Better Thinking

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Michael Sugrue about his new best selling book entitled RELENTLESS COURAGE: Winning the Battle Against Frontline Trauma. Michael Sugrue is a retired police sergeant with the City of Walnut Creek with over 14 years of service including specialized assignments as a Field Training Officer, SIU Detective and Undercover Special Agent assigned to California Department of Justice Drug Task Force. Before becoming a police officer, Michael served 6 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Captain (Security Forces) specializing in Global Force Protection, Anti-Terrorism, Air Base Ground Defense, Nuclear Security and Law Enforcement. As a new police sergeant, Michael encountered a situation that was not only tragic and surreal but it was a call for duty that changed his life forever. Michael found himself in reckless abandon and on the verge of self-destruction until he mustered the courage to ask for help. Episode link at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/michael-sugru

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kristy Goodwin about practical brain-based hacks to tame tech habits and strategies to decode the neurobiology of peak performance in the technological era. Dr Kristy Goodwin is one of Australia’s leading digital wellbeing and performance experts (and mum who also deals with her kids’ techno-tantrums!) She’s a researcher, author, speaker and media commentator who provides science-backed solutions to optimise wellbeing and productivity in a digital world. Kristy draws on cutting-edge neuroscience and research to explain the profound impacts technology has on our performance and health, without prescribing digital detoxes and going #laptopless. Kristy worked as an educator before becoming an academic and speaker. She’s worked with clients including Apple, Westfield, Bank of Queensland, Macquarie Bank, Foxtel, the National Broadband Network, JP Morgan, McDonalds, NSW Department of Education and Optus. She’s spoken at national and international conferen

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kirrilie Smout about the common elements of mental health treatment planning for children and adults. Kirrilie Smout is a qualified clinical psychologist specialising in working children and teenagers about finding a life vision, creating community among each other, persistence, self-belief, study skills and overcoming obstacles. Kirrilie has presented at several National youth leadership forums, national adolescent health conferences and has spoken to approximately 20,000 young people across Australia. She has achieved the second highest speaking accreditation recognised by the National Speakers Association of Australia, and is one of only 10 in South Australia to have done so. Kirrilie also speaks to parents, teachers and youth leaders about youth issues in Australia; focusing on young people's needs and desires, and how to inspire and effectively lead young people. In 2000 she was awarded the Australian National Speakers Association "Rising Star"

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Piers Steel about how procrastination shows up in one's life and the related forces that make it irresistible. Piers Steel likes to think he is among the world’s foremost researchers and speakers on the science of motivation and procrastination. Well, he is a Distinguished Research Chair at the University of Calgary, where he teaches human resources and organizational dynamics at the Haskayne School of Business. His research has appeared in several outlets around the world, ranging from Psychology Today and New Scientist to Good Housekeeping and The New Yorker. He lives in Calgary, Alberta, with his wife and two sons. Aside from being a practicing procrastinator from an early age, Piers started formally studying the phenomenon while getting his doctorate in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from the University of Minnesota. Working with Dr. Thomas Brothen, he had access to a class administered through a Computerized Personalized System of Instruc

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Associate Professor Alan Pegna about cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. Alan Pegna is a neuropsychologist whose interests lie in the field of cognitive neuroscience and clinical neuropsychology. After receiving a Masters degree in Psychology from the University of Geneva (Switzerland) and a second Masters degree in Human Physiology from University College London (UK), he obtained his PhD from the University of Geneva, using brain imaging techniques to study spatial processing in both healthy controls and brain-damaged patients. He worked for over 20 years as a clinical neuropsychologist at Geneva University Hospital, and as an academic at the University of Geneva, where he supervised numerous research projects in the field of visual processing, again in healthy participants and in persons with focal brain lesions. He joined UQ in 2015, where he now explores the neural basis of visual and spatial processing of emotional stimuli. Mor

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Steven Hayes about Process Based Therapy, psychiatric medications, and other global issues relating to mental health. Dr Steven C. Hayes is Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods. Episode link at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/steven-hayes-2See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Debbie Anderson about her experience practicing as a neuropsychologist. Debbie Anderson works exclusively as a clinical neuropsychologist. She trained at the University of Melbourne and has practised in Queensland since completing her course in 1989. She initially worked in public hospital settings before moving into full time private work. She evaluates clients both at the referral of treating doctors and as an independent expert in medicolegal cases (personal injuries civil matters and cognitive aspects of capacity to stand trial in criminal matters). She enjoys the challenge of fully evaluating complex cases, and had given evidence in legal proceedings on a number of occasions. She has several publications and conference presentations related to this work, which demonstrate her commitment to evidence-based practise. Debbie is also very active in the Australian Psychological Society, and most recently chaired the College of Clinical Neuropsycholog

