THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

Step into the captivating world of Dean Yates, the former bureau chief in Iraq whose life took a dramatic turn when a U.S. Apache gunship tragically killed two Reuters journalists in Baghdad in 2007. The shocking footage of this incident, brought to light by Julian Assange, shook the world's conscience. However, this pivotal event was just the beginning of Dean's journey, one that led him to become a staunch advocate for mental health in the journalism industry.

Dean Yates shares his deeply personal story and unveils the concept of moral injury—an affliction that extends beyond post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and affects individuals from all walks of life. Through his own experiences, Dean reveals how moral injury can occur when one's sense of what is right and just is fundamentally violated. Drawing from his last role at Reuters, where he spearheaded the creation and implementation of a mental health strategy for the company's 2,500 journalists, Dean provides a rare insight into the extreme workplace trauma that can push even the most successful foreign journalists to the brink of despair.

As Dean guides us through his recovery process, he reveals the pivotal role that unconditional love played in his healing journey. Whether it was the unwavering support of his family, the compassionate connections forged in the Ward 17 psych unit in Melbourne where he spent 77 days and nights with veterans and first responders, or his own unwavering commitment to self-improvement, Dean demonstrates how love—unconditional and all-encompassing—can become the guiding light that leads us to freedom. Dean confronts moral injury head-on, fostering a deeper understanding of this complex condition and offering a glimmer of hope for those who may have found themselves in its grip.

Line in the Sand is an eye-opening exploration of the intersection between journalism, mental health, and moral injury. Dean Yates takes you on a transformative journey, leaving no stone unturned in his quest to raise awareness and provide solace for those who have experienced the profound challenges of moral injury in their own lives. Get ready to embark on a thought-provoking journey that will forever change the way you perceive the untold stories hidden within the shadows of journalism.

https://www.deanyates.com.au/

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Welcome back to the Thriving Minds podcast, where we explore the fascinating landscape of mental health, personal growth, and the intricate workings of the human mind. Today, we have an exciting announcement that's sure to resonate with parents and anyone interested in the evolving dynamics of family life.

As we close out 2023, we are thrilled to introduce our listeners to my groundbreaking new book that promises to redefine the way we approach parenting in 2024. "BEING SEEN -Master Parenting in the Digital Age where we delve into the heart of this transformative work.

"BEING SEEN" addresses the unique challenges faced by parents and children in today's rapidly changing world. Are you struggling to connect with your child in the digital age? Is screen time causing tension in your family? Are you concerned about the impact of technology and societal pressures on your child's well-being? If so, this episode is a must-listen.

I share insights from extensive research and personal experiences, offering practical strategies and a heartfelt exploration of how to strengthen the parent-child bond, nurture self-confidence, and create a supportive environment.

Join us as we discuss the pain points of modern parenting, the vision behind "BEING SEEN," and the actionable steps you can take to thrive as a family in 2024 and beyond.

If you're looking for guidance, inspiration, and a fresh perspective on parenting in the digital age, don't miss this episode. And stay tuned for the release of "BEING SEEN," available for pre-order in January 2024. It's time to embark on a transformative parenting journey together!
You can preorder BEING SEEN here:
www.profselenabartlett.com

#ThrivingMindsPodcast #BeingSeenBook #ParentingChallenges #FamilyConnection #PreorderNow

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Professor Kuyken suggests that over the next 50 years that will see mental health and wellbeing become a human right that is fundamental to human flourishing. This requires a public health and societal approach to tackle as from about 7 billion people in the world, of which about a 3.5 billion will at some point encounter mental health problems themselves or with their loved ones. How we think about mental health will be the equivalent of passive smoking ~50 years ago.
Why school culture and not mindfulness curriculum improve mental health in young people in schools. Professor Willem Kuyken, University of Oxford discuss the unexpected findings from the $6 million pound Wellcome Trust published Myriad trial (My Resilience in Adolescence).

Professor Willem Kuyken, a leading expert in mindfulness and psychological science at the University of Oxford published the Myriad trial, showing that the school environment correlated with mental health was the culture and climate and not the mindfulness curriculum as the primary outcomes. A school that has a sense of safety, respect, trust, and overall psychological and physical comfort was found to be associated with better mental health in adolescent students. These factors, changeable in nature, present an interesting opportunity for enhancing student wellbeing.

Interestingly, external factors seemed to contribute more to variations in young people's mental health than factors within the school, suggesting that schools alone cannot shoulder the entire responsibility for mental health interventions. The epidemiological findings from their large and representative study reaffirmed existing knowledge that about one in three young people (ages 11-14) reported significant mental health challenges, with higher incidences among girls than boys.

Professor Kuyken started his career as a scientist who was interested in evidence-based approaches like cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for adults. However, he realized that these individual therapies were not enough to make a major impact on mental health and well being at a population level.

The Myriad Study concluded that mindfulness training did not have a clear advantage over normal school provision or social and emotional learning in promoting mental health and well being among adolescents. However, the study also highlighted some potential benefits and challenges of mindfulness training for teachers in schools, and suggested directions for future research and practice.
https://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/team/willem-kuyken

Kuyken, W. et al & MYRIAD Team Group. (2022). Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Evidence-Based Mental Health. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ebmental-2021-300396

• Covers the primary outcomes of the trial with a focus on the impact on young people.

