Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast

Fitness is at the very center of personal growth: by all accounts, it offers a positive impact on one’s mood, sleep, stress, energy levels, and mental health. In this episode of Self Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia interviews fitness instructor Sarah Hentges.

Teaching community yoga classes at the UMA Bangor campus and dance and fitness classes at Bangor YMCA, Sarah Hentges is an insightful fitness instructor. That aside, Sarah Hentges serves as professor of transdisciplinary cultural studies at the University of Maine at Augusta. Impressively, she has written four books in di...

Fitness is at the very center of personal growth: by all accounts, it offers a positive impact on one’s mood, sleep, stress, energy levels, and mental health. In this episode of Self Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Sabrina Oktavelia interviews fitness instructor Sarah Hentges.

Teaching community yoga classes at the UMA Bangor campus and dance and fitness classes at Bangor YMCA, Sarah Hentges is an insightful fitness instructor. That aside, Sarah Hentges serves as professor of transdisciplinary cultural studies at the University of Maine at Augusta. Impressively, she has written four books in di...

As science expands and more studies are finally conducted on women’s health, more and more interesting connections are being made on the impact of the menstrual cycle on overall health. In this episode, expert Lyssandra Guerra joins host Joahanna to talk about something everyone goes through - stress - and how it might be connected to the cycle. 

Lyssandra Guerra is a Certified Nutrition & Wellness Consultant and the Founder of Native Palms Nutrition based in Oakland, California. She has over five years of nutrition coaching experience and specializes in providing support to overcome digestive issues, food sen...

There is now a growing body of research that’s shown strong connections between mental and physical health, but little is known about the pathways from one another. On this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, host Joahanna is joined by Jarryd Heasman to learn more.

Drawing on his background in sports science, research, and mining industry wellbeing, Jarryd Heasman translates multidimensional expertise into practical strategies that enhance physical and mental health. He has a mission to empower people with actionable insights and foster environments that prioritize holistic wellbeing, and distills complex information into clear, concise insights.

In...

Prioritizing health in our mile-a-minute days can feel like an impossible task. Between work, family, social obligations, and personal interests, we’re often left feeling drained and out of sync with our own well-being. Yet, it remains all the more crucial for us to treat our health as a priority. So, in this episode, host Marie Stella is joined by health coach Sharon Gleeson to explore routines that prioritize health.

Working with busy executives, leaders, and teams across a range of industries to provide coaching and support, Sharon Gleeson aims to help people create a sustainable, healthy li...

Self-care is a term that’s been trending everywhere from the early stages of social media, but what does it truly mean? Beyond the aesthetically pleasing Instagram posts of bubble baths and scented candles lies the psychology explored in this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas.

Joining our host Marie Stella is clinical health psychologist Dr. Samantha McLeod, who’s been running her own wellbeing center since 2009, which aims to help others live with vitality as their potential becomes reality, through individual and group-based programs.

In this episode, Dr. Samantha McLeod shares the benefits of self-care and how...

Emotions can often affect our demeanor, and even our health. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by psychology professor Benjamin D. Rosenberg, Ph.D. to explore the world of emotions, and about how they affect us and we affect them.

An associate professor and department co-chair at the psychology department at Dominican University of California, Benjamin D. Rosenberg, Ph.D. is a social-health psychologist with expertise in health behavior, research methods and statistics, and survey design. But most of all, he is a passionate instructor and mentor...

Meditation has often been a topic of discussion when it comes to inner peace, but rarely discussed are the effects of meditation on our workplace productivity. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by meditation teacher Tom Cronin to learn more about what meditation can do for our focus and efficiency.

Having spent 26 years in finance markets as one of Australia’s leading bond and swap brokers, Tom Cronin had experienced a crisis point with his anxiety and chaos in the early stages of his career when he di...

Society’s beauty standards can be crushing to the self-worth, affecting adolescents and adults alike. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by dietitian and wellness coach Kathy Ožaković to learn more about how embracing authenticity is the first step toward improving body image.

Grounded in her personal triumphs over mental health challenges, Kathy Ožaković is an integrative dietitian, wellness coach, and health practitioner who is passionate about helping people achieve and maintain their best health through lifestyle and medicine. With a stunning ability to take radica...

The effects of meditation on our well-being are widely recognized, but lesser known are its role in improving our relationships and social connection. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella sits with functional medicine health coach Bridget Pennington to learn more.

As principal health coach at Melbourne Functional Medicine, Bridget Pennington coaches patients, collaborates with practitioners and helps to design and rebuild the coaching offering, granting her the opportunity to spend several hundred hours coaching. With a passion for sharing tools and resources, she continues to develop journals, books, blogs...

It is well-known that getting sufficient sleep is vital for health and well-being, but did you know that it also plays a massive part in cognitive functionality and overall performance? This week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by naturopathic nutritionist and health coach Carolina Ramuski to find out more.

