Reading is good for you, but fiction has added benefits.So how does reading work in the brain? Why are stories so impactful? And why, in this era of book clubs and booktok, are literacy rates not thriving?<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/countdown/top100books">Get your votes in</a> for Radio National's Top 100 Books Countdown before October 1st. Guests:Professor Genevieve McArthurAustralian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, ACUDirector of Research Translation, Dyslexia SPELD FoundationDr Lili YuSenior Lecturer, School of Psychological SciencesMacquarie University Centre for ReadingDr Raymond MarProfessor of PsychologyYork UniversityJ.A. (Jess) StevensAuthor, <a href="https://www.jastevens.com.au/books">A Change of Pace</a>BecJess' partnerCredits:<ul><li>Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Sound engineer: Tim Jenkins</li></ul>Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://readingwritinghotline.edu.au/">Reading Writing Hotline</a> 1300 6 555 06</li><li><a href="https://www.lflf.org.au/">Literacy for Life Foundation</a></li><li><a href="https://dsf.net.au/?srsltid=AU7gw4V_Vz_xkQcV5qyIHKTLxnVif7hbjFJI2BMHph7htu8kzku7u-sl">Dyslexia SPELD foundation</a></li></ul>More information:<ul><li><a href="https://theconversation.com/more-than-1-in-3-australian-adults-are-functionally-illiterate-how-can-we-fix-this-277375">More than 1 in 3 Australian adults are functionally illiterate. How can we fix this?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X26001065#bib39">The benefits of reading narrative fiction</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953616303689?via%3Dihub">A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-medicine-health-and-human-sciences/news/what-chinese-can-teach-us-about-the-psychology-of-reading">What Chinese can teach us about reading</a></li><li><a href="https://theconversation.com/too-many-students-have-reading-anxiety-new-research-suggests-it-is-triggered-by-problems-in-primary-school-291052">Too many students have 'reading anxiety'. New research suggests it is triggered by problems in primary school</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/reading-and-associations-with-brain-health-cognition-wellbeing-and-mental-health/1A3565FA61831A975813113DE1AB2B09">Reading and associations with brain health, cognition, well-being, and mental health</a></li></ul>To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Reading is good for you, but fiction has added benefits. So how does reading work in the brain? Why are stories so impactful? And why, in this era of book clubs and booktok, are literacy rates not thriving? Get your votes in for Radio National's Top 100 Books Countdown before October 1st. Guests: Professor Genevieve McArthurAustralian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, ACUDirector of Research Translation, Dyslexia SPELD Foundation Dr Lili YuSenior Lecturer, School of Psychological SciencesMacquarie University Centre for Reading Dr Raymond MarProfessor of PsychologyYork University J.A. (Jess) StevensAuthor, A Change of Pace BecJess' partner Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Tim JenkinsResources:Reading Writing Hotline 1300 6 555 06Literacy for Life FoundationDyslexia SPELD foundationMore information:More than 1 in 3 Australian adults are functionally illiterate. How can we fix this?The benefits of reading narrative fictionA chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevityWhat Chinese can teach us about readingToo many students have 'reading anxiety'. New research suggests it is triggered by problems in primary schoolReading and associations with brain health, cognition, well-being, and mental healthTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Reading is good for you, but fiction has added benefits.So how does reading work in the brain? Why are stories so impactful?&nbsp;And why, in this era of book clubs and booktok, are literacy rates not thriving?<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/countdown/top100books" rel="noopener noreferrer">Get your votes in</a> for Radio National's Top 100 Books Countdown before October 1st.&nbsp;Guests:Professor Genevieve McArthurAustralian Centre for the Advancement of Literacy, ACUDirector of Research Translation, Dyslexia SPELD FoundationDr Lili YuSenior Lecturer, School of Psychological SciencesMacquarie University Centre for ReadingDr Raymond MarProfessor of PsychologyYork UniversityJ.A. (Jess) StevensAuthor, <a href="https://www.jastevens.com.au/books" rel="noopener noreferrer">A Change of Pace</a>BecJess' partnerCredits:<ul><li>Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Sound engineer: Tim Jenkins</li></ul>Resources:<ul><li><a href="https://readingwritinghotline.edu.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reading Writing Hotline</a> 1300 6 555 06</li><li><a href="https://www.lflf.org.au/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Literacy for Life Foundation</a></li><li><a href="https://dsf.net.au/?srsltid=AU7gw4V_Vz_xkQcV5qyIHKTLxnVif7hbjFJI2BMHph7htu8kzku7u-sl" rel="noopener noreferrer">Dyslexia SPELD foundation</a></li></ul>More information:<ul><li><a href="https://theconversation.com/more-than-1-in-3-australian-adults-are-functionally-illiterate-how-can-we-fix-this-277375" rel="noopener noreferrer">More than 1 in 3 Australian adults are functionally illiterate. How can we fix this?</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2352250X26001065#bib39" rel="noopener noreferrer">The benefits of reading narrative fiction</a></li><li><a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0277953616303689?via%3Dihub" rel="noopener noreferrer">A chapter a day: Association of book reading with longevity</a></li><li><a href="https://www.mq.edu.au/faculty-of-medicine-health-and-human-sciences/news/what-chinese-can-teach-us-about-the-psychology-of-reading" rel="noopener noreferrer">What Chinese can teach us about reading</a></li><li><a href="https://theconversation.com/too-many-students-have-reading-anxiety-new-research-suggests-it-is-triggered-by-problems-in-primary-school-291052" rel="noopener noreferrer">Too many students have 'reading anxiety'. New research suggests it is triggered by problems in primary school</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/reading-and-associations-with-brain-health-cognition-wellbeing-and-mental-health/1A3565FA61831A975813113DE1AB2B09" rel="noopener noreferrer">Reading and associations with brain health, cognition, well-being, and mental health</a></li></ul>To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Trying to read more? Your brain will thank you

