PsychTalks: Modern life explored by psychology experts
PsychTalks: Modern life explored by psychology experts
2026 marks PsychTalks’ fifth season, and our hosts Associate Professor Cassie Hayward and Professor Nick Haslam are thrilled to bring you another stellar line up of psychology experts – from within the University of Melbourne and beyond.
How are our judgments (and those of the AI tools we’ve created) affected by implicit bias? What role does impulsivity have on our likelihood to drink? And how can we ensure our children with disability are psychologically safe and included?
Where to listen
We’re busy recording Season 5 and can’t wait to share it with you late June 2026. In the meantime, we’ve released an early bonus episode Season 5 below, featuring Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University) in conversation about her work with implicit bias and AI.
Follow PsychTalks on your favourite platform to be notified of new episodes, sign up to our monthly newsletter, or catch up on old episodes:
Apple Podcasts Spotify
Bonus episode:
Hidden biases in humans and machines: Can we really be fair?
We like to think we’re fair. But what if our minds and our machines don’t always agree?
In this special bonus episode of PsychTalks, hosts Professor Nick Haslam and Associate Professor Cassie Hayward are joined by Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University), one of the world’s leading researchers on implicit bias.
Drawing on decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Professor Banaji explains how bias can shape judgments and decisions without our awareness – even when we genuinely value fairness and accuracy. She explores how these hidden processes affect everyday life, social institutions and the technologies we are increasingly relying on.
Recorded during Professor Banaji’s visit to the University of Melbourne as a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, this conversation asks what it really means to take responsibility for bias and how a clearer understanding of the human mind might help us build a more just and accountable world.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our fantastic production team, who helped create Season 5 of the PsychTalks podcast.
- Hosts: Cassie Hayward and Nick Haslam
- Producers: Mairéad Murray, Gemma Papprill and Celia Harvey
- Sound engineer: Phil Shaw
- Music composer: Chris Falk
PsychTalks: Season 4
What happens in the brain with Ozempic? Can social media bans protect young minds? And why do food labels and fake news work so well at misleading us?
PsychTalks returns in 2025 for Season 4, with hosts Associate Professor Cassie Hayward and Professor Nick Haslam joined by leading experts from the University of Melbourne. Together, they unpack the psychology behind misinformation, power, menopause, and more – offering evidence-based insights into how we think, feel and act.
Bonus episode: Do we ever stop being curious?
We said the season was over – but when the chance to sit down with Professor Alison Gopnik comes along, you make an exception. In this bonus episode, we’re delighted to welcome one of the world’s most influential developmental psychologists for an extended conversation on how our minds grow and change over the lifespan.
Drawing on her work on children as “little scientists,” the explore–exploit dilemma and her gardener-versus-carpenter model of parenting, Alison reflects on why play, risk and exploration matter so much in childhood. We also explore caregiving as a form of intelligence – one that becomes increasingly important in later life – and what elders, grandparents and even orcas can teach us about care, culture and human flourishing.
S4E8: Shelf deception: How does marketing on packaged foods influence us?
Are we really making healthy choices for our children in the supermarket? Or are we being nudged by bright colours, on-pack claims and fruit-filled imagery?
Associate Professor Helen Dixon and Jane Martin unpack the psychology, policy and packaging that influence what ends up in our shopping trolleys. They highlight the subtle strategies used to market commercial infant and toddler foods, and discuss what can be done to support parents in making informed choices.
S4E7: Why is misinformation so powerful?
Misinformation and disinformation now pose some of the biggest global risks to democracy and public trust.
Associate Professor Piers Howe explains how misinformation and disinformation spreads, and the subtle but influential ways they can shift public opinion, disrupt elections and damage society. With the rise of AI and sophisticated campaigns, he explains why it's more important than ever to stay informed, think critically and understand the science behind persuasion.
S4E6: How does power and influence shape our lives?
Want tips on how to use power and influence more effectively - whether you’re pitching an idea, leading a team, or asking your preschooler to brush their teeth? Professor Jennifer Overbeck from the Melbourne Business School unpacks what sets power apart from influence, how persuasion works, and why gender, identity and context matter.
