Malleable Minds - Byron Drage

About Malleable Minds - Byron Drage

Malleable Minds, it’s a feature humans possess. Unlike any other species, our ability to adapt and learn in ways to benefit our lives is seemingly boundless. Through honesty with ourselves, acknowledging the mysteries yet solved, we're free to seek novelty and excel our ability tenfold.

Publisher

Byron Drage

Category

health & fitness

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

19 Nov 2020

Latest episode

7 Aug 2023

Latest episodes

16 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   7 Aug 2023

   Voice to Parliament; What is it & Why You Should Care #16

   Topics discussed: Introduction: Importance of the Voice to Parliament What is a Referendum and Democracy in Australia The Three Branches of Government: Legislative, Executive, and Judiciary The Need for Constitutional Laws: Role of the Constitution The Voice to Parliament: Definition and Objectives Closing the Gap: Well-being Outcomes for Indigenous Australians Previous Indigenous Representative Bodies and Their Impact Examining the Cost and Practicality of the Indigenous Advisory Body The Importance of Avoiding Veto Power The Uncertain Future: What Happens After the Referendum? The Emotional Compassion vs. Rational Consideration Debate Considering Alternatives to the Voice to Parliament Conclusion: Encouraging Informed and Balanced Discussions Reference list: Closing the Gap. (n.d.). National Agreement on Closing the Gap: Targets. Retrieved from https://www.closingthegap.gov.au/national-agreement/targets Uluru Statement from the Heart. (2017). Retrieved from https://ulurustatement.org/the-statement/view-the-statement/ Parliamentary Library. (n.d.). Former Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Representative Bodies. Retrieved from https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp2223/Quick_Guides/FormerAboriginalandTorresStraightIslanderRepresentativeBodies Voice.gov.au. (n.d.). Voice Principles. Retrieved from https://voice.gov.au/about-voice/voice-principles#voice-principle-2 Institute of Public Affairs. (n.d.). The Voice: Daniel Wild at 23:00 Minutes. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dtZg0W2BNg Fremantle Shipping News. (2023). Getting the Voice: The Calma-Langton Report. Retrieved from https://fremantleshippingnews.com.au/2023/04/14/getting-the-voice-the-calma-langton-report/ Sky News Australia. (n.d.). Budget Papers Reveal the $364.6 Million Cost of Delivering the Voice Referendum. Retrieved from https://www.skynews.com.au/australia-news/voice-to-parliament/budget-papers-reveal-the-3646-million-cost-of-delivering-the-voice-referendum/news-story/80a7550b3113a0ff07902cb6da6850e1 John Anderson. (n.d.). The Voice: Four Myths at 10:47. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Be8E9aagdls The Guardian. (2019). Marcia Langton and Tom Calma to Lead Indigenous Voice Advisory Group. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2019/oct/30/marcia-langton-and-tom-calma-to-lead-indigenous-voice-advisory-group

2. 

   3 Jul 2023

   Hip-Hop with Stellar Mental - Henning Ostendorf #15

   In the spirit of hip-hop, I’d like to kick off this podcast with a quick poem, a slick text, a brisk message for the man with a sixth sense for music. I’ll never regret, befriending Henning, many, say they are attending to the world comprehending what is felt and accepting. But few have proof of it and Hoonstoff (Henning) is a true conceptual thinker with plentiful pieces to move off of. His agenda as a genuine gentleman engenders a sense of exploration at the level of independence. This I’ve meant as a quintessential inner essence it's been a blessing to spend a minute mixing intersecting subjects together. - Trips to Europe through a discographic tour of artists, Amsterdam and farther for scarcer samples to tear apart from producers who might as well wear a marker yelling “Here is not where is awesome”. We’re with, not them. - Instead, a philosophical lens. There is, Hilltop Hoods, the clearest of em, myriad options mirrored off with serious contests; Jehst, bliss n eso, Kerser, Big-L, Slim, they’ll take the bid like you’re near an auction, and Chillinit not one - not quite. As if Blackwood has a magic book in the back pocket for hip-hop prospect’s to latch onto and launch off of. Music and art is like a fifth element all relevant tools relished in full effort to get others to scratch being the best off their wish list. Like stellar mental entered the set, henning on decks definitely disciplined and then in respect to innate values, sending a message that you’ll compete with the rest without needing beat on your chest. A great day for me, a mate with a frame to see the world as a nascent region. I couldn’t agree more. I'll leave it with this. You won’t make it to the honour role if you’re not on a roll unless you’re Henning and you’ve got a role, working at the bakery. Enjoy!

