Are you the kind of person who loves chatting to strangers? Like people in cafes, parks or the train?

Or does the thought of small talk make you cringe?

On All in the Mind this week, we cover a growing body of research on how talking to strangers can make you feel happier, more connected to your community and less lonely.

The peculiar power of talking to strangers

All In The Mind is ABC RN's weekly podcast looking into the mental universe, the mind, brain and behaviour — everything from addiction to artificial intelligence.

Science

Health & Fitness

Life Sciences

Patric Gagne is a sociopath, but she doesn’t fit the stereotype.

From a violent kid, to now a PhD and author - we track the unusual story of a sociopath who learned to be 'good'.

Plus, there's been some controversy and questions about the veracity of her PhD - so, we fact checked it.




Need something to listen to next? Check out our episode Why heartbreak hurts so bad.




Guest:
Patric Gagne, Author, Sociopath: A Memoir.




Credits:
Presenter/Producer: Sana Qadar
Producer: Rose Kerr
Sound engineers: Tegan Nicholls and Ann-Marie de Bettencor

Inside a female sociopath's mind: "I'm capable of almost anything"

Madi's had 25 rental applications rejected. Seen absolute horror houses while searching for a rental. It's all driving her to despair.

Today, how housing insecurity can alter our sense of agency and how we perceive the world around us.

If you're looking for something to listen to next, check out our episode, Is life coaching legit?

No control, no agency. The housing crisis is warping people's view of the future

Have you ever experienced the feeling of awe?

Maybe it was sparked by an awesome view, a moving artwork or witnessing the birth of a child.

Today we follow one person's attempt at finding awe when she's never felt it before.

What does awe do to us? What benefits can it offer?

If you'd like to listen to more of All in the Mind, check out our episode Does guilt have a silver lining?

Searching for awe, when you've never felt it

So you've got a loved one who's fallen deep down the conspiracy rabbit hole. Are they destined to stay there forever?

Today, we hear from a former conspiracy theorist and a social psychologist on what fuels these beliefs, how likely people are to change their minds, and what you can (and can't) do to help.

Want to listen to more All in the Mind? Check out our episode, The Certainty Myth.

How to help a conspiracy theorist: an ex believer and an expert weigh in

Over the last couple of weeks, schizophrenia has been appearing in headlines across the country as details of the Bondi Junction attack unfold.

Coverage of mental health conditions, especially one as complex as schizophrenia, can be shrouded in stigma.

So today, we revisit our conversation with journalist Elfy Scott, sharing the one thing her family never spoke about - her mother's schizophrenia. 

This episode was first broadcast in April 2023. 

If you're looking for what to listen to next, check out our episode ADHD, TikTok, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria — meet Matilda's brain

The peculiar power of talking to strangers

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