PODCAST · education
Sydney Ideas
by Sydney Ideas
Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's premier public lecture series program, bringing the world's leading thinkers and the latest research to the wider Sydney community.
Episodes
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Conversations for Good: Across political philosophies
[Content warning: Please note there is mild coarse language] What can we say about the common good in a world marked by deep moral, philosophical, and religious disagreement? Join University of Sydney political philosophers Luara Ferracioli and Alexandre Lefebvre for a spirited discussion, hosted...
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What Country could be: Indigenous knowledge to take Australia forward
What happens when Indigenous knowledge systems are elevated? Leading thinkers from the University of Sydney, Professor Reuben Bolt and Associate Professor Michael Mossman, discuss the creative potential and ways this can be realised in practice, from the fields of science and technology to...
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A matter of life and tech
Does the rise of AI mean the death of the humanities? Hear from University of Sydney star academics Sophie Gee, Sandra Peter and Kai Riemer; with music from Titus Grenyer. For centuries, the humanities and technology have existed alongside and augmented each other. If we dive into their shared...
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Conversations for Good: Across platforms
Dr Joanne Gray and Dr Rebecca Huntley discuss public discourse, digital platforms and democracy. Hosted by Fenella Kernebone. Is big tech skewing our views and undoing our capacity for tolerance? What actually divides Australians and more importantly, what brings us closer? How do we create – and...
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Ocean imaginaries
What stories have taken hold in the public imagination about sharks and marine animals? How does this shape attitudes and policy responses to ocean conservation? Hear political scientist Christopher Pepin-Neff and Australian wildlife scientist Vanessa Pirotta discuss Australia’s relationship with...
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An optimised life, examined
How, and for what, should life be optimised? Is the growing culture of optimisation leading us towards the homogenisation of culture? These days we're using technology to help us write, make decisions, as well as augment, biohack, sculpt and transform our bodies, inside and out, to look and feel...
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The social life of food - Part 2
How can we eat well to live longer, feed future populations, and sustain planetary health? What's the science behind creating the world's most resilient hybrid wheat? Food makes us who we are. The ways we eat together change lives and communities. In this Sydney Ideas event, we bring together…
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The social life of food - Part 1
How can we eat well to live longer, feed future populations, and sustain planetary health? What's the science behind creating the world's most resilient hybrid wheat? Food makes us who we are. The ways we eat together change lives and communities. In this Sydney Ideas event, we bring together…
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Slow ageing
Join University of Sydney experts for fresh insights and evidence unlocking our understanding of healthy brain ageing. How might we all live – and stay – well, for longer, at any stage of life? Leading researchers at the Brain and Mind Centre are finding solutions for dementia, the second leading...
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The Ideas Roundtable: Is Australia alright?
Is Australia still the Lucky Country? In public opinion polling, more and more Australians believe things are, on the whole, getting worse than better. Various data such as the longstanding Scanlon Social Cohesion Report point to society becoming polarised. A culture of suspicion continues to…
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Katie Mack: The end of everything
Science has shown us the universe began with a Big Bang but what about its endgame? Will everything burn out and freeze over, or collapse in on itself, or rip into shreds? How far away are we from this happening? Embark on a cosmic journey to the end of the universe with astrophysicist, science...
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Critical minerals: The global race for resources
Why are nations around the world racing to secure critical minerals? What’s at stake, and what does it mean for you? In this conversation, our expert panel will break down what you need to know about critical minerals – their role in the net zero transition, the geopolitical issues, and the...
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Is language power? with John McWhorter
Is a language owned by its speakers or is it a public good? 'Who' gets to have a say, lay claim to, and wield a language? What does this all mean for navigating power differentials and public discourse? Unpack language, culture and power with linguist John McWhorter in a conversation with host…
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An evening with Sir Simon Schama
Hear Simon Schama, acclaimed historian, writer and Professor of Art History and History at Columbia University, in-conversation with Professor Avril Alba. This podcast is a recording of a live public event held on 5 March 2025. For more links and resources, including the transcript, visit Sydney...
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Is storytelling essential to innovation?