With a firm belief in the transformative power of quality sleep, Carolina Ramuski has dedicated her career to helping individuals achieve deep, restorative sleep through a unique blend of ancestral wisdom, modern technology, and cutting-edge biohacking techniques. Specializing in sleep...

Metrics and data often serve as reliable approaches to business, yet intuition stands as a common denominator among the world’s most successful entrepreneurs. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by business consultant Laetitia Andrac to learn the very secrets behind making intuition work for business.

Having coached individuals and groups for over a decade, Laetitia Andrac boasts an insatiable curiosity and energy dedicated to empowering her clients to reach their business goals with clarity and impact. She skilfully blends business goals frameworks with decision-making informed by in...

With a rapidly increasing number of artificial intelligence software applications and devices populating the world, existential questions become even more pressing. This week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant consults psychologist Dr. Mike Brooks to examine the philosophical implications of AI and more.

With a deep-rooted commitment to enhancing the well-being of others through therapy, presentations, and media, Dr. Mike Brooks has over 20 years of experience and brings compassionate understanding of the nuanced challenges posed by the digital era. His expertise lies in guiding people towards finding a greater and more harmonious...

In today’s fast-paced world, quality sleep is often elusive. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant chats with sleep coach Nicholas Stewart, MBA, CSSC on what it takes to get a good night’s rest.

With expertise in helping professionals achieve peak performance through improved sleep, Nicholas Stewart, MBA, CSSC is the brains behind bestselling book "Sleep Fitness". He empowers diverse clientele, from business owners to entire teams, to overcome sleep challenges and unlock new energy capacities.

In this episode, Nicholas Stewart, MBA, CSSC sheds light on the...

Faces are merely a canvas upon which emotions are painted. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Dina Sargeant sits down with world-renowned facial expression expert Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D. to investigate the science behind how we communicate our feelings through subtle cues.

As a scientist, author, and teacher, Erika Rosenberg, Ph.D. seeks to help people understand themselves and one another better, connect with one another, find peace and joy in life, and suffer less. She studies facial expressions to better understand human emotion and teaches compassion meditation to help people...

You often hear about volunteering as a selfless act, but what if, in the best of ways, it can be entirely selfish? This week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella chats with preventative medicine professor Stephen G. Post, Ph.D. on how doing good makes you feel good.

An opinion leader and public speaker, Stephen G. Post, Ph.D. is author to an estimated 300 articles in leading medical journals by the likes of JAMA, NEJM, Annals of Internal Medicine, and more. Additionally, he is the best-selling author of positive psychology book ‘Why Go...

Virtual environments and digital interactions are becoming increasingly central to our lives, and with that, comes a host of questions: Do online communities influence our identity? To what extent? So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella Quek is joined by Dr. Vanessa Dennen to learn more about online communities and its effect on our self-identity

As professor of Instructional Systems & Learning Technologies at Florida State University, Dr. Vanessa Dennen’s research investigates the cognitive, motivational, and social elements of computer-mediated communication. Specifically, she concentrates on three major issues: learner engagement in...

Have you ever felt yourself dissociating from being the shoulder to cry on for the hundredth time? The weight of others’ emotions can sometimes turn empathy into vicarious exhaustion. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella chats with clinical psychologist Shannon Swales to learn about compassion fatigue.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experiences, Shannon Swales' journey in the field of psychology has been deeply influenced by her own encounter with burnout and previous mental health struggles. But, she set out to heal herself, documenting her progress in a jo...

Meditation is taking the world by storm, with information available on social media outlets and blogs alike. But, understanding the fundamentals of meditation and what types might be suited for your goals and lifestyle is key to making it work. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by meditation teacher Giovanni Dienstmann for beginner-friendly meditation advice.

Having practiced meditation since 14 years old, Giovanni Dienstmann recognized a gap in the industry when it started gaining popularity 10 years ago. As a meditation teacher, Giovanni Dienstmann adopts an approach that heavily...

In an age where financial literacy is paramount, knowledge of how money works in the 21st century can make all the difference in financial planning. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by economics professor Richard Holden to get a grasp on our rapidly changing economic landscape.

A professor of economics at UNSW Business School with a strong passion for education, Richard also serves as the director of the Economics of Education Knowledge Hub and co-director of the New Economic Policy Initiative, spearheading a movement towards smaller classrooms...

In an age where financial literacy is paramount, knowledge of how money works in the 21st century can make all the difference in financial planning. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by economics professor Richard Holden to get a grasp on our rapidly changing economic landscape.

A professor of economics at UNSW Business School with a strong passion for education, Richard Holden also serves as the director of the Economics of Education Knowledge Hub and co-director of the New Economic Policy Initiative, spearheading a movement towards smaller...

In an age where financial literacy is paramount, knowledge of how money works in the 21st century can make all the difference in financial planning. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by economics professor Richard Holden to get a grasp on our rapidly changing economic landscape.

