

Better Thinking
Nesh Nikolic
On every episode you will hear inspiring conversations with leading experts in the fields of psychology, sports, personal growth, nutrition and other fields in order to gain clarity and understanding on how to deal with life in these exciting, yet challenging times. Your host, Nesh Nikolic, is a Clinical Psychologist based in Canberra, Australia with over 15,000 hours of 1-on-1 therapy experience. He’s trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy. Every week, Nesh will bring raw, down-to-earth and nonchalant talks right into your ears that are designed to make you think smarter and better so you can deal with life as it is - no sugar-coating or playing “happy.”
Episodes
Mentioned books

Mar 15, 2020 • 1h 9min
#50 — Dr Stefan Hofmann on Process-Based Therapy
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Stefan Hofmann about process-based therapy and high-density individual data. Welcome to the future of psychology. Dr Stefan Hofmann is a clinical psychologist at the Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences at Boston University. He is one of the foremost experts in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, especially for anxiety disorders. In collaboration with Steven C. Hayes, he has been identifying the processes that underlie effective psychological treatments. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/stefan-hofmannSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 10, 2020 • 1h 43min
#49 — Alyssa Godesky on Running 440 Kilometres in 5 days
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Alyssa Godesky about overcoming the physical and mental limits in endurance sports. Alyssa Godesky is an endurance sports coach, professional triathlete and ultrarunner. After 6 years in the corporate world, Alyssa made the leap to pursue triathlon full-time, and hasn’t looked back. An endurance athlete since 2006, Alyssa takes pride in pushing her limits. You can sometimes find her racing Ironmans on back-to-back weekends, or jumping into an ultramarathon. With seven top-5 Ironman finishes in the professional field, and a personal best Ironman time of 9 hours and 33 minutes, Alyssa continues to be a dominant competitor as she enters her seventh year of professional racing. After making a name for herself in the triathlon world, Alyssa wanted to make a mark on the trail running world as well. In 2018, she set the Fastest Known Time (FKT) on Vermont’s 273-mile Long Trail, breaking a 6 year record, with a time of 5 days, 2 hours and 37 minutes. Alyssa’s effort on the Long Trail was awarded the 2018 Female FKT of the Year Award. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/alyssa-godesky See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mar 5, 2020 • 1h 27min
#48 — Dr Brock Bastian on The Value of Pain
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with social psychologist Dr Brock Bastian on the value of pain. Dr Brock Bastian is a social psychologist whose research focuses on pain, happiness, and morality. In his search for a new perspective on what makes for the good life, Brock has studied why promoting happiness may have paradoxical effects and why we need negative and painful experiences to build meaning, purpose, resilience, and ultimately greater fulfilment in life. Brock's first book, The Other Side of Happiness, was published in January 2018. Links mentioned in this episode at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/brock-bastian See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 25, 2020 • 1h 23min
#47 — Dr Paul Atkins on Building Effective Prosocial Groups
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Paul Atkins about building effective prosocial groups. Dr Paul Atkins co-developed the Prosocial process which draws upon the psychology of behavior change as well as political, economic and evolutionary science to improve cooperation within and between groups. Paul’s work has been published in the world’s leading management and psychology journals. His latest book “Prosocial: Using Evolutionary Science to Build Productive, Equitable, and Collaborative Groups” has been described as "groundbreaking”, and "chock full of clear steps" (Jane Dutton, author of Awakening Compassion at Work). It is " essential reading for anyone who works with people in group settings, and who is committed to helping these groups to be their best.” says Susan David (author of Emotional Agility). Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/paul-atkinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feb 3, 2020 • 60min
#46 — Nesh Nikolic on Identity
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Mary Andreadis about identity, awareness of the self and coping with complex identity issues. Nesh Nikolic is a Canberra-based clinical psychologist with over 15,000 hours of one-on-one therapy experience. He has trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy and he is also recognised by Medicare Australia as a qualified provider of specialist clinical psychology services. His therapeutic passion lies in utilising Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for his clients and has trained clinicians around Australia in ACT. Nesh holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Association for Contextual Behavioural Science and Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Mary Andreadis is a Melbourne-based provisional psychologist. She has completed a Bachelors and Honours Degree in Psychology and is completing a Masters Degree in this field to become a qualified psychologist. Mary has worked as a mental health community support worker, counsellor and facilitated monthly anxiety support groups. Alongside all of this, she also writes a blog at MindIntertwined.com. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/nesh-nikolic-identitySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 23, 2020 • 1h 20min
