie is a passionate and prominent advocate for children, parents, families and women. She is a regular media commentator and the author of Breaking Badly, her best-selling memoir recounting the nervous breakdown she suffered at age 25. She is also busy being a mother!Listen in to our chat on:
Chronic Lateness - how to correct it in yourself and others
Are you – or someone you know - constantly late ? Always arriving at work, meetings, family and social occasions late? Always rushing?Sick of feeling guilty and embarrassed for making people wait? Spending money unnecessarily, tired of feeling stressed out? Ashamed of frustrating people and being judged?If any of those feelings resonate with you, then this episode is for you. In this episode you'll learn:- why constant lateness occurs- the reasons it is important to correct being routinely
Relationship Attachment Styles and How to Heal Yours, with clinical psychotherapist, Jennifer Nurick
Like it or not, we all have attachment styles! You have probably even heard the term before - but what are they and why should you be familiar with yours? In this episode I welcome back Jennifer Nurick to dive deep into all things attachment and how it impacts our relationships.Jennifer Nurick (Jen) specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma. She is a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachm
Co-dependence – why it makes us miserable and how to untangle it
Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's one you should probably pay attention to.The cornerstone of Co-dependence is when we care too much what other people think about us. This keeps us limited, stuck and failing to grow and eventually impacts our relationships, keeping us stuck and miserable.Listen in to hear - - Why co-dependence is dysfunctional- How much is too much?- Ways to stop the cycle in yourself
Leadership: How congruence and alignment creates great leadership, with Organisational Development Consultant Ella Zhang
In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Ella Zhang on alignment and congruence in great leadership. Ella is a passionate, strategic change maker, Organisational Development Consultant and executive coach with decades of experience in Fortune100 companies and start-ups. Her expertise includes leadership development, cultural transformation and talent development and last year she published her first book, Upgrade: How to outperform your default self to gain your superpowers.Listen to hear
Dealing with difficult personalities in business + the workplace
We can all relate to working with someone who seems just that little bit more difficult to manage. One minute everything may feel fine and the next, we wonder what we did wrong or how we misinterpreted instructions. The feeling you have to walk on eggshells or maybe just find yourself wanting to limit contact with this manager, co-worker or business colleague. So if this sounds familiar and you're tired of feeling uncertain how best to navigate these personalities listen in to learn - - the
Helping children be who they want to be, with psychologist, Sabina Read
Now more than ever, supporting our youth to thrive is essential. So in the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with "human behaviour expert" , Sabina Read on how best to support this. Sabina is a psychologist, speaker, media commentator, and life sherpa who works to help people become the architects of their own growth and freedom so they can ultimately "human better." Sabina is the Resident Psychologist on Melbourne's top-rating Radio 3AW in the Afternoons, co-host
Loneliness + connection - why relating really matters
As explored in my previous episode on Loneliness and Solitude, loneliness is something we all experience at times in our lives. With our need to connect being innate, it's important to understand how connection impacts our wellbeing and happiness.So in this episode I discuss: what loneliness is, why connecting to the right people is critical and how to help yourself to connect when connecting feels difficult. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to dee
How our digital habits + behaviours are impacting our stress and relationships + what we can do to tame our tech habits, with Dr Kristy Goodwin
There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and relationships more than ever, so I chat with Dr Kristy Goodwin, about what we can do to tame them.Dr Kristy Goodwin studies what it takes to thrive in the digital world. Kristy is the author of Dear Digital, We need to talk where she decodes the neurobiology of peak-performance in a digital age. Described by her clients as a ‘pracademic’ Kristy translates cutting-edge research and s
Burnout, Overtime + Job Security - What's fair and How to Negotiate
Burnout and unpaid overtime are a common problem, often leading to unhealthy work relationships and unhappy working environments. Often though, it's a tricky path to navigate if we find ourselves experiencing this. Do we want to ruffle feathers? What impact will it have on our job security? What are the long term impacts? These delicate issues are ones we all need to be able to manage, not just tolerate. So in this episode you'll learn:- How to manage the problems of Burnout and overt
Family + general dispute resolution, finding strength + growth, with Rosemary Gattuso
In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I'm chatting with Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Counsellor, Rosemary Gattuso who specialises in trauma informed Family Dispute Resolution and Restorative Justice. Rosemary’s career began as a lawyer and then progressed away from the courts and towards mediation rooms. She became curious about how people manage personal crisis, adversity and self-reflection. After completing postgraduate studies in dispute resolution and then mediation at Harvar
Why switching off from work during breaks is critical
So many people struggle to switch off at all and find themselves spending breaks (even lunch breaks, let alone holidays) on devices or madly trying to multi task lots of other seemingly must do tasks - which defeats the purpose of the break and then they wonder why they don't feel like they had a break at all. Does this sound familiar? Do you struggle to REALLY switch off?In this episode you’ll learn why it is so important to fully switch off and you’ll gain tips on how to do this, as well
Boys + emotional intelligence – why soft skills predict success in adult life + work, with Daniel Principe, youth advocate + educator
In this episode, I welcome back Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives.Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents. Daniel partners with schools and communities, to encourage young people to aspire to healthy relationships bui
100th Ep - Dr. Amanda's top tips for surviving + thriving in our ever-changing world
It’s hard to believe this is my 100th Psych for Life podcast episode. I hope you’re enjoying listening to these eps as much as I am in making them! In honour of 100 eps, in this one I offer my top tips for thriving in our ever-changing world.These days – we are warned of more pandemics, economic and supply pressures and climate disasters. We live in what is known as VUCA times – volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous times.When I think about my top tips – I looked at my other eps for ideas
Reasons why your childhood patterns roll into business, with clinical psychotherapist, Jennifer Nurick
Have you ever wondered why a work colleague or boss has you feeling like you're dealing with a family member? It's not as crazy as it sounds. In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome Jennifer Nurick a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central and has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychoth
