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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
Body Image
Disaster Recovery
Birth Trauma
Attachment Theory
Care Homes
Death and Dying
Parentification
Child Psychotherapy

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

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes70Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilySociety & CultureParenting

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Artwork for Conversations

Latest Episodes

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

I first came across the concept of dissociation when I saw a film called Sybil starring Sally Field and Joanne Woodward. It was about a young woman with multiple personalities. Sybil would dissociate and her various personalities would take over.

I’... more

Daisy Fancourt is a professor of psychobiology and epidemiology and head of the Social Biobehavioural research group at University College London. She has a Phd in psycho-neuroimmunology and is also director of the World Health Organisation’s Collabo... more

I’m very pleased to see the menopause is being discussed more that it ever was. It does, after all, potentially affect a great many of us: directly and by proxy.

About fifteen years ago, I wanted to write an article for the Guardian about it but kep... more

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Recent Guests

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
Chris Mills
Psychotherapist and longtime contributor to the Ask Annalisa column.
Episode: How to Make Friends with Chris Mills
Catherine Carr
Award-winning radio presenter, producer, and author writing a book about siblings to be published in spring of 2026.
Episode: Siblings with Catherine Carr

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 598 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 Kingdom7 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 Kingdom2 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.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The Menopause Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: What can be done for menopausal symptoms that women are experiencing?
Listening to the women's experiences, understanding hormonal histories, and validating their feelings are crucial. Treatments may involve medication or hormone replacement therapy, depending on individual needs.
The Menopause Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: What are the common issues women face when experiencing menopause?
Commonly, women experience escalated anxiety which can lead to severe depressive episodes, especially in those with pre-existing mental health issues.
The Menopause Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: Are there any signs that starting the perimenopause are reliable?
There are various individual experiences during perimenopause, with psychological symptoms like 'not feeling like myself' being common. Physical symptoms vary, including night sweats and hot flushes, but are not universally experienced.
The Menopause Brain with Dr Sophie Behrman
Q: What is menopause and what's happening in the brain at this time?
Menopause is the point a year after the last menstrual period, but the focus is on perimenopause, which includes the entire period leading up to that final day. The brain attempts to stimulate ovulation but faces challenges as ovarian reserves diminish, leading to fluctuations in hormones.
Facing Fate with Andrew Balfour
Q: Why do some people cope better than others?
One protective factor is early security of attachment, leading to better adaptation during later life vulnerabilities.

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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.

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Which podcasts are similar to Conversations?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Conversations:

1. Therapy Works
2. How To Fail With Elizabeth Day
3. Dial Emma
4. Desert Island Discs
5. What's Up Docs?

How many episodes of Conversations are there?

Conversations launched 5 years ago and published 70 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. Daisy Fancourt
2. Dr. Sophie Behrman
3. Claudia Hammond
4. Andrew Balfour
5. Professor Clare Mackay
6. Alison Roy
7. Morten Kringelbach
8. Chris Mills

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