Barking Mad

Summary In this episode, Cathy and Peter explore the psychology of gambling addiction, its prevalence in Australia, and the behavioral and mental health aspects involved. We discuss how gambling impacts individuals and communities, and what can be done to address problem gambling. Keywords Gambling addiction, mental health, gambling psychology, Australia, problem gambling, gambling harm, addiction...

Summary Explore the fascinating world of conspiracy theories, their origins, psychological roots, and societal impact with Dr. Cathy Owen a psychiatry veteran. Understand why humans are drawn to conspiracy thinking and how to critically evaluate such beliefs. Keywords conspiracy theories, psychology, human mind, misinformation, critical thinking, history, society, paranoia, internet, psychology of...

Summary This episode explores the vital role of family carers in mental health, highlighting their challenges, emotional toll, and the systemic gaps in support. With insights from Margaret a seasoned mental health carer, listeners gain a deeper understanding of how to better support these unsung heroes. Keywords mental health, family carers, systemic support, emotional toll, mental illness, caregi...

Summary This episode explores the complex world of identity labels, their significance, and how to navigate conversations about gender and sexuality with respect and understanding. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights on terminology, communication strategies, and societal trends in identity politics. Keywords identity, labels, gender, sexuality, communication, LGBTQ, pronouns, intersex, trans, social aw...

Episode 39: What Motivates Mental Health Professionals? Keywords Mental health, psychiatry, healthcare, peer support, burnout, recovery, mental health workforce, patient trust, emotional resilience Summary In this insightful interview, Dr. Cathy Owen, a seasoned psychiatrist with 35 years of frontline experience, shares her journey into mental health care, the motivations behind choosing psychiatr...

Trigger warning: this episode outline discusses suicide and self-harm. If you or someone is in immediate danger, please contact your local emergency services now. If you need urgent support, see crisis contacts in the show-notes. Summary This episode explores the complex and sensitive topic of rational suicide, examining the different types, risk factors, societal attitudes, and ethical considerat...

This episode explores the complex world of eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Dr. Cathy Owen discusses their causes, societal influences, and how to recognize and address these mental health conditions. Keywords Eating Disorders, Anorexia, Bulimia, Binge Eating, Mental Health, Body Image, Socio-cultural Factors, Family Dynamics Key topics Types of eating disorders (an...

Summary This episode explores the complex world of prison mental health, covering topics from prison environment, mental health challenges, to post-release struggles. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights from her experience, highlighting the importance of mental health services and the human side of incarceration. Keywords prison mental health, incarceration, mental health services, post-release challen...

Keywords psychiatric ward, mental health, admission process, mental health legislation, inpatient care, visitor tips, substance use, forensic patients, mental health treatment Summary This episode explores the process of admission to a psychiatric ward, the different pathways, what to expect during hospitalization, and how visitors can support loved ones. Professor Cathy Owen provides insights int...

Episode 34 High Hopes & Hard Evidence: Making Sense of MedicinalCannabis Keywords cannabis, medicinal cannabis, THC, CBD, regulation,prescriptions, mental health, pain management, Australia, history Summary This conversation explores the evolution of cannabis froma prohibited substance to a prescribed medication, examining the historicalcontext, the role of government regulation, the differenc...

Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, host Barking Mad welcomes Dr. Rana Pishva, a psychologist from Ottawa, to discuss her article titled "Is the Pendulum of Self-Agency Swinging Too Far?" The conversation delves into the concept of self-care, exploring its evolution and the impact of wellness culture on individual well-being. Dr. Pishva emphasizes the importance of balancing self-age...

Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, the hosts delve into the concept of retail therapy, exploring its psychological implications and societal perceptions. They discuss whether retail therapy serves as a genuine mood booster or if it can lead to compulsive buying behaviours. The conversation highlights gender differences in shopping habits, with a focus on how societal pressures and emotional n...

