Behind the Stigma
121 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 days ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsHosted and produced by Seiara Imanova, a psychology graduate from King's College London, Behind the Stigma is a pioneering podcast that demystifies the complex worlds of Psychology, Psychiatry, Neuroscience, and Mental Health. Each episode offers a deep dive into cutting-edge research, featuring conversations with leading experts and researchers in the field. Join us as we uncover the science, challenge the misconceptions, and bridge the crucial gap between academia and the everyday.
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Episodes
Men's Mental Health with Adil Hussain
April 19, 2024 05:00 - 49 minutes - 33.9 MBIn this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Adil Hussain, a men's development coach and the Founder of Brotherhood UAE on Men's Mental Health. We delved into the importance of men's emotional expression, the challenges men face in seeking help, and the impact of societal expectations on masculinity. Adil shares insights from his own journey of healing and empowerment, highlighting the need to redefine masculinity and break free from toxic norms. We also explore the role of me...
Psychiatric Critique and the Opposition to Psychiatry with Dr. Awais Aftab
April 02, 2024 04:00 - 1 hour - 47.9 MBIn this week’s episode, I speak with Dr. Awais Aftab, a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Case Western Reserve University on the Critique and the Opposition to Psychiatry. We discuss the emergence of philosophy in psychiatry as a distinct discipline, and it's historical evolution from psychoanalysis to biomedical models. We go into the critiques of disorder classifications, debates surrounding biological explanations and medication use, and the importance of fostering trust an...
University Mental Health Day with Student Minds (Student Advisory Commitee)
March 14, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 62.8 MBIn this week's episode of the Behind the Stigma Podcast, I speak with members of the Student Advisory Committee from Student Minds, including Aglaya Freccero, Dom Smithies, and Mahbub Alom Shuhag, in light of University Mental Health Day. We delve into the challenges and lived experiences of students, emphasizing the significance of inclusivity and diversity in mental health policies. We also explore the role of peer support networks, digital interventions, recent initiatives by Student Min...
Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health with Dr. Ines Hipolito
March 02, 2024 10:00 - 56 minutes - 39.1 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Hipolito, an Assistant Professor at Macquarie University, on artificial intelligence, cognition and mental health. We discuss: - The philosophical realism of AI: whether AI systems are seen as seperate from us - Digital mental health apps: their advantages and concerns about data privacy, reliability, and the potential for algorithmic bias. - Smart virtual environments, and their advantages and drawbacks that come with it. - The future of virtual en...
Student Mental Health with Dr. Nicola Byrom (Founder of Student Minds)
February 11, 2024 09:00 - 45 minutes - 31.1 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Nicola Byrom, a Senior Lecturer in Psychology at King’s College London. We discuss the importance of lived experience in research as well as collaborative research for student mental health. Dr Byrom shares how she founded Student Minds, the UK's biggest mental health charity, and how her personal experience drove her to want change in the higher education sector. We also discuss virtual learning environments both for on-campus and distance learner st...
Carl Gustav Jung, The Red Book, & Active Imagination with MJDorian
January 28, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 43.1 MBIn this week's episode, featuring our guest speaker, MJDorian, we delved into the world of psychoanalyst Dr. Carl Gustav Jung and explored his Red Book, which Jung described as his “confrontation with the unconscious." We discussed the content of the book, uncovered underlying themes, and examined its relevance to the modern world. MJ also guided us through a method employed by Carl Jung known as 'The Digging Technique', shedding light on active imagination and recounting his (MJ's) own per...
Hearing Voices: Meaning and Lived Experience
January 12, 2024 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this week's episode on the Behind the Stigma Podcast, we welcome Dr. Ekaterina Netchitailova to discuss the meaning and lived experience of psychosis. Dr. Netchitailova shares her personal journey with psychiatric care in the Netherlands and the UK, shedding light on the stigma surrounding diagnoses and cultural influences on mental health. The conversation explores Dr. Netchitailova's background and delves into the circumstances leading to her first experience with psychosis and her i...