A professor of economics at UNSW Business School with a strong passion for education, Richard Holden also serves as the director of the Economics of Education Knowledge Hub and co-director of the New Economic Policy Initiative, spearheading a movement towards smaller...

Between boardroom meetings and date nights, the key to nailing style and practicality boils down to wardrobe versatility. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by wardrobe consultant Paula Newlands.

With 19 years of experience in the fashion industry, Paula Newlands top passion is styling and educating clients. Her previous stints as a fashion model and women’s accessory boutique owner have offered her the skills and insight into what it takes to curate a stylish yet functional wardrobe.

In this episode, Paula Newlands starts out by ou...

Trauma tends to leave deep scars on the psyche and spirit, yet there exists a path to healing, especially when accompanied by meditation. So, in this week’s episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by professor Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D.

As a professor in the Department of Public Health, as well as faculty in the Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program at Syracuse University, Dessa Bergen-Cico, Ph.D. possesses extensive knowledge on trauma. But beyond the lecture halls, she is a Certified Addiction Specialist (CAS), Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) and a Ce...

It is common knowledge that eating well and exercising are the hallmarks of a healthy lifestyle. But what about sleep hygiene? This week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella chats with sleep consultant Samantha Sadighi about all the work that goes into becoming a successful sleeper.

As a psychology graduate and former insomniac with over 20 years of corporate experience, Samantha Sadighi channels a wealth of knowledge into helping professionals overcome their sleep difficulties using evidence and research-based techniques. In her sleep consultancy practice, Samantha Sadighi offers a holistic approach, taking her time...

Our world is saturated with distorted ideals of beauty, and so many of us have grappled with feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt at some point in our lives. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by psychologist Dominique Mulhane to discuss what self-acceptance can do for positive body image.

With an interest in eating disorders, weight management and body image issues, Dominique Mulhane is a general psychologist and eating disorder clinician who works with adult clients who experience a range of eating disorders, disordered eating, and body image...

As plenty of us embrace remote work, the lines between profssional and personal spaces tend to blur. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella chats with interior architect Iva Durakovic for advice on creating a work environment at home that can sustain both our well-being and the planet.

With over 10 years of experience working on high-profile, award-winning workplace design projects, Iva is a lecturer and interior designer with research focusing on behavioral impacts and phenomenology of high-performance workplaces, evaluating the environments and their cultures, particularly within emergent post-2020 workplace contexts.<...

The simple act of putting pen to paper can offer incredible catharsis, especially for the easily stressed. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by journaling coach Carol Brennan to learn about everything that makes journaling work.

Hailing from Scotland, United Kingdom, Carol Brennan specializes in helping female entrepreneurs manage their stress levels with journaling. She owned her first diary at the tender age of seven, and has been doing her own personal writing since, inspiring her current journaling coach endeavor. 

In this episode, Carol Brennan e...

In the past decade, artificial intelligence (AI) has made waves in the realm of technology, assisting us in our daily lives with errands, work tasks, and more. But, how can AI be employed for electronic security? So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by assistant professor of cybersecurity Rizka Widyarini Purwanto.

Aside from her assistant professor role at Monash University, Rizka serves as adjunct associate lecturer at University of New South Wales. Her research interests are primarily in the application of AI in various areas, currently encompassing scams...

Busy and bustling lives can often leave our minds muddled and stuck in autopilot. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by journaling coach Amanda Stern to learn more about how the simple act of putting pen to paper can set you on a clear path forward and onto self-discovery.

An events manager turned journaling coach, Amanda reconnected with her inner self through journaling following several years of operating on autopilot. Her journaling philosophy is that there is no one-size-fits-all, working with her clients to identify what works...

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a rapidly evolving technology that has graced our devices for over a decade, yet an enigma surrounding it persists. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by artist-attorney Stephanie Drawdy to learn more about AI and how it can assist us in our artistic pursuits.

As an artist with a background in law, Stephanie portrays topics of passion, like art restitution and human rights, in her ongoing painting series entitled Elicit Justice. This extends to her writing projects and podcast, Warfare of Art and...

From the food we consume to the nutrients our bodies absorb, every bite we take has the potential to influence our mood, cognition, and overall mental state. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by clinical nutritionist Anthony Hartcher to discuss proper nutrition and its impact on our mental health.

An inspirational speaker on a variety of health and wellbeing topics including mental health, and nutrition subjects, Anthony’s enthusiasm for health and wellness sprouted in his childhood years with health magazines, books, and a sporting obsession. Ever si...

Often laden with cultural taboos and societal pressures, divorce—especially within communities of color—is often shrouded in silence and stigma. So, in this week’s episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by divorce and relationship confidence coach Monica Kalra to deconstruct divorce within cultural contexts.

