Barking Mad

About Barking Mad

Barking Mad is a podcast that explores the world of mental health with honesty, warmth and humour. The name isn’t a criticism of people living with mental illness, but a nod to the idea that parts of the mental health system, myths and assumptions around it can seem “barking mad” and are worth questioning. Psychiatrist Dr Cathy Owen (35+ years’ experience) and co-host Peter Dowling answer real questions, challenge stigma, and unpack complex topics in an accessible, engaging way. For information only; not medical advice; some topics may be distressing; seek appropriate help as needed.

Publisher

Dr Cathy Owen and Peter Dowling

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

20 Aug 2024

Latest episode

6 Oct 2026

Latest episodes

51 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Oct 2026

   Episode 50 Retail Therapy: Does Shopping Really Heal the Heart?

   Summary In this episode of Barking Mad, the hosts delve into the concept of retail therapy, exploring its psychological implications and societal perceptions. They discuss whether retail therapy serves as a genuine mood booster or if it can lead to compulsive buying behaviours. The conversation highlights gender differences in shopping habits, with a focus on how societal pressures and emotional needs influence purchasing decisions. The hosts also share practical tips for enjoying retail therapy responsibly, emphasizing the importance of setting budgets and being mindful of spending habits. Keywords retail therapy, compulsive buying, mood booster, gender differences, shopping habits, mental health, responsible shopping, emotional spending, instant gratification, financial management Takeaways Retail therapy can be a mood booster but may lead to compulsive buying. Gender differences play a significant role in shopping behaviours. Setting a budget is crucial for responsible retail therapy. Instant gratification in shopping can lead to financial strain. Seeking help is important if retail therapy becomes problematic. Chapters 00:00 Exploring Retail Therapy: A Double-Edged Sword 09:52 Gender Perspectives on Shopping and Mood 17:57 Practical Tips for Responsible Retail Therapy 26:43 Conclusion and Reflection 27:11 Support and Resources Questions If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com Resources Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources: Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/ Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/ 1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/ National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015 Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

2. 

   22 Sept 2026

   Episode 49 Why Dogs Are Good for Your Brain

   Keywords pet ownership, mental health, emotional benefits, mindfulness, pet anxiety, social connection, companion animals, pets on planes Summary In 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 bringing pets into public spaces, including on planes. Ultimately, they conclude that while pets are not a cure-all, they can significantly enhance quality of life. Takeaways Pet ownership has real emotional benefits backed by research. Pets can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. Mindfulness moments with pets can lower stress levels. Caring for pets can provide structure and routine. Pets can also be a source of stress for some owners. Animals can exhibit their own mental health issues. Walking dogs fosters social connections among owners. Engaging with pets can be a mindful activity. Companion animals are becoming more accepted in public spaces. Pets teach children responsibility and empathy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Pet Ownership and Mental Health 02:32 Tangible Benefits of Pet Ownership 06:01 The Role of Livestock and Farm Animals 10:27 Anxiety in Pets and Owners 13:19 Maximizing Mental Health Benefits from Pets 16:12 Companion Animals and Public Spaces 19:43 Traveling with Pets and Animal Welfare Questions If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com Resources Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources: Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/ Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/ Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/ 1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/ National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015 Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteem Kids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

3. 

   8 Sept 2026

   Episode 48 Why You Can't Sleep (and What Your Brain Is Doing)

   Keywords sleep, insomnia, mental health, sleep deprivation, sleep cycle, sleep needs, sleep anxiety, caffeine, alcohol, sleep medication Summary In 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 quality. They also delve into the vicious cycle of sleep anxiety and the potential risks associated with sleep medications, emphasizing the need for healthy sleep habits and routines. Takeaways Sleep is essential for mood regulation and memory processing. Sleep deprivation can lead to increased emotional reactivity. Insomnia affects a significant portion of the adult population. Sleep needs vary across different life stages. Caffeine and alcohol can significantly disrupt sleep quality. Anxiety about sleep can create a vicious cycle of poor sleep. Healthy sleep routines can improve sleep quality. Environmental factors play a crucial role in sleep quality. Medication for sleep can have risks and should be approached cautiously. Binge sleeping on weekends does not compensate for sleep deficits. Sound bites "Sleep is absolutely essential." "Sleep helps regulate our mood." "Sleep loss affects our emotions." Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Sleep 05:04 Understanding Sleep Needs Across Life Stages 10:58 The Vicious Cycle of Sleep Anxiety 16:42 Disruption of Sleep: Caffeine, Alcohol, and Environment 22:30 Medication and Sleep: Risks and Realities Questions If you have a question you would like to hear discussed, please drop us an email at barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com (mailto:barkingmadpodcast@outlook.com) Resources Feeling out of sorts? Here are some quality mental health resources:Lifeline 131114 or online here https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat/Beyond Blue https://www.beyondblue.org.au/E-Couch https://ecouch.com.au/Relationships Australia https://relationships.org.au/1800Respect 1800737732 or https://www.1800respect.org.au/National Alcohol and Other Drugs Hotline 1800250015Headspace for 12-25 https://www.headspace.com/articles/how-to-improve-self-esteemKids Helpline for 5-25 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Spotify

5.0 / 5

12 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 24 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

47

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

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Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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