Make Your Mind

About Make Your Mind

How do our minds really work? How different are we from one another? What’s the science behind our interactions, and how do we fit into the larger collective of consciousness? These are some of the big questions we explore in the Make Your Mind podcast. Dedicated to curiosity and expanding our understanding of ourselves and the world, this podcast brings together experts from various fields—those who study the science of the mind, experts in self-inquiry, and thought leaders with social and cultural insights. Join Jess as she dives into conversations that unpack these evolving topics.

Publisher

Jess Leondiou

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Oct 2024

Latest episode

6 Mar 2026

Latest episodes

9 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Mar 2026

   What Tao philosophy can teach us about slowing down and listening to ourselves – Professor Diane Dreher

   Today we hear from Diane Dreher, psychologist, author, and Professor Emeritus at Santa Clara University. Diane has spent decades exploring the intersection of Eastern philosophy and positive psychology, and her books include the best-selling The Tao of Inner Peace and her newest, Pathways to Inner Peace. In this episode, Diane shares how the Tao Te Ching, written over 25 centuries ago during a time of political upheaval, offers practical wisdom for navigating stress, disconnection, and uncertainty today. She and Jess explore the Tao's definitions of strength, the science of mindful presence, why micro-moments of connection matter, and what happens when we learn to trust intuition over logic. This episode's reflection prompt: "What brings you joy, and how can you make more room for it in your daily life?" Learn more about Diane Dreher Website: https://www.dianedreher.com Read Diane's books : ⁠https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/contributors/diane-e-dreher-phd?page=7 ⁠ (https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/contributors/diane-e-dreher-phd?page=7) Listen to Diane's mediations : https://www.dianedreher.com/disc.htm LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dianedreher/ Follow Make Your Mind Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeyourmind.co Connect with Jess Leondiou Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jess_leondiou LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessleondiou YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jess_leondiou Substack: https://jessleondiou.substack.com

2. 

   1 Jan 2026

   I’m doing the right things — why aren’t I happier? Dr Ross Ellenhorn

   What if the problem isn’t you — but the way wethink about mental health? In this episode, Jess Leondiou speaks with RossEllenhorn about why so many people feel stuck, disconnected, or exhausted by self-work, even when they’re doing everything they’re told should help. Together, they explore more humane ways of understanding distress, change, and the need to feel held by others. This episode will help you think differently about mental health, not as something to fix, but as something shaped by connection, meaning, and context — and why losing those things can make even small challenges feel overwhelming. The conversation explores: • Why feeling “unheld” makes life feel harder • How therapy and psychiatry can become overly focused on fixing • The idea of fear of hope and why staying the same can be protective • How diagnosis and labels can shape identity • Creativity, art, and play as ways humans make meaning This conversation stayed with me because it gave language to experiences I know many people feel but rarely hear named —especially the pressure to change without feeling supported, and the loneliness that can sit underneath self-improvement. If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing the inner work but still feel disconnected, this episode offers a different frame — one rooted in recognition, curiosity, and shared humanity. Guest Resources https://www.ellhorn.com Programs and clinical work https://www.ellhorn.com/programs Books How We Change (And Ten Reasons Why We Don’t) https://www.harpercollins.com/products/how-we-change-ross-ellenhorn Harold and the Purple Crayon and the Creative Imagination https://www.harpercollins.com/products/harold-and-the-purple-crayon-and-the-creative-imagination-ross-ellenhorn Chapters 0:00 Intro 02:32 Ross Ellenhorn on mental health, sociology, and his work 04:45 Why trying to “fix yourself” doesn’t work 07:32 Psychedelics, therapy, and the problem of medicalising healing 10:58 Loneliness, feeling unheld, and why connection matters 15:26 Conformity, creativity, and how we handle uncertainty 19:48 COVID, isolation, and threat assessment theory 29:59 Therapy, connection, and speaking in states not labels 34:01 Fear of hope, change, and why staying the same feels safer 47:31 Art, play, ritual, and creating meaning together 01:06:12 Final reflections on hope and human connection Listen to more Make Your Mind episodes https://www.makeyourmind.co/podcast Follow Make Your Mind Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/makeyourmind.co YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@makeyourmind Substack — https://jessleondiou.substack.com Connect with Jess Leondiou Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/jessleondiou LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessleondiou YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@jess_leondiou This podcast is sponsored by Archleys — toolsfor introspection and self-connection. Shop now: https://www.archleys.com (www.archleys.com) #MakeYourMindPodcast #JessLeondiou#MentalHealth #Psychology #Connection #Loneliness #Hope #Creativity#SelfAwareness

