THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

Professor Selena Bartlett, Neuroscientist, Brain Health is Everyone's Business
  • 5.0 (10)
  • Science
  • Updated Biweekly

Do you want to learn how to build resilience, boost your cognitive performance, and achieve mental agility? Then it's time to discover the exciting world of brain health and fitness with Thriving Minds. Hosted by renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Thriving Minds is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest advances in brain science education. With decades of experience studying addiction, stress, and mental health, Professor Bartlett is a true expert in her field. And she's on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental and physical well-being. So what makes Thriving Minds so unique? It's not just about theory – it's about practical tips and simple tools that you can use to improve your brain health and fitness right now.  From understanding how stress wires the brain, the power of cold exposure, nutrition and exercise and connection. Thriving Minds is also a deep dive into cutting-edge brain science and digital technology. From neuroplasticity to brain imaging, Professor Bartlett and her team are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. They're exploring the latest research and innovations and sharing their insights with listeners around the world.And the best part? Let's make brain health everyone's business. They're inspiring people to take action and create a culture of mental fitness, where people prioritise their brain health as much as their physical health.  Tune in to the podcast and discover the secrets of brain health and fitness. Whether you're looking to boost your cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve your overall well-being, Selena and her team are here to help you thrive. The opinions expressed in the podcast are Selena Bartlett's personal opinion and her guests. They are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The opinions in the podcast do not reflect the opinion of Queensland University of Technology.

  1. 2d ago

    Episode #5: It Takes a Village — We Want to Help- Build Reading Brains, Toileting Tips and Community Support for Big Feelings, Growing Brains

    Raising children is not something families should have to do alone. It takes a village: parents, grandparents, educators, health professionals, community workers, neighbours and friends who can offer practical help, calm advice and a reminder that no one needs to have all the answers. In Episode #5 of Big Feelings Growing Brains, we explore the everyday moments that can feel big for families: supporting children in building early reading skills, navigating toileting, asking for help, and finding the community support that makes life more manageable. This episode is about practical ideas, not perfection. It is about helping children feel capable, helping parents feel less alone, and recognising that small acts of support can make a real difference. To celebrate the ideas shared in this episode, we are creating simple resources for families, including: Building Reading Brains Easy ways to grow language, connection and early reading skills through talking, singing, storytelling, looking at books together and making everyday moments a chance to learn. Toileting Tips Gentle, practical support for families navigating toilet learning, accidents, routines, resistance and the big feelings that can come with this important stage of development. Community Support Ideas for finding and accepting help through early learning services, playgroups, schools, health professionals, family support organisations and the people around you who care. A Small Reminder Children grow through relationships. They learn through repetition, play, language, encouragement and the feeling that someone is beside them when things are hard. Families do not need to do everything on their own. Asking for help is a strength. Offering help matters too. It takes a village — and we want to help. With Thanks to Our Contributors This episode and its resources have been shaped by the knowledge, care and lived experience of the same community. Sue, Speech and Language PathologistJodie, Little ScholarsBec and Carmen, Bayview KindyLiz and Lisa, C&K Kindy at Deception Bay NorthAlana and Chloe, Gardenia Early LearningAlana and Nikki, Early LearningAshleigh Stephens,  Facilitator Early YearsRuth, Senior Project Officer First NationsParents and families who shared their experiences, questions and practical wisdomThank you for helping us build a stronger village around children and the people who love them. https://bigfeelingsgrowingbrains.com/ Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    34 min

  2. 3d ago

    Episode #4: Food. Families. Love. Simple food and lunchbox ideas for big feelings, growing brains.

