Psych for Life with Dr. Amanda Ferguson

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Sarah Martin to discuss her latest book, Dear Carer. Sarah is an author, perioperative nurse, mental health advocate, a carer peer worker - advocating for those with complex mental health concerns and a peer ambassador for Sane Australia. 

Sarah's mission is to break the silence and stigma of all mental health concerns. Her latest book, Dear Carer is for those who have a loved one living with complex mental health concerns and offers insights into how we can do better as carers and add to our support t...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with psychotherapist Geoffrey Price about what's really behind male aggression. Geoffrey has 40 years clinical experience as a psychotherapist for men and couples, and is executive coach to CEOs around the world. He is a co-founder and senior facilitator of Pathways to Manhood, a wilderness rites of passage program to lead boys to healthy manhood. 

Geoffrey has written a psychological thriller titled True Wild Light, offering readers a captivating glimpse into themselves through the hidden worlds of therapy and coaching. The novel explores the invisible bars that underlie the m...

In this episode of Pysch for Life I chat with author, speaker and Learning + Organisational Development specialist, Dr Gayle Smerdon about Bay Days are inevitable, but we don't need to stay stuck in them!

For more than two decades, Gayle has worked across universities, government and not-for-profits, helping leaders and teams navigate change, build capability, and create healthy cultures. 

With a PhD in Sociology and a Graduate Diploma in Psychology, she studies how organisations function (and malfunction), exploring the interplay of systems, culture and behaviour. Her favourite question is simple: “Is this important and are we...

In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Dr Jenny Brown about how the over-professionalisation of parenting is eroding parents' trust in their own instincts and increasing anxiety, guilt and burnout.

Dr. Jenny Brown is a family therapist, founder of the Parent Hope Project and host of the Parent Hope Podcast. She's also a mum and a grandma. Her work helps parents ditch the guilt and stop trying to get it all 'right'. Her approach explains that parents aren’t doing it wrong, but good parents are often doing too much of the right th...

In the latest Psych for Life episode, I speak with sociologist, Dr Sophie Brock about the Motherhood of today.

Dr Sophie Brock specialises in Motherhood Studies and offers education and professional training on the social construction of motherhood and how cultural systems shape maternal experience. Her work explores concepts such as the Perfect Mother Myth, the Care/Career Conundrum, and the Anger-Guilt Trap, translating sociological theory into practical frameworks supporting both mothers and the professionals who work with them.

Listen to our chat on - 

- why modern motherhood can feel so overwhelming a...

In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Dr. Meher Chahal on healing inherited trauma.

Dr Chahal is a medical doctor, author, astrologer, entrepreneur, and investor trained in western medicine, psychiatry, systemic and family constellations therapy, Hellenistic astrology, and Jungian coaching. She left her psychiatry residency to pursue a radically different approach to mental health — one that looks beyond the individual to the family lineage and ancestral patterns that shape our psychology.

She is the author of Unlicensed Medicine, a groundbreaking book introducing readers to the concept of inherited trauma. Through her wo...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I  chat with stress physiologist and evolutionary biologist, Dr Rebecca Heiss on harnessing stress as a springboard for goal achievement. 

Rebecca's work centres around eliminating the barriers between who you are, and who you want to become. Tackling fear, stress, and anxiety, with science-backed approaches to move you to a place of clarity, authenticity, and confidence. What more would you DO, what more would you BE, if you were fear(less)?

Listen in to our chat on -

- how to make stress work for you no...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Randall Thames, an executive coach and personal concierge advisor to c-suite leaders,  author, consultant, master top team effectiveness strategist, national speaker and facilitator, community and ministry leader. Randall is renowned for providing perspectives and insights that inspire cognitive reshaping which ignites decision and discipline to Discover Develop Display™ process and performance habits that create Inevitable Outcomes™ that impact everything. 

Listen in to our chat on - 

- what are the leadership archetypes to optimise the best self 

- what are the twins of trust in...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with author, Caitlin Judd about her new book - Good Girl, Goodbye.

Caitlin is an author, coach and business strategist who helps women untangle their ‘Good Girl’ conditioning so they can design richer, more meaningful lives. Drawing on positive psychology, wellbeing and entrepreneurship, Caitlin helps women build purpose-led careers and businesses that reflect their individual definition of success. 

