Big Ideas

In this engaging discussion, Catherine Fox, an award-winning journalist focused on women's leadership, and Josh Bornstein, a labor law expert, dive into Mark Zuckerberg's claim about corporate culture needing more 'masculine energy.' They explore the implications for gender dynamics in leadership and highlight the alarming influence of the manosphere on young men. The conversation also critically examines the fragility of diversity initiatives, the decline in women's program funding, and the urgent need for political engagement to drive real change.

Democracies in retreat, attacks on science, border disputes, death and destruction. It can feel like we are living in unprecedented times - but here's the thing: world history has a habit of repeating itself. So what lessons does history teach us about this moment in which we find ourselves? Do we humans learn anything from the past, or are we destined to repeat the same mistakes?This event was recorded at Adelaide Writers' Week on 5 May 2025.SpeakersOrlando FigesHistorian of Russia and EuropeEmeritus Professor of History at the University of LondonAuthor, The Europeans: Three Lives and the Making of a Cosmopolitan Culture, The Whisperers: Private Life in Stalin's Russia and many moreBettany HughesClassical historian, writer, broadcasterAuthor, Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, Venus and Aphrodite: history of a goddess and many morePresenter, Bettany Hughes' Lost Worlds: The Nabataeans (SBS)Matthew LongoPolitical scientistAuthor, The Politics of Borders: Sovereignty, Security, and the Citizen after 9/11, The Picnic: A dream of freedom and the collapse of the Iron Curtain (Winner of the 2024 Orwell Prize for political writing)Assistant Professor of Political Science, Leiden University (The Netherlands)Dava SobelScience writer and historianAuthor, Longitude, Galileo's Daughter, The Elements of Marie Curie and many moreAnnabelle Quince (host)Host, Rear Vision, ABC Radio National

Ruthie Foster, a Grammy-winning singer-songwriter known for her soulful blues and folk music, reveals the inspiration behind her artistry. In a heartfelt discussion, she reflects on her Texas roots and the influence of her grandmother and mother. Ruthie emphasizes the significance of faith in her life and the importance of telling real stories through her music. She also shares her experiences from both the Navy and her early days, blending humor and deep emotion as she navigates her journey in the vibrant world of music.

Mikhail Zygar, an exiled Russian journalist and founder of Rain TV, discusses the authoritarian grip of Vladimir Putin's regime and the plight of independent media in Russia. He shares harrowing anecdotes about life as a journalist under constant threat, revealing the extensive silencing of dissent. Zygar also delves into the evolving sentiments of Ukrainians during the ongoing conflict, reflecting on their determination and fatigue. Additionally, he highlights the complex U.S.-Russia relations and how Ukraine views Trump’s policies, exploring the broader implications for global democracy.

Join Kris Helgen, a mammologist and the soon-to-be president of the Bishop Museum, and Jacob Bongers, an archaeologist from the University of Sydney, as they dive into the mysteries of Machu Picchu and ancient Peru. They discuss the sophisticated Incan civilization and its unique burial practices, highlighting the significance of rituals in connecting the living with the dead. Fascinating discoveries, including the recently identified Olingito and the impact of the Spanish conquest, reveal the rich tapestry of life in ancient Peru.

Sandy Jeffs, an author and mental health advocate living with schizophrenia, joins Fay Jackson, General Manager at Flourish Australia, and Michelle Blanchard, CEO of VANISH. They discuss the powerful impact of language on mental health stigma. Sandy shares personal narratives about the evolving terms that can either heal or harm. Fay highlights the importance of culturally sensitive language, while Michelle explores the significance of reclaiming labels. Together, they advocate for compassionate communication to foster understanding and reduce discrimination.

In this enlightening discussion, Richard Fisher, author of 'The Long View' and former BBC science writer, teams up with Ande Somby, a celebrated Yoik singer and Associate Professor at The Arctic University of Norway. They explore the profound connection between time and human experience, contrasting short-term modern thinking with Indigenous perspectives. Discover how a mosquito bite can remind us of life's fleeting moments and learn the ethical implications of our relationship with nature. They advocate for a future that balances imagination, community, and moral responsibility.

Join Paul Kelly, Editor-at-Large for The Australian, Frank Bongiorno, Professor of History at ANU, and Kim Carr, former Victorian Labor Senator, as they dissect the state of Australian politics. They tackle the identity crisis facing the Liberal Party and its struggle for voter support amidst rising independents. The conversation sheds light on the evolving political landscape, particularly the decline of traditional party loyalties and the crucial role of Muslim voters in influencing elections. A thought-provoking look at modern governance in Australia!

Join Natasha Mitchell as she chats with a powerhouse panel: John Lyons, ABC's Washington bureau chief; Greg Sheridan, foreign editor at The Australian; Emma Shortis from the Australia Institute; and tech journalist Josh Taylor. They tackle pressing global issues, like the fragility of democracy post-WWII, the chilling impact of tech on governance, and the human cost of ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. The rise of AI and its repercussions on jobs and creativity also take center stage, highlighting just how much our world is shifting.

Tom McIlroy, author and political correspondent, teams up with Niki Savva, a political commentator, to dive into the touchstone that is Jackson Pollock's 'Blue Poles'. They discuss how the controversial painting's purchase by the Whitlam Government in 1973 reverberated through Australian politics, affecting public perception and national identity. The conversation also explores the emotional legacy of the artwork and the complexities of political portraiture, particularly in how art shapes our views of politicians today.