Podcast · Hosted by Nesh Nikolic
Better Thinking
Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a clinical psychologist based in Canberra. Each episode features long-form conversations with researchers and clinicians on psychology, mental health and how to navigate life more effectively.
All episodes
Latest conversations
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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…
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#188 – Dr Matt Bernstein on The Relationship Between Metabolism and Mental Illness
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Matt Bernstein about the emerging field of metabolic psychiatry and how metabolism, nutrition, and lifestyle factors influence mental health. Dr. Matt Bernstein is a respected clinical psychiatrist for more…
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#187 – Dr Joanna Moncrieff on her Latest Book: A Straight Talking Introduction to Psychiatric Drugs
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Joanna Moncrieff about her latest book: A Straight Talking Introduction to Psychiatric Drugs: The Truth About How They Work and How to Come Off Them. Dr Joanna Moncrieff is…
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#186 – Jacqueline Anderson on Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Associate Professor Jacqueline Anderson about the long-term impact of traumatic brain injuries and how they affect cognition, identity, and daily life. Jacqueline Anderson, PhD, is an Associate Professor in Clinical…
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#185 – Dr David Healy on How Antidepressants Shape Mental Health and Impact Society
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. David Healy about how psychotropic drugs and clinical trials have influenced the way we understand mental health and the broader impact these developments have had on society. David Healy,…
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#184 – Professor Jae Jung on Understanding and Supporting High-Ability Students
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jae Jung about how to better understand and support gifted students, the importance of differentiated education, and the future of high-ability learning. Jae Yup Jung, PhD is a Professor…
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#183 – Lisa Anne Williams on How Emotions Are Shaped by Our Social World
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lisa Anne Williams about how our emotions are shaped by social experiences and the powerful, adaptive functions of positive social emotions like pride and gratitude. Dr. Lisa A. Williams is…
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#182 – Nik Steffens on Social Identity and the Psychology of Teamwork in Organizations
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Nik Steffens about how identity, connection, and purpose shape not only individual outcomes but also drive collective success within organizations. Niklas Steffens is Associate Professor and Director of the Centre…
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#181 – Dr Zhi Yi Ong on The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Food Intake and Addiction
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Zhi Yi Ong about the neurobiology of food intake, exploring how gut-brain interactions shape eating behavior and its connection to addiction. Zhi Yi Ong is a Senior Lecturer and…
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#180 – Lana Tikhomirov on the Ethics of AI in Human Decision-Making
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lana Tikhomirov about the intersection of AI and human decision-making, exploring its ethical concerns, cognitive challenges, and growing role in high-stakes fields like healthcare. Lana Tikhomirov is an AI safety…
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#179 – Dr Simon Byrne on Evolving Treatments for Anxiety and Children’s Mental Health
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Simon Byrne about evolving treatments for anxiety and children’s mental health, exploring new approaches to treating mental disorders. Dr Simon Byrne is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland…
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#178 – Dr Poppy Watson on Compulsive Reward-seeking Behaviour
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Poppy Watson about compulsive reward-seeking behavior, commonly seen in drug or gambling addiction, but also in more subtle forms that influence our everyday actions and habits. The research interests…
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#177 – Dr Amy Peden on Global Drowning Prevention Through Research and Advocacy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Amy Peden about the global drowning crisis, the key risk factors involved, and what can be done to reduce these tragic incidents. Dr Amy Peden is a Senior Research…
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#176 – Dr Robyn Walser on Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Trauma
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Robyn Walser about using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help individuals navigate and heal from trauma. Robyn D Walser, PhD is a clinical psychologist with expertise in Acceptance…
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#175 – Ahu Kocak on Suicide Assessment and Prevention Strategies
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ahu Kocak about her experience in developing suicide assessment and prevention strategies in correctional settings. Ahu Kocak is endorsed in Forensic Psychology with over 14 years experience in prison, court…
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#174 – Ben Newell on The Role of Behavioural Science in Promoting Climate Action
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Ben Newell about the power of behavioral science and the role that psychology can play in motivating individuals and societies to take meaningful action on climate change. Ben Newell is…
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#173 – Professor Kim Delbaere on Promoting Healthy Ageing
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Kim Delbaere about understanding physical, psychological and cognitive factors causing falls as well as topics about promoting healthy ageing. Professor Kim Delbaere is a Senior Principal Research Scientist and…
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#172 –Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski on Virtual Reality for Life Skills in Intellectual Disabilities
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski about using an AI-powered VR application to build life skills and improve healthcare access for people with intellectual disabilities. Dr. Stefan Michalski is a Research Fellow…
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#171 – Jacinta Hawgood on Suicide Prevention Training Evaluation
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jacinta Hawgood about evaluating suicide prevention training programs, their effectiveness, and the critical role they play in reducing suicide rates. Jacinta Hawgood is Associate Professor and Program Director of Suicidology…
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#170 – Dr Lydia Brown on Navigating the Journey of Menopause and Aging
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Lydia Brown about understanding and enhancing well-being during the menopause transition and aging. Lydia Brown is a Clinical Psychologist and Senior Lecturer at the School of Psychological Sciences, The University…