Big Ideas

Dava Sobel, bestselling author of works like Longitude and The Elements of Marie Curie, explores the extraordinary life of Marie Curie, a pioneer who reshaped the landscape for women in science. Sobel discusses Curie's groundbreaking discoveries, her dual Nobel Prizes, and her mentorship of future generations of female scientists. The conversation also highlights the often-overlooked contributions of women to science, the challenges of gender inequality, and the troubling exploitation of Curie's legacy through harmful radium products.

Join Joel Gilmore, a clean energy specialist and science communicator, Stacey Thomson, beloved TV host known as Ranger Stacey, and Dr. Mike Todorovich, a medical educator renowned on YouTube, for a spirited discussion. They dive into the booming wellness influencer trend, debating its potential risks and benefits. Expect hilarious anecdotes about bizarre wellness fads like 'bumhole tanning' and ice baths, as well as serious discussions on the clash between influencer culture and evidence-based medicine. Who will reign supreme in the quest for longevity?

May Samali, an executive coach and founder of the Human Leadership Lab, explores the concept of living an experimental life. She encourages adopting a scientific mindset to improve decision-making in aspects like career, health, and relationships. Samali shares a five-step framework for personal experimentation, emphasizing self-experimentation and biohacking for health improvement. She also discusses the modern dating landscape, advocating for intentional experimentation to assess compatibility and align choices with personal values for a more fulfilling life.

Join biologist Janet Lanyon, a dugong conservation expert, and marine education officer Brooke Witherby, who shares her heartwarming experiences with a rescued dugong named Pig. They dive into the fascinating biology of dugongs, their surprising link to elephants, and their vital role in marine ecosystems. Janet discusses conservation challenges, while Brooke highlights Pig's care and personality. Discover the importance of community involvement in saving these endangered creatures and the innovative research shaping dugong conservation efforts.

Janez Potočnik, Co-Chair of the UN Environment International Resource Panel and former EU Commissioner, dives into our material consumption habits. He discusses the alarming truth about resource use and the urgent need for a circular economy. Potočnik emphasizes the interconnectedness of ecological and economic systems, urging policies that promote sustainability and equity. He also underlines the importance of a paradigm shift in how we measure economic progress, advocating for inclusivity in resource management conversations.

Sarah Wilson, an insightful author and activist known for tackling anxiety and civilizational collapse, shares her thoughts on the end of our post-industrial society. She discusses the intricate connections between financial, climate, and technological crises. With a focus on the paradox of growth and collapse, Wilson explores how personal choices impact collective futures. She advocates for embracing uncertainty as a chance for growth and highlights the need for community resilience and self-sufficiency in facing potential societal collapse.

Mike Burgess, Director-General of the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO), reveals the intricate world of espionage threats facing Australia. He discusses alarming tactics used by foreign spies targeting media, academia, and government sectors, estimating the economic impact at a staggering $12.5 billion. Burgess emphasizes the importance of collective responsibility in countering these threats, advocating for greater public awareness. He also highlights ASIO's pivotal role in national security and ongoing reforms to address these challenges.

In this enlightening discussion, Raina MacIntyre, a Professor of Global Biosecurity and author of "Vaccine Nation," dives into the critical issue of declining vaccination rates. She highlights the resurgence of diseases like measles due to misinformation and the importance of public trust in health initiatives. MacIntyre also examines the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, emphasizing the urgency of addressing misconceptions about vaccines. With a focus on collaboration in medical research, she offers a powerful call to action to safeguard public health.

Geraldine Doogue, a veteran journalist with over fifty years in media, discusses the existential crisis in journalism. She explores how mainstream media can adapt to survive by fostering community engagement and combatting misinformation. A heartfelt tribute to a late media icon highlights the emotional ties in the industry. Doogue emphasizes the need for blending traditional and digital approaches to rebuild public trust, urging creativity and inclusivity to reshape the future of news.

Australia is a multicultural country, but up until recently, when you turned on the telly, you wouldn't know it. So what role has TV played in Australia's diverse communities, on screen, behind the scenes and in the living rooms across this country, over the past 70 years?This event was recorded at Sydney's Gleebooks on Friday 11 July 2025.SpeakersKate Darian-SmithProfessorial Fellow at the University of Melbourne, President of the Academy of Social Sciences in AustraliaKyle HarveyCulture and media and social change historianSukhmani KhoranaAssociate Professor in the School of Arts and Media at University of NSWSue TurnbullSenior Professor of Communication and Media, University of WollongongPearl Tan (host)Discipline Lead in Directing, Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS)Further information:Season two of Heartbreak High makes diversity feel 'banal'. This is its strength - article by Sukhmani Khorana