Deep Thinking with Dr. Steven Stolz

Epizode

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  Bharat Sundaresan: Cricket, Belonging & What Sport Teaches Us About Identity | EPS 022 21.07.2026 1h 31min

  Bharat Sundaresan survived two drug overdoses in Mumbai before cricket became his lifeline and eventually his life's work — as one of the most distinctive voices in cricket journalism, the author of the definitive biography of MS Dhoni, and a commentator who has broken the "pale, male, and stale" mould of Australian cricket media. In this wide-ranging and deeply human conversation, Dr. Steve and Bharat explore what sport can teach us about identity, belonging, and purpose that no classroom ever could; the psychological weight of being an immigrant finding your place in a new sporting culture; and what authentic storytelling — in sport, in life, in education — actually demands of the person telling it.
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  Prof. Norm Friesen: Does Technology Actually Teach? A Sceptic's Guide to E-Learning & AI in Education | EPS 021 07.07.2026 1h 6min

  Every generation gets a new technology that promises to revolutionise education. Film was going to make lectures obsolete. Television was going to bring the world's greatest teachers into every home. Computers were going to personalise learning for every student. The internet was going to democratise knowledge. MOOCs were going to make universities redundant. And now artificial intelligence is going to do all of these things at once, and more.
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  Prof. Dor Abrahamson: Learning Is in the Body: How Movement Shapes the Mathematical Mind | EPS 020 23.06.2026

  What if the way we teach mathematics is fundamentally wrong — not in its content, but in its assumption that the mind and body are separate? Prof. Dor Abrahamson of UC Berkeley's Embodied Design Research Lab has spent his career demonstrating that mathematical understanding is not abstract and disembodied, but is deeply rooted in physical experience, gesture, and movement. In this conversation with Dr. Steve — who has visited Abrahamson's Berkeley lab — they explore what embodied cognition means for how we teach, why gestures are not just expressions of thought but are constitutive of thinking itself, and how digital technologies can either enhance or completely undermine the bodily dimensions of learning.
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  Prof. Todd McGowan & Prof. Ryan Engley: The Why Theory: Psychoanalysis, Ideology & Why We Think the Way We Do | EPS 019 09.06.2026 1h 32min

  What if the way we think, desire, and enjoy is not freely chosen — but structured by forces we can barely see? In a rare double-guest episode, Dr. Steve is joined by Todd McGowan and Ryan Engley, the acclaimed hosts of the "Why Theory" podcast, who have spent over 200 episodes bringing Lacanian psychoanalysis and Hegelian philosophy to bear on everything from blockbuster films to contemporary politics. Together they explore why the pursuit of happiness may be less honest than the pursuit of enjoyment, how capitalism reshapes what we desire rather than just exploiting existing desires, and what psychoanalysis offers education and political life that other frameworks simply cannot.
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  Prof. Gert Biesta: What Is Education Actually For? A Philosopher's Answer | EPS 018 26.05.2026 1h 27min

  What is education actually for? It sounds like a question with an obvious answer. Schools exist to teach children. Teachers exist to help students learn. Education exists to prepare young people for adult life. But push on any of these answers and they begin to unravel — because they don't actually tell us what education is for. They tell us what it does, or what we hope it does. The deeper question — the philosophical question — is what it should be doing, and why, and for whom. Prof. Gert Biesta of the University of Edinburgh has spent his career asking exactly that question, and refusing to accept easy answers. He is one of the world's most important and widely read philosophers of education, the author of landmark books including "Good Education in an Age of Measurement," "The Beautiful Risk of Education," "The Rediscovery of Teaching," and "World-Centred Education," and one of the most cited education scholars globally. His work has shaped education debate across Europe, North America, Asia, and Australia. In this deep and wide-ranging philosophical conversation, Dr. Steven Stolz and Prof. Biesta explore what education is genuinely for — and why so much of what currently passes for education may be systematically missing the point.
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  Prof. Jack Schneider: What Counts as Evidence? The Real Battle Behind Education Reform | EPS 17 12.05.2026 1h 26min

  We are told constantly that schools are failing. Test scores are down. Standards have slipped. The system is broken. But step back for a moment and ask: failing by whose measure, assessed by whose tools, and serving whose interests?
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  Prof. David Labaree: Why Schools Were Never Meant to Change: The Hidden Logic of Education | EPS 016 28.04.2026 1h

  Why do education reforms keep failing — decade after decade, billions of dollars later, despite the best intentions of teachers, politicians, and researchers? The answer, according to Stanford Professor David Labaree, is not incompetence. It's that schools were never structurally designed to change in the first place. In this episode of Deep Thinking with Dr. Steven Stolz, Dr. Steve sits down with one of the world's most respected education scholars, Prof. David Labaree of Stanford University, to explore the hidden logic that makes education reform so persistently difficult — and what it would take to do it differently.
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  Fred Stolz: Master Craftsman: Leadership, Legacy & the Art of Teaching Well | EPS 15 14.04.2026