    Simple food and lunchbox ideas for big feelings, growing brains Feeding children is rarely just about food. It can be about time, cost, tiredness, sensory needs, routine, allergies, lunchboxes that come home untouched, and the pressure families can feel to get every meal right. In Episode #4 of Big Feelings Growing Brains, we heard many thoughtful, practical ideas from educators, health professionals and families who understand these everyday challenges. Their conversations reminded us that food does not need to be perfect to be nourishing. Small, familiar meals, a safe food on the plate, ingredients served separately, and a little more connection can make a real difference. To celebrate the episode and make these ideas useful in everyday life, we created a collection of simple, low-cost recipes, food-on-the-run ideas and lunchbox suggestions for busy families. These resources are designed to support children who are learning to eat, families doing it tough, and anyone looking for realistic ways to make food feel easier. Explore the ideas Food for All Recipe Book Simple, affordable meals made with everyday ingredients, including Cloud Bowl, Toasty Dippers, Tree Twirls, Eggy Bites, Volcano Mash, Treasure Bowl and Smiley Carrot Crunch. Each recipe can be adapted to different dietary needs and served together, side by side, or separately. Food on the Run Quick ideas for busy mornings, after-kindy hunger, appointments, sport, work and tired afternoons. Think yoghurt and fruit bowls, toast with beans, egg bites, carrot sticks with dip, bananas, rice bowls and leftovers packed into small containers. Lunchbox Ideas Realistic lunchbox options that are affordable, easy to open and familiar for children. Start with a safe food, add small portions, and keep foods separate where that helps. Lunchboxes can include toast fingers, Eggy Bites, fruit, yoghurt, cheese, carrot sticks, rice, peas, corn and leftovers from dinner. You can find all the recipes and ideas here: https://bigfeelingsgrowingbrains.com/ With thanks to the Episode #4 contributors This collection grew from the knowledge, care and lived experience shared by: Sue, Speech and Language Pathologist, Jodie, early educatorBec and Carmen, Bayview KindyLiz and Lisa, C&K Kindy at Deception Bay NorthAlana and Chloe, Gardenia Early LearningAlana and Nikki, Early educatorsAshleigh Stephens, Facilitator Early YearsRuth, Senior Project Officer First NationsParents and families who shared their experiences, questions and practical wisdomThank you for helping us create practical ideas grounded in care, connection and the everyday realities of family life. Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    26 min

  3. Jun 1

    Episode #3 From School Avoidance to Attendance Helping Children Feel Safe, Seen, and Ready to Learn, Big Feelings Growing Brains.

    School avoidance is becoming an increasingly common challenge for families, schools, and communities. For some children, walking through the school gates can feel overwhelming. Anxiety, bullying, social pressures, learning difficulties, emotional distress, and feeling unsafe can all contribute to school refusal and disengagement. In Episode 3 of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, we explore what may sit beneath school avoidance and what families, educators, and communities can do to help children reconnect with learning. In this episode, you'll learn: • Why some children struggle to attend school • What fear and anxiety can look like in the classroom • The importance of emotional safety and belonging • How schools and families can work together • Practical strategies to support attendance and confidence Featuring educators, parents, wellbeing leaders, and community voices, this conversation focuses on understanding rather than judgment and support rather than blame. Because children learn best when they feel safe, connected, and seen. Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds podcast series helping parents, educators, and communities navigate the challenges of modern childhood together. Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    44 min

  4. May 31

    Episode #2 Screen Meltdowns to Calm What to Do When Screens Become a Struggle, Big Feelings, Growing Brains podcast

    Why do some children seem calm one moment and completely overwhelmed the next when it is time to switch off a screen? In Episode 2 of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, we explore what is really happening in the developing brain when children move from highly stimulating digital environments back into everyday life. Together, parents, educators, and wellbeing leaders discuss why screen transitions can trigger big emotions, what children are trying to communicate through their behaviour, and practical strategies that can help reduce conflict at home and school. In this episode, you'll discover: • Why screens can be so difficult to switch off • What is happening in the brain during a meltdown • Why connection before correction works • Simple ways to support smoother transitions • Practical ideas from people who have been there This is not about blame, shame, or perfect parenting. It is about helping adults better understand growing brains and respond with confidence, compassion, and connection. Behind many screen meltdowns are often big feelings, and children who need support learning how to regulate them. Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds podcast series created by the community, for the community. Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    48 min

  5. May 25

    Episode #1 Big Feelings, Growing Brains. Connection Before Disconnection. Bringing together the community to support thriving kids.

