The Mind Mate Podcast

Sheldon, Tom and Jeff are back for another awesome episode of the podcast! I absolutely love hosting these guys! We spoke about how death awareness quietly shapes human behaviour, culture, and politics, drawing on their decades of research and insights from The Worm at the Core. We explored societal instability, economic inequality, and theories of cultural collapse, including Peter Turchin’s work...

Dr. Roy Barsness is the author of the text, Core Competencies in Relational Psychoanalysis: A Guide to Practice, Study and Research (Routledge, 2018) and author of the text: Psychodynamic Supervision: In a New Key (Routledge, 2025). He has published several professional articles, presents frequently at professional conferences and teaches nationally and internationally on relational psychoanalysis...

Duey is a sought-after teacher, trainer, licensed therapist, and equine professional worldwide. He has taught worldwide and developed a practical attachment theory and human development theory taught to thousands of university students. He has nearly 80,000 direct client hours and co-founded the Gestalt Equine Institute and the Gestalt Institute of the Rockies. He supervises therapists and graduat...

Dr. John Powers is back for another chat on the show—largely about Tibetan Buddhism, meditation practices, and the nature of self and consciousness. John shared his personal journey into Buddhism, including a transformative experience with the Dalai Lama that led him to explore meditation further—I absolutely loved this part! We also discussed the concept of emptiness in Buddhism, the idea of rebi...

In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I speak with the authors of a powerful new study exploring psilocybin-assisted psychotherapy for depression and anxiety in people living with life-threatening illness. The research looks at how a single, carefully supported dose of psilocybin, combined with psychotherapy, affected people facing conditions such as advanced cancer and other serious illnesses...

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Mary-Frances O’Connor, a clinical psychologist and neuroscientist, to explore the intricate relationship between grief, the brain, and the body. Drawing from her decades of research, Mary-Frances shares insights on how our bodies physically experience grief, why loss reshapes our inner world, and how cultural and personal differences shape the grieving process....

On this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast , I chat with the legendary Dr. Kirk Honda about all things therapy, culture, and philosophy. We dive into different therapeutic approaches—what works, what doesn’t, and why it all depends—while unpacking how cultural trends are shaping the way we think about mental health. We also get into some big philosophical questions about what it really means to heal...

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Michael Conforti, Jungian analyst and founder of the Assisi Institute, to explore the intricate interplay between archetypes, dreams, and the unconscious. Together, we delve into how patterns of meaning shape our lives, the role of the collective unconscious in human behaviour, and the transformative power of symbols in guiding us through personal...

Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, I have the absolute honour of sitting down with Dr. Kirk Schneider—one of the leading voices in contemporary existential-humanistic psychology and a true pioneer in the field of depth-oriented healing. Dr. Schneider has an impressive career that spans decades. He’s a licensed psychologist, the past editor of the Journal of Humanistic Psychology, and pr...

In this episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, I had the absolute privilege of speaking with Emmy Van Deurzen, an iconic figure in existential psychotherapy and philosophy. We delved into the rich terrain of dream analysis and discussed how our unconscious lives can reveal pathways to authenticity. We also explored Emmy's personal journey: her love of Socrates sparked during her youth, the profound imp...

In this special episode, I sit down with Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire to explore the profound philosophical implications of psychedelic experiences. We dive deep into how these altered states of consciousness can reshape our understanding of reality, identity, and existential meaning. Dr. Tempone-Wiltshire brings his expertise in the intersection of philosophy and psychology to discuss the transfo...

Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! In this special episode, I’m joined by the renowned Jungian analyst and author, Dr. James Hollis. Dr. Hollis has written extensively about the human condition, meaning-making, and navigating the complexities of modern life through a depth psychology lens. Together, we dive deep into the existential themes of midlife, the confrontation with our unconscious, an...

