The pressure. The expectations. The anxiety. If there's one thing that connects the athletes gathering for the Olympic games with the rest of us, it's the stress that can come from performing in front of others. In this week’s episode, we talk with cognitive scientist Sian Beilock about why so many of us crumble under pressure –– and what we can do about it. ... Show More
Yesterday
What Art Does For Your Brain
Think about the last time a piece of music stopped you in your tracks, or a novel kept you up late at night. Why do these experiences feel so powerful? Psychobiologist Daisy Fancourt says engagement with the arts can help to regulate our emotions, build resilience, and support lo ... Show More
49m 18s
Aug 17
How to Be A Better Partner
When we look at the people we love, how clearly do we really see them? This week, we talk with psychologist Edward Lemay about how our fears, desires, and insecurities can shape our perceptions of our partners — sometimes creating the very reality we expect. He explains how we ca ... Show More
1h 26m
Aug 10
How Feelings Make Us Smarter
Some people are remarkably good at reading the emotional temperature of a situation. They can pick up on what others are feeling, manage their own emotions, and respond skillfully. What's their secret? This week, we explore the science of emotional intelligence with psychologist ... Show More
48m 7s
Sep 2020
1.05 - Why do we get nervous and what should we do about it?
In this highly competitive and somewhat musical episode of EightyPercentMental, we talk with Dr Josephine Perry, a sport psychologist who literally wrote the book on Performing under Pressure, and Jo Davies, who runs a private practice consultancy focusing on sport psychology, we ... Show More
1h 5m
Oct 2023
Primal Instincts: Science, Psychology, Fear
Dive into the intricate dance between our primal instincts and modern anxieties. In this week's episode, my friend Arash Javanbakht, a psychiatrist and neuroscientist, and I unpack how our 'animal brains' still dictate much of our reactions, particularly fear - a survival tool tu ... Show More
1h 9m
May 2014
249 TPS What Surprising Secret Do Katy Perry, Niall Horan, and Harrison Ford Have in Common?
Do you dread getting up in front of others? Unfortunately, performance anxiety can exact a huge toll on self-confidence and self-esteem. If you have stage fright, you’re in good company. Some of the most popular performers also also suffer from anxiety on stage. Here are 8 celebr ... Show More
11m 49s