    Why Children Melt Down When Screens End Why do simple moments like “time to turn it off” so often end in tears, anger, shutdowns, or emotional explosions? In the first episode of Big Feelings, Growing Brains, neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett brings together educators, parents, and wellbeing voices to explore what is really happening in the developing brain during screen-time transitions. Featuring: Professor Selena BartlettDr Mark Williams, cognitive neuroscientist, Author, ScreenSmart ChildrenJennie Dreever from Younity Community ServicesKim, sharing a parent perspectiveHIPPY (Home Interaction Program for Parents and Youngsters)Together, they explore: why screens are so hard to switch offwhy transitions can trigger emotional escalationwhat parents and teachers are seeing in real lifehow connection helps regulate overwhelmed brainspractical ways to reduce stress and conflict at home and schoolThis episode is not about blame or shame. It is about helping adults better understand growing brains in a rapidly changing digital world. Big Feelings, Growing Brains is a special Thriving Minds mini-series bringing together neuroscience, lived experience, education, and community wisdom to support children, families, and educators. Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    32 min

  6. May 19

    Episode #217 Are We Raising Anxiety? Dr Danielle Einstein, Clinical Psychologist

    Anxiety in children and teenagers is rising, but are we always helping in the right way? In this powerful conversation, with clinical psychologist Dr Danielle Einstein to explore what anxiety really is, how modern parenting, social media and screens may unintentionally reinforce it, and why avoidance can quietly strengthen fear over time. Drawing on neuroscience, clinical psychology, and real-world family experiences, this episode explores:  Why the brain learns through experience How screens, uncertainty, and constant comfort-seeking can fuel anxiety  The difference between supporting a child and rescuing them from discomfort  Why confidence grows through small acts of courage  Practical ways parents, teachers, and clinicians can help children face fears safely and gradually Dr Einstein also discusses her research on uncertainty and anxiety, and shares insights from her work helping families navigate school stress, social anxiety, gaming, emotional overwhelm, and everyday avoidance patterns. This is not a conversation about blame or “perfect parenting.” It is a conversation about understanding the brain, rebuilding resilience, and helping young people learn they can do hard things. A practical and compassionate episode for parents, educators, clinicians, and anyone supporting growing brains in an increasingly uncertain world. You can learn more about Dr Danielle Einstein and her work here: https://www.danielleeinstein.com/ Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    51 min

  7. May 6

    Episode #216 Will Agency become the word for 2026? Raising Screen Smart People with Dr Mark Williams

    What does it really mean to raise a screen-smart child in a world that is designed to capture their attention? In this important and timely conversation, I sit down with Dr Mark Williams to discuss his new book with Gavin McCormack, exploring the science, the reality, and the responsibility we all share when it comes to children and screens. Drawing from their new book Screen Smart Children, we go beyond fear and blame to unpack what is actually happening in the developing brain. We talk about attention, emotional regulation, sleep, learning, and how constant digital stimulation is shaping the way children think, feel, and connect. This is not about removing technology. It is about understanding it. Together, we explore:  What screens are doing to the brain during critical periods of development  Why children struggle to switch off and what that means for behaviour  The link between screen use, anxiety, and emotional dysregulation  How schools and families can respond in a practical, balanced way  What “screen smart” actually looks like in real life Dr Mark Williams brings deep expertise in cognitive neuroscience, helping us understand attention and memory in a distracted world. He collaborated with Gavin McCormack, bringing decades of experience in education, working directly with children, teachers, and families across the globe. What emerges is a clear and hopeful message: we are not powerless. With the right knowledge and small, consistent changes, we can reshape children’s environments and support healthier brain development. This episode is for parents, educators, and anyone who cares about the next generation. Because this is not just about screens.  It is about the kind of minds we are shaping for the future. 📘 Resources & Links Thriving Minds Newsletter: https://www.linkedin.com/article/edit/7457652593234919424/ Thriving Minds in the Age of AI https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/0999099779?ref=yb_qv_ov_prnt_dp_rw Book: Screen Smart Children https://www.simonandschuster.com.au/books/Screen-Smart-Children/Mark-A-Williams/9781761639715 https://www.amazon.com.au/Screen-Smart-Children-helping-switches/dp/1761639714 Dr Mark Williams https://www.drmarkwilliams.com/ Gavin McCormack https://www.linkedin.com/in/gavinmccormack/ #ScreenSmartChildren  #ThrivingMinds  #Neuroscience  #DigitalWellbeing  #ChildDevelopment Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    43 min

