Joe Wicks launches the All in the Mind Awards, and why music makes us cry

Joe Wicks launches the All in the Mind Awards, and why music makes us cry

Author: BBC Radio 4 September 10, 2024 Duration: 27:56

Did someone amazing support you through mental health problems and would you like to recognise that support? Claudia Hammond launches the All in the Mind Awards where you can nominate individuals, professionals and groups who have helped you in your hardest times.

Full details in the programme or by going to bbc.co.uk/radio4/allinthemind where you’ll also find full terms. Entries close 8th January 2025 at 1pm.

We want to recognise friends, family, colleagues, professionals, groups who have supported those with mental health problems. And to launch the awards Claudia talks to Joe Wicks, one of the judges this year, about how he supports his parents with their mental health difficulties, and about his passion for exercise as a route to improving mental health.

Claudia is joined by cognitive neuroscientist Catherine Loveday from the University of Westminster. They discuss the role of cortisol in our bodies and how social media trends like #cortisolface are misleading.

And Claudia and Catherine are joined in the studio by musician Sean O’Hagan and his neighbour Chris Newman doesn’t understand the joy Sean takes from it. Together they discuss why music makes some of us emotional but leaves others cold. And neuroscientist Catherine attempts to measure Chris’ response to music and discusses musical anhedonia, a condition which affects 5-10% of people including, possibly, Chris.

Presenter: Claudia Hammond Producer: Lorna Stewart Studio Manager: Emma Harth Production Coordinator: Siobhan Maguire


Ever wondered why we do the things we do, or how our thoughts truly shape our reality? All in the Mind, from BBC Radio 4, moves beyond simple self-help to explore the intricate workings of the human psyche. Guided by Claudia Hammond, each episode is a thoughtful journey into the latest research and evidence from the worlds of psychology, neuroscience, and mental health. You'll hear from leading scientists, clinicians, and sometimes people with direct personal experience, all contributing to a deeper understanding of topics like memory, emotion, resilience, and perception. This isn't just a theoretical discussion; it's about connecting scientific discovery to the everyday experiences that define us. The conversations in this podcast are designed to be accessible yet deeply informative, stripping away jargon to reveal what the evidence really tells us about our minds. Whether it's unpacking the mechanics of anxiety, the science of happiness, or the mysteries of consciousness, Claudia's nuanced approach provides clarity and insight. Tune in for a compelling blend of personal stories and rigorous science that challenges assumptions and illuminates the hidden forces behind our behaviour. This is a space for curious listeners who want to look beneath the surface of thought and feeling, discovering the fascinating evidence that explains how we all operate.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

All in the Mind
Podcast Episodes
The Psychology of Curiosity at Cheltenham Science Festival [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:17
Is curiosity good for us, or should we learn a lesson from what curiosity did to the cat? And why does curiosity drive some people to explore the ends of the earth and beyond, while others just really aren’t very curious…
All About Twins [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:26
This week is all about twins. On today's programme we'll hear from a very special pair who are through to the final of the All in the Mind Awards, which celebrates those who have made a real difference to people’s mental…
Are you flourishing? And why a playful approach can help us cope [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:21
Do you feel like you’re flourishing? If you’ve not heard that term before, it’s not just about wellbeing, it’s about your whole life being good. Guest psychologist Dr Peter Olusoga joins Claudia in the studio to discuss…
Aha moments and contagious laughter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:09
What's going on in your brain when you experience an 'aha!' moment?Imagine you've been stuck on a problem for ages, but then the answer suddenly comes to you out of nowhere, like a bolt of lightning. Claudia Hammond is j…
Adult ADHD: Why are waiting lists for diagnoses so long? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:11
You’ve probably heard the term ADHD – or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder – more and more in recent years. Almost 200,000 of you are waiting for a diagnosis and services are struggling to keep up with the demand.…
Future Thinking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:41
In the second of two special holiday episodes Claudia Hammond and an expert panel of psychologists look to the future. A new year is upon us, a time when we often find ourselves reflecting on the year gone by and thinkin…