Hearing Voices: Meaning and Lived Experience with Dr. Netchitailova
January 12, 2024 11:00 - 52 minutes - 36.4 MBIn this week's episode on the Behind the Stigma Podcast, we welcome Dr. Ekaterina Netchitailova to discuss the meaning and lived experience of psychosis. Dr. Netchitailova shares her personal journey with psychiatric care in the Netherlands and the UK, shedding light on the stigma surrounding diagnoses and cultural influences on mental health. The conversation explores Dr. Netchitailova's background and delves into the circumstances leading to her first experience with psychosis and her in...
Unlock your full potential - Shadow Work with Dr. Alex Curmi
December 30, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBThe first episode of the New Year, we delve into the concept of Jungian shadow work and integration with the shadow. (Chapter Markers added). We discuss what Shadow work means, and why it's not only about the 'dark' parts of ourselves. We also explore how the shadow influences our behavior and relationships, leading to insights about projection and its impact on personal growth. Dr. Curmi shares insights on discovering one's shadow by asking the right questions. Finally, we go into variou...
Immunology and Psychiatry with Dr. Thomas Pollak
December 09, 2023 08:00 - 51 minutes - 35.7 MBWelcome to Season 2! In this week's episode, we explore the intriguing link between neuroimmunology and psychiatry with guest Dr. Thomas Pollak. We discuss what autoimmune diseases are and Dr. Pollak's work on Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and it's relation to psychosis. We also discuss the role of neurology in psychiatry, and challenges in diagnosis and the necessity of considering immunology in psychiatric examinations. The episode concludes with a forward-looking perspective on the fu...
Virtual Reality & Cognitive Health with Amir Bozorgzadeh
September 04, 2023 18:00 - 1 hour - 45.2 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Amir Bozorgzadeh, Co-Founder and CEO of Virtuleap on the intersection between virtual reality and cognitive health. We discuss how Virtuleap designs VR brain training solutions to address cognitive illnesses and the potential of VR in mental health interventions. Amir shares personal insights into the power of VR, and the unique approach Virtu Leap takes in training and monitoring cognitive abilities. We also delve into a pilot study on ADHD (linked belo...
Antidepressant Effects with Dr. Mark Horowitz
August 20, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 49.2 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with psychiatrist, Dr. Mark Horowitz, on the Effects of Antidepressants. We discuss how depression is currently understood in society - taking a step back from diagnostic categories. We also discuss what is truly known about the causality and mechanisms of depression, and the effects antidepressants have on our psychological well being and our physical body. Dr. Horowitz speaks about safely tapering off antidepressants and its withdrawal impacts, based on...
The Creative Process with Anne-Laure Le Cunff
August 06, 2023 05:00 - 42 minutes - 28.9 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Founder of Ness Labs, on productivity & the creative process. We discuss 4 different creative processes: - diffused vs focused thinking - idea sex - generation effect and - combinational creativity We also go into Anne Laure's work of mindful productivity, the different ways to identify why we procrastinate, and her journey from Google to Ness Labs. Website: https://nesslabs.com/blog Twitter: https://twitter.com/ness_labs About ...
Misinformation, Fake News & Conspiracy with Dr. Sacha Altay
July 23, 2023 07:00 - 44 minutes - 30.4 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Altay, a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of Zurich, on misinformation, fake news and conspiracy theories. We discuss these 3 concepts, exploring Dr. Altay's work on why people do and do not share fake news, what consists of misinformation, and the factors that make people more prone to conspiracy. We conclude with ChatGPT for detecting misinformation, and future implications in the field. Website: https://sites.google.com/view/sacha-...
The E-Risk Study with Professor Helen Fisher & Rebecca Gray
June 30, 2023 11:00 - 1 hour - 46 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Professor Helen Fisher, Professor of Developmental Psychopathology from King's College London and Rebecca Gray on the Environmental Risk Longitudinal Twin Study (E-Risk Study). The E-Risk Study builds knowledge around the question of how environmental and genetic factors contribute to the development of behaviors', health, and mental health problems from childhood through to adulthood. We discuss the importance of twin studies, some of the factors t...
