Best Nesh Nikolic Podcasts (2025)

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#189 – Professor Gordon Parker on How the Gut Shapes Mood and Mental Health 1:11:15

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12d ago1:11:15

1:11:15

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 is Scientia Professor of Psychiatry, UNSW, was Founder of the Black Dog Institute, Hea…

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#188 – Dr Matt Bernstein on The Relationship Between Metabolism and Mental Illness 1:22:11

20d ago1:22:11

1:22:11

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 than 20 years. He is also Accord’s chief executive officer and one of the leadi…

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#187 – Dr Joanna Moncrieff on her book: Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of The Serotonin Myth 1:13:30

1M ago1:13:30

1:13:30

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Joanna Moncrieff about her latest book: Chemically Imbalanced: The Making and Unmaking of The Serotonin Myth. Dr Joanna Moncrieff is a practising psychiatrist, part-time academic, and author with a deep interest in the history, philosophy, and politics of psychiatry. Her work focuses p…

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#186 – Jacqueline Anderson on Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries 1:09:37

2M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

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 Neuropsychology in the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences. She is…

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#185 – Dr David Healy on How Antidepressants Shape Mental Health and Impact Society 1:34:05

2M ago1:34:05

1:34:05

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, a professor in the Department of Family Medicine in McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, is a…

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#184 – Professor Jae Jung on Understanding and Supporting High-Ability Students 1:11:16

2M ago1:11:16

1:11:16

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 in the School of Education and the Director of the Gifted Education Research, Resource and I…

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#183 – Lisa Anne Williams on How Emotions Are Shaped by Our Social World 1:29:16

3M ago1:29:16

1:29:16

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 a social psychologist whose research examines the dynamics between emotional experience and social …

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#182 – Nik Steffens on Social Identity and the Psychology of Teamwork in Organizations 1:14:13

3M ago1:14:13

1:14:13

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 for Business and Organisational Psychology (CBOP) in UQ's School of Psychol…

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#181 – Dr Zhi Yi Ong on The Neurobiological Mechanisms of Food Intake and Addiction 1:18:25

4M ago1:18:25

1:18:25

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 ARC Future Fellow at the UNSW School of Psychology. She completed her PhD in Biomedical Science at the Univ…

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#180 – Lana Tikhomirov on the Ethics of AI in Human Decision-Making 1:07:52

5M ago1:07:52

1:07:52

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 researcher at the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, where she focu…

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#179 – Dr Simon Byrne on Evolving Treatments for Anxiety and Children’s Mental Health 1:05:42

5M ago1:05:42

1:05:42

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Simon Byrne about evolving approaches to anxiety treatment—including CBT and ACT—and how evidence-based models can better support children’s mental health. Dr Simon Byrne is a Lecturer at the University of Queensland (UQ) since 2021. He completed a PhD/Masters of Clinical Psychology in…

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#178 – Dr Poppy Watson on Compulsive Reward-seeking Behaviour 1:09:34

7M ago1:09:34

1:09:34

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 of Dr Poppy Watson lie at the intersection of motivation, attention and choice behavi…

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#177 – Dr Amy Peden on Global Drowning Prevention Through Research and Advocacy 1:23:32

7M ago1:23:32

1:23:32

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 Fellow in the School of Population Health at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in Sydney Australia, where she is al…

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#176 – Dr Robyn Walser on Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Trauma 1:18:46

7M ago1:18:46

1:18:46

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 an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, educator, and author. She is the Director of Trauma and Life Consultation and Psychology Serv…

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#175 – Ahu Kocak on Suicide Assessment and Prevention Strategies 53:46

8M ago53:46

53:46

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 and private practice settings. She holds a Bachelor of Science Psychology, Master…

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#174 – Ben Newell on The Role of Behavioural Science in Promoting Climate Action 1:35:19

8M ago1:35:19

1:35:19

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 Professor of Behavioural Science in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney, and Director of the UNSW I…

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#173 – Professor Kim Delbaere on Promoting Healthy Ageing 1:16:11

9M ago1:16:11

1:16:11

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 Director of Innovation & Translation at the Falls, Balance & Injury …

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#172 –Dr. Stefan Carlo Michalski on Virtual Reality for Life Skills in Intellectual Disabilities 1:16:54

