MENTAL Exhibition Podcast Episodes

In 2020, journalism students from the University of Melbourne created short audio pieces in response to Science Gallery Melbourne's latest exhibition, MENTAL: Head Inside. Taking a broad view of an exhibition that serves as a welcoming space to confront stereotypes and social bias around mental health, these bite-size podcast episodes range from stories close to home to tales that take you soaring above the clouds. The podcasts are available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts and Soundcloud, or by clicking the links below. Please note that this content deals both directly and indirectly with a range of mental health issues. Listener discretion is advised.

The Dog by Wanzhi Deng

Social media and digital technologies have given bullying a new edge. Now it can happen anywhere and anytime through smartphones, social media, text messages and emails. Everyone’s participation, such as praising, commenting and sharing may overwhelm the victims' final psychological defence.

Nose Dive by Tom Phillips

An interview with David Phillips, a retired pilot who experienced G-force induced loss of consciousness, or G-LOC, while performing a loop in an air force jet in 1976.

The Mental Health of Lifeguards by Edan Runge

Tim Allan, a pool lifeguard from Melbourne, successfully resuscitated a drowning six-year-old girl while on duty. The experience took a toll on his mental health and shows the psychological challenges lifeguards face. This is his journey to recovery.

In Case I Forget by Maria Papadopoulos

The human memory is as confusing as it is fascinating. We don’t remember our first few years, and towards the end of our lives things might start to get hazy. Somewhere in between, we have an opportunity to make sense of things. But what happens when you walk into a room, and your loved one doesn’t recognise your face?

Happy State of Mind by Praelene Khera

During her early years, Prealene Khera’s mother was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis, an autoimmune neurological disease. The illness challenged the traditional roles of mother and daughter. Yet while the sickness festers in her brain and chains it down, Prealene knows her mother’s mind will always be free.

Exposure by Ashleigh Barraclough

They say what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, but what does that really mean in practice? Ashleigh Barraclough speaks with young Australians suffering from anxiety who have pushed comfort limits.

Ornithophobia by Xiao Zhu

Xiao Zhu and her childhood pets were birds of a feather until something went terribly wrong.

Fangirls by Fia Walsh

Fandom is a feminist issue. From hoards of fans at Beatles concerts to K-pop lovers everywhere, teenage girls are still labelled hysterical for their intense adoration of a pop group or celebrity. Why are young women still derided for their passion? Fia Walsh investigates.