Big Ideas

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)

Alexandre Lefebvre, a politics and philosophy professor at the University of Sydney and author of 'Liberalism as a Way of Life,' explores the essence of liberalism beyond politics. He argues it can shape a meaningful existence. Lefebvre discusses individualism’s roots in liberal thought and its relevance today, touching on historical influences from John Stuart Mill to modern social challenges. He delves into the balance between personal freedom and collective responsibility, highlighting how empathy can bridge social divides while examining the interplay between entitlement and equality.

Tibetan master Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche experienced terrifying panic attacks as a little boy. What did he learn about suffering, the Self, and the nature of our mind through coming to understand his own mind? He joins Natasha Mitchell along with an Indian philosopher of mind and a Sufi scholar to wrestle with the self and its dissolution.This event Beyond Self — A journey to connection and wellbeing was organised by Tergar Australia and the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies.Original broadcast on May 22, 2024.SpeakersVenerable Yongey Mingyur RinpocheTibetan meditation master and head of the Tergar Meditation CommunityAuthor, In Love with the World: What a monk can teach you about living from nearly dying (2019)Monima ChadhaProfessor of philosophy, Monash UniversityAuthor, Selfless Minds: A Contemporary Perspective on Vasubandhu's Metaphysics (Oxford University Press, 2023)Dr Aydogan KarsSenior Research Fellow, Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Monash UniversityAuthor, Unsaying God: Negative Theology in Medieval Islam (Oxford University Press, 2019)

A.C. Grayling, a distinguished philosopher and author, discusses profound existential questions that have puzzled humanity for centuries. He emphasizes the importance of self-examination and personal choice in leading a fulfilled life, drawing on Socratic thought. Grayling explores how individual journeys and relationships shape our experiences, advocating for personal responsibility. He introduces the concept of Ubuntu, highlighting our interconnectedness, and delves into existentialism's insights on friendship and compassion, urging listeners to find their own meaning and ethics in life.

Pioneering electronic musician and performer Laurie Anderson invites you contemplate the wonders of time. Time is one of the most impermanent forms of measurement that humans have invented to help manage our lives. We couldn't function without it. Do you feel like you're running out of time? Which way is time going? Are you able to stop time? What is the role of time  in ethics, or how you experience trauma? Laurie shares a creative conversation with twice-Booker-shortlisted author Tom McCarthy as they look to arts and literature for answers.Presented by the Rubin Museum of Art. New York CityOriginal broadcast on March 6, 2024SpeakersLaurie AndersonMultimedia artist, musician, film director and authorTom McCarthyAuthor of The Making of Incarnation (2021), Satin Island (2015),  Remainder (2005)

Hugh Mackay, a distinguished social psychologist with a remarkable 60-year career and 24 books under his belt, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about modern Australian society. He delves into pressing issues like loneliness and technology addiction, reflecting on the Baby Boomers’ impact and social fragmentation. Mackay questions the evolving perceptions of God in a secular world, critiques education funding disparities, and advocates for societal change to combat inequality. His insights provide a compelling lens on the challenges Australia faces today.