Episode 31 Turn It Up: When Music Meets the Mind Music Playlist – mentioned in this episode with thanks to iMind Mental Health Solutions 1. “Vincent” by Don McLean – This song delves into the mind of Vincent Van Gogh, who is believed to have suffered from severe mental health issues. 2. “Adam’s Song” by Blink-182 – This track talks about depression and feelings of isolation. Although Adam (the cha...

Keywords AI, psychosis, mental health, ChatGPT, conspiracy theories, technology, vulnerability, social media, mental illness, emotional support Summary This conversation delves into the complex relationship between artificial intelligence, particularly ChatGPT, and mental health, exploring how AI can influence psychosis and the implications for vulnerable individuals. The discussion highlights ane...

Episode 29 Are We All Sick Now? The Rise of Overdiagnosis and the Business of Being Unwell Keywords overdiagnosis, medicalization, mental health, obesity, healthcare, pharmaceutical industry, lifestyle issues, suicide prevention, media influence, patient care Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the growing issue of overdiagnosis in the medical field, exploring...

Episode 28 Behind the Bark: How We Make Barking Mad In this podcast I make reference to John Laws, a multi media legend in Australia. Sadly, since recording this episode he has passed, aged 90 and with a 70 year radio career behind him. RIP Richard John Laws Keywords podcast, mental health, psychiatry, audience engagement, technology, listener feedback, podcast longevity, serious topics, humor, pe...

Episode 27 Paws for Thought: Pets and Mental Health Keywords pet ownership, mental health, emotional benefits, mindfulness, pet anxiety, social connection, companion animals, pets on planes Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the multifaceted benefits of pet ownership on mental health. They discuss tangible emotional benefits, the importance of mindfulness, the...

Episode 26 Fear Factor – Unpacking Our Phobias Keywords phobias, mental health, anxiety, treatment, common fears, irrational fears, desensitization, coping strategies, psychology, psychiatry Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, host Peter discusses the topic of phobias with Dr. Professor Cathy Owen, a seasoned psychiatrist. They explore the nature of phobias, their common types, and the psychol...

Keywords burnout, mental health, hustle culture, workplace stress, organizational strategies, future of work, AI, individual strategies, mindfulness, work-life balance Summary In this episode, Barking Mad explores the concept of burnout in the context of hustle culture, discussing its implications on mental health and workplace dynamics. Professor Cathy Owen shares insights on the biological under...

Keywords political violence, assassinations, mental illness, ideology, historical context, motivations, public figures, psychological analysis Summary In this episode, the conversation delves into the complex motivations behind political violence and assassinations, exploring historical examples and the psychological factors at play. The discussion highlights the distinction between mental illness...

Keywords NDIS, disability support, mental health, psychiatric care, community resources, service costs, fraud, bureaucracy, funding, sustainability Summary In this conversation, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, exploring its vision, positive impacts, and the challenges faced, particularly in the psychiatric space. They delve into the bu...

Keywords  cancer journey, resilience, treatment options, emotionalimpact, healthcare system, financial burdens, diet, lifestyle adjustments,support systems, community resources Summary In this conversation, Peter shares his ongoing journeywith cancer, discussing the psychological and emotional challenges he faces. Hereflects on his resilience, the importance of humour, and the support hereceives f...

Keywords cancer journey, treatment, mental health, support, relapse, coping mechanisms, personal experience, oncology, patient perspective, health awareness Summary In this conversation, Peter shares his ongoing journey with cancer, detailing his initial diagnosis, treatment experiences, and the emotional challenges he faces. He discusses the impact of his relapse, the support he receives from fri...

Keywords cancer diagnosis, treatment journey, immunotherapy, psychological impact, patient experience, coping mechanisms, healthcare, personal story, lung cancer, medical decisions Summary In this conversation, Peter shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with lung cancer, detailing the initial shock, the treatment process, and the psychological impact of his diagnosis. He discusses the va...

Keywords Bondi incident, mental health, schizophrenia, community impact, stigma, mental health care, funding, prevention, compassion, mental illness Summary This conversation delves into the Bondi incident, exploring the complexities of mental health, particularly schizophrenia, and the systemic failures that can lead to tragic outcomes. The discussion highlights the stigma surrounding mental illn...