Kuyken, W. et al (2022). Effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision on teacher mental health and school climate: results of the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Evidence-Based Mental Health. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/ebmental-2022-300424

• Covers some of the secondary outcomes such as the impact of Mindfulness training on the teachers delivering it and the school climate as a whole.

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

Contentgroup CEO David Pembroke learns everything you need to know about the brain and how to train the brain from Professor Bartlett. Founder and CEO of contentgroup. Adviser to Eddie Jones, Head coach, England Rugby team
David and Anna Pembroke knew that Australians value content and that is the best way to reach them.

Today, they lead a team of highly-regarded veterans and digital-savvy creatives who are experts in multimedia communication, specialising in helping government and the public sector engage with citizens.

contentgroup’s skills and knowledge in media, marketing, public relations, politics and private industry set us apart. We are used to working in environments where the pace of change is fast and the challenges significant.

While our head office is in the heart of the National Capital, we are also connected to communities across the country through a network of clever consultants and suppliers.

From Federal Government departments and agencies to Local Government councils, we have a track record for delivering best practice strategic communication and stakeholder engagement services, backed by quality content, advice and training.

That is contentgroup’s ‘swim lane’ and we are proud to be recognised as industry leaders – who are also easy to work with!

In addition to her aforementioned role, Professor Bartlett is a Group Leader in Translational Neuroscience and has been awarded the Lawrie Austin Award for her contributions to Neuroscience by the Australian Neuroscience Society in 2019.

Professor Bartlett is also the CEO and Founder of MiGFiT Inc, a start-up company spun out her research lab that is focused on brain training for resilience, fitness and to reduce addiction and obesity.

She has won the Outstanding Achievement Award and the Biotech Research Award and was an Ambassador for the Women in Technology organisation. Professor Bartlett recently launched three books to raise awareness about the brain health and to make neuroscience neuroplasticity actionable. Additionally, she has presented a TEDx talk about the brain fitness and neuroplasticity revolution underway focused on neuroplasticity for brain health.

Discussed in this episode:

• The evolution of the brain and how it affects us now
• How you can train your brain
• Prevention vs Treatment to improve mental health
• Mental health in the workplace
• Doomscrolling

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

"What are you afraid of? Is it innate, or did someone introduce that fear and anxiety to you?"
Join us on an enlightening, diving deep into anxiety disorders with Ken Loftus.

"We've all experienced it," Ken began, "That sudden jolt of fear when you see a spider, or a puppy, or someone different from you. But where does it come from?

Evolutionary psychology tells us it's all about survival. Our brains have been wired over millions of years to detect threats - but how accurately?" He delved into the butterfly effect and how our early experiences might shape specific phobias. "Our irrational fears, like believing something's too hot without touching or fearing someone from a different culture, stem from our primal need to survive," he explained.

"Our senses are our primary tools. Yet, while we rely on them to navigate our world, they also shape our worldviews, sometimes inaccurately."

Ken painted a vivid picture. "Imagine seeing a spider. For some, it triggers childhood memories, core beliefs, and even revives age-old evolutionary fears. But is this nature or nurture?
Are we echoing sentiments from 2.5 million years ago?" He continued, "imagine an adult freaking out about a puppy. The immediate reaction is embarrassment. That spirals into thoughts like, 'I shouldn't feel this way,' which cascades into 'I'm worthless.' Such spirals are dangerous." With clarity, he described the mind's complex operations. "Your brain," he began, sketching a big circle on a whiteboard, "is continuously calculating. A smaller circle within represents our consciousness. When the optic nerve perceives a threat, like a dog, the brain reacts in nanoseconds."

Using socratic questioning, he encouraged the audience to challenge their fears. "When was the last time someone you knew was harmed by a dog? Or by a spider?" He concluded, "Our fears, no matter how irrational they seem, have a basis. Understanding that basis, whether it's evolutionary or learned, is the key to addressing it." The episode will leave you with a newfound understanding of fears and a toolkit to navigate them, emphasizing awareness, questioning, and self-compassion.

Socratic questioning is a method used to encourage deep thinking and self-reflection. Here are some Socratic questions you can use to understand a fear or anxiety you might be facing:
1.Defining the Fear/Anxiety
•What exactly am I afraid of or anxious about?
•Can I describe the specific situations or triggers that bring on this fear or anxiety?
•When did I first notice this fear or anxiety?
2.Understanding the Basis
•Why do I feel this way?
•Are there past experiences that might have contributed to this feeling?
•What beliefs or thoughts are underpinning this fear or anxiety?
3.Testing Reality
•What evidence do I have that supports this fear or anxiety?
•Conversely, what evidence do I have that contradicts or challenges it?
•Has there ever been a time when I faced this fear or anxiety and it didn't come to fruition?
4.Understanding Impact
•How does this fear or anxiety affect my daily life, decisions, or relationships?
•What might happen if I didn't have this fear or anxiety?
•Are there benefits to holding onto this fear or anxiety? If so, what are they?
5.Assessing Coping Mechanisms
•How have I coped with this fear or anxiety in the past?
•Which coping strategies have been effective, and which haven't?
•Are there healthier ways I could manage or confront this fear or anxiety?
6.Looking at Alternative Perspectives
•How would someone else view this situation?
•What would I tell a friend who h

Support the show

Subscribe and support the podcast at
https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new
Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com