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder with Dr. Stephen Faraone
June 17, 2023 16:00 - 1 hour - 41.2 MBIn this week's episode, I speak to one of the world's most influential psychologists and researchers on ADHD, Professor Stephen Faraone. We go into defining ADHD , the role of executive functions and the differences in cognitive processes between individuals with and without the disorder. We also discuss the impact of social media on ADHD awareness and insights into the genetic components of ADHD, such as twin studies, genome-wide association studies, and the polygenic nature of the condi...
Personality Traits with Dr. Alex Curmi
May 30, 2023 13:00 - 1 hour - 49.9 MBWhat does your personality reveal about you, and how does it shape the way you interact with the world? In this week's episode, we dive into the fascinating realm of personality traits with Dr. Alex Curmi, psychiatrist and host of The Thinking Mind podcast. We discuss the Five Factor Model and how traits like Extraversion, Agreeableness, Conscientiousness, Neuroticism, and Openness predispose our behavior and outlook on life. We also discuss the nature vs. nurture debate, dangerous comb...
Education Series - The Robbers Cave Experiment
May 15, 2023 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.45 MBTwo groups of boys embark on what appears to be an ordinary summer camp in the scenic State Park, Oklahoma. Or is it if a group of researchers are watching you? Learn today about the secret's of the infamous Robbers Cave Experiment, and it's contribution in the field of Social Psychology.
Philosophy of Psychiatry with Professor Lisa Bortolotti
April 24, 2023 16:00 - 59 minutes - 41.1 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Professor Lisa Bortolotti, Professor in the University of Birmingham on the Philosophy of Psychiatry. Our discussion was based around the notion of mental disorders and how they are viewed in the field. We also discuss the blurred lines between delusions and irrational beliefs, agency in mental health (where Professor Bortolotti talks about one of her studies done on young people in the UK) and how we should be looking into individual agency. Website: ...
Binge Eating with Alina Vasilache (Clinical Psychologist)
April 13, 2023 11:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Alina Vasilache on Binge Eating. We go through what classifies as a binge, what are some of the main factors that affect binge eating, relapse and remission, and how to seek help. Book: Overcoming Binge Eating ( Dr. Christopher Fairburn) - https://www.amazon.ae/Overcoming-Binge-Eating-Proven-Program/dp/1572305614
Betrayal Trauma with Kristin Snowden
April 06, 2023 07:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBBetrayal Trauma involves one partner breaking the trust of the other by engaging in behaviors that go against the relationships agreed upon boundaries. How do you move past that? In this week's episode, I speak with licensed therapist, Kristin Snowden on this topic. We discuss what it is, what it means for both partners, whether a relationship can deal with it, and steps to heal and move on from it. 18th April 2023 - Workshop on Betrayal Trauma: https://www.kristinsnowden.com/service-pag...
Meditation & the Predictive Brain with Dr. Ruben Laukkonen
March 25, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 52.2 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Dr. Ruben Laukkonen, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience, on meditation and the predictive brain. We discuss what is predictive processing, 3 styles of meditation: focused attention, open monitoring and non-dualism, and how these map on to the brain. We also go into insight, how predictive processing works, and his future research in the field. Website: https://rubenlaukkonen.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/RubenLaukkonen Paper: From many to n(one) - ...
Education Series - Metacognition
March 16, 2023 04:00 - 13 minutes - 9.45 MBThinking about thinking - that's so metacognitive! In this week's education series episode, we dive into the concept of metacognition. We cover the work of John H Flavell, the Self-discrepancy theory, and if animals have metacognitive abilities.