3. 

   1 Oct 2025

   Unlocking the Mind's Blueprint: An Introduction to Schema Therapy with Lars Madsen

   Today we hear from Lars Madsen, an industry leader with over 20 years’ experience in forensic psychology. He shares his insights on schema therapy — a framework used to shift deeply ingrained behaviours and, as Lars calls it, work with your emotional blueprint. This episode's writing prompt is: "Think of one recurring struggle in your life — maybe a fear of rejection, or always putting others first. Ask yourself what old belief or unmet need might be driving this, and then try writing down small ways you could meet that need now." Learn more about Lars Explore his clinical practice at the ⁠Forensic + Clinical Psychology Centre⁠⁠ (https://psychclinic.com.au/) Listen to his podcast, Beyond the Crime: A psychological analysis (https://open.spotify.com/show/1qyyXNbvmXGQDIML5fky2z?si=c8d9990892c840a3) Read his blog, Beyond the Therapy ⁠ (https://substack.com/@larsbang) - This episode was edited by David Willett of Double T Media (https://doubletmedia.com.au/)

4. 

   16 Jul 2025

   Unpacking Modern Mental Health with Duncan Anderson

   In this episode, Jess and Duncan Anderson explore the current state of mental health, focusing on the concept of learned helplessness. They discuss how society's emphasis on recognising and reacting to negative stimuli may contribute to declining mental health, advocating for a return to principles of cognitive behavioural therapy. Through personal anecdotes and reflections, they explore the importance of emotional regulation, gratitude practices, and proactive problem-solving as means to foster a healthier mindset and more fulfilling relationships. As always, here are a few questions for you to reflect on after listening to this episode. First, in what moments do you prioritise comfort over growth, and how are you seeing these ideas play out in society more broadly? And then second, what does the idea of self care mean to you, and are there any aspects of it that you might want to adjust or reconsider after hearing the ideas shared? This episode was edited by David Willett of Double T Media (https://www.doubletmedia.com.au)

5. 

   25 Jun 2025

   The Paradox of Happiness with Brock Bastian

   Social psychologist Brock Bastian discusses the paradox of happiness, explaining to Jess how embracing discomfort and struggle leads to a more fulfilling life in this interview.

6. 

   26 May 2025

   Emotional Sensitivity & Intensity: For the Neurodivergent and Gifted Adult – with Imi Lo

   Psychotherapist Imi Lo discusses emotional intensity and neurodivergence, examining the impact of psychological labels and the importance of validating internal experiences in this interview episode.

7. 

   24 Feb 2025

   Is it love or limerence? The Neuroscience of romantic addiction with Dr. Tom Bellamy

   If you’ve ever found yourself obsessing over someone—you can't stop thinking about them, you're building out fantasies in your head, and your thoughts are starting to feel more like an addiction —you may have experienced limerence. In this episode, neuroscientist Dr. Tom Bellamy breaks down the mechanics of limerence, explaining how it relates to addiction, reward systems, and emotional regulation. He explores why some people are more prone to limerence, how uncertainty fuels romantic obsession, and what strategies we can use to manage or overcome these overwhelming feelings. What You’ll Learn: • What limerence is and how it differs from love • The brain’s role in romantic obsession • Why uncertainty and hope intensify limerence • The connection between limerence and addiction • How to recognise and navigate limerence in relationships Where can you learn more? Check out Tom's incredible work and community on his website and YouTube channel. His resources and rich with information and very engaging. • Dr. Tom Bellamy’s website: livingwithlimerence.com (https://livingwithlimerence.com) • Dr. Bellamy’s YouTube channel: Dr. Tom Bellamy on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXXXXXX)

8. 