Listen in to our chat on - 

- the impact of good girl conditioning

- what are good girl archetypes or faces

- reco...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Tom Mitchell, Ph.D. who has spent his adult life coaching and teaching others how to discover their unique, greatness within. His passion for exploring the boundaries of performance excellence began as an athlete in his native Pennsylvania. His avid study of sport psychology, motivation, and leadership, has led Tom to a richly varied career as a college coach and professor, motivational speaker, NBA sport psychology counselor, business coach and team building consultant.

Using many of the mental training practices that are found in athletics, he skillfully...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with author Alina Bellchambers.

Alina grew up in her family’s bookstore and spent a childhood immersed in fantastical worlds. She now writes twisty thrillers and epic fantasies featuring morally grey characters, seductive court intrigue and powerful heroines.  The first book in her fantasy duology, The Order of Masks, published in 2024  became a national Dymocks and indie bookstore bestseller. It was followed by The Weight of Crowns in 2025.

Alina has a degree in psychology and is fascinated by neurodivergence, having been diagnosed as autistic herself. Most rece...

In my first Psych for Life episode for 2026, I'm chatting with romance author and trauma specialist, Dr Alicia Leigh, about how to heal trauma with storytelling.

Dr Alicia is a multi-published author of over 20 fiction and non-fiction books with a PhD  investigating how the romance genre serves as a medium through which to explore the complex themes of trauma, trauma response, post-trauma effects, and trauma recovery, subsequently identifying a “post-trauma romance” subgenre.

Listen in to our discussion on - 

 -  what is scripto-bibliotherapy and the importance of storytelling in trauma recovery

 -  why we...

In the last episode of the Psych for Life - Summer Series, I'm resharing my chat with Mark Morris about all things transitioning to being a father. 

Mark is a passionate advocate for positive masculinity and gender equality, an active dad of 2 and volunteers at his children’s school and local football club. With more than 20 years of leadership experience and a degree in Psychology, he specialises in People, is an accredited executive leadership coach, a Board Director, an Adjunct Professor in Leadership and Gender Equality, and is currently leading a number of research initiatives. He encourages a g...

In this episode of my Summer Series, we're revisiting a super popular episode that may be a timely reminder for all of us as the new year picks up pace.

We hear about self esteem and self-love often. So what are they and how do we enhance ours if it feels like they may be lacking? Listen to this quick power ep as I discuss all things self esteem and self love. 

This episode includes:

- understanding more about self esteem and self love

- why is acceptance so important

In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I'm re-sharing my chat with Megan Golightly, one of the most popular organising and decluttering influencers in North America. Megan is best known for weaving her psychology background and interest in neuroscience into the help she provides, promoting the importance of mental health and positive change.

Listen in to this episode to learn:

- The impact of clutter on our mental wellbeing

- The difference between clutter and hoarding as a mental health concern
- Why you want to break the pattern of...

In this Summer Series episode, I chat with Daniel Principe, a passionate youth advocate and educator. He champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives.Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents. Daniel partners with schools and communities, to encourage young people to aspire to healthy relationships built on mutual respect and empathy. Listen in to hear our discussion on:- all things boys and emotional intelligence- how the 'crisis of...

In this Summer Series episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher,  James Kirby, Ph.D.,  an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. 

James examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding, and the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically how they help with self-criticism and shame that underpin many depression and anxiety disorders. 

James is also an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford Univ...

In the latest episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Jane Monica Jones about the impacts the cost of living crisis is having on our mood and money management. 

Jane Monica-Jones is Australia's leading Financial Therapist and recent winner of two global awards. Jane is a Trauma Informed Financial Wellbeing Specialist. She is a pioneer in the study of psychological and behavioural challenges with money and financial management practices, such as gambling, overt financial risk, retail therapy, overspending and underearning. She has a passion for these areas and works compassionately with clients a...

Ending a serious romantic relationship is hard enough – but what about when there are children involved and you need to navigate co-parenting with your ex? Whereas previously ending a relationship would have removed you from dealing with the same old problems, with co-parenting, they are still there! This requires a significant adjustment, especially in the early days. So how do you move forward while co-parenting with your ex?  Tune in to this ep to discover how to find your new mindset while co-parenting with your ex-partner!

In this episode of Psych for Life, we're covering all things money and ADHD - what are challenges and how you can be aware of them to make managing your money easier.