How do you know if you have health anxiety?For mental health nurse Sarah, she had real health concerns, but they were coupled with panic, spiralling worries and late nights googling her symptoms. So how can you tell if your concerns are causing more harm than good?Today, we're demystifying health anxiety. From the impact it has on individuals, to family and friends, to the flow on effects it can have on the medical system. And don't worry, there is good news - it is treatable, so we'll explore what to do if you're feeling overwhelmed by health anxiety. Guests:Sarah (pseudonym)Mental health nurseProfessor Jill NewbyClinical psychologistUniversity of New South WalesBlack Dog InstituteCredits:<ul><li>Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Sound engineer: Isabella Tropiano</li></ul>More information/resources:<ul><li><a href="https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself/health-anxiety">CCI Health Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://thiswayup.org.au/what-we-treat/health-anxiety">This Way Up - Health Anxiety</a></li></ul>The Black Dog Institute is doing research on digital treatments for health anxiety. If you're interested in participating, you can find more information <a href="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-studies/mynewway-app-study-for-anxiety/">here</a>.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

How do you know if you have health anxiety? For mental health nurse Sarah, she had real health concerns, but they were coupled with panic, spiralling worries and late nights googling her symptoms. So how can you tell if your concerns are causing more harm than good?Today, we're demystifying health anxiety. From the impact it has on individuals, to family and friends, to the flow on effects it can have on the medical system. And don't worry, there is good news - it is treatable, so we'll explore what to do if you're feeling overwhelmed by health anxiety. Guests: Sarah (pseudonym)Mental health nurse Professor Jill NewbyClinical psychologistUniversity of New South WalesBlack Dog Institute Credits:Presenter/producer: Sana QadarProducer: Rose KerrSenior producer: James BullenSound engineer: Isabella TropianoMore information/resources:CCI Health AnxietyThis Way Up - Health AnxietyThe Black Dog Institute is doing research on digital treatments for health anxiety. If you're interested in participating, you can find more information here. To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

How do you know if you have health anxiety?For mental health nurse Sarah, she had real health concerns, but they were coupled with panic, spiralling worries and late nights googling her symptoms. So how can you tell if your concerns are causing more harm than good?Today, we're demystifying health anxiety. From the impact it has on individuals, to family and friends, to the flow on effects it can have on the medical system.&nbsp;And don't worry, there is good news - it is treatable, so we'll explore what to do if you're feeling overwhelmed by health anxiety.&nbsp;Guests:Sarah (pseudonym)Mental health nurseProfessor Jill NewbyClinical psychologistUniversity of New South WalesBlack Dog InstituteCredits:<ul><li>Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Sound engineer: Isabella Tropiano</li></ul>More information/resources:<ul><li><a href="https://www.cci.health.wa.gov.au/resources/looking-after-yourself/health-anxiety" rel="noopener noreferrer">CCI Health Anxiety</a></li><li><a href="https://thiswayup.org.au/what-we-treat/health-anxiety" rel="noopener noreferrer">This Way Up - Health Anxiety</a></li></ul>The Black Dog Institute is doing research on digital treatments for health anxiety. If you're interested in participating, you can find more information <a href="https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/research-studies/mynewway-app-study-for-anxiety/" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Hypochondria and cyberchondria: the many ways to worry about health

