Podcast · Hosted by Nesh Nikolic
Better Thinking
Better Thinking is a podcast of conversations with experts exploring all things psychology. Canberra clinical psychologist Nesh Nikolic talks with researchers and clinicians about anxiety, trauma, relationships, the brain, therapies including ACT, and how it all applies to everyday life. Nesh has provided more than 25,000 hours of one-on-one therapy since 2007. Episode pages at neshnikolic.com include guest bios and resources. General information only, not a substitute for your own health professional. Need support now? Lifeline 13 11 14, or 000 in an emergency.
All episodes
Latest conversations
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#209 – Dr Ruth Wells on Mental Health Support in Humanitarian Settings
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ruth Wells about mental health and psychosocial support in humanitarian settings: what she learnt working alongside Syrian mental health practitioners, why context, rights and displacement matter as much as…
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#208 – Professor Nancy Pachana on Healthy Ageing: Purpose and Well-Being in Later Life
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Nancy Pachana about healthy ageing, finding purpose and well-being in later life, and navigating the transition into retirement.
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#207 – Damien Stewart on How Trauma Can Be Passed Between Generations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Damien Stewart about the impact of intergenerational trauma, how traumatic experiences can influence subsequent generations, and what this means for mental health and wellbeing. As well as an elite level…
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#206 – Niklas Törneke on Understanding Human Behaviour Through ACT
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Niklas Törneke about understanding human behaviour through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Relational Frame Theory, and the practical use of language and metaphor in psychological change. Niklas Törneke is a Swedish…
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#205 – Dr Ella Moeck on How Emotions Shape Memory, Future Thinking, and Uncertainty
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ella Moeck about how emotions shape the way people remember the past, think about the future, and respond to uncertainty. Dr Ella Moeck is a Lecturer in Psychology at…
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#204 – Stacey Parker on Designing Work for Wellbeing, Motivation, and Performance
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Stacey Parker about how jobs and careers can be designed to maximise wellbeing, motivation, and performance, and what psychological principles can help create healthier and more fulfilling working lives. Associate…
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#203 – Professor Jen Hudson on Children’s Emotional Health and Anxiety
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jennifer Hudson about the factors that shape children’s emotional health and how we can improve support and services for children experiencing anxiety and other emotional disorders. Professor Jennifer Hudson…
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#202 – Dr Eden Robertson on The Psychosocial Needs of Families Affected by Rare Disease
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Eden Robertson about the psychosocial needs of families affected by rare disease and how lived experience can drive better, more compassionate healthcare. Dr Eden Robertson is a Sydney‑based behavioural…
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#201 – Professor Simon Rosenbaum on the Intersection of Physical Activity and Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Simon Rosenbaum about the intersection of physical activity and mental health, and how movement can play a powerful role in improving psychological wellbeing. Simon is an academic exercise physiologist…
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#200 – Dr James Morandini on Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
Listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr James Morandini about advancing research across gender identity, gender dysphoria, sexual orientation, and the mental health challenges connected to these areas. James Morandini is a…
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#199 – Lou Lasprugato on ACT Within The Therapeutic Relationship
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lou Lasprugato about ACT within the therapeutic relationship, including process-based functional assessment and shaping psychological flexibility. Lou Lasprugato is a psychotherapist and internationally recognised trainer in the field of psychology.…
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#198 – Philip Batterham on Preventing and Understanding Drivers of Suicidal Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Philip Batterham about advancing more efficient and precise methods for assessing suicidality and mental disorders. Philip Batterham is a Professor and Co-Head at the Centre for Mental Health Research,…
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#197 – Dr Donel Martin on Brain Stimulation For Improving Cognition
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Donel Martin about new and innovative approaches to improving cognition, with a focus on brain stimulation technologies. Dr Donel Martin is a clinical academic researcher based at the Black…
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#196 – Dr Jerry Rosenbaum on How Psychedelics Change The Brain
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum anxiety disorders, depression, and how psychedelics change the brain — and what this could mean for the future of psychiatry. Dr. Jerry Rosenbaum is the Stanley Cobb…
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#195 – Robert Whitaker on Rethinking the Scientific Basis of the Disease Model
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Robert Whitaker about how the disease model of mental illness emerged, what evidence it was built on, and why it may not be as scientifically grounded as many believe. Robert…
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#194 – Professor Dianna Kenny on Understanding Gender Dysphoria
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Dianna Kenny about understanding gender dysphoria in young people and the complexities surrounding their care and wellbeing. Dr Dianna T. Kenny is an experienced psychologist in Sydney who offers…
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#193 – Arthur Thomas Ware on Building Fulfillment and Purpose in Retirement
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Arthur Thomas Ware about fostering long, happy, and purposeful years in retirement, and how psychology can help us create meaning beyond work. Arthur Thomas Ware (He prefers to be called,…
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#192 – Professor Paul Rhodes on Psychology Beyond The Individual
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Paul Rhodes about moving beyond individual psychology to explore systemic thinking, family therapy, eco-psychology, and affect theory. Professor Paul Rhodes is a clinical psychology academic and at The University of…
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#191 – Professor Zoltán Sarnyai on Ketogenic Metabolic Therapy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Zoltán Sarnyai about his recent randomized controlled trial on ketogenic metabolic therapy for serious mental illness and the broader implications of this emerging field for the future of psychiatric…
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#190 – Dr Lucy Johnstone on The Power Threat Meaning Framework
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lucy Johnstone about the Power Threat Meaning Framework and how it offers an alternative to traditional psychiatric diagnoses by focusing on power, threat, and meaning in people’s lives. Dr Lucy…
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#189 – Professor Gordon Parker on How the Gut Shapes Mood and Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Gordon Parker AO about the gut–brain connection and how it could transform our understanding and treatment of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder. Professor Gordon Parker AO…