Politics Episodes

198
June 4, 2026

The Australian Psychology Board's proposed training redesign (with Kate Crosher)

Bron is joined by Kate Crosher (founding director of the Australian Educational and Developmental Psychology Association, AEDPA) to unpack the Australian Psychology Board's proposed training pathway redesign. Kate breaks down what the proposed changes are in plain English, reassures current trainees and early career psychologists about what could change (and what isn't), and makes a compelling case for why every psychologist should make a submission before the consultation period closes on June ...
143
April 28, 2025

Should psychologists be political?

Prompted by the upcoming Australian Federal election, in this solo ep Bron unpacks whether psychologists should speak up about political issues or remain politically neutral. Bron also walks through the AHPRA code of conduct, AHPRA social media guidelines, and other considerations for those who want to advocate for change. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the intersection of psychology and politics! LINKS Wells, R., & Behardian O'Doherty, S. (2020). "What is an activist-practiti...
139
April 7, 2025

Have you considered politics? The Pathways to Politics Program (Solo)

Last year, Bron participated in a week-long program called "Pathways to Politics", which aims to equip women with the skills and confidence to run for office. Before going in, Bron knew as much about politics as many people, in that it usually involves intense debates, democracy sausages, and a fair bit of drama. She left the program knowing so much more, and felt very inspired to share with you what the program involves, what she learnt, and why she believes there should be more mental health w...
94
Feb. 28, 2024

What is a professional association? (with Sahra O'Doherty and Carly Dober)

You might have heard that professional associations exist for psychologists -- but what exactly do they do, and what are the benefits of joining one? Bron is joined by two Directors of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) to chat about what professional associations do for their members, how professional associations collaborate with Government, and where psychology advocacy is headed in the future. Guests: Sahra O'Doherty (AAPi President) and Carly Dober (AAPi Director). ...
74
Sept. 21, 2023

Why is it so hard to find a placement? (with Dr Averil Cook)

Bron and Averil unpack why it is so bloody hard to find a placement as a provisional/registrar psychologist. They chat about 👉🏽 Why universities find it hard to find placements for students 👉🏻 Why public health, private practices, and NGO's find it difficult to offer placements 👉🏿 What would make it easier for organisations to offer placements 👉🏾 Tips for finding a placement and hope for the future! Guest: Dr Averil Cook (Clinical Psychologist and Director of Bodhi & Psychology) THE END BI...
65
July 20, 2023

Unethical placements and workplaces (with Amanda Moses)

Bron and Amanda unpack the tell-tale signs that you're in an unethical placement or workplace. They chat about 👉🏽 Fair pay 👉🏻 Reasonable caseloads 👉 Contractor vs employment arrangements 👉🏿 Should placements be paid? (spoiler: yes obviously) 👉🏾 Supports if you need help. Mental Work is the podcast unpacking the challenges faced by early career psychologists, so they don’t have to go it alone. Hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins. Guest: Amanda Moses, Psychologist and AAPi Early-Career Coordinator ...
Guest: Amanda Moses
64
July 13, 2023

Gender and leadership in psychology (with Sahra and Averil)

Bron is joined by Averil Cook (Clinical psychologist and Director of Bodhi & Psychology) and Sahra O'Doherty (Psychologist and Director of AAPi) to get curious about gender roles and leadership in the Psychology profession. They unpack 👉🏽 Why men are disproportionately represented in leadership positions in a female-dominated profession 👉🏻 Internalised misogyny 👉 Sahra and Averil's leadership journey 👉🏿 Practical tips to have a sustainable career and reach leadership goals. Listen in for some sp...
34
Nov. 3, 2022

Recognising workplace exploitation (with Carly Dober)

Bron is joined by psychologist and AAPi director Carly Dober to unpack the challenge of workplace exploitation. They discuss 👉🏽 How to recognise exploitation using Carly's experiences 👉🏻 Characteristics that increase early career psychs' vulnerability to exploitation 👉 What to do if you are unsure about an offer or workplace. Mental Work is hosted by Dr Bronwyn Milkins, an Australian-based early career psychologist. THE END BITS Thanks for listening. Mental Work is the podcast unpacking th...
Guest: Carly Dober
33
Oct. 27, 2022

The two-tier Medicare system and other issues in the psychology profession (with Sahra O'Doherty)

Bron is joined again by Sahra O'Doherty, psychologist and director for the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPI), to unpack the issues facing the psychology profession in Australia with a special focus (as always) on the ones facing early-career psychologists that need to be talked about. We unpack 👉🏽 the two-tier system and its consequences for the profession and our clients 👉🏻 the shitty-ness of unpaid internships and necessity of a liveable wage for early-career psychs 👉 Our hope...
31
Oct. 13, 2022

Developing your professional identity as an advocate (with Sahra O’Doherty)

Psychology has traditionally focused on diagnosing mental distress in individuals, but with issues like climate change, racial injustice, and inequitable access to healthcare having an undeniable impact on the mental wellbeing of communities, how can early-career psychs update our professional identities? Today, Bron is joined by Sahra O'Doherty, psychologist and director for the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc (AAPi) to unpack developing a professional identity around social justice...
24
July 22, 2022

Early career therapists are a vulnerable population

IT'S THE END OF SEASON 1! 🎉 Bron reflects on the season, gives a sneak peek into what's coming up in Season 2, and does a deep-dive into her motivation for starting the podcast. Thanks so much to everyone who has listened, shared, reviewed, joined the Patreon, bought me a virtual coffee (links below), and sent me a kind message or email. Your time and generosity is valued and appreciated 💖 Mental Work will be back better than ever in 4 weeks! Stay tuned in hit 'subscribe' in your podcast app s...