Different Matters by Damien Grant

The book Resilience, written by the late Inge Woolf, covers her remarkable life story. Born in Vienna before the war, her story tells of fleeing from Nazi oppression and genocide, establishing a tenuous life in England, her arrival in New Zealand, marriage, tragedy and children. Join me Damien Grant, as I talk to lawyer, director, adviser, independent reviewer, chief executive, advocate, community volunteer and daughter of Inge Woolf, Deborah Hart. For more information, or to get in touch, visit the Different Matters Website.  

Dr. Oliver Hartwich, Executive Director of the NZ Initiative, delves into the current state of democracy and the rise of populism. He critiques the evolution of political alignments, using case studies from Europe and the aftermath of Trump in the U.S. Hartwich highlights the tensions between authoritarianism and freedoms, particularly in New Zealand, while reflecting on historical political landscapes. He also tackles issues of disinformation and the complexities of political legacy, focusing on figures like Gerhard Schröder and the implications of corruption in democratic institutions.

Dr. Eric Crampton, chief economist at The New Zealand Initiative, dives into Paul Rubin's thought-provoking exploration of how Darwinian principles shape modern politics. They discuss the evolutionary origins of human preferences, revealing how our ancestral experiences influence current behaviors. Crampton examines political cooperation dynamics through the lens of genetic inheritance and game theory. He also touches on the evolutionary roots of altruism, societal views on wealth, and the complex trade-offs of human intelligence, enriching our understanding of contemporary society.

Marilyn Waring is a New Zealand feminist, former politician, author of multiple books, academic, and activist for female human rights and environmental issues.She is best known for her 1988 book If Women Counted, and she obtained a D.Phil in political economy in 1989. Through her research and writing she is known as the principal founder of the discipline of feminist economics.Join me, Damien Grant as I interviews Marilyn Waring about her career in politics, her relationship with her father, attending Bob Marley's funeral in Jamaica, and femisim.  For more information, or to get in touch, visit the Different Matters Website.

Toby Young, a British social commentator and founder of the Free Speech Union, shares insights from his chaotic years in Manhattan and experiences working for Vanity Fair. He reflects on themes from his book, including redemption and personal growth, while discussing the evolving landscape of free speech. The conversation touches on cultural differences between the US and UK, the decline of journalism, and the role of the Free Speech Union in combating censorship. Toby also offers a humorous take on dating dynamics in New York and shares thoughts on the UK's political climate.

In this engaging conversation, historian Paul Moon shares insights about renowned New Zealand photographer Ans Westra, whose life and legacy he recently chronicled in a biography. He delves into her complex family dynamics and how they shaped her artistic journey. The discussion explores Westra’s groundbreaking role in documenting Māori culture during urbanization, her unique techniques, and the tensions between her art and personal relationships. Moon offers a compelling look at how Westra balanced her passion for photography with familial responsibilities.

In this engaging discussion, Jonathan Rauch, an insightful journalist and author known for his work on public policy and culture, delves into timeless and timely issues. He connects the philosophies of Plato to modern challenges like cancel culture, examining how ancient ideas can inform our views on free speech today. The conversation covers moral dilemmas surrounding controversial figures like Salman Rushdie, the pitfalls of intolerance in liberal institutions, and the pressing need for open-mindedness amidst ideological dogma in media and society.

In this engaging discussion, Christopher Finlayson, a prominent New Zealand lawyer and former Attorney-General, shares insights on his book, 'He Kupu Taurangi.' He delves into the intricate treaty settlement process, emphasizing the need for direct engagement with Iwi. Finlayson sheds light on the historical struggles of the Tūhoe and the evolution of governance rights. He also explores the significance of place names, discussing their cultural implications and the journey of the Wanganui iwi in seeking recognition for their spiritual connection to the Wanganui River.

In this engaging discussion, Steven Braunias, a prominent New Zealand author and journalist, delves into the chilling tales of disappearance featured in his award-winning book, 'Missing Persons.' He shares gripping insights about notorious cases, including that of Grace Millane, highlighting the complexities of youth safety and public perception. The conversation also touches on the intriguing lives of Kim Dotcom and Colin Craig, revealing the tragic dimensions of their stories and the broader implications of absence in society.

Professor Alex Calder, a noted academic from the University of Auckland, delves into the life of Alexander Aitken, a war veteran and mathematician. They explore Aitken's journey from personal reflections to the poignant memoir 'Gallipoli to the Somme.' The discussion highlights Aitken's struggles with mental health, the impact of war on literature, and the profound lessons of memory during battle. Calder critiques the superficiality of traditional war poetry and emphasizes the need for authentic narratives that capture the emotional complexities of soldiers' experiences.