Barking Mad

Episode 28 Behind the Bark: How We Make Barking Mad

In this podcast I make reference to John Laws, a multi media legend in Australia. Sadly, since recording this episode he has passed, aged 90 and with a 70 year radio career behind him.

RIP Richard John Laws

Keywords

podcast, mental health, psychiatry, audience engagement, technology, listener feedback, podcast longevity, serious topics, humor, personal reflections

Summary

In...

Episode 27 Paws for Thought: Pets and Mental Health

Keywords

pet ownership, mental health, emotional benefits, mindfulness, pet anxiety, social connection, companion animals, pets on planes

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the multifaceted benefits of pet ownership on mental health. They discuss tangible emotional benefits, the importance of mindfulness, the challenges of pet anxiety, and the soc...

Episode 26 Fear Factor – Unpacking Our Phobias

Keywords

phobias, mental health, anxiety, treatment, common fears, irrational fears, desensitization, coping strategies, psychology, psychiatry

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, host Peter discusses the topic of phobias with Dr. Professor Cathy Owen, a seasoned psychiatrist. They explore the nature of phobias, their common types, and the psychological mechanisms behind them. The...

Keywords

burnout, mental health, hustle culture, workplace stress, organizational strategies, future of work, AI, individual strategies, mindfulness, work-life balance

Summary

In this episode, Barking Mad explores the concept of burnout in the context of hustle culture, discussing its implications on mental health and workplace dynamics. Professor Cathy Owen shares insights on the biological underpinnings of stress, the role of or...

Keywords

political violence, assassinations, mental illness, ideology, historical context, motivations, public figures, psychological analysis

Summary

In this episode, the conversation delves into the complex motivations behind political violence and assassinations, exploring historical examples and the psychological factors at play. The discussion highlights the distinction between mental illness and ideological motivations, emphasiz...

Keywords

NDIS, disability support, mental health, psychiatric care, community resources, service costs, fraud, bureaucracy, funding, sustainability

Summary

In this conversation, Peter and Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) in Australia, exploring its vision, positive impacts, and the challenges faced, particularly in the psychiatric space. They delve into the bureaucratic hurdles, rising costs, ...

Keywords

 cancer journey, resilience, treatment options, emotionalimpact, healthcare system, financial burdens, diet, lifestyle adjustments,support systems, community resources

Summary

In this conversation, Peter shares his ongoing journeywith cancer, discussing the psychological and emotional challenges he faces. Hereflects on his resilience, the importance of humour, and the support hereceives from his community. The discussion also...

Keywords

cancer journey, treatment, mental health, support, relapse, coping mechanisms, personal experience, oncology, patient perspective, health awareness

Summary

In this conversation, Peter shares his ongoing journey with cancer, detailing his initial diagnosis, treatment experiences, and the emotional challenges he faces. He discusses the impact of his relapse, the support he receives from friends and family, and his coping mechan...

Keywords

cancer diagnosis, treatment journey, immunotherapy, psychological impact, patient experience, coping mechanisms, healthcare, personal story, lung cancer, medical decisions

Summary

In this conversation, Peter shares his personal journey of being diagnosed with lung cancer, detailing the initial shock, the treatment process, and the psychological impact of his diagnosis. He discusses the various treatments he underwent, includi...

Keywords

Bondi incident, mental health, schizophrenia, community impact, stigma, mental health care, funding, prevention, compassion, mental illness

Summary

This conversation delves into the Bondi incident, exploring the complexities of mental health, particularly schizophrenia, and the systemic failures that can lead to tragic outcomes. The discussion highlights the stigma surrounding mental illness, the challenges within mental heal...

Episode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad Rest

Keywords

sleep, insomnia, mental health, sleep deprivation, sleep cycle, sleep needs, sleep anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, sleep medication

Summary

In this conversation, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the critical role of sleep in our lives, discussing its importance for mental and physical health, the varying sleep needs across different life stages, and th...

Keywords

ADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental health, diagnosis, treatment, medication, lifestyle strategies, education, sociological factors, normalization

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter and Dr. Cathy delve into the complexities of ADHD, exploring its definition, the recent surge in diagnoses, and the multifaceted approaches to treatment. They discuss the role of medication, lifestyle strategies, and ...

Keywords

alpha male, mental health, seeking help, emotional literacy, community support, male friendships, suicide statistics, masculinity, mental health barriers, emotional expression

Summary

This conversation explores the concept of the alpha male in relation to mental health, focusing on the reluctance of men to seek help, the societal pressures surrounding masculinity, and the importance of emotional literacy. The discussion highl...

Keywords

social media, mental health, anxiety, depression, community, doom scrolling, TikTok, Instagram, youth, resilience

Summary

This conversation explores the multifaceted impact of social media on mental health, particularly among youth. It discusses the risks associated with excessive use, such as anxiety and depression, while also highlighting the potential benefits of community and support found online. The speakers emphasize t...

Keywords

Faith, psychiatry, mental illness, spirituality, demonic possession, stigma, auditory hallucinations, religious practices, mental health, support

Summary

This conversation explores the complex relationship between faith and psychiatry, discussing how faith can both positively and negatively impact mental health. Dr. Cathy Owen shares insights on the role of faith in coping with mental illness, the stigma surrounding mental he...

Episode 12 Mental Illness and Work

Keywords

mental health, recovery, workplace, burnout, psychiatry, support, return to work, mental illness, stigma, employer responsibilities

Summary

In this episode, Peter Dowling and Professor Dr. Cathy Owen discuss the complex journey of recovery from mental illness, focusing on the challenges individuals face when returning to work. They explore the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance ...

Keywords

mental health, psychiatry, psychosis, recovery, marijuana, stigma, medication, mindfulness, personal journey, mental wellbeing

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, host Peter Dowling engages with Clay, a listener who shares his personal journey through mental health challenges, including a marijuana-induced psychosis. The conversation explores the stigma surrounding mental health, the importance of seeking help, and the ro...

Keywords

grief, loss, counselling, complicated grief, stages of grief, emotional support, retirement, gender differences, pet loss, healing

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen delve into the multifaceted nature of grief and loss. They explore various types of grief, including the loss of loved ones, complicated grief, and the emotional toll of caring for someone with dementia. The conversation high...