Matt Zemon, MSc, an Educator, Author, and Leader in Psychedelic Wellness, specializes in the impact of psychedelics on mental health. Author of the best-selling Psychedelics for Everyone and the preparation and integration journal Beyond the Trip, he holds a Master's degree in psychology and neuroscience from King's College London. Matt combines academic insights with a passion for safe and sacred...

In the latest episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, Tom interviews Hailee, a distinguished researcher who has completed her PhD studies on flow states and intergroup conflict. In this engaging discussion, Hailee delves into the fascinating intersection of psychological flow—a state of deep focus and immersion—and its impact on reducing tension and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. She shar...

In episode 211 of the "Mind Mate" podcast, I sit down with my friend Ian Cattanach for an engaging discussion. We delve into the profound ideas of Jordan Peterson, Martin Heidegger, Cormac McCarthy, and David Foster Wallace. Together, we explore the intersection of philosophy, literature, and psychology, shedding light on how these influential thinkers grapple with themes of meaning, exi...

In this episode of the Mind Mate podcast, Tom and Aaron, both experienced psychotherapists, engage in a deep and dynamic discussion about the varying approaches to psychotherapy. Tom and Aaron explore the nuances of existential psychotherapy, highlighting its focus on personal meaning, freedom, and the human condition. They contrast this with clinical and research-based therapies, which emphasise...

Welcome back to the Mind Mate podcast! In this episode, Tom and Pauly dive into a lively discussion, blending humour and insight as they explore Jonathan Haidt's new book, "The Anxious Generation." Together, they unpack the book's themes, shedding light on the growing anxiety among today's youth and the societal factors contributing to this trend. The conversation then shifts...

William Flesch is the author, most recently, of Comeuppance: Costly Signaling, Altruistic Punishment, and Other Biological Components of Fiction (Harvard, 2008), and The Facts on File Companion to 19th Century British Literature. He teaches the history of poetry as well as the theory of poetic and narrative form at Brandeis, and has been International Chair Professor at the National Taipei Univers...

Dr Julien Tempone-Wiltshire is a senior lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy, who also works as a psychotherapist specialising in complex trauma. Julien holds a PhD in Philosophy and Literature, a Master of Social Work, a Bachelors of Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Philosophy and Science (1st Honours, ANU). He has previously worked as a lecturer in social work and integrative psychotherapy....

Kathleen Higgins is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Her main areas of research are aesthetics, philosophy of emotion, philosophy of music, and 19th-century and 20th century continental philosophy (in particular, the works of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche). She is author or co-author of eight books, including, most recently, Aesthetics in Grief and Mourni...

Hey guys, welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! I'm your host, Tom Ahern, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of psychotherapy through the eyes of two legendary figures: Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom. Carl Rogers, the mastermind behind client-centred therapy, has revolutionised the way we think about the therapeutic process. One of his most famous quotes...

Welcome to the latest episode of The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into one of my favourite books, "The Creative Act" by the legendary Rick Rubin. Known for his transformative work in the music industry, Rubin has distilled decades of creative insights and wisdom into this compelling guide, making it an essential read for anyone looking to unlock their creative potentia...

I am pumped for this episode of the podcast! We have a truly enlightening discussion with the pioneers of Terror Management Theory (TMT), Dr. Sheldon Solomon, Dr. Jeff Greenberg, and Dr. Tom Pyszczynski. Terror Management Theory, a groundbreaking concept in psychology, explores how humans cope with the inherent awareness of their mortality. Developed in the 1980s, this theory has significantly inf...

John Powers currently holds a joint position at the University of Melbourne in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies and the Contemplative Studies Centre. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and author of 20 books and more than 100 articles, mainly on Buddhism and Tibetan history.

Welcome back everyone! In this podcast, we, Tom and Paul, (holistic lifestyle coach) delve into the complexities of depression, exploring its causes, symptoms, and impact on daily life. We share personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of recognising early signs and seeking help. We discuss the correlation between states of non-clinical depression and existential crises/midlif...