Get it on Google Play

Political emotions; Shared play; Forgotten women in psychology

Political emotions; Shared play; Forgotten women in psychology

Author: BBC Radio 4 June 16, 2026 Duration: 28:08
All in the Mind
HealthHealth & FitnessFitnessScience

In this week’s programme, guest Catherine Loveday, Professor of Cognitive Neuroscience at the University of Westminster, talks to Claudia Hammond about whether people feel emotions about politics differently in the body to everyday emotions.

Visiting the Institute for the Science of Early years & Youth lab, a child developmental psychology lab studying shared play between parents and children, Claudia observes a mum and daughter participating in their latest study and speaks to director and child psychologist Professor Sam Wass from the University of East London. He explains how these parent-child interactions may be fundamental to how families connect with one another and why paying attention to the same things as your children is the best way to help them sustain their attention on their own as they get older.

Dr Madeleine Pownall, a feminist psychologist and associate professor in psychology at the University of Leeds, talks to All in the Mind about her new book Absent Minds: The Untold Story of the Women who Changed Psychology Forever.

Presenter:  Claudia Hammond Producer:  Helena Selby Editor: Ilan Goodman Production Co-ordinator: Jana Bennett-Holesworth


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

Official website RSS
All in the Mind
Podcast Episodes
Navigating the Pacific without technology [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:06
How well can you remember the details of your childhood? Sometimes, the memories are there, but a little hazy. But what if you could trick your brain into thinking you looked like your younger self again? Would that help…
Asylum hotels and mental health [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:14
More than 32,000 asylum seekers are being housed in hotels in the UK, the latest figures show.There's been intense political debate in recent weeks focused on the cost – both financially for the government and for local…
Are mental health classes in schools working? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:08
It is now compulsory for schools across the UK to teach children about mental health and wellbeing. Whilst it might seem like classes for everyone on these topics might be helpful, a new study has found that in some case…
Should we be using trigger warnings? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:23
This programme may contain information that you might find to be evidence-based and informative... Trigger warnings are everywhere. They’re used in the news, on social media and in academia to flag potentially distressin…
Why do we hoard? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:10
Many of us can empathise with that feeling of keeping stuff for years and years. We might keep treasured objects with real sentimental value, or we might have items for a long time - and yet we can't really explain why.…
What is beliefism, and can you spot a liar? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:06
Just looking at the news can give the feeling that today’s world is more polarised than ever. And the stats show that in Britain, the majority of people believe that society is divided. How can we go about bridging this…
The rise of AI therapy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:20
Would you ever share your most intimate, personal circumstances with an AI - and then use its advice in your day-to-day life?If the answer is yes, then you are not alone. Many people are turning to human-like AI chatbots…
All in the Mind Awards Ceremony [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:18
Many of us will experience mental health problems at some point in our lives – and it is often the help and support of those around us that can make all the difference to how we cope and recover.The BBC Radio 4 All in th…
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…

«12345»