In this special episode, I sit down with Dr. Julien Tempone-Wiltshire to explore the profound philosophical implications of psychedelic experiences. We dive deep into how these altered states of consciousness can reshape our understanding of reality, identity, and existential meaning. Dr. Tempone-Wiltshire brings his expertise in the intersection of philosophy and psychology to discuss the transformative power of psychedelics in self-discovery, spiritual exploration, and mental health....

Welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! In this special episode, I’m joined by the renowned Jungian analyst and author, Dr. James Hollis. Dr. Hollis has written extensively about the human condition, meaning-making, and navigating the complexities of modern life through a depth psychology lens. Together, we dive deep into the existential themes of midlife, the confrontation with our unconscious, and the role that personal responsibility plays in our journey towards individuation. Dr. Hollis...

Matt Zemon, MSc, an Educator, Author, and Leader in Psychedelic Wellness, specializes in the impact of psychedelics on mental health. Author of the best-selling Psychedelics for Everyone and the preparation and integration journal Beyond the Trip, he holds a Master's degree in psychology and neuroscience from King's College London. Matt combines academic insights with a passion for safe and sacred psychedelic use, focusing on broadening understanding and access to these transformative...

In the latest episode of The Mind Mate Podcast, Tom interviews Hailee, a distinguished researcher who has completed her PhD studies on flow states and intergroup conflict. In this engaging discussion, Hailee delves into the fascinating intersection of psychological flow—a state of deep focus and immersion—and its impact on reducing tension and fostering collaboration among diverse groups. She shares key insights from her research, highlighting how achieving flow can enhance creativity,...

In episode 211 of the "Mind Mate" podcast, I sit down with my friend Ian Cattanach for an engaging discussion. We delve into the profound ideas of Jordan Peterson, Martin Heidegger, Cormac McCarthy, and David Foster Wallace. Together, we explore the intersection of philosophy, literature, and psychology, shedding light on how these influential thinkers grapple with themes of meaning, existence, and human nature. Ian and I share our thoughts on how these ideas resonate in today's world, making...

In this episode of the Mind Mate podcast, Tom and Aaron, both experienced psychotherapists, engage in a deep and dynamic discussion about the varying approaches to psychotherapy. Tom and Aaron explore the nuances of existential psychotherapy, highlighting its focus on personal meaning, freedom, and the human condition. They contrast this with clinical and research-based therapies, which emphasise empirical evidence, structured techniques, and measurable outcomes. The conversation delves into...

Welcome back to the Mind Mate podcast! In this episode, Tom and Pauly dive into a lively discussion, blending humour and insight as they explore Jonathan Haidt's new book, "The Anxious Generation." Together, they unpack the book's themes, shedding light on the growing anxiety among today's youth and the societal factors contributing to this trend. The conversation then shifts to the challenges and joys of parenting in the modern era. With a mix of personal anecdotes and thoughtful analysis,...

William Flesch is the author, most recently, of Comeuppance: Costly Signaling, Altruistic Punishment, and Other Biological Components of Fiction (Harvard, 2008), and The Facts on File Companion to 19th Century British Literature. He teaches the history of poetry as well as the theory of poetic and narrative form at Brandeis, and has been International Chair Professor at the National Taipei University of Technology (2012) and Old Dominion Fellow of the Humanities Council and Visiting Professor...

Dr Julien Tempone-Wiltshire is a senior lecturer in counselling and psychotherapy, who also works as a psychotherapist specialising in complex trauma. Julien holds a PhD in Philosophy and Literature, a Master of Social Work, a Bachelors of Psychotherapy and a Bachelor of Philosophy and Science (1st Honours, ANU). He has previously worked as a lecturer in social work and integrative psychotherapy. He is also a published author with academic research interests concerning grief, trauma and...

Kathleen Higgins is Professor of Philosophy at the University of Texas at Austin. Her main areas of research are aesthetics, philosophy of emotion, philosophy of music, and 19th-century and 20th century continental philosophy (in particular, the works of Arthur Schopenhauer and Friedrich Nietzsche). She is author or co-author of eight books, including, most recently, Aesthetics in Grief and Mourning (University of Chicago Press, 2024). She is also editor or co-editor of numerous other books,...

Hey guys, welcome back to The Mind Mate Podcast! I'm your host, Tom Ahern, and in today's episode, we're diving deep into the fascinating world of psychotherapy through the eyes of two legendary figures: Carl Rogers and Irvin Yalom. Carl Rogers, the mastermind behind client-centred therapy, has revolutionised the way we think about the therapeutic process. One of his most famous quotes is, "The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change." Today, we'll...

Welcome to the latest episode of The Mind Mate Podcast! Today, we're diving deep into one of my favourite books, "The Creative Act" by the legendary Rick Rubin. Known for his transformative work in the music industry, Rubin has distilled decades of creative insights and wisdom into this compelling guide, making it an essential read for anyone looking to unlock their creative potential. In this episode, I’ll share my thoughts on the book’s most profound lessons and explore how Rubin’s...

