Mind Brew

The pursuit to achieve a rich and meaningful life is often misinterpreted as a quest for constant happiness, or avoidance of anything painful and unpleasant. But life doesn’t work that way.

In this episode Jacqui Maguire speaks with Dr. Russ Harris about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Instead of trying to rid unpleasant thoughts and feelings, learn to perceive them as transient and harmless.

Millenials and Gen Zers get often get dealt a pretty rough hand in social commentary. My experience is pretty counter to that. I have come across amazing young people that a driven, innovative and entrepreneurial. What we do know is that our young people today have had to overcome many a challenge. Depression rates for those in their 20s are rising, and they make up the largest cohort of those experiencing anxiety. So what’s going on?

Dr Randy Paterson is a Canadian clinical psychologist and author of How to Be Miserable in Your 20s: 40 Strategies to Fail at Adulting. This is not a typical title you would find in the self help section. Randy draws on the psychological science of wellbeing and mental health and flips it on it's head. In this episode we look at the challenges those in their 20s face, methods to re-write unhelpful inner stories and how to cultivate a life led by values. Whilst focused on the 20s age group, this is a worthy listen for any age.

Kindness has been central to New Zealand's 'Unite for Recovery' COVID-19 campaign. Is being kind just a feel good factor or is there more to it. Jacqui Maguire speaks with Dr Oliver Scott-Curry, who is the Research Director for Kindlab, at kindness.org.

Jacqui Maguire explores the power of 'Grit' with distinguished Professor of Psychology Angela Duckworth and NZ teacher Kelly Layton. Grit can be described as passion and perseverance for long-term goals, and has been linked to high achievement. This episode explores the benefits of grit, and discusses how NZ's dedicated teachers are cultivating this strength in our children.

World renowned organisational psychologist Adam Grant and clinical psychologist Jacqui Maguire talk personal and business resilience during COVID-19. Through a New Zealand lens the pair cover how we can exit lockdown with renewed strength, the art of asking for help, optimising team performance when working from home and leading through a crisis. Woven through the discussion the psychologists banter, reflect on their career highlights and even dip into local politics.