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 abo…

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 compa…

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 join…

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 landsca…

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 i…

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…

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 gra…

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 positi…

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…

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 Br…

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 cyb…

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 …

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 art…

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…

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 wit…

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 pass…

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 t…

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…

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 …

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 …

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 i…

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 profe…

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 girl…

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 thousan…

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 specialt…

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 Ti…

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 d…

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 spect…

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 bankin…

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, Melani…

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 attorn…

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 authen…

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 Neuroscien…

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 …

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. Du…

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 educationa…

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 p…

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 …

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 onl…

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 h…

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, t…

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 conversat…

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 work…

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 BrainHea…

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…

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…

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 Frazie…

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 …

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 incr…

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 …