The Locker Room

Whether your porridge is too hot or too cold may offer you a lesson in better understanding motivation. Join Henry Bretz and I on ABCNQ as we discuss maximising motivation by setting the target that is ‘just right'.

We’ve all felt it; that sense that something is missing, though we can’t quite say what. Particularly through covid times, boredom has become the new stress. So what is boredom? How does it impact our wellbeing? And how can you use boredom to unlock creativity and productivity? Join Henry Bretz and I on ABCNQ as we discuss the psychology of boredom.

Travel and adventure can be the perfect combination when it comes to mental health. With the world opening up, what can we learn about the effects of travel on the brain? Join Henry Bretz and I on ABCNQ as we discuss the psychology of travel.

Weekends are great but they never seem long enough! With three long weekends on the horizon, what is the research that suggests longer weekends are a good way to boost our health, productivity and motivation? Join Henry Bretz and I on ABCNQ as we discuss the benefits of work flexibility.

Did you know that after you learn something new, your brain is never the same again? Whether you’re mastering Instagram reels, learning how to strip an engine, or trying to change your running technique – your brain is in a constant state of change. Join Henry Bretz and I on ABCNQ as we discuss the benefits of the active mind.

What did you think when you heard of Ash Barty’s immediate retirement? How do we know when we are ready to stop doing what we love? Join Henry Bretz and I on ABCNQ as we discuss the psychology of retirement.

Are there more wheels or doors in the world, and why do we care? How does curiosity help us to survive, boost our achievement, and improve our healthcare? Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the psychology of the curious mind.

News consumption skyrocketed at the start of the pandemic, but for many, it’s led to fatigue or anxiety. Where do you draw the line while staying informed?  Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the impact of negative world events and what you can do about it.

1 year, 12 months, 365/6 days, 8760 hours, 525600 minutes. Every person on the planet is gifted the same time, it's how we use it that counts. This week join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the mysteries and strategies for time. The bad news is time flies. The good news is that you are the pilot! - Michael Alshuler.

With many sporting competitions about to commence, parents often want to know how they can best support their teen - without getting in the way. Join Ashley Sartor and I as we discuss the challenges for sporting parents and strategies to navigate this sometimes tricky terrain.

Argued as a strategy to fight burnout, boost morning focus time, and increase overlap time among its global workforces. Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the psychological effects of a shorter working week.

Time left us short in our interview, so here are some of the other points Henry and I had hoped to discuss in interview one on Love.

Why do couples often look more similar after 25 years together? What ends a relationship? And how long does it take to fall in love? Join Henry Bretz and I this Valentine's Day as we discuss some things about love that you may not know!

Mango Madness? Increased depression in a bleak winter? We certainly notice the weather, but to what extent does it affect our mood and general well-being? Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss some of the psychology behind the weather.

Six chances to guess a randomly generated 5-letter word. Easy?! Wordle is the new code-cracking game that people around the world have adopted into their daily to-do's. Sharing the fun with friends has also become part of the obsession. So what is it and why is it tackled daily by millions? Henry Bretz and I discuss this new phenomenon.

Whilst laughter and joking may seem like the lighter side of life, the hard science is that laughter is powerful in enhancing mental and physical well-being. Join Henry Bretz and I on 630 ABC as we discuss the cognitive and social power of a good chuckle!

Despite great intentions, most people never achieve their new year's resolutions. Fortunately, there is a better way to get results. Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss how you can get more achieved in 2022.

Humans are fascinating, and Christmas time is no different. Why does singing carols together decrease stress and increase bonding? Does the price of a gift matter? Is it better to give than receive? And how can you get along better with relatives past 10 am on Christmas morning? Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the Psychology of Christmas.

The pandemic has made workers reevaluate what they are actually getting out of their jobs, posing a challenge (and opportunity) for employers in particular sectors. Today on ABC NQ Henry Bretz and I discussed what this change is, why people might reevaluate their employment situation, and whether the grass really is greener on the other side.

Do you struggle to say no? Do you commit to tasks and then later regret it? Do you wish you could say no without having to explain yourself? You're not alone! Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss how No! vember shines the light on the importance of setting boundaries and saying no!

Loneliness is less about our number of social connections and far more about how we interpret those interactions. What happens to our brain when we are lonely? How does it affect us physically and psychologically and what do we need to know as we head into the festive season? Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the science behind loneliness.

Worry is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you very far. When does decision-making become worrying? What are the tools to overcome the worry cycle? Join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the science of worrying.

Are you a 'lucky' gambler, or do you keep your money safely in your pocket? Does tapping a lucky charm on a pokie machine help? [spoiler alert: no] and why does our confidence in a bet rise after we've placed it?! This week on Mindful Monday, join Henry Bretz and I as we discuss the peculiarities of humans when they gamble.

Do dreams secretly reveal our unconscious conflicts and wishes, or are they simply electrical brain impulses that pull random thoughts and imagery after our memories? This week on Mindful Monday, join Alex Chambers and I as we discuss the science behind our dreams.

Muhammad Ali once said, “I don’t think it’s bragging to say I’m something special.”Self-doubt is a key mental challenge for athletes when performing in the sporting arena. What can we learn from the Locker Room to manage our own moments of uncertainty?  Join Grant Bell and I as we discuss the challenges (and the benefits) of self-doubt.