If we can define the elements of a breakthrough, can we engineer the next great discovery in business, science, policy and civic life? Join a conversation with Sophie Gee, Charlotte Wood, Stephen Simpson and Kate Harrison Brennan. This podcast is a recording of a live public event held on 26...
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Battlers and Billionaires
Economist and parliamentarian Andrew Leigh is in conversation with technology entrepreneur and philanthropist Cliff Obrecht about Andrew’s new book, 'Battlers and Billionaires: The Updated Story of Inequality in Australia'. This event was held on Wednesday 23 October 2024 at the University of...
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Trust and error
Fake research papers are on the rise. Explore what's fuelling this, why it's concerning, and how we can address this issue with science integrity consultant Elisabeth Bik, computer scientist Judy Kay, linguist Nick Enfield, Pro Vice Chancellor (Research) Benjamin Eggleton and host Jennifer Byrne....
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Mental wealth forecast
Join epidemiologist and complex systems scientist Jo-An Occhipinti, labour market expert John Buchanan and economist Richard Denniss to explore mental wealth as a new measure of national wellbeing. This event was held on Thursday 24 October 2024 at the University of Sydney. For more links and...
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Alexandre Lefebvre: Liberalism may be the source of your soul
Can liberalism be the basis of a meaningful and fun way of life? Philosopher Alexandre Lefebvre delves into this idea with Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Sydney and host of The Solutionists podcast. This event was held on Thursday 19 September 2024 at the University of Sydney.…
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Medical moonshots
Can we fast-track cures for diseases? Hear about exciting discoveries in novel therapeutics, nanomedicines, AI and neuroimaging with leading researchers Michael Bowen, Victoria Cogger and Chenyu Tim Wang. Hosted by Tegan Taylor, ABC health and science journalist. This podcast is a recording of a...
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Music on your mind
Psychologist Lee-Fay Low, and music scholars Neal Peres Da Costa and Helen Mitchell and host Angharad Yeo unravel the fascinating links between music and the brain. Can music activity help slow down cognitive decline? This event was held live at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music on 20 June 2024....
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Art of good health and wellbeing
Explore how the arts are transforming health and education to improve care and wellbeing with acclaimed playwright Wesley Enoch, poet Selina Tusitala Marsh, nursing professor Brendan McCormack and host Claire Hooker (CREATE Centre). This podcast is a recording of a live public event held on 21...
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Alastair Campbell: Setting The Mental Health Agenda
How do we move the needle on mental health outcomes? Alastair Campbell and leading experts discuss what can be done to influence the appropriate social and political responses. Known for his role as communications director for former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom Tony Blair, Alastair...
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Activating allies for gender equality
A public conversation about intergenerational perspectives on allyship for gender equality – its importance, how to activate allies, and what effective and accountable allyship looks like. Featuring gender equality champion Elizabeth Broderick AO; internationally recognised diversity and…
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What art ought to be
Yorta Yorta woman, composer and soprano Deborah Cheetham Fraillon was joined by some of the country’s most creative minds for an expansive conversation that reflects on the role of the arts in a post-referendum Australia. Australia, at this time following the Voice to Parliament referendum and…
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Introducing The Solutionists, with Mark Scott
In today’s show we wanted to introduce to you a new podcast we think you might enjoy. It’s called 'The Solutionists', with Mark Scott. Big challenges need big solutions. Meet the minds making it happen. Join Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, and get ready to...
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Zara Seidler in conversation with Phoebe Saintilan
Hear from two pioneering University of Sydney alumni changing the game in news and media: Zara Seidler, co-founder of Australia's fastest growing social-first news service, The Daily Aus; and Phoebe Saintilan, founder of new media technology company Missing Perspectives. Zara and Phoebe swap...
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Breaking down disinformation
In this conversation, hear academic experts discuss disinformation – what makes it so influential and problematic, roles and responsibilities of our institutions and platforms, and how to counteract it for better decision-making. Featuring: philosopher Lee McIntyre, digital platforms researcher...
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Greening healthcare
Can we save lives and save the planet? Hear how the healthcare sector is tracking, finding solutions and making changes, to be more sustainable and green. Healthcare is both significantly affected by, and is a contributor to, climate change. If the global health sector were a country, it would be...