Get your dream job: Why career planning and development matters, with Gaj Ravichandra, peak performance coach & psychologist
In this episode, I welcome Gaj Ravichandra, a Peak Performance Coach, Registered Psychologist and the co-founder of Kompass Consultancy, a global Talent Management Consultancy that enables Performance Excellence. Gaj provides individual coaching on developing mental toughness, career pivots, finding purpose, opportunity and increasing mental resilience. Gaj helps people every day to map out their careers and take tangible steps to achieve their goals.Listen for our discussion on peak performance
Loneliness and solitude - A pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness
Loneliness....it is something we all can experience at various times in our lives. As humans our need to connect is innate, so when there is a gap between the connection desired and the actual lived experience, one can feel lonely.So in this episode I'll discuss all things loneliness, what it is, how it potentially impacts our health and wellbeing, and solutions for dealing with it when it's negatively impacting your life.Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin y
Summer Series 4: Reclaiming your sense of self after motherhood
Today I'm sharing the final episode in my 2024 Summer Series - some of my most popular Psych for Life episodes. I hope you enjoy it as much as my other listeners have.There is a lot of focus on the joy and gains of motherhood – however, with all the focus on what a woman gains when baby arrives, it’s easy to forget what they may lose – in particular the loss of a sense of self. The focus often stays on the baby rather than the woman and how to care for her after baby and her developmental i
Summer Series 3: Why staying physically connected is crucial to our happiness and survival as a species, with Professor Mark Williams
During January, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams to chat about his fascinating new book, The Connected Species - How the evolution of the human brain can save the world. This book is a compelling read, with wise and reassuring guidance and an essential guide for all of us in this tim
Summer Series 2: Is grey area drinking catching up with you? With coach, Sarah Rusbatch
During January, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.List
Summer Series 1: Our inner critic - keeping it in check
During January, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.You know that negative - often damning - voice inside your head? The one that says...you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve that, you’ll never get there! It's often referred to as our negative ego or inner critic. So where does it come from? What’s it all about? Is it ever a good thing? How do we know? What
The turn of the year – seize control of your life
As we quickly head towards the turn of the year, it is a natural time to take stock and reassess. Our unconscious mind naturally starts to do this most years, however, this year – more than many others - staying happy and empowered in these times of volatility and disruption – is a big challenge!. So in the last Psych for Life episode for 2023, we look at how to seize more control of our lives, simply by improving our physical and mental health, mindset, expanding our knowledge or belief systems
Teaching children about money, with financial therapist, Jane Monica Jones
In this episode, I welcome back Australia's leading FInancial and Trauma Informed Financial Wellbeing Specialist, Jane Monica Jones. She is the co-founder of the Financial Wellbeing Company and author of The Billionaire Buddha and the Money Mental Health Card series. Jane has a passion for this sometimes challenging subject and works compassionately with clients and employees of organisations to repair this - often problematic - relationship people have with money.Listen in to hear our disc
How to be guided by your intuition not fear
People often ask me - how can I know whether it is fear or my intuition talking to me? We would all like to be better equipped to tune into our intuition and let it drive our choices without being held back by fear.So tune in to this episode as I discuss all things intuition and fear.In this podcast you’ll learn: - What is fear and the difference between irrational and rational fear - How to know what intuition is and recognise it when it is activated- Strategies to weigh up fear and intuition a
Blokes Psychology - boys' and mens' mental health with psychologist, Carl Nelms
In this episode I welcome psychologist, Carl Nelms. Carl is the founder of Blokes Psychology and has a passion for assisting men to overcome the stigma of reaching out for support. His vision is that by creating a service targeted towards males, more men can improve their psychological health and well-being, stop suffering in silence, and receive the support they desperately need, so they and their families can start living a more fulfilling and meaningful life.Listen in to hear our discussion o
Glimmers - positive triggers to feeling peace and safety
In this time of increasing challenges and uncertainty, we are all needing to do more to look after our feelings, mental health and wellbeing. Self regulation – or self management - is a critical part of this. 'Glimmers' is a term coined by social worker Deb Dana, whose work centres around polyvagal theory – or how our daily feelings result from the state of our nervous system. This new concept helps us to regulate our minds and feelings, to feel calm, reassured and safe.So tune in this
Guiding boys in the culture of porn, and sexualisation of women and girls, with educator Daniel Principe
In this episode, I chat with Daniel Principe a youth advocate and educator with Collective Shout, a movement against the objectification of women and sexualisation of girls in the media, partnering with schools and communities to challenge the porn culture and the sexualisation of women and girls.Daniel has presented in hundreds of schools to students to assist parents and communities to raise healthy, resilient and empathetic young people. Listen in to hear our discussion on:- How to equip youn
How to date for a lasting relationship
We are all familiar with the many difficulties and disasters that can happen when dating...from picking the wrong type, rushing intimacy, feeling unlovable or wondering if Mr or Ms Right will ever appear. For many – it just happens – for others … they may need to make it happen So in this power ep of Psych for Life you’ll learn:- the timeless things about dating – that actually work - why separating sex from dating should be seriously considered- the approach that leads to finding a lasting
The Black Summer Fires – From the Inside, with farmer and author Janice Newnham
In this episode, I’m joined by Janice Newnham. Janice is a veterinarian by profession but a farmer, wife, and mother by passion. She and her husband, Robert, operate an Angus cattle farm in a picturesque valley in Walwa, in the Upper Murray of Victoria, Australia. The Newnhams are also communityadvocates and volunteers. The Australian 2019/20 Black Summer Fires devastated the Upper Murray and the Newnham property. The turmoil triggered Janice to commit to writing, as a form of therapy, and she h
Love Your Dragon – making fear work for you, with strategist Brad Axelrad
In this episode, I welcome strategist, Brad Axelrad. Brad’s been an event producer, consultant, strategist and podcast host, producing over 150 live events with top business leaders and best-selling authors. He supports coaches, entrepreneurs, and consultants, to create the business that sets them free to live a life of fulfillment and truth. On his Face Your Dragon Podcast Brad interviews celebrity thought leaders, icons – and musicians seen on Conan O’Brien and some who opened up for musicians
