Make Your Mind

Today we hear from Diane Dreher, psychologist, author, and Professor Emeritus at Santa Clara University. Diane has spent decades exploring the intersection of Eastern philosophy and positive psychology, and her books include the best-selling The Tao of Inner Peace and her newest, Pathways to Inner Peace.

In this episode, Diane shares how the Tao Te Ching, written over 25 centuries ago during a time of political upheaval, offers practical wisdom for navigating stress, disconnection, and uncertainty today. She and Jess explore the Tao's definitions of strength, the science of mindful presence, why micro-moments of connection matter, and what happens when we learn to trust intuition over logic.

This episode's reflection prompt:

"What brings you joy, and how can you make more room for it in your daily life?"

Learn more about Diane Dreher

• Website: https://www.dianedreher.com

• Read Diane's books : ⁠https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/contributors/diane-e-dreher-phd?page=7 ⁠

• Listen to Diane's mediations : https://www.dianedreher.com/disc.htm

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianedreher/

• See her work : https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=fjj5fvEAAAAJ

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Connect with Jess Leondiou

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_leondiou

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessleondiou

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jess_leondiou

Substack: https://jessleondiou.substack.com

What if the problem isn’t you — but the way wethink about mental health?

In this episode, Jess Leondiou speaks with RossEllenhorn about why so many people feel stuck, disconnected, or exhausted by self-work, even when they’re doing everything they’re told should help. Together, they explore more humane ways of understanding distress, change, and the need to feel held by others.

This episode will help you think differently about mental health, not as something to fix, but as something shaped by connection, meaning, and context — and why losing those things can make even small challenges feel overwhelming.

The conversation explores:

• Why feeling “unheld” makes life feel harder

• How therapy and psychiatry can become overly focused on fixing

• The idea of fear of hope and why staying the same can be protective

• How diagnosis and labels can shape identity

• Creativity, art, and play as ways humans make meaning

This conversation stayed with me because it gave language to experiences I know many people feel but rarely hear named —especially the pressure to change without feeling supported, and the loneliness that can sit underneath self-improvement.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing the inner work but still feel disconnected, this episode offers a different frame — one rooted in recognition, curiosity, and shared humanity.

Guest Resources https://www.ellhorn.com

Programs and clinical work https://www.ellhorn.com/programs

Books

How We Change (And Ten Reasons Why We Don’t)

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/how-we-change-ross-ellenhorn

Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Creative Imagination

https://www.harpercollins.com/products/harold-and-the-purple-crayon-and-the-creative-imagination-ross-ellenhorn

Chapters 0:00 Intro

02:32 Ross Ellenhorn on mental health, sociology, and his work

04:45 Why trying to “fix yourself” doesn’t work

07:32 Psychedelics, therapy, and the problem of medicalising healing

10:58 Loneliness, feeling unheld, and why connection matters

15:26 Conformity, creativity, and how we handle uncertainty

19:48 COVID, isolation, and threat assessment theory

29:59 Therapy, connection, and speaking in states not labels

34:01 Fear of hope, change, and why staying the same feels safer

47:31 Art, play, ritual, and creating meaning together

01:06:12 Final reflections on hope and human connection

Listen to more Make Your Mind episodes

https://www.makeyourmind.co/podcast

Follow Make Your Mind

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/makeyourmind.co

YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourmind

Substack — https://jessleondiou.substack.com

Connect with Jess Leondiou

Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jessleondiou

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessleondiou

YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@jess_leondiou

This podcast is sponsored by Archleys — toolsfor introspection and self-connection.

Shop now: https://www.archleys.com

#MakeYourMindPodcast #JessLeondiou#MentalHealth #Psychology #Connection #Loneliness #Hope #Creativity#SelfAwareness

Today we hear from Lars Madsen, an industry leader with over 20 years’ experience in forensic psychology. He shares his insights on schema therapy — a framework used to shift deeply ingrained behaviours and, as Lars calls it, work with your emotional blueprint.

This episode's writing prompt is:

"Think of one recurring struggle in your life — maybe a fear of rejection, or always putting others first. Ask yourself what old belief or unmet need might be driving this, and then try writing down small ways you could meet that need now."