I am pumped for this episode of the podcast! We have a truly enlightening discussion with the pioneers of Terror Management Theory (TMT), Dr. Sheldon Solomon, Dr. Jeff Greenberg, and Dr. Tom Pyszczynski. Terror Management Theory, a groundbreaking concept in psychology, explores how humans cope with the inherent awareness of their mortality. Developed in the 1980s, this theory has significantly influenced various fields, including social psychology, anthropology, and sociology. Dr. Sheldon...

John Powers currently holds a joint position at the University of Melbourne in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies and the Contemplative Studies Centre. He is a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities and author of 20 books and more than 100 articles, mainly on Buddhism and Tibetan history.

Welcome back everyone! In this podcast, we, Tom and Paul, (holistic lifestyle coach) delve into the complexities of depression, exploring its causes, symptoms, and impact on daily life. We share personal experiences and insights, emphasising the importance of recognising early signs and seeking help. We discuss the correlation between states of non-clinical depression and existential crises/midlife awakenings and opportunities as well as practical tools to manage depression, including...

Deb Herdman is a Registered Nurse, entrepreneur and certified sleep practitioner. She is the creator of Nigh’ Nigh’, an author of two e-books and has been published in print, online, radio, and podcasts both in Australia and across the world. Deb presents sleep seminars to parent groups, health institutions, schools, and workplaces and virtual consulting to all ages that require better sleep/life balance. Opening the world’s first music and play therapy Sleep School, her resources are...

Welcome to episode 198! In this episode Pauly and Tom touch on a multitude of topics ranging from the grief and what the brain does in response to grieving to ways to access the flow state, The boys also touch on what Pauly learnt on his trip to India as well as his silent retreat meditation experiences; why Tom is feeling called to actively practice spirituality, whether secular or religious. We hope you enjoy!

Paul has been immersed in the Health and Wellbeing space since 2003, with extended experience in strength and conditioning, calisthenics, mobility, and stress management. Paul’s approach to training is ‘client first’ training. His experience training hundreds of people over the years has taught him that balance is the key ingredient to progress. Strength means very little without space and vice versa. It has been Paul’s mission to explore and negotiate the dynamic nature of life to move...

Kerri Sackville is an Australian author, columnist, and social commentator. Her work has appeared in numerous publications including The Sunday Times UK, SBS Life, http://news.com.au , mamamia.com, The Australian Women’s Weekly, and Prevention Magazine. A long-time contributor to the Sydney Morning Herald, Melbourne Age and Sunday Life magazine, Kerri’s columns are regularly amongst the most widely read across the sites. Kerri has written five works of non-fiction and contributed to three...

Craig Harper is one of Australia’s leading presenters, writers and educators in the areas of health, high-performance, resilience, self-management, leadership, corporate change, communication, stress management, addiction and personal transformation. Craig has been an integral part of the Australian health and fitness industry since 1982 and in that time has worked as an Exercise Scientist, Corporate Speaker, Consultant, University Lecturer, AFL Conditioning Coach, Radio Host, TV Presenter,...

Gary Laderman is a professor of American religious history and cultures At Emory University. He teaches and writes about death and dying, religion and sexuality, and sacred drugs. He is the author of Don’t Think About Death: A Memoir on Mortality. His other books include an exploration of the sacred in the new American religious landscape: Sacred Matters: Celebrity Worship, Sexual Ecstasies, the Living Dead, and Other Signs of Religious Life in the United States; two books on the history of...

Dr. Margaret Ross is a senior clinical psychologist at St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne working in Psychosocial cancer care and Palliative Medicine depts. Marg is the Chief Principal Investigator for Australia's first Psilocybin assisted psychotherapy trial to treat depression and anxiety associated with terminal illness. Connect with Dr. Margaret Ross LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/margaret-ross-0aa26925a/ Connect us here iTunes: https://apple.co/3W14wjk Spotify:...

Rodney is a Registered Music Therapist who has a passion for connecting people to their internal and external worlds through music. Since completing his Masters of Music Therapy in 2017, Rodney has worked across a multitude of settings in both: Hospitals Community Not for Profit Organisations He has experience providing music therapy to support people within the contexts of: Mental Health Progressive Neurological Disorders Schizoaffective Disorders Paediatrics Adolescents ...

Oscar Meerman is a holistic strength and calisthenics coach who draws on a variety of different fields to get the best out of his clients. Beyond his work, however, he is also a deep thinker, a reflective and wise soul, and someone who sees movement as a pathway to greater learning and self-understanding. Connect with Oscar Meerman Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oscarmeerman/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oscar.meerman Connect us here iTunes:...