What influences your shopping behaviour? Well, it's likely a mix of what you need, what's presented to you in store and probably some neuromarketing (which we've covered on our program before).

But what about the role of product designers? 

Today, we get into the psychology of design and the battle designers face balancing innovation with our human need for the familiar. And given all the ways design can manipulate us into wanting something, what role will AI play in the future of design?

Extra information:

The Psychology Behind Design: A Marketing Perspective

See the Yamaha Silent Violin

How do you feel as you move through a busy space — like an airport, a city street or a crowded shopping centre?

For some of us, these spaces are energising — being among the rush of people and the noise of the crowds. But for others, these situations can be a little much. 

And for some neurodivergent people — especially those with sensory issues — being in these public spaces can be utterly overwhelming, even harmful. That's a problem when you want or need to use them just like everybody else.

Today, audio engineer and producer Amelia Geiss takes you inside their mind — for a first-hand perspective of what it's like to move through public spaces as someone with sound sensitivities. 

We'll hear about how these sensitivities manifest in the brain — strategies for managing them — and building public spaces that are accessible for everyone.

If you're looking for something to listen to next, why not check out our episode, How the drive to be perfect is linked to eating disorders.

Dopamine feels great, but is it always good for us?

The answer is complicated, so today, we get into what dopamine actually does in the brain.

How does it affect our motivation, movement and behaviour? And how does our environment influence that?

Plus, should we be detoxing from dopamine ... and why are people raw dogging flights?

If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Nine big myths about depression — busted.

We've come a long way in how we talk about mental health.

But while diagnoses like depression and anxiety can empower people to seek help and support — they also influence how we see ourselves and how others might see us, too.

Today, we investigate 'concept creep.' It's the idea that the labels we use to describe mental health are expanding and being applied to an ever-wider array of human behaviours.

We look at what's causing this, the impacts it might have (both positive and negative), and what it means for how we understand mental health conditions.

Looking for something to listen to next? Check out our episode about parasocial relationships: Moog became a Youtube megastar — and it messed with his mental health.

How clear is your inner voice? Do you internally narrate your life? And do you get songs stuck in your head?

Almost all of us can imagine sounds in our minds. But a small part of the population don't have internal auditory imagery — a phenomenon called anauralia.

Today, we explore the experience of anauralia, in an episode from Radio New Zealand's Our Changing World.

Our Changing World is produced and presented by Claire Concannon and Ellen Rykers for RNZ.

The original version of this episode was first broadcast on RNZ as The puzzle of the silent mind.

Special thanks to Auckland University Student Chamber Orchestra, for allowing use of their recording of Beethoven's 5th symphony.

Music is a universal feature of the human experience — present from our very first cultures and civilisations.

But do the features of particular songs and styles translate across cultural boundaries? Like, is a lullaby recognisable even when it's from a different culture? Can you identify a love song in another language?

Today, we explore the special relationship between music and our minds, in an episode from Radio New Zealand's Our Changing World.

Our Changing World is produced and presented by Claire Concannon and Ellen Rykers for RNZ.

The clips from the Natural History of Song project used in this episode are available online under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.

The original version of this episode was first broadcast on RNZ as Our Musical Minds.

Laura would spend weeks feeling normal — even happy. But like clockwork, every month, suddenly she would feel intense depression, making her unrecognisable to herself and friends.

It took her nearly two decades to identify what was causing this rollercoaster of mood: PMDD, AKA Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder.

So what is it about hormones that make some people feel such intense emotions? And why is PMDD still so misunderstood?

This episode touches on the topic of suicide. Please take care while listening and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it. You can reach Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.

It was first broadcast in June 2023.

Looking for something to listen to next? Why not check out Demystifying menopause.

Professor Chris French has been studying the paranormal for decades. But — he’s a sceptic.

In an All in the Mind Halloween special, we explore the psychology behind our spooky encounters.

What's going on in your brain when you see a ghost? How do people talk to the dead?

And why would a sceptic study the paranormal?

How many hours have you spent on your phone today? And do you feel like it's too many?

A growing movement of people are going without their smartphones and computers in favour of just about anything that doesn't have a screen.

They say it's giving their lives more meaning — and improving their mental health.

This week, meet the digital minimalists ditching their devices, and how you can do it too.

Want to hear more about the impact social media is having on your mental health? Check out our episode When doom scrolling leads to actual harm.

We don't remember everything that happens to us — so why do we remember what we remember?

And the memories we do lock away aren't always accurate or trustworthy.

This week, we're talking about the fallibility of memory and why sometimes it's healthy to forget.

We'll also get into how to remember special moments more clearly, and here's a hint — you might want to put down your camera sometimes.

If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode Overcoming resentment with gratitude.