Could cognitive neuroscience influence how we teach and learn?

Do 'brain-training' apps or mindfulness exercises really boost our capacity to learn? Professor Iroise Dumontheil shares her research into why we differ in our ability to control our attention, thoughts and behaviour. Hear how these differences impact on our learning and whether cognitive training …

Sleep and pain: What’s keeping you up at night?

Managing pain can be part of life for many of us. Professor Amy Jordan and Associate Professor Natalia Brumley unlock the intriguing relationship between sleep and pain. Find out how different types of pain affect sleep quality, if gender is a factor, and in what ways exercise, blue light and socia…

Can we improve PTSD treatments?

PTSD is the second most common mental health disorder. Current treatments work for about half of those affected, but are there better options? Professor Kim Felmingham breaks down exposure therapy and explores if pharmacological-based interventions such as MDMA/ecstasy are really the answer. Plus f…

Are household inequities ruining your sex life?

Studies show there is still a significant gender imbalance in taking on domestic chores and managing a home in most heterosexual relationships. But can this divide also dampen things in bedroom? Dr Emily Harris discusses why women usually take on more, the structural barriers to change and practica…

How do teenage brains work?

Explore the fascinating world of adolescent brain development and inhibition with Dr Sarah Tashjian. Find out how different parts of the brain mature during adolescence, the crucial role of sleep and the surprising science behind how teens make decisions. Get science-backed tips on how best to talk…

What do athletes need for good mental health?

Excitement is building for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games – but how do its elite competitors cope with the stress of performing with the eyes of the world upon them? This special episode launching series 3 of PsychTalks unpacks Dr Courtney Walton's latest research into athletes’ mental health. Hea…

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…