Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson

In this episode, I welcome back Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives. Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents. Daniel partners with schools and communities, to encourage young people to aspire to healthy relationships built on mutual respect and empathy. Listen in to hear our discussion on: - all things boys and emotional intelligence - how the 'crisis of masculinity is impacting boys and how we can help - the impact of tech dependency and addiction on boys emotional development and wellbeing - the solutions to overcoming these challenges experienced by young boys. Find out how to best help!

It’s hard to believe this is my 100th Psych for Life podcast episode. I hope you’re enjoying listening to these eps as much as I am in making them! In honour of 100 eps, in this one I offer my top tips for thriving in our ever-changing world. These days – we are warned of more pandemics, economic and supply pressures and climate disasters. We live in what is known as VUCA times – volatile, uncertain, complex, and ambiguous times. When I think about my top tips – I looked at my other eps for ideas and curated the most pertinent and practical tips you can take on board as we navigate fast changing and often difficult times in the world as it is today. Tune in now and feel free to share your fave Psych for Life episode in the comments! Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Have you ever wondered why a work colleague or boss has you feeling like you're dealing with a family member? It's not as crazy as it sounds. In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome Jennifer Nurick a licensed Clinical Psychotherapist, Counsellor, Energetic Healer, and author of “Heal Your Anxious Attachment”. She is the founder and voice of Psychotherapy Central and  has been working in the healing space for over 20 years, combining Eastern energetic practices and Western psychotherapy. She specialises in healing anxious attachment, attachment injuries and childhood trauma. Listen to hear our discussion on: - Why childhood patterns do roll into business- How current triggers may be indicators of unresolved past conflicts- The impact of attachment patterns in behaviour in the workplace- Solutions for dealing with your boss feeling like a parent ...and much more! Browse Jen’s suite of online courses: https://www.psychotherapycentral.health/store Find Jen on:             •          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/psychotherapy.central/             •          Facebook: https://facebook.com/psychotherapy.central/             •          Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@psychotherapycentral             •          Visit her website: www.psychotherapycentral.health Or purchase her book ‘Heal your anxious attachment” - available at all major bookstores www.psychotherapycentral.health

In this episode, I welcome Gaj Ravichandra, a Peak Performance Coach, Registered Psychologist and the co-founder of Kompass Consultancy, a global Talent Management Consultancy that enables Performance Excellence. Gaj provides individual coaching on developing mental toughness, career pivots, finding purpose, opportunity and increasing mental resilience. Gaj helps people every day to map out their careers and take tangible steps to achieve their goals. Listen for our discussion on peak performance, including: - how to define your own version of ‘success’ - Is a dream job less realistic or even attainable these days? - How achieving greatness or peak performance – is about mindset and is it the same mindset for everyone? - Why a growth mindset is more important than happiness You can check out Gaj's programs and resources via: The career Kickstarter program https://kompass.mykajabi.com/ Kompass The Coaching Company – to engage Gaj, his team, buy the book, other resources. – go to http://www.kompassconsultancy.com Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Loneliness....it is something we all can experience at various times in our lives. As humans our need to connect is innate, so when there is a gap between the connection desired and the actual lived experience, one can feel lonely. So in this episode I'll discuss all things loneliness, what it is, how it potentially impacts our health and wellbeing, and solutions for dealing with it when it's negatively impacting your life. Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works and begin your pathway to deeper self-connection and happiness (available from Booktopia). If you enjoy listening to the Psych for Life podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

Today I'm sharing the final episode in my 2024 Summer Series - some of my most popular Psych for Life episodes. I hope you enjoy it as much as my other listeners have. There is a lot of focus on the joy and gains of motherhood – however, with all the focus on what a woman gains when baby arrives, it’s easy to forget what they may lose – in particular the loss of a sense of self. The focus often stays on the baby rather than the woman and how to care for her after baby and her developmental issues. So in this episode you'll learn about: · Matrescence - what it is and how this transition and journey impacts mothers · How women can lose their sense of self in the process of becoming a mother · Ways to reclaim your sense of self and manage the transition If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

During January, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams to chat about his fascinating new book, The Connected Species - How the evolution of the human brain can save the world. This book is a compelling read, with wise and reassuring guidance and an essential guide for all of us in this time – showing how we evolved to our current position and how we can best navigate our way forward to empower and help both ourselves and the world. Professor Williams is an Internationally recognised Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience & conference speaker who has worked at top Universities in Australia and overseas including MIT in the USA. He has been published in top tier international academic journals and widely featured in the media. Mark runs programs for schools and businesses on the neuroscience of learning, and the impact of modern technologies on our brains. Tune in to hear our wide-ranging conversation on why humans’ innate ability to connect physically has led to our success, yet also to our current divisiveness and why it's imperative we prioritise physical, social connection for a sustainable future. LINKS: To purchase Mark's book click here: https://rethinkingthebrain.com/books/ To connect with Mark please visit: www.drmarkwilliams.com Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14