Love Addiciton with Nisrine Maktabi
March 06, 2023 07:00 - 38 minutes - 26.2 MBCan someone be love addicted? & what would that even look like? In this week's episode, I speak with psychotherapist, Nisrine Maktabi on the topic of love addiction. We discuss what are the characteristics of a love addict, factors that contribute to its development, the impact it can have on an individual's life, and the ways in which it can be addressed.
Understanding Shame with Kristin Snowden
February 24, 2023 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Kristin Snowden, a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 15 years of experience on the topic of understanding shame. We discuss what shame is, the work of Brene Brown’s shame shields, and of course identifying our own shame and how to overcome it Kristin's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/KristinSnowden Website: https://www.kristinsnowden.com/
Workplace Bullying with Nicki Eyre
February 11, 2023 16:00 - 57 minutes - 39.5 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Nicki Eyre, founder and director of Conduct Change, an organization in the UK that provides consultancy, coaching and training solutions rooted in the prevention of workplace bullying. We discuss Nicki's personal experience of workplace bullying, and how that led her to advocate for change. We go into issues like how organizations should address workplace bullying, the psychological and physical health impacts, different styles of bullying, and what peo...
Self-Esteem with Dr. Alex Curmi
January 28, 2023 09:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MBIn this week's episode on Behind the Stigma, I speak with Dr. Alex Curmi, psychiatrist and host of the Maudsley Learning Podcast with a discussion on self-esteem. We discuss two varieties of how we can understand self-esteem: situational confidence and inherit self worth. We also go into meditation and self, how to parent yourself using a re-parenting model of therapy, and the importance of compassion.
Education Series - SMART goals
January 17, 2023 14:00 - 10 minutes - 6.93 MBWhile setting goals can be exciting, setting SMART goals can help us accomplish them! SMART stands for: Specific Measurable Achievable Realistic Time-framed Listen to this short BTS series to learn how to set your NY resolution goals, and how to make them work!
Psychology of New Years Resolution
January 08, 2023 17:00 - 28 minutes - 19.9 MBHappy New Years! This is the 51st episode of the BTS podcast, and this week's episode is on the Psychology of New Years Resolutions. We discuss why we have such a strong pull towards resolutions, but also why they can fail. Alina explains how we can set goals which can be achievable, with a focus on a process orientated approach rather than goal orientated. We also dive into weight loss as one of the most common goals, compassion, and how to be aware of your feelings during the process.
Conscious Dancing with Phil Santos
December 27, 2022 10:00 - 53 minutes - 36.5 MBIn this week’s episode, I speak with Phil Santos, founder of Ecstatic Playground on the type of dance known as ‘conscious dancing’. We dive into the importance of moving our bodies, trauma and movement, the impact of loneliness, and what it means to build conscious communities through dance. We also discuss Phil’s upcoming book ‘conscious clubbing’ whose goal is to make parties friendlier, with an ability to form meaningful connections. Check out: https://ecstaticplayground.com/ https://ph...
Education Series - Cognitive Development (Lev Vygotksy)
December 20, 2022 06:00 - 8 minutes - 5.76 MBIn this week's education series, we dive into Part 2 of the developmental psychology theories, focusing on the work of Russian psychologist Lev Vygotsky. We go into his theory of cognitive development, the 'zone of proximal development', scaffolding, and the importance of language and culture, and how he differed from Jean Piaget.
Psychosis with Sir Professor Robin Murray
December 12, 2022 15:00 - 44 minutes - 30.7 MBIn this week’s episode, I speak to Sir Professor Robin Murray, one of the most cited researchers in the world, on the topic of psychosis. We talk about the difference between psychosis and the construct of schizophrenia, the onset and risk factors, both biological and environmental. We also discuss the current treatments and the consequences of antipsychotics, and his reflection of his life work in the field.