  What does genuine educational leadership look like over a lifetime — and what does it cost, and give back, to the person who lives it? In this season opener of Deep Thinking with Dr. Steven Stolz, Dr. Steve sits down with his father, Fred W. Stolz OAM, for a conversation that is at once deeply personal and universally relevant to anyone who cares about education, leadership, and vocation.
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  The Science of Laughter: How Comedy Triggers Brain Chemistry for Better Health & Relationships | EPS 14 16.09.2025 55min

  Discover the incredible power of therapeutic laughter in this evidence-based deep dive into gelotology - the scientific study of laughter's healing effects. From Norman Cousins' groundbreaking "laughter prescription" to Patch Adams' revolutionary medical approach, learn how humor literally rewires your brain for better health. What You'll Learn: The neurochemical cascade: How laughter triggers endorphins, dopamine, and serotonin Research-backed strategies to increase daily laughter and improve mental health Why families that laugh together create happier, more resilient children Patch Adams methodology: Using humor as medicine in healthcare settings The smile-to-laughter pipeline: Start small when you're feeling down Gallows humor: When dark comedy becomes a healthy coping mechanism
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  The Original Biohack: A Love Letter to Walking and Human Transformation EPS 013 02.09.2025 1h 5min

  In this profound exploration of movement and meaning, Dr. Steven Stolz reveals why walking isn't just exercise—it's humanity's original biohack for unlocking creativity, processing emotions, and living the good life. Drawing from Stanford neuroscience research, historical accounts, and personal transformation, this episode bridges ancient wisdom with modern science. Learn why Aristotle taught while walking, how Steve Jobs revolutionized meetings on foot, and what Art Garfunkel discovered during his walks across three continents.
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  Art as Creative Expression: Drawing the Human Spirit with Godwin Bradbeer 12.08.2025 1h 4min

  Step into the extraordinary world of one of Australia's most celebrated figurative artists. Godwin Bradbeer, winner of the prestigious Dobell Drawing Prize and former Head of Drawing at RMIT University, shares profound insights into the transformative power of art and creative expression. In this captivating conversation, discover how large-scale figurative drawing becomes a meditation on the human condition, why technical mastery serves deeper spiritual purposes, and how four decades of artistic dedication has shaped one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Australian art.
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  Overcoming Perfectionism: Evidence-Based Strategies with Prof. Tracey Wade 29.07.2025 1h 30min

  Are your impossibly high standards actually sabotaging your success? If you've ever felt paralyzed by the fear of not being "good enough" or found yourself procrastinating on important tasks because they won't be perfect, you're not alone—and the latest research reveals why this pattern is more damaging than you think.
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  PTSD Beyond the Battlefield: Trauma Recovery Insights with Prof. Sandy McFarlane 15.07.2025 2h 12min

  Join Dr. Steven Stolz in an illuminating conversation with world-renowned trauma expert Professor Sandy McFarlane AO as they explore the complex landscape of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) beyond military contexts. This comprehensive episode delves into the neurobiological mechanisms of trauma, evidence-based treatment approaches, and the evolving understanding of PTSD in civilian populations. Professor McFarlane, Emeritus Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Adelaide and recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, shares decades of groundbreaking research and clinical insights. From bushfire survivors to military veterans, discover how trauma impacts the brain, why some individuals develop PTSD while others don't, and what cutting-edge treatments offer hope for recovery. Key Topics Covered: PTSD symptoms and diagnosis, trauma triggers and flashbacks, neurobiological mechanisms, memory processing, treatment approaches including CBT, EMDR, and neurofeedback, medication strategies, prevention techniques, and emerging digital health interventions.
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  Why Your Stress Is Killing You (And How to Fight Back) | EPS 008 01.07.2025 1h 14min

  In this comprehensive exploration of stress science, Dr. Steven Stolz unravels the complex relationship between stress, performance, and wellbeing. Discover why not all stress is created equal, how your body's ancient survival systems operate in modern life, and evidence-based strategies to transform stress from enemy to ally. Drawing on groundbreaking research from Robert Sapolsky, Kelly McGonigal, and other leading stress researchers, this episode provides a sophisticated understanding of stress physiology and practical tools for building genuine resilience. Perfect for: Professionals dealing with workplace pressure, anyone seeking science-backed stress management, and curious minds wanting to understand the fascinating biology of human stress response.
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  Stop Counting Calories: What Nutrition Science Really Says About Weight Loss with Dr. Ahmad Saedisomeolia | EPS 007 17.06.2025 1h 4min