   12 Nov 2024

   Mindset Mastery, stepping back from stories, and tuning into sensation: Darren Flemming pushing back on mental health paradigms.

   In this episode of Make Your Mind, I sit down with behavioural scientist, psychologist, and author Darren Fleming to explore a fresh perspective on mindset, mental health, and self-reflection. Darren’s book, Mindset Mastery, challenges some conventional mental health approaches, encouraging us to step away from labels, routines, and rigid goals in favour of a simpler, more intuitive path to personal growth. After reading his book, I was intrigued. As someone who’s spent years using therapy, journaling, and structured habits as part of my mental health journey, I wanted to dive deeper into Darren’s idea of “doing less.” Some of these concepts might feel familiar, yet his approach struck a chord with me. For Darren, real change starts by tuning into what’s happening in the body—without labelling, analysing, or resisting. His method is about experiencing body sensations and letting go of the stories we attach to them, which he sees as a pathway to an integrated self and genuine progress. This episode dives into some potentially controversial ideas, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you feel about practices rooted in the mental health movement? I’m still exploring these concepts myself, so if you’re on a similar journey, I’d love to hear your thoughts and keep the conversation going 📩 jess@archleys.com To learn more about Darren and his work visit, www.darrenfleming.com.au (www.darrenfleming.com.au) Buy his book here www.darrenfleming.com.au/books (www.darrenfleming.com.au/books) Follow him on Linkedin here (https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrenfleming/?originalSubdomain=au)

9. 

   2 Oct 2024

   Gayle Hardie: Emotional Health, the 3 Centres of Intelligence, and the Enneagram Framework

   Gayle Hardie is a globally recognized leadership expert and co-founder of the Global Leadership Foundation, dedicated to developing emotionally healthy leaders across the world. With over 30 years of experience, Gayle’s work centers around emotional health, the Enneagram, and mindfulness practices that enhance leadership and personal growth. In this episode, Gayle shares insights on how emotional health influences decision-making, relationships, and leadership styles. She and Jess explore the three centers of intelligence—head, heart, and gut—while discussing how the Enneagram can serve as a tool for self-awareness and growth. Tune in to learn how intentionality and reflection can help you become a more effective and emotionally aware leader. Gayle's Question for introspection: "How do I want to be today?" This is an anchoring question that you can explore through your journaling practise or in conversation with someone else. A few moments spent with a question can unlock a new perception. I’d Love to Hear From You 🙂 If you’ve got feedback, suggestions, guest ideas or want to share your thoughts on this episode, feel free to reach out! Email me at: jess@archleys.com Links to Gayle's work: 1. Global Leadership Foundation Website: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com⁠ (www.globalleadershipfoundation.com) 2. Mastering Emotional Health App: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/emotional-health⁠ (www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/emotional-health) 3. Buy Gayle’s Book: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/shop⁠ (www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/shop) 4. Hear more from Gayle: ⁠www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/blog⁠ (www.globalleadershipfoundation.com/blog) Chapters: 1. 00:00 - Introduction and Context Setting 2. 05:06 - Understanding Emotional Health 3. 09:47 - The Importance of Above and Below the Line 4. 16:07 - The Three Centers of Intelligence: Head, Heart, and Gut 5. 22:10 - Exploring the Enneagram Framework for Self-Awareness 6. 29:57 - Personality and Its Role in Emotional Health 7. 36:47 - Practices to Enhance Emotional Health 8. 45:00 - Quantum Thinking and Manifestation 9. 55:11 - Final Reflections and Intentions

Podcast Authority Score: 11 / 100

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23

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