Shows
Barking MadEpisode 28 Behind the Bark: How We Make Barking MadEpisode 28 Behind the Bark: How We Make Barking MadIn 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 LawsKeywordspodcast, mental health, psychiatry, audience engagement, technology, listener feedback, podcast longevity, serious topics, humor, personal reflectionsSummaryIn this episode, Peter and Professor Cathy Owen delve into the origins and evolution of...
2025-11-1822 min
Barking MadEpisode 27 Paws for Thought: Pets and Mental HealthEpisode 27 Paws for Thought: Pets and Mental HealthKeywordspet ownership, mental health, emotional benefits, mindfulness, pet anxiety, social connection, companion animals, pets on planesSummaryIn 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 social connections fostered through pet ownership. The conversation also touches on the responsibilities of pet care, the rise of companion animals, and the implications of...
2025-11-0422 min
Barking MadEpisode 26 Fear Factor – Unpacking Our PhobiasEpisode 26 Fear Factor – Unpacking Our Phobias Keywordsphobias, mental health, anxiety, treatment, common fears, irrational fears, desensitization, coping strategies, psychology, psychiatrySummaryIn 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 conversation delves into personal experiences with phobias, particularly focusing on heights and birds, and discusses the impact of avoidance behaviour. Dr. Owen emphasizes the importance of addressing phobias through sy...
2025-10-2125 min
Barking MadEpisode 25 Burnout is not a badge of honourKeywordsburnout, mental health, hustle culture, workplace stress, organizational strategies, future of work, AI, individual strategies, mindfulness, work-life balanceSummaryIn 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 organizations in addressing burnout, and the evolving nature of work in the age of AI. The conversation emphasizes the importance of individual strategies for managing stress and promoting well-being.
2025-10-0828 min
Barking MadEpisode 24 Mad or Bad? Political Violence & the MindKeywordspolitical violence, assassinations, mental illness, ideology, historical context, motivations, public figures, psychological analysisSummaryIn 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, emphasizing the need for a nuanced understanding of these events to prevent future occurrences.TakeawaysPolitical violence often prompts immediate attempts to justify or explain it.Assassinations can stem from a variety of motivations...
2025-09-2422 min
Barking MadEpisode 23 NDIS – Promise, Pitfalls, and PsychiatryKeywordsNDIS, disability support, mental health, psychiatric care, community resources, service costs, fraud, bureaucracy, funding, sustainabilitySummaryIn 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, and the need for reform to ensure sustainable support for individuals with disabilities.TakeawaysThe NDIS was launched to provide better support for people with disabilities.
2025-09-1022 min
Barking MadEpisode 22 Private Ride Through Cancer Part 3Keywords cancer journey, resilience, treatment options, emotionalimpact, healthcare system, financial burdens, diet, lifestyle adjustments,support systems, community resourcesSummaryIn 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 covers treatment options,dietary changes, and the financial burdens associated with cancer care. Peteremphasizes the need for better understanding and communication between cancerpatients and their support systems, as well as insights into the healthcaresystem's approach to treatment and costs.
2025-08-2728 min
Barking MadEpisode 21 Private Ride Through Cancer Part 2Keywordscancer journey, treatment, mental health, support, relapse, coping mechanisms, personal experience, oncology, patient perspective, health awarenessSummaryIn 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 mechanisms. Peter also touches on controversial thoughts regarding the causes of his cancer and reflects on his current treatment progress. The conversation concludes with a teaser for the next episode, hinting at broader community issues...
2025-08-1324 min
Barking MadEpisode 20 Private Ride Through Cancer Part 1Keywordscancer diagnosis, treatment journey, immunotherapy, psychological impact, patient experience, coping mechanisms, healthcare, personal story, lung cancer, medical decisionsSummaryIn 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, including chemotherapy and immunotherapy, and reflects on the coping mechanisms he employed throughout his journey. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding the emotional and psychological aspects of dealing with serious illness, as well as the medical decisions...
2025-07-3026 min
Barking MadEpisode 19 Public Danger or Public Mistrust? Schizophrenia and the Reality Behind the HeadlinesKeywordsBondi incident, mental health, schizophrenia, community impact, stigma, mental health care, funding, prevention, compassion, mental illnessSummaryThis 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 health care systems, and the need for better funding and compassionate care. It emphasizes the importance of prevention and the community's role in supporting individuals with mental health issues.TakeawaysThe Bondi incident raises...
2025-07-1623 min
Barking MadEpisode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad RestEpisode 18 Can’t Sleep, Won’t Sleep: The Mental Health Cost of Bad RestKeywordssleep, insomnia, mental health, sleep deprivation, sleep cycle, sleep needs, sleep anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, sleep medicationSummaryIn 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 the impact of lifestyle choices such as caffeine and alcohol on sleep qual...
2025-07-0224 min
Barking MadEpisode 17 ADHD – Why is Everyone Talking About It?KeywordsADHD, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, mental health, diagnosis, treatment, medication, lifestyle strategies, education, sociological factors, normalizationSummaryIn 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 the impact of societal changes on ADHD awareness. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding ADHD as a neurodevelopmental disorder and the need for tailored treatment plans.takeaways• ADHD stands for Attention De...
2025-06-1020 min
Barking MadEpisode 16 Real Men Talk: Breaking the Tough Guy Myth Around Mental HealthKeywordsalpha male, mental health, seeking help, emotional literacy, community support, male friendships, suicide statistics, masculinity, mental health barriers, emotional expressionSummaryThis 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 highlights the alarming suicide statistics among men and emphasizes the need for supportive environments where men can express their feelings. Strategies for building friendships and community connections are also discussed, providing practical advice for men...
