Psych Matters

Episoder

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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 1t 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...
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  NZ Conference 2025: He ara toiora: The History of Māori Development in Mental Health -from exclusion to leadership 16.01.2026 23min

  In this episode, Jason Haitana and Kaumatua Ronald Baker explore the historical and contemporary challenges faced by the Māori community in accessing mental health services. They discuss the impact of historical events, such as wars and legislative changes, on Māori well-being and highlight the ongoing struggle for adequate funding and resources. The conversation also touches on the importance of cultural practices and the revitalization of te reo Māori in strengthening community resilience. ...
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  NZ Conference 2025: What Cultural Safety looks like in Practice 02.01.2026 26min

  In this podcast we dive into the vital topic of cultural safety—what it means in practice, how it shapes the wellbeing of diverse communities, and why it remains a cornerstone of effective and compassionate mental-health care in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia! Dr. Ramya Vadivel is a psychiatrist and the New Zealand representative for the Section of Early Career Psychiatrists (SECP) at RANZCP. She has experience in general adult and addictions psychiatry and has contributed to mental...
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  Holiday Message 2025 19.12.2025

  From the team at the Psych Matters podcast, we would like to thank you for supporting us on our journey this year. We have had over 25 releases and have reached over 210,000 listens. We would like to thank all our guest speakers and our audience for their contributions and support. Happy Holidays! Topic suggestion: If you have a topic suggestion or would like to participate in a future episode of Psych Matters, we’d love to hear from you. Please contact us by email at: psychmatters.feed...
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  Navigating the Trainee Representation Landscape 05.12.2025 30min

  In this podcast, Dr Georgia Ramsden (Chair of the Binational Committee of Trainees) and Dr Ashna Basu (RANZCP Board Director, Chair of the Trainees’ Advisory Council) discuss the various trainee representative structures at the college, how they work and intertwine, the great efforts of trainee representatives across the College, and how you can get involved! Dr Ashna Basu is a Stage 3 trainee in Sydney who serves as the appointed director, trainee on the RANZCP Board of Directors and C...