God Forbid

Three millennial comedians on growing older, meaning-making at mid-life and the case for optimism. 

Today's world of transportation means that planes, trains, cars, and electric scooters get us to our destination. Yet we still walk and run off our own steam – but often without destination. Not always for a clear goal, but for the journey itself.On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel for the final in our three-part series on daily rituals. They find out, where we are really going when we walk or run – is it about finding the post-pain pleasure of endurance, or perhaps something more: self-awareness, meaning, or even wisdom? 

In Australia, the sea encapsulates more than the landmass but our culture, too

80 percent of Australian households have a garden. The ritual and journey of gardening can be frustrating, rewarding, and even awe inspiring. Yet for most, gardening is not a religious practice, despite how religiously some of us practice it. So then why do Australians spend so many hours and dollars on their gardens? Join James Carleton and the panel as they kick off daily rituals series, starting with the practice of gardening. 

This year, Israel marks its 75th birthday. But for nearly two months, there have not been celebrations, but mass protests across the Jewish state. It's been called the "Israeli spring" – triggered by December's election of Benjamin Netanyahu's government. And all this at a time when violence between Jews and Palestinians is increasing. On God Forbid, join James Carleton and our panellists visiting from the Holy Land, as they look at protest, and peace building in Israel. 

Have we lost our appetite for intervening; of standing in the way of perceived wrongs?

None of us are born religious fundamentalists, or political ideologues – so what are the conditions that lead us towards such unshakable positions? And once we do become rusted-on, dyed-in-the-wool, certain of our certainties – what is the way back?

It’s no secret the human species has been waging a long and costly war – and the enemy is ageing. So, what's at the heart of our pursuits to stay young; a love of life, or a fear of death? And if we deny the realities of growing old, does that mean we miss out on its benefits? On God Forbid, join James Carleton and the panel as they find out what it looks like to age well in a society preoccupied with looking young.

From the bitter conflicts of Northern Ireland and Cambodia, to today's flammable politics of the United states, how do we find peace when it seems impossible?

More of us in the West are seeking the help of shamans and psychedelic medicines. But why? And do they help?