Better Thinking

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Travis Rieder, PhD, about his struggle with prescription opioid withdrawal after a motorcycle accident. Although Travis had access to world-leading doctors and a supportive partner, going through withdrawal took his thoughts to dark and dangerous places. Travis Rieder, PhD, is a faculty member at the Johns Hopkins Berman Institute of Bioethics where he directs the Master of Bioethics degree program. His research program concerns ethical and policy issues surrounding America’s opioid epidemic. Travis has published works concerning doctors responsibility for safely weaning patients off prescription opioids and is author of In Pain: A Bioethicist’s Personal Struggle with Opioids. His TED Talk, The agony of opioid withdrawal — and what doctors should tell patients about it, has been viewed over 2 million times. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/travis-riederSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Danny Shannon about life after addiction, his work in helping others through their addiction journey, and his transition into entrepreneurship with Encapsulator. Danny Shannon is the founder of Encapsulator, an app for securely recording your future hopes, dreams and aspirations, into a time-locked vault to be discovered at a later date. Danny is also a recovering addict who has not had a drink or a drug since the 15th of September 2009. He is raising awareness through his personal stories about addiction and empowering and educating others about the emotional and social impacts of addiction. He earned a Diploma in Community Services and is in the process of completing a Bachelor of Counselling. He is a Senior Case Manager at Glebe House, a treatment facility for men with addiction issues who are affected by the criminal justice system. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/danny-shannon-2 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Danny Shannon about his life as a heroin addict and the journey to recovery. Danny Shannon is the founder of Encapsulator, an app for securely recording your future hopes, dreams and aspirations, into a time-locked vault to be discovered at a later date. Danny is also a recovering addict who has not had a drink or a drug since the 15th of September 2009. He is raising awareness through his personal stories about addiction and empowering and educating others about the emotional and social impacts of addiction. He earned a Diploma in Community Services and is in the process of completing a Bachelor of Counselling. He is a Senior Case Manager at Glebe House, a treatment facility for men with addiction issues who are affected by the criminal justice system. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/danny-shannon-1See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Steven Hayes about his new book, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters, and applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in modern society. Dr Steven C. Hayes is Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/steven-hayesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Richard N. Landers about artificial intelligence, game-thinking, privacy and how data is used in organisational psychology. Dr Richard N. Landers is an Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis, MN, USA. He is also holder of the John P. Campbell Distinguished Professorship of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. His research program concerns the use of innovative technologies in assessment, employee selection, adult learning, and research methods. Recent topics have included big data, game-based learning, game-based assessment, gamification, unproctored Internet-based testing, mobile devices, virtual reality, and online social media. His work has been published in Journal of Applied Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology Perspectives, Computers in Human Behavior, Simulation & Gaming, Social Science Computer Review, and Psychological Methods, among others, and his research an

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with John Flanagan on infidelity: how it begins, how it progresses and, most importantly, how to recover from an affair. John Flanagan was the first social worker in Australia to become a Gottman Therapist and along with Trish Purnell-Webb, are still the only Australians to hold the title of Certified Gottman Marital Therapist, Master Trainers and Consultants. He is a certified presenter for The Art and Science of Love Couples Workshop, completed his Certificate IV in Workplace Training and Assessment and has delivered a broad range of training in the relationship space. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/john-flanaganSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Glen Tanner, a clinical psychologist registrar, about his beginnings into a career in psychology. Glen Tanner recently graduated from Western Sydney University with a Master of Clinical Psychology. Since graduating, Glen has relocated to Newcastle, and is working as a psychologist in a bustling private practice. Glen has a special interest in the experiences of new psychologists, and advocates for the improved mental health and general wellbeing of all those within the caring professions. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/glen-tannerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Bruno Cayoun about research of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT) and its application in clinical and private settings. Dr Bruno Cayoun is a Clinical Psychologist and principal developer of Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (MiCBT). He is Director of the MiCBT Institute, a leading provider of MiCBT training and professional development to mental health services and professional associations internationally since 2003. Bruno keeps a private practice in Hobart, Australia, undertakes mindfulness research at the MiCBT Institute, and co-supervises several studies in collaboration with various institutions, including Monash University, University of Tasmania, University of Technology Sydney, and Massey University. He has practised mindfulness meditation and undergone intensive training in France, Nepal, India, and Australia since 1989. He is author of three MiCBT books and co-author of The Clinical Handbook of M