Reclaiming your sense of self after motherhood
There is a lot of focus on the joy and gains of motherhood – however, with all the focus on what a woman gains when baby arrives, it’s easy to forget what they may lose – in particular the loss of a sense of self. The focus often stays on the baby rather than the woman and how to care for her after baby and her developmental issues.So in this episode you'll learn about:· Matrescence - what it is and how this transition and journey impacts mothers · How women can lose their sense of self i
Compelling new advice on why staying physically connected is crucial to our happiness and survival as a species, with cognitive neuroscientist Professor Mark Williams
In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams to chat about his fascinating new book, The Connected Species - How the evolution of the human brain can save the world. This book is a compelling read, with wise and reassuring guidance and an essential guide for all of us in this time – showing how we evolved to our current position and how we can best navigate our way forward to empower and help both ourselves and the world.Professor Williams is an International
Micro Cheating...what is it and where to draw the line
People often ask me, if you’re in a serious relationship - what are the rules? What’s right and what’s wrong? What’s acceptable behaviour and what is not?Micro cheating can be considered the small harmless things people do that have the potential to cultivate emotional intimacy outside their relationship —without ever physically crossing a line.So in this episode I'll discuss all things micro-cheating and how it potentially impacts your relationship, offering the listener an opportunity to
Kintsugi Heroes – how our broken parts create our beauty, with Ian Westmoreland
In this episode, I welcome back Ian Westmoreland, founder of Mentoring Men, to talk about his new passion project, the podcast Kintsugi Heroes. This podcast aims to share how those major moments of challenge we face can change the course of our life, making it even more beautiful and fulfilling than ever before.Listen in to hear -- What is Kintsugi - Why the Kintsugi Heroes podcast is a passion project for Ian - The mission to uncover people's "hidden value"- How to find beauty in
Our inner critic - keeping it in check
You know that negative - often damning - voice inside your head? The one that says...you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve that, you’ll never get there! It's often referred to as our negative ego or inner critic. So where does it come from? What’s it all about? Is it ever a good thing? How do we know? What do we do if it’s clearly holding us back? In this power ep you’ll learn answers to these questions and tips for keeping your inner critic in check.If you enjoy listening to this podca
Retreats for building resilience in children, with Stuart Clark, educator + head of campus at Pymble Ladies’ College
In this episode, I chat with Stuart Clark, educator and head of campus (Vision Valley) at Pymble Ladies' College. Stuart has been involved in the education sector for more than 25 years. He’s worked in outdoor, classroom, and adult education, as well as in educational leadership. He holds numerous qualifications, including Master of Teaching and Master of Education degrees. The Residential Program at Vision Valley for Yr 9 students involves all elements of a holistic education including a b
Building confidence, the internal-external conundrum
Do you sometimes wish you were more confident? Is there an area of your life where you struggle? In this Psych for Life quick power hit ep, I discuss the internal-external conundrum of building confidence. So if you're keen to understand how confidence is built both internally and externally, and would like some tips to make it happen, pop this ep on now.If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now.Is there
Alcohol and sex life changes, with Sarah Rusbatch Grey Area Drinking Coach
In this episode, I welcome back Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.Listen in to hear -- Why alcohol and sex is a complex relationship- Does alcohol improve one's sex life- The science behind alcohol and libido- When alcohol can have have negative
Microstress - how it builds and takes a massive toll on us, and what to do
We're all familiar with stress - especially big life stressors - moving house, relationship breakdown, grief and loss, illness, job issues. However, what impact do the little, seemingly insignificant stressors we experience have on us? Microstress, as it is known, can have a snowball effect, impacting our personal and professional lives and, as a result, negatively affecting wellbeing - both physically and mentally. Listen to this podcast to learn:- What is microstress and how might we reco
Why being in nature is our fastest healer and brings us awe! With psychotherapists, Christie Little & Rob Engels
In this episode, I chat with holistic psychotherapist, Christie Little and somatic psychotherapist, Rob Engels, about the power of nature in healing. More than ever in our fast paced society, we have become disconnected from nature, oftentimes prioritising the convenience and speed of connection via technology over time spent outdoors.So dive in to hear our thought provoking discussion on:- How impactful nature can be in its power for healing and transformation- The importance of empowering hum
Perfectionism - make sure it works for you and not against you
Think back to a time you strived for the perfect result - maybe in an assignment, exam or work project – did you achieve perfection or was close enough good enough? How did it make you feel? Whilst a little perfectionism can be healthy and help us strive to go the extra mile, too much can have the opposite effect, resulting in imbalance and sometimes unhealthy or unsustainable behaviours. So in this podcast I'm exploring all things perfectionism. You’ll learn:What perfectionism really isWhy
What to look for in a psychologist + key tips on being a good one, with Clinical Psychologists, Kaye Frankcom & Dr. Aaron Frost
In this episode, I chat with Clinical Psychologists, Kaye Frankcom and Dr, Aaron Frost about how to find a good psychologist and how to be one. Their recently released book, Creating Impact:the four pillars of private psychology practice, is a comprehensive guide to building the psychology practice of your dreams in a complex, volatile and uncertain future.Kaye is a Clinical and Counselling Psychologist in Melbourne. She has supervised and mentored hundreds of psychologists over 30 years of prac
Don't just fill the space
The world seems to be speeding up in time and keeping us busy and distracted. Increasingly, people are suffering from stress and overwhelm as a result. Many of us need to retrain ourselves to stop when we can – and resist filling every space or time in the day and night with activity.So in this podcast you’ll learn:- The importance of not automatically filling space- How being in charge of our own attention is critical to our health, productivity and success- Why moments of peace elicit our own
Feminism, coercive control and ageism – standing up to discrimination and injustice, with Jane Caro, feminist social commentator
In this episode, I chat with Jane Caro, a feminist social commentator, writer and lecturer based in Australia. Jane is a Member of the Order of Australia (AM), Walkley award winner, and author of bestseller 'The Mother', a domestic thriller. Listen in to hear our lively and wide ranging chat on:Gender inequality and its impact on society todayCoercive control in relationships and what to look out forAgeism and its effectsLinks:You can find Jane via -Website: Claxton SpeakersNovel: The
Healing emotional pain - how our understanding is the key