  8. Apr 7

    Episode #215 Contained. Are we guardians or thieves or both? Benjamin Knight, Co-Founder of A curious tractor, and Lead, AIME design studio

    If we are honest, we know we are not one fixed version of ourselves. We can be generous and self-interested, patient and reactive, all within the same day. In this episode, we explore that uncomfortable truth and what it reveals about human behaviour. I sit down with Benjamin Knight to discuss Contained, a powerful immersive experience that brings you inside the reality of youth detention. It asks a confronting question: how different are “we” from “them,” really? Through story, neuroscience, and lived experience, this conversation unpacks how behaviour is shaped not just by character but by conditions, pressure, context, and whether someone was there to help us pause and choose differently. We explore:  The thin line between opportunity and consequence  How systems can shape identity, for better or worse  Why connection, structure, and consistency change outcomes  What neuroscience tells us about stress, safety, and behaviour This is not about excusing behaviour. It is about understanding it. Because when we understand what shapes people, we can start to build environments that support better choices. This episode will leave you reflecting on your own moments at the edge and asking a bigger question: What would we build if we truly understood how much conditions matter? https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamin-knight-53854061/ Support the show Subscribe and support the podcast at  https://www.buzzsprout.com/367319/supporters/new Learn more at www.profselenabartlett.com

    43 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Do you want to learn how to build resilience, boost your cognitive performance, and achieve mental agility? Then it's time to discover the exciting world of brain health and fitness with Thriving Minds. Hosted by renowned neuroscientist Professor Selena Bartlett, Thriving Minds is a podcast dedicated to exploring the latest advances in brain science education. With decades of experience studying addiction, stress, and mental health, Professor Bartlett is a true expert in her field. And she's on a mission to empower people to take control of their mental and physical well-being. So what makes Thriving Minds so unique? It's not just about theory – it's about practical tips and simple tools that you can use to improve your brain health and fitness right now.  From understanding how stress wires the brain, the power of cold exposure, nutrition and exercise and connection. Thriving Minds is also a deep dive into cutting-edge brain science and digital technology. From neuroplasticity to brain imaging, Professor Bartlett and her team are at the forefront of this rapidly evolving field. They're exploring the latest research and innovations and sharing their insights with listeners around the world.And the best part? Let's make brain health everyone's business. They're inspiring people to take action and create a culture of mental fitness, where people prioritise their brain health as much as their physical health.  Tune in to the podcast and discover the secrets of brain health and fitness. Whether you're looking to boost your cognitive performance, reduce stress, or improve your overall well-being, Selena and her team are here to help you thrive. The opinions expressed in the podcast are Selena Bartlett's personal opinion and her guests. They are for general informational purposes only and do not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, psychology or other professional health care services, including the giving of medical advice, and no doctor/patient relationship is formed. The opinions in the podcast do not reflect the opinion of Queensland University of Technology.

Information

  • Creator
    Professor Selena Bartlett, Neuroscientist, Brain Health is Everyone's Business
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 THRIVING MINDS PODCAST
  • Show Website
    THRIVING MINDS PODCAST

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