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Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. Grab your front row seat to the best live forums and festivals with Natasha Mitchell.
753 Episodes
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For decades, Mary Beard has forged her own path through the male dominated field of academia, from the ruins of Rome to the trenches of Twitter, to become "the world's most famous classicist". From the wise Augustus to the hypocritical Tiberius and the barking mad Caligula, Mary Beard uses these Roman rulers as a lens to examine life in their empire, and asks what lessons they can teach us about the world today.This event was recorded at Adelaide Writers' Week and originally broadcast on Big Ideas on 9 April 2024.SpeakersMary BeardAuthor Emperor of Rome, (also Pompeii, Confronting the Classics, SPQR, Women & Power, Twelve Caesars)Professor Emerita of Classics at Cambridge UniversityJonty ClaypoleWriter, documentary producer and arts administratorCEO, Red Room PoetryFormer Director of Arts, BBC
We are living in an "age of crises," says former New Zealand prime minister, Helen Clark. With her leadership experience and expertise in governance, politics, and policy, Helen Clark and a panel of health and international relation experts explore the challenges facing the world today and what is needed to achieve a healthier and thriving future for all. proWhile it's easy to feel overwhelmed by complex problems, speaking up about inequality can make a difference. Helen Clark urged everyone to "raise the issues, never give up, and relentlessly campaign".Politics, policy, and a healthy human future was hosted by ANU College of Health and Medicine with the Australian Global Health AllianceOriginal broadcast on May 7, 2024SpeakersHelen ClarkFormer Prime Minister of New Zealand and former UNDP AdministratorSharon FrielProfessor of Health Equity and an ARC Laureate Fellow in Planetary Health Equity at the ANU School of Regulation and Global GovernanceBina D'CostaProfessor at the Department of International Relations, ANU Coral Bell School of Asia-Pacific AffairsDr Arnagretta Hunter (host)Human Futures Fellow at ANU College of Health and Medicine, a cardiologist, a physician, and a Senior Clinical Lecturer at ANU Medical School
Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world's foremost experts on trauma, discusses his pioneering research into traumatic stress and its impact on our brains and bodies. Traumatised people experience incomprehensible anxiety, numbing and intolerable rage. Trauma affects their capacity to concentrate, to remember, to form trusting relationships, and even to feel at home in their own bodies. And he explains promising treatments, including neurofeedback, psychedelic therapy, psychodrama … and dance.This talk was presented by the Sydney Opera HouseOriginal broadcast on March 26, 2024SpeakersDr Bessel van der KolkDutch psychiatrist, author, researcher and educatorAuthor of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Viking Press, 2014Sarah KanowskiPresenter of Conversations on RNHelplines1800 737 732 / 1800RESPECT or visit https://www.1800respect.org.auBlue Knot Helpline and Redress Support Service 1300 657 380 or visithttps://blueknot.org.au/survivors/blue-knot-helpline-redress-support-service/
When governments say they can't afford to fix climate change or lift kids out of poverty are they speaking the truth? American economist Stephanie Kelton challenges economic orthodoxy in her book The Deficit Myth: Modern Monetary Theory and the Birth of the People's Economy. She joins Natasha Mitchell in conversation at this 2024 National Sustainability Festival event.
Join host Natasha Mitchell and guests for some straight talk that cuts through spin and jargon. Has the way politicians speak ever made you shout at the television, feel bamboozled, helpless, or shut out of democratic debate over our shared future? Pollie-talk can make important issues opaque, the inequitable seem fair, and the fair seem inequitable. Hear from Richard Denniss (author of Econobabble: How to decode political spin and economic nonsense), Yanis Varoufakis (author of Technofeudalism: What Killed Capitalism), Joelle Gergis (author of Humanity's Moment: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope) and Thomas Keneally (Schindler's List). Original broadcast on April 24, 2024.