We can all remember a time when a person or situation hurt us. The emotional pain we feel is in proportion to a lack of understanding – this means when we’re plunged into pain we are typically in shock, confused and have a lot to think through and to comprehend. As we do this, the pain subsides. However, if we get stuck in pain, it's usually because we can’t understand or accept what’s happened to us. So in this podcast episode I discuss:Why understanding lifts our painDifferent experiences
Death, Grief & Starting Again with author, Diana Morgan AM
In this episode, I chat with Diana Morgan, AM - one of our most respected and highly contributing senior stateswomen, living in Melbourne, Australia. Diana is an author of several books, with a long interest and service to the arts. Diana suffered the loss of a loving husband many years ago to cancer and then - 10 years later – the unexpected deaths of two of her four adult children – in separate and unrelated situations. As a result, Diana set out to write the book she felt she needed at the ti
Why failure is necessary for success - and how to deal with it
If we are to undertake anything in life – personally or professionally – we will always inevitably encounter failure. If we don’t undertake anything – we are also failing – failing to live, grow and learn. Failing to be happy and fulfilled. So the reality is, we actually can’t avoid failure. In fact - we only get to choose which way to fail – by attempting and doing things - or by not attempting and not doing things. As such, it's important that we learn how to handle failures and learn f
Positivity - Improving your performance, while staying happy and well, with clinical and coaching psychologist Dr Suzy Green
In this episode, I chat with Dr Suzy Green – who is a Clinical and Coaching Psychologist and Founder & CEO of The Positivity Institute, a Sydney-based organisation dedicated to the research and application of the science of optimal human functioning. Suzy is a leader in the complementary fields of Coaching Psychology and Positive Psychology.Listen in to hear -- What is positivity and why it's so important- The Positive Psychology theories of Flow and Learned Optimism and how they impac
Work from home – creating balance and staying sane
Working from home or other remote places can bring so many benefits – flexibility, less time and money lost in commuting, and potentially better work-life balance. However, what about the challenges, negatives – and even deficits this creates in our lives?Whilst we may be more connected than ever via tech, we are less connected socially than ever. As fundamentally social beings - most of the structure of our brains is dedicated to socialising – we need it for our survival, health and longevity.
Procrastination – how to be a friend, not a foe, to yourself
Procrastination...we are all guilty of it at some point. It is usually very frustrating and for some, can be extremely debilitating. When struggling with procrastination, people usually think they need to be harsher with themselves. They try to force or push themselves, get angry with themselves and end up going around in circles : from telling themselves a lot of "should’s" - to doing nothing.So in this episode I discuss - - What underlies and causes procrastination - How to work with
Human attraction + the dark side of chemistry
We all love chemistry – right? It’s a spark, a buzz, it's exciting and makes you feel alive!But… just as chemistry is a spontaneous, magical and unpredictable experience – it is far from simple. And actually has a dark side. So this podcast explores human attraction and the dark side of chemistry. Dive in to hear -- What’s behind the mysterious chemistry of human attraction- Why some chemistry is dark and even known as fatal attraction in science – and how to manage this dark side- What is
Teen Sleep, and why it matters, with clinical psychologist Sally-Anne McCormack
In this episode, I chat with clinical psychologist, Sally-Anne McCormack. Sally-Anne is the author of two books - "Stomp Out The ANTs - Automatic Negative Thoughts" and "Living With ANTs", is the mother of 4 children and runs a psychology practice in Melbourne, Australia with a particular interest in child and adolescent mental health.Listen in to hear -- how to understand the sleep cycle and the ways it impacts teens- what is the wave of sleep- the importance of not training
The important role of fathers and father figures with “The Fathering Project’s” CEO, Káti Gapaillard
In this episode, I chat with with The Fathering Project’s CEO, Káti Gapaillard on the important role of fathers and father figures. The Fathering Project is an evidence-based organisation that aims to promote positive fathering behaviours and fathers’ engagement with their infants, preschool, primary school and adolescent-aged children. Listen in to hear -- What is the Fathering Project?- Why having an engaged father or father figure has protective mental health benefits- The importance of suppo
Summer Series 5: Money and your Mind - Being financially wise and psychologically resilient
I'm sharing the last of my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.Dr. Amanda is joined by Financial Therapist, Jane Monica-Jones to discuss people's mindset and behaviours with money. From financial sabotage to economic empowerment, Jane shares what our spending habits mean psychologically and how we can have a better relationship with money.Together, Dr. Amanda and Jane discuss just
Summer Series 4: Meditation & hypnosis as performance enhancers - How they help our health & increase performance outcomes in our lives
During January, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.Dr. Amanda Ferguson explains what meditation entails, how to achieve alpha state - in passive and active ways - and why meditation is so beneficial. Meditation builds what Dr. Amanda calls 'the critical link' within us - neural pathways that make us more connected within ourselves. Meditation has been shown to
Summer Series 3: The will to live: Suicide prevention + men's mental health with John Brogden
During January, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.As a chairman of LifeLine Australia and president of Lifeline International, John Brogden shares his insight and own personal experiences with mental health and losing the will to live. Following a very public resignation from his high profile political career as the leader of the opposition in NSW, Australia, John exper
Summer Series 2: Inner child work: How our younger ages & stages still live within us & accessing these parts can make us happier & healthier
During January, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.Dr. Amanda Ferguson discusses the fascinating world of inner child work and how working with our inner child can help us to heal parts that carry trauma from childhood - trauma caused by abuse, neglect, abandonment and rejection. Dr. Amanda explains how through inner child work we can build neural pathways within ourselv
Summer Series 1: Overcoming sleep problems, finding your pathway to sleep and getting a better night's rest
During January, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.Dr. Amanda has helped countless patients overcome their sleep problems and get a better night's rest. In this episode, Dr. Amanda looks at the science behind sleep, what can lead to sleep deprivation disorders and the recent development of 'covid-somnia', a term describing sleep issues relating to the pand
Endings and beginnings and the turn of the year
Endings and beginnings are an intrinsic part of life, of course. But how much instruction do we really receive on how to deal with them? In this short, impactful episode, I share helpful perspectives on endings and beginnings, strategies for dealing with times of major change, why the break between an ending and a beginning is critical and ways to reflect and re-set your life at the turn of the yearSo as we enter a new year – or whenever you're entering a new chapter in your life – this epi