Sally Gould was a couple of years into her dream job as a paramedic when it all started to fall apart.It wasn’t the trauma and injury she was exposed to on shifts that was getting to her. It was everything else - the hours, the nonsense callouts, the bullying.The experience would leave her isolated and thinking of suicide. But she found a way back.Today, an episode for those of you who fear you’re burning out - or have burnt out.We hear about the personality traits that put you at higher risk of burnout, how to protect yourself and getting back on the path back to good health.Guests:Sally GouldParamedic; Author, Frog: The Secret Diary of a ParamedicGordon ParkerEmeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of New South WalesCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Senior Producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls</li></ul>More info:<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Frog/Sally-Gould/9781761633379">Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic (Simon & Schuster).</a><a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Gordon-Parker,-Gabriela-Tavella-and-Kerrie-Eyers-Burnout-9781760878061">Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery (Allen & Unwin)</a>.<a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2026/march/defining-burnout-what-is-this-syndrome-and-what-se">Defining burnout: What is this syndrome and what sets it apart from other labels? (RACGP)</a>.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Sally Gould was a couple of years into her dream job as a paramedic when it all started to fall apart.It wasn’t the trauma and injury she was exposed to on shifts that was getting to her. It was everything else - the hours, the nonsense callouts, the bullying.The experience would leave her isolated and thinking of suicide. But she found a way back.Today, an episode for those of you who fear you’re burning out - or have burnt out.We hear about the personality traits that put you at higher risk of burnout, how to protect yourself and getting back on the path back to good health. Guests: Sally Gould Paramedic; Author, Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic Gordon Parker Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales Credits:Presenter: Sana QadarSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrSound Engineer: Tegan NichollsMore info:Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic (Simon & Schuster).Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery (Allen & Unwin). Defining burnout: What is this syndrome and what sets it apart from other labels? (RACGP). To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Sally Gould was a couple of years into her dream job as a paramedic when it all started to fall apart.It wasn’t the trauma and injury she was exposed to on shifts that was getting to her. It was everything else - the hours, the nonsense callouts, the bullying.The experience would leave her isolated and thinking of suicide. But she found a way back.Today, an episode for those of you who fear you’re burning out - or have burnt out.We hear about the personality traits that put you at higher risk of burnout, how to protect yourself and getting back on the path back to good health.Guests:Sally GouldParamedic; Author, Frog: The Secret Diary of a ParamedicGordon ParkerEmeritus Professor of Psychiatry, University of New South WalesCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Senior Producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li><li>Sound Engineer: Tegan Nicholls</li></ul>More info:<a href="https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Frog/Sally-Gould/9781761633379" rel="noopener noreferrer">Frog: The Secret Diary of a Paramedic (Simon &amp; Schuster).</a><a href="https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/book/Gordon-Parker,-Gabriela-Tavella-and-Kerrie-Eyers-Burnout-9781760878061" rel="noopener noreferrer">Burnout: A Guide to Identifying Burnout and Pathways to Recovery (Allen &amp; Unwin)</a>.<a href="https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2026/march/defining-burnout-what-is-this-syndrome-and-what-se" rel="noopener noreferrer">Defining burnout: What is this syndrome and what sets it apart from other labels? (RACGP)</a>.To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Burnout: the warning signs and how to stop it