S4E5: Can self-compassion help us better navigate menopause?
What are the mental health impacts of menopause and how are they connected with our ideas about ageing? Dr Lydia Brown shares insights from her research on self-compassion and how it can help those managing the psychological challenges of menopause.
Whether you’re approaching menopause or simply interested in evidence-based strategies for a healthy outlook on ageing, this conversation offers practical and deeply human advice for navigating change.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
S4E4: How does language shape the way we think?
What do the names of colours, kinship terms and legal jargon tell us about the human mind? Dr Frank Mollica explores language as a cognitive tool – shaped by culture, adapted for purpose, and far from universal.
We dive into how children learn language, how it evolves and why legal language is so confusing. Along the way, we challenge common assumptions about how we think, communicate and learn.
S4E3: Are some people just nicer?
Why do some people seem naturally kind or generous? Professor Luke Smillie breaks down personality traits like empathy, honesty and compassion – and how they shape behaviour. Tune into this thoughtful discussion about the ‘prosocial personality’ and discover whether people can become more altruistic over time.
S4E2: Can social media bans protect young minds?
Will the government really lock under-16s out of TikTok? Associate Professor Scott Griffiths unpacks the proposed social media ban, the psychological harms driving it, challenges around enforcement, and what parents can do to protect kids’ mental health online.
S4E1: How does Ozempic affect the brain in binge eating disorder?
Could Ozempic do more than help with weight loss? Dr Trevor Steward is uncovering the science behind what’s happening in the brain when people take drugs like Ozempic. His research queries how these medications influence appetite, food-related thoughts, and their potential to turn down the dial on binge eating disorder.
Read more in Dr Steward's article for Pursuit.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our fantastic production team, who helped create Season 4 of the PsychTalks: Modern life explored by psychology experts podcast.
- Hosts: Cassie Hayward and Nick Haslam
- Producer: Carly Godden
- Assistant producers: Mairéad Murray, Gemma Papprill and Celia Harvey
- Sound engineer: Jack Palmer
- Music composer: Chris Falk
PsychTalks: Season 3
Can gender inequities in household labour affect sexual desire? How does neuroscience affect how we learn? And what exactly is going on inside a teenager's brain?
Our third season of the PsychTalks podcast is here! Our hosts Associate Professor Cassie Hayward and Professor Nick Haslam are back for another series of inspiring conversations with our brilliant experts as they unpack the psychology behind today’s biggest topics – from the latest in PTSD research and treatment, to the fascinating world of secrets.
S3E8: Why do we keep secrets?
Unlock the psychological reasons behind why we hold onto secrets. Associate Professor Katie Greenaway and Valentina Bianchi explore the emotional costs and benefits of keeping secrets. Discover who we often confide in and hear a clinical psychologist’s perspective on being a professional secret-keeper.
- Featuring Associate Professor Katie Greenaway, Co-Director of FEEL Lab, and Dr Valentina Bianchi, Postdoctoral Researcher.
- Take this survey at keepingsecrets.org to compare your secrets with others.
S3E7: Can bots improve our mental health?
Discover how the AI revolution is entering the world of psychology and clinical practice. Professor Simon Dennis shares his quest to craft AI-driven tools for therapy. Can bots help address the shortage of mental health professionals by providing affordable, 24/7 support? And what are the ethical, practical and philosophical questions behind using therapist bots as part of therapy treatment?
- Featuring Professor Simon Dennis, Director of the Complex Human Data Hub.
- Find out more about Simon's AI-driven cognitive behavioural therapy tools.
Please be advised that this episode discusses suicide and suicide ideation.
S3E6: Could cognitive neuroscience influence how we teach and learn?
Do 'brain-training' apps or mindfulness exercises really boost our capacity to learn? Professor Iroise Dumontheil shares her research into why we differ in our ability to control our attention, thoughts and behaviour. Hear how these differences impact on our learning and whether cognitive training enhances outcomes in education. Discover how insights from cognitive neuroscience might reshape the future of education by enabling personalised learning.
- Featuring Professor Iroise Dumontheil, ARC Future Fellow.
S3E5: Sleep and pain: What's keeping you up at night?