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Kym Robinson about modern-day challenges in the bedroom techniques for rebooting your sex life. Kym Robinson began her career as a Registered Nurse (RN) and completed her bachelor of nursing at the University of Canberra. She combines more than 15 years’ experience working both locally and internationally with a Master’s of Science in Medicine (MScMed) in Sexual Health Counselling from the University of Sydney. She is a certified Psychosexual Therapist and member of the Society of Australian Sexologists. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/kym-robinsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with ACT Minister for Mental Health, Shane Rattenbury, about mental health services and how politics works to improve policy and implementation. Shane Rattenbury is the Minister for Mental Health and Minister for Climate Change and Sustainability. Since he was first elected in 2008, he has promoted important issues including clean energy, marriage equality, and major public transport. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/shane-rattenburySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Trish Purnell-Webb about practical strategies that go to the heart of what makes relationships strong, meaningful and connected. Trish Purnell-Webb is a Clinical Psychologist and Certified Gottman Marital Therapist, Master Trainer and Consultant. Trish and her business partner, John Flanagan, founded Relationship Institute Australasia, an organisation with a guiding principle to utilise sound, evidenced-based approaches to help people build, repair and rejuvenate strong, sustainable relationships. Trish leads live training workshops across Australia, NZ, and Asia. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/trish-purnell-webbSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Joseph Ciarrochi about aggressive versus pro-social behaviour and the benefits of being anti-social. Joseph Ciarrochi, PhD, is a professor at the Institute of Positive Psychology and Education at the Australian Catholic University. He has published over 100 scientific journal articles and many books, including the widely acclaimed Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life and Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Positive Psychology. He has been honored with over four million dollars in research funding. His work has been discussed on TV and radio, and in magazines and newspaper articles. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/joseph-ciarrochiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Randolph Sparks about effective pain management treatments. Randolph explains why pain is necessary for survival, how the brain receives signals and interesting experiments in pain management. Randolph Sparks is a clinical psychologist and runs a successful private practice in Canberra, Top Psychology. He completed his clinical training at the Australian National University and continues an association there teaching in the Clinical Psychology program, as well as regularly appearing as a guest lecturer in both the undergraduate and postgraduate Psychology programs. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/randolph-sparksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Bruce Stevens about his life in forensic psychology. The discussion ranges from treating murderers and psychopaths to schema therapy for couples.  Professor Bruce Stevens obtained his PhD at Boston University in 1987. He is Wicking Professor of Aging and Practical Theology at Charles Sturt University and was previously Associate Professor in Clinical and Forensic Psychology in the Clinical Psychology program at the University of Canberra.  He has written seven books for leading publishers such as Random House, Harper Collins, PsychOz Publications, Australian Academic Press and Wiley-Blackwell. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/bruce-stevensSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Anya Aidman on family separation, coparenting, domestic violence, spousal maintenance and stories of the good, the bad and the ugly of separation. Anya Aidman is a qualified Independent Children’s Lawyer specializing in working with families going through separation. She completed Master of Laws at the Australian National University (ANU). In addition to being a family lawyer, Anya is a qualified and Nationally Accredited Mediator. Fun fact: Anya started out working in criminal law and she speaks fluent Russian. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/anya-aidmanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this mini episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic answers Dr Antonio Di Dio’s question on how he works with clients and their symptoms. "I don't care for symptom reduction because a lot of what we experience in life will never go away." – Nesh NikolicSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Antonio Di Dio about mental health, hospital beds and acute care in Australia's capital. Dr Antonio Di Dio is the Australian Medical Association's ACT branch president and general practitioner in his Canberra-based private practice. He is actively involved in helping medical practitioners and government entities to work closer together for a better doctor / patient outcome. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/antonio-di-dioSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Rachel Menzie about death anxiety and links to mental health disorders. Rachel Menzies is a registered psychologist and lead editor of the book Curing the Dread of Death: Theory, Research and Practice, published by Australian Academic Press in 2018. She has published extensively on the causes of various disorders, including depression, OCD, panic disorder, illness anxiety, social anxiety, agoraphobia, generalised anxiety disorder and the specific phobias, as well as on gender differences in anxiety. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/rachel-menziesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Richard Humle about treating complex trauma using Schema Therapy and Mindfulness-integrated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy. Dr Richard Humle is a clinical psychologist with experience in working with a broad range of psychological challenges including trauma, substance-related and addiction challenges, depression and bipolar disorder. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/richard-hulmeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of the Better Thinking podcast, Nesh Nikolic speaks with NeLi Martin about the relationship and integration of yoga, mindfulness and psychology. NeLi Martin is a psychologist in private practice based in Noosa, Australia. She uses mindfulness and evidence-based interventions in her clinical work. She also teaches yoga, dance and meditation, with a focus on integrating body and mind. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/neli-martinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.