Dualism in Psychiatry with Professor Diane O'Leary
November 29, 2022 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBThis week, I speak with Professor Diane O'Leary on the topic of Dualism. We discuss how dualism is best understood in psychiatry in comparison to philosophy, and how this distinction impacts our understanding in the field. We then dive deep into a variety of dualism, known as property dualism and what this means for psychiatric diagnosis, and understanding mental disorders as biological and psychological entities. Website: https://www.dianeoleary.com/
Social & Emotional Learning with Nick Haisman-Smith
November 20, 2022 07:00 - 1 hour - 42.1 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Nick Haisman-Smith, the Executive director, and one of the founders of Social and Emotional Learning Institute. We discuss what SEL is, it's importance for communities, including parents and teachers, and how SEL is important for aspects of our mental health, and the evidence behind it. We conclude with some of it's limitations, and what he forsees for the future. Website: https://www.instituteforsel.net/
Mental Health Diagnosis with Dr. Alex Curmi
November 12, 2022 10:00 - 49 minutes - 33.7 MBThis week I speak to Psychiatrist Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley Learning Podcast on how we diagnose mental health conditions. We talk about the pros and cons of the current diagnostic system and how we can utilize the pros. We also dive into his work as a psychiatrist, and his approach, discussing the difficulty of sectioning, and how he uses a multidisciplinary approach to help patients as best as possible. Maudsley Learning Podcast: https://maudsleylearning.com/podcasts/
Education Series - Cognitive Development (Jean Piaget)
November 08, 2022 08:00 - 11 minutes - 7.61 MBIn this week's education series, we dive into developmental psychology, focusing on the work of Swiss genetic epistemologist Jean Piaget. We go into his theory of cognitive development, and the 4 main stages of child development: Sensorimotor (0-2 years) Preoperational (2-7 years) Concrete operational (7 - 11 years) Formal operational (12+ years).
Happy Well Being Life with Caroline S Asante
October 24, 2022 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBIn this week's episode I speak with Caroline S Asante, former award-winning BBC radio host and presenter, and host of the Happy Well Being Life Podcast. We speak about her journey highlighting aspects of imposter syndrome, ageism, the fear of comparison, and growth mindset. Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesasante/ Happy Well Being Life Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Z62aYAKLeFzx771juEoAJ
Happy Well Being Life
October 24, 2022 07:00 - 51 minutes - 35.1 MBIn this week's episode I speak with Caroline S Asante, former award-winning BBC radio host and presenter, and host of the Happy Well Being Life Podcast. We speak about her journey highlighting aspects of imposter syndrome, ageism, the fear of comparison, and growth mindset. Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/carolinesasante/ Happy Well Being Life Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3Z62aYAKLeFzx771juEoAJ
Q&A Session (with clinical psychologist) - Part 3
October 17, 2022 04:00 - 32 minutes - 22.2 MBIn this week's episode, I am back with Alina Vasilache, clinical psychologist on another popular demand for a Q&A session. Alina answers questions on coping mechanisms for anxiety, achieving goals, projection and more! You can now jump to the question of your interest, using our chapter markers.
Self-transcendence & Psychedelic-assisted therapy
October 07, 2022 14:00 - 55 minutes - 37.9 MBThis week, I speak with Professor David Yaden, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, on the topic of self-transcendence and psychedelic-assisted therapy. We discuss what psychedelic-assisted therapy is, its importance for mental health conditions, and a focus on the set and setting of clinical trials. Professor Yaden defines the meaning of transcendence and the importance of spiritual and mystical experiences. We conclude by discussing limitations in the field,...
Self-transcendence with Professor David Yaden
October 07, 2022 14:00 - 54 minutes - 37.7 MBThis week, I speak with Professor David Yaden, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, on the topic of self-transcendence and psychedelic-assisted therapy. We discuss what psychedelic-assisted therapy is, its importance for mental health conditions, and a focus on the set and setting of clinical trials. Professor Yaden defines the meaning of transcendence and the importance of spiritual and mystical experiences. We conclude by discussing limitations in the field,...
