Big Ideas

Populism is part of American political history. It has been and still is the dominant vocabulary of dissent. But the current resurrection of authoritarian politics in the US is different. While the two parties could absorb populist movements in the past, this time populism has absorbed the party.Presented at the American Academy in BerlinOriginal broadcast on April 1, 2025.SpeakerJefferson CowieJames G. Stahlman Professor in American History at Vanderbilt UniversityAmerican Academy in Berlin, Axel Springer Fellow — Class of Spring 2025

In this conversation, Jess Heughan, a meditation trainer and Dharma teacher, shares her transformative journey into mindfulness, emphasizing the importance of community and diverse practices beyond traditional methods. Nicholas Van Dam, a mindfulness researcher and director at the Contemplative Studies Centre, discusses the neuroscience of attention and its commodification in the digital age. They explore the balance between the benefits of mindfulness and potential risks, including emotional challenges and ethical considerations in practice.

Satyajit Das presents a provocative examination of the use and abuse of images of wild animals, and how they shape our relationships with the natural world. These pictures can create an impression of abundance and untouched ecosystems, and lull us into a false sense of security, at a time when the natural world faces ecological calamity.The Attenborough Effect — Shaping Our Relationship With Wild Animals was presented by the Australian National Maritime Museum.Listen to the rest of our special series Animals — Us and Them?Original broadcast on February 20, 2025.SpeakerSatyajit DasAuthor of Wild Quests. Journeys into Ecotourism and the Future for Animalsformer banker, recognised as one of the world's leading financial thinkers.

Dr. Lynne Kelly, a scientist and author, shares insights on the 'knowledge gene' linked to human creativity. Musician Hilary Blackshaw discusses her autistic son’s incredible memory for bird calls, while artist Jane Rusden reflects on how dyslexia enriches her artistic landscape work. They explore the intersection of memory, art, and neurodiversity, highlighting the strength in lived experiences. The conversation calls for a renaissance in education, urging the integration of music and art to enhance learning for all.

Historian Sarah Churchwell takes you on a gripping and confronting journey into America's recent past to explain its extraordinary present, starting with dark story at the heart of that American classic Gone with the Wind. Knowledge lies at the heart of a healthy democracy, and its many custodians include libraries, universities, cultural institutions, and a free and independent media. So what happens when these institutions are intimidated, dismantled or destroyed, as is happening in America, under the government of President Donald Trump?This event was recorded at the University of Technology Sydney's Vice Chancellor's Democracy Forum on 14 May 2025.Original broadcast on June 17, 2025.SpeakersSarah ChurchwellProfessor of American Literature and Chair of Public Understanding of the Humanities at the University of LondonAuthor, The Many Lives of Marilyn Monroe, Careless People: Murder, Mayhem and The Invention of The Great Gatsby, Behold, America: A History of America First and the American Dream, and The Wrath to Come: Gone with the Wind and the Lies America TellsDirector, Being Human festival and Living Literature event seriesJudge, Man Booker PrizeAnna Funder (host)Author, Wifedom, Stasiland and All That I AmLuminary and Ambassador, University of Technology SydneyRoy Green (host)Emeritus Professor and Special Innovation Advisor at University of Technology SydneyFormer Dean of the UTS Business SchoolChair of the UTS Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing HubFurther informationFrom Gatsby to Huck Finn — American literature in an age of polarisation  - Sarah Churchwell on Big Ideas, ABC Radio National 4 November 2024

Ruthie Foster, a celebrated blues, folk, and gospel singer-songwriter, recently claimed her first Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album. In this engaging chat, she reflects on her Texan roots and the influence of her family, especially her grandmother, on her musical journey. Ruthie also discusses her military experience, the transformative power of music in processing grief, and her eclectic musical influences. Join her as she explores the intersection of faith, community, and the stories behind her songs.

Dr. Liz Allen, a demographer at ANU, Laura Henshaw, CEO of wellness platform Kik, and journalist Gina Rushton delve into the complex decision of parenthood. They discuss how societal pressures and economic factors influence fertility choices. Laura shares her personal journey wrestling with motherhood doubts shaped by social norms. Liz reveals insights on declining fertility rates, barriers women face in the workplace, and the impact of gender inequality on reproductive decisions. Together, they explore rethinking family structures and the importance of inclusive healthcare.

Tim Baker, a journalist and patient advocate living with prostate cancer, shares his journey of reclaiming agency after diagnosis. He discusses the importance of exercise and emotional support in navigating treatment. Dr. Peter Goldsworthy, a GP and memoirist, reflects on how cancer transformed his practice and understanding of patient care. Both guests emphasize the need for empathy in medicine, the therapeutic benefits of creative expression, and the paradoxical gift of cancer that brings focus and gratitude for meaningful living.

In this enlightening discussion, microbial ecologist Gene Tyson, nutritional psychiatrist Felice Jacka, and infectious diseases expert Paul Griffin delve into the fascinating world of the microbiome. They explore how our gut flora influences everything from immunity to mental health. Learn about the role of diet, fermented foods, and early-life exposures in shaping our microbial landscape. The trio also tackles the dangers of antibiotics, cutting-edge phage therapy, and the surprising benefits of fecal transplants. A must-listen for anyone curious about their gut!

John Higgs, a cultural historian and author known for exploring popular culture, dives into the fascinating world of Doctor Who. He discusses how this iconic series has mirrored six decades of societal change, its collaborative origins, and the evolution of the Doctor as a complex character. Higgs reveals why we're addicted to storytelling, and how Doctor Who serves as a 'living system' shaping its fans and creators. He also examines the show’s political undertones and enduring appeal, making it a beloved part of British culture.