Psych Attack
Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald
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Top 10 Psych Attack Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Psych Attack episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Psych Attack for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Psych Attack episode by adding your comments to the episode page.
12 - Mental health and TV news workers
Psych Attack
10/31/22 • 59 min
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 Senior Research Officer, Australian Institute of Family Studies and Adjunct Lecturer, School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University. If you want to keep up to date with Jasmine, you can visit her website, or reach out on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Recorded: November 2021.
Research papers discussed in this episode
Williams-Wynn, N. & MacDonald, J. B. (In press). Trauma exposure and substance use in journalists: A narrative review. Australian Community Psychologist.
Sensitive content warning
This episode refers to a number of potentially traumatic events news workers might be exposed to like harm to children, death, sexual violence, and war/conflict. However, these topics are not the main focus of the episode and lived experiences are not discussed. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & Tillman, G. (2022, October 31). Mental health and TV news workers (No. 12) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Acknowledgements
The audio edit for this episode was completed by Amy Edwards. Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald did a final edit for content. The transcript for this episode was checked for clarity by Amy Edwards.
06/29/21 • 53 min
This 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 University, based in Albury, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Ryan’s research you can visit his university research outputs page or email him on [email protected]
Research papers discussed in this episode
McGrath, R. L., MacDonald, J. B., Verdon, S., Parnell, T., & Smith, M. (2021). Encounters between physiotherapists and clients with suicidal thoughts and behaviours: A narrative literature review. New Zealand Journal of Physiotherapy, 49 (3). DOI: 10.15619/NZJP/49.2.03
Sensitive content warning
This episode refers to suicidal thoughts and behaviours in the context of things physiotherapists are likely to have discussions with clients about. However, this episode covers the experiences of physiotherapists and specific lived experiences of clients are not discussed. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & McGrath, R. (2021, June 29). The intersection between physiotherapy and psychology (No. 3) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
4 - Women's psychosocial health
Psych Attack
07/28/21 • 40 min
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 Robyn’s research you can visit her university research outputs page.
Research papers discussed in this episode
Dryer, R., & Brunton, R. (In press). Psychometric properties of the Pregnancy-related Anxiety Scale – Screener. Psychological Assessment.
At the time of this episode’s release, Robyn’s book is available for pre-order:
Sensitive content warning
This episode covers the connection between child sexual, physical, and psychological abuse and subsequent experiences of pregnancy-related anxiety. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & Brunton, R. (2021, July 29). Women's psychosocial health (No. 4) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
26. Writing and publishing a non-fiction book
Psych Attack
04/11/25 • 45 min
Dr 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 Social Work Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning practitioner, educator, and researcher. He is recognised as a practitioner with international experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Will’s research focuses on improving young people’s experiences in therapeutic interventions and outdoor therapies and how clinicians can become more evidence-informed in their decision-making. Will also advocates for youth affected by unethical treatments and interventions, highlighted by the Troubled Teen Industry in the United States. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for youth-serving organisations, travelling internationally to help organisations enhance their services for those they serve. Will and I collaborate on a wide range of topics and create practice resources together.
Connect with Will on various social media platforms: Facebook, X / Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram
Experiential Practice Symposium
Will is also the co-convenor for the first Experiential Practice Symposium held from 21-23 November on CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus. This is an affordable and accessible event with the theme of “Conversation as Experiential Learning.” Everyone is welcome to attend and facilitate an experiential workshop on learning, mental health, or the philosophy of experience. Learn more here: https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/
Other episodes featuring Will
25. Kids these days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health
9. Exploring outdoor therapies
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & Dobud, W. (2025, April 12). Writing and publishing a non-fiction book (No. 26) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Transcript
The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.
Acknowledgements
Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Dr Will Dobud for sharing your time and expertise.
Related Psych Attack Episodes
22. Digital phenotyping: Using smartphone metadata to predict mental health symptoms
13. The role of animals in mental health practice
7. Mental health disorders and child development
Related practice resources
Building resilience in children and young people
Engaging young children (0-5 years) in nature play
Related blog posts
Child and adolescent mental health conference 2025
08/03/23 • 57 min
In 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 thesis into a publication
· getting support from colleagues
· communicating with journal editors
· the mechanics of submission portals
· receiving and responding to reviewer feedback.
Dr Rachael Fox is Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Australia. Rachael is Editor of the Australian Community Psychologist, an open access peer-reviewed journal. If you want to keep up to date with Rachael, you can reach out via her university profile page.
Resources mentioned in this episode
The following two tools may be useful in findings suitable journals for your work:
Master Journal List (Clarivate)
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & Fox, R. (2023, August 3). Tips and tricks for publishing in psychology (No. 16) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Audio edit
The audio edit for this episode was completed by Amy Edwards. Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald did a final edit for content.
Transcript
The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be some errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.
14 - A critical look at publishing in psychology
Psych Attack
03/13/23 • 71 min
In 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 psychological research and publishing
· kinds of journals and how they are ranked
· how research either about or conducted by certain groups of people can be excluded through mainstream publishing practices.
Dr Rachael Fox is Senior Lecturer in the School of Psychology, Charles Sturt University, Australia. Rachael is Editor of the Australian Community Psychologist, an open access peer-reviewed journal. If you want to keep up to date with Rachael, you can reach out via her university profile page.
