Psych Attack focuses on the diversity of the domain of psychology. Join us for a relaxed conversation with experts discussing the topics they are passionate about in psychological research and/or practice. The aim is to better understand the spectrum of human experience, the methods used in psychology, and the people attracted to working within it. The conversations will be of interest and accessible to novice and experienced psychology listeners alike. Hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald (jas ...
…
continue reading
Good vibes only conversations with people from all over about their ‘go to’ places for a drink or food. The focus isn’t on what is fanciest or most impressive. It’s on what people genuinely enjoy and so go back for more. Have a listen and try out the places if you can. Jaz will also create bonus episodes to share positive food and drink experiences as she adventures through life. Don’t expect a formal review. Just descriptions of cool places with yummy food and drinks.
…
continue reading

1
27. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys
30:01
30:01
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:01In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about his book The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys, which is currently on presale and is being released 1 June, 2025. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys offers a safe, inclusive space to examine, understand, and heal from systemic and interpersonal threats to your ment…
…
continue reading

1
26. Writing and publishing a non-fiction book
45:02
45:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:02Dr Will Dobud shares insights about his experience of writing and publishing a non-fiction book - a lessons learnt kind of a chat. Rather than focusing on insights from the book content, we talk about the mechanics, processes, and experiences behind bringing together a non-fiction and mental health focused book. Will Dobud, PhD, MSW, is a Senior So…
…
continue reading

1
25. Kids these days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health
35:42
35:42
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:42In this episode, I catch up again with Dr Will Dobud about his latest book called 'Kids These Days', which is currently on presale. 'Kids These Days' is essentially a protest for protecting the heroism and spirit of youth. Will co-authored 'Kids These Days' with Professor Nevin Harper from the University of Victoria in Canada. This anticipated book…
…
continue reading

1
16. Side Quest x Nashville x The Legendairy Milkshake Bar
2:48
2:48
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
2:48This time around, I have another Side Quest episode about a place I found on my own adventures in Nashville, USA. I want to tell you about The Legendairy Milkshake Bar. Yes, legendairy - d a i r y. You’ll find this milkshake bar in downtown Nashville. The milkshakes are legendary because they aren’t your standard flavour options, like chocolate, st…
…
continue reading
Today, I want to talk to you about Flint. Flint is a restaurant on the Fitzroy side of Smith Street in Melbourne. Here, the focus is on fire. The food is flamed or smoked. Think charred meats and smoked fish. This is the kind of place that you go if you want a really nice fancy experience that’s really relaxed and comfortable.…
…
continue reading

1
14. Sidequest x Antwerp x Wafelhuis van Hecke
5:19
5:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:19I want to talk to you about Wafelhuis van Hecke. It’s in Antwerp, Belgium. I had the pleasure of visiting this waffle house at the end of January 2025. Winter time in Belgium calls for warm comfort food. And the two things at the top of my list were waffles and fries. Click here for images to accompany this episode.…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about envy and its impacts in our social and sexual lives. Rahim is a racialized, queer social worker who works as an instructor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, public speaker, podcast host, and writer. He calls Toronto home and currently teaches at The University of Alabama. His work…
…
continue reading
To round out 2024, I have created this highlights episode. This year, the 6 guests (from Australia, Finland and the U.S.) and I have covered: investigative interviewing for disclosures of maltreatment (Episode 17) what sex therapy is, kink and paraphilias (Episode 18) academic mental health (Episode 19) self-advocacy and professional development an…
…
continue reading

1
22 - Digital phenotyping: Using smartphone metadata to predict mental health symptoms
47:54
47:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
47:54In this episode, I catch up with Dr Taylor A. Braund to hear about his research into digital phenotyping. In particular, we discuss the link between mental health symptoms and keystroke metadata from smartphones. Dr Taylor A. Braund is a Research Fellow at Black Dog Institute and UNSW School of Clinical Medicine, Australia. To see more of Taylor’s …
…
continue reading

1
21 - Factors that affect human-dog relationships
1:05:02
1:05:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:05:02In this episode, I catch up with Dr Miiamaaria Kujala to hear about her research on human-dog relationships. Miiamaaria studies how humans understand dog communication, how dogs understand humans, and the factors affecting the interaction between the two species such as culture, human personality and dog behaviour. We discuss: - Her personal journe…
…
continue reading