3. 

   5 Jun 2023

   Mi Hermano and Musica #14

   A very casual sitting last Saturday with my brother Callum discussing his upcoming first album launch. Callum has always been a loyal creative with a very eccentric view of the world. Through this, I've found exploring his conclusions to different questions fascinating as the methods he uses to reach them may differ from mine, though we unite more often than not. His new album 'Lonely Heart' features a range of songs and genres that capture his journey over the past 5 years. We talk about how constructing an album is more than a random assortment of songs, but rather an embodied and perhaps self-intuitive narration of an overarching story. Whether this is verbal, melodic or instrumental Callum aims to express his views honestly and with intent, though never to be taken as absolute imperatives for others to blindly accept. He is, as I said, a creative, meaning in terms of psychological personality an individual comparatively high in openness to experience. This translates to all aspects of life, demonstrated by his responses to questions about encountering conflict with others. With old-soul morals and a new-age enthusiasm, Callum is the one you want in your corner and in this case, in your updated playlist. Thanks for everything bro!

4. 

   2 Apr 2023

   Sleep and Psychology - (Future) Dr. Josh Fitton #13

   Topics covered: - The journey from undergraduate to honours and the pursuit of a PhD - Questioning the substrate of reality (materialism vs cosmic consciousness in the Aboriginal spiritual tradition) - Stages of sleep - The difference between sleep apnea and insomnia - Brain waves and synchronicities - The value of not taking yourself too seriously I have known Josh for over a decade now and though we have never shared the closest of circles, he has always been a person with whom I have felt a great deal of respect. Josh carries with him a curious and compassionate aura that offers others in the conversation a feeling of comfort and a sense of being heard. With a dynamic conversational style, Josh has the ability to listen carefully during sensitive topics while maintaining a strong understanding and ability for contextually appropriate humour. During all our conversations I feel a sense of aspiration towards his capacity for calmness and consideration, while at the same time a sense of encouragement to share my thoughts without fear of judgement. Though only touching the surface of Josh's humble storage of knowledge, I have left the conversation with a sense of playfulness and excitement to continue life's journey of learning. I hope you can share the same enthusiasm as I do to learn more from the future Dr. Fitton in the coming years.

5. 

   18 Feb 2023

   A Moment with Mum - Business, Yoga, Pilates and Wellness #12

   Topics covered: - Business venture: pH Balance and Wellness - The areas of physical and mental exercise for wellbeing - Comparisons of eastern and western traditional medicine - The mind/body connection - The similarities and differences between yoga and pilates - Benefits of visual imagery for memory and cultivation of a stable mind - A wholesome practice - Upcoming events at pH Balance and Wellness An extremely grateful moment today to share an hour or so talking freely with my mum, Penny. Comparing my current self to that of the person before age 16-17, I must acknowledge the pivotal influence of my learning from mum. In particular, I feel I have journeyed away from a rigidly enclosed mind, strict on the belief that caterpillars are caterpillars, and they can never be butterflies. Mum has taught me the value of patience and the worth of balance in the body and mind. I owe the majority of my child-like curiosity about the workings of the world to the foundations that mum has savoured, and sometimes laboured to offer me. She has shown an insurmountable degree of what I would call faith that has allowed me to be what I am today. All parenting is risky, but to show unrelenting, unconditional love, while dialogically guiding your children through life is a quality of immeasurable extent. It brings tears to my eyes to reflect on the mum I have and I hope to share many more moments like this together.

6. 

