Big Ideas

Astrid Jorgensen, founder of the viral Pub Choir and author of the memoir Average At Best, shares her journey from a Zambian convent to leading communal singing events worldwide. She reveals how embracing mediocrity led to her success and the power of music as a spiritual experience beyond religion. Astrid discusses the importance of nostalgia in song choices and her creative process, including teaching thousands to sing live. With a unique sound sensitivity, she encourages everyone to find their voice, highlighting the communal joy of singing.

Nagara Murray, Co-chair of the First Peoples Assembly of Victoria and a proud Wamba Wamba, Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Duderow woman, discusses the groundbreaking Victorian treaty with Australia's first peoples. She explores the deep cultural connections to land, the historical significance of Dr. Charles Perkins' legacy, and the importance of truth-telling for reconciliation. Murray highlights the treaty as a transformative shift in power dynamics and emphasizes its role in promoting self-determination and improving the wellbeing of Aboriginal communities.

Emily Maguire, an Australian novelist and writing teacher, dives into the essence of creativity, emphasizing the importance of cultural receptivity and promiscuous curiosity. She explores how unexpected encounters, like her first sight of Kentridge's work, ignite inspiration. Drawing from diverse influences, including Lin-Manuel Miranda and Frida Kahlo, she discusses the interplay of research and writing, and how connections shape creative output. Maguire highlights the vitality of paying attention and keeping a 'swipe file' of curiosities to enrich the creative process.

Eleanor Drummond, a neuroscientist specializing in Alzheimer's research, joins Olivier Piguet, a clinical neuropsychologist focused on dementia interventions, and Gilbert Nags, a sociology PhD candidate exploring social inequalities in healthy ageing. They dive into how current science can combat cognitive decline, the role of lifestyle factors in brain health, and the risks posed by pseudoscience. Their discussion also highlights the importance of mapping protein changes in Alzheimer's and the need for diverse research trials. The duo provides insight into community challenges in rural ageing and the significance of intergenerational support.

Christos Tsiolkas explores the concept of fence-sitting in a polarized world, advocating for doubt as a valuable writing strategy. He reflects on personal experiences, like childhood memories of climbing fences, that shaped his storytelling. Tsiolkas discusses the importance of intellectual pauses against partisan pressures and critiques the tendency to compare suffering. He emphasizes the value of diverse perspectives, the necessity of moderation, and the writer's duty to cultivate doubt, fostering a culture of thoughtful dialogue.

In a captivating discussion, Paul Giles, a Professor of English at Australian Catholic University, and Gideon Haigh, journalist and cricket author, delve into the intricate narratives surrounding cricket. They explore how cricket reflects societal changes, from colonial legacies to modern power shifts influenced by India’s IPL. Giles draws comparisons with baseball and highlights cricket's cultural significance in literature and modernism. They engage with themes of luck versus control, the impact of commercialization, and the rich histories of Indigenous and women's cricket.

Navi Pillay, the first female high court judge in South Africa and a former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, shares her incredible journey from apartheid to international law. She discusses landmark rulings that established sexual violence as war crimes during the Rwanda tribunal. Chris Sidoti, an international human rights lawyer, highlights the fragility of international law and the necessity of accountability for lasting peace. Together, they explore the need for domestic accountability in Australia and the rights of women and children in conflict zones.

Holly Rankin, known as Jack River, is a musician and cultural strategist who integrates creativity with civic engagement. In this captivating discussion, she explores the disillusionment of young Australians towards politics and media. Holly shares insights on how culture and digital habits shape youth’s perspectives, critiques shallow political outreach, and emphasizes the need for authenticity. She advocates for a two-way dialogue in politics and the importance of bridging art and civic life to rebuild trust and participation.

Oron Catts is a pioneering artist and director renowned for his work in biological arts, while Jessyca Hutchins, a Balga woman and art historian, co-directs the Berndt Museum. They explore the evolving purpose of universities, questioning whether knowledge must always be 'useful'. Jessyca emphasizes the value of Indigenous knowledge, which views all information as significant. Oron warns that corporatization may lead to intellectual decline, urging a return to curiosity-driven research. The discussion highlights the need for universities to foster community and slow contemplation.

In this engaging discussion, Jane Caro, a passionate author and public school advocate, reveals how Australia's school choice obsession is undermining public education. She critiques neoliberalism for fostering societal division and highlights how funding private schools perpetuates inequality. Caro shares personal anecdotes linking political misinformation to education challenges and emphasizes the importance of community responsibility over individualism. With a hopeful tone, she advocates for reducing anxiety in schools to enhance student outcomes and calls for renewed support for public education.