Difficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships

Difficult people and radical acceptance: answering your questions about tricky relationships

Author: ABC Australia December 13, 2025 Duration: 29:35

Difficult people are everywhere. Maybe you're one of them, or maybe you're about to sit through an awkward holiday situation with someone you REALLY don't know how to handle.

This week, clinical psychologist Rachel Samson returns to answer all your questions on challenging people from the All in the Mind mailbox.

How do I deal with my coworker who's crossing boundaries? Should I try and make peace with my problematic family member?

We'll answer these questions and more — from how to avoid becoming a difficult person yourself, to the power of radical acceptance.

Thank you for listening to All in the Mind this year! If you have an episode idea for next year or want to send some feedback, you can email us at mind_rn@abc.net.au

Guest:

Rachel SamsonClinical psychologistCo-author, Beyond DifficultDirector of the Australian Association of Psychologists

Rachael Samson also appeared on our episode in November called Narcissist, or just a pain? How to deal with difficult people.

Credits:

  • Presenter/producer: Sana Qadar
  • Senior producer: James Bullen
  • Producer: Rose Kerr
  • Sound engineer: Bethany Stewart

You can catch up on more episodes of the All in the Mind podcast with journalist and presenter Sana Qadar, exploring the psychology of topics like stress, memory, communication and relationships on the ABC Listen app (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts.


Ever wondered what's really happening inside your head? Each week, All In The Mind from ABC Australia ventures into the complex landscape of human thought and feeling. This isn't just a dry science lecture; it's a thoughtful exploration of the experiences that shape us, hosted by curious minds who know how to tell a compelling story. You'll hear conversations that bridge the gap between scientific research and the messy reality of daily life, delving into topics as diverse as the mechanisms of memory, the challenges of breaking an addiction, or the ethical puzzles posed by artificial intelligence. The discussions are grounded and accessible, making the inner workings of the brain relevant to anyone interested in health, behaviour, or simply understanding themselves a little better. By tuning into this podcast, you join a community considering how our mental universe influences everything from our personal fitness to our social connections. It’s a weekly opportunity to pause and reflect on the fascinating forces-both biological and psychological-that drive what we do and who we are. The production brings together expert insights with genuine human stories, creating a space where complex ideas about the mind and behaviour are unpacked with clarity and depth.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 251

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