Big Ideas

Join Natasha Mitchell and her insightful guests, Peter Harrison, a leading scholar on the interplay of science and religion, Charles Wolfe, a philosopher of biology, and Anik Waldow, who explores our human place in nature. They delve into the historical and contemporary tensions between science and faith, unraveling the decline in scientific literacy and the rise of anti-science sentiments. They ponder the evolving concept of the soul, advocate for dialogues that bridge gaps, and highlight the need to integrate Indigenous wisdom with scientific understanding for a better future.

Kara Swisher, a seasoned tech journalist and author of "Burn Book: A Tech Love Story," teams up with host Marc Fennell to dissect the world of Big Tech. They delve into the messy ties between tech magnates and political figures, sharing humorous anecdotes about the chaotic behavior of leaders like Musk and Zuckerberg. The duo critiques the moral obligations of wealthy tech titans and raises pressing concerns about AI competition and data privacy. Their insights challenge the current dynamics within the tech industry and its broader societal impact.

Jobs vs the environment. Profits vs environmental protection.  One pitted against the other. That dominant story has defined environmental regulation in Australia, drowning out the stories scientists or environmental campaigners want to tell.  Scientist, environmentalist, and government insider, Peter Cosier, has worn all the hats and he wants to change how we think and talk about Nature. An eye opening account of Australian environmentalism and its politics.Presented at the Lyrebird FestivalSpeakersPeter CosierChair of Accounting for NatureFounding Member of the Wentworth Group of Concerned Scientists, Former Policy Adviser to the Australian Environment Minister Robert HillGregg BorschmannOral Historian for the National Library of Australia, Writer & Radio Producer

Teenagers 'live' online and on social media. How can they reap the many benefits that social media can offer? There are plenty of them: an endless pool of knowledge and curiosity. But parents need to help them navigate the risk and threats online — of which there're also plenty.On Big Ideas, we have a panel of experts with a plethora of valuable information, advice and resources.Presented by the Raising Children Network and hosted at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute.Check out the ABC TV series 'Role of a Lifetime' on iview with more details about parenting in the social media era.SpeakersDerek McCormackDirector of Raising Children NetworkDr. Julie Inman GrantAustralia's eSafety CommissionerDr. Sarthak GandhiHeadspace Board Youth Advisor and Researcher at Murdoch Children's Research InstituteProfessor Marie YapResearch Professor at Monash University and Psychologist with expertise in Parenting & Youth Mental HealthBeverley Wang (host)ABC's National Culture CorrespondentFurther informationRaising Children NetworkeSafety CommissionerHeadspaceKits HelplineReach Out Parent lineYouth Safe

Two of Australia’s most influential and legendary storytellers, author Tim Winton and filmmaker Rachel Perkins, join Natasha Mitchell at WOMADelaide’s Planet Talks to discuss the power of stories and the role of artists to create change in the world.SpeakersRachel PerkinsMulti-award-winning filmmaker, and founder of Blackfella filmsDirector, presenter, co-writer, co-producer The Australian Wars series (available on SBS On Demand)Co-director, co-writer, co-producer First AustraliansTim WintonMulti-award-winning author of Juice, Dirt Music, Cloudstreet and more.Patron of the Australian Marine Conservation Society Host and writer, Ningaloo Nyinggulu series (available on ABC Iview)Activist, Protect Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf campaignThis event was recorded live at the annual 2025 WOMADelaide festival produced and presented as part of its Planet Talks program, held on the traditional lands of the Kaurna people. Thanks to Planet Talks producer Rob Law.

Populism is part of American political history. It has been and still is the dominant vocabulary of dissent. But the current resurrection of authoritarian politics in the US is different. While the two parties could absorb populist movements in the past, this time populism has absorbed the party.Presented at the American Academy in BerlinSpeakerJefferson CowieJames G. Stahlman Professor in American History at Vanderbilt UniversityAmerican Academy in Berlin, Axel Springer Fellow — Class of Spring 2025

In his influential 1964 book The Lucky Country, Donald Horne wrote that Australians played an aristocratic role in Asia: "rich, self-centred, frivolous, blind". A lot has changed in 60 years, but does Australia still think it's better than its neighbours?Recorded at the Australian Academy of the Humanities annual symposium, The Ideas and Ideals of Australia — The Lucky Country turns 60, on 13 — 15 November 2024 at the Australian National University.SpeakersLouise EdwardsEmeritus Scientia Professor of Chinese History, University of New South WalesNick HorneEditor, Donald Horne: Selected Writings (2017)

Australia's housing crisis hasn't always been with us. So what choices created it, and what choices are now needed to fix it?  Buying a house is now out of reach if you're on an average wage, and rental options are expensive and precarious. If we don't address the issues urgently, generations to come will face homelessness or profound poverty paying rents on a pension. There are solutions. Are politicians courageous enough to try them? Join Natasha Mitchell and guests at Adelaide Writers Week.SpeakersMaiy AzizeDeputy Director of Anglicare AustraliaNational spokesperson, Everybody's Home campaignAlan KohlerFinance journalist and presenter with ABC NewsAuthor, Quarterly Essay: The Great Divide: Australia's Housing Mess and How to Fix it (2023)Amy Remeikis aka @PyjamaPoliticsChief Political Analyst, The Australia InstituteJordan van den Lamb aka @PurplePingersRental activist and advocate2025 Senate candidate, Victorian SocialistsThank you to Adelaide Writers Week and to Anna Chang from the Australia Institute.

Jess Heughan, a meditation trainer and authorized Dharma teacher, shares her spiritual journey of feeling like a 'spiritual orphan' and how mindfulness helps regain control over attention. Nicholas Van Dam, a psychologist and director of the Contemplative Studies Centre, discusses the commodification of attention in the digital age and the risks that come with meditation practices. They explore the emotional benefits of mindfulness and emphasize the need for ethical considerations in mindfulness practices to avoid harmful outcomes.

The structures of our families have become more bespoke, complex, sometimes messier. Some find comfort in a 'chosen family', choosing friends over blood-relatives as kin.  Patchwork families are increasingly common. You can a birth mother, a genetic mother and a social mother. How is the family changing and with what impacts? Meet three writers here to help you re-imagine the ties that bind. Presented at the Byron Writers Festival, supported by the Byron Shire Council.SpeakersKon KarapanagiotidisCEO and Founder of the Asylum Seeker Resource Centre; author of A Seat at My Table: PhiloxeniaMarina KamenevFormer deputy arts editor of the Moscow Times, author of KinMolly SchmidtWriter and journalist, author of Salt River RoadRosemarie MilsomFounding director of Newcastle Writers Festival, journalist and broadcaster Also listen to Future Tense: The greatest demographic shift in a century is being ignored: single living