The founder of Revorce, a term coined by Monica to mean ‘to revive, reclaim, and reset before and after divorce’, Monica was inspired by her own story of re-harnessing her personal power, exiting an abusive relationship, and reconstructing her own confidence and life. Now, she c...

Professional fulfillment often presents several winding paths, and carving out a career that speaks to your soul can prove challenging for even the most talented. So, in this week’s episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by career coach Utkarsh Narang to explore the art of aligning passion with profession.

Over his 16 years in employment, Utkarsh has gone from being a physiotherapist, to filming and editing educational content, to scaling a startup. His multi-career journey, coupled with a fervor for understanding human behavior, propelled him to start assisting and co...

Retirement often marks the culmination of one’s professional career, but it also heralds a new chapter filled with opportunities for self-reflection, growth, and fulfillment. So, in this week’s episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by applied developmental psychologist Deborah Heiser to uncover the transformative potential of retirement.

Having been featured in Forbes and quoted in a plethora of established publications such as The New York Times, Seattle Times, and Dallas Times, Deborah’s research encompasses a wide range of topics related to aging—including depression identification, dementia, and frai...

Building a healthy relationship with food often takes several rounds of trial and error—and sometimes it feels cyclical—especially with diet culture popularized by the media. But in recent years, ‘intuitive eating’ has been making waves. So, this week on Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella is joined by a psychologist, Dr. Gia Marson, to learn more about the anti-diet approach.

As a psychologist, Dr. Gia has had over two decades of experience helping adolescents and adults with their coping skills, but outside of the clinic, she has written several articles for Psycholo...

Some hope for a mundane job that will allow them to fund side projects, and others long for a career they can call their vocation. Both routes can be equally fulfilling, but one thing is for sure: finding meaningful work isn’t always the smoothest of journeys. So, join us in an episode of Self-Improvement Atlas as host Marie Stella picks the brain of speaker and writer Rebecca Fraser- Thill to learn more about the psychology and design thinking required for a fulfilling career.

A seasoned leadership and career coach, Rebecca guides her clients through masterfully crafting pa...

Welcome to the newest episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, where host Marie Stella chats with renowned Victoria Shaw, an art appraiser and advisor with 30 years of experience in the world of art, antiques, and auctions.

Having been certified and accredited by the Appraisers Association of America in numerous areas, Victoria provides appraisals for a diverse range of clients, from those who are looking to build a collection, to families and individuals downsizing a home or liquidating an estate.

In this episode, Marie and Victoria dive into the realm of art collecting, as well as the communities...

Welcome to the latest episode of Self-Improvement Atlas as host Marie Stella sits down with the incredible Karen Knight, a seasoned expert with over 25 years of experience in providing volunteer engagement advice, mentoring, and training for social impact organizations.

As an internationally recognized author, presenter, and thought leader, Karen is here to challenge the standard thinking around volunteerism. She shines a spotlight on often-overlooked problems and brings creative solutions to long-standing issues.

In this podcast, Marie and Karen discuss discovering the true essence of volunteering beyond just contributing to a good cause. Karen emphasizes the...

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas, host Marie Stella is joined by personal stylist Natalia Macri, who is also the founder of Sydney-based styling service, Style and You.

Passionate about helping everybody concoct unique, creative, elegant and timeless looks, Natalia Macri has earned her credibility through extensive experience working professionally with corporate and individual clients in Europe and now Australia. She is a firm believer that everyone deserves to look and feel fantastic.

During the episode, Natalia divulges her professional opinion on how the clothes we wear on a day-to-day basis affects our mood and...

On this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, we are joined by Kailey Breyer, a graduate of USC's engineering program, advocating for girls' empowerment and serving as a beacon of inspiration for numerous individuals through her impactful presence on social media. 

Formerly the visionary behind Kailey's Queens, an empowering initiative for teenage girls, Kailey now leverages social media to empower young women to communicate effectively, radiate confidence, and cultivate self-love. Her groundbreaking content not only reshapes mindsets but also empowers women to shatter barriers and redefine societal norms, establishing her as an undeniable force for empowerment.

During o...

In the first Self-improvement Atlas episode of 2024, host Marie Stella is joined by insurance advisor Jen Fajardo to discuss the importance of financial planning, especially during an opportune time like the new year.

With a goal to inspire Gen Z's and millennials her age to normalize open discussions pertaining to finance, Jen has garnered thousands of followers on social media, promoting financial literacy—all from her home in the Philippines. More impressively, she wears several hats as an entrepreneur, connecting her various businesses—events planning, styling, coaching, financial advisory—together.

During the chat, Jen elaborates on why...

Happy holidays and welcome to Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast! In this special festive episode, host Marie Stella is joined by registered dietitian Brandy Stayman to discuss nutrition upkeep during a season that is an absolute minefield for self-esteem.