Meditation sickness, meditation-related adverse effects or meditators in distress – you probably haven't heard these terms, even if you do meditate.Yet research finds adverse effects occur in half of all meditators. For one in 10, it impairs their functioning or lasts more than a month.Experts say many people can benefit from meditation, but it can also come with harms.Today, the second episode of a two-part special on the research into those harms and the personal stories of those who've experienced them. You can hear part one of the series <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/when-meditation-goes-wrong-part-one/107016730">here</a>.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate Professor, Brown University Medical School; Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabNicholas Van DamAssociate Professor, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences; Director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of MelbourneWillem KuykenProfessor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science, University of OxfordJane ReedExperienced adverse effects from meditation and the author of First TellingSueExperienced adverse effects from meditationCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/Producer: Fiona Pepper</li><li>Senior Producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li></ul>Extra info:<ul><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8845498/">Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs</a></li><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5443484/">The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists</a></li><li><a href="https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/25/3/99">Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trial</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cheetahhouse.org/">Cheetah House</a></li></ul>To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation sickness, meditation-related adverse effects or meditators in distress – you probably haven't heard these terms, even if you do meditate. Yet research finds adverse effects occur in half of all meditators. For one in 10, it impairs their functioning or lasts more than a month. Experts say many people can benefit from meditation, but it can also come with harms. Today, the second episode of a two-part special on the research into those harms and the personal stories of those who've experienced them. You can hear part one of the series here. Guests: Willoughby BrittonAssociate Professor, Brown University Medical School; Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Lab Nicholas Van DamAssociate Professor, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences; Director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of Melbourne Willem KuykenProfessor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science, University of Oxford Jane ReedExperienced adverse effects from meditation and the author of First Telling SueExperienced adverse effects from meditation Credits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/Producer: Fiona PepperSenior Producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExtra info:Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programsThe varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western BuddhistsEffectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trialCheetah HouseTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation sickness, meditation-related adverse effects or meditators in distress – you probably haven't heard these terms, even if you do meditate.Yet research finds adverse effects occur in half of all meditators. For one in 10, it impairs their functioning or lasts more than a month.Experts say many people can benefit from meditation, but it can also come with harms.Today, the second episode of a two-part special on the research into those harms and the personal stories of those who've experienced them. You can hear part one of the series <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/allinthemind/when-meditation-goes-wrong-part-one/107016730" rel="noopener noreferrer">here</a>.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate Professor, Brown University Medical School; Director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabNicholas Van DamAssociate Professor, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences; Director of the Contemplative Studies Center at the University of MelbourneWillem KuykenProfessor of Mindfulness and Psychological Science, University of OxfordJane ReedExperienced adverse effects from meditation and the author of First TellingSueExperienced adverse effects from meditationCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/Producer: Fiona Pepper</li><li>Senior Producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li></ul>Extra info:<ul><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8845498/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs</a></li><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5443484/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists</a></li><li><a href="https://mentalhealth.bmj.com/content/25/3/99" rel="noopener noreferrer">Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trial</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cheetahhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cheetah House</a></li></ul>To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

When meditation goes wrong: part two

Meditation has a lot of benefits, but could it also have risks?Over the past decade, meditation and mindfulness have been promoted to reduce stress and increase relaxation.But there is another story of meditation that rarely gets told... one that involves anxiety, insomnia — even psychosis.Today, how one person went from being an evangelical mindfulness meditator, to a leading researcher on the adverse effects of meditation.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate professor, Brown University Medical School and director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabPawan SharmaAssistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Pattan Academy of Health Sciences School of MedicinePierce SalgueroProfessor of Asian History and Health Humanities at Penn State UniversityCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/producer: Fiona Pepper</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li></ul>Extra information:<ul><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8845498/">Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs</a></li><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11217305/">Prevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41345610/">Prevalence and predictors of meditation use in Australia and New Zealand: results from a nationally representative survey</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22832540/">Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves polysomnographic and subjective sleep profiles in antidepressant users with sleep complaints</a></li><li><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pawan-Sharma-7/publication/336922683_Meditation-induced_psychosis_a_narrative_review_and_individual_patient_data_analysis/links/5dbaf4fe92851c81801ac5b2/Meditation-induced-psychosis-a-narrative-review-and-individual-patient-data-analysis.pdf">Meditation-induced psychosis: a narrative review and individual patient data analysis</a></li><li><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pr0.1976.39.2.601?src=getftr">Psychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental Meditation</a></li><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5443484/">The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cheetahhouse.org/">Cheetah House</a></li></ul>To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation has a lot of benefits, but could it also have risks? Over the past decade, meditation and mindfulness have been promoted to reduce stress and increase relaxation. But there is another story of meditation that rarely gets told... one that involves anxiety, insomnia — even psychosis. Today, how one person went from being an evangelical mindfulness meditator, to a leading researcher on the adverse effects of meditation. Guests: Willoughby BrittonAssociate professor, Brown University Medical School and director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience Lab Pawan SharmaAssistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Pattan Academy of Health Sciences School of Medicine Pierce SalgueroProfessor of Asian History and Health Humanities at Penn State University Credits:Presenter: Sana QadarReporter/producer: Fiona PepperSenior producer: James BullenProducer: Rose KerrExtra information:Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programsPrevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022Prevalence and predictors of meditation use in Australia and New Zealand: results from a nationally representative surveyMindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves polysomnographic and subjective sleep profiles in antidepressant users with sleep complaintsMeditation-induced psychosis: a narrative review and individual patient data analysisPsychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental MeditationThe varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western BuddhistsCheetah HouseTo explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

