PsychTalks – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

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PsychTalks

Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences

Science

Health & Fitness

Society & Culture

Education

Frequency: 1 episode/51d. Total Eps: 32

This is PsychTalks: a podcast that deep dives into groundbreaking research in psychology. Hear psychology and neuroscience experts unpack how our minds work – and discover how these insights can enrich your own life and help others. Made by the University of Melbourne’s School of Psychological Sciences.

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Apple

Data updated on 17/09/2026

Recent rankings

Latest chart positions across Apple Podcasts and Spotify rankings.

Apple Podcasts

🇬🇧 Great Britain - Social Sciences
19/09/2026
#95
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Social Sciences
18/09/2026
#71
🇬🇧 Great Britain - Social Sciences
17/09/2026
#54

Spotify

No recent rankings available

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

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https://omnystudio.com/listener
32 shares
https://www.apa.org/monitor/2023/09/protecting-teens-on-social-media
2 shares
https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2
2 shares

https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/21677026231186625
1 share

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0005789423000667
1 share

RSS feed quality and score

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RSS feed quality

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Score global : 69%

Publication history

Monthly episode publishing history over the past years.

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Latest published episodes

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Why do so many drivers say "sorry mate, I didn't see you"?

Season 5 · Episode 5

Tuesday, September 8, 2026 • Duration 41:03

If you’ve ever looked directly at a motorcyclist while driving – yet completely failed to see them – you’re not alone. The phenomenon is so common, riders refer to it as a “smidsy” (or, “sorry mate, I didn’t see you”.)

Professor Kristen Pammer and Dr Angus McKerral discuss the cognitive demands of driving; explaining how inattentional blindness can render a motorcyclist invisible and exploring the promises and pitfalls of self-driving cars.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Is cycle syncing science or social media hype?

Season 5 · Episode 4

Tuesday, August 25, 2026 • Duration 33:08

‘Cycle syncing’ has exploded online, promoting the idea that women can optimise their wellbeing by planning everything from workouts to work commitments around their menstrual cycles. But what does the science actually say?

Dr Lindsie Arthur cuts through the pop psychology hype and discusses the current research around hormones, behaviour and performance.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Is alcohol dependence about more than willpower?

Season 5 · Episode 3

Tuesday, July 28, 2026 • Duration 28:20

Alcohol is a normal part of life for many Australians. But why do some people develop problems with drinking while others don't?

Dr Antoinette Poulton unpacks the link between impulsivity and hazardous drinking, and explains why our decisions around alcohol are shaped by much more than willpower.

From personalised feedback to smartphone-based interventions, we explore how researchers are finding new ways to help people better understand their drinking and make lasting changes.

Relevant links:

Learn more about Antoinette's research:

She is currently recruiting for a study charting cannabis use form and method in Australia, to assist with future app development: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/gnf2
For other current projects: https://hesterlab.org/projects

If you have concerns about your own or someone else's drinking, you call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or visit Daybreak at hellosundaymorning.org.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Why are Australians so addicted to sports betting?

Season 5 · Episode 2

Monday, July 13, 2026 • Duration 38:34

Online sports betting is now part of everyday life in Australia. But how do betting apps actually work, and why are they so hard to ignore?

In this episode, Dr Daniel Bennett explores the psychology behind modern betting products, and how they are designed to keep people hooked. He explains how features like in-play betting, cash-out options and constant advertising shape our behaviour – often in ways we don't notice. Dr Bennett also discusses the risks of gambling, including who is most affected and why, and what can be done to reduce harm.

Related links:

A Better Bet: How Australia Should Prevent Gambling Harm (2024 report by the Grattan Institute)
The 4 Corners report about the NT Racing and Wagering Commission.

If you or anyone you know needs support or help for gambling, please contact Gambling Help Online (or on 1800 858 858).

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Hidden biases in humans and machines: Can we really be fair?