Managing pain can be part of life for many of us. Professor Amy Jordan and Associate Professor Natalia Brumley unlock the intriguing relationship between sleep and pain. Find out how different types of pain affect sleep quality, if gender is a factor, and in what ways exercise, blue light and social media consumption might have an impact.
Featuring:
- Professor Amy Jordan, Director of the Sleep Laboratory and Honorary Fellow at the Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health
- Associate Professor Natalia Brumley, Director of the Pain and Cognition Neuroimaging Laboratory.
S3E4: Can we improve PTSD treatments?
PTSD is the second most common mental health disorder. Current treatments work for about half of those affected, but are there better options? Professor Kim Felmingham breaks down exposure therapy and explores if pharmacological-based interventions such as MDMA/ecstasy are really the answer. Plus find out what her studies on exercise reveal about this promising potential line of treatment.
- Featuring Professor Kim Felmingham, Chair in Clinical Psychology.
- Visit the Phoenix Australia website for more information about PTSD and current research trials.
S3E3: Are household inequities ruining your sex life?
Studies show there is still a significant gender imbalance in taking on domestic chores and managing a home in most heterosexual relationships. But can this divide also dampen things in bedroom? Dr Emily Harris discusses why women usually take on more, the structural barriers to change and practical strategies for couples.
- Featuring Dr Emily Harris, Research Fellow in the Physical Appearance Research Team (PART).
- To find out more about her research, visit Emily's website.
S3E2: How do teenage brains work?
Explore the fascinating world of adolescent brain development and inhibition with Dr Sarah Tashjian. Find out how different parts of the brain mature during adolescence, the crucial role of sleep and the surprising science behind how teens make decisions. Get science-backed tips on how best to talk to teens about risky behaviours and challenges in their formative years.
- Featuring Dr Sarah Tashjian, Director of the Affective Neuroscience and Development Lab.
- For recommendations on teens use of social media, check out the American Psychological Association’s Health Advisory on Social Media Use in Adolescence.
S3E1: What do athletes need for good mental health?
Excitement is building for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games – but how do its elite competitors cope with the stress of performing with the eyes of the world upon them? In this special episode launching Series 3 of PsychTalks, we unpack Dr Courtney Walton's latest research into athletes’ mental health. Hear about the strides being made in the professional care of our sporting stars and how best to support your kid in sport.
- Featuring Dr Courtney Walton, Research Fellow.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our fantastic production team, who helped create the PsychTalks: Modern life explored by psychology experts podcast.
Season 3
- Hosts: Cassie Hayward and Nick Haslam
- Writer and producer: Carly Godden
- Assistant producers: Mairéad Murray and Gemma Papprill
- Sound engineers: Elise Bradshaw (episode 1) and Jack Palmer
- Music composer: Chris Falk
PsychTalks: Season 2
Is screentime really as terrible as it's made out to be? How do social media algorithms affect how we think about ourselves? And how can we communicate the dangers of vaping to our teens?
Season 2 of PsychTalks saw MSPS academics Associate Professor Cassie Hayward and Professor Nick Haslam take up hosting duties, with episodes released in November and December 2023.
Catch up on Season 2 below as our new hosts explore more fascinating studies in psychology with world leading experts.
Is TikTok toxic for our self image?
We’ve heard that social media can warp perceptions about our bodies, dieting and appearance. So what happens when TikTok invents a new type of algorithm – one that's incredibly powerful at tapping into our inner desires and anxieties? Hear Dr Scott Griffiths chat about his astonishing study on how TikTok can harm those vulnerable to eating disorders.
- Dr Scott Griffiths, Psychology Researcher and Team Leader of the Physical Appearance Research Team (PART) at MSPS.
- Learn more about the Butterfly Foundation.
Do trigger warnings work?
Today, trigger or content warnings pop up in much of the media we consume, and have spread to universities and classrooms. But are these warnings actually helping us? Do they make us avoid triggering material, or at least minimise the potential harm involved, if we do see it? This episode, with Dr Ella Moeck, invites you to rethink trigger warnings and how we might best deal with confronting topics in our everyday lives.