Residents of the Pacific and Torres Strait Islands face an existential threat from climate change, as rising sea levels threaten to swallow up their homes and livelihoods. But they are fighting back - calling for Australia and other countries to do more to end investment in fossil fuels and prevent a full blown climate catastrophe.This event was recorded on Kaurna country at WOMADelaide's Planet Talks on March 9, 2024. With thanks also to The Australia Institute. Original Big Ideas broadcast on 28 May 2024.SpeakersAnote Tong President of the Republic of Kiribati 2003- 2016Chair, Pacific Elders VoiceYessie Mosby Zenadh Kes Masig traditional ownerPlaintiff, Torres Strait 8Our Islands Our Home campaignTishiko King Climate and first nations advocateMember, Australian Museum Climate Solutions Centre Advisory GroupBoard Director, Divers for ClimateTiahni Adamson (host) Lead Community Engagement Officer at CH4GlobalLecturer at the University of South Australia2024 Young Australian of the Year (South Australia)
Liberalism isn't just a political philosophy but the basis of a truly meaningful life. That's the bold statement of philosopher Alexandre Lefebvre, author of the forthcoming book Liberalism As A Way of Life. Should individuals be free to pursue their own passions and interests in life? Does liberalism mean more than freedom of speech and small government? You might not identify as a liberal, but are we in fact all liberals at heart? The Philosophy You Already Have — a Live Philosophy event was presented in Melbourne at the Sophia Club, from the creators of Aeon and Psyche magazines. Find out more here about the series.Original broadcast on March 21, 2024SpeakersAlexandre LefebvreProfessor of politics and philosophy at the University of SydneyAuthor of Liberalism as a Way of Life, Princeton University Press, 2024Brigid Hains (host)Editorial director of Aeon Media
Tibetan master Venerable Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche experienced terrifying panic attacks as a little boy. What did he learn about suffering, the Self, and the nature of our mind through coming to understand his own mind? He joins Natasha Mitchell along with an Indian philosopher of mind and a Sufi scholar to wrestle with the self and its dissolution.This event Beyond Self — A journey to connection and wellbeing was organised by Tergar Australia and the Monash Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies.Original broadcast on May 22, 2024.SpeakersVenerable Yongey Mingyur RinpocheTibetan meditation master and head of the Tergar Meditation CommunityAuthor, In Love with the World: What a monk can teach you about living from nearly dying (2019)Monima ChadhaProfessor of philosophy, Monash UniversityAuthor, Selfless Minds: A Contemporary Perspective on Vasubandhu's Metaphysics (Oxford University Press, 2023)Dr Aydogan KarsSenior Research Fellow, Centre for Consciousness and Contemplative Studies, Monash UniversityAuthor, Unsaying God: Negative Theology in Medieval Islam (Oxford University Press, 2019)
You wouldn't be human if you hadn't from time to time wondered what the meaning is of all of this. Who am I? Is there a purpose? Why am I here? And how can I live a good life? Well of course you're not alone – some of history's biggest thinkers have been coming up with answers to these questions for thousands of years. So what can we learn from their conclusions?This event was recorded at the Melbourne Writers Festival on 11 May, 2024. It was first broadcast on Big Ideas on 27 June 2024.SpeakerAC Grayling Philosopher and author, Philosophy and Life, Exploring the Great Questions of How to Live, and many moreProfessor of Philosophy and Principal of Northeastern University London, Supernumerary Fellow of St Anne's College, Oxford
Pioneering electronic musician and performer Laurie Anderson invites you contemplate the wonders of time. Time is one of the most impermanent forms of measurement that humans have invented to help manage our lives. We couldn't function without it. Do you feel like you're running out of time? Which way is time going? Are you able to stop time? What is the role of time in ethics, or how you experience trauma? Laurie shares a creative conversation with twice-Booker-shortlisted author Tom McCarthy as they look to arts and literature for answers.Presented by the Rubin Museum of Art. New York CityOriginal broadcast on March 6, 2024SpeakersLaurie AndersonMultimedia artist, musician, film director and authorTom McCarthyAuthor of The Making of Incarnation (2021), Satin Island (2015), Remainder (2005)
