What’s Going Right? With Dr Paul Conti

About this episode

Dermot Whelan interviews Dr Paul Conti about exploring the positive aspects of the human mind and behavior.

In this episode of The Mind Full Podcast, I’m joined by Dr Paul Conti to take a proper deep dive into the human mind, which, let’s be honest, most of us tend to avoid exploring too closely. Paul is a world-renowned psychiatrist and trauma expert, and his work flips the usual script. Instead of asking “what’s wrong with us?”, he asks, “what’s actually going right?” - which is a refreshing change from the inner critic most of us carry around. We chat about the three core drives behind human behaviour - survival, pleasure, and what he calls the generative drive - the part of us that wants to grow and connect. We also get into why we repeat patterns, how shame quietly shapes our lives, and how old experiences still influence us today. It’s a fascinating, deeply human conversation - and one that might help you understand yourself with a bit more compassion. For more information on Dr Paul Conti’s work, and to buy his newest book ‘ What’s Going Right? ’ Visit ​​ www.drpaulconti.com If you're new to the series, why not take the time to go back and catch up on the wonderful interviews that you may have missed! Visit www.dermotwhelan.com for more information and don't forget my latest…

People in this episode

Host: Dermot Whelan

Guest: Dr Paul Conti

Topics covered

• human behavior
• mental health
• trauma
• self-compassion
• personal growth

Keywords

• human mind
• psychiatrist
• trauma expert
• generative drive
• shame
• self-understanding

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: www.drpaulconti.com, www.dermotwhelan.com

Books & works: What’s Going Right?, Busy and Wrecked

More episodes of The Mind Full Podcast

• Ever dream of going on the trip of a lifetime? Here’s what you need to know · May 25, 2026 · 41 min
• A Monk’s Advice For Modern Life with Vaisesika Dasa · May 17, 2026 · 57 min
• From Crappy to Happy with Cass Dunn · May 3, 2026 · 55 min
• Teaching Bravery in Children with Dr Mary O’Kane · April 26, 2026 · 46 min
• Why Your Breathing Might Be Fuelling Your Anxiety with Patrick McKeown · April 19, 2026 · 46 min
• Life’s Invisible Scorecard: Rethinking Success with Charlie Norton Sherwood · April 12, 2026 · 49 min