The Locker Room

Fond memories of music can boost our mood, enhance our connections and help us in difficult times. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the psychology of nostalgia.

Discover how the five elements of PERMA can transform your golden years into a time of growth and fulfilment. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed a happier, more satisfying life with the science-backed PERMA approach.

Coaches and parents play a crucial role in shaping young athletes' perspectives on success and disappointment, influencing their long-term relationship with sport. This week on ABC Northern Grandstand, Grant Bell and I discussed the development of expectations in athletes and teams from youth to elite sports.

Did you know? The positive effects of sports viewing extend beyond entertainment, potentially improving health, enhancing productivity, and even reducing crime rates in communities. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the psychology of sports fandom.

Did you know? Studies have shown that 20% of people identify themselves as chronic procrastinators, impacting their productivity and mental health! This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed strategies for getting things done.

Did you know that asking R U OK? Can synchronise brain waves between you and the other person? Join Phil Brandel and me on ABCNQ as we discuss the fascinating brain science behind meaningful conversations and why asking "R U OK?" matters more than you might think.

Did you know? Research shows that changing the words we use to describe difficult circumstances can actually alter how we feel about them and improve our ability to cope. Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the impact of using crisis language.

Did you know that the tempo and volume of music can alter your perception of taste? Join Susan Graham-Ryan and me on ABCNQ as we discuss how sound and presentation influence what we taste and how we experience food.

Have you ever wondered why you buy more groceries than you planned? Discover the sneaky psychological tricks supermarkets use to influence your shopping habits, from the store layout to the music playing in the background.

Have you ever read a story that feels like it has become part of your real life? Join Susan Graham-Ryan and me on ABCNQ as we discuss fictional characters' impact on our real-life behaviours and emotions.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the downside of success in sports. Further, we discussed ways to address the treatment of ‘tall poppies’.

Why do people sometimes set a goal only to sabotage their progress with negative self-talk or procrastination? This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed self-sabotage and its impacts.

Ever wonder how Olympians stay cool as cucumbers while the whole world watches? Join Grant Bell and me on ABC Northern Grandstand as we discuss what the Olympics can teach us all about high-pressure : performance. Please click on the link below if you’d like to listen to our interview.

Explore the role of experience and personality in developing a good sense of direction. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed why some people struggle with directions more than others.

Ever wonder why that cat video or witty meme suddenly takes over your entire social media feed? Join Susan Graham-Ryan and me on ABCNQ to discuss the fascinating psychology behind internet memes and viral content.

Understand the cognitive biases that lead us to view pessimists as more insightful and intelligent. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed the perceived intellectual superiority of pessimists.

Susan Graham-Ryan and I discuss insights into practical strategies for mitigating the effects of emotional and cognitive biases.

In a culture where "wine o'clock" is a common phrase, what are we trying to medicate with our drinking habits? Join Susan Graham-Ryan and me on ABCNQ as we discuss why people often turn to alcohol as an emotional crutch and how Dry July can be a catalyst for change.

Discover why 4 out of 5 psychologists struggle to identify a common trauma response that could be affecting you or your loved ones. Join Susan Graham-Ryan and I on ABCNQ as we discuss dissociation, a coping mechanism that can disrupt memory, emotion, and identity in trauma survivors.

This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed effective strategies for developing a learning mindset.

Did you know? Even when you don't feel like it, smiling can trick your brain into feeling happier and more positive. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed how reframing negative thoughts with a more positive perspective can shift your mindset and improve your mood.

Music has a profound impact on the brain, activating regions associated with emotion, memory, and cognitive function.

Encouraging a growth mindset helps children understand that mistakes are opportunities for learning, not failures. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed what to do if your child looks at the world through perfectionism.

FOPO, or Fear of People’s Opinions, is a psychological trap that limits your potential. This week on ABCNQ, Susan Graham-Ryan and I discussed some strategies to free yourself from FOPO.

Grant Bell and I as we discuss how mental approach translates into successful athletic performance