More info about the ideas covered in this episode
Contesi, F. & Terrone, E. (2018). Introduction. Philosophical Papers, 47(1), 1-20.
Hagve, M. (2020). The money behind academic publishing. Tidsskrift for Den norske legeforening.
Van Noorden, R. (2013). Open access: The true cost of science publishing. Nature, 495, 426–429.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B & Fox, R. (2023, March 13). A critical look at publishing in psychology (No. 14) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Audio edit
The audio edit for this episode was completed by Amy Edwards. Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald did a final edit for content.
Transcript
The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be some errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.
06/05/22 • 30 min
This 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 online.
Dr Evita March is a Senior Lecturer in psychology in the School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University. If you want to keep up to date with Evita, you can visit her Federation University staff profile page or reach out on Twitter.
Research papers discussed in this episode
I also refer to this paper, so thought I would share it here too:
Language warning
This episode refers to the sharing of unsolicited explicit images, sometimes referred to colloquially as ‘dick pics’, a term used occasionally in this episode.
Sensitive content warning
This episode talks about cyber dating abuse. The discussion remains broad and at the level of variables that can predict the likelihood someone might be abusive towards their partner. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline or 1800RESPECT.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & March, E. (2022, June 5). An evolutionary perspective of online behaviour (Part 2: Cyber dating abuse)(No. 11) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Acknowledgements
The transcript for this episode was developed by Eugenie Dale.
04/19/22 • 44 min
This 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 episode, we dive into Evita’s research on cyber dating abuse.
Dr Evita March is a Senior Lecturer in psychology in the School of Science, Psychology and Sport, Federation University. If you want to keep up to date with Evita, you can visit her Federation University staff profile page or reach out on Twitter.
Research papers discussed in this episode
March, E., & Steele, G. (2020). High esteem and hurting others online: Trait sadism moderates the relationship between self-esteem and internet trolling. Cyberpsychology, behavior and social networking, 23(7), 441–446. DOI: 10.1089/cyber.2019.0652
Sensitive content warning
This episode refers briefly to suicide as a result of being trolled online. However, suicide is not the focus of the episode and lived experiences are not discussed. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & March, E. (2022, April 20). An evolutionary perspective of online behaviour (Part 1: Trolling) (No. 10) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Acknowledgements
The transcript for this episode was developed by Eugenie Dale.
9 - Exploring outdoor therapies
Psych Attack
01/31/22 • 47 min
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. Will is also the director of True North Expeditions, an adventure therapy program for adolescents, based in Adelaide, Australia. If you want to keep up to date with Will’s work, you can visit his website, CSU staff profile page, or reach out on Twitter or Facebook.
Research papers discussed in this episode
Sponsor shout out
A big thank you to Taylor & Francis for sponsoring this episode. They are providing two electronic copies of Dr Will Dobud’s book ‘Outdoor therapies: An introduction to practices, possibilities, and critical perspectives’ for a special giveaway. To find out more about how to enter the draw to win a copy of Will’s book, please check out the Psych Attack social media accounts on either Twitter or Facebook.
Sensitive content warning
This episode refers briefly to self-harm in the context of therapeutic practice with young people experiencing poor mental health. However, self-harm is not the focus of the episode and lived experiences are not discussed. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B. & Dobud, W. (2022, Jan 31). Exploring outdoor therapies (No. 9) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Acknowledgements
The transcript for this episode was developed by Eugenie Dale.
12/29/22 • 64 min
This 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 by promoting animals in the workplace. We touch super briefly on other creative methods, like poetry, in therapy.
Dr Abigail Alfrey is Senior Clinical Psychologist at KMPT Early Intervention in Psychosis Service in England, and Sessional Lecturer at Canterbury Christ Church University. If you want to keep up to date with Abi, you can reach out on LinkedIn.
Research papers discussed in this episode
More info about other stuff mentioned in this episode
The International Association of Human-Animal Interaction Organizations (IAHAIO) is the global association of organizations that engage in practice, research and/or education in animal assisted activity, animal assisted therapy, and service animal training.
A short news article about Canterbury Christ Church University work with justice dogs.
A short article about the global trend of pets in the workplace.
Sensitive content warning
This episode refers to suicidal ideation in the context of mental health practice with clients who experience psychosis. However, suicide is not the focus of the episode and lived experiences are not discussed in detail. Please take care while listening and if you are feeling discomfort and think you would benefit from some support, please reach out to your GP or contact a service like Lifeline.
Cite this episode
MacDonald, J. B & Alfred, A. (2022, December 30). The role of animals in mental health practice (No. 13) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com
Audio edit
The audio for this episode was completed by Amy Edwards. Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald did a final edit for content.
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FAQ
How many episodes does Psych Attack have?
Psych Attack currently has 26 episodes available.
What topics does Psych Attack cover?
The podcast is about Psychology, Research, Practice, Podcasts, Education, Social Sciences and Science.
What is the most popular episode on Psych Attack?
The episode title '17 - Developmental insights for investigative interviewing about maltreatment' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Psych Attack?
The average episode length on Psych Attack is 46 minutes.
How often are episodes of Psych Attack released?
Episodes of Psych Attack are typically released every 44 days, 2 hours.
When was the first episode of Psych Attack?
The first episode of Psych Attack was released on Jun 13, 2021.
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