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Maggie Dent about the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. Maggie Dent is an author, educator, and parenting and resilience specialist with a particular interest in the early years and adolescence. Commonly known as the “queen of common sense” she is also an undisputed ‘boy champion’. Maggie’s experience includes teaching, counselling, and working in palliative care/funeral services and suicide prevention. She is an advocate for the healthy, common-sense raising of children in order to strengthen families and communities. She is a passionate, positive voice for children of all ages. Maggie is the host of the popular ABC podcast, Parental As Anything. She is the author of nine major books, plus several e-books and other resources for parents, adolescents, teachers and early childhood educators, and others who are interested in quietly improving their lives. Maggie is the mother of four sons and

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr David Demmer about the mental health challenges of the LGBTIQ+ community. Dr David Demmer is a clinical psychologist based in Melbourne, Australia. He is a respected therapist and speaker with expertise in gender and sexual diversity, self-worth, and resilience. He is the founder and practice director of Wellington Street Psychology, a leading psychology practice in St Kilda. Through his dynamic and authentic approach to psychological wellbeing, he leads a team committed to delivering high-quality mental health support to clients. Dave is the current chair of the Australian Psychological Society College of Clinical Psychologists Victoria Section and a consultant to Movember as a Subject Matter Expert in mental health. He previously lectured in psychology at Deakin University, where he chaired counselling units and was the principal researcher on numerous projects. He continues to bring his experience to numerous research projects. As a respect

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Adam Ferrier about behavioural economics and the role of consumer psychology. Adam Ferrier is a consumer psychologist and the global chief strategy officer and partner at independent agency Cummins & Partners. Adam is a regular commentator on consumer behaviour on TV and radio, including a regular spot on ABC’s Gruen series.  Adam Ferrier is a multi-award winning advertising creative and founder of the agency Thinkerbell. He is also a leading Australian consumer psychologist, an expert brand strategist and an authority on Behavioural Economics. Adam is the author of The Advertising Effect and part of The Australian Creatives’ Power 20; a regular on the Gruen series and has featured on The Project, Celebrity Apprentice and ABC Radio. A dynamic, insightful keynote speaker, he hands delegates the keys to sky rocketed motivation – whether to buy, perform or change – through cognitive behavioural psychology and a deep understanding of behavioural eco

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Alan Davis about evidenced-based treatments such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Dr. Alan K Davis is an Assistant Professor of Social Work at The Ohio State University and an Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Psychedelic Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Davis’s clinical experience includes working with people diagnosed with trauma-based psychological problems such as addiction, PTSD, depression, and anxiety. His clinical expertise includes providing evidenced-based treatments such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy. Consistent with his clinical interests, his research interests and expertise focus on contributing to the knowledge of and ability to help those suffering with substance use and mental health problems, understanding how t

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Matthew Sanders about development, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination of population based approaches to parenting and family interventions. Matthew Sanders is a Professor of Clinical Psychology and Director of the Parenting and Family Support Centre at the University of Queensland. He has been an consulting Professor at The University of Manchester, a visiting Professor at the University of South Carolina, and has held adjunct Professorships at Glasgow Caledonian University and The University of Auckland. As the founder of the Triple P-Positive Parenting Program, Professor Sanders is considered a world leader in the development, implementation, evaluation and dissemination of population based approaches to parenting and family interventions. Triple P is currently in use in 35 countries worldwide. Professor Sanders’ work has been widely recognised by his peers as reflected a number of prestigious awards. In 2007, he received t

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Sally Kenney about promoting mental health education and contributing to policy development in schools. Sally Kenney is an Educational and Developmental Psychologist who has worked in Catholic and Independent schools since 2005. She strives to support schools to be places where young people can thrive and achieve their potential. Sally combines one-on-one student support with teacher and parent consultation, policy and curriculum development, school program design and implementation and staff professional development. She has presented to parent groups and professional bodies. Sally is a Fellow of the College of Educational and Developmental Psychologists and a member of the National Committee of the CEDP, contributing to the CEDP Advocacy Working Group. Sally also is a Board-Approved supervisor, providing supervision to registrars, registered psychologists and Masters students, and is an honorary Fellow of the Melbourne Graduate School of Educati