10M ago1:16:54

1:16:54

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 in the National Centre of Excellence in Intellectual Disability Health at the Univers…

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#171 – Jacinta Hawgood on Suicide Research and Prevention 1:22:10

10M ago1:22:10

1:22:10

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 at the Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention…

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#170 – Dr Lydia Brown on Navigating the Journey of Menopause and Aging 1:09:23

11M ago1:09:23

1:09:23

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 of Melbourne. She earned her PhD in 2015, focusing on self-compassion a…

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#169 – Jill Maree Newby on Technology-Based Interventions for Depression and Anxiety 1:00:00

11M ago1:00:00

1:00:00

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Jill Maree Newby about innovative technology-based interventions for depression and anxiety, highlighting the impact and effectiveness of internet and e-mental health approaches in modern mental health care. Jill Maree Newby is an Australian psychologist who is a professor and N…

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#168 – Dr Ivan Raymond on The Power of 'Intent' in Shaping Care and Support 1:09:09

12M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Ivan Raymond about the concept of intentional practice, which helps individuals and communities navigate complexity by offering a common framework for thinking and planning. Dr Ivan Raymond is a clinical psychologist and the Director of the Life Buoyancy Institute Foundation. He work b…

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#167 – Kristy Martire on The Processes of Evidence Evaluation in Criminal Trials 1:19:48

12M ago1:19:48

1:19:48

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 the School of Psychology at the University of New South Wales, Sydney Australia. Her resea…

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#166 – Dr Stevan Nikolin on Understanding How Depression Affects Brain Activity 1:36:08

12M ago1:36:08

1:36:08

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 Neuroscience Fellow at the Black Dog Institute, specializing in the intersection of brain activity a…

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#165 – Margaret Morris on The Impact of an Unhealthy Diet 55:34

1y ago55:34

55:34

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 of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of NSW. She uses neuropharmacolog…

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#164 – Dr David Bakker on Using Technology for Mental Health Purposes 1:18:32

1y ago1:18:32

1:18:32

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 Hobart. He is also a lecturer and research supervisor at the Institute for Social Neuroscience, which trains …

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#163 – Dr Kamilah Majied on Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living 1:00:53

1y ago1:00:53

1:00:53

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 Bay. She teaches clinical practice to graduate students employing psychodynamic, c…

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#162 – Professor Sally Gainsbury on Recreational Gambling vs Problematic Gambling 42:01

1y ago42:01

42:01

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 psychology research, focussing on using …

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#161 – Dr Christoph Klebl on The Psychology of Climate Change and Biodiversity 1:24:47

1+ y ago1:24:47

1:24:47

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 beautiful animal species). Dr. Christoph Klebl is a postdoctoral research fellow at the School of…

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#160 – Dr Kinga Szymaniak on How the Emotion of Anger Impacts the Way We Think and Act 1:20:51

1+ y ago1:20:51

1:20:51

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 the School of Psychology at UNSW. She was awarded her PhD in 2022 from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw…

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#159 – John Sweller on The Cognitive Load Theory 1:22:57

1+ y ago1:22:57

1:22:57

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 Professor at the University of New South Wales. He received a Ph.D. from the…

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#158 – Professor David Blustein on The Psychology of Working and the Interface of Mental Health and Work Poverty 1:26:57

1+ y ago1:26:57

1:26:57

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 is a Professor and Golden Eagle Faculty Fellow in the Department of Counseling, Develop…

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#157 – Rob Brooks on How AI Is Reshaping Human Sexual Perspectives and Interactions 1:26:07

1+ y ago1:26:07

1:26:07

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, a Scientia Professor of Evolution at UNSW Sydney. He both founded and directed f…

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#156 – Dr Susie Burke on The Psychology of Climate Change 1:11:31

1+ y ago1:11:31

1:11:31

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 a psychologist, Adjunct Associate Professor (University of Queensland), researcher, writer, and climate ch…

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#155 – Professor Andrew Martin on Student Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement - Putting The Horse Before The Cart 1:14:31

1+ y ago1:14:31

1:14:31

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 light on the crucial steps needed to ensure academic success and personal …

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#154 – Dr Andrew Amos on the Concerns with Gender Affirming Care - A Psychiatrist's Perspective 1:45:56

