A magical kingdom with ogres and fairies. A post-apocalyptic world ruled by machines. An underwater monster that resembles a dragon.These fictional worlds might only be described by words, but the images they create in our minds feel so real.Why are our brains so good at creating imaginary images?Producer Rose Kerr explores how an author's words translate into the mind's of readers.

A magical kingdom with ogres and fairies. A post-apocalyptic world ruled by machines. An underwater monster that resembles a dragon. These fictional worlds might only be described by words, but the images they create in our minds feel so real. Why are our brains so good at creating imaginary images? Producer Rose Kerr explores how an author's words translate into the mind's of readers.

Fantasy and make believe — how our brains interpret fiction

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

Science

Health & Fitness

Life Sciences

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

Share Fantasy and make believe — how our brains interpret fiction

Sign up to save your podcasts

Fantasy and make believe — how our brains interpret fiction

Fantasy and make believe — how our brains interpret fiction

More shows like All In The Mind

Big Ideas

Future Tense

The Science Show

Background Briefing

Short & Curly

Conversations

Health Report

Life Matters - Full program podcast

Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today

Science Friction

Ladies, We Need To Talk

If You're Listening

Unravel

ABC News Daily

The World Today

News Time

No Feeling Is Final

What's That Rash?

Stuff The British Stole

What The Duck?!

No One Saw It Coming