- Featuring Dr Ella Moeck, Research Fellow in the Functions of Emotion in Everyday Life (FEEL) Lab at MSPS.
Is screen time bad for kids?
We’ve all heard the old saying that watching too much TV rots your brain. How much truth is there to this – especially when it comes to kids paying attention in school? Should parents feel guilty about their kids’ screen time? Associate Professor Katherine Johnson has the answers.
- Featuring Associate Professor Katherine Johnson.
What can we do about vaping?
E-cigarette use, or vaping, has quickly become a regular habit for many teenagers in Australia and around the world. Hear from Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis as she talks about the rising popularity of vaping. What steps should the government take, and is there a more effective way to convince teenagers that vaping might not be the best idea?
- Featuring Associate Professor Michelle Jongenelis, Principle Research Fellow and Deputy Director of the Melbourne Centre for Behaviour Change at MSPS.
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our fantastic production team, who helped create Season 2 of the PsychTalks: Modern life explored by psychology experts podcast.
- Hosts: Cassie Hayward and Nick Haslam
- Writer and producer: Carly Godden
- Assistant producer: Louise Sheedy
- Sound engineer: David Calf
- Music composer: Chris Falk
PsychTalks: Season 1
Hosted by the award-winning journalist Lynne Malcolm, Season 1 of Psychtalks podcast was launched in May and June 2022. Each episode dives deep into a single thought-provoking issue in modern-day Australia — from the effects of fear-based advertising to unravelling the undercurrent of misinformation and conspiracy theories; and from the hype and hope of mindfulness and meditation, to the complex world of big data.
S1E1 - Why do we fall for misinformation?
Misinformation is being weaponised in the media and politics, and many fall down the conspiracy theory spiral. In what ways do our brains predispose us to believe in misinformation? How is our current information environment – especially social media – aiding the spread of ‘fake news’? And can you actually convince true believers to drop conspiracy theories?
- Associate Professor Andrew Perfors, Deputy Director of the Complex Human Data Hub at MSPS
- David Milner, award-winning journalist and columnist at The Shot
S1E2 - How scary ads change our behaviour
Government and advocacy groups want us all to make healthier and safer choices. Yet, changing undesirable behaviour is notoriously challenging. Why then are fear appeal ads – when done well – such an effective means to jump-start us into action? This episode looks at the ways the Victorian TAC leverage fear appeal ads to reduce our road death tolls.
- Associate Professor Cassie Hayward, Social Psychologist, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences
- Samantha (Sam) Cockfield, Head of Road Safety at the Transport Accident Commission
S1E3 - Can big data unlock human psychology?
Today, big data is exploited by corporations and misused by hackers, usually to make money. And we're practically inundated with instances of online privacy and data breaches. But some experts believe we can better harness the power of big data for scientific research. By getting a fine-grained picture of individuals, big data research could vastly strengthen diagnosis and treatment of psychological conditions, such as bipolar disorder. Their technology also puts the individual user back in control of their data — and even enables them to profit.
- Professor Simon Dennis, Director of the Complex Human Data Hub
- Troy Hunt, Australian web security consultant, creator of have i been pwnd?, Microsoft Regional Director and MVP
S1E4 - Mindfulness & meditation: the search for authenticity
Mindfulness and meditation are ancient practices that can now be accessed via your smartphone. Mindfulness is everywhere: we have mindful learning, mindful parenting, mindful business leadership — even mindful soldiers. We’re told these practices reduce stress, anxiety, depression and blood pressure. And they're being sold for billions. If capitalism has co-opted something sacred, is it still ‘good’ for us? Discover insights on navigating mindfulness and meditation, and find guidance if you're considering trying these practices.
- Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam, Inaugural Director of the Contemplative Studies Centre
- Nerida Lennon, User Experience Designer and Social Researcher at nerida.co
Acknowledgements
Thank you to our fantastic production team, who helped create Season 1 of the PsychTalks: Modern life explored by psychology experts podcast.
- Host: Lynne Malcolm
- Writer and producer: Carly Godden
- Assistant producers: Amy Bugeja and Mairéad Murray
- Sound engineer: Arch Cuthburtson
- Music composer: Chris Falk