  Are you tired of failed diets and conflicting nutrition advice? Join Dr. Steven Stolz and nutrition expert Dr. Ahmad Saedisomeolia as they expose the truth behind diet culture myths and reveal evidence-based weight loss strategies that actually work. In this game-changing interview, Dr. Ahmad—with decades of research at McGill University and as Associate Professor at Education Centre of Australia—separates nutrition science from marketing hype to help you achieve sustainable weight loss without obsessing over calories.
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  Burnout Breakthrough: Expert Insights from Black Dog Institute Founder Prof. Gordon Parker | Episode 006 03.06.2025 1h

  Are you feeling constantly exhausted, detached from work, or struggling with brain fog? In this powerful episode of Deep Thinking, host Dr. Steven Stolz interviews world-renowned psychiatrist Professor Gordon Parker AO, founder of the Black Dog Institute and pioneer in burnout research. Professor Parker shares groundbreaking insights from his 50+ years as a clinician and researcher, revealing the critical differences between burnout and depression that are often misdiagnosed. Discover how high-achievers, perfectionists, and conscientious individuals are paradoxically more vulnerable to burnout, and learn the evidence-based strategies that can help you recover and prevent future episodes. KEY INSIGHTS: - The scientific explanation for why burnout feels different from regular stress or fatigue - How workplace cultures either protect against or accelerate burnout symptoms - The physiological changes that occur during different burnout phases - The Sydney Burnout Measure (SBM) — a revolutionary assessment tool developed by Professor Parker - Practical recovery strategies tailored to different professions and personality types - How technology and modern work expectations create unique burnout vulnerabilities - The vital differences between burnout and clinical depression (and why misdiagnosis is dangerous)
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  The Perfectionism Trap: Breaking Free from Impossible Standards 20.05.2025 56min

  Are your high standards helping you excel or secretly sabotaging your success? In this eye-opening episode of Deep Thinking, Dr. Steven Stolz explores the critical distinction between healthy striving and self-destructive perfectionism. Through compelling case studies featuring The Beatles' legendary creative tensions, Nine Inch Nails' Trent Reznor's artistic struggles, and relatable stories like "Andy the Academic" and "Mick the Magician," you'll discover the surprising psychology behind perfectionist tendencies. Drawing on groundbreaking research from leading experts including Dr. Brené Brown, Drs. Gordon Flett & Paul Hewitt, and Professor Tracey Wade, this episode unpacks perfectionism as a multidimensional concept that impacts creativity, relationships, and mental wellbeing. Whether perfectionism manifests as external validation-seeking or internalized self-criticism, you'll learn evidence-based strategies to break free from these patterns while maintaining excellence without the psychological costs. Perfect for anyone struggling with impossibly high standards, creative blocks, or helping others with perfectionist tendencies, this episode provides actionable insights to transform your relationship with achievement and self-worth.
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  The Loneliness Epidemic: Connected Yet Alone 06.05.2025 1h 4min

  In this deep dive, Dr. Steven Stolz examines the paradox of modern loneliness – a growing epidemic affecting physical health, cognitive function, and emotional wellbeing. Drawing on research from psychology, neuroscience, and philosophy, this episode uncovers why loneliness has become so prevalent and offers practical, evidence-based approaches to build meaningful connections in our digital age. From Nietzsche's philosophical insights to contemporary clinical research, Dr. Stolz provides both intellectual framework and actionable strategies to overcome social isolation and cultivate authentic relationships.
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  The Focused Mind: Mastering Attention in a Distracted World 12.04.2025 1h 33min

  In this deep dive, Dr. Steven Stolz explores the science of attention and why it's increasingly under siege in our modern world. Drawing on cognitive psychology, neuroscience, and practical research, this episode examines how our attentional systems work, what undermines them, and evidence-based strategies to regain control of our most precious cognitive resource in an age of endless distraction.
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  Deep Sleep Secrets with Dr. Mark Kohler: How Rest Transforms Your Brain 09.04.2025 1h 10min

  Join Dr. Steven Stolz as he converses with sleep neuroscientist Dr. Mark Kohler about the crucial role of quality sleep in cognitive performance, emotional regulation, and physical health. This evidence-based discussion explores sleep architecture, brain restoration processes, and practical sleep optimization techniques. Dr. Kohler breaks down complex sleep science into accessible insights, offering research-backed strategies for improving sleep quality, understanding circadian rhythms, and enhancing brain function through better rest. Whether you're battling insomnia, experiencing sleep disruption, or simply curious about the science of restorative sleep, this conversation provides valuable knowledge for achieving deeper, more rejuvenating rest.