

The Minefield
ABC listen
In a world marked by wicked social problems, The Minefield helps you negotiate the ethical dilemmas, contradictory claims and unacknowledged complicities of modern life.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 28, 2024 • 54min
“Freedom!”: Why can’t US politics agree on the meaning of its most basic principle?
Explore the complex concept of freedom in American politics, especially at the recent Democratic National Convention. Delve into the tension between personal rights and societal safety, contrasting American and Australian views. Discover how social cooperation can shape true freedom and examine the dual nature of freedoms like gun ownership. Unravel the paradoxes of freedom's history, stressing the balance between individual autonomy and collective responsibility, and find insights in fairy tales, linking labor and self-awareness to genuine freedom.

Aug 21, 2024 • 53min
Coleman Hughes, “colourblindness”, and the contentious politics of race
In this engaging discussion, Coleman Hughes, a thought leader on race and moral philosophy, dives into the nuances of colorblindness and its role in fostering justice. He argues for the merits of seeing individuals beyond racial labels, contrasting this with contemporary anti-racism movements. The conversation also critiques Australia’s recent referendum on Indigenous rights, highlighting the need for authentic dialogue in addressing historical injustices. Hughes emphasizes the importance of open discussions about race for a healthier democratic society.

Aug 14, 2024 • 54min
“We live in a society!”: Seinfeld’s “Bizarro” comedy of morals
Dive into the groundbreaking world of a beloved sitcom that redefined comedy! Explore the hilariously selfish dynamics between its four central characters and their satirical take on societal norms. Discover how one character's complexity challenged beauty standards and became a feminist icon. Unpack the absurdity of morality as the characters navigate contemporary interactions, ghosting, and existential struggles. Join the discussion on Jewish comedy's cyclic behavior and the relatable depiction of flaws, all wrapped in humor!

Aug 7, 2024 • 53min
“I don’t want to join any club that would have me as a member”: How funny is irony meant to be?
Humour can often be a response to the sense of being ill-at-home in society — perhaps even ill-at-home in the world. But whether it takes the form of fatalism or self-deprecation, all such forms of ironic self-distancing have a sting in the tail.

Jul 31, 2024 • 54min
“Time now for just a bit of fun”: Shaun Micallef on the importance of being silly
Shaun Micallef, an award-winning Australian comedian and author, discusses the whimsical world of silliness in comedy. He highlights how exaggerated expressions and absurdity can foster connections between performers and audiences. The conversation dives into the significance of playfulness in social interactions and adulthood, revealing its potential to challenge societal norms. Through examples from popular culture and reflections on humor, Micallef illustrates how embracing silliness allows for a shared joy that can deepen interpersonal relationships.

Jul 24, 2024 • 54min
“And now for something completely different”: Why do surprises provoke laughter?
Melanie White, an Associate Professor of Sociology at the University of New South Wales and an expert on Henri Bergson, dives into the intricate relationship between surprise and laughter. She discusses how humor arises from the clash of expectations and reality, revealing that surprises can either delight or unsettle us. The conversation explores surprising moments in comedy, including Monty Python's innovative sketches, and how these experiences challenge social norms while fostering unity and resilience in the face of life's absurdities.

Jul 17, 2024 • 54min
Political violence — why is it so corrosive to democratic life?
The attempted assassination of former US President Donald Trump, while undeniably shocking, was not altogether surprising. It was just the latest blow in a steady drumbeat of political violence that has only grown louder over the last decade.This reflects the fact that political violence is “in the air”, and is increasingly being regarded by many Americans — and citizens of nations around the worlds — as a justifiable response to political disagreement.What does it take for such violence to become thinkable? Do we possess the democratic antibodies to resist the contagion of violence?

Jul 10, 2024 • 53min
“There’s a crack in everything”: Richard Fidler on the art of absurdity
Richard Fidler, a best-selling author and host of Conversations, dives into the rich interplay between comedy and absurdity. He discusses how humor reveals the futility of serious attempts and societal norms. Fidler highlights comedy’s role in resilience, especially in oppressive climates, sharing anecdotes from Czech history. He also explores the mechanics of absurdist comedy, analyzing iconic shows like Seinfeld while emphasizing laughter's power to connect us and challenge authority amidst life's ridiculousness. Get ready for a thought-provoking and hilarious journey!

Jul 3, 2024 • 54min
In a bespoke and individualistic age, are we losing a sense of “the common”?
Jonathan Green, an insightful editor and broadcaster known for his work on Blueprint for Living, dives deep into the evolving concept of community. He highlights how individualism is reshaping human connections, often at the cost of shared values and experiences. Green emphasizes the role of mass culture in fostering unity, explores the importance of genuine human interactions, and critiques the commercialization of spirituality. He advocates for reclaiming collective identity and the power of artistic expression to bridge divides in our increasingly tailored lives.

Jun 26, 2024 • 54min
Beatlemania at 60: Why was the band so popular before they were even great?
The Beatles composed their best music in the years after 1965 — so what could account for the ecstatic response the band received in the United States and Australia in 1964? Why were they “big” before they were “good”?