Tina Mathams is an ADHD money coach, accountant, and author of ADHD Money - a practical, empowering guide to understanding money when you have ADHD. After 15 years working as an accountant, Tina now helps neurodivergent individuals untangle their financial lives through content, workshops, and accessible tools designed for ADHD brains.

She’s the founder of ADHD Money, a fast-growing platform that bl...

Do you – or someone you know – have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud? Are you regularly consumed with self-doubt, negative thoughts, anxiety or exhaustion? Do you pass off your achievements simply luck, not skill?

Tune in to this episode of Psych for Life, where you’ll learn:

- What is imposter syndrome and why you should be aware of it

- How it is detrimental to our mental health and careers

- Strategies and tips to help yourself or a friend break free from imposter syndrome

And so...

If you have been feeling a little more on edge or frazzled lately, it wouldn't be a surprise. Our world has become so stressful and chaotic, with challenging and traumatic events accessible to us 24/7. We were not designed to manage such a constant stream of stress. So more than ever, we need to be mindful of how we can reset and calm ourselves down.

In this power episode you’ll learn:

- Why a calm nervous system is critical to our mental health

- How a calm mind is essential in managing both ou...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I discuss with Dr. Jodi Richardson why anxiety shows up around what we care about. Dr. Jodi Richardson is a professional keynote and workshop speaker for mastering anxiety. She provides real-time strategies to help individuals and teams flourish. Dr Jodi has a background in secondary teaching and qualifications in Behavioural Therapy, Wellbeing Science and Exercise Physiology. She is a mum and understands first-hand the challenges of anxiety.

Tune in to learn - 

- Why anxiety shows up around what we care about

- The way a...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Australia’s leading compassion researcher, Dr James Kirby to discuss why high performers use self compassion.

Dr James Kirby is an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. He examines compassionate responding, and the effectiveness of compassion focused interventions. James is an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and an Honorary Member of the Compassionate Mind Foundation UK. In 2022 he authored Ch...

Have you neglected to put your new year’s resolutions into place - and yet again you're wondering why? As we pass the mid point of the year, are you feeling disappointed, frustrated or angry at yourself? Take heart – in this episode I'm discussing all things self sabotage - what it is, why we do it, the reasons we can find it so diffcult to follow through and importantly - how to correct it.

I’ll show you why it can be so difficult to follow through for ourselves and how to correct this.

So if you...

On this episode of Psych to Life, I chat with Lisa Blair OAM, the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop and unassisted around Antarctica on her yacht Climate Action. She very nearly didn’t live to tell the tale, in a life-threatening dismasting. Lisa is now setting her sights on her upcoming NZ records before focusing on the Arctic Ocean.


Tune in to hear our discussion on -

- Dealing with uncertainty; whilst we can chart a course, there's always unexpected challenges

- How Lisa manages her mindset

- The im...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back Daniel Principe to discuss the series "Adolescence” and the importance of a grounded sense of self.

Daniel champions boys across Australia to challenge culture and aspire to live courageous, respectful and empathetic lives.

Having presented to tens of thousands of young people across Australia, Daniel is no stranger to the complex challenges that our distracting digital world presents to adolescents: such as toxic influencers, the objectification of women and girls and unrealistic expectations fuelled by pornography culture.

Daniel partners with schools and communities, to...

In this episode of Psych for Life I am chatting all about The Beauty Load and its potential self-esteem dealing damage, with author and counsellor, Nicole Mathieson. Nicole is a relationship coach, counsellor, couple therapist and author of The Beauty Load. She helps women, men and couples in their intimate relationships both with others and themselves.  

Nicole has impacted the lives of thousands of women through her writing, speaking, podcasts and work as a counsellor. In the therapy room, Nicole sees the Beauty Load's negative impact on self-esteem in real time as she helps her clients g...

Do you want to Paradigm-shift – or turn the tables – on a tricky relationship? Particularly one in which you feel trapped, controlled, treated like a younger version of yourself?  

Then tune in to this Psych for Life power ep, where I share my super effective "dinner party exercise" to help you improve and create healthier, more functional relationships. No longer feel entangled in toxic dynamics. Learn this technique and start applying it to all of the difficult relationships in your life today.

Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my book, Life Works - Rediscover yourself and t...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I welcome back psychologist and one of Australia's most expert leaders and trainers in bullying, Evelyn Field OAM. Evelyn has spent over forty years helping students and adults develop social survival skills to manage school and workplace bullying.

