Psych Attack

28. In the minds of ancient Romans

Professor Emeritus Gregory S. Aldrete [https://gregorysaldrete.com/] explains some of the hallmarks of Ancient Roman psychology (i.e., their values and motivations). Greg shares rich context and examples, weaving together a story of similarities and differences between life in Ancient Rome and life now. We discuss a wide range of topics, from hand gestures used to compensate for lack of microphones in large arenas, tombstone engravings and graffiti messages, common pets, and sources that historians draw on to find the lesser heard voices of ancient Rome. Greg is Professor Emeritus of history at the University of University of Wisconsin-Green Bay [https://www.uwgb.edu/]. Greg is an ancient historian specialising in the study of civilisations, cultures, and history of the ancient Mediterranean world, particularly Ancient Greece and Rome. Greg is driven to figure out how stuff really worked in antiquity. You can reach out to Greg via email: aldretegs@gmail.com Explore other interesting work by Greg Books [https://www.amazon.com/Books-Gregory-S-Aldrete/s?rh=n%3A283155%2Cp_27%3AGregory%2BS.%2BAldrete] The Great Courses [https://www.thegreatcourses.com/professors/gregory-s-aldrete] Website [https://gregorysaldrete.com/] I highly recommend subscribing to The Great Courses to access Greg's lecture series The Roman Empire: From Augustus to the Fall of Rome. [https://www.thegreatcourses.com/courses/the-roman-empire-from-augustus-to-the-fall-of-rome] Tim and I spent much of our end of year break in 2024 watching it. Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Aldrete, G. S. (2025, June 22). In the minds of ancient Romans (No. 28) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Professor Emeritus Gregory Aldrete for sharing your time and expertise.

27. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys

In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about his book The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys, which is currently on presale and is being released 1 June, 2025. The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys offers a safe, inclusive space to examine, understand, and heal from systemic and interpersonal threats to your mental well-being. Based on proven-effective cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), this book provides proven-effective tools and exercises to help you reflect on, confront, and manage difficult emotions; improve self-image and self-esteem; and develop healthy coping skills. This guidebook will help you: * Cultivate greater self-awareness * Move past negative thinking habits * Heal emotional wounds and build resilience * Challenge heteronormativity and gender role rigidity * Care for your sexual health. Rahim is a racialized, queer social worker who works as an instructor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, public speaker, podcast host [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cbt-dive/id1578761853], and writer [https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/writing]. He calls Toronto home and currently teaches at The University of Alabama [https://socialwork.ua.edu/blog/rahimthawer/]. His work [https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/] explores the intersection of mental health and systemic oppression. He has a particular interest in examining innovation in queer relationships and exploring how anti-racist, queer-affirming psychoanalytic frameworks can support social workers, training therapists, and organizational leaders. Pre-order The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys Amazon US [https://www.amazon.com/Mental-Health-Guide-Trans-Queer/dp/1648485030] Amazon Australia [https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1648485030?psc=1&smid=A4XRJ8S0WXSO0&ref_=chk_typ_imgToDp] Works mentioned in this episode Thawer, R. (2025). The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys: Skills to Cope and Thrive as Your Authentic Self. Publisher: New Harbinger Publications. [Pre-Order [https://a.co/d/b7NBfJ4]] To see more of Rahim's work, check out ladyativan.com [https://allmylinks.com/ladyativan] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Thawer, R. (2025, May 13). The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys (No. 27) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Rahim Thawer for sharing your time and expertise.

26. Writing and publishing a non-fiction book

Dr Will Dobud [https://www.willdobud.com/] shares insights about his experience of writing and publishing a non-fiction book - a lessons learnt kind of a chat. Rather than focusing on insights from the book content, we talk about the mechanics, processes, and experiences behind bringing together a non-fiction and mental health focused book. Will Dobud, PhD, MSW, is a Senior Social Work Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning practitioner, educator, and researcher. He is recognised as a practitioner with international experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Will’s research focuses on improving young people’s experiences in therapeutic interventions and outdoor therapies and how clinicians can become more evidence-informed in their decision-making. Will also advocates for youth affected by unethical treatments and interventions, highlighted by the Troubled Teen Industry in the United States. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for youth-serving organisations, travelling internationally to help organisations enhance their services for those they serve. Will and I collaborate on a wide range of topics and create practice resources together. Connect with Will on various social media platforms: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WillDobudPhD], X / Twitter [https://x.com/WillDobud], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-dobud-5209ab74/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/willdobud/] Experiential Practice Symposium Will is also the co-convenor for the first Experiential Practice Symposium held from 21-23 November on CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus. This is an affordable and accessible event with the theme of “Conversation as Experiential Learning.” Everyone is welcome to attend and facilitate an experiential workshop on learning, mental health, or the philosophy of experience. Learn more here: https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/ [https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/] Other episodes featuring Will 25. Kids these days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/25-kids-these-days-understanding-and-supporting-youth-mental] 9. Exploring outdoor therapies [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/exploring-outdoor-therapies-with-dr-will-dobud] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Dobud, W. (2025, April 12). Writing and publishing a non-fiction book (No. 26) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Dr Will Dobud for sharing your time and expertise. Related Psych Attack Episodes 22. Digital phenotyping: Using smartphone metadata to predict mental health symptoms [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/digital-phenotyping-using-smartphone-metadata-to-predict-mental-health-symptoms] 13. The role of animals in mental health practice [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/the-importance-of-pets-for-people-experiencing-poor-mental-health-with-dr-abigail-alfrey] 7. Mental health disorders and child development [https://www.psychattack.com/episodes/mental-health-disorders-and-child-development-with-dr-tanya-hanstock] Related practice resources Building resilience in children and young people [https://aifs.gov.au/resources/policy-and-practice-papers/building-resilience-children-and-young-people#overview] Engaging young children (0-5 years) in nature play [https://aifs.gov.au/resources/practice-guides/engaging-young-children-0-5-years-nature-play] Related blog posts Child and adolescent mental health conference 2025 [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/child-and-adolescent-mental-health-conference-2025/]