Learn more about Lars

Explore his clinical practice at the ⁠Forensic + Clinical Psychology Centre⁠⁠

Listen to his podcast, Beyond the Crime: A psychological analysis

Read his blog, Beyond the Therapy ⁠

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This episode was edited by David Willett of Double T Media

Self-care culture was meant to help us thrive, but what if it’s doing the opposite?

In this conversation with Duncan Anderson, a leading innovator in Australian education and co-founder of Edrolo, we unpack whether modern narratives about mental health, resilience, and growth are really serving us.

We talk about self-regulation vs. co-regulation, psychological safety, curiosity, and what it means to create environments where people can think clearly and communicate well.

Worth a listen if you’re looking for a perspective that sits outside of the narratives we’re used to hearing.

Write. Reflect. Connect

As always, here are a few questions for you to reflect on after listening to this episode.

1) In what moments do you prioritise comfort over growth, and how are you seeing these ideas play out in society more broadly?

2) What does the idea of self care mean to you, and are there any aspects of it that you might want to adjust or reconsider after hearing the ideas shared?

This episode was hosted by Jess Leondiou, brought to you by Archley’s tools for introspection and reflection. www.archleys.com

If you’d like to learn more about Duncan or follow his work check out his blog Cloud Streaks.

This episode was edited by David Willett of Double T Media

In this episode of the 'Make Your Mind' podcast, Jess interviews Professor Brock Bastian, a social psychologist and author of 'The Other Side of Happiness.'

They explore the idea that the pursuit of happiness often leads to discontentment and discuss how embracing struggle and discomfort can be vital to a well-lived life.

Bastian delves into cultural narratives and how they shape our emotional perceptions, highlighting the importance of accepting pain as part of the human experience.

The episode also considers communal activities and rituals as pathways to genuine connection and fulfilment.

And the prompt that we'd like to leave you with today is this:

"How have the expectations of my life shaped the way that I feel, and in what ways has this helped me or hurt me?

The purpose of reflective prompts deepens our understanding. When we apply ideas to ourselves, we can think about concepts through a new lens. And if you want to take this one step further, use this question to spark a conversation with someone else. When we talk through ideas and concepts, we give ourselves a chance to reflect and to crystallise the wisdom that we've learned.

So it's a win-win. Not only are you passing the knowledge onto someone else, but you're also deepening your understanding.

Why we need pain to feel happiness | Brock Bastian | TEDxStKilda

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_x9cbrdgnw&t=724s&ab_channel=TEDxTalks

In this episode, I speak with Imi Lo, psychotherapist, author, and thinker whose work explores the intersection of emotional intensity, neurodivergence, and sensitivity.

Her book Emotional Sensitivity and Intensity felt like a roadmap to me—a warm invitation to appreciate the diversity of minds and a guide for how to work with and uplift sensitivity, rather than see it as something that needs to be pathologised.

Imi holds master’s degrees in mental health and Buddhist studies as well as researching Jungian theories, art therapy, global cultures, mentalization, and mindfulness-based modalities. She describes her professional life as a decade-long pursuit of one central question: “What do people who are emotionally sensitive and intense need?” I think this framing alone is something really special.

This conversation unpacks a wide range of topics, from the impact of psychological labels like ADHD, autism, and anxiety to how language can both empower and limit. We explore themes of intuition, trauma, and the importance of having our internal experiences mirrored and validated.

Topics we cover:

– The problem with pathologising personality

– Why sensitivity is not weakness

– The risk of over-identifying with diagnosis

– How to honour your intuition

– Healing relational wounds through new experiences

– The tension between individualism and community in a post-religious, post-COVID world

– Positive disintegration and the power of inner chaos

– Creating a life that fits your nature

Imi’s work has stayed with me in all the best ways, and I hope this conversation does the same for you.

You can explore more of her work at www.eggshelltherapy.com

Find her on Medium: imilo.medium.com

Or check out her books, this is her first one Emotional Sensitivity and Intensity which she suggests as an introduction to her work.

