• 4.19 – EPM Super Special Winter Olympics Review, 2026!

    In this episode Dr Pete Olusoga and Leah Washington discuss the highlights and controversies of the Winter Olympics, featuring special guest John Evans. They delve into the opening ceremony, dramatic moments in curling, and the performances of athletes like Ilia Malinin and Lindsey Vonn. The conversation explores the psychological pressures athletes face, the importance of autonomy in sports,…

  • 4.18 – How to run an Ultramarathon

    In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, host Dr Pete Olusoga talks with endurance runner and Peloton instructor Susie Chan, and psychologist Dr. Julie Johnston to find out “How to Run and Ultramarathon!” They discuss Susie’s journey from a non-runner to an accomplished ultra marathoner, the mental challenges faced during extreme races, and the importance of community and…

  • 4.16 – The Psychology of Strength II

    In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga welcomes Dean Hammond, a seasoned coach with a military background. They discuss the evolution of gym culture, the importance of practical experience in coaching, and the mission of the Catalyst Project, which aims to transform everyday athletes into ‘athletic weapons.’ Dean discusses the importance of building a supportive ecosystem for athletes,…

  • 4.14 – EPM Special: EPM x But Why? Mental health in the online age

    In this special episode of the Eighty Percent Mental Podcast, host Dr Pete Olusoga talks with Dr. Laura Swettenham and Dr. Kristin McGinty Minister from the ‘But Why?’ podcast to explore the psychological implications of our online lives, the prevalence of misinformation, and the importance of critical thinking. The conversation emphasizes the need for questioning the content…

  • 4.11 – How to deal with… all this shit!

    Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington engage with “soon to be Dr” David Smith, to explore the intersection of psychology, exercise, and societal issues. They discuss the transformative power of sport, the importance of community, current societal challenges and the role of resilience in navigating these complexities. In this conversation, David discusses the historical silence…

  • 4.09 – Eating disorders and disordered eating

    In this episode of Eighty Percent Mental, hosts Pete and Leah, along with guest Dr Marina Harris, delve into the complex world of eating disorders. They discuss the definitions of eating disorders versus disordered eating, the impact of diet culture, and the role of social media in shaping body image. The conversation highlights the importance of recognizing…

  • 4.08 – The Science of Bias

    In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by Director of Culturgen and self-confessed behavioural science nerd, Chris Garrison to explore the Science of Bias. What is cognitive bias? How does it work? What is the impact of our biases on those around us and how can we begin to challenge the biases that we…

  • 4.07 – Gifted: Unlocking potential with lessons from elite sport

    In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington welcome the President of the International Society of Sport Psychology, Dr Rob Schinke, to the podcast to talk about mental health and about finding ways to harness our gifts and truly live up to our human potential. We discuss Rob’s work with with Olympic and professional athletes,…

  • 4.04 – Why is my immune system so important for my mental health?

    https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/gb2339br4jkjpezp/404_-_Immunology8o8uw.mp3 What is my immune system and why is it so important? In this episode, Dr Pete Olusoga and Dr Leah Washington are joined by immunologist, Senior Lecturer and author, Dr Jenna Macciochi, to explore how the immune system is linked to psychological health. We discuss what our immune systems actually are, what they do (and what…

  • BLOGPOST – Thinking small about stress and burnout

    We’re constantly told to think big. We’re told we need to dare to dream big, shoot for the moon, all that cheesy, Hallmark, straight to DVD, Channel-5 afternoon matinee stuff. It’s a message we’ve been given since we were all kids.   The problem is, we’re actually crap at thinking big. We’re really bad at thinking…