From loneliness, to our technology addiction, growing inequality and our shrinking middle class, our faith in God, to the complex legacy of the Baby Boomers, Hugh McKay paints a compelling portrait of modern Australia, and asks some pointy questions about its future.This event was recorded at the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre at the University of South Australia on May 16, 2024. First broadcast on Big Ideas on 4 July 2024.SpeakersHugh Mackay Social psychologist and researcherAuthor, The Way We Are. Lessons from a lifetime of listening and many moreJulia Lester (host) Journalist, broadcaster, presenter
Best-selling author Holly Ringland says that everyone can be creative – yes, even you! Be it painting, cooking, knitting a jumper or writing a song. It's often self-doubt and the fear of criticism and judgement that's holding you back. The voice in your head telling you that you're not good enough. It doesn't have to be like this. In The House That Joy Built, Holly Ringland explains how to 'get unstuck' and to give yourself permission to be creative.This conversation was presented at the Reading bookstore. Original broadcast on March 5, 2024SpeakersHolly RinglandAustralian author and TV presenterThe House That Joy Built (2023)The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2018), winner of the 2019 General fiction book of the year award at the Australian Book Industry Awards. The book was adapted into a television miniseries in 2023.The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding (2022)Kate MildenhallAustralian author – Skylarking (2016), The Mother Fault (2020), The Humming Bird Effect (2023)Listen to Big Ideas - Diversity in arts, culture and the creative sector
A wooden sarcophogas is sold in a Cairo market in the 1800s, transported to Australia, and held in a University of Sydney collection. It remains closed for over a century. And then scientists opened its lid. What happened next? Two leading Australian Egyptologists join Natasha Mitchell to consider the ethics, history, and science of a quest to understand life and death in Ancient Egypt and get a glimpse into one woman's world over 2500 years ago. But is it really Mer-Neith-It-Es?This event was presented by the Australian Museum as part of the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaoh's exhibition. Thanks to Liz Young, Narelle Lewis, and the museum team.Original broadcast on April 10, 2024.SpeakersRonika PowerEgyptologist and Professor of BioarchaeologyDirector, Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and EnvironmentMacquarie UniversityDr Constance (Conni) LordEgyptologistChau Chak Wing Museum, University of SydneyFurther information:The Australian MuseumThe Mummy Project, University of SydneyUncovering the secrets of Ancient Egypt (University of Sydney)Human remains research projectThe Mummy Project at the Chau Chak Wing Museum (Sydney University Press eBooks, 2022)
The internet was supposed to make the world more open and connected, but things seem to have taken a dark turn. Scottish author Andrew O'Hagan makes an impassioned case for the role of readers and writing as "frontline workers" in the fight for reality.These events were recorded at the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival on 17 and 19 May 2024. Originally broadcast on Big Ideas on 18 July 2024.SpeakersAndrew O'Hagan Author Caledonian Road, Mayflies, and moreEssayist and editor-at-large of the London Review of BooksGillian O'Shaughnessy Writer, moderator, journalist
Folk legend Eric Bogle is opening up and talks about his life, his thoughts about death, friendship and love and why having a deeper message for writing songs is so much more important than money and fame. It's a rare opportunity to share a conversation with one of the best and most prolific songwriters of the last several decades. His songs have become Australian classics – like The Band Played Waltzing Matilda or No Man's Land. And as a very special treat – you'll hear the world premiere of his latest song … finished on the way to this event.A Heartland Conversation presented at the Blue Mountains Music Festival. March 17, 2024Original broadcast on April 15, 2024SpeakersEric BogleScottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriterGregg Borschmann (host)Writer, radio producer and oral historian for the National Library of Australia
They use of shark nets to protect us from sharks is highly controversial. Do they work, what do they do to marine life, are there alternatives, and why are sharks so political? This is an issue that ignites passions.Join Big Ideas' host Natasha Mitchell and guests at the 2024 Ocean Lovers Festival for a robust interrogation of the harms and benefits.Original broadcast April 17, 2024.SpeakersLawrence Chlebeck Marine biologist and campaignerHumane Society International Dr Chris Pepin-Neff Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, University of Sydney Author, Flaws: Shark Bites and Emotional Public Policymaking (2019) Steven Pearce Chief Executive Officer, Surf Life Saving NSW Hannah TaitCEO, Action for DolphinsFurther information: Australian UAV Service NSW Shark meshing program NSW Shark Management Strategy and Shark Program Review (2022) Rebranding Sharks project Australian Shark Incident DatabaseYearly Worldwide “Shark Attack Summary” (Florida Museum) Shark nets information (Action for Dolphins)