Or the The Gift of Intensity her second book.

If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over someone—you can't stop thinking about them, you're building out fantasies in your head, and your thoughts are starting to feel more like an addiction —you may have experienced limerence.

In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Tom Bellamy breaks down the mechanics of limerence, explaining how it relates to addiction, reward systems, and emotional regulation. He explores why some people are more prone to limerence, how uncertainty fuels romantic obsession, and what strategies we can use to manage or overcome these overwhelming feelings.

What You’ll Learn:

• ​ What limerence is and how it differs from love
• ​ The brain’s role in romantic obsession
• ​ Why uncertainty and hope intensify limerence
• ​ The connection between limerence and addiction
• ​ How to recognise and navigate limerence in relationships

Where can you learn more?

Check out Tom's incredible work and community on his website and YouTube channel. His resources and rich with information and very engaging.

• ​ Dr. Tom Bellamy’s website: livingwithlimerence.com
• ​ Dr. Bellamy’s YouTube channel: Dr. Tom Bellamy on YouTube

This podcast is hosted by Jess Leondiou, brought to you by Archley’s - tools for, writing, introspection and connection. www.archleys.com

In this episode of Make Your Mind, I sit down with behavioural scientist, psychologist, and author Darren Fleming to explore a fresh perspective on mindset, mental health, and self-reflection. Darren’s book, Mindset Mastery, challenges some conventional mental health approaches, encouraging us to step away from labels, routines, and rigid goals in favour of a simpler, more intuitive path to personal growth.

After reading his book, I was intrigued. As someone who’s spent years using therapy, journaling, and structured habits as part of my mental health journey, I wanted to dive deeper into Darren’s idea of “doing less.” Some of these concepts might feel familiar, yet his approach struck a chord with me.

For Darren, real change starts by tuning into what’s happening in the body—without labelling, analysing, or resisting. His method is about experiencing body sensations and letting go of the stories we attach to them, which he sees as a pathway to an integrated self and genuine progress.

This episode dives into some potentially controversial ideas, and I’d love to hear your thoughts.

How do you feel about practices rooted in the mental health movement?

I’m still exploring these concepts myself, so if you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear your thoughts and keep the conversation going 📩 [email protected]

To learn more about Darren and his work visit, www.darrenfleming.com.au

Buy his book here www.darrenfleming.com.au/books

Follow him on Linkedin here

Gayle Hardie is a globally recognized leadership expert and co-founder of the Global Leadership Foundation, dedicated to developing emotionally healthy leaders across the world. With over 30 years of experience, Gayle’s work centers around emotional health, the Enneagram, and mindfulness practices that enhance leadership and personal growth.

In this episode, Gayle shares insights on how emotional health influences decision-making, relationships, and leadership styles. She and Jess explore the three centers of intelligence—head, heart, and gut—while discussing how the Enneagram can serve as a tool for self-awareness and growth. Tune in to learn how intentionality and reflection can help you become a more effective and emotionally aware leader.

Gayle's Question for introspection:

"How do I want to be today?" This is an anchoring question that you can explore through your journaling practise or in conversation with someone else. A few moments spent with a question can unlock a new perception.

I’d Love to Hear From You 🙂 If you’ve got feedback, suggestions, guest ideas or want to share your thoughts on this episode, feel free to reach out!

Email me at: [email protected]

Links to Gayle's work:

1. Global Leadership Foundation Website: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com⁠

2. Mastering Emotional Health App: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/emotional-health⁠

3. Buy Gayle’s Book: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/shop⁠

4. Hear more from Gayle: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/blog⁠

Chapters:

1. 00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting

2. 05:06 - Understanding Emotional Health

3. 09:47 - The Importance of Above and Below the Line

4. 16:07 - The Three Centers of Intelligence: Head, Heart, and Gut

5. 22:10 - Exploring the Enneagram Framework for Self-Awareness

6. 29:57 - Personality and Its Role in Emotional Health

7. 36:47 - Practices to Enhance Emotional Health

8. 45:00 - Quantum Thinking and Manifestation

9. 55:11 - Final Reflections and Intentions