

Future Tense
ABC listen
A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.
Episodes
Mentioned books

May 23, 2024 • 29min
The greatest demographic shift in a century is being ignored: single living
The podcast discusses the rise of single living globally, the challenges faced by single individuals due to societal biases and discrimination, the importance of non-romantic relationships, and the shifting perceptions towards single living. It explores the need for policy makers to catch up with this demographic shift and advocates for a more inclusive view of single living.

May 16, 2024 • 29min
It's time to take the Influencer economy seriously
Exploring the rise of influencers and their impact on traditional media; motivations and challenges faced by influencers; societal impact of influencer culture; energy islands for offshore wind power; harmful effects of normalizing negative situations; desensitization and normalization of conflicts in media.

May 9, 2024 • 29min
When good intentions fuel further environmental problems
The podcast discusses how good intentions for the environment can lead to unintended consequences, such as choosing large homes and vehicles. It explores the impact of urbanization on energy efficiency and the environmental consequences of oversized utility vehicles. Additionally, it delves into the challenges of global tree planting programs and the need for accountability in reforestation projects.

May 2, 2024 • 29min
Big corporations are taking over as landlords and it's further fuelling the global housing crisis
The podcast discusses the impact of big corporations buying up housing stocks on the global housing crisis, with over 100 million people homeless and 1.6 billion lacking adequate housing. It explores the rise of corporate landlords in the rental market, challenges the narrative blaming generations for the crisis, highlights innovative mortgage ideas, addresses income inequality and neighborhood segregation, and explores challenges faced by elderly Australians in the private rental sector.

Apr 25, 2024 • 29min
The great distribution dilemma – can public interest journalism survive?
Exploring the challenges news outlets face in reaching audiences without big tech platforms, the decline of news content on social media, the impact on public interest journalism, sustaining journalism amidst tech giants, and the urgency of global journalism in serving the public good.

Apr 18, 2024 • 29min
Dark sky at night, everyone's delight
The podcast features the Executive Director of Dark Skies International discussing the impact of satellites on dark skies. They explore paleo-conservation for climate change adaptation and the advantages of building city districts in wood for sustainability.

38 snips
Apr 11, 2024 • 29min
Nobel-Prize laureate Abhijit Banerjee on the world's largest UBI experiment
Nobel-Prize winning economist Abhijit Banerjee discusses the world's largest UBI trial in Kenya. They touch on topics such as the impact of different UBI payment methods, digital device addiction, and the shift from traditional values to new virtues in society.

9 snips
Apr 4, 2024 • 29min
The manufacturing of "natural food" and how tech can demystify what we eat
Exploring the complexities of 'natural' foods and the misleading health claims, the podcast discusses the importance of transparency in food production and understanding consumer desires. It also delves into the nutritional audits of plant-based alternatives, the impact of cooking methods on climate change, and the use of food labeling apps for informed choices. The episode concludes by looking at future changes towards simple sustainable options and mentions a study on the positive impact of universal basic income trials in Kenya.

27 snips
Mar 28, 2024 • 29min
Self-destructive behaviour — the enemy within
Exploring self-destructive behavior, the podcast delves into willpower, work addiction, digital temptation, and the influence of addictive behavior in modern society. Learn how to manage habits, resist temptations, and navigate distractions in a world full of harmful habits.

Mar 21, 2024 • 29min
Fear and anger – the complicated emotions that govern our world
Explore the impact of fear and anger on society, from authoritarian rule to fueling populism. Fear drives anger, leading to a vicious cycle that blinds us to our fears. Uncover how anger is used for profit in marketing and politics, creating a divide in society.