Big Ideas

Being who we are in public (with our mental illness) is the only way to create lasting change. Amanda Tattersall, co-founder of the campaigning organisation Get-Up, speaks powerfully about her experience of living with bipolar disorder and its role in driving social change. Hear how storytelling, sharing lived experiences, and forging solidarity through difference can make all the difference.Her keynote address: Making Change and Mental Illness — reimagining how we make a difference from the inside out was presented at the 2024 TheMHS ConferenceSpeakerAmanda TattersallAssociate Professor of Practice, Urban Geography, School of Geoscience University of SydneyCo-founder of GetUp, founder of the Sydney Alliance, host of the ChangeMakers podcast

Join Roxane Gay, a renowned author and social commentator, Megan Phelps Roper, a former Westboro Baptist Church member turned advocate for kindness, Andy Mills, a captivating journalist, and David Baddiel, a witty comedian and documentarian. They explore the complexities of cancel culture and its implications on accountability and dialogue. The group delves into the potential for forgiveness and personal transformation in the digital age, examining how social media both amplifies voices and fosters outrage, ultimately advocating for a more compassionate discourse.

In this engaging discussion, Sara Shams, a pharmacist and disability advocate, shares how losing both legs at a young age became her superpower. Amy Parry, a passionate filmmaker, confronts the underrepresentation of women in media and the power of storytelling. Artist Jody Rallah explores deep connections to her heritage through her art. The conversation ignites inspiration about tackling stigma, the importance of inclusivity, and the transformative effects of creativity, especially for young women and marginalized voices.

Joining the discussion are Paul Davies, a renowned theoretical physicist and bestselling author, and Inês Hipólito, an AI ethics expert. They dive into the evolving relationship between human cognition and artificial intelligence. The chat covers the dual nature of brain-computer interfaces, raising ethical concerns alongside their transformative potential. They also explore intuition in decision-making and the implications of deepfakes on societal trust. Ultimately, they question how society can navigate the future of intelligence in a tech-driven world.

George Osborne, a British games industry commentator and former consultant for the UK's Video Games Industry Trade Association, dives into the profound influence of video games on culture and politics. He discusses the need to recognize gaming as a legitimate art form, the resilience of gaming communities during COVID-19, and the industry's strategic importance in geopolitics. Osborne also highlights job security challenges amid growth and underscores the potential positive societal impact and skills development fostered through gaming. A must-listen for anyone curious about the gaming landscape!

When Kasey Chambers was growing up, her dad had one simple, yet profound piece of advice. Just don't be a d***head.This event was recorded at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne, with thanks to Readings bookshop.SpeakersKasey Chambers Musician, 13th album BackboneAuthor, Just Don't Be A D**khead And Other Profound Things I've LearntYoungest female inductee, ARIA Hall of Fame (2018)24-time Golden Guitar winnerClare Bowditch (host) MusicianAuthor, Your Own Kind of Girl

The discussion features Alexandra de Blas, a science communicator advocating for environmental policy, along with Louise Cherrie, who critiques salmon farming's effects. Neuroscientist Lila Landowski tackles responsible AI use, while Megan Webb voices the need for stronger environmental safeguards. Robyn Williams highlights the importance of scientists speaking out against censorship and political pressure. They explore the balance between advocacy and impartiality, the need for whistleblower protections, and the role of education in combating misinformation.

In this discussion, George Megalogenis, an insightful author and journalist on Australian politics, analyzes the shifting dynamics in the lead-up to a federal election. He explores the decline of the traditional two-party system and the rise of independents. The conversation dives into the impact of demographic changes on political identity, and the complexities of immigration policies amid labor shortages. Megalogenis raises crucial questions about the future of governance as Australians seek alternatives to conventional party politics.

In this enlightening discussion, historian Jayne Persian shares her extensive research on Australia’s controversial acceptance of fascist immigrants after World War II. Alongside military history author Anthony Cooper, they unravel how political parties prioritized cheap, white labor amid the complexities of displaced persons. They examine the narratives of Baltic refugees, the challenges of identity in a new land, and the legacy of these historical decisions on contemporary Australian society. Join them as they confront a seldom-discussed facet of post-war migration.

Zachary Shore, a Professor specializing in governmental decision-making, discusses the intricate ingredients for wise governance. He delves into qualities like insight and creativity crucial for better decisions. Historical examples reveal how wisdom has shaped leadership, contrasting different approaches post-WWII. Shore emphasizes the need for empathy in leaders and innovative reforms to nurture these traits. He also tackles the challenges of social media, stressing the balance between emotional storytelling and factual clarity in political discourse.