With over 13 years of experience under her belt, Brandy’s specialties include intuitive eating, disordered eating, eating disorders, PCOS, and prenatal nutrition. To add, she is currently in the process of becoming a Certified Intuitive Eating Counselor to further advance her skills and knowledge around helping people heal their relationship to food!

This week, Br...

Welcome to Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast! In this week’s episode, we are joined by the infamous lino print artist, Steph Bursill from Melbourne, who runs a business selling her own art. 

Steph has more than 100,000 followers on TikTok, where she shares her journey of making lino prints. When she's not making art or TikTok videos, she enjoys watching RuPaul's Drag Race and taking care of her plants. With her lino print business, Steph wants to inspire people to decorate their walls with art. She strives to make art collecting affordable for everyone. 

In...

Have you ever wondered why close friendships are important and how adults can overcome the challenges of initiating close friendships? In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcasts, our host Marie Stella, sits down with Dr. Bill Chopik, MSU Psych Prof. to discuss the importance of vulnerability in forging these deep bonds, and how to exhibit it.

Known for his dynamic research on the interplay of human connections and their profound impact on close relationships. Bill is a celebrated psychologist, recognized by Forbes Magazine's Top 30 Scientists Under 30 and the Association for Psychological Science's Rising...

Welcome to another episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast! In today's session, our host, Marie Stella, delves into the intricate web of media's impact on our self-image, joined by the remarkable Melbourne based psychologist, Krysta Kors.

Krysta is far from your typical psychologist; her expertise spans a wide spectrum, encompassing education, community organizations, and medical clinics. She specializes in assisting individuals grappling with various mental health challenges, such as anxiety, disordered eating, trauma, and social difficulties.

In this episode, Krysta sheds light on the concept of body image—our perception of our ph...

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella was joined by banking industry expert Dr. John-Paul Monck. Together, they explore how banking products can be powerful financial tools, paving the way for both financial liberation and personal growth.

John-Paul, a seasoned professional in the banking industry, brings a wealth of experience from working with major banks and regulators across the globe. He not only excels as a solicitor and former bank regulator but has also contributed significantly to various academic programs in accounting, finance, and management.

In this insightful...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcasts. In this episode, we had an opportunity to invite Melanie Scott, a former police officer, and the dynamic CEO behind K9s 4 Valour, a noteworthy not-for-profit charity, and owner of The Melanie Scott K9 Training. With an extensive track record spanning over two decades, Melanie boasts qualifications from the National Dog Trainers Federation (NDTF) and Top Dog USA, while also proudly holding membership in PIAA (Pet Industry Association of Australia).

Melanie delves into the profound influence pet companionship can have on one's character development, intricately intertwined with personal...

In this new episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Labs Insights Podcast, we're honored to be joined by Max Williams. An Accredited Specialist in Wills and Estates Law, Max's expertise is as profound as it is impressive, holding a Master of Laws in this specialized domain. With a wealth of experience crafting wills, power of attorney documents, and aiding executors in estate administration, Max stands as a beacon of knowledge in the field.

Max's journey is marked by his full membership in the esteemed Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP). His influence even extends to the...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Labs Insights Podcast! In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce Mya Le, a distinguished fashion advisor and a fervent champion of personal development. With her remarkable expertise, Mya has guided numerous individuals on a transformative journey, helping them radiate confidence and authenticity through their fashion choices.

Mya's unswerving dedication to personal growth has driven her to meticulously research and curate a potent collection of tools for understanding human behavior. Through her work, she empowers others to reach their life goals and tap into their untapped potential.

In this...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Labs Insights Podcast! In this episode, we have the privilege of engaging in a conversation with Howard C. Nusbaum. Howard holds the esteemed position of Stella M. Rowley Professor of Psychology at the University of Chicago. His contributions extend to the Committee on Computational Neuroscience, and he is the Director of the Center for Practical Wisdom. Previously, he was the Division Director for Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences at the National Science Foundation from 2015 to 2017.

Howard's career spans an array of intriguing subjects. From exploring speech communication and music perception to...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Prof. Nafis Alam—Professor and Head of the School of Business at Monash University Malaysia. Apart from his current role at Monash, he has worked at Henley Business School Malaysia, the University of Reading Malaysia, and Nottingham University Business School at the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Also, he has held visiting positions at universities in the UK and Indonesia.

Prof. Alam is a well-regarded scholar and commentator on FinTech, Banking, and financial regulation. He has published over 50 peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, including Th...

In this episode, we're thrilled to introduce our new host, Marie Stella Quek. A distinguished Master's graduate in Media, Marie Stella's professional journey has woven through the realms of food, travel, interior design, and lifestyle magazines across vibrant landscapes of Singapore and Australia.

But Marie's story doesn't end there—far from it. During the week, she guides thought-provoking podcasts centered around personal development and relationships. Come the weekends, she's an adept photographer, capturing the essence of events and personalities through her lens.