1
20 - Self-advocacy and professional relationships
36:13
36:13
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
36:13In this episode, I catch up with Dr Jade McEwen to hear about her professional and personal experiences of self-care, the benefits of being unapologetically self-promoting, and working out how to be heard in order to get the support you need. Dr Jade McEwen is Assistant Director of Research, NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission, Australia. To see…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Marissa Edwards to hear about her journey advocating for better academic mental health and lessons she has learned along the way. We discuss: What academic mental health advocacy is and why it is important Our own personal challenges working in academia The difference between individual characteristics and system…
…
continue reading
In this episode, I catch up with Dr Sarah Ashton to hear about her work in the area of sexual health and intimacy. In particular, we focus on kink and paraphilias, where they come from, as well how to treat a paraphilic disorder and work with clients experiencing shame. Dr Sarah Ashton is a registered psychologist, Board Approved Supervisor, traini…
…
continue reading

1
13. Side quest x Thornbury, Melbourne x Flinch Coffee and Play
4:58
4:58
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
4:58Here is a quick side quest episode about a cafe you'll love if you are into breakfast, coffee, anime and painting: Flinch Coffee and Play. Update: The Flinch team invited us back insisting we try the pancakes. The looked and tasted amazing! They come in all different flavours. We had a lemon tart style one and a plain one. See pictures of the statu…
…
continue reading

1
12. Brisbane x Big Roddy's Rippin Rib Shack, Cobbler & The Woods Neighbourhood Bar
25:30
25:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
25:30In this episode, I catch up with my mate in Brisbane, Jess. Jess tells me about three of her favourite local places: A ribbery in South Brisbane called Big Roddy's Rippin Rib Shack A whisky bar in South Brisbane called Cobbler A bar in Mitchelton called The Woods Neighbourhood BarBy Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald
…
continue reading

1
17 - Developmental insights for investigative interviewing about maltreatment
45:36
45:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:36In this episode, I catch up with Associate Professor Lindsay Malloy to hear about her research in developmental psychology and the law. In particular, ways to improve investigative interviewing with people who have experienced maltreatment and. In this discussion, Lindsay explains some developmental differences when interviewing children, adolescen…
…
continue reading

1
11. Sydney’s Inner West x New Shanghai (Ashfield) & Emma's Snack Bar (Stanmore)
19:29
19:29
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
19:29In this episode, I catch up with my mate in Sydney’s Inner West, Brendan. Brendan tells me about two of his favourite local places and throws in some honourable mentions as well. Brendan’s two favourite places: - Chinese restaurant in Ashfield called New Shanghai. - Middle Eastern restaurant in Stanmore called Emma’s Snack Bar. Honourable mentions:…
…
continue reading

1
10. Canberra x Burns Club (Kambah) & The Public Place (Chisholm)
10:16
10:16
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
10:16In this episode, I catch up with my mate in Canberra, Thane. Thane tells me about two of his favourite local places. First up, Thane talks about a Scottish club in Kambah called Burns Club and in particular, The Star Buffet there. Thane likes this place because it has: · A magical variety of international cuisine to choose from · Something for ever…
…
continue reading

1
9. Boston x Union Oyster House, Pizzeria Regina, and J.J. Foley's
18:37
18:37
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
18:37In this episode, I catch up with my mate Kelly from Boston. Kelly tells me about three Boston institutions steeped in history that are a must-eat when she is visiting her hometown. You can really hear the pride in this episode - Kelly sells Boston well! First up, Kelly talks about her favourite seafood restaurant called Union Oyster House. Kelly li…
…
continue reading

1
8. Blackheath, Blue Mountains x Ates & Sanguinary Espresso
11:02
11:02
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
11:02In this episode, I catch up with my mate Erica in Blackheath, the Blue Mountains. Erica tells me about two of her favourite places to go. The first is Erica’s favourite restaurant called Ates, which does Mediterranean cuisine. Erica and her partner Martin like this place because of the: · Sourdough bread from the wood fire oven · Slow-cooked meats …
…
continue reading

1
7. Canberra x Brew Bar (Tuggeranong), Cartel Taqueria (Queanbeyan East) & Zaab (Braddon)
13:35
13:35
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
13:35In this episode, I catch up with my mate Stew in Canberra. Stew tells me about three of his favourite places to go to. The first is Stew’s daily café choice called Brew Bar in Tuggeranong. Stew likes this place because it has: · Great coffee · Delicious muffins (raspberry and white chocolate / blueberry) · Good service · Managers that treat their s…
…
continue reading

