PsychTalks

Ranking history

About the show

Latest episodes

• Can your lifestyle choices affect your child’s brain?

  October 6, 2026 · 47 min

  Before you’re even born, your parents’ health is already shaping your future wellbeing. Welcome to the world of epigenetics: where environmental factors – stress, diet and infection – leave molecular marks on genes, altering their…

• What are children trying to tell us when they struggle at school?

  September 22, 2026 · 53 min

  Many children are struggling to attend school, but what if we've been getting the story wrong? In this episode of PsychTalks, Associate Professor Sarah Knight and Natasha Staheli explore how children's distress is often mistaken for…

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

  September 8, 2026 · 41 min

  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…

• Is cycle syncing science or social media hype?

  August 25, 2026 · 33 min

  ‘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…

• Is alcohol dependence about more than willpower?

  July 28, 2026 · 28 min

  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…

• Why are Australians so addicted to sports betting?

  July 13, 2026 · 39 min

  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…

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

  April 21, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min

  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…

• Do we ever stop being curious?

  January 13, 2026 · 46 min

  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…