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Richard Hill and Matthew Dahlitz about their new book, The Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Psychotherapy. Richard Hill, MA, MEd, MBMSc, DPC, has emerged from a diverse and fascinating journey to become an innovative speaker on the mind, brain and the human condition. From an early career in the creative arts, Richard returned to intellectual studies at 42 (1996) beginning with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in linguistics. This triggered a curiosity that led to a diploma in counselling and a new career in psychotherapy. Studying continued and he has added three Masters degrees – an MA in Social Ecology; an MEd in Social Ecology; and a Masters in Brain and Mind Sciences (MBMSc) from Sydney University. Richard is also fortunate to be mentored by the esteemed Ernest Rossi PhD who has invited Richard into the International Psychosocial Genomics Research Team to study the impact of therapeutic practice on the genetic level. Matthew Dahlitz is both

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Kenneth Pakenham about the processes that foster personal growth in the context of health adversities and the power of embracing inner pain. Kenneth Pakenham, PhD, is an Emeritus Professor of clinical and health psychology in the School of Psychology at The University of Queensland, Australia. His research and clinical practice in psychology spans 40 years. Inspired by the resilience of some people with serious illnesses, he has committed much of his career to investigating the processes that foster personal growth in the context of health adversities, and to translating his findings into interventions that help people live fully with illness. This passion has driven his empirical, theoretical and translational research, curriculum development, and clinical training and supervision. Importantly, his work has included not only the person with chronic illness, but also his or her network, particularly the carer. Through his 160+ publicati

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Virginia Slaughter about the controversial topic of whether newborns have the ability to imitate. Virginia Slaughter is Professor of Psychology at the University of Queensland, Australia, where she founded the Early Cognitive Development Centre. Her research focuses on social and cognitive development in infants and young children, with particular emphasis on social behaviour in infancy, theory-of-mind development and the acquisition of peer interaction skills. She is a Fellow of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science. Episode link at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/virginia-slaughter See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Winnifred R. Louis about ways on how to create a successful activism campaign. Winnifred R. Louis is a Professor in the School of Psychology at the University of Queensland. Her research interests focus on the influence of identity and norms on social decision-making. She has studied this broad topic in contexts from politics and community activism to health and environmental choices. She is a Fellow of the Society for the Psychological Study of Social Issues, a Fellow of the Society for Personality and Social Psychology, and a Fellow of the Australian Psychological Society. Winnifred has served or is serving on the editorial board of journals including Peace and Conflict: The Journal of Peace Psychology, the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, Journal of Social and Political Psychology, and Behavioral Sciences of Terrorism and Political Aggression. She is a member of numerous professional associations including the Centre for Research

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Eli Kotler about the use of psychedelics as a therapeutic aid to trauma and addiction. Dr Eli Kotler is a consultant psychiatrist, holds an academic position at Monash University through the Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, and is the medical director of Malvern Private Hospital, the first addiction hospital in Australia. He is a member of the Australasian Professional Society on Alcohol and other Drugs (APSAD). Clinically, Eli is interested in the deep connections between trauma and addiction and works within a neuro-psychoanalytic framework. Dr Eli has overseen the development of a clinical program for addictions focused on trauma, particularly developmental trauma. This has led to an interest in medication-assisted trauma therapy. Eli worked for many years researching neurodegenerative diseases and was the principle investigator on numerous trials for novel therapeutics. He is founding member of the Melbourne Neuropsychoanalytic Group and

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Lyn Worsley about understanding, practicing, and developing resilience. Lyn Worsley is the author and director of the Resilience Doughnut. As a clinical psychologist and registered nurse, her experience in a number of contexts such as hospitals, correctional facilities, child care, schools and allied health care services, informs her application of the model. She is a dynamic teacher and psychologist with a practical edge to her use of research and theory. Training as well as therapy are key strengths for Lyn, working with over 200 schools, business, corporate and community organisations to build personal resilience, helping people to flourish and thrive. Lyn is also the director of the Resilience Centre in Sydney Australia, which has a reputation for innovative solution-focused approaches to client change through individual and group therapies for over 21 years. At the Resilience Centre, Lyn supervises specialist psychologists, and coordinates c

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Celin Gelgec about treating obsessive compulsive disorder and other related disorders including anxiety and depression. Dr Celin Gelgec is a clinical psychologist and the director of Melbourne Wellbeing Group. She works with people affected by obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and other related disorders including anxiety (social anxiety, generalised anxiety, agoraphobia, health anxiety and panic disorder), and depression. Her interest in OCD began in 2010 while undertaking the Clinical doctorate program at Deakin University. After her final placement with the OCD inpatient program at The Melbourne Clinic, she remained with the program for another four years. During this time, she honed her knowledge and skills and developed treatment programs using exposure and response prevention, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy and cognitive behaviour therapy. While working concurrently in private practice at Melbourne Wel