1
6. Side Quest x CBD, Melbourne x Beneath Driver Lane
5:53
5:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
5:53In this Side Quest I ventured to Beneath Driver Lane, an underground bar at 3 Driver Lane in the Melbourne CBD. Highlights include: Live blues music Wide selection of whiskeys Candle-lit and lots of people around adding to the atmosphere. Click here for images to accompany this episode.By Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald
…
continue reading
In this Side Quest I ventured to Belles, a Nashville inspired hot chicken diner, at 150 Gertrude Street in Fitzroy, Melbourne. Highlights include: Nashville style hot chicken and sides (mac and cheese, loaded fries). Sweet iced tea with rye Atmosphere. Click here for images to accompany this episode.…
…
continue reading
I catch up with my mate Ann in Wagga. Ann tells me about a good bar for after work drinks with friends called Tilly’s at 109 Baylis Street. Highlights include: Thursday afternoon happy hour Good for groups and has cocktail jugs and nibbles to share Live music Heated balcony Music bingoBy Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald
…
continue reading

1
16 - Tips and tricks for publishing in psychology
57:21
57:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:21In this episode, I team up again with Dr Rachael Fox (journal editor and academic). We reflect on our publication experiences to share insights that will be especially useful for listeners new to publishing. We discuss: · choosing a journal · the importance of scope, formatting, and proofing · what to consider when converting a dissertation or thes…
…
continue reading

1
15 - Psychological research and collaboration with Dr Chat GPT (An AI experiment)
14:36
14:36
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
14:36In this episode, I am have an artificial conversation with a researcher I refer to as Dr Chat GPT. If you haven't already come across Chat GPT, it is open access software online where you can type anything in and it will use artificial intelligence to feed a response back to you. When you give it some context, it can give you some really cool respo…
…
continue reading

1
14 - A critical look at publishing in psychology
1:11:12
1:11:12
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:11:12In this episode I catch up with Dr Rachael Fox, journal editor and academic, to discuss what publishing in psychology is and take a critical lens to highlight some issues and barriers to publishing. We discuss: · critical and community psychological approaches to research · why people publish in psychology · common ways quality is thought about in …
…
continue reading

1
13 - The role of animals in mental health practice
1:04:10
1:04:10
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:04:10This episode focuses on Dr Abigail Alfrey’s research and practice on the ways animals can be involved in mental health practice. We discuss: (1) the significance of pets for people experiencing psychosis, (2) including dogs in cognitive assessment to improve testing experiences and outcomes for child clients, and (3) reducing practitioner burnout b…
…
continue reading
This episode focuses on Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald’s research in trauma exposure and mental health in TV news workers. We discuss how camera operators and reporters have different kinds of trauma experiences, the importance of social support, substance use, and symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, stress, and burnout. Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald is Seni…
…
continue reading

1
3. Sydney x Pochito (Mascot) & The Tart Sisters (Ashfield)
23:24
23:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
23:24I catch up with my mate Claudia in Sydney. Claudia’s favourite café is called Pochito at 1021 Botany Rd, Mascot NSW 2020. Highlights include: Authentic Chilean food Friendly staff that speak Spanish and English Homely and cosy vibes Good mix of vegetarian and meat options Sweet and savoury options Claudia also gives a shout out to a bakery called T…
…
continue reading

1
2. Moonee Ponds, Melbourne x Olivia Spring Cafe & Strange Lovers Wine Bar
8:00
8:00
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
8:00I catch up with my mate Nahisha in Moonee Ponds, Melbourne. Nahisha’s favourite local café is Olivia Spring Café at 637 Mt Alexander Rd, Moonee Ponds, Vic. Highlights include: Vietnamese inspired food Everything is vegan Good breakfast and lunch options Family friendly Nahisha also gives a shout out to Strange Lovers Wine Bar at 577 Mt Alexander Rd…
…
continue reading

1
1. Northcote, Melbourne x South Crescent & Kelvin
9:26
9:26
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
9:26I catch up with my mate Tim in Northcote, Melbourne. Tim's favourite local cafe is South Crescent at 31a South Cres, Northcote VIC 3070. Highlights include: coffee shakshuka people bringing their doggos. Tim also gives a shout out to a local bar not far from South Crescent called Kelvin at 84 High St, Northcote VIC 3070. Highlights include: atmosph…
…
continue reading

