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>.

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

Is alcohol dependence about more than willpower?

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

If you’ve ever looked directly at a motorcyclist while driving – yet completely failed to see them – you’re not alone. The phenomenon is so common, riders refer to it as a “smidsy” (or, “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”.)

Professor Kristen Pammer and Dr Angus McKerral discuss the cognitive demands of driving; explaining how inattentional blindness can render a motorcyclist invisible and exploring the promises and pitfalls of self-driving cars.

If you&rsquo;ve ever looked directly at a motorcyclist while driving &ndash; yet completely failed to see them &ndash; you&rsquo;re not alone. The phenomenon is so common, riders refer to it as a &ldquo;smidsy&rdquo; (or, &ldquo;sorry mate, I didn&rsquo;t see you&rdquo;.)
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/1111883-kristen-pammer">Professor Kristen Pammer</a> and <a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/1125064-angus-mckerral">Dr Angus McKerral</a> discuss the cognitive demands of driving; explaining how inattentional blindness can render a motorcyclist invisible and exploring the promises and pitfalls of self-driving cars.

Why do so many drivers say "sorry mate, I didn't see you"?

‘Cycle syncing’ has exploded online, promoting the idea that women can optimise their wellbeing by planning everything from workouts to work commitments around their menstrual cycles. But what does the science actually say?

Dr Lindsie Arthur cuts through the pop psychology hype and discusses the current research around hormones, behaviour and performance.

&lsquo;Cycle syncing&rsquo; has exploded online, promoting the idea that women can optimise their wellbeing by planning everything from workouts to work commitments around their menstrual cycles. But what does the science actually say?
<a href="https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/868270-lindsie-arthur">Dr Lindsie Arthur</a> cuts through the pop psychology hype and discusses the current research around hormones, behaviour and performance.

Is cycle syncing science or social media hype?

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

Is alcohol dependence about more than willpower?

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