Marie Stella's path to this point has been a remarkable one. Originating from th...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Lu Ngo, an inspiring individual who moved from Hanoi, Vietnam to Melbourne, Australia in 2018 to pursue her Master's Degree in Project Management. Since then, Melbourne has become her second home.

Lu is passionate about helping organizations deliver educational projects while prioritizing the well-being of her team. She also runs her own podcast called The Glocals, where she shares life lessons from people around the world.

Currently, Lu leads projects at ILMS and LMSL with a global team dedicated to life management...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dina Sargeant, a media and communications graduate with a unique background of growing up in a communicative family and living in various countries, encountering people who have profoundly shaped her life. Dina Sargeant's fervor for podcasting stems from her personal beliefs, experiences, and the invaluable lesson she learned about the power of self-expression through her degree.

During the conversation, Dina Sargeant shares her insightful perspectives on the impact of close friendships and their role in personal development. She provides practical advice on maintaining...

Welcome to Self-Improvement Atlas! In this episode, we are joined by Prof. Ronald Riggio, a distinguished expert in leadership and organizational psychology. Prof. Riggio's impressive background includes serving as the Henry R. Kravis Professor of Leadership and Organizational Psychology at Claremont McKenna College and being a Visiting Scholar at Churchill College, Cambridge University.

With numerous authored books and over 150 articles/book chapters, Prof. Riggio's research focuses on leadership, organizational communication, and social competence. He is also actively involved in the Fullerton Longitudinal Study, which examines leadership development across the lifespan.

During the conversation, Prof. Riggio...

On this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, we are joined by Laetitia di Franco-Freitas, a Yoga and Pranayama instructor, and a Women's Circle facilitator. She is passionate about the mind, body, and soul connection and about finding ways to bring people together in the community so that a person doesn't practice self-care in relation to oneself only but for the good of all consciousness too.

In this episode, Laetitia provides the best practices of yoga that can help you manage your health and wellness. She also shared her definition of personal development and health management, also how the...

On this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, we are joined by Gavin Colosimo, CFP®, a highly experienced senior financial advisor at First Financial, based in Melbourne, Australia. With nearly two decades of expertise in the financial planning industry, Gavin specializes in areas such as SMSF, retirement planning, and aged care advice. Drawing upon his extensive professional background and personal experiences, he offers his clients a straightforward and down-to-earth approach to financial planning.

In this episode, Gavin provides invaluable best practices for managing expenses during the retirement period. He emphasizes the critical importance of considering expenses when planning for r...

Personality assessments serve as valuable tools for measuring various aspects of an individual's personality traits, characteristics, and behavior. Widely utilized in psychology, career development, and team building, these assessments offer unique insights into our inner workings. While there is a wide array of personality assessments available, they can be compared based on key factors to determine their effectiveness and relevance.

Join us in this new episode of Self-Improvement Atlas as our host engages in an insightful conversation with Professor Niel Jeyasingam. Professor Jeyasingam is a distinguished psychiatrist, psychotherapist, and psychodynamic psychotherapy supervisor. With a wealth of knowledge...

On this episode of Self-improvement Atlas, we are joined by Vicky Liu, a certified Yoga and Meditation teacher who has a background in Psychology and primary mental health care. She shares with us her passion for human well-being and how her journey led her to discover the amazing benefits of yoga and mindfulness practices.

Throughout our conversation, Vicky provides us with insightful knowledge on how yoga practices can affect our mental health and improve our relaxation. She speaks about her own experience with the practice and how it has helped her connect with her true self and...

In this episode of Self-Improvement Atlas, we dive into the topic of personal financial planning with the help of Jake Seraphin, a certified financial planner at Steigerwald, Gordon, & Koch in the United States.

With his experience in analyzing and developing recommendations for savings and investment allocation and insurance needs, as well as working as a relationship manager and financial advisor for around 75 households, Jake brings a wealth of knowledge to the table.

Throughout the episode, Jake shares valuable insights on the importance of managing savings and investment allocation for healthier personal financial planning. He breaks...

We're excited to have you join us on the Self-improvement Atlas, where we delve into the fascinating world of brain health and performance. Today, we're honored to have Dr. Julie Fratantoni as our guest, a distinguished cognitive neuroscientist at the Center for BrainHealth, University of Texas at Dallas, and the Head of Operations for The BrainHealth Project™. Drawing from her vast experience and expertise, Dr. Julie shares valuable insights on the significance of brain health and its impact on our cognitive abilities, creativity, emotions, and overall well-being.

In this episode, Dr. Julie engages in a thought-provoking conversation wi...

Join us on Self-improvement Atlas as we explore the use of insurance protection and the myth of the use of insurance as life protection, savings, and investments. Our guest for today is Erica Miles, a passionate financial planning and protection educator at How Money Works, United States.

Being a wife and a mother to three small children, it's time we start learning how to pass on financial wealth and information. Her professional background is in banking and she loved everything about banking. But when she saw how uneducated people were about financial products available outside of banking...

