Five years of unpaid taxes. Homework handed in on the last day of an extension. Some people are champion procrastinators. Why? And what does task paralysis (sometimes called ADHD paralysis) have to do with it? Today: the personality traits that make you more prone to procrastination, the types of tasks we're most likely to put off, and what to do if your to-do list sends you into fight-or-flight mode. You can binge more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. Guests: Eva High school student Dr Catherine Houlihan Clinical psychologist Senior lecturer in clinical psychology Director of the UniSC Psychology Clinic University of the Sunshine Coast Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite More information: The skills supercommunicators use, which you can learn too Outwardly impressive, losing it on the inside? The cognitive distortions of a high achiever Why do I procrastinate? And can I do anything about it? Fighting for focus in the age of distraction

If you opened up a magazine in the 2000s, you'd likely be met by countless images of celebrities on their worst days. And the conversation accompanying those images? Pretty toxic. We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health since then, but how did we get here? What changed? Today, we reflect on the cruelty of tabloid culture and how the internet shifted the narrative about mental health. If you want to hear more about our relationship with celebrities, check out our episode Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health. Guests: Jo Piazza Author and host of Under the Influence Sophie Gilbert Staff writer for The Atlantic Author of Girl on Girl: How Pop Culture Turned a Generation of Women Against Themselves Dr Jessica Ford Lecturer in Media University of Adelaide Professor Nick Haslam University of Melbourne Clinical Professor Jonathan Shedler Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences University of California Hadley Meares Hollywood historian Matthew Suarez Author of Paparazzi Daze: Celebrity Encounters David Kamp Contributing Editor Vanity Fair Magazine Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Jennifer Leake Producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite

When was the last time you decluttered? Was it a satisfying process, or did it fill you with dread? Where you sit on the clutter spectrum differs person to person, so today, we investigate if decluttering is worth the hype.  Why can it be so hard for some people? Could there be a way to reduce clutter before it builds up? And what's the relationship between hoarding disorder and clutter?  If you want to hear more about our relationship with objects, check out Why do we love collecting? Guests: Professor Melissa Norberg Psychologist Macquarie University Professor Jessica Grisham Psychologist University of New South Wales Dr Seung Hwan (Mark) Lee Professor and Associate Dean of Engagement & Inclusion Ted Rogers School of Management at Toronto Metropolitan University Dr Omar Fares Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Business University of New Brunswick Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr Senior producer: James Bullen Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite More information: Understanding 'underconsumption core': How a new trend is challenging consumer culture Breaking up with belongings: a pilot randomized controlled trial of an unguided web-based program to reduce overconsumption Nudging society toward more adaptive approaches to material possessions: Harnessing implicit approaches to reduce overconsumption and excessive saving

Can serial killers ever learn empathy? Is their psychology similar to mass shooters? Why are they almost always men? Welcome to All in the Mind’s first ever ‘mailbag’ episode! These are just some of the many questions you sent us after our recent episode on serial killers, called Where have all the serial killers gone? Forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee is back on the show, answering these questions and a whole lot more. And can we ask a favour? As this is our first mailbag episode, we’d love to know your thoughts. Do you find this kind of format useful or interesting? Would you be keen to hear mailbag episodes more regularly? You can reach us at mind_rn@abc.net.au if you have any feedback. Guests: Dr Rajan Darjee Forensic psychiatrist Clinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation Services Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: John Jacobs

Have you ever felt like things were not quite real? That you were no longer connected to your body or didn’t know who you were? Nathan Dunne felt this way for years. And it’s never quite stopped affecting the way he sees himself or the world around him. Today, depersonalisation disorder — and what we know about its symptoms, causes and treatments. And a heads up, this episode discusses heavy topics such as suicide. Please take care while listening. Guests: Nathan Dunne Author, When Nothing Feels Real Dr Emma Cernis Clinical psychologist and researcher Assisant Professor of Clinical Psychology University of Birmingham Centre Lead, Midlands Dissociation & Depersonalisation Centre Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls If you enjoyed this episode, you might like: Can we trust our memories? Memory loss and identity Dissociation and coping with trauma Depersonalisation — when Nathan lost his sense of self and nothing felt real (Conversations) More Information: When Nothing Feels Real - Nathan Dunne Unreal: Depersonalisation and Derealisation Support Like being trapped behind a pane of glass – depersonalisation, derealisation disorder explained (The Conversation, 2025) Depersonalisation-derealisation as a transdiagnostic treatment target: a scoping review of the evidence in anxiety, depression, and psychosis (Frontiers in Psychology, 2025) The Prevalence of Depersonalization-Derealization Disorder: A Systematic Review (Journal of Trauma & Dissociation, 2023) Support resources: Lifeline 13 11 14 Beyond Blue

