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 ReadClimate criminologist

Dr Nichola TylerSenior lecturer, forensic psychologySwinburne University of Technology

Richard WoodsDirector, Wildfire Investigations and AnalysisAdjunct 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, PhDDirector, Pediatric Psychology in Outpatient Subspecialty Pediatrics ProgramProfessor of Clinical Psychiatry & Biobehavioral SciencesProfessor of Clinical PediatricsDavid Geffen School of Medicine,University of California, Los Angeles

Professor Jon JureidiniChild psychiatristResearch Leader, Robinson Research InstituteUniversity 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

The mothers accused of poisoning their kids

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 ChatterjeeGP, 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 FreethPsychiatrist

Kate

Naznin Virji-BabulPhysical therapist and neuroscientistAssociate Professor, Department of Physical Therapy Faculty of MedicineUniversity of British Columbia

Shreya McleodPhysiotherapistLecturer, Australian Catholic UniversityPhD 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, PhDProfessor of Psychology and Management, University of MichiganAuthor, 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 HaghaniPrincipal Fellow in Urban Resilience & MobilityUniversity 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.

Guests:

Sam ToddContent creator and collector

Professor Nick NeaveDirector of the Hoarding Research GroupDepartment of Psychology, Northumbria University

Associate Professor Louise GrimmerTasmanian School of Business and EconomicsUniversity of Tasmania

Credits:

• Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
• Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr
• Senior producer: James Bullen
• Sound engineer: Micky Grossman

More info:

Why They Collect: Collectors Reveal Their Motivations

How retailers turn everyday items into 'must-have' collectables

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 AndersonPsychologist; Author, The Happy High Achiever

Extra Information:

The Happy High Achiever - Pan Macmillan Australia