Listen in to our insighful conversation about workplace bullying to learn -

Did you grow up with a Narcissistic parent? Are you trying to breaking free of them - or another? Did you feel like you were growing up in their shadow – or now living in another’s shadow?

Listen in to this power ep to learn - 

- What is a co-narcissist

- How to recognise an expected or current connection that clouds your view

- How to shift out of a co-narcissistic mindset and relationship

Liked this topic? Grab a copy of my bo...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Clinical Psychologist, Bart Traynor, who has a particular passion for men's mental health and helping athletes and people become the very best version of themselves. He also consults with and provides training and support to organisations struggling with mental health issues in the workplace.
Bart is Head of Operations at Atlantis Recovery Centre in QLD, Australia – which specialises in veteran and NDIS health care, combining clinical treatment with technology to provide a layered approach to care. Listen in to our inspiring chat on:

 - the ben...

A role model is a person whose behavior, example, or success is admired and imitated by others, particularly by younger people. They serve as a source of inspiration and guidance, influencing values, attitudes, and behaviors. As we grow and develop through life – having good role models can really make us – and not having them may break us! 

In this ep you’ll learn the importance of role models for children, adolescents and adults and how to build more of these for your child and yourself. I draw on the recent Netflix series, Adolescence as an example.

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Sarah Martin, author of Dear Psychosis, her first award-winning book describing not only the dramatic rescue of her unwell daughter from Turkey, but the ongoing impact of helping a loved one deal with mental illness. 

Despite being an experienced theatre nurse and part of an extended family of medical professionals, nothing could have prepared Sarah for navigating the health system after her daughter Alice began experiencing psychosis and later, bipolar disorder.

Listen in to our chat on:

In this episode of Psych for Life, I chat with Australia's leading compassion researcher,  James Kirby, Ph.D.,  an Associate Professor, Clinical Psychologist, Director of the Clinical Programs, and the Co-Director of the Compassionate Mind Research Group at the University of Queensland. 

James examines factors that facilitate and inhibit compassionate responding, and the clinical effectiveness of compassion focused interventions, specifically how they help with self-criticism and shame that underpin many depression and anxiety disorders. 

James is also an Honorary Associate Professor of the Center for Compassion and Altruism Research and Education at Stanford University and is a...

In this episode of Psych for Life, I'm talking with Mark Morris about all things transitioning to being a father. Mark is a passionate advocate for positive masculinity and gender equality, an active dad of 2 and volunteers at his children’s school and local football club. With more than 20 years of leadership experience and a degree in Psychology, he specialises in People, is an accredited executive leadership coach, a Board Director, an Adjunct Professor in Leadership and Gender Equality, and is currently leading a number of research initiatives. He encourages a greater focus on equity in schools & early childhood to...

Life brings crossroads every so often. When our work conflicts with our mental health – this is a major crossroad – and one that comes to many of us sooner or later in our careers. 

Most of us are lucky enough to be able to direct the quality of our lives, and these crossroads are opportunities to take stock, take charge and work out what the next best steps are. 

In this episode You’ll take a moment to:

- understand what a healthy and unhealthy work-life balance looks like 

- identify whether your work...

In my first new episode for 2025, I welcomed Dr Emmanuella Noble, a Clinical Psychologist and Sailor who recently completed the classic Sydney to Hobart oceanic yacht race. 
Emmanuella is deeply passionate about reducing the stigma of Mental Health in the community and she often talks about health and wellbeing issues. 

Listen in to our conversation on -

- the realities of racing the Sydney to Hobart

- the importance of facing challenges head on, despite difficulty or risk of failure

- how to build resilience to face adversity

...

During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.

There's no escaping that we live in a digital world. However, our digital habits are impacting our stress and relationships more than ever, so I chat with Dr Kristy Goodwin, about what we can do to tame them.Dr Kristy Goodwin studies what it takes to thrive in the digital world. Kristy is the author of Dear Digital, We need to talk wh...

During Summer, I’ll be sharing my Summer Series - a replay of some of our most popular Psych for Life podcast episodes. I hope you enjoy them as much as my other listeners have.

Co-dependence may seem like the latest buzzy word, however if you're wanting healthy relationships in your life, it's one you should probably pay attention to. The cornerstone of Co-dependence is when we care too much what other people think about us. This keeps us limited, stuck and failing to grow and eventually impacts our relationships, keeping us stuck and miserable.

Li...