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
-

#167 – Kristy Martire on The Processes of Evidence Evaluation in Criminal Trials
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kristy Martire about how evidence is evaluated in criminal trials and ways to enhance communication between experts and lay decision-makers in forensic settings. Dr. Kristy Martire is a Professor in…
-

#166 – Dr Stevan Nikolin on Understanding How Depression Affects Brain Activity
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Stevan Nikolin about understanding how depression affects brain activity and how this knowledge is being used to develop new treatments and improve existing ones. Dr Stevan Nikolin is a…
-

#165 – Margaret Morris on The Impact of an Unhealthy Diet
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Margaret Morris about the connection between poor diet and behavior, and how dietary changes can help mitigate the behavioral effects of early life stress. Margaret Morris is a Professor…
-

#164 – Dr David Bakker on Using Technology for Mental Health Purposes
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr David Bakker on the use of technology such as smartphone apps for mental health purposes. David Bakker is a clinical psychologist in private practice at Archer Street Health in…
-

#163 – Dr Kamilah Majied on Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Kamilah Majied about her insightful book entitled “Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living”. Dr. Majied is Professor of Social Work at California State University, Monterey…
-

#162 – Professor Sally Gainsbury on Recreational Gambling vs Problematic Gambling
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Sally Gainsbury about the differences between problematic and recreational gambling while exploring the development of responsible gambling strategies. Professor Sally Gainsbury, PhD, Doctor.ClinPsych, BPsych(Hons) is a leader in gambling…
-

#161 – Dr Christoph Klebl on The Psychology of Climate Change and Biodiversity
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Christoph Klebl about the psychology of climate change and biodiversity, and his work on aesthetics and morality that relates to that (e.g., why people are most concerned about protecting…
-

#160 – Dr Kinga Szymaniak on How the Emotion of Anger Impacts the Way We Think and Act
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Kinga Szymaniak about the impacts of anger on the way we think and act, and how it shapes our decisions and judgments. Kinga Szymaniak is a Research Associate in…
-

#159 – John Sweller on The Cognitive Load Theory
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with John Sweller about The Cognitive Load Theory which suggests that learning happens best under conditions that are aligned with human cognitive architecture. John Sweller is an educational psychologist and Emeritus…
-

#158 – Professor David Blustein on The Psychology of Working and the Interface of Mental Health and Work Poverty
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor David Blustein about the complexities surrounding the psychology of working and its profound impact on mental health, while shedding light on the challenges posed by work poverty. Dr Blustein…
-

#157 – Rob Brooks on How AI Is Reshaping Human Sexual Perspectives and Interactions
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Rob Brooks about the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on reshaping human sexual perspectives and interactions and how it revolutionizes our understanding in the realm of human sexuality. Rob Brooks,…
-

#156 – Dr Susie Burke on The Psychology of Climate Change
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Susie Burke about the role that psychology can play in helping us understand the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change and other environmental threats. Dr Susie Burke is…
-

#155 – Professor Andrew Martin on Student Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement – Putting The Horse Before The Cart
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Andrew Martin about the intricate dynamics of Student Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement. Together, they delve deep into the strategies and challenges of “Putting The Horse Before The Cart,” shedding…
-

#154 – Dr Andrew Amos on the Concerns with Gender Affirming Care – A Psychiatrist’s Perspective
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Andrew Amos about the complexities and concerns surrounding gender-affirming care. This discussion delves into the psychiatric perspective on this important and often debated topic. Dr Andrew Amos is Director…
-

#153 – Dr Genevieve Rayner on Psychosocial Influences on Mood and Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Genevieve Rayner about the intricate interplay of neurobiology and psychosocial factors contributing to mood and cognitive disorders in epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Dr Genevieve Rayner is a practicing…
-

#152 – Dr James Daniel Dunn on Exploring Super-Recognisers
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr James Dunn about strategies that support superior face identification accuracy and contextual influences on face identification as well as his most interesting research on Super-recognisers which he has been…
-

#151 – Kelly Clemens on Epigenetic Consequences of Drug Addiction
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kelly Clemens about the intricate realms of addiction neuroscience, including behavioural neuroscience of nicotine dependence as well as the epigenetic consequences of drug addiction. Kelly Clemens is an Associate Professor…
-

#150 – Dr Mark Horowitz on Tapering off SSRI to Mitigate Withdrawal Symptoms
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Mark Horowitz about exploring expert strategies for tapering off SSRIs and managing withdrawal symptoms. Dr Mark Horowitz, BA, BSc(Med), MBBS(Hons), MSc, GDipPsych, is a trainee psychiatrist and Clinical Research…
-

#149 – Dr. Suzy Green on Promoting Mental Wellness to Reduce Mental Illness Impact
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Suzy Green enhancing mental health outcomes in organizations and schools through positive psychology, emphasizing the promotion of mental wellbeing over solely addressing mental illness. Dr Suzy Green is a…
-

#148 – Jayashri Kulkarni on Premenstrual Syndrome
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jayashri Kulkarni about her research on the connections between mental health, such as depression, with premenstrual cycles most notably premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual exacerbation (PME). Professor Jayashri Kulkarni…
-

#147 – Lucette Cysique on Understanding Post-viral Syndromes
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lucette Cysique about the importance of understanding post-viral syndromes and how it can pave the way for enhanced long-term outcomes, benefiting both individuals and the wider community. Associate Professor Lucette…