1+ y ago1:45:56

1:45:56

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 of Training – Psychiatry for North Queensland, Deputy Editor of Australasian …

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#153 – Dr Genevieve Rayner on Psychosocial Influences on Mood and Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy 1:11:11

1+ y ago1:11:11

1:11:11

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 clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer in clinical neuropsychology at…

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#152 – Dr James Daniel Dunn on Exploring Super-Recognisers 1:20:59

1+ y ago1:20:59

1:20:59

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 studying using the UNSW Face Test. James Dunn is a Lecturer in the School of P…

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#151 – Kelly Clemens on Epigenetic Consequences of Drug Addiction 1:10:16

1+ y ago1:10:16

1:10:16

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 in the School of Psychology, and Associate Dean of Impact Partner…

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#150 – Dr Mark Horowitz on Tapering off SSRI to Mitigate Withdrawal Symptoms 57:18

1+ y ago57:18

57:18

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 MBBS PhD is a Clinical Research Fellow in Psychiatry in the National Health Service (NHS) in England and an Honorary Research Fellow at University College London (U…

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#149 – Dr. Suzy Green on Promoting Mental Wellness to Reduce Mental Illness Impact 53:14

1+ y ago53:14

53:14

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 Clinical Psychologist with extensive experience in the treatment of mental illne…

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#148 – Jayashri Kulkarni on Premenstrual Syndrome 52:59

1+ y ago52:59

52:59

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 AM graduated in Medicine from Monash University …

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#147 – Lucette Cysique on Understanding Post-viral Syndromes 1:03:59

1+ y ago1:03:59

1:03:59

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 Cysique, a neuropsychologist researcher whos intrests lie in Modelling n…

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#146 – Dr Anna Kiaos on Understanding Mental Health in Organisations 1:04:40

1+ y ago1:04:40

1:04:40

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Anna Kiaos about qualitative research methods and practices, offering valuable insights into understanding mental health within organisations. Dr Anna Kiaos is a critical ethnographer with a passion for psychiatry, psychology and mental health. Her research explores the boundary betwee…

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#145 – Dr Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel on Understanding Punishment Learning 1:57:34

1+ y ago1:57:34

1:57:34

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Philip Jean-Richard Dit Bressel about his research on neural circuitry using animal models to explore reward and punishment paradigms, their impact on decision-making processes, alongside a discussion on the gamification of research protocols in human studies. Dr Philip Jean-Richard Di…

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#144 – Michael Kasumovic on The Influence of Perceived and Actual Status on Human Behaviour 1:36:00

1+ y ago1:36:00

1:36:00

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Michael Kasumovic about how humans respond to status both percieved and actual and how this can moderate specific behaviour. Michael Matthew Kasumovic is an Associate Professor at University of New South Wales and Teacher & Director of Arludo. His research explores how the social environm…

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#143 – Dr Tayla Degan on The Importance of Health Literacy for Clinicians and Consumers 1:24:23

1+ y ago1:24:23

1:24:23

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Tayla Degan about health literacy and how important it is to consider both as a clinican and as a consumer of health services. Dr Tayla Degan is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre (NDARC), University of New South Wales, Australia. She is als…

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#142 – Natalie Taylor on The Importance of Implementation Science 1:03:39

1+ y ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Natalie Taylor about the complexity and importance of implementation scientists and the factors that go into behaviour change within systems. Natalie Taylor is an implementation scientist. She works both in a research and consulting capacity to help develop and apply optimal ways for orga…

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#141 – Dr Conal Monaghan on Dimensional Models of Personality Disorder 1:35:46

2y ago1:35:46

1:35:46

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Conal Monaghan about dimensional models of personality disorder as well as the limitations and merits in the current diagnostic method. Dr Conal Monaghan was conferred his PhD (Clinical Psychology) from the ANU in 2019. He also graduated with a degree in marketing with a major in inter…

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#140 – Professor Nick Haslam on 'Concept Creep' 1:14:09

2y ago1:14:09

1:14:09

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Nick Haslam about “concept creep” in the field of psychology and how it has reshaped many aspects of modern society. Nick Haslam is Professor of Psychology at the University of Melbourne. He received his BA(Hons) from the University of Melbourne, his MA and PhD from the University of Penn…