Despite the sexist jokes, the menstrual cycle doesn’t cause significant changes in mood or behavior for most people. But a small percentage do suffer severe premenstrual symptoms, or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Tory Eisenlohr-Moul, PhD, of the University of Illinois Chicago, talks about how hormones and the menstrual cycle interact with mental he ... Show More
Nov 4
How people respond to extreme weather risks, with Brett Gelino, PhD, and Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD
Wildfires, hurricanes, heat waves and floods are growing more frequent and more costly, and communities are racing to adapt. But new infrastructure only helps if people use it, and warnings only work if people act on them. Gabrielle Wong-Parodi, PhD, of Stanford University, and B ... Show More
30m 28s
Oct 28
Helping humans and wildlife coexist, with Suzanne MacDonald, PhD
Many of us share our cities and neighborhoods with animals that lived there before we moved in, such as raccoons, turtles and crows. Suzanne MacDonald, PhD, of York University, discusses why some species thrive in urban environments while others struggle; how city living changes ... Show More
39m 14s
Oct 21
Why we complain and how to do it better, with Robin Kowalski, PhD
Whether it’s grumbling about a boss, the weather, or a spouse’s most annoying habit, we all complain. Robin Kowalski, PhD, of Clemson University, discusses why we complain; the difference between venting and complaining to get results; how to complain in a way that doesn’t wear p ... Show More
26m 54s
Sep 2025
The Period Brain: How Hormones Change Women’s Behaviour - Dr Sarah Hill - #992
Dr Sarah Hill is a professor at TCU, a research psychologist, expert in women’s hormones and brain science, and an author. Each month, women experience hormonal changes that go far beyond the clichés of PMS. These shifts can influence mood, stress response, and even how women rel ... Show More
1h 39m
Sep 2025
#365: Why Women Get PMS, Mood Swings and Bad Periods: What Every Woman Should Know with Dr. Sarah Hill
Why do mood shifts, cravings, and PMS happen before your period? Dr. Sarah Hill, author of “This is Your Brain on Birth Control” and “The Period Brain”, breaks down the latest science on hormones, the luteal phase, and how progesterone affects the brain and body.In this episode y ... Show More
1 h
Apr 2025
290. The complicated psychology of PMS
PMS can be a bit of a black box - we know we don't feel right, we know the days and weeks before our period can be sluggish, but we don't really know why because we aren't taught what's actually going on in our bodies. In today's episode, we break down the real psychology of PMS, ... Show More
54m 15s
Sep 2024
93: Do you want to break up or fight right before your period?
Scientific, biological, and spiritual reasons why you might feel disconnected from your partner before and during your period. I speak both to women experiencing this, and men who might want to know how to respond to this! I would like to reasure you that this dynamic is NOT a pr ... Show More
50m 1s
Mar 2024
#148 – Jayashri Kulkarni on Premenstrual Syndrome
In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Jayashri Kulkarni about her research on the connections between mental health, such as depression, with premenstrual cycles most notably premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and premenstrual exacerbation (PME). Profes ... Show More
52m 59s