#45 — Frances Mirabelli: Australian Psychological Society CEO
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Australian Psychological Society’s CEO, Frances Mirabelli, about the role of the APS and plans for the future of psychology in Australia. Frances Mirabelli is the chief executive officer of the Australian Psychological Society, the leading body representing psychologists in Australia. A former CEO of AMA Victoria, Ms Mirabelli has extensive experience in the health and not-for-profit sectors. Following an education in business administration and applied science, she held leadership roles in aged and community care management at organisations including Wintringham and the Mayflower Group. A forthright leader, Ms Mirabelli has also completed the Cranlana Colloquium and has served as a Board director for Whitehorse Community Health, Yarra Community Housing and Star of The Sea College. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/frances-mirabelliSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Jan 15, 2020 • 1h 19min
#44 — Dr Louise Hayes on Developmental Model of ACT for Young People
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Louise Hayes about using a developmental approach of ACT when working with young persons. Dr Louise Hayes is a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training for young people. She is the co-author of the best selling book Get Out of Your Mind and Into your Life for Teenagers and The Thriving Adolescent. Louise divides her time between training and clinical work in acceptance, mindfulness and positive therapeutic approaches, treatment development, speaking, and writing. Her passion is leading trips to the Himalayan mountains to practice mindfulness. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/louise-hayesSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 25, 2019 • 1h 7min
#43 — Dr Warren Farrell on The Boy Crisis
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Warren Farrell about his book, The Boy Crisis, and the impact fathers have on young men. Dr Warren Farrell has been chosen by the Financial Times as one of the world’s top 100 thought leaders, and by the Center for World Spirituality as one of the world’s spiritual leaders. Dr Farrell’s books are published in over 50 countries, and in 15 languages. They include award-winning international best-sellers, Why Men Are The Way They Are, The Myth of Male Power, and The Boy Crisis which he co-authored with Dr John Gray. Dr Farrell is currently the Chair of the Commission to Create a White House Council on Boys & Men, taught at the university level in five disciplines, and appeared on more than 1,000 TV and radio shows, from Oprah to Larry King Live. He has been featured repeatedly in Forbes, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/warren-farrell See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 17, 2019 • 1h 15min
#42 — Marcela Lapertosa on Intercultural Learning & Awareness
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with clinical psychologist Marcela Lapertosa about what we can learn through our awareness, understanding and respect of different cultures. Marcela Lapertosa is a clinical psychologist and Senior Manager of Education and Development at AFS Intercultural Programs Australia. AFS Intercultural Programs is an international, voluntary, non-governmental, non-profit organization that provides intercultural learning opportunities to help people develop the knowledge, skills and understanding needed to create a more just and peaceful world. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/marcela-lapertosaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dec 12, 2019 • 57min
#41 — Nesh Nikolic on Loneliness & Isolation
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Mary Andreadis about the psychological and contextual aspects of loneliness and isolation. Nesh Nikolic is a Canberra-based clinical psychologist with over 15,000 hours of one-on-one therapy experience. He has trained in a number of therapy modes including Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Schema Therapy and he is also recognised by Medicare Australia as a qualified provider of specialist clinical psychology services. His therapeutic passion lies in utilising Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for his clients and has trained clinicians around Australia in ACT. Nesh holds a Masters Degree in Clinical Psychology and is a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), Association for Contextual Behavioural Science and Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists. Mary Andreadis is a Melbourne-based provisional psychologist. She has completed a Bachelors and Honours Degree in Psychology and is completing a Masters Degree in this field to become a qualified psychologist. Mary has worked as a mental health community support worker, counsellor and facilitated monthly anxiety support groups. Alongside all of this, she also writes a blog at MindIntertwined.com. Episode links at https://neshnikolic.com/podcast/nesh-nikolic-loneliness-isolationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


