What can we do about vaping?

E-cigarette use, or vaping, has quickly become a regular habit for many teenagers in Australia and around the world. Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis talks about the rise of vaping and what steps the government needs to take to curb its widespread misuse. And we ask her: is there a better wa…

Is screen time bad for kids?

We’ve all heard the old saying that watching too much TV rots your brain. How much truth is there to this – especially when it comes to kids paying attention in school? Should parents feel guilty about their kids’ screen time? Associate Professor Katherine Johnson has the answers. Read about the f…

Do trigger warnings work?

Today, trigger or content warnings pop up in much of the media we consume, and have spread to universities and classrooms. But are these warnings actually helping us? Do they make us avoid triggering material, or at least minimise the potential harm involved, if we do see it? This episode, featurin…

Is TikTok toxic for our body image?

We've heard that social media can warp perceptions about our bodies, dieting and appearance. So what happens when TikTok invents a new type of algorithm – one that's incredibly powerful at tapping into our inner desires and anxieties? Join us for a new series of PsychTalks and hear Dr Scott Griffit…

Announcement Season Two

PsychTalks is back! Launching next week, hear our new hosts explore more fascinating studies in psychology with world leading experts. Uncover insights into what makes people tick and tips on how to apply these findings in your own life.

Bonus episode: mindfulness and meditation

User Experience Researcher and Certified Meditation Teacher Nerida Lennon shares the full version of her loving kindness style meditation exercise. As featured in the episode Mindfulness and meditation: the search for authenticity. 

Mindfulness and meditation: the search for authenticity

Mindfulness and meditation are ancient practices that can now be accessed via your smart phone. Mindfulness is everywhere: there’s mindful learning, mindful parenting, mindful business leadership — even mindful soldiers. We’re told these practices reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and blood press…

Can big data unlock human psychology?

Today, big data is exploited by corporations and misused by hackers, usually to make money. And we're practically inundated with instances of online privacy violations and data breaches. But some experts believe we can better harness the power of big data for scientific research. By getting a fine-…

How scary ads can change our behaviour

Government and advocacy groups want us all to make healthier and safer choices. Yet, changing undesirable behaviour is notoriously challenging. Why then are fear appeal ads – when done well – such an effective means to jump-start us into action? This episode looks at the ways the Victorian TAC — Tr…

Bonus episode: scary ads

We've discovered what makes a good fear appeal ad, but what about the ones that miss the mark? Hear our expert Associate Professor Cassie Hayward's take on the Australian Government's Covid-19 vaccination campaign.