Season 5 · Episode 1

Tuesday, April 21, 2026 • Duration 01:04:04

We like to think we’re fair. But what if our minds and our machines don’t always agree?

In this special bonus episode of PsychTalks, hosts Professor Nick Haslam and Associate Professor Cassie Hayward are joined by Professor Mahzarin Banaji (Harvard University), one of the world’s leading researchers on implicit bias.

Drawing on decades of research across psychology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence, Professor Banaji explains how bias can shape judgments and decisions without our awareness – even when we genuinely value fairness and accuracy. She explores how these hidden processes affect everyday life, social institutions and the technologies we are increasingly relying on.

Recorded during Professor Banaji’s visit to the University of Melbourne as a Miegunyah Distinguished Visiting Fellow, this conversation asks what it really means to take responsibility for bias and how a clearer understanding of the human mind might help us build a more just and accountable world.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Do we ever stop being curious?

Season 4 · Episode 9

Tuesday, January 13, 2026 • Duration 45:34

We said the season was over – but when the chance to sit down with Professor Alison Gopnik comes along, you make an exception. In this bonus episode, we’re delighted to welcome one of the world’s most influential developmental psychologists for an extended conversation on how our minds grow and change over the lifespan.

Drawing on her work on children as “little scientists,” the explore–exploit dilemma and her gardener-versus-carpenter model of parenting, Alison reflects on why play, risk and exploration matter so much in childhood. We also explore caregiving as a form of intelligence – one that becomes increasingly important in later life – and what elders, grandparents and even orcas can teach us about care, culture and human flourishing.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Shelf deception: How does marketing on packaged foods influence us?

Season 4 · Episode 8

Tuesday, October 21, 2025 • Duration 31:15

Are we really making healthy choices for our children in the supermarket? Or are we being nudged by bright colours, on-pack claims and fruit-filled imagery?

Associate Professor Helen Dixon and Jane Martin unpack the psychology, policy and packaging that influence what ends up in our shopping trolleys. They highlight the subtle strategies used to market commercial infant and toddler foods, and discuss what can be done to support parents in making informed choices.

Kids are Sweet Enough (Food for Health Alliance)

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Why is misinformation so powerful?

Season 4 · Episode 7

Tuesday, October 7, 2025 • Duration 28:10

Misinformation and disinformation now pose some of the biggest global risks to democracy and public trust.

Associate Professor Piers Howe explains how misinformation and disinformation spreads, and the subtle but influential ways they can shift public opinion, disrupt elections and damage society. With the rise of AI and sophisticated campaigns, he explains why it's more important than ever to stay informed, think critically and understand the science behind persuasion.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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How does power and influence shape our lives?

Season 4 · Episode 6

Tuesday, September 23, 2025 • Duration 31:47

Want tips on how to use power and influence more effectively - whether you’re pitching an idea, leading a team, or asking your preschooler to brush their teeth? Professor Jennifer Overbeck unpacks what sets power apart from influence, how persuasion works, and why gender, identity and context matter.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Can self-compassion help us better navigate menopause?

Season 4 · Episode 5

Tuesday, September 9, 2025 • Duration 30:50

What are the mental health impacts of menopause and how are they connected with our ideas about ageing? Dr Lydia Brown shares insights from her research on self-compassion and how it can help those managing the psychological challenges of menopause. Whether you’re approaching menopause or simply interested in evidence-based strategies for a healthy outlook on ageing, this conversation offers practical and deeply human advice for navigating change.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Australian Menopause Society
Jean Hailes Centre for Women's Health

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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PsychTalks – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

PsychTalks – Details, episodes & analysis

Podcast details

Recent rankings

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Shared links between episodes and podcasts

Other33

SAGE Publishing1

Science Direct1

RSS feed quality and score

Publication history

Latest published episodes

Similar podcasts and content

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Related Shows Based on Content Similarities

Other33

SAGE Publishing1

Science Direct1