2025-05-2121 min
Barking MadEpisode 15 Scroll, Post Repeat – How Social Media Impacts Our Mental Wellbeing?Keywordssocial media, mental health, anxiety, depression, community, doom scrolling, TikTok, Instagram, youth, resilienceSummaryThis 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 the importance of mindful engagement with social media and the need for resilience in navigating its challenges.Takeaways• Social media can exacerbate mental health issues.• Doom scrolling leads to nega...
2025-05-0720 min
Barking MadEpisode 14 Does Faith Play a Role in Psychiatry?KeywordsFaith, psychiatry, mental illness, spirituality, demonic possession, stigma, auditory hallucinations, religious practices, mental health, supportSummaryThis 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 health in various faith communities, and the challenges faced by healthcare professionals when addressing spiritual beliefs. The discussion also touches on the darker aspects of faith, including coercion and control within certain religious practices, and the...
2025-04-2221 min
Barking MadEpisode 13 Can Psychedelics Treat Mental Illness?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 as depression and PTSD, the role of Mind Medicine Australia in making these therapies accessible, and the positive outcomes observed in clinical settings. The discussion also addresses safety, patient experiences, industry acceptance, and the future of psychedelic therapy in mental health care.
Ttakeaways
• Some people have tr...
2025-04-0831 min
Barking MadEpisode 12 Mental Illness and WorkEpisode 12 Mental Illness and WorkKeywordsmental health, recovery, workplace, burnout, psychiatry, support, return to work, mental illness, stigma, employer responsibilitiesSummaryIn 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 of support systems, and the impact of burnout in the workplace. The conversation emphasizes the need for timely interventions and the role of employers in facilitating a smooth...
2025-03-2523 min
Barking MadEpisode 11 From Breakdown to Recovery - a Personal JourneyKeywordsmental health, psychiatry, psychosis, recovery, marijuana, stigma, medication, mindfulness, personal journey, mental wellbeingSummaryIn 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 role of medication in recovery. Professor Dr. Cathy Owen provides insights into psychiatry, demystifying complex concepts for a broader audience. Clay's story highlights the struggles and triumphs of navigating mental health issues, emphasizing the need for...
2025-03-1131 min
Barking MadEpisode 10 Is Grief and Loss a Mental Illness?Keywordsgrief, loss, counselling, complicated grief, stages of grief, emotional support, retirement, gender differences, pet loss, healingSummaryIn 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 highlights the importance of understanding grief as a natural human experience rather than a psychiatric condition, emphasizing the need for personalized support and counselling. They also discuss the...
2025-02-2528 min
Barking MadEpisode 9 Is Mental Illness Easy to Fake (and why would you do it?)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 caution against the potential consequences of attempting to fake mental illness.
Takeaways
• Faking mental illness can range from conscious manipulation to factitious disorders.
• There are various motivations for faking mental illness, incl...
2025-02-1117 min
Barking MadEpisode 8 Misconceptions about Mental IllnessKeywords
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 psychiatric medications, the stigma associated with their use, and the need for a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment that includes therapy and lifestyle changes.
Takeaways
• Many people have negative perceptions of psychiatric medications.
• 18% of Australians fill...
2025-01-2822 min
Barking MadEpisode 7 Do We Really Drink Too Much?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 as a coping mechanism, and the potential negative impacts on mental health, including chronic depression and personality changes. The conversation also touches on the market dynamics of non-alcoholic beverages and the challenges of promoting healthier...
2025-01-1419 minBarking MadEpisode 6 Where Have All the Services Gone?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 stigma surrounding mental health issues. The conversation highlights the need for a more streamlined approach to mental health services and emphasizes the importance of understanding and addressing public perceptions of mental health.
2024-12-3118 minBarking MadEpisode 5 Where Does The Law Meet Mental Illness?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 challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues, the legal frameworks governing involuntary treatment, and personal stories that illustrate the complexities of mental health interventions.
Takeaways
• The law interfaces with ps...
2024-12-1718 minBarking MadEpisode 4 What Actually Causes Mental Illness?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 understanding these causes to address mental health issues effectively. It also highlights the potential for recovery from substance dependence and the impact of mental health on families. Additionally, the role of sleep and circadian rhythms in mental...
2024-12-0317 minBarking MadEpisode 3 Are Psychiatric Treatments as Bad as They Sound?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 mentions behaviour modification and psychoanalysis as well. In terms of medication, she emphasizes the importance of informed decision-making and the challenges of adherence. Dr. Owen also discusses the availability and success rates of electrotherapy, the ongoing nature of talking...
2024-11-2019 minBarking MadEpisode 2 A Range of AilmentsEpisode 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. The conversation touches on the need for
resilience building and prevention strategies, as well as the challenges of accessing mental health support and services.
Keywords
psychiatry, p...
2024-10-3015 minBarking MadEpisode 1 The Psychiatric LandscapeEpisode 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 shorter term, while psychology
delves into the brain mechanisms of function and offers various subspecialties.
Psychiatry, on the other hand, requires a medical background and involves a comprehensive
assessment of physical and mental health. The episode also...
2024-10-1619 minBarking MadBarking Mad TrailerWelcome to Barking Mad, the podcast that pulls back the curtain on the world of mental health. Ever wonder what really happens inside a psychiatrist's office? You've come to the right place.
Join psychiatrist Dr. Cathy Owen, who brings over 35 years of frontline experience, as she and co-host Peter Dowling tackle the big questions people ask about mental health. From debunking myths to diving deep into complex topics, this podcast offers a candid and compassionate look at the
challenges and breakthroughs in mental health. Dr. Cathy’s warm, approachable style makes even the most sensitive discussions feel acc...
2024-08-2004 min