The dangers of how the internet is changing us and how to take back control, with cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams
In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams. Prof Williams shows many of the paradoxes the internet presents us. Many of the very things it purports to give us, are the very things it is robbing us of. The internet is stealing our attention, and yet attention is known to be the most important skill we will need for the future. We actually have increasingly less access to information. The so-called social media is dividing us physically and socially, escalati
Menopause & alcohol – a slippery slope and why self compassion works
In this episode, I welcome back Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.Listen in to hear -- the impact of perimenopause and menopause on women and their drinking behaviour- Why hormone fluctuations due to menopause influence mood and the need for better e
Why how we work is so topical, with organisational psychologist, Dr. Amantha Imber
In this episode, I chat with organisational psychologist and founder of science consultancy Inventium, Dr Amantha Imber. Amantha is also the co-creator of the Australian Financial Review’s Most Innovative Companies list and the AFR BOSS Best Places to Work list. Amantha is also host of the number one ranking business podcast How I Work, which has had over 4 million downloads.Listen in to hear -- Why how we work is more important than ever- the benefits of the 4 day work week and how organisatio
How the mind and body hold and heal stress and pain, with chiropractor, Dr Greg Schreeuwer
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Greg Schreeuwer on the mind-body link and healing. Dr Greg is a chiropractor, kinesiologist & coach specialising in helping people overcome mental and physical overwhelm that is stopping them from finding balance, creating long-lasting health and living a full and purposeful life. He helps people overcome the obstacles, limitations and challenges keeping them from accomplishing their goals and dreams. Listen in to hear -- How Greg turned his experience of bu
Dreams, lucid and how we will soon be able to record our dreams as movies, with scientist Daniel Oldis, MA.
Do you know why we dream? Why some say they don’t dream? And have you ever wondered what lucid dreaming is? What about all the advances in technology of recorded dreaming? Hear Daniel’s fascinating knowledge and deeply experienced, insightful - and thought-provoking - opinions about the various scientific theories and findings on dreams. Although Daniel is a hard scientist, many of the scientific findings are extraordinary – particularly about lucid dreaming and shared dreaming between two peopl
Is grey area drinking catching up with you? With coach & speaker Sarah Rusbatch
In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement.Listen in to hear -- What is grey area drinking?- Why being surrounded by grey area drinkers may increase risk- How the women "can have and do it all" mentality is impacting dri
Guilt, shame, remorse, regret, embarrassment & jealousy – our moral emotions, and how to manage them
Are you sometimes annoyed or even plagued by these types of feelings? Our moral emotions are good because they show we have morals, values and integrity - however, at times they can become annoying and difficult to manage. So in this episode I discuss:- the science behind our moral feelings- why these feelings arise and how our past experience, especially as children, can shape them- tips to manage these feelings, especially when they feel problematic
Recovering from big burnout through small steps, with Sophie Scott, multi award winning medical journalist
In this episode, I chat with Sophie Scott - award-winning journalist, broadcaster, author, and Adjunct Associate Professor, Sophie Scott’s mission is to inspire and enhance the health and happiness of everyone she meets. Listen in to hear -- Sophie's journey to recovery from burnout- How doubting your own ability can be an indicator of burnout- Why burnout is not just a workplace issue- The need to have strong boundaries and actively work to minimise "flight or fight" mode- Tips t
Turning the tables - when family needs to matter less in our lives
Many of us dream of having the perfect family, but often family relationships are not the close, loving ones we hoped for. So how as adults can we turn the tables on these sometimes toxic relationships to accept them as they are and put some boundaries in place?Tune in to this short, power ep for an effective way that may help reframe and resolve tensions for yourself in family relationships.Links:Spiritual Family: What to do when you have no biological family you can rely on or realise you need
Mentoring men and giving back with founder, Ian Westmoreland
In this episode, I chat with the founder of Mentoring Men, Ian Westmoreland.We discuss how he came to start Mentoring Men and his latest passion, plus much more.Listen in to hear -- about the Mentoring Men mission to support men so no man walks alone- the power of walking side by side -Why fear and shame can prevent men from reaching out for support- What is Kintsugi and how adversity can make us more valuableThis episode is essential listening for both men looking for additional support and any
Making decisions and how to deal with fear of regrets
Life is full of opportunities where we need to make decisions, but how do we make the best ones and deal with the fear of regrets? In this short impactful episode, I share a decision making model you can apply to all areas of your life, to help make decisions easier and with clarity, using a 360 model considering all angles. Plus how we can't avoid regrets, only minimise them and why you should wait for the right decision to become obvious before diving in. So to optimise your decision maki
Big goals and the power of self-awareness, with motivational speaker and podcaster, Craig Harper
In this episode, I chat with motivational speaker, author, researcher and podcaster, Craig Harper.We discuss audacious goals, self awareness, motivation and so much more.Listen in to hear -- What big hairy audacious goals (BHAG) are and why we might pursue them- Why we are our own biggest projects and the challenge is not to be right, it's to learn to be the best you can be, learning along the way- How the things we do on the days we really don't want to, can impact us most-Why fear of
Switching off and recharging in our fast-paced world
In today's fast-paced world, busy is has become the norm for most of us. Work, family, friends, and those relentlessly demanding and distracting screens - you can be forgiven for not finding time to switch off.However, with stress a risk factor for all of us, switching off is exactly what we need to make sure we are doing.So tune into this short, power ep for essential tips on how to switch off and hit recharge. Often a timely reminder is all we need to reset and get back on track.
Menopause brain – what happens and why kindness and connecting helps with Dr Nicola Gates
In this episode, I chat with Dr. Nicola Gates, Clinical Neuropsychologist and Author of The Feel Good Guide to Menopause. We discuss menopause brain - what happens and why kindness and connecting helps. Listen in to hear -- How women's hormones change and signal the bookend to puberty- The difference between the brain and mind, plus how brain fog and menopause brain are linked- Why it's important to break the taboo of menopause and focus on self compassion, reassurance, connection and
The emergence of the authentic self: who are you, really?
