In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Steven Hayes about his new book, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters, and applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in modern society.

Dr Steven C. Hayes is Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods.

Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/steven-hayes

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Steven Hayes about his new book, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters, and applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in modern society.
Dr Steven C. Hayes is <a href="https://www.unr.edu/psychology/faculty/steven-hayes">Nevada Foundation Professor</a> in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods.
Episode links at <a href="https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/steven-hayes">https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/steven-hayes</a>

On every episode you will hear inspiring conversations with leading experts in the fields of psychology, sports, personal growth, nutrition and other fields in order to gain clarity and understanding on how to deal with life in these exciting, yet challenging times. Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a Clinical Psychologist based in Canberra, Australia with over 15,000 hours of 1-on-1 therapy experience. He’s trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. Every week, Nesh will bring raw, down-to-earth and nonchalant talks right into your ears that are designed to make you think smarter and better so you can deal with life as it is - no sugar-coating or playing “happy.”

Better Thinking

#21 — Dr Steven Hayes on A Liberated Mind

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Lydia Brown about understanding and enhancing well-being during the menopause transition and aging.

Lydia Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne. She earned her PhD in 2015, focusing on self-compassion and menopause, and subsequently completed postdoctoral training in Healthy Aging at both Harvard Medical School and The University of Melbourne.

Her research centers on understanding and promoting well-being in the second half of life, particularly during the menopause transition. In 2024, she led a Lancet Series paper on menopause and mental health. She is especially interested in how psychological resilience factors, like self-compassion, can help individuals age well, fostering wisdom and happiness despite life's inevitable challenges.

In addition to her research, Lydia is a dedicated meditation practitioner. She has spent several months living in a Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery and is interested in translating traditional contemplative practices into modern contexts without losing their essence.

Lydia’s work on menopause has received international media attention, featuring in outlets such as The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune and Reuters Health. She has appeared as an expert commentator on mental health for Sky News, Nine News Australia, and The ABC. Additionally, she has served on the International Advisory Board for Headspace, one of the world’s leading mindfulness apps.

Episode link at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/lydia-brown

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Lydia Brown about understanding and enhancing well-being during the menopause transition and aging.
Lydia Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne. She earned her PhD in 2015, focusing on self-compassion and menopause, and subsequently completed postdoctoral training in Healthy Aging at both Harvard Medical School and The University of Melbourne.
Her research centers on understanding and promoting well-being in the second half of life, particularly during the menopause transition. In 2024, she led a Lancet Series paper on menopause and mental health. She is especially interested in how psychological resilience factors, like self-compassion, can help individuals age well, fostering wisdom and happiness despite life's inevitable challenges.
In addition to her research, Lydia is a dedicated meditation practitioner. She has spent several months living in a Sri Lankan Buddhist monastery and is interested in translating traditional contemplative practices into modern contexts without losing their essence.
Lydia’s work on menopause has received international media attention, featuring in outlets such as The Washington Post, The Chicago Tribune and Reuters Health. She has appeared as an expert commentator on mental health for Sky News, Nine News Australia, and The ABC. Additionally, she has served on the International Advisory Board for Headspace, one of the world’s leading mindfulness apps.
Episode link at <a href="https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/lydia-brown">https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/lydia-brown</a>

#170 – Dr Lydia Brown on Navigating the Journey of Menopause and Aging

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jill Maree Newby about innovative technology-based interventions for depression and anxiety, highlighting the impact and effectiveness of internet and e-mental health approaches in modern mental health care.

Jill Maree Newby is an Australian psychologist who is a professor and National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leader at the Black Dog Institute in the University of New South Wales. She has developed technology based interventions for depression and anxiety.

Newby completed her master's degree and doctoral research at the University of New South Wales. Her doctoral research considered the role of autobiographical memories in depression.

Newby studies anxiety disorders, phobias and depression. She has developed and investigated the effectiveness of technology-based interventions, including e-mental health and virtual reality interventions. Newby encourages people to seek help and gain practical advice on managing depression. Newby has argued that long wait times and high costs were a barrier to evidence-based treatment. She developed an online course that stopped people from worrying excessively.

Newby investigated how the prevalence of mental health disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. She found that almost 80% of Australians experienced worse mental health during the pandemic, and that women, young adults and caregivers were particularly vulnerable. She was named a 2020 Young Tall Poppy for her advocacy work in mental health.

Episode link at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/jill-maree-newby

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jill Maree Newby about innovative technology-based interventions for depression and anxiety, highlighting the impact and effectiveness of internet and e-mental health approaches in modern mental health care.
Jill Maree Newby is an Australian psychologist who is a professor and National Health and Medical Research Council Emerging Leader at the Black Dog Institute in the University of New South Wales. She has developed technology based interventions for depression and anxiety.
Newby completed her master's degree and doctoral research at the University of New South Wales. Her doctoral research considered the role of autobiographical memories in depression.
Newby studies anxiety disorders, phobias and depression. She has developed and investigated the effectiveness of technology-based interventions, including e-mental health and virtual reality interventions. Newby encourages people to seek help and gain practical advice on managing depression. Newby has argued that long wait times and high costs were a barrier to evidence-based treatment. She developed an online course that stopped people from worrying excessively.
Newby investigated how the prevalence of mental health disorders increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. She found that almost 80% of Australians experienced worse mental health during the pandemic, and that women, young adults and caregivers were particularly vulnerable. She was named a 2020 Young Tall Poppy for her advocacy work in mental health.
Episode link at <a href="https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/jill-maree-newby">https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/jill-maree-newby</a>

#169 – Jill Maree Newby on Technology-Based Interventions for Depression and Anxiety

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ivan Raymond about the concept of intentional practice, which helps individuals and communities navigate complexity by offering a common framework for thinking and planning.

Dr Ivan Raymond is a clinical psychologist and the Director of the Life Buoyancy Institute Foundation. He work brings focus to the translation of science into practice. He partners with government, non-government agencies, research institutions, schools and programs in the building of wellbeing and trauma-responsive Australian communities.

This work is locally operationalised through the design and implementation of evidence-based responses that intentionally translate the science of wellbeing (positive psychology), growth, resilience and trauma-informed practice into action, in a manner that is personalised to the needs and context of individual and community. 

Episode link at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/ivan-raymond

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ivan Raymond about the concept of intentional practice, which helps individuals and communities navigate complexity by offering a common framework for thinking and planning.
Dr Ivan Raymond is a clinical psychologist and the Director of the Life Buoyancy Institute Foundation. He work brings focus to the translation of science into practice. He partners with government, non-government agencies, research institutions, schools and programs in the building of wellbeing and trauma-responsive Australian communities.
This work is locally operationalised through the design and implementation of evidence-based responses that intentionally translate the science of wellbeing (positive psychology), growth, resilience and trauma-informed practice into action, in a manner that is personalised to the needs and context of individual and community. 
Episode link at <a href="https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/ivan-raymond">https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/ivan-raymond</a>

#21 — Dr Steven Hayes on A Liberated Mind

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