Self-transcendence
October 07, 2022 14:00 - 54 minutes - 37.8 MBThis week, I speak with Professor David Yaden, Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University school of Medicine, on the topic of self-transcendence and psychedelic-assisted therapy. We discuss what psychedelic-assisted therapy is, its importance for mental health conditions, and a focus on the set and setting of clinical trials. Professor Yaden defines the meaning of transcendence and the importance of spiritual and mystical experiences. We conclude by discussing limitations in the field,...
The Collaborative Library with Dr. Anja & Anthony Harrison
September 30, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThe Collaborative Library is a platform to unlock science for everyone! It aims to link up people who do research and those who are interested in the outcomes. This week, I speak to the founders of The Collab Library. We discuss what the Collaborative Library is, who it is for, and some of the really cool features on it amongst other things! You can now also view our 'Chapter Markers' to jump to your question of interest. Website: https://thecollaborativelibrary.com/ Youtube Channel: h...
The Collaborative Library with Dr. Anja & Anthony Harrison
September 30, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThe Collaborative Library is a platform to unlock science for everyone! It aims to link up people who do research and those who are interested in the outcomes. This week, I speak to the founders of The Collab Library. We discuss what the Collaborative Library is, who it is for, and some of the really cool features on it amongst other things! You can now also view our 'Chapter Markers' to jump to your question of interest. Website: https://thecollaborativelibrary.com/ Youtube Channel: h...
The Collaborative Library
September 30, 2022 13:00 - 31 minutes - 21.6 MBThe Collaborative Library is a platform to unlock science for everyone! It aims to link up people who do research and those who are interested in the outcomes. This week, I speak to the founders of The Collab Library. We discuss what the Collaborative Library is, who it is for, and some of the really cool features on it amongst other things! You can now also view our 'Chapter Markers' to jump to your question of interest. Website: https://thecollaborativelibrary.com/ Youtube Channel: h...
Becoming Vader - the psychology of Anakin Skywalker
September 22, 2022 17:00 - 58 minutes - 40.1 MBMay the force be with you! This week, me and Dr. Alex Curmi from the Maudsley Learning Podcast deep dive into the fascinating mind of Anakin Skywalker, and what drove and dictated his actions. We discuss his attachment style, fear of abandonment, the role of the Jedi council, and whether he was in love or obsessed with Padme. Could have Anakin's turn to the dark side to becoming Darth Vader been avoided?
Toxic Relationships
September 17, 2022 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Nisrine Maktabi, psychotherapist and relationship expert on the concept of the drama triangle. What is the drama triangle? and how does it work in a toxic relationship? We also discuss how the dynamic of a toxic relationship works, and what are some of the traits of an individual who projects these traits. This is the third series with Nisrine. We have previously spoken about Attachment Styles: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/1402324/10395172-at...
Toxic Relationships with Dr. Nisrine Maktabi
September 17, 2022 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Nisrine Maktabi, psychotherapist and relationship expert on the concept of the drama triangle. What is the drama triangle? and how does it work in a toxic relationship? We also discuss how the dynamic of a toxic relationship works, and what are some of the traits of an individual who projects these traits. This is the third series with Nisrine. We have previously spoken about Attachment Styles: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/1402324/10395172-at...
Toxic Relationships with Nisrine Maktabi
September 17, 2022 04:00 - 45 minutes - 31.6 MBIn this week's episode, I speak with Nisrine Maktabi, psychotherapist and relationship expert on the concept of the drama triangle. What is the drama triangle? and how does it work in a toxic relationship? We also discuss how the dynamic of a toxic relationship works, and what are some of the traits of an individual who projects these traits. This is the third series with Nisrine. We have previously spoken about Attachment Styles: https://behindthestigma.buzzsprout.com/1402324/10395172-at...
Education Series - Social Learning Theory
September 11, 2022 15:00 - 8 minutes - 5.79 MBIn continuation of last month's theme of learning through conditioning, this month's education series is dedicated to social learning theory. Learn about the most popular psychologist of social learning theory and his infamous experiment in Stanford known as the Bobo doll experiment.