Big Ideas

Nina Oyama, an Australian comedian and writer, shares her journey with bisexuality and how she integrates her identity into her stand-up comedy. Olympic silver medallist Ji Wallace discusses the resilience behind coming out publicly as HIV positive. Actor Zoe Terakes highlights the importance of trans visibility in the entertainment industry while Dr. Atari Metcalf emphasizes the need for inclusive healthcare practices. Together, they tackle representation, the impact of political climates, and the personal nature of coming out.

AC Grayling, a noted British philosopher and principal of Northeastern University London, dives deep into the nuances of today's culture wars. He explores the origins of 'woke' culture, tracing its roots back to civil rights movements and highlighting its intent to combat hidden discrimination. Grayling critiques the backlash against diversity initiatives and examines how debates on transgender issues have intensified polarization. He advocates for 'convivencia,' a concept of peaceful coexistence, urging for philosophical clarity in discussions to promote understanding over conflict.

Mark Alfano, a philosophy professor specializing in moral psychology, leads the discussion on the virtues of friendship and how true connection fosters self-growth. Award-winning composer Dr. Peter Knight and vocalist Sunny Kim share their insights on musical friendships, emphasizing the trust and intimacy that arise through improvisation. The trio reflects on the complexities of modern friendships, the risks of toxic relationships, and how they shape our identities. Together, they explore whether friendships are essential for a fulfilling life.

Guests Linda Jaivin, Louisa Lim, and Edward Wong dive into China's tumultuous history and its impact on contemporary Australia. Jaivin sheds light on Mao’s Cultural Revolution, exploring the chaos among Red Guard factions and propaganda's surrealism with mango cults. Lim contrasts British and Chinese narratives of Hong Kong while discussing its protest culture and the King of Kowloon. Wong compares control in Xinjiang to U.S. imperialism, revealing the continuity of power from Tiananmen to Xi Jinping, linking history to current political tensions.

Simon Adams, President & CEO of the Centre for Victims of Torture and incoming Professor of Human Rights at Murdoch University, dives deep into the role of universities as shields against authoritarianism. He discusses the alarming trend of political attacks on academia and how regimes like Hungary’s target universities as dissent hubs. Adams critiques Trump's humanitarian policies and explores the brain drain from U.S. campuses. He emphasizes the essential role of arts and humanities in fostering civic resilience, innovation, and ethical technology.

Omar El Akkad, a talented journalist and author known for his gripping novels and frontline reporting, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about Western hypocrisy regarding the Gaza conflict. He critiques the disparity between liberal ideals and actions, challenging listeners to confront uncomfortable truths. El Akkad highlights the vital role of journalism in shaping narratives and the courage of Palestinian journalists often dismissed as biased. The conversation also navigates themes of hope, grassroots solidarity, and how cultural boycotts can serve as forms of resistance.

In a riveting discussion, David Reynolds, a senior public servant from South Australia's Department of Housing, Professor Rachel Ong Viforj, a distinguished housing policy researcher, and Dr. Tim Williams, an architect with extensive urban policy experience, tackle Australia's housing crisis head-on. They explore whether building more homes truly addresses affordability issues or if broader policies are necessary. The trio dives into the complexities of current housing dynamics, evaluating international crises, planning challenges, and the need for innovative solutions to improve housing access for all.

In this discussion, Anne Twomey, Professor Emerita of Constitutional Law, shares insights on the legal frameworks surrounding Gough Whitlam's dismissal, emphasizing the importance of constitutional conventions. Historian Frank Bongiorno recounts the civil unrest that followed the event, linking it to modern political crises. Dr. Brendan Lim challenges perceptions of the dismissal's uniqueness, suggesting its relevance to today's constitutional debates. Together, they ponder the implications of historical events on Australia's democracy and the risks posed by populism in governance.

Dr. Gillian Shepherd, Director of the A.D. Trendall Research Centre, dives into the fascinating life of Arthur Dale Trendall, a classical scholar who became a WWII codebreaker in Australia. She explores how Trendall's expertise in ancient vase painting helped him decode Japanese messages with innovative techniques. Listeners learn about his leadership of a top cryptographic team, critical intelligence breakthroughs, and the legacy he left in both art and military history. Trendall's journey intertwines academia and espionage, making for a captivating listen!

Karen Hao, an award-winning technology journalist and author of "Empire of AI," joins lawyer and AI governance adviser Kobe Lyons for an insightful conversation. They explore how AI's rapid evolution is tied to colonial practices and the environmental toll of tech development. Hao critiques the industry's narrative on productivity and discusses the troubling exploitation of workers in data labeling. They also highlight community-driven models promoting ethical AI, proposing a shift to purpose-driven technologies that prioritize human needs over corporate gain.