At a time when family violence wasn't even recognised by the law, a group of women broke into two vacant houses in Sydney and claimed squatters' rights, changing lives and attitudes to family violence forever.This event was recorded at the Elsie Conference on 15 March 2024. Original Big Ideas broadcast on 6 May 2024.SpeakersProfessor Di Otto Halfway House VictoriaBobbie Townsend Former resident and worker, Elsie Women's RefugeVivien Johnson Founding member of Marrickville Women's Refuge CollectiveLudo McFerrin (host) Elsie Women's Refuge
Australia's unique biodiversity, a product of almost 50 million years of glorious evolutionary isolation, is in freefall. The threats are not just the rabbits, the cane toads, the cats and foxes – the common culprits. Let's not forget the small but impactful smooth newt or the fierce red fire ants, and the many invasive weeds. Twenty new weeds will establish in the wild in Australia this year – and every year to come … unless things change. But is it possible to stop this ongoing invasion? How do we go about it?Heartlands Conversations was presented as part of the Blue Mountain Music FestivalOriginal broadcast on May 16, 2024SpeakersCosta GeorgiadisHost of ABC TVs Gardening Australia and landscape architectAndrew CoxCEO of the Invasive Species CouncilGregg Borschmann (host)Writer, radio producer and oral historian for the National Library of Australia
From Vincent Namatjira's painting of Gina Rinehart, to Jonathan Yeo's take on King Charles, what do portraits say about those they represent, those who create them, and the broader context of the time?The Andrew Sayers Memorial Lecture was recorded at the National Portrait Gallery on 31 July 2024. The National Gallery of Australia's annual lecture with Lindy Lee was recorded on 24 October 2024.SpeakersBenjamin Law Writer, broadcaster and cultural commentatorSarah Oakes (host) Director, External Relations, National Portrait GalleryLindy Lee ArtistFurther informationWatch LIndy Lee's full lecture "A Life of Spirit" hereCatch Lindy Lee at the NGA for Ouroboros (permanent) and her retrospective until 1 June 2025.Read more about Jordan Richardson's Venus here
A freckle-faced kid from Bondi, Pauline Menczer fought the entrenched sexism of the pro-surfing scene to became women's world surfing champion and pave the way...er, waves..for girl grommets today. But all the while she was also fighting another battle inside her own body’s cells. Ironwoman and surf lifesaving champion Bonnie Hancock became the fastest and youngest person, and the first Australian woman, to circumnavigate Australia on a small surf ski, solo. What possessed her to paddle 12,700 kilometres through crocodile and shark-populated waters, mega-waves, and worse? Pauline and Bonnie join Big Ideas' host Natasha Mitchell for a conversation that might inspire you to chase your dreams, big or small.This event was organised and hosted by the Queenscliffe Literary Festival. SpeakersPauline MenczerWomen's world surfing champion Author, Surf Like a Woman (2024)Bonnie HancockAthelete, professional Ironwoman, dieticianAuthor, The Girl Who Touched the Stars (2024)Ambassador, Gotcha4Life FoundationFurther informationGirls Can't Surf documentaryAustralian Surfing Awards Surfing Hall of Fame
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I am desperately interested in your message, however you speak too fast for me and, your message is lost. It is like a machine gun. Communication is the message received.
No mention of Reagan's increase in military spending which broke the finances of the Soviets. Or to be fair the voodoo economics which pushed Americans into borrowing, increased their consumption at the expense of their future
Steven Koonin. unsettled what climate science tells us, what it doesn't and why it matters
I did not feel this topic was covered fully. I felt it was very one sided, and that some of the examples and conclusions offered were not explored fairly
Love this Ep ❤ thank you !
I enjoyed the scientific approach and unbiased vewpoints as well the valuable information! thanks
Hugh @ 7'40": not "our Indigenous people"
The episode resonated with me. It touches the issues I see as a parent.
As an American citizen, I would say the U.S. government most certainly does glorify war.
Disappointing right from the inset.
Omg! SUCH a brilliant episode !
Brilliant discussion. Loved it !
The first letter of the title of many episodes is cut off.
Always on my playlist. Big ideas, new thinking and great solid conversations.
Very interesting arguments.... Great job
Paul Robeson podcast