During January, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. In this episode, I chat with Sarah Rusbatch, a certified Women's Health and Wellbeing Coach, accredited Grey Area Drinking Coach and Key-Note speaker sharing her journey to Sobriety and impact of alcohol on mental health to global audiences. She is also the face behind Perth’s growing Alcohol-Free Movement. Listen in to hear - - What is grey area drinking? - Why being surrounded by grey area drinkers may increase risk - How the women "can have and do it all" mentality is impacting drinking - Why people are becoming sober curious - Plus Busting alcohol myths and limiting beliefs related to drinking This must listen episode offers insight and wisdom for anyone questioning their relationship with alcohol and to obtain support if needed. Links: You can find Sarah and the resources discussed in this episode - Website: www.sarahrusbatch.com Instagram: @sarahrusbatch

During January, I’ll be sharing my 2024 Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have. You know that negative - often damning - voice inside your head? The one that says...you’re not good enough, you don’t deserve that, you’ll never get there! It's often referred to as our negative ego or inner critic. So where does it come from? What’s it all about? Is it ever a good thing? How do we know? What do we do if it’s clearly holding us back? In this power ep you’ll learn answers to these questions and tips for keeping your inner critic in check. If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

As we quickly head towards the turn of the year, it is a natural time to take stock and reassess. Our unconscious mind naturally starts to do this most years, however, this year – more than many others - staying happy and empowered in these times of volatility and disruption – is a big challenge!. So in the last Psych for Life episode for 2023, we look at how to seize more control of our lives, simply by improving our physical and mental health, mindset, expanding our knowledge or belief systems, taking stock of our lives and making a conscious decision to be in charge – where we can be. In this podcast you’ll learn: · Expert findings about the new time we live in · Ways to let go of the old things not serving you and how you can focus on and bring in things to improve your new year · The importance of finding a new sense of meaning and focus to get the most out of 2024 Plus watch out for my Psych for Life - Summer Series starting on January 3rd, 2024! And if you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

In this episode, I welcome back Australia's leading FInancial and Trauma Informed Financial Wellbeing Specialist, Jane Monica Jones. She is the co-founder of the Financial Wellbeing Company and author of The Billionaire Buddha and the Money Mental Health Card series. Jane has a passion for this sometimes challenging subject and works compassionately with clients and employees of organisations to repair this - often problematic - relationship people have with money. Listen in to hear our discussion on: - When the best time to start teaching children about money is - Important elements to teach children about money: needs vs. wants, budgeting and saving - Why modelling can be more important than teaching - Research shows we all learn better when it’s fun – so ways to make this fun You can find Jane and the resources discussed in this episode at: Jane's website - https://www.janemonicajones.com Capabilite - Financial wellbeing courses & tools - https://capabilite.com If you enjoy listening to this podcast, please rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify or wherever you're listening now. Is there a pressing issue or topic you'd like me to discuss? Head to my instagram @dramandaferguson and send me a DM! I love hearing from my listeners.

People often ask me - how can I know whether it is fear or my intuition talking to me? We would all like to be better equipped to tune into our intuition and let it drive our choices without being held back by fear.So tune in to this episode as I discuss all things intuition and fear. In this podcast you’ll learn: - What is fear and the difference between irrational and rational fear - How to know what intuition is and recognise it when it is activated - Strategies to weigh up fear and intuition and which to choose and when

In this episode I welcome psychologist, Carl Nelms. Carl is the founder of Blokes Psychology and has a passion for assisting men to overcome the stigma of reaching out for support. His vision is that by creating a service targeted towards males, more men can improve their psychological health and well-being, stop suffering in silence, and receive the support they desperately need, so they and their families can start living a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Listen in to hear our discussion on - - What the barriers are for men seeking support and why men often don't reach out - Why there is a crisis of masculinity, both in identity and role of men, and what can be done about it - Breaking down the stigma surrounding men's mental health and providing accessible support and resources Links: You can find Carl at: Blokes Psychology Practice https://blokespsychology.com.au/ Carl's practice provides face to face psychological support & counselling to boys' & men, specifically tailored for males and also offer services via telehealth (phone & video sessions) to males all around the country and the world. They currently have clinicians in the Bayside and Eastern suburbs of Melbourne (Cheltenham & Hawthorn, Scoresby & Telehealth Australia wide). Carl also hosts The Blokes Psychology Podcast. For speaking, events and media interviews contact Carl via https://blokespsychology.com.au/

In this time of increasing challenges and uncertainty, we are all needing to do more to look after our feelings, mental health and wellbeing. Self regulation – or self management - is a critical part of this. 'Glimmers' is a term coined by social worker Deb Dana, whose work centres around polyvagal theory – or how our daily feelings result from the state of our nervous system. This new concept helps us to regulate our minds and feelings, to feel calm, reassured and safe. So tune in this episode as I discuss all things Glimmers - what they are and why it's important to recognise these positive triggers more than ever before, plus ways to notice and gain these positive experiences in your own life.