Love it or hate it, there are reasons you might read your star sign and relate to what it says about you as a person. We all fall into cognitive traps — but if we’re aware of them, is it such a bad thing to indulge in your daily horoscope, or a tarot card reading? Today, we delve into the occult, to understand why some people seek messages from the universe, and if it can play a role in therapeutic care. If you want to hear more about otherworldly beliefs, check out our episode Spooky science: What's behind a paranormal experience? And Soul Search also has an episode called Astrology and tarot — telling the future, or connecting with the present? Guests: Professor Susan Krauss Whitbourne Professor Emerita of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts Amherst Ryan Findlay Psychotherapist and tarot reader Credits: Presenter: Sana Qadar Reporter/producer: Shelby Traynor Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Simon Branthwaite Extra information: When It Comes to Personality Tests, a Dose of Skepticism Is a Good Thing Why You Might Not Want to Trust a Personality Test – Psychology Today The validity of astrological predictions on marriage and divorce: a longitudinal analysis of Swedish register data Even the stars think that I am superior: Personality, intelligence and belief in astrology The Power of Rituals – Psychology Today

The backpacker killer. The Claremont killer. Ted Bundy. The crimes serial killers commit linger in our memories for decades. But when was the last time you heard about an active serial killer in the news? In our final episode of Criminal Psychology, we probe the lead-crime hypothesis, find out about 'chemical castration' and ask — where have all the serial killers gone? And a heads up that this episode explores some heavy themes including sexual assault, child abuse, suicide and murder. It also contains the names of Aboriginal people who have died. Please take care while listening. If you've got more questions for our forensic psychiatrist Dr Rajan Darjee, please send them to us! We're going to make a special mail-bag episode featuring your burning true crime questions. Get in touch by emailing us at mind_rn@abc.net.au with the subject line "criminal psychology question". Guests: Dr Rajan Darjee Forensic psychiatrist Clinical Director, Forensic Behavioural Assessment and Consultation Services Dr Xanthe Mallett Criminologist Associate Professor of Criminology, Central Queensland University Co-Director, Queensland Centre for Domestic and Family Violence Research Podcast co-host, Motive and Method Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Emrys Cronin More information: The lead-crime hypothesis: A meta-analysis Support resources: Beyond Blue Lifeline 13 11 14 1800 Respect

What drives some people to steal compulsively? This week, as part of our special four-part series Criminal Psychology, we're talking about kleptomania and the impact it can have on a person's life. We speak to someone who’s been diagnosed with kleptomania about their experiences; from their urges to steal, to the guilt and shame they feel. We also chat to a psychiatrist about what treatment looks like for people with kleptomania. Guests: Lynn Dr Sam Chamberlain Professor of Psychiatry, University of Southampton  Credits: Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar Reporter/Senior Producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound Engineer: Emrys Cronin Voice Actor: Swa Kaushik More information: Symptom Severity and Its Clinical Correlates in Kleptomania A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of the Opiate Antagonist, Naltrexone, in the Treatment of Kleptomania Why do young children sometimes steal? And what should parents do about it? Kleptomania — Mayo Clinic Kleptomania and Potential Exacerbating Factors

Australians know the devastation of bushfires all too well. So why would anyone deliberately light a fire? In this episode of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we're exploring the psychology of arson. Answering questions like, how does it relate to pyromania? What do we know about the profile of a typical arsonist? And how do investigators track down the source of a blaze? Guests: Dr Paul Read Climate criminologist Dr Nichola Tyler Senior lecturer, forensic psychology Swinburne University of Technology Richard Woods Director, Wildfire Investigations and Analysis Adjunct Associate Lecturer, Wildfire Investigation, Charles Sturt University Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Emrys Cronin Extra information: Adults with intellectual disabilities and/or autism who deliberately set fires: A systematic review The truth about Australia's fires — arsonists aren't responsible for many this season Some Coalition MPs say that arson is mostly to blame for the bushfire crisis. Here are the facts Deliberately lit vegetation fires in Australia Clinical characteristics of child and adolescent psychiatric outpatients engaging in fireplay or arson: a case–control study What are the differences between children and adolescents who deliberately light fires? The Acquisition of Fire

Why would any parent lie about their child's health? Or worse, intentionally make their child sick? In episode one of Criminal Psychology, our new four-part series on unusual crimes and unusual minds, we dive into a disorder that’s long been sensationalised in the media: Munchausen by Proxy – and ask: how do these parents get away with their lies? Can their behaviour ever be reformed? Guests: Brenda Bursch, PhD Director, Pediatric Psychology Consultation Liaison Service Professor of Clinical Psychiatry & Biobehavioral Sciences Professor of Clinical Pediatrics David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles Professor Jon Jureidini Child psychiatrist Research Leader, Robinson Research Institute University of Adelaide Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Executive producer: Petria Ladgrove Sound engineer: John Jacobs Extra information: Munchausen by Proxy: Clinical and Case Management Guidance APSAC Advisor Volume 30, Issue 1- Munchausen by Proxy Special Issue Psychological Treatment of Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another/Munchausen by Proxy Abuse Support resources: Lifeline Australia 13 11 14

On All in the Mind, we investigate why people behave the way they do. But there are some perspectives we don't often hear about. Introducing Criminal Psychology, a special series diving into just that. On this four-episode series, we'll cover arson, kleptomania, serial killers and Munchausen by proxy as we look at what drives people to the extremes of human behaviour. And we'll examine how our understanding of the human mind can better help us to prevent harm. Whether you're a dedicated fan of true crime or curious about the inner workings of our minds, stay tuned — our first episode is out on Sunday June 29.