1
11 - An evolutionary perspective of online behaviour (Part 2: Cyber dating abuse)
30:06
30:06
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
30:06This episode and the last one focus on Dr Evita March’s research in the area of cyber psychology. In this second part of our discussion, we consider how the dark tetrad of personality can help us understand cyber dating abuse. Along the way, we consider the role of attachment style and jealousy in intimate partner violence and coercive control onli…
…
continue reading

1
10 - An evolutionary perspective of online behaviour (Part 1: Trolling)
44:14
44:14
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
44:14This episode and the next one focus on Dr Evita March’s research in the area of cyber psychology. In this first part of our discussion, we start by using mate selection as an example of evolutionary psychology. We then go on to see how the dark tetrad of personality can help us understand antisocial online behaviours like trolling. In the next epis…
…
continue reading
This episode focuses on Dr Will Dobud’s research in the area of outdoor and adventure therapies. We unpack the solution-focused therapeutic work he does on expeditions with young people experiencing poor mental health and/or substance use. Dr Will Dobud is a Lecturer in social work in the School of Social Work and Arts, Charles Sturt University. Wi…
…
continue reading

1
8 - The impact of the environment on health and wellbeing
37:34
37:34
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
37:34This episode focuses on Dr Erica McIntyres’ transdisciplinary research in the area of environmental psychology. We discuss the impact of environmental contaminants and urban design on human and planetary health and wellbeing. Dr Erica McIntyre is a Research Consultant in the Institute for Sustainable Futures and a Visiting Fellow in the School of P…
…
continue reading

1
7 - Mental health disorders and child development
50:24
50:24
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
50:24In this episode, Dr Tanya Hanstock and I discuss key issues in mental health for children and young people, using bipolar disorder as an example. Tanya also offers practical tips for how to balance research and practice. Dr Tanya Hanstock is a Senior Lecturer with the School of Psychological Sciences, University of Newcastle, Australia. If you want…
…
continue reading

1
6 - Psychometrics and psychological assessment tools
45:30
45:30
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
45:30This episode focuses on Dr Nicole Sugden’s research using neuropsychological assessment tools and uses this work as the basis for a discussion of the importance of psychometric evaluation of assessment tools in general. In particular, we discuss Dr Sugden’s fascinating findings in the areas of premorbid functioning and prospective memory. Dr Nicole…
…
continue reading

1
5 - Political psychology and systemic therapeutic approaches
42:27
42:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:27This episode focuses on Dr Averil Cook’s work in the area of political psychology. We discuss examples of how to apply systemic therapeutic approaches with the intention of challenging mainstream assumptions in psychology and developing research and practice that is driven by social justice and cultural awareness. Dr Averil Cook is Director and Cl…
…
continue reading
This episode focuses on Dr Robyn Brunton’s research unpacking the connection between women’s adverse childhood experiences, such as various kinds of abuse, and subsequent pregnancy-related anxiety. Dr Robyn Brunton is a Lecturer with the School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University based in Bathurst, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with…
…
continue reading

1
3 - The intersection between physiotherapy and psychology
53:19
53:19
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
53:19This episode explores the intersection between physiotherapy and psychology with Ryan McGrath. Ryan describes his research unpacking encounters between physiotherapists and clients experiencing psychological distress. Ryan McGrath is a practicing physiotherapist and also a PhD candidate with the School of Community Health at Charles Sturt Universit…
…
continue reading

1
2 - Mathematical models of human decision making
57:27
57:27
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
57:27This episode explores mathematical models of how people make decisions with Dr Gabriel Tillman. Gabriel describes his research into why people are worse at driving when someone is talking to them, as well as the parts of speech sounds people use to understand what they are hearing. Dr Gabriel Tillman is a Lecturer in psychology at Federation Univer…
…
continue reading

1
1 - Education and training of future psychologists
51:53
51:53
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
51:53This episode explores the education and training of future psychologists with Dr Elly Quinlan. Elly describes her research unpacking tolerance of uncertainty in psychologists working with complex clients or clients who might be at risk, as well as the potential for discomfort to lead psychologists to avoid asking clients about their sexual abuse hi…
…
continue reading