Have you ever wondered about your authentic self - who are you, really and how does this self develop?Dive in to this quick, power ep to explore:- How our experience as a baby and child influences our development- The different attachment styles and their impact on our ways of relating- What is our adaptive self?- The stages of development and the significance of Steiner's model of the 7 year cycle- Why age 28 is a milestone yearIf you've ever been curious about your authentic self -
The drive to help - how a teen classmate’s suicide led psychologist & former MP, Dr Fiona Martin to advocate for mental health and suicide prevention
On today's episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Dr Fiona Martin, an experiencedpsychologist of over 20 years, educator, CEO and clinical director who then entered the Australian Federal Parliament, initiating our first ever Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Committeeand producing a guide for Australia for years to come.Listen in to be inspired by this down to earth chat and learn - - How Dr Martin's experience as a teen led her onto the path of advocating for mental health- The
Trusting others is really about trusting ourselves – but how can you?
Trusting others is really about trusting ourselves – but how can you? We have all experienced being hurt, let down, betrayed or rejected. Whether by family, friends, a partner or in the workplace. However, have you found yourself stuck in distrust? A lack of trust? Not knowing how to trust again?Tune in to this quick, power ep to explore trust: - How we develop it and what to do when it's lost - The signs to look for when someone is untrustworthy - The importance of making your self relati
Loss and Grief – what to expect and how to navigate these life stages
Loss and grief are universal experiences we all share. A child’s brain isn’t able to fully comprehend and process major loss, but from teen years onwards we must learn to deal with and manage loss as an important part of life. The western world traditionally shunned talking about these darker sides of life – but with the pandemic and lock downs - loss and grief came to the forefront of all our lives, in ways beyond our control – with the loss of freedom and way of life we took for granted, safet
The future of work, with PwC Workforce Transformation specialist, Caitlin Guilfoyle
Have you considered the future of work? In this episode I chat with Caitlin Guilfoyle, a Workforce Transformation specialist and leader within PwC's Future of Work practice. Caitlin develops the firm's point of view in market and supports clients across all industries, to help them prepare for their future of work, now.So if you're keen to stay a step ahead of the ever-changing workforce landscape, listen in to find out:- global trends currently affecting Australian organisations-
Mindset – change your thoughts, to enhance your life
Mindset is our most powerful psychological tool, as the way we think causes the way we feel and behave. With the uncertainty and turbulence of the last few years, we have been forced to become more conscious of how to help ourselves not only survive, but thrive. With the term mindset becoming more and more popular, this episode dives into:- What is mindset- Does our mindset impact our goal achievement and if so, how- Three types of mindsets and how they influence our behaviour- The questions to
Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg discusses contemporary challenges in adolescent mental health & supporting teens
In this must listen episode, I chat with Dr. Michael Carr-Gregg, psychologist, author and parenting and adolescent specialist, about the impact on adolescent mental health post pandemic and how we can best support teens to not only survive, but thrive.Listen in to hear - - why teen mental health needs to be prioritised now more than ever- the one conversation you should have on high rotation with your teens to remain connected- the importance of "mental health first aid"If you're
Laugh yourself happier and healthier
As the saying goes, laughter really is the best medicine and in this episode of Psych for Life I delve into why laughter and humour are important to our health, happiness, learning and relationships. Staying physically and socially connected is critical for our resilience, however in recent years this has been severely restricted – and so too our opportunities to share a joke and a good laugh with friends. Laughter and humour can smooth the way back into normal life at work, play, friendships
Healthy Sleep - correcting disorders & re-discovering delights with Dr Moira Junge
Is it time to improve your sleep? In this episode I chat with Dr. Moira Junge, CEO of Sleep Health Foundation and Director of Australian Sleep and Alertness Consortium. As a psychologist specialising in sleeping difficulties, Moira's focus is on education, awareness and prevention. If you're keen to uplevel your sleep or simply get it back on track, listen in to find out:- is 8 hrs a night really a myth? And if so, how much sleep should you be getting- why quality over quantity and at
The power of personal goals to help us in volatile times
How does our increasingly volatile world impact our individual goal achievement – and why are our goals still so important? Dip into the fascinating history of work engagement, self-regulation, performance, goal setting and achievement. Learn more about the nature of volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous (VUCA) times, the discoveries made about performance and achievement for these times. Gain an understanding of the added complexity it brings. Become up-to-date about how you can navigate
From postnatal depression to mindful and thriving, with Chelsea Pottenger, Founder and Director at EQ Minds
I caught up with Chelsea Pottenger, an international wellbeing speaker, ambassador for mental health charities, and author of “The Mindful High Performer”. Chelsea suffered a life changing mental health crisis, suicidal ideation and was hospitalised for postnatal depression. Listen in to find out -- what is EQ and why it deserves more of our attention- why you want to future-proof your mindset and sharpen your performance with science-based tools- the importance of asking for support to prevent
Accessing anger for good - to create peace and empowerment
Anger often gets a bad rap and certainly – aggression should!However, anger is an important emotion and when used wisely – it's part of how we empower ourselves and others, achieve amazing things and stay mentally well. In the latest episode of Psych for Life I chat all things anger, so tune in to find out - - the 3 ways we communicate with anger and how to make anger work for us, not against us- how feelings provide us with critical information indicating something internally or external
Teen mental health and the enduring power of parents, with Daisy Turnbull
In this wonderfully engaging yet highly insightful episode, I sit down with Daisy Turnbull, a secondary school teacher of 10 years, published author of two books, Lifeline counsellor and mother of two. We discuss her new book “50 Questions to Ask Your Teens”, the many facets of raising teens, and some of the most powerful processes parents can adopt during this part of their parenting journey. Daisy emphasises that teens are a work in progress and develop predominantly through their lived expe
Friendships – the mystery, management and magic
Friendships are strange things. In other relationships the rules are pretty clear to most of us, but friendships can take so many forms and many of the rules are concealed – and are often bewildering. When we make a true friend it’s like a magic spell has been cast over us – we feel so lucky! But what do we do when this initial bubble bursts? What does the work of friendship involve? How can we best deal with the changes, hurdles, uncomfortable and painful times?In this episode I look at some of
Blended families – problems, pitfalls and solutions, with clinical psychologist Nell Zandberg
In this fascinating chat, I sit down with my friend and peer, Nell Zandberg, to discuss the highly topical and often deeply fraught business of blending families. Most marriages in the western world end – so the likelihood of finding ourselves creating a blended family is high. There has been a rapid rise in this recently, with nuclear families seeming set to soon become uncommon. 40% of families in the U.S. are now blended. If you’re considering creating a blended family, avoid “The Brady Bunch
Job Crafting - embrace the new mindset
Job crafting is how we shape our jobs to align with our strengths, values, and interests. Scrutiny of job crafting began before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, but since then, it is now considered an essential workplace skill for those who want to stay engaged in their work, secure in employment and successful in their careers. But what is it exactly and why should you be onboard? Whether you're an employee or an employer, this episode will speak to you. It delves into the details of job craftin
Women and money – finding agency and empowerment with financial therapist, Jane Monica Jones
What impacts women's ability to do better with money? How do past traumas affect our future financial decisions? On this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Jane Monica Jones, a Financial Therapist, to dive deeper into how women move from disempowerment to empowerment and agency when it comes to their finances.
