Big Ideas

Dr. Angel Foster, a leading voice on reproductive rights and co-founder of the Massachusetts Medication Abortion Access Project, digs deep into the urgent landscape of abortion access in the U.S. She discusses the implications of shifting political tides, including Trump’s potential return, on reproductive health. The conversation highlights the rise of telehealth solutions to combat state restrictions and the importance of medication abortion. Expect insightful perspectives on proactive strategies and the evolving needs of marginalized groups in this critical healthcare debate.

Join Dr. Lynne Kelly, a scientist and memory champion, artist Jane Rusden, and musician Hilary Blackshaw in a vibrant discussion on creativity connected to genetics. They delve into the influence of the NF1 supergene on cognitive abilities and explore unique memory techniques from Indigenous cultures. With personal stories highlighting the journeys of neurodiverse individuals, they emphasize the power of music and art in education, advocating for innovative methods that celebrate diverse learning and creativity.

Join renowned astrobiologists Professor Kathleen Campbell from the University of Auckland, Professor Martin Van Kranendonk from Curtin University, Dr. Jorge Vago from the European Space Agency, and science communicator Dr. Graham Phillips as they unravel the mysteries of life's potential on Mars. They discuss the ambitious ExoMars mission, the implications of finding microbial life, and the philosophical questions about our existence. The conversation inspires a reflection on planetary protection and the exciting future of human exploration in our solar system.

New York writer Jonathan Rosen’s memoir The Best Minds: a story of friendship, madness, and the tragedy of good intentions is a story of tenderness, heartache, and horror as he explores the vexed tensions between civil rights, medical power, and the complexities of recognising and treating severe psychotic illness. He joins Big Ideas host Natasha Mitchell with psychiatrist Patrick McGorry for a powerful, moving conversation at the 2024 Adelaide Writers WeekOriginal broadcast on May 1, 2024Speakers:Jonathan RosenWriter and editorAuthor, The Best Minds: a story of friendship, madness, and the tragedy of good intentionsPatrick McGorryPsychiatristExecutive Director, OrygenProfessor of Youth Mental Health, University of MelbourneFounding Director, Headspace (National Youth Mental Health Foundation)Further information and support services:Lifeline Australia24x7 Crisis Support line on 13 11 14Beyond BlueMensLine AustraliaSANE AustraliaReachOut AustraliaAFRAFMI - supporting friends and carers of people with mental illnessOne Door Mental Health (formerly the Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW)Hearing Voices NetworkMental Health First Aid AustraliaAustralians for Mental Health - advocating for better mental health policy and services in Australia

For decades, Mary Beard has forged her own path through the male dominated field of academia, from the ruins of Rome to the trenches of Twitter, to become "the world's most famous classicist". From the wise Augustus to the hypocritical Tiberius and the barking mad Caligula, Mary Beard uses these Roman rulers as a lens to examine life in their empire, and asks what lessons they can teach us about the world today.This event was recorded at Adelaide Writers' Week and originally broadcast on Big Ideas on 9 April 2024.SpeakersMary BeardAuthor Emperor of Rome, (also Pompeii, Confronting the Classics, SPQR, Women & Power, Twelve Caesars)Professor Emerita of Classics at Cambridge UniversityJonty ClaypoleWriter, documentary producer and arts administratorCEO, Red Room PoetryFormer Director of Arts, BBC

We are living in an "age of crises," says former New Zealand prime minister, Helen Clark. With her leadership experience and expertise in governance, politics, and policy, Helen Clark and a panel of health and international relation experts explore the challenges facing the world today and what is needed to achieve a healthier and thriving future for all. proWhile it's easy to feel overwhelmed by complex problems, speaking up about inequality can make a difference. Helen Clark urged everyone to "raise the issues, never give up, and relentlessly campaign".Politics, policy, and a healthy human future was hosted by ANU College of Health and Medicine with the Australian Global Health AllianceOriginal broadcast on May 7, 2024SpeakersHelen ClarkFormer Prime Minister of New Zealand and former UNDP AdministratorSharon FrielProfessor of Health Equity and an ARC Laureate Fellow in Planetary Health Equity at the ANU School of Regulation and Global GovernanceBina D'CostaProfessor at the Department of International Relations, ANU Coral Bell School of Asia-Pacific AffairsDr Arnagretta Hunter (host)Human Futures Fellow at ANU College of Health and Medicine, a cardiologist, a physician, and a Senior Clinical Lecturer at ANU Medical School

Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, discusses his pioneering research into traumatic stress and its impact on our brains and bodies. Traumatised people experience incomprehensible anxiety, numbing and intolerable rage. Trauma affects their capacity to concentrate, to remember, to form trusting relationships, and even to feel at home in their own bodies. And he explains promising treatments, including neurofeedback, psychedelic therapy, psychodrama … and dance.This talk was presented by the Sydney Opera HouseOriginal broadcast on March 26, 2024SpeakersDr Bessel van der KolkDutch psychiatrist, author, researcher and educatorAuthor of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking Press, 2014Sarah KanowskiPresenter of Conversations on RNHelplines1800 737 732 / 1800RESPECT or visit https://www.1800respect.org.auBlue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service 1300 657 380 or visithttps://blueknot.org.au/survivors/blue-knot-helpline-redress-support-service/

Stephanie Kelton, a professor of economics and public policy known for her work on Modern Monetary Theory, breaks down misconceptions around government deficits and spending. She argues that national budgets shouldn't be likened to household finances, emphasizing the importance of inflation management over traditional deficit fears. Kelton discusses the potential of policies like a federal job guarantee and how flexible financing can aid climate action. She also examines the implications of fiscal policies in the politically charged landscape ahead.

Join economist Richard Denniss, climate scientist Joelle Gergis, former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis, and acclaimed author Tom Keneally in a thought-provoking discussion. They tackle the obfuscation of political language, emphasizing its impact on democracy. Gergis highlights Australia's climate crisis urgency, while Varoufakis critiques technofeudalism. The group also discusses the failures of trickle-down economics, advocating for clearer communication to bridge public understanding and reclaim our shared humanity amidst political division.

Residents of the Pacific and Torres Strait Islands face an existential threat from climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to swallow up their homes and livelihoods. But they are fighting back - calling for Australia and other countries to do more to end investment in fossil fuels and prevent a full blown climate catastrophe.This event was recorded on Kaurna country at WOMADelaide's Planet Talks on March 9, 2024. With thanks also to The Australia Institute. Original Big Ideas broadcast on 28 May 2024.SpeakersAnote Tong President of the Republic of Kiribati 2003- 2016Chair, Pacific Elders VoiceYessie Mosby Zenadh Kes Masig traditional ownerPlaintiff, Torres Strait 8Our Islands Our Home campaignTishiko King Climate and first nations advocateMember, Australian Museum Climate Solutions Centre Advisory GroupBoard Director, Divers for ClimateTiahni Adamson (host) Lead Community Engagement Officer at CH4GlobalLecturer at the University of South Australia2024 Young Australian of the Year (South Australia)