NASA wants to send humans to Mars in the next decade or so. But can our minds handle it?We talk to a NASA psychologist and retired astronaut about the psychological challenges people already face on long-duration space missions — and find out what it will take to get to Mars.If you liked this episode, you might like one of our past episodes about the isolation we all experienced during the pandemic. It's called The brain in isolation. 

Wanted: Unicorns. Mission: Mars.

What does working for the CIA, navigating hot button topics and talking to teenagers all have in common? They're situations that supercommunicators excel at.Today, we explore how you can become a supercommunicator too. In this episode we touch on a previous story, Introversion vs Extroversion. If you enjoyed this episode, you'll love that one too. 

The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too

The tables are turned when our own Sana Qadar joins Tegan Taylor on Quick Smart to talk about one of our favourite topics: Introverts v Extroverts. We tackle some big ideas on All in the Mind — and so wanted to let you know there's a show that's taking on some of the big chunky topics and distilling them down into bite-sized pieces. Quick Smart is your weekly guide to all things health, psychology, personal finance, history, pop culture and more in just ten minutes! Check it out!

PRESENTS – Quick Smart

Parasocial relationships can be intense — and we all have them to some degree. Whether you're a Swiftie, a fan of the Matildas or just watch the local news every night.But what its like to be on the receiving end of millions of parasocial relationships?For Blair Joscelyne AKA Moog, one half of Mighty Car Mods, it took some unexpected steps to cope.If you're interested in what it's like to be famous, you'll love our episode The dark side of fame and what it does to the brain.

Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health

We all have moments in our lives when we feel an unconscious pull towards a certain decision.Should you walk down that dark alley? Does that person seem a bit off? Why is that giving me the heebie-jeebies?For Isla Lucas, a gut feeling while on holiday saved her life… Or did it?We take a look at the science and fantasy of intuition.If you liked this episode, you'll love our episode on The Pleasure Of Pain

When to trust your gut instinct, and when to ignore it

Now that we're more comfortable talking about mental health, it's time to address some misconceptions.Is depression REALLY a chemical imbalance in the brain? What's the difference between being depressed and distressed? And are psychedelics the solution we've been waiting for?Today, Professor Ian Hickie breaks it all down and reveals the biggest myths about depression.

Nine big myths about depression — busted

What does it take to go from second place, to first? Good, to great?This episode was first broadcast in July 2023. It's part one of our two parter on performance psychology. Part two is called Visualisation and values — goal setting like a winner.

Think like a winner: performance psychology and lessons for everyday life

A founding member of the band Gang of Youths. A single mum from Adelaide. A dad of two in Brisbane. What do all these people have in common?They all have young kids, and they all sing to them constantly!This week we ask: why do babies turn us into non-stop singing machines? Where does this instinct come from and what purpose does it serve?This episode was first broadcast in August 2023.

Babies turn us into non-stop singing machines. Why?

ARIA-nominated musician Parvyn knows what it's like to lose touch with reality.Delusions, mania, psychosis — she's experienced it all, often while on tour.Despite processing these experiences on her debut solo album 'Sa', she's never spoken publicly about her mental health — until now.This episode was first broadcast in March 2023.

The diagnosis that inspired an album

As a teen, Hunter Johnson wanted to be the best at sport, the best at getting girls, and the best at getting attention. But one moment would change everything for him — forcing him to rethink his ideas about masculinity. Now, he's paying it forward.Last week, we explored why toxic masculinity is tricky to talk about. Today, we hear from someone having that conversation daily — shifting the focus from toxic behaviours and beliefs … to emotional intelligence.This episode was first broadcast in February 2023.

How The Man Cave talks to teens about toxic masculinity

Do you get defensive when you hear the term toxic masculinity?You wouldn't be the only one, if so.In this episode, we follow one dad's attempts to understand where internet algorithms are sending his son… and ask, how do we deal with toxic masculinity, when the very term has become contested?This episode was first broadcast in February 2023.

A dad's attempt to understand toxic masculinity

Sex, scandal, money and misdeeds. All elements of good gossip.So why do we love the gossip, but not the gossiper?And why are we invested in the secrets of celebrities, even though they're strangers?This episode was first broadcast in February 2023.

Gossip is fun! Gossip is bad! Gossip is… Good?

The best grades, the best schools, the best sports programs, the best universities – sure, it's great for students to strive for success. But when does the pressure to succeed become too much?American journalist Jennifer Wallace says 'toxic achievement culture' is harming the mental health of many students.Is this a uniquely American phenomenon?

Only as good as your grades – why 'toxic achievement culture' can crush kids

We all tend to get a bit cranky when the weather turns super hot, but did you know heatwaves can worsen certain mental health conditions?We explore the troubling ways heat can affects our mental health and behaviour.Just a heads up, this episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care.

Hot and bothered

Talking about death and grief is hard for anyone, let alone children.But children do experience grief and often have questions they want to ask.Today, how to talk to kids about death, loss and grief. 

The 5 things kids ask when they're grieving

Aiming for perfect sounds like a good thing, right?But when perfectionism grows into hurtful self-criticism and unrelenting standards, it can be damaging for your mental health. And it turns out, perfectionism is linked to an already complex group of mental illnesses.Today, the role perfectionism plays in eating disorders.Please take care while listening if this topic is sensitive for you. And if you would like support, the Butterfly Foundation has a national support helpline for body image issues or eating disorders. You can reach them on 1800 33 4673 or head to their website. 

How the drive to be perfect is linked to eating disorders

Pulitzer prize finalist Meg Kissinger grew up in the 1960's and 70's, steeped in feelings of shame and guilt about the mental illness that plagued her family.Now a journalist covering mental health, she's made it her mission to share stories of lost loved ones and the systems that failed them.This episode explores the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

Mental illness ran in Meg's family. Suicide forced them to talk about it.

Social media abounds with mindset mentors, spiritual healers, influencers and more — many of who offer life coaching.Does anyone know what they're talking about?

Is life coaching legit?

To imagine the future of artificial intelligence, it's important to reflect on some of the big moments in it's past.This week, James Purtill from Science Friction brings us a story of competition, surprise and thinking machines.This is the only time you'll hear Science Friction in the All in the Mind feed. To hear the full six-part series on AI, Hello AI Overlords, search for Science Friction in your podcast feed.

The decades long feud of mind vs brain in AI

TikTok is a mixed bag when it comes to mental health content. Great at raising awareness and building community, but not always accurate or evidence based.Journalist Matilda Boseley sees both sides – but she says TikTok was the push she needed to seek out a formal diagnosis.

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