Snowflake – or no flake? Are the young actually strong in declaring their sensitivity?
Snowflake or no flake? Are our youth actually strong in declaring their sensitivity? And are we being too harsh in our judgement of them?Is it really a case of these young people lacking resilience, as they have been hastily accused? Or are there more meaningful benefits for us all from this apparent sensitivity?This episode is an anthem to the younger generations! I discuss the impacts of the label Snowflake, the importance of soft skills to help people perform and why these skills are those th
School Bullying - and why it can set up a path of life-long destruction if not resolved properly
In today's episode I speak with Evelyn M. Field, OAM a psychologist and international authority on treating school and workplace bullying. With over forty years experience, we discuss what bullying is, contributing factors, short and long term impacts and how to help students and adults develop social survival skills to manage school bullying. Discover how bullying can damage, not only the victim, but also the bully and onlookers. Fascinatingly, find out why knowing about bears teaches us a
Gaslighting: break free of coercive control in your work and personal life
In this episode of Psych for Life, Dr Amanda covers the essentials you need to know about gaslighting and how it can impact relationships. Gaslighting is a term many are familiar with, but often struggle to understand what it actually is and how to protect yourself from Gaslighters.
Post Pandemic fallouts facing children - the health, developmental & social problems children face since COVID-19
In this episode Dr. Amanda Ferguson and neuroscientist Professor Mark Williams discuss the health, developmental and social problems children are facing as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic. This fallout comes at a time in history when young people with the most well-developed social skills will be the successful adults of the future. Problems in social development, resilience, mental health, and increased suicide risk may be long lasting with the potential to set generations back. The ability f
Dealing with narcissists & other difficult people – identifying and navigating people with personality disorders in your life
Dr. Amanda explains what narcissism and other personality disorders are and why they can be very destructive to these people and others. Personality disorders are more than your average bad moods or habits and they are quite common. They are in our families, workplaces, and communities. Even though the difficult person you are dealing with may not be a murderer – or psychopath – disordered personalities can cause tremendous harm in all areas of our lives. They can disrupt our mental and financia
Money and your Mind: Being financially wise and psychologically resilient
Dr. Amanda is joined by Financial Therapist, Jane Monica-Jones to discuss people's mindset and behaviours with money. From financial sabotage to economic empowerment, Jane shares what our spending habits mean psychologically and how we can have a better relationship with money.Together, Dr. Amanda and Jane discuss just how important it is for our mental health to have an understanding of our finances and Jane offers her advice on what tools and resources are available when our financial pos
Overcoming sleep problems, finding your pathway to sleep and getting a better night's rest
Dr. Amanda has helped countless patients overcome their sleep problems and get a better night's rest. In this episode, Dr. Amanda looks at the science behind sleep, what can lead to sleep deprivation disorders and the recent development of 'covid-somnia', a term describing sleep issues relating to the pandemic and subsequent lockdowns. Research shows our sleep is imperative to our physical and mental health and that a lack of sleep can cause serious and ongoing health issues. As o
The will to live: Suicide prevention + men's mental health with John Brogden
As a chairman of LifeLine Australia and president of Lifeline International, John Brogden shares his insight and own personal experiences with mental health and losing the will to live. Following a very public resignation from his high profile political career as the leader of the opposition in NSW, Australia, John experienced first hand the crippling despair of depression and attempted to take his own life. Now a voice for suicide prevention and men's mental health, John and Dr. Amanda dis
Behind the curtain: How the performing arts are connected to our psychology and why we need them
In this episode, Dr. Amanda is joined on the mic with old friend and casting director for the Ensemble Theatre, Merran Regan, as they discuss the link between performing arts and psychology. As the daughter of an artistic theatre director, Merran shares the history of the Ensemble Theatre in Sydney, Australia as well as life as a casting director and how Covid-19 has affected the performing arts industry.Together, Dr. Amanda and Merran look into the affinity between the worlds of psychology and
Work Burnout: Understanding the burnout beast
Since the pandemic of 2020, work burnout has become an increasingly prevalent issue, affecting employees and organisations across the globe. Our every day and work life are more intermingled than ever before and the effects on our mental health can be devastating. As a global expert in work engagement and having investigated the related construct of burnout, I share how to recognise the signs of burnout and what you can do to replenish your resources before it is too late. I also discuss the rel
'Addiction as Trauma's Shadow' Understanding and managing addiction with psychiatrist Dr. Bruce Lachter
In this episode, Dr. Amanda Ferguson takes a deep dive into understanding addiction and its connection to trauma with practicing psychiatrist of over 20 years, Dr. Bruce Lachter. Dr. Bruce explores this correlation and the similarities between the two as he explains that addiction is often the 'echo' of trauma and discusses the complicated issues surrounding addiction and its effects. Dr. Bruce shares his psychodynamic view of addiction as well as many resources to further our understa
The era of uncertainty and how we can regain balance through adaptability and resilience
The year 2020 not only brought us the start of a new decade but also began the era of uncertainty. We faced many challenges and changes over the year including natural disasters, race riots, political unrest, economic downturns and the worldwide spread of Covid-19. As we enter 2021, many of these crises follow us into the new year and with them the unknown of what is to come.However, history and our own evolution shows us that as human beings, adaptability and resilience are in our nature and by
‘Music as medicine’ The healing powers of music for health and happiness with international composer Ken Davis
International composer Ken Davis has performed at the Sydney Opera House and is known as the first and most successful new age music composer, a major pioneer in ambient music and now creates music for relaxation and healing. In this episode we discuss how music and the mind body connection can help to heal us from trauma, anxiety and stress. As a world famous artist, Ken has collaborated with medical facilities and contributed to the design and ambience of the Healing Rooms at the Royal North S
Finding the right partner - Destiny or Design: A happily married couple join me to discuss what makes their relationship so successful, how they found each other and how they stay happy.
