UNSW Centre for Ideas

How did sex begin? How did it evolve to become so varied and complex in humans? And what could sex look like for future generations? Hosted by evolutionary biologist Rob Brooks, this blush-worthy panel discussion features sex historian Esmé Louise James and historian David Baker. Esmé adapted her wildly popular TikTok series into a book, Kinky History: The Stories of Our Intimate Lives, Past and Present, and David’s Sex: Two Billion Years of Procreation and Recreation charts sex’s evolution from early life to sexbots.Listen now to bone up on carnal knowledge across the centuries and find out what the future of fornication holds.  This event was presented by the Sydney Writers' Festival and supported by UNSW Sydney. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Economist John N. Friedman has made a career researching the causes of inequality and its long-term consequences for children in the US. His findings are grim. Social mobility is in sharp decline. Where you live and go to school increasingly determines your success and future. Joining fellow economist, Richard Holden, Friedman will explore how policy can harness schools, neighbourhoods, universities, and social capital to reverse this trend, and revive a fading “American Dream” of progress and social mobility. Explore what this could mean in a country like Australia. Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Brigitte Gerstl | Luara Ferracioli | Mianna Lotz | Chaired by Kathryn MacKay Is the emergence of artificial wombs and womb transplants a ‘boon’ or a ‘bane’ for women? Listen now to explore the transformative possibilities for reproductive autonomy that could redefine the very essence of motherhood.  This session is presented as part of the Festival of Dangerous Ideas, and supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The late philosopher and scientist, Daniel Dennett talked about ‘counterfeit people’ as one of the great dangers of AI – but are we now willing to court the same dangers through our adoption of multiple identities across the metaverse. Moving from the confinement of physical reality to the landscape of the metaverse, where looks, preferences, and genders are limitless, we can each acquire many digital selves. Is a ‘virtual you’ a truer reflection of your deepest self – revealing desires and aspects that otherwise remain hidden? What is the human cost of leaving the physical world behind? Hear Lizzie O'Shea, Patrick Stokes, Emily van der Nagel and Rob Brooks discuss.  Presented as part of The Ethics Centre's Festival of Dangerous Ideas, supported by UNSW Sydney.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Over 40 years ago, Deborah Lawrie broke barriers to become Australia’s first female commercial airline pilot. Her path wasn’t easy — she battled a landmark High Court case to challenge gender discrimination in employment and prevailed, all while facing blatant prejudice and unapologetic misogyny. Deborah’s determination didn’t just open cockpit doors; it helped pave the way for equal opportunity across male-dominated industries, opening economic doors for women Australia wide. Hear Deborah Lawrie in conversation with journalist Sarah Malik, on her story and how we can accelerate action for gender equality through education, allyship, and the dismantling of systemic barriers. Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and supported by UNSW Aviation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a timely and thought-provoking discussion, essayist and author of the recently released The World After Gaza, Pankaj Mishra reflects on the ongoing war in Gaza, examining how competing narratives of colonialism, national identity and justice collide with tragic consequences for all. In a conversation with philosopher and Executive Director of The Ethics Centre Simon Longstaff, Mishra delves into the historical, political and ethical forces shaping our world, the waning influence of the Global North and the role of journalism in actively constructing and distorting reality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than one in four women in Australia have experienced domestic or family violence, and one in five have experienced sexual violence. Yet, despite survivors increasingly speaking out, systemic barriers to addressing gender-based violence persist.   In a powerful and necessary conversation, internationally acclaimed lawyer Jennifer Robinson, NSW’s inaugural Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin and UNSW academic BJ Newton joined forces to examine how legal, institutional and cultural systems suppress the voices of women and the far-reaching impact this has on our society.   Chaired by journalist Nour Haydar, this discussion explored the growing use of legal threats and actions to silence survivors, outdated gendered views and systems, and the rise in online misogyny and abuse, and asked; how we can dismantle structures that protect perpetrators? Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas and UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a world where urban congestion and traffic delays plague our daily lives, Arian Prabowo examines how artificial intelligence can transform urban progress. He delves into practical solutions like improving traffic flow through AI-powered traffic lights and real-time navigation systems that adapt to changing conditions. Prabowo also tackles the critical issue of AI systems' vulnerability to errors in new and unexpected situations, emphasizing the need for more explainable algorithms. By exploring the potential of explainable AI, Prabowo envisions a future where transparent algorithms optimise city transport, making our commutes faster and more efficient while ensuring equity and fairness. Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In a stirring exploration of history and justice, Leah Lui-Chivizhe delves into the profound impact of colonial practices on Indigenous communities. She unravels the poignant narrative of Ancestral Remains taken from their lands and stored in museums—far from their people. Through her personal journey and research, Lui-Chivizhe illuminates the ongoing pain and historical injustices inflicted by these acts. She calls for a transformative approach that not only acknowledges past wrongs but actively seeks to return these Ancestors to their rightful homes. This powerful narrative underscores the urgent need for institutions to demonstrate true progress and respect for Indigenous peoples. Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Despite the rush of technological breakthroughs, we find ourselves drifting into a crisis of connection—profound loneliness and division. Nevena Krups takes us on a heartfelt journey, revealing how the ancient and seemingly simple art of friendship can serve as a powerful source to bridge divides and heal a fragmented society. Drawing from her poignant experiences in former Yugoslavia, Krups illuminates how true friendship, with its embrace of differences and commitment to understanding, can transform political landscapes and infuse our world with essential humanness. Progress? is a UNSW Centre for Ideas project, with illustrations designed by Lucy Klippan, video production by AVI and All things All Creatures, and podcast production by Matt Sladen and Kara Jensen-MacKinnon. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.