   4 Feb 2023

   Entrepreneurship, Trading and Transcendence - Tarun Rajagopalan #11

   Topics Covered: - Martial arts - Entrepreneurship - Forex trading - Commodities vs currencies - Tools of the trade - Recognising an inner ethic From the get-go, Tarun brought energy and enthusiasm to the initial meeting and the following conversation. Without knowing what to expect I was blown away by Tarun's ability to articulate language related to trading in an accessible format for a novice such as myself. Underneath Tarun's humility, I sensed a passionate individual inspired to play an active and collaborative role in the world. Very few individuals who invest time and money into trading are able to restrain their ego, adjust their language and remain patient for others to learn. Tarun does not have this problem, his broad smile evoked a radiance in me while listening. I can say I was pleasantly surprised at such a rich conversation in which time flew by. Let us know what you think of the episode!

7. 

   15 Jan 2023

   Martial Arts, Mentality & Mindfulness - Ben Millington #10

   Topics covered: - The process of becoming a professional fighter - Mental flexibility and learning - The distinction between the feeling and thinking modes of being - Conceptions of the higher or true 'Self' - Spirituality and the comparison between Buddhism and Christianity (maternal and paternal spirits) - Free will and loss of agency - Hypnotherapy and some of its applications Ben is a professional fighter in Muay Thai and has won national titles despite starting later than many who compete at a professional level. Utilising honesty and compassion, Ben approaches life by balancing the recognition and requirement of self-worth, against the drive to exceed the limits. Many may satisfy one of these two domains to a beneficial degree, however, Ben shows courage, humility as well as a ready sense of humour to navigate the expanse of human experience. To say I cherished this conversation is to drastically understate the value I derived. In the one life I am gifted in this body, it is an honour to explore the mind with someone of Ben's calibre. For Ben to have said that he appreciated the conversation also acts to sculpt away exposed rock from my personality that has covered for deep loneliness, something I have encountered across different stages of my life so far. I am reminded of my worth by recognising it in others. I am thankful to Ben in addition for being patient through some technical difficulties. I have done the best I can to minimise their effects on the overall listening experience. Until next time!

8. 

   14 Jan 2023

   Machined Minds - Consciousness, AI, ChatGPT & the Big Bang - Tovi Jaeschke-Rogers #9

   Topics covered: - Hacking and the culture of computing - Consciousness - ChatGPT - Software development - Hardware vs Software - Artificial intelligence - Physics and the Big Bang - The schooling system - Self-guided/practical learning vs theoretical study Tovi is a software developer with a vast stretch of knowledge across the world of computing. With intelligence at hand, Tovi is attentive to the intricacies of philosophical discussion with a curious mind for topics of deepest complexity and contemporary relevance. I cannot express enough my gratitude for the opportunity to share with and learn from someone I consider a true friend. I hope you all get something out of this and as always, please follow your curiosities and ask/comment on anything that stands out to you.

9. 

   9 Jan 2023

   Chat GP what? What is Chat GPT and why should we all be aware?

   Topics covered: - Definition and uses of Chat GPT - Noam Chomsky: The language acquisition device and universal grammar - Genie Wiley and critical periods of language development References: What is Noam Chomsky Psychology? https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/psychologists/what-is-noam-chomsky-psychology/ The Story of Genie Wiley https://www.verywellmind.com/genie-the-story-of-the-wild-child-2795241 The Guardian Newspaper: Microsoft reportedly to add ChatGPT to Bing search engine https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2023/jan/05/microsoft-chatgpt-bing-search-engine Education Week: What is ChatGPT and How Is It Used in Education? https://www.edweek.org/technology/what-is-chatgpt-and-how-is-it-used-in-education/2023/01 John Vervake 'Awakening from the meaning crisis' https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html

10. 

    7 Jan 2023

    You Don't Want Dolmades - Diving into the minds of Sara, Harry & Callum #7

    Questions covered: - Vaping - New Years resolution - Living in the solar system and many more!

11. 

