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Conversations with Annalisa Barbieri

Annalisa Barbieri
Mental Health
Anxiety
Family Dynamics
Social Media
Palliative Care
End-Of-Life Decisions
Women's Health
Menopause
Hospices
Shame
Friendship
Parenting
Disaster Recovery
Trauma
Care Homes
Death and Dying
Birth Trauma
Body Image
Attachment Theory
Parentification

Have you ever wanted X-ray specs into human behaviour? Then this is the podcast for you. Listen to ‘brilliant, insightful and wise’ agony aunt and journalist Annalisa Barbieri, as she releases exclusive conversations between her and the trusted specialists she’s consulted over the years, who put a life time’s learning into each conversation. Every week you can learn more about yourself and the peo... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes73Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
ParentingKids & FamilySociety & Culture

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Artwork for Conversations

Latest Episodes

I am not a fan of the saying “let’s agree to disagree”, it can be so passive aggressive. But it’s the title of Gabrielle Rifkind’s new book and maybe this pass-agg comment deserves an upgrade. 

Regular listeners may remember Gabrielle from a podcast... more

This episode was not easy to name. The subject is highly topical, but the take on it is original and thought-provoking. 

Alessandra has written her 25th book: ‘Psychotechnical Becomings: Psychoanalysis, Identity, Desire and Mourning in Times of AI a... more

In this episode I’m in conversation with David Robson. David is an award winning science writer and author of three books, one of which The Laws of Connection, we really delve into here. David graduated from Cambridge university with a maths degree, ... more

Dr Sophie Behrman is a is a general adult psychiatrist and works in a community mental health team in Oxford. She’s set up an NHS menopause and menstrual disorders clinic, open to women who fit a certain criteria. She’s also edited a book called “Men... more

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Recent Guests

Alessandra Lemma
Professor, chartered clinical and counselling psychologist, psychoanalyst
University/academic psychologist (British Psychoanalytic Society fellow)
Episode: Who we are and who we have become in an age of technology and A.I with Prof Alessandra Lemma
Dr. Joanne Stubbley
Consultant psychiatrist in psychotherapy with trauma expertise
NHS Tavistock Centre
Episode: Dissociation with Dr Joanne Stubley
Daisy Fancourt
Professor of Psychobiology and Epidemiology, Head of the Social Biobehavioural Research Group at University College London
University College London (UCL)
Episode: Why the arts are good for us with Prof Daisy Fancourt
Dr. Sophie Behrman
General adult psychiatrist specializing in menopause and menstrual disorders
NHS
Episode: The Menopause Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Claudia Hammond
Award-winning author and broadcaster, known for her work on Radio Four programs including All in the Mind.
BBC
Episode: Overwhelmed with Claudia Hammond
Andrew Balfour
Clinical psychologist and psychotherapist
Tavistock Relationships
Episode: Facing Fate with Andrew Balfour
Professor Clare Mackay
Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford
University of Oxford
Episode: Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) with Professor Clare Mackay
Alison Roy
Consultant child psychotherapist registered with the Association of Child Psychotherapists and the BACP.
Episode: Anxiety in the Young with psychotherapist Alison Roy
Morten Kringelbach
Professor of Neuroscience at Oxford University and Director of the Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing.
Oxford University
Episode: Finding Joy with Professor Morten Kringelbach

Host

Annalisa Barbieri
Journalist and agony aunt hosting conversations with experts on psychology, mental health, and relationships.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 602 ratings
  • On loss

    Annalisa, I really appreciated the topic of loss - it is such an important and thoughtful area to explore. At times, though, I found myself feeling a little irritated by the tone of your presentation. It came across as though you wanted to demonstrate your own insight and how well you approach things, which could feel a bit superior in comparison to where others might be. I also found myself wanting to hear more from the guest; focus on his poem - why immediately bring yours?!

    Finally, I notice... more

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    AngeliqueHill
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Excellent

    I was led here by Annalisa’s column in The Guardian. Her responses are always insightful, sensitive and objective. The episode on the dynamics within sibling relationships was illuminating and I look forward to listening more. Top rated hug quality content, thank you Annalisa!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    PenePops
    Australia2 years ago
  • Fascinating

    Well-researched, informative and fascinating podcast. Thank you.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BananaBee7
    United Kingdom2 years ago
  • Talented Interviewer

    Annalisa you are a phenomenally brilliant interviewer. Exceptional talent.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    podworks
    Ireland2 years ago
  • A great resource

    I’m thoroughly enjoying these episodes with interesting professionals and Annalisa’s pertinent questions. Recommended

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    imnotquitesureyet
    United Kingdom3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Guests bring high expertise and practical guidance.
Listeners value the mix of psychology, relationships, and everyday life topics.
Tone is warm, insightful, and approachable for a broad audience.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#236
Russia/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Who we are and who we have become in an age of technology and A.I with Prof Alessandra Lemma
Q: Why is delay, waiting, and friction important in forming who we are?
Delay and frustration force internal processing and representation of experiences, helping the mind learn tolerance, reflect on others, and maintain a grounded sense of self beyond immediate digital gratification.
Who we are and who we have become in an age of technology and A.I with Prof Alessandra Lemma
Q: What made you write this book?
The book grew out of forty years of clinical work with adolescents and adults, observing dramatic changes in how young people make sense of themselves with the smartphone and AI, and a desire to understand how digital culture shapes their development.
The Menstrual Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: How is PMDD diagnosed and what role does tracking play in this?
PMDD diagnosis requires prospective tracking for at least two menstrual cycles using standardized tools like the Daily Record of Severity of Problems (DRSP); symptom timing and interference with functioning are key to confirming PMDD.
The Menstrual Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: What is PMS, and how might it manifest?
PMS is a broad, non-diagnostic everyday term capturing a range of mood, cognitive, and physical symptoms that many people experience; in some individuals, symptoms are so impairing they meet criteria for PMDD, a more severe condition with substantial functional impact.
The Menstrual Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: Can we start off really with the basics really, which is what is the menstrual cycle?
The menstrual cycle is driven by a hormonal rhythm involving estrogen and progesterone, with brain signals (LH and FSH) coordinating ovulation and the preparation of the uterus; the cycle has a follicular phase and luteal phase, ending with menstruation if pregnancy does not occur.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Conversations

What is Conversations about and what kind of topics does it cover?

Thoughtful conversations with a trusted advisor explore human behavior, relationships, parenting, and mental health through expert guests and practical insights. Episodes blend clinical psychology, neuroscience, and real-life storytelling to help listeners understand themselves and others, with a calm, compassionate interviewing style that prioritizes nuance over sensationalism. Noteworthy is the consistent focus on everyday psychology—how family dynamics, aging, reproduction, and social pressures shape choices and well-being—made by a well-known columnist and agony aunt who brings warmth, clarity, and curiosity to complex issues.

Where can I find podcast stats for Conversations?

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Which podcasts are similar to Conversations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Conversations:

1. Therapy Works
2. Complex with Kimberley Wilson
3. Woman's Hour
4. The Shift with Sam Baker
5. Desert Island Discs

How many episodes of Conversations are there?

Conversations launched 5 years ago and published 73 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Conversations?

Recent guests on Conversations include:

1. Alessandra Lemma
2. Dr. Joanne Stubbley
3. Daisy Fancourt
4. Dr. Sophie Behrman
5. Claudia Hammond
6. Andrew Balfour
7. Professor Clare Mackay
8. Alison Roy

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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