Dr. Amanda Ferguson chats with two of her oldest friends who are a great example of how to find the right partner and how to make a life-long relationship work. Tim and Jo have been married for over 20 years and have grown-up children. They share their secrets and tips in a deeply honest and insightful exploration of their journey so far and how they plan to keep being the right partner for each other for the rest of their lives.This is an inspiring, educational and practical interview for anyon
Meditation and hypnosis as performance enhancers: How they help our health and increase performance outcomes in all parts of our lives
Dr. Amanda Ferguson explains what meditation entails, how to achieve alpha state - in passive and active ways - and why meditation is so beneficial. Meditation builds what Dr. Amanda calls 'the critical link' within us - neural pathways that make us more connected within ourselves. Meditation has been shown to provide health benefits such as reduced blood pressure. She also shows how 'hypnosis is the new meditation' - that is, how through hypnosis we can obtain the same bene
Cohabitating and diversity within our communities with Australian Federal Member and psychologist Dr. Fiona Martin
In this episode, Dr. Amanda Ferguson is joined by the Honourable Dr. Fiona Martin, an Australian Federal Member of Parliament and psychologist who specialised in helping children with learning, developmental and behavioural difficulties. As the first female Liberal member elected for Reid, a vibrant example of harmonious multiculturalism located in the inner Western suburbs of Sydney, Dr. Fiona Martin directly contributes to this cohabitation and diversity within her community. With coronavirus
The miracle of birth and the empowerment of women in the birthing world with doula Jackie Barker
Jacki Barker is a Sydney based midwife turned doula with a background in psychology. She shares her experiences and insight into the world of birthing and how women can become empowered through this experience with the right supports in place. As a birth activist, Jacki is passionate about giving mums-to-be as much choice as possible and has helped countless women in her experience as both a midwife and a doula. As we delve in to the secret world of birthing it is fascinating to discover how the
Anxiety, Depression and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Facing a 'Trifle of Troubles’ with Psychologist Lorraine Corne
In this episode Dr. Amanda Ferguson and Sydney-based psychologist and published author Lorraine Corne discuss anxiety, other mood disorders, post traumatic stress disorder and complex post traumatic stress disorder. Being able to break down the scientific nature of the above helps us better understand and comprehend these common, and unfortunately, escalating mood disorders. Two very experienced psychologists share how they best support clients through these and other difficulties, reminding us
Resilience and use of devices in children: Dr Mark Williams discusses device addiction in children and provides advice and training programs for parents, teachers and children.
Dr. Mark Williams started the Neuroscience for Kindy Kids program and has worked in outreach programs to Primary and High Schools. Mark's goal is to inspire people to be curious about the world and to enjoy science, or at least recognise how important it is. Mark's own story of his rise to success from school drop out to eminent, international professor is incredibly inspiring for any child or adult to hear - showing us how our potential can be tapped. Mark helps us to understand why
Romantic relationships: ‘Does love conquer all?’ Psychologist and relationship expert Eric Lyleson explains how to be in love and to be in a relationship successfully is only possible by being true to yourself.
Psychologist Eric Lyleson has been a relationship counsellor and teacher to relationship therapists for over 30 years. He explains why, contrary to what we may usually think, being in a state of love in ourselves is actually more important and beneficial to our romantic relationship than anything we may work on with our partners. Eric shows us how to be there for both ourselves and our partners and how to deal with 'disturbances' to the state of love we share. He takes us through why t
Chosen family: What to do when you have no biological family to rely on or you need parenting support as an adult
Ideally, we grow up in a loving family and grow into adulthood feeling united and supported but this is often not the case. Dr Amanda Ferguson discusses how we can find spiritual or surrogate family members when our biological family is dysfunctional, lets us down or doesn't exist in our lives. Acknowledging our lack of good family relationships is painful and lonely. The possibility of a second chance - and even more chances - to create a sense of family is liberating and fulfilling. For i
Inner child work: How our younger ages and stages still live within us and accessing these parts can make us happier, healthier and better at our work and relationships.
Dr. Amanda Ferguson discusses the fascinating world of inner child work and how working with our inner child can help us to heal parts that carry trauma from childhood - trauma caused by abuse, neglect, abandonment and rejection. Dr. Amanda explains how through inner child work we can build neural pathways within ourselves, creating a stronger sense of authentic self and how relating to and working with these younger parts makes us happier and healthier. She shares how through this happy inner c
Global crisis and COVID-19: Why managing our mental health, staying productive and helping others is so important now since the pandemic - and how to do this.
As a registered psychologist and registered organisational psychologist, Dr. Amanda Ferguson discusses why our mental health, psychological state, relationships and work life matter now more than ever. She shares how to manage yourself for better health and optimal performance in all areas of your life. Dr. Amanda also reminds us that change is the only constant in life and that recent global events are making us more aware and forcing us to adapt. She provides examples of how we can best move t