In this episode, I chat with Daniel Principe a youth advocate and educator with Collective Shout, a movement against the objectification of women and sexualisation of girls in the media, partnering with schools and communities to challenge the porn culture and the sexualisation of women and girls.Daniel has presented in hundreds of schools to students to assist parents and communities to raise healthy, resilient and empathetic young people. Listen in to hear our discussion on: - How to equip young people to recognise the impacts of harmful messaging from social media, advertising, pop culture and the global porn industry. - All about Daniel's work - Reimagine Masculinity - Ways to deal with the resistance young men feel - How parents and society can better support young boys in these areas Links: Daniel can be contacted via his website below and hosts podcast ‘Reimagining Masculinity’ https://www.lastoftheromans.org

We are all familiar with the many difficulties and disasters that can happen when dating...from picking the wrong type, rushing intimacy, feeling unlovable or wondering if Mr or Ms Right will ever appear. For many – it just happens – for others … they may need to make it happen So in this power ep of Psych for Life you’ll learn: - the timeless things about dating – that actually work - why separating sex from dating should be seriously considered - the approach that leads to finding a lasting love relationship So if you're ready to hop off the dating rollercoaster and swap it for a happy relationship, pop this episode on for insight and tips that may be just what you need to consider.

In this episode, I’m joined by Janice Newnham. Janice is a veterinarian by profession but a farmer, wife, and mother by passion. She and her husband, Robert, operate an Angus cattle farm in a picturesque valley in Walwa, in the Upper Murray of Victoria, Australia. The Newnhams are also community advocates and volunteers. The Australian 2019/20 Black Summer Fires devastated the Upper Murray and the Newnham property. The turmoil triggered Janice to commit to writing, as a form of therapy, and she has since self-published two books: one on these fires, and another set in the aftermath of the 1939 Black Friday fires, that she has an eerie connection with, and where the facts are stranger than fiction.  Listen in to hear – - Janice calmly, yet vividly, describe the horrific and terrifying details of the fires from the beginning to end - How Janice and the other volunteers, then ordinary people, became extraordinary, performing incredibly courageous, life-threatening feats. - The ongoing fallout for Janice, her family, and the community - The innate difficulty of providing men in rural areas much-needed mental health support and guidance - Just how Janice hangs out in nature to heal – much to the curiosity of her cows. "From The Inside" is a raw and confronting reflection of the Newnham family’s experience of the Black Summer Bush fires and "White Lies – Where There Is Smoke" is a novel based on a true story; a murder mystery set in 1939 in the aftermath of the Black Friday fires.

In this episode, I welcome strategist, Brad Axelrad. Brad’s been an event producer, consultant, strategist and podcast host, producing over 150 live events with top business leaders and best-selling authors. He supports coaches, entrepreneurs, and consultants, to create the business that sets them free to live a life of fulfillment and truth. On his Face Your Dragon Podcast Brad interviews celebrity thought leaders, icons – and musicians seen on Conan O’Brien and some who opened up for musicians Coldplay and Pink. His podcast aims to share how those major moments of challenge we face can change the course of our life, making it even more beautiful and fulfilling than before. Brad is a founding member of the Association of Transformational Leaders in Southern California since 2010 and Co-Founder of the same in Costa Rica. Listen in to hear - - all about the "face your dragon" approach - What are the 5 dragons that stop people from earning? - The 3 steps to find your fear, face it and use it for success - Where we should be focused both now and into the future given the current uncertainties of the world. Links: You can find Brad and the resources discussed in this episode - Website: https://faceyourdragon.com/

There is a lot of focus on the joy and gains of motherhood – however, with all the focus on what a woman gains when baby arrives, it’s easy to forget what they may lose – in particular the loss of a sense of self. The focus often stays on the baby rather than the woman and how to care for her after baby and her developmental issues. So in this episode you'll learn about: ·  Matrescence - what it is and how this transition and journey impacts mothers  ·  How women can lose their sense of self in the process of becoming a mother ·  Ways to reclaim your sense of self and manage the transition

In this episode, I welcome back cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams to chat about his fascinating new book, The Connected Species - How the evolution of the human brain can save the world. This book is a compelling read, with wise and reassuring guidance and an essential guide for all of us in this time – showing how we evolved to our current position and how we can best navigate our way forward to empower and help both ourselves and the world. Professor Williams is an Internationally recognised Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience & conference speaker who has worked at top Universities in Australia and overseas including MIT in the USA. He has been published in top tier international academic journals and widely featured in the media. Mark runs programs for schools and businesses on the neuroscience of learning, and the impact of modern technologies on our brains. Tune in to hear our wide-ranging conversation on why humans’ innate ability to connect physically has led to our success, yet also to our current divisiveness and why it's imperative we prioritise physical, social connection for a sustainable future. LINKS: To purchase Mark's book click here: https://rethinkingthebrain.com/books/ To connect with Mark please visit: www.drmarkwilliams.com Lifeline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 13 11 14