25. Kids these days: Understanding and supporting youth mental health

In this episode, I catch up again with Dr Will Dobud [https://www.willdobud.com/] about his latest book called 'Kids These Days' [https://www.amazon.com/Kids-These-Days-Understanding-Supporting/dp/1774060221/ref=sr_1_1?crid=JESZA5TXZOK&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Ub3RUxM3n1flmjsztZZFzg.8ALCmenlIEJU3cOsJPYXSsz2q8qmeKYrlXgPSMfgt4c&dib_tag=se&keywords=kids+these+days+understanding+and+supporting+youth+mental+health&qid=1742766339&sprefix=%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-1], which is currently on presale. 'Kids These Days' is essentially a protest for protecting the heroism and spirit of youth. Will co-authored 'Kids These Days' with Professor Nevin Harper [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevinharper/] from the University of Victoria in Canada. This anticipated book offers a frank exploration of the rising rates of youth mental illness and the ways in which increased interference, intervention, and ideology have influenced these trends. To develop the book, Will and Nevin consulted with experts in therapeutic interventions, parenting, education, outdoor play, social media, and environmental toxins. They examined how mainstream media may, in fact, incite heightened moral panic without representing the best available evidence. Will Dobud, PhD, MSW, is a Senior Social Work Lecturer at Charles Sturt University and an award-winning practitioner, educator, and researcher. He is recognised as a practitioner with international experience working with children, adolescents, and families. Will’s research focuses on improving young people’s experiences in therapeutic interventions and outdoor therapies and how clinicians can become more evidence-informed in their decision-making. Will also advocates for youth affected by unethical treatments and interventions, highlighted by the Troubled Teen Industry in the United States. He is a sought-after speaker and trainer for youth-serving organisations, travelling internationally to help organisations enhance their services for those they serve. Will and I collaborate on a wide range of topics and create practice resources together.  Connect with Will Dobud and Nevin Harper on various social media platforms: Will: Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/WillDobudPhD], X / Twitter [https://x.com/WillDobud], LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/will-dobud-5209ab74/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/willdobud/] Nevin: LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevinharper/], Substack [https://adultsintheroom.substack.com/], Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kids_these_days_book/] Experiential Practice Symposium Will is also the co-convenor for the first Experiential Practice Symposium held from 21-23 November on CSU’s Port Macquarie Campus. This is an affordable and accessible event with the theme of “Conversation as Experiential Learning.” Everyone is welcome to attend and facilitate an experiential workshop on learning, mental health, or the philosophy of experience. Learn more here: https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/ [https://experientialpractice.csu.domains/] Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Dobud, W. (2025, March 27). Kids These Days: Understanding and Supporting Youth Mental (No. 25) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [https://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be some errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Dr Will Dobud for sharing your time and expertise.

24. Envy in our social and sexual lives

In this episode, I catch up with Rahim Thawer about envy and its impacts in our social and sexual lives. Rahim is a racialized, queer social worker who works as an instructor, psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, public speaker, podcast host [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cbt-dive/id1578761853], and writer [https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/writing]. He calls Toronto home and currently teaches at The University of Alabama [https://socialwork.ua.edu/blog/rahimthawer/]. His work [https://www.affectiveconsult.ca/] explores the intersection of mental health and systemic oppression. He has a particular interest in examining innovation in queer relationships and exploring how anti-racist, queer-affirming psychoanalytic frameworks can support social workers, training therapists, and organizational leaders. Episode content 0:00 - Introduction 1:16 - Rahim's background and focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) 6:21 - How Rahim got interested in envy 11:48 - The difference between envy and jealousy 17:09 - Queer experiences of envy 20:07 - Envy and systemic oppression 20:53 - How to manage envy 25:49 - Has social media made envy worse? 29:46 - Online content creators and envy 31:22 - Can envy be managed through CBT? 34:39 - Why are some people not impacted by envy? 40:19 - How to keep up to date with Rahim’s work   Works mentioned in this episode Thawer, R. (2022, June 9). The Matrix of Envy in Our Social and Sexual Lives. [https://medium.com/@rahimthawer/the-matrix-of-envy-in-our-social-and-sexual-lives-474d46f2a172] Medium. Thawer, R. (2025). The Mental Health Guide for Cis and Trans Queer Guys: Skills to Cope and Thrive as Your Authentic Self. Publisher: New Harbinger Publications. [Pre-Order [https://a.co/d/b7NBfJ4]] To see more of Rahim's work, check out ladyativan.com [https://allmylinks.com/ladyativan]   Cite this episode MacDonald, J. B. & Thawer, R. (2025, Jan 15). Envy in our social and sexual lives (No. 24) [Audio podcast episode]. In Psych Attack. www.psychattack.com [http://www.psychattack.com/]   Transcript The transcript for this episode was developed using transcription software. There may be some errors in the content as I do not have capacity to review for accuracy.   Acknowledgements Psych Attack is created and hosted by Dr Jasmine B. MacDonald [https://jasminebmacdonald.com.au/]. The video and audio for this episode was edited by Morgan McRae. Special thanks to Rahim Thawer for sharing your time and expertise.