Barking Mad

Barking Mad

Welcome to Barking Mad, the no-nonsense podcast that dives into all things mental health! Join psychiatrist Dr. Cathy Owen, who brings 35 years of wisdom, and her irreverent co-host Peter Dowling, as they tackle your burning questions about the mind. From busting myths to shedding light on tricky topics, they keep it real, lively, and refreshingly human. With plenty of laughs and eye-opening insights, Barking Mad is here to get the mental health conversation started—because your mind matters! (Remember, it's not a substitute for medical advice - some topics may be distressing for listeners.)

Episodes

July 29, 2025 26 mins

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...

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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...

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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...

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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 ...

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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...

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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...

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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...

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Keywords mental health, psychedelic therapy, psilocybin, MDMA, treatment options, Mind Medicine Australia, depression, PTSD, mental illness, therapy, clinical trials Summary This conversation explores the groundbreaking work of Mind Medicine Australia in revolutionizing mental health treatment through psychedelic-assisted therapies. Tania de Jong AM discusses the urgent need for effective treatment options for mental illnesses such...
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March 25, 2025 23 mins

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 ...

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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...

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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...

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Keywords

Faking mental illness, psychiatry, factitious disorder, legal implications, mental health awareness

Summary

This conversation explores the complexities of faking mental illness, discussing the motivations behind it, the spectrum of behaviors from conscious manipulation to factitious disorders, and the legal implications of such actions. The speakers provide insights into the psychiatric perspective on these behaviors and c...

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Keywords

psychiatry, mental health, medications, treatment, public perception, medication adherence, psychiatric disorders, therapy, mental illness, healthcare

Summary

In this episode of Barking Mad, Dr. Cathy Owen discusses the complexities surrounding psychiatric medications, including public perceptions, the importance of adherence, and the role of alternative treatments. The conversation highlights the misconceptions about psyc...

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January 14, 2025 19 mins

Episode 7 Do We Really Drink Too Much?

Keywords

alcohol, mental health, coping mechanism, personality changes, cultural context, non-alcoholic beverages, Australia, alcohol consumption, health promotion, addiction

Summary

In this conversation, Peter Dowling and Dr. Cathy Owen explore the multifaceted relationship between alcohol consumption and mental health. They discuss the cultural significance of alcohol in Australia, its role ...

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December 31, 2024 18 mins

Episode 6 Where Have All the Services Gone?

Keywords

mental health, psychiatry, access to care, stigma, mental health services, healthcare professionals, mental health podcast, mental illness, public perception, mental health challenges

Summary

This podcast episode delves into the complexities of mental health services, exploring the challenges individuals face in accessing care, the shortage of mental health professionals, and the...

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Episode 5 Where Does The Law Meet Mental Illness?

Keywords

law, psychiatry, mental illness, community safety, involuntary treatment, mental health legislation, historical context, personal stories

Summary

This conversation explores the intersection of law and psychiatry, focusing on the implications of mental illness in legal contexts, community safety, and the historical evolution of mental health legislation. It highlights the ch...

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Episode 4 What Actually Causes Mental Illness?

Keywords

mental health, psychiatry, causes of mental illness, genetic factors, early life trauma, substance use, recovery, environmental factors, sleep deprivation, PTSD

Summary

This conversation explores the multifaceted causes of mental illness, including genetic predispositions, early life trauma, substance use, and environmental factors. The discussion emphasizes the importance of ...

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Episode 3 Are Psychiatric Treatments as Bad as They Sound?

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen demystifies psychiatry and discusses various treatments available. She addresses the stigma surrounding electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and highlights its effectiveness in treating profound depression. Dr. Owen also explores non-drug approaches such as talking therapies, including reflective approaches and structured therapies. She me...

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October 29, 2024 15 mins

Episode 2 A Range Of Ailments

 Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen discusses the range of psychiatric ailments that people may present with, from less severe conditions like anxiety and mild depression to more serious and enduring conditions like psychosis and treatment-resistant depression. She also explores the various factors that can contribute to mental health issues, such as trauma, early life experiences, and drug misuse...

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October 15, 2024 19 mins

Episode 1 The Psychiatric Landscape

Summary

In this episode, Dr. Cathy Owen with interviewer Peter Dowling demystifies psychiatry and discusses the differences between counselling, psychology, and psychiatry. She explains that while all three disciplines work in the same space, they have different professional backgrounds, learning backgrounds, funding, and availability. Counselling focuses on here and now issues and is often short...

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