Time and time again, Dr Rangan Chatterjee has seen chronic stress wreak havoc on his patients' lives — contributing to autoimmune disorders, gut problems, low libido and more. But the most devastating blow struck his own family, when his father's punishing work schedule forced him to medically retire in his 50s. It’s an experience that led Rangan to rethink his own work and approach to medicine. Today, Dr Chatterjee, a GP and host of a mega popular wellbeing podcast, shares his story, as well as strategies for better managing stress in your own life. Guest: Dr Rangan Chatterjee GP, author and host of Feel Better, Live More Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Tegan Nicholls More information:  Rangan's Australian tour 

Loneliness hurts. And we know it's bad for us, worse than smoking or obesity. Even though a third of us are lonely, we're embarrassed to say so.  So, what would happen if we talked about our loneliness openly? And how can we build more meaningful connections? This week we have a special episode from our friends at Ladies, We Need To Talk. Host Yumi Stynes speaks to women who are lonely, one within a marriage and one hoping to find a partner, to understand the toll it can take. Plus, psychologist Dr Bella Ingram shares tips on how we can insulate ourselves from the chill of being lonely. More information: Ending Loneliness Report Resources: Beyond Blue Lifeline 13 11 14

Concussions are hard to diagnose, often get missed, and don't always get taken seriously. And if you're not a professional athlete, it can be surprisingly hard to get clear information on how to manage and recover afterwards. Why? The brain is your most important organ, after all! This week, we try and make sense of the confusion around concussions. This episode was first broadcast in October 2023. Guests: Dr Lewis Freeth Psychiatrist Kate Naznin Virji-Babul Physical therapist and neuroscientist Associate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of Medicine University of British Columbia Shreya Mcleod Physiotherapist Lecturer, Australian Catholic University PhD candidate, University of Newcastle Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Russell Stapleton

Avoiding your emotions is generally a recipe for disaster — but Ethan Kross makes a case for occasional 'strategic' avoidance. He’s a professor of psychology from the University of Michigan, and he’s appeared in some of our most popular episodes: Controlling the chatter in your head and What influences your inner voice? Controlling 'chatter' part two. He’s back to share more tools for taking charge of your emotions. Guests: Ethan Kross, PhD Professor of Psychology and Management, University of Michigan Author, Shift: Managing Your Emotions—So They Don't Manage You Credits: Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Dylan Prins

Panicky. Irrational. Impulsive. These are the traits that have long been associated with crowd behaviour. But modern crowd science suggests that’s an incomplete, if not inaccurate picture. From crowd crushes to terrorist attacks, we take a closer look at how people really behave in crowds, and what you can do to keep yourself safe in one. Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, Can music inspire mania? Guest: Associate Professor Milad Haghani Principal Fellow in Urban Resilience & Mobility University of Melbourne Credits:  Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar Senior producer: James Bullen Producer: Rose Kerr Sound engineer: Roi Huberman More info: How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 1. Decision making of individuals How simple behavioural modifications can influence evacuation efficiency of crowds: Part 2. Physical movement of individuals How behavioural changes in social groups affect evacuation efficiency of crowds Contemporary understanding of riots: Classical crowd psychology, ideology and the social identity approach The role of social identity processes in mass emergency behaviour: An integrative review English riots 2011: new research shows why crowd behaviour isn't contagious How to stay safe in a New Year's Eve crowd

Whether it's stamps, figurines, antiques or toys, plenty of people love collecting. But why? What are the psychological drivers behind the hobby? How much is marketing influencing us, and is there a risk of collecting turning into hoarding? If you enjoy the show or if you have feedback you'd like to share, please check out our survey here.

Over years of clinical practice, psychologist Dr Mary Anderson started to notice a peculiar pattern across her many clients. Despite being impressive high achievers on the outside, inside they were struggling with burnout, imposter syndrome, anxiety and self-criticism. So she set out to develop a guide for these high achievers. A framework to support their success ... without sacrificing their mental health. If you loved this episode, you should listen to our story on controlling the chatter in your head. And if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only seven questions and we'd love to hear your thoughts on the show. Guests: Dr Mary Anderson Psychologist; Author, The Happy High Achiever Extra Information: The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia

If you're watching sport or browsing social media, odds are you will come across gambling ads. If you work in an office, you might've joined Melbourne Cup or footy tipping comps. In Australia, it can feel like gambling is everywhere. Today, we look at how everything from video games to shopping sites seem to be priming us for betting-like behaviours, and how the ubiquity of gambling ads is influencing young people in particular. And if you haven't already, please take a moment to fill out our listener survey! It's only 7 questions and we'd love ot hear your thoughts on the show. Resources: Gambling Help Online or over the phone 1800 858 858 Lifeline resources

For years, psychologist Patricia Harney avoided true crime podcasts and documentaries. They hit too close to home. Recently she's been testing the waters, and noticing these whodunnit shows often leave out a crucial element of the story. This episode was first broadcast in July 2023 Take our listener survey here: https://forms.microsoft.com/r/pMNc8TK7b7