Discover how the AI revolution is entering the world of psychology and clinical practice. Professor Simon Dennis shares his quest to craft AI-driven tools for therapy. Can bots help address the shortage of mental health professionals by providing affordable, 24/7 support? And what are the ethical, practical and philosophical questions behind using therapist bots as part of therapy treatment?

Find out more about Simon's AI-driven cognitive behavioural therapy tools. 

Please be advised that this episode discusses suicide and suicide ideation. 

Discover how the AI revolution is entering the world of psychology and clinical practice. Professor Simon Dennis shares his quest to craft AI-driven tools for therapy. Can bots help address the shortage of mental health professionals by providing affordable, 24/7 support? And what are the ethical, practical and philosophical questions behind using therapist bots as part of therapy treatment?
<a href="https://www.mentalhealthhub.ai/">Find out more</a> about Simon's AI-driven cognitive behavioural therapy tools. 
Please be advised that this episode discusses suicide and suicide ideation.

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work – and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.

 

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work &ndash; and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne&rsquo;s School of Psychological Sciences.
&nbsp;

Modern life explored by psychology experts

PsychTalks

Can bots improve our mental health?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/a6b74b2b-b58d-494f-8fb6-b234017d771b/transcript

Alcohol is a normal part of life for many Australians. But why do some people develop problems with drinking while others don't? 

Dr Antoinette Poulton unpacks the link between impulsivity and hazardous drinking, and explains why our decisions around alcohol are shaped by much more than willpower. 

From personalised feedback to smartphone-based interventions, we explore how researchers are finding new ways to help people better understand their drinking and make lasting changes. 

Relevant links:

Learn more about Antoinette's research:
She is currently recruiting for a study charting cannabis use form and method in Australia, to assist with future app development: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2 
For other current projects: https://hesterlab.org/projects 

If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, you call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or visit Daybreak at hellosundaymorning.org.

Alcohol is a normal part of life for many Australians. But why do some people develop problems with drinking while others don't?&nbsp;
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/660717-antoinette-poulton">Dr Antoinette Poulton</a> unpacks the link between impulsivity and hazardous drinking, and explains why our decisions around alcohol are shaped by much more than willpower.&nbsp;
From personalised feedback to smartphone-based interventions, we explore how researchers are finding new ways to help people better understand their drinking and make lasting changes.&nbsp;
Relevant links:
Learn more about Antoinette's research:
<ul>
<li>She is currently recruiting for a study charting cannabis use form and method in Australia, to assist with future app development: <a href="https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2">https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2</a>&nbsp;</li>
<li>For other current projects: <a href="https://hesterlab.org/projects">https://hesterlab.org/projects</a>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, you call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on&nbsp;1800 250 015 or visit Daybreak at <a href="hellosundaymorning.org">hellosundaymorning.org</a>.

Is alcohol dependence about more than willpower?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/941ea3af-b1f6-44fb-a2da-b495005c5c2e/transcript

Online sports betting is now part of everyday life in Australia. But how do betting apps actually work, and why are they so hard to ignore? 

In this episode, Dr Daniel Bennett explores the psychology behind modern betting products, and how they are designed to keep people hooked. He explains how features like in-play betting, cash-out options and constant advertising shape our behaviour – often in ways we don't notice. Dr Bennett also discusses the risks of gambling, including who is most affected and why, and what can be done to reduce harm. 

Related links: 
A Better Bet: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm (2024 report by the Grattan Institute)
The 4 Corners report about the NT Racing and Wagering Commission.

If you or anyone you know needs support or help for gambling, please contact Gambling Help Online (or on 1800 858 858). 

Online sports betting is now part of everyday life in Australia. But how do betting apps actually work, and why are they so hard to ignore?&nbsp;
In this episode, <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/476033-daniel-bennett">Dr Daniel Bennett</a> explores the psychology behind modern betting products, and how they are designed to keep people hooked. He explains how features like in-play betting, cash-out options and constant advertising shape our behaviour &ndash; often in ways we don't notice. Dr Bennett also discusses the risks of gambling, including who is most affected and why, and what can be done to reduce harm.&nbsp;
Related links:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://grattan.edu.au/report/a-better-bet-how-australia-should-prevent-gambling-harm-2/">A Better Bet: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm</a> (2024 report by the Grattan Institute)</li>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="6" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1"><a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-10-06/nt-betting-regulator-accused-close-industry-four-corners/105848692">The 4 Corners report</a> about the NT Racing and Wagering Commission.</li>
</ul>
If you or anyone you know needs support or help for gambling, please contact&nbsp;<a href="https://www.gamblinghelponline.org.au/">Gambling Help Online</a> (or on 1800 858 858).&nbsp;

 Why are Australians so addicted to sports betting?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/8450f03c-225d-47a0-ac01-ae84000e0c16/clips/a1b980e1-d2cf-4f69-aee2-b486002a32e8/transcript

We like to think we’re fair. But what if our minds and our machines don’t always agree?

In this special bonus episode of PsychTalks, hosts Professor Nick Haslam and Associate Professor Cassie Hayward are joined by Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University), one of the world’s leading researchers on implicit bias.

Drawing on decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Professor Banaji explains how bias can shape judgments and decisions without our awareness – even when we genuinely value fairness and accuracy. She explores how these hidden processes affect everyday life, social institutions and the technologies we are increasingly relying on.

Recorded during Professor Banaji’s visit to the University of Melbourne as a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, this conversation asks what it really means to take responsibility for bias and how a clearer understanding of the human mind might help us build a more just and accountable world.

We like to think we&rsquo;re fair. But what if our minds and our machines don&rsquo;t always agree?
In this special bonus episode of PsychTalks, hosts Professor Nick Haslam and Associate Professor Cassie Hayward are joined by Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University), one of the world&rsquo;s leading researchers on implicit bias.
Drawing on decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Professor Banaji explains how bias can shape judgments and decisions without our awareness &ndash;&nbsp;even when we genuinely value fairness and accuracy. She explores how these hidden processes affect everyday life, social institutions and the technologies we are increasingly relying on.
Recorded during Professor Banaji&rsquo;s visit to the University of Melbourne as a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, this conversation asks what it really means to take responsibility for bias and how a clearer understanding of the human mind might help us build a more just and accountable world.

Can bots improve our mental health?

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