Have you ever wondered about the significance of insurance protection and when to start availing it? In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, our host, Aditi Kutty, engages in a conversation with Paul Milbourne, AdvDip FS, a distinguished business protection specialist and personal life and income protection insurance adviser from Australia. Paul's mission is to alleviate his clients' concerns by helping them understand and secure what matters most to them, working collaboratively with their professional support network.

With seven years of partnership in Findex and prior experience in owning an Australian and International...

What to start when it comes to investment? Have you ever wondered what amount we should start investing in? Do not worry as we have an investment management expert here to give you some enlightenment. 

Our host in this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, Aditi Kutty, engages in a conversation with Brendan Frazier, the founder of Wired Planning, the host of The Human Side of Money podcast, a keynote speaker, and was named one of Investopedia’s Top 100 Financial Advisors in 2021 and 2022. Frazier runs a global community and training program for advisors to mas...

Join us in the latest episode of Self-Improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, where we explore a topic that's relevant to our daily lives: social media. How would your life be different if social media didn't exist? Can we truly live without it?

Our host, Gabriella Joustra, sits down with Dina Sargeant, a media and communications graduate who has grown up in a communicative family, and has lived in different countries, meeting people who have significantly impacted her life. Dina's passion for podcasting stems from her personal beliefs and experiences, and her understanding of the importance...

Welcome to the latest episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast! In today's show, we delve into the fascinating world of nutrition and its impact on mental wellness. Are you curious about the different types of healthy diets and how they can benefit you? And, have you ever wondered if eating better could actually increase your lifespan and help you age gracefully?

Join our host, Lu Ngo, as she sits down with the amazing Phuong Nguyen (also known as Feong) - a multi-talented professional who wears many hats in both the finance and health/fitness...

People say it’s too early to start retirement planning before 50, so when is exactly the right time to start retirement planning? Can we start doing it at least when we are 25 years old? What types of financial products should we consider when it comes to retirement planning?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast host, Aditi Kutty, sits down with Daniel Thompson – Partner and Financial Adviser at Finnacle, Australia. Having grown up and lived in different parts of Australia, from the outback to the city, he found one thing that was common to m...

Are you curious about genetic testing and how accurate it really is? Wondering if there are other ways to learn about personality traits beyond genetic testing? Join host Aditi Kutty on this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, as she talks with Ushtavaity Davar Canteenwalla, a board certified licensed genetic counselor with nearly 18 years of experience in clinical genetics. Ushta is passionate about empowering individuals to understand and navigate their genetic health.

In 2018, Ushta founded FiND Genetics, an independent telemedicine genetics consulting practice to bridge the gap in easy access to genetics support and...

Being kind, stubborn, or sweet – where does our personality come from? Does it come from our parents or our environment? How do genetics actually affect personality?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast host, Aditi Kutty, sits down with Elizabeth Varga, MS, CGC, is a licensed genetic counselor and the Director of Clinical Genomics Research and Development in the Institute for Genomic Medicine at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. In this role, she oversees development and implementation of genomic research into several areas of pediatric medicine.  Elizabeth has almost 20 years of clinical experience as a gen...

What do leadership integrity and credibility look like? Is it someone who can lead a team professionally? What skills are needed for someone to be capable of leading a team?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast host, Aditi Kutty, sits down with Prof. Tony L. Simons—a Louis B. Schaeneman Jr. Professor of Innovation & Dynamic Management, who teaches organizational behavior, negotiation, and leadership at the Cornell School of Hotel Administration. 

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com...

What kind of characteristics can be seen as democratic leadership and autocratic leadership style? In terms of leading a team and organization, which is preferred in this era? 

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast host, Aditi Kutty, sits down with Stuart Sidle, Ph.D., an industrial-organizational psychologist, the Dean of Social and Behavioral Sciences at Mercy College. Before joining Mercy, Dr. Sidle was at the University of New Haven, where he wore many hats, including Associate Provost for Strategic Initiatives and Faculty Development. Before joining the University of New Haven, Dr. Sidle h...

Aging has been described as the primary risk factor for neurological diseases such as Alzheimer’s diseases, Parkinson’s diseases, and dementia. How does aging affect our personal life and development? What should we do to prevent aging brain and memory loss moving forward?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast host, Aditi Kutty, sits down with Dr. Jonathan Schooler, a Distinguished Professor of Psychological and Brain Sciences at the University of California Santa Barbara.

His research on human cognition explores topics that intersect philosophy and psychology, such as how fluctuations in p...

Have you ever had trouble falling asleep? Sleep disorders can develop as a result of repeated bad sleeping patterns. What are the early signs, and how can we improve our sleep to benefit our brains and mental health?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty sits down with Sean P.A. Drummond, Ph.D., Professor of Clinical Neuroscience and Director of the Sleep and Circadian Rhythms Program Area at Monash University, Australia. 