Meditation has a lot of benefits, but could it also have risks?Over the past decade, meditation and mindfulness have been promoted to reduce stress and increase relaxation.But there is another story of meditation that rarely gets told... one that involves anxiety, insomnia — even psychosis.Today, how one person went from being an evangelical mindfulness meditator, to a leading researcher on the adverse effects of meditation.Guests:Willoughby BrittonAssociate professor, Brown University Medical School and director of the Clinical and Affective Neuroscience LabPawan SharmaAssistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the Pattan Academy of Health Sciences School of MedicinePierce SalgueroProfessor of Asian History and Health Humanities at Penn State UniversityCredits:<ul><li>Presenter: Sana Qadar</li><li>Reporter/producer: Fiona Pepper</li><li>Senior producer: James Bullen</li><li>Producer: Rose Kerr</li></ul>Extra information:<ul><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8845498/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Defining and measuring meditation-related adverse effects in mindfulness-based programs</a></li><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11217305/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prevalence and 20-year trends in meditation, yoga, guided imagery and progressive relaxation use among US adults from 2002 to 2022</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41345610/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Prevalence and predictors of meditation use in Australia and New Zealand: results from a nationally representative survey</a></li><li><a href="https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22832540/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy improves polysomnographic and subjective sleep profiles in antidepressant users with sleep complaints</a></li><li><a href="https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Pawan-Sharma-7/publication/336922683_Meditation-induced_psychosis_a_narrative_review_and_individual_patient_data_analysis/links/5dbaf4fe92851c81801ac5b2/Meditation-induced-psychosis-a-narrative-review-and-individual-patient-data-analysis.pdf" rel="noopener noreferrer">Meditation-induced psychosis: a narrative review and individual patient data analysis</a></li><li><a href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.2466/pr0.1976.39.2.601?src=getftr" rel="noopener noreferrer">Psychiatric Problems Precipitated by Transcendental Meditation</a></li><li><a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5443484/" rel="noopener noreferrer">The varieties of contemplative experience: A mixed-methods study of meditation-related challenges in Western Buddhists</a></li><li><a href="https://www.cheetahhouse.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer">Cheetah House</a></li></ul>To explore more great episodes from the award-winning psychology podcast All in the Mind with host Sana Qadar, download the ABC Listen app (Australia) or search 'ABC All in the Mind podcast' wherever you get your podcasts. There you'll find more episodes on mental health, trauma, attachment theory, wellness hacks, and family relationships. You'll also hear interviews with experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

When meditation goes wrong: part one

Ecstasy? Agony? Euphoria? Surprisingly little is known about what happens in the brain at the very peak of our sexual experience. A Dutch team have done the unthinkable and scanned the brains of men and women during orgasm. This week, Natasha Mitchell probes for the neurobiology of the human orgasm. Would you put your hand up to have your brain scanned? And is the technology good enough to take a complete snapshot of what after all can be...a fleeting event.

Ecstasy? Agony? Euphoria? Surprisingly little is known about what happens in the brain at the very peak of our sexual experience. A Dutch team have done the unthinkable and scanned the brains of men and women during orgasm. This week, Natasha Mitchell probes for the neurobiology of the human orgasm. Would you put your hand up to have your brain scanned? And is the technology good enough to take a complete snapshot of what after all can be...a fleeting event.

The Orgasmic Brain

Why do people lie? Why do relationships fall apart? Can trauma change your brain?

Every week on All in the Mind, award-winning journalist Sana Qadar explores the psychology behind the biggest questions in our lives — how we think, feel and behave.

Featuring leading experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross, you'll hear personal stories and practical insights that will leave you thinking long after the podcast ends.

Whether it's debunking pop psychology trends or translating the latest neuroscience research, more than 100,000 listeners join Sana each month to learn the best strategies for surviving life with your mental health intact.

All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and was awarded Best Health and Wellness podcast at the 2026 Australian Audio Awards

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Mental Health

Why do people lie? Why do relationships fall apart? Can trauma change your brain? Every week on All in the Mind, award-winning journalist Sana Qadar explores the psychology behind the biggest questions in our lives — how we think, feel and behave. Featuring leading experts like Esther Perel, Billy Garvey and Ethan Kross, you'll hear personal stories and practical insights that will leave you thinking long after the podcast ends. Whether it's debunking pop psychology trends or translating the latest neuroscience research, more than 100,000 listeners join Sana each month to learn the best strategies for surviving life with your mental health intact. All in the Mind is created for ABC's Radio National by specialist journalists and reporters at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, and was awarded Best Health and Wellness podcast at the 2026 Australian Audio Awards

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