The criminalization of multiple recreational drugs in the 1970s also led to a reduction in the research on them. Research on psychedelics (example, LSD and magic mushrooms) had previously shown to be beneficial in certain mental health treatments. In the past 20 years, clinical and pre-clinical research on psychedelics has picked up again. Professor Bart Ellenbroek, Head of the Behavioural Neurogenetics lab at Victoria University…
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#9. The Ancestors in Us – Dr. Richard Johnson
Dr. Richard Johnson, Lead of The Indian in Me project and Senior Lecturer in the School of Education Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Australia, talks to us about people coming from hyphenated ethnicities. Using his own example as an Anglo-Indian (people with British and Indian backgrounds) he goes through the challenges of identity faced by people from similar cultures, the influence of dominant cultures in…
#8. Offender Rehabilitation – Dr. Roxy Heffernan
Forensic Psychologist Dr. Roxy Heffernan discusses rehabilitation programs in the prison systems focusing on New Zealand. The two prevailing models of rehabilitation, the risk-need-responsivity models and the Good Lives Model. Her experiences of working with Ara Poutana Aotearoa (Department of Corrections New Zealand) and what steps we need to take to improve our current systems. Support us and reach out!Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTikTok: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTwitter/X: @SmoothBrainSocFacebook: @thesmoothbrainsocietyMerch and…
#7. A Concussion Discussion – Dr. Josh Faulkner
Clinical Neuropsychologist Dr. Josh Faulkner talks to us about traumatic brain injury (TBI) mainly focusing on mild injuries commonly known as concussions. We discuss what brain injuries look like, how Dr. Faulkner has used Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT therapy) with his patients and some of the latest research in the area and what it means for people dealing with the effects of a concussion….
#6. World Refugee Day: Whoever. Wherever. Whenever – Dr. Marieke Jasperse and Kodrean Eashae
As the 20th of June is World Refugee Day, we had Dr. Marieke Jasperse, Senior Advisor Trafficking in Persons, Immigration New Zealand and Kodrean Eashae, Host of Voice of Aroha, Wellington Access Radio come on. Our guests gave us an insight into the lived experiences of refugees in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world, the misconceptions which are prevalent in discussions around migrant resettlement…
#5. From the ground up: Māori and Community Based Research – Dr. Tia Neha
Dr. Tia Neha, Senior Lecturer in Māori and Indigenous Psychology at Victoria University of Wellington, speaks about community driven research with the example of her own doctoral studies within Māori communities, the importance of language, culture and relationships, the difference in techniques between indigenous research and western research and their place in science as a whole. Dr. Tia Neha's description of the Waiata (song) at…
#4. Born with it: Genetics and Genetic Counselling – Dr. Qurratulain Hasan
For our first international interview, we called in to Hyderabad, India and spoke to Dr. Qurratulain Hasan, Founder and President of the Board of Genetic Counselling, India. Dr. Hasan gave us an introduction into the field of genetic counselling, the relevance of genetics in public health setups across the world and the growing importance of it in medical setups. We also cover her international work…
#3. Relationships, red flags and love – Dr. Matt Hammond
Relationships researcher, Dr. Matt Hammond joined us to answer questions asked by our instagram followers about relationships. CW: The episode covers content on topics such as aggression/gaslighting/violence. If you are looking for assistance, here are links to some of the places mentioned in the podcast. https://www.wannatalkaboutit.com [this works internationally, it redirects you to specific helplines based on your location] https://www.2shine.org.nz/get-help/helpline/ or call 0508-744-633 [NZ based…
#2. The Anatomy of a Psychopath – Associate Prof. Hedwig Eisenbarth
Associate Professor Hedwig Eisenbarth talks to us about research on people with high psychopathic traits. What characteristics define a psychopath? are they built different? and what motivates them? Support us and reach out!Instagram: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTikTok: @thesmoothbrainsocietyTwitter/X: @SmoothBrainSocFacebook: @thesmoothbrainsocietyMerch and all other links: Linktreeemail: thesmoothbrainsociety@gmail.com
#1. Intro to social psychology: Political Psychology, Identity and Wellbeing – Prof. Marc Wilson
Discussion with Social and Political Psychologist, Associate Dean of Science at Victoria University of Wellington, Professor Marc Wilson. Prof, Wilson gives us an introduction to the world of social psychology through his own research covering attachment theory, political and social identity, conspiracy beliefs and youth wellbeing. We also talk about his work with reality television and science in the media. This episode contains discussions on…