Big Ideas

Join Natasha Mitchell and her insightful guests, Peter Harrison, a leading scholar on the interplay of science and religion, Charles Wolfe, a philosopher of biology, and Anik Waldow, who explores our human place in nature. They delve into the historical and contemporary tensions between science and faith, unraveling the decline in scientific literacy and the rise of anti-science sentiments. They ponder the evolving concept of the soul, advocate for dialogues that bridge gaps, and highlight the need to integrate Indigenous wisdom with scientific understanding for a better future.

Kara Swisher, a seasoned tech journalist and author of "Burn Book: A Tech Love Story," teams up with host Marc Fennell to dissect the world of Big Tech. They delve into the messy ties between tech magnates and political figures, sharing humorous anecdotes about the chaotic behavior of leaders like Musk and Zuckerberg. The duo critiques the moral obligations of wealthy tech titans and raises pressing concerns about AI competition and data privacy. Their insights challenge the current dynamics within the tech industry and its broader societal impact.

Jobs vs the environment. Profits vs environmental protection.  One pitted against the other. That dominant story has defined environmental regulation in Australia, drowning out the stories scientists or environmental campaigners want to tell.  Scientist, environmentalist, and government insider, Peter Cosier, has worn all the hats and he wants to change how we think and talk about Nature. An eye opening account of Australian environmentalism and its politics.Presented at the Lyrebird FestivalSpeakersPeter CosierChair of Accounting for NatureFounding Member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, Former Policy Adviser to the Australian Environment Minister Robert HillGregg BorschmannOral Historian for the National Library of Australia, Writer & Radio Producer

Teenagers 'live' online and on social media. How can they reap the many benefits that social media can offer? There are plenty of them: an endless pool of knowledge and curiosity. But parents need to help them navigate the risk and threats online — of which there're also plenty.On Big Ideas, we have a panel of experts with a plethora of valuable information, advice and resources.Presented by the Raising Children Network and hosted at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.Check out the ABC TV series 'Role of a Lifetime' on iview with more details about parenting in the social media era.SpeakersDerek McCormackDirector of Raising Children NetworkDr. Julie Inman GrantAustralia's eSafety CommissionerDr. Sarthak GandhiHeadspace Board Youth Advisor and Researcher at Murdoch Children's Research InstituteProfessor Marie YapResearch Professor at Monash University and Psychologist with expertise in Parenting & Youth Mental HealthBeverley Wang (host)ABC's National Culture CorrespondentFurther informationRaising Children NetworkeSafety CommissionerHeadspaceKits HelplineReach Out Parent lineYouth Safe

Two of Australia’s most influential and legendary storytellers, author Tim Winton and filmmaker Rachel Perkins, join Natasha Mitchell at WOMADelaide’s Planet Talks to discuss the power of stories and the role of artists to create change in the world.SpeakersRachel PerkinsMulti-award-winning filmmaker, and founder of Blackfella filmsDirector, presenter, co-writer, co-producer The Australian Wars series (available on SBS On Demand)Co-director, co-writer, co-producer First AustraliansTim WintonMulti-award-winning author of Juice, Dirt Music, Cloudstreet and more.Patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society Host and writer, Ningaloo Nyinggulu series (available on ABC Iview)Activist, Protect Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf campaignThis event was recorded live at the annual 2025 WOMADelaide festival produced and presented as part of its Planet Talks program, held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people. Thanks to Planet Talks producer Rob Law.

Populism is part of American political history. It has been and still is the dominant vocabulary of dissent. But the current resurrection of authoritarian politics in the US is different. While the two parties could absorb populist movements in the past, this time populism has absorbed the party.Presented at the American Academy in BerlinSpeakerJefferson CowieJames G. Stahlman Professor in American History at Vanderbilt UniversityAmerican Academy in Berlin, Axel Springer Fellow — Class of Spring 2025

What makes a good conversation? And do good conversations have anything in common? Ian Williams studies his daily conversations and explores how our age has left many people in what he calls a "drought of loving voices." In searching for conversations that feel transcendent, not transactional, he argues that in great conversations, the content is less important than the interaction: the sincerity and openness of the engagement. Good conversation is an art, and you don't know how it will change you by the time it ends.The CBC Massey Lecture series "What I mean to say — remaking conversation in our time" was recorded live across Canada in November 2024. The fifth lecture Good conversations took place in Toronto, Ontario.SpeakersIan WilliamsPoet and author, Reproduction (Scotiabank Giller Award winner), Disorientation. Being Black in the World, Word problems (Raymond Souster Award 2021), and moreProfessor of English and director of the Creative Writing program at the University of TorontoAdrian Harewood Associate Professor of Journalism, Carelton UniversityFormer CBC radio hostNahlah Ayad CBC Ideas hostFurther information:Since 1961, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has produced the Massey Lectures featuring leading Canadian thinkers asking questions that make us better human beings. The lectures are a partnership between CBC, House of Anansi Press, and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

In this enlightening discussion, award-winning Canadian writer Ian Williams, known for his books like Reproduction and Disorientation, explores the intricacies of speech, identity, and power dynamics. Joined by local CBC host Catherine Marlow, they dive into the concept of cultural appropriation and the significance of authentic representation. The conversation reveals how silence plays a vital role in meaningful dialogue. Through personal anecdotes, they highlight the need for nuanced discussions and true listening in an era marked by ownership of words.

Bookstores are full of titles that are supposed to help us deal with difficult conversations — about emotions, misunderstandings and hurt feelings. The problem is that difficult conversations are almost always about something other than what they seem to be about. And what we're actually looking for in a conversation isn't always answers — it's communion.The CBC Massey Lecture series What I mean to say — remaking conversation in our time was recorded live across Canada in November 2024. This third lecture was recorded in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.SpeakersIan WilliamsPoet and author, Reproduction (Scotiabank Giller Award winner), Disorientation. Being Black in the World, Word problems (Raymond Souster Award 2021), and moreProfessor of English and director of the Creative Writing program at the University of TorontoLeisha GrebinskiLocal radio host, CBC SaskatoonPratyush DayalJournalist, CBC NewsFurther information:Since 1961, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has produced the Massey Lectures featuring leading Canadian thinkers asking questions that make us better human beings. The lectures are a partnership between CBC, House of Anansi Press, and Massey College in the University of Toronto.

Public space is important for democracy. This is where we articulate our values, and perhaps change our minds. So how do we open ourselves up to connection with strangers while safeguarding our personal sovereignty and resisting efforts to convert us? And what can we learn from our conversations with strangers and loved ones alike about how to navigate the murky waters of national conversations?The CBC Massey Lecture series What I mean to say — remaking conversation in our time was recorded live across Canada in November 2024. This second lecture Public Conversations was recorded in Iqaluit, Nunavut.SpeakersIan WilliamsPoet and author, Reproduction (Scotiabank Giller Award winner), Disorientation. Being Black in the World, Word problems (Raymond Souster Award 2021), and moreProfessor of English and director of the Creative Writing program at the University of TorontoJamesie FournierWriterSimeone Kisa-KnickelbeinActorFurther information:Since 1961, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation has produced the Massey Lectures featuring leading Canadian thinkers asking questions that make us better human beings. The lectures are a partnership between CBC, House of Anansi Press, and Massey College in the University of Toronto.