Why do we choke under pressure?

Why do we choke under pressure?

Author: ABC Australia February 21, 2026 Duration: 29:32
The siren has sounded. The scores are even. A footy player has one final chance to kick an easy goal to get his team into the finals. He's right in front of the goals. He lines up. Kicks. Misses. The pressure of such a moment was phenomenal, and the player choked under it. So what happens in the brain during such intense periods? Why can some people remain calm while others can't handle it? This episode first aired in July 2024. Guests: Caroline Anderson Performance psychologist Lead psychologist for the Paris 2024 Australian Olympic Team Dr Chris Mesagno Senior lecturer in sport and exercise psychology, Victoria University Louise Potter Footballer and Darebin Falcons legend Mary Spillane Clinical psychologist Credits: Presenter: Sana Qadar Reporter/Producer: Belinda Smith Producer: Rose Kerr, Petria Ladgrove Sound engineer: Russell Stapleton To view the transcript for this episode, head to its original webpage. 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 ABC Listen 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: 50

All In The Mind
Podcast Episodes
Our millennia-long obsession with immortality [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:05
Would you want to live forever? The rich and powerful certainly do. There are numerous examples throughout history of people going to extreme lengths in search of immortality. These days, it's Silicon Valley tech bros, t…
Pretty privilege, surgery stigma and the cosmetic procedure paradox [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:35
Cosmetic procedures aren't reserved for celebrities anymore - they're becoming more and more accessible for every day people. So if we're able to alter our looks or avoid the appearance of aging altogether, what impact d…
The psychology behind our moral outrage [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:37
Politics, war, abortion, gun control — why do some topics make us so outraged? One theory is that our preoccupation with preventing harm is to blame. So today, we examine how humans developed morality, why we differ in w…
Staying sane in space [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
In the last couple of weeks, a lot of people have been getting excited about space exploration thanks to Artemis II. So this week, we revisit an episode from our archives all about life as an astronaut and the psychologi…
Mind Hacks with Dr Billy Garvey: "being a bit kinder to myself" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 7:54
Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, we're joined by developmental paediatrician and co-host of Pop Culture Parenting, Dr Billy Garvey. From self compassion to channelling anger i…
The psychology of masturbation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:06
This week we're talking about something intimate… and sometimes taboo: masturbation. From self-love, to disordered behaviour and back again, we explore how our perceptions of masturbation have changed over the course of…
Mind Hacks: Casey Beros [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
Welcome back to All in the Mind's little sister: Mind Hacks. In this episode, health journalist and author Casey Beros on managing your inner critic, balancing competing appetites for more and less in life, and filtering…
Tough conversations and anticipatory grief: being a carer [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:36
When Casey Beros' dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma, she knew her entire world would change. More than three million Australians are carers — a role people are often thrust into without any kind of map. So based on her…