Psych Matters

Epizode

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  Australasian psychiatry and environmental crisis: A discussion on planetary health- Part 1 09.10.2026 25min

  In this episode, we explore effects of climate change on global mental health and what psychiatrists can do about it. Dr Anna Elliston is joined by Dr Cybele Dey, Professor Calogero Longhitano, Professor David Menkes, and registrar Elizabeth Golding for a practical discussion of planetary health, climate anxiety, and the changing role of mental health professionals. The guests discuss how extreme weather, heat, biodiversity loss, and repeated disasters affect people’s wellbeing, especially ch...
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  The Missing Piece- Autism and ADHD diagnosis in youth mental health 25.09.2026 43min

  In this episode, autism and ADHD are often the missing piece in community mental health - and if you work with young people, this conversation shows why that gap matters. Dr Sonia Kumar and psychologist Dr Eduardo break down how their Western Sydney, Youth Enhanced Support Service (YESS) identifies neurodevelopmental conditions inside real-world mental health care, not in isolation, and why that changes everything. Dr Sonia Kumar- Dr Sonia Kumar is a consultant psychiatrist with over 15 years...
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  Oral Health in Psychiatry 11.09.2026 32min

  In this episode we delve into the bilateral relationship between oral health and psychiatry. Dr. Ava Carter brings a rare dual perspective as a consultation-liaison psychiatrist and practicing dentist, while Professor Kisely explains why oral health has been overlooked for far too long in medicine and psychiatry. Together, they discuss why poor access to dental care is becoming a crisis for patients who already face the steepest barriers, and how psychiatrists and carers can help those who ar...
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  AI and Psychiatry Education 28.08.2026 34min

  In this episode, we discover the use of AI in psychiatry education and whether Colleges, supervisors, and trainees will use it well and safely. Dr Nardine Elzahaby, Professor Andrew Teodorczuk, and Dr Michael Weightman break down what responsible AI use looks like in training, supervision, and assessment, and why the biggest risk is not the technology itself, but using it to bypass thinking. Dr Nardine Elzahaby is a Consultation-Liaison psychiatrist and the unit Director of the Adult Mental H...
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  Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander MHC: A discussion at Congress 2026 14.08.2026 56min

  In this episode, Ernest Hunter is joined by Katie Papertalk and Dianna Jans for a powerful conversation about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health, trauma, and what true cultural safety looks like in remote communities. They explore why one-size-fits-all psychiatry often falls short, how intergenerational trauma and stigma shape help-seeking, and why listening to community, respecting kinship, and building trust matter as much as any clinical intervention. Drawing on decades of...
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  A Hole in the Head by Robert Kaplan 31.07.2026 12min

  In this episode we delve into the history of trepanning and the practice of drilling holes into the skull for medical and spiritual purposes. Follow along Robert Kaplan's narration on the life of Amanda Fielding who self-practised the dangerous and highly risky trepanning. Dr. Robert Kaplan is a psychiatrist, author, historian and speaker. With a career spanning medicine, history, and the courtroom, he has explored the human mind at its darkest and most complex, from analysing cri...
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  A Transformative Experience: Part 1 17.07.2026 44min

  In this podcast, we hear about an experience in psychiatric practice which has such an impact on the clinician that it leads to adopting a radical and enduring change in his subsequent clinical, teaching, and research activities. Emeritus Professor Sidney Bloch shares such an experience with Professor Shuichi Suetani which occurred in the early phase of his training. The experience proved so pivotal that it transformed key aspects of his professional work, especially his outlook on the ethica...
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  Perils of Diagnosis in the Age of the Internet 03.07.2026 30min

  In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Matthew Macfarlane uncovers how the internet, social media, societal change, and our own psychology are fueling the rise of inflated and sometimes harmful diagnoses. Discover the surprising ways that diagnostic labels can shape identity, offering understanding and validation, while also, at times, contributing to expectations or limitations. Associate Professor Matthew Macfarlane is a consultation-liaison psychiatrist and neuropsychiatrist working at Wollongon...
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  Women in Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Part 2 19.06.2026 36min

  In this episode we continue our conversation with six incredible female forensic psychiatrists as they dive into the complex issues faced by professionals working with vulnerable youth in forensic settings. From ongoing trauma to media portrayals and resource limitations, our panel shares insights, personal experiences, and advice for aspiring adolescent forensic psychiatrists. Dr Shaileigh Gordon is a Child & Adolescent and Forensic Psychiatrist working in Queensland in various roles a...
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  Women in Adolescent Forensic Psychiatry Part 1 05.06.2026 47min

  In this episode we unlock the realities of adolescent forensic psychiatry through the voices of five pioneering women in the field. Delve into the complexities, risks, and rewards of working at the intersection of mental health, the justice system, and gender. From safety precautions to gendered challenges, this episode uncovers the nuanced experience of being a woman in one of psychiatry’s most demanding subspecialties—an area often misunderstood by the public and media alike. Dr Shaileigh G...
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  Psychopathology Part 4: Abnormalities in Mood 22.05.2026 43min

