In this solo episode of Mind Your Being, we explore a simple but powerful idea from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): you are not your thoughts.

Have you ever had a thought that felt so real… you didn’t even question it?

Thoughts like “I’m not doing enough”, “I’ve left it too late”, or “I’m not good enough” can quietly shape how we feel, what we do—and what we hold ourselves back from.

In this episode, I introduce the concept of cognitive defusion—a practical, evidence-based way to step back from your thoughts instead of getting caught up in them.

We’ll explore:

• Why our minds get “hooked” by certain thoughts
• What psychological flexibility really means
• My personal experience with OCD, rumination, and intrusive thoughts
• Three simple, practical defusion exercises you can try today

This is not about getting rid of thoughts.
It’s about learning how to relate to them differently—so they don’t automatically control your behaviour.

If you’ve ever felt stuck in overthinking, self-doubt, or mental loops, this episode will give you simple tools to create space, respond differently, and move toward what matters most.

🎧 Plus: Download the free 1-page worksheet to help you put this into practice.

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https://mindyourbeing.com.au/

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Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.

Dementia is something many of us worry about as we get older — but what does the science actually say about risk, prevention, and brain health?

In this episode, I’m joined by neuroscientist and science communicator Dr Sarah McKay to explore what’s really happening in the brain across midlife, and how we can think about reducing dementia risk in a realistic, evidence-based way.

We talk about what dementia actually is, how it differs from normal memory changes, and why it’s not an inevitable part of ageing.

Importantly, we unpack the concept of modifiable risk factors — including hearing loss, high LDL cholesterol, depression, and traumatic brain injury — and how these factors can influence brain health over time.

We also explore brain changes during perimenopause and menopause, and address common myths and misinformation circulating online — particularly around hormones and dementia risk.

This is a thoughtful, practical conversation focused on what’s within our control — without the fear-based messaging.

BIO
Dr. Sarah McKay is a neuroscientist and science communicator, adept at making brain science accessible for enhancing health, wellbeing and performance.

An Oxford University graduate, Sarah earned her MSc and PhD in neuroscience before moving to Australia, where she conducted postdoctoral research on spinal cord injury for five years. She then founded Think Brain, a science communications and education company devoted to applied neuroscience and brain health.

She is the author of three books on brain health. The Women's Brain Book: The Neuroscience of Health, Hormones, and Happiness was published in 2018, with a second edition published in mid-2025. Baby Brain: The Surprising Neuroscience of How Pregnancy and Motherhood Sculpt Our Brains and Change Our Minds (for the Better) explores the transformative effects of pregnancy and motherhood. Her third book on brain health, written for the iconic For Dummies brand, was released in early 2025.

Links:

Dr Sarah McKay

https://drsarahmckay.com/

https://www.instagram.com/drsarahmckay/

Lancet Commission - Risk Factors for Dementia

https://www.thelancet.com/infographics-do/dementia-risk

Consensus AI

https://consensus.app/

https://mindyourbeing.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#

https://x.com/mind_yourbeing

https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcast

Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.

A number of women shared something with me recently at a perimenopause and menopause event…

“I don’t quite know who I am anymore.”

If you’ve felt this way in midlife, you’re not alone.

In this solo episode of Mind Your Being, I explore how this stage of life — for both women and men — can feel disorienting, but also offers a meaningful opportunity to pause and reflect.

I talk about values — what they are, how they differ from goals, and why identifying and living in alignment with your values can help bring a greater sense of clarity, direction, and contentment.

This isn’t about having all the answers.

It’s a gentle invitation to consider:
What really matters to me now?
And am I living in a way that reflects that?

In this episode:

• Why many people feel a loss of identity in midlife
• How menopause and midlife can be reframed as a reset, not just a loss
• What values are (and how they differ from goals)
• Why living in alignment with your values supports wellbeing and resilience
• A simple way to begin identifying your own values
• How small, everyday choices shape a life that feels more like your own

Values Reflection List:

https://bit.ly/4tjs2rv

https://mindyourbeing.com.au/

https://www.instagram.com/mindyourbeingpodcast/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574785410170#

https://x.com/mind_yourbeing

https://www.youtube.com/@MindYourBeingPodcast

Thanks so much for listening,

Cass x

Disclaimer:

The information provided on the Mind Your Being Podcast is for general informational, educational, and entertainment purposes only. The content shared on this podcast is not a substitute for professional medical, psychological, or nutritional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental health condition.

Reliance on any information provided by the Mind Your Being Podcast, its hosts, guests, or others appearing on the podcast is solely at your own risk. The views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the podcast creators or hosts.