    7 Jan 2023

    Addiction part 2 continued - Pleasure & Pain #6

    Topics covered: - Homeostasis and dopamine - Pleasure/pain dichotomy - The value of identifying as a learner - Unproductive coping mechanisms to unhelpful sources of dopamine - Brain regions associated with subjective and objective pain Resources: Huberman Lab podcast with Dr. Anna Lembke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p3JLaF_4Tz8&t=2125s Types of pain and the associated neurology Garland, E. L. (2012). Pain processing in the human nervous system: a selective review of nociceptive and biobehavioral pathways. Primary Care: Clinics in Office Practice, 39(3), 561-571.

12. 

    6 Jan 2023

    Addiction part 2 - The incentive-motivation system #5

    Topics covered: - Levels of processing theory for memory - The incentive-motivation system of addiction - Exploring the incentive-motivation system through a; neuroanatomical/neurofunctional, psychological and phenomenological lens. - Misconceptions and corrections on the role of dopamine. - Impacts of vaping, cocaine, caffeine, amphetamines and pornography on neurons References John Vervake YouTube series Awakening from the meaning crisis https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLND1JCRq8Vuh3f0P5qjrSdb5eC1ZfZwWJ John Vervake: How a lack of meaning is related to addictions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-c2E5FB5Z4 Levels of processing Memory theory - Craik and Lockhart: Craik, F. I., & Lockhart, R. S. (1972). Levels of processing: A framework for memory research. Journal of verbal learning and verbal behavior, 11(6), 671-684. A simple explanation for levels of processing theory: https://www.simplypsychology.org/levelsofprocessing.html For Dr. Gabor Maté's book (page numbers for each topic listed below) Mate, D. G. (2018). In the realm of hungry ghosts. Vermilion. - 2 meanings of 'addiction' page 127. - Names for four brain systems involved in addiction page 188. - The incentive-motivation theory explored: Chapter 15 pages 158-164 Stats on declining religious affiliation in Australia: https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/religious-affiliation-australia#:~:text=Religious%20affiliation%20in%202021,-In%202021%2C%20more&text=In%202021%2C%20the%20number%20of,No%20religion%20(38.9%25) An interesting short read on some similarities between religion and sports: https://doingsociology.org/2021/12/17/fervour-in-football-and-religion-some-discernible-similarities-aashirwad-chakravarty/ Pornography and sexual relationships: Sommet, N., & Berent, J. (2022). Porn use and men's and women's sexual performance: evidence from a large longitudinal sample. Psychological Medicine, 1-10. VTA stimulation - human experiment (pressed 1500 times) Moan, C. E., & Heath, R. G. (1972). Septal stimulation for the initiation of heterosexual behavior in a homosexual male. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 3(1), 23-30.

13. 

    23 Dec 2022

    Addiction part 1 #4

    Topics covered: - Common misunderstandings about addiction: not categorical, not only for substances - 4 characteristics of addiction - Distinction between addiction and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - Exploration/challenge of addiction towards typically healthy behaviours (exercise) References: For categorical vs continuous/dimensional disorders: Haslam N. Categorical Versus Dimensional Models of Mental Disorder: The Taxometric Evidence. Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry. 2003;37(6):696-704. doi:10.1080/j.1440-1614.2003.01258.x For Dr. Gabor Maté's book (page numbers for addiction criteria/distinction against OCD listed below) Mate, D. G. (2018). In the realm of hungry ghosts. Vermilion. pp 128-129

14. 

    29 Jun 2021

    Light through the Eye of the Brain-holder

    Today we explore the journey from: - Cosmic creation of light as photons - Basic eye anatomy - Processing pathways of visual stimuli in the brain

15. 

    21 Jan 2021

    Attitudes and Prejudice

    Covered Concepts: - Two broad elements of an attitude - New Years resolutions - Tricomponent (ABC) attitude model - Leon Festinger and Cognitive Dissonance - Definitions and differences between stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination - Oxytocin and the trolley/train problem in philosophical utilitarianism - Robert Sapolsky

16. 

    19 Nov 2020

    A Tour Through the Self to Overcome Adversity

    Covered concepts: - The self-concept/self-schema - Self-categorisation - Self-esteem - Self-motives - Self-discrepancy theory (Edward Higgins, 1987) - Self-complexity Malleable Minds can make Valuable Strides!

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