  This is the four and final part of the series on Psychopathology. This conversation delves into the complexities of mood disorders, exploring the distinctions between normal emotional states and pathological conditions. The discussion covers various aspects of mood disorders, including anxiety, depression, melancholia, self-harm, and mania, emphasising the importance of understanding the subjective experiences of individuals. The speakers highlight the challenges faced by clinicians in emerge...
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  Psychopathology Part 3: Abnormalities of thought content 08.05.2026 50min

  Join us in the third part of this series on Psychopathology. This episode as we explore the intricate world of thoughts, delusions, and formal thought disorders within psychiatric practice. Featuring expert perspectives, we delve into definitions, classifications, cultural considerations, and neurobiological models underpinning these phenomena—essential for clinicians and students alike. Dr Vinesh Gupta DPM, MRCPsych, FRANZCP, PGCME is an accomplished psychiatric reporter with extensive exper...
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  Psychopathology Part 2: Abnormalities of perception 24.04.2026 50min

  The second part of this series delves into the fascinating world of perception, exploring normal sensations, illusions, hallucinations, and their cultural influences. Join us as we discuss how the brain constructs reality, the differences between true and pseudo-hallucinations, and the impact of cultural backgrounds on psychiatric assessment. Dr Vinesh Gupta DPM, MRCPsych, FRANZCP, PGCME is an accomplished psychiatric reporter with extensive experience in child, adolescent, and forensic psych...
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  Psychopathology Part 1: An Introduction 10.04.2026 40min

  In this conversation, Dr Vinesh Gupta and Professor Femi Oyebode discuss the critical role of psychopathology in psychiatry, the evolution of the DSM, and the implications of pathologising human behaviour. They explore the importance of understanding hallucinations within cultural contexts, the impact of efficiency on psychiatric practice, and the necessity of empathy and attentive listening in clinical settings. The discussion also highlights the interplay between physical and mental health,...
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  What story should psychiatry tell 27.03.2026 1h 7min

  This conversation explores the impact of storytelling in psychiatry, emphasising how narratives shape identity and influence recovery. Dr Rory Hutchinson, Ms Bianca Millroy and A/Prof Warren Ward discuss their personal experiences with functional neurological disorder, the role of the medical gaze, and the importance of lived experience in understanding mental health. They delve into narrative medicine as a framework for enhancing patient care and the therapeutic value of reframing narratives...
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  RANZCP's International Project: Ophelia 13.03.2026 54min

  In this episode, we delve into the transformative journey of the Ophelia Project, a collaborative initiative aimed at enhancing mental health care for children and adolescents across the Pacific region. Join Dr. Kartika Goundar, Dr. Paul Robertson, and Brigid Ryan as they discuss the challenges and successes of building a sustainable mental health network through the Online Pacific Health Exchange. Discover how this project has fostered international partnerships, empowered local healthcare w...
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  The Leading Women of RANZCP: Dr Astha Tomar 06.03.2026 43min

  This series is dedicated to honouring the pioneering women who have shaped the history of RANZCP as past presidents. Out of the 55 individuals who have held this esteemed position, only nine have been women — and with a female president currently at the helm, we reflect on the legacy of their trailblazing contributions. Each episode delves into the personal stories, challenges and triumphs of these pioneers, offering valuable inspiration and insights for the next generation of women in psychi...
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  RANZCP's International Project: CO-CAPIT 27.02.2026 56min

  Dr Nick Kowalenko and Dr Daniel Issa explore the critical need for child and adolescent psychiatry in Cambodia, highlighting the CO-CAPIT project, which aims to provide online training for local doctors. Their discussion emphasises the importance of community engagement, international collaboration, and tailored training initiatives to address the gaps in mental health services. Challenges such as limited resources and cultural differences are acknowledged, along with the need for ongoing sup...
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  NZ Conference 2025: Unconscious bias and institutional racism in mental health: Naming, confronting, transforming 13.02.2026 26min

  Despite decades of reform, Māori continue to face persistent and systemic inequities within mental health services in Aotearoa. These inequities are not solely the result of limited access or funding but are deeply rooted in unconscious bias and institutional racism. Our presentation brought together the voices and lived experiences of senior Māori mental health leaders, who courageously named and examined these often-invisible forces that shape psychiatric care for Tāngata Whaiora Māori.&nbs...
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  Hypergraphia and other writing disorders 30.01.2026 37min

  In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world of writing disorders, exploring the intricate connections between creativity, neurology, and mental health. From the compulsive scribbles of hypergraphia to the challenges of agraphia, we uncover how these conditions have influenced some of history's most renowned figures, including Vincent van Gogh and Leonardo da Vinci. Join us as we unravel the mysteries of the mind and the profound impact of writing on civilisation. Dr. Robert Kap...