He is also a Past President of the Sleep Research Society. The three main areas of S...

In this day and age, social media has officially been part of our daily activities. Not only is it used for entertainment, but also to connect with our family and friends. Some even make a living from it. 

But what can we do when social media becomes our enemy instead when we have past mental fears and blocks? When this happens, we have to ask ourselves:  Is there a better way to utilize social media?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty sits down with Dianne Masri, the fo...

2022 in review: from financial security to romantic partner; We have covered quite a variety of topics regarding personal science. Need a quick refreshment on what you have gathered under your belt so far?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas, host Aditi Kutty wraps this year’s lesson into a comprehensive conclusion. We’re deeply grateful to the guests and YOU for making this series possible.

Stick around with our holiday content for the next few weeks! Self-improvement Atlas is going to be back with our experts on January 13th, 2023.

Finally, the Life Management Scien...

“Red flags” is a term used colloquially to describe undesirable traits, but what about real red flags? What are the signs that scream ‘danger’?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty sits down with Tamara Caswell, an individual and couple’s counselor who works on the stolen lands of the Wadawurrung peoples of the Kulin nation. 

She is a happily married, cis-gender, white woman, identifying as bisexual and polyamorous, a mother, and a specialist counselor. She supports people from diverse and often intersecting groups within the gender, body, kinship, an...

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty sits down with Dr. Mark Williams, a professor of cognitive neuroscience with 25 years of experience conducting behavioral and brain imaging research. 

Mark shares that intelligence is how adaptable you can be in the environment that you live in. So, how should we train ourselves to be intelligent and improve our brain performance and personal development? 

He’s published more than 70 articles in high-impact international journals and co-edited a book for Frontiers. He is an editorial board member of several international journals, has...

It’s common knowledge that physical exercise can lead to a better, healthier brain. It has the power to reduce depression and anxiety, prevent dementia, and Alzheimer’s, and a good group fitness regimen can enhance our sense of community. But what are the best exercises for our mental health? How often should we exercise, and when? 

Ryan Marinelli has worked in health and fitness settings for eight years. During that time, he completed a Bachelor of Exercise Science, and a Master of Clinical exercise science (Honours). He has taken a great interest in the role various types...

People are always busy. Despite the pandemic, people have trouble juggling all their activities like going to the grocery store or working out to maintain their physical and mental health. So, what are the best physical training and habits for a healthier body and mental health of busy people? How does it relate to personal development?

In this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty is joined by Nathan McCullough, an Integrative Nutritionist, Holistic Health and Life Coach, and Entrepreneur from America. 

Nathan chats with Aditi about how important it i...

A lot of us don't spend enough time on our emotions as adults, let alone as toddlers. But our emotional development can be affected by how we interacted with the world, and how it interacts with us, at a very early age. A lack of self-awareness often leads to bigger problems with mental health and addiction. So how far back do we have to go to understand ourselves?

On this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty is joined by Lavinia Popescu Nau, or Lavinia, a psychologist, specializing in positive psychology and...

We're starting to become more and more aware how important it is to set boundaries in various parts of our lives. But how do we set appropriate boundaries with those closest to us? And how does it affect our personal development?

On this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty is joined by Jacqui Senn, a licensed mental health counselor, and a motivational speaker, and they chat about what constitutes a boundary, how setting boundaries can help keep us safe, and how we need to constantly evaluate them and our needs to...

Nutrition doesn't just affect our physical body, it also affects our brains. When we fuel our body with healthy foods and the right nutrition, it improves the quality of our sleep and keeps our brain active and alert. The question is, which food or nutrition should we choose to fuel our brain?

On this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty is joined by Amy Dirks, an experienced Registered Dietitian-Nutritionist with a demonstrated history of working in wellness and the sports industry.

In this podcast, Amy shares her experience with...

On this episode of Self-improvement Atlas: The Personal Science Insights Podcast, host Aditi Kutty is joined by Ted McLyman who brings us expert knowledge about enhancing financial security post-pandemic.

Ted is a behavioral finance expert, author of the award-winning book, Money Makes Me Crazy and his most recent book, Discover Your Money Temperament. He is also a creator of the industry-renowned Money Temperament Radar: Quick Scan assessment.

With his unique One Size Fits One Approach, he empowers financial advisors, insurance agents, and service professionals to make money personal, giving them the tools to quickly build...

Navigating through life can be quite challenging, especially if you don’t have enough support. But when you have the right tools and knowledge, this can lead you to infinite personal growth. That’s the goal of The Self-Improvement Atlas, a podcast that provides insights into Personal Science.

Produced by the Personal Science Labs, a division of LMSL, the Life Management Science Labs. 

Explore https://lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ to learn more about LMSL and visit https://personal.lifemanagementsciencelabs.com/ for more information about Personal Science labs.

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