The Joe Walker Podcast

Hugh White, Australia's leading strategic thinker and Emeritus Professor at the Australian National University, dives into the lessons from 2,500 years of strategy. He discusses pivotal historical conflicts, exploring how miscalculations led to war and the implications for modern geopolitics, especially regarding China. White emphasizes the importance of understanding power dynamics and the failures of imagination among leaders. He reflects on how lessons from history can guide Australia and America's responses to shifting global orders.

Peter Costello, Australia's longest-serving Treasurer, shares fascinating insights from his tenure. He recounts the complex implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) and cleverly locking in state support to pass it. Costello reveals secrets behind his successful cabinet presentations and the extensive stakeholder outreach required to mitigate opposition. He also discusses the impact of the 2004 baby bonus on fertility rates and reflects on why major reforms have become increasingly difficult since 2000.

In this engaging discussion, Barry Marshall, a gastroenterologist and Nobel laureate, explores his revolutionary discovery of Helicobacter pylori, the bacterium responsible for many stomach ailments. He humorously narrates how he famously infected himself to prove its effects. Topics include links between H. pylori and historical figures like Darwin, the complexities of stomach cancer, and advancements like the urea breath test. Marshall also delves into ethical considerations in self-experimentation and the ongoing fight against H. pylori-related diseases.

Greg Kaplan, an esteemed economist and chairman of e61, joins Michael Brennan, CEO of e61 and former chair of Australia’s Productivity Commission, to discuss Australia's productivity stagnation. They delve into productivity challenges within the construction sector and critique GDP as a welfare measure. The duo emphasizes the need for reform in sectors like healthcare and education to fuel innovation. They also explore the gaps in productivity across industries, the significance of economic reforms during the '80s and '90s, and the future implications of embracing AI in Australia.

Francis Fukuyama, a renowned Stanford political scientist and author of "The End of History and the Last Man," shares his insights on the intersection of biotechnology and artificial intelligence. He discusses the potential for genetic engineering to redefine human nature and its effects on liberal democracy. The conversation delves into transhumanism and the evolving notion of natural rights, contrasting cultural attitudes towards technology in the East and West. Fukuyama also examines China's challenge to democratic ideals and the complexities of bureaucracy in governance.

Laura Deming, a visionary technologist and venture capitalist, is on a mission to revolutionize longevity. She discusses the philosophical implications of personal identity in the context of anti-aging and cryopreservation. Deming explores what a ‘humane transhumanism’ could look like and highlights the power of scientific awe in sparking innovation. Insights into mentorship in science showcase its impact on aspiring researchers. Lastly, she dives deep into the potential of reversible cryopreservation as a groundbreaking solution for aging and terminal illnesses.

Join Sam Roggevin, an expert in international security, Richard Holden, an economics professor, and Peter Chulip, a chief economist, as they dive into Australian policy insights. They tackle the surprising connection between gender pay discrimination and educational declines, explore how Australia's governance outperforms the U.S., and discuss the implications of immigration on aging populations and housing challenges. Their lively discussion is packed with anecdotes and cultural insights that will keep you engaged!

This episode is the seventh instalment of my Australian policy series, recorded live in Sydney on April 29, 2025.  I speak with Ken Henry—former Treasury Secretary and chair of the landmark Henry Tax Review—about why Australia hasn’t achieved major economic reform since the GST, and what must change to restart it.  We discuss how AGI could reshape the public service, intergenerational unfairness in the tax system, the collapse in business investment, how to build a new Australian city, and the roots of Australia's long-standing policy complacency. Video available here: Transcript available here:See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this engaging discussion, Sam Roggeveen, Director of the Lowy Institute’s International Security Program, dives deep into the U.S.-China power dynamics and why America may avoid direct conflict with China. He argues for strengthening Australia’s alliance with Indonesia as a strategic priority. The conversation touches on the implications of Australia considering nuclear capabilities and the challenges of adapting military strategies against China's rising influence. Roggeveen also presents his unique 'echidna strategy' for a cost-effective defense approach.

In this discussion, Peter Tulip, Chief Economist at the Centre for Independent Studies and a former researcher at both the Reserve Bank of Australia and the US Federal Reserve, tackles the Australian housing crisis head-on. He sheds light on the complexities of NIMBY sentiments and the restrictions imposed by heritage laws. Tulip argues for a cultural shift necessary to balance housing supply with demand and critiques zoning regulations that hinder development. He proposes innovative ideas, including 'street votes,' to facilitate community engagement in housing negotiations.