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Unlocking the housing crisis
Why taking a moral and philosophical lens to understanding housing can help us get out of the crisis in Australia – and create a fairer, sustainable system for all. Author and citymaker Jess Scully hosts this conversation with philosopher Ingrid Robeyns, Professor and Chair of Urbanism Nicole...
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Voices on the Voice: Marcia Langton
A keynote address by prominent anthropologist and geographer Professor Marcia Langton AO, on the Indigenous Voice to Parliament. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is one of the most important discussions taking place in Australia. In the lead up to the vote, we bring together a range of voices...
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The loneliness epidemic
Epidemiologist and population behavioural scientist Melody Ding gives a talk on the trends and predictors of loneliness and why it’s a public health issue. With Professor Stephen Simpson, Academic Director of Charles Perkins Centre, as host. The recording of this talk is from a live public event...
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Rise of the Machines: how worried should we be about AI?
If there’s a 10% chance that human-level artificial intelligence (AI) would lead to existential risk or an “extremely negative outcome”, what would you do? In this public talks event we had the experts weigh in on the development of AI and untangle the deep, complex questions it raises. Hear from...
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Voices on the Voice: Noel Pearson
Hear a keynote address by University of Sydney alumnus Noel Pearson (BA '87, LL B '93), a proud leader from the Guugu Yimidhirr community of Hopevale on the Eastern Cape York Peninsula, and hailed as one of the best orators in Australia. The Indigenous Voice to Parliament is one of the most...
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Nanotechnology: scalable solutions for climate action
Carbon removal, solar power and clean hydrogen – these are just some of the renewable technologies touted as solutions to fossil fuel. How can these different areas of science and technology work together to be part of a shared solution? Three researchers at the forefront of their fields discuss...
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Pacific influence
How do we meaningfully engage with Pacific peoples and issues across the region? We invite you to this Talanoa (shared conversation) with host Professor Jioji Ravulo and experts in geopolitics, climate and economic security. Much attention is on the Pacific region as leading world powers seek to...
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Ukraine: the country that surprised the world
Hear from acclaimed writer and historian Dr Olesya Khromeychuk, a leading voice on Russia's war against Ukraine. International observers estimated that Ukraine would fall within days following Russia’s full-scale invasion. A year on, Ukrainian society continues to demonstrate extraordinary…
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Extreme heat and human health
What is the impact of extreme heat and hot weather on human health across the human lifespan? In this Sydney Ideas event, experts from the University's Heat and Health Research Incubator (HHRI) discuss the latest research and provide us with some pretty cool solutions. Did you know that extreme...
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How do our minds work?
What is really going on 'under the hood'? What can we do each day to improve our own - and our collective - mental health? A team of experts share cutting-edge research and explore practical ways to reach peak mind and brain health. This online event was held on 27 October to mark Mental Health...
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Andrew Leigh - A Zippier Economy
In this talk, The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP, Assistant Minister for Competition, Charities and Treasury shares why he believes that competition policy is fundamental to economic dynamism and rising living standards. Dr Leigh was introduced and joined in a conversation with Kirsten Andrew,...
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Hostage Diplomacy: who's in control?
2022 Michael Hintze Lecture with Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert British-Australian academic, Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert, highlights the complex nature of state hostage taking, and outlines ways in which Australia’s approach can be refined to tackle this insidious and growing global problem. The use of...
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Invisible Infrared: Connecting the James Webb Space Telescope & Climate Change
Join Dr Karl Kruszelnicki and Professor Peter Tuthill on a guided tour of the latest photos from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) – our Infrared Eye in the Sky. The JWST is NASA’s largest and most powerful space science telescope ever constructed and Peter Tuthill is the only Australian to...
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How AI Is Changing Medical Practice
Sydney Ideas welcomes back Professor Frank Pasquale (Brooklyn Law School), a leading author and academic on the law of artificial intelligence (AI), algorithms, and machine learning. He is joined by local experts to unpack the challenges and advantages of AI and how it is changing medical…
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Can there be a different kind of politics? 2022 federal election series: Part 2
How will the new government deliver on its promises? Respected journalist Nick Bryant hosts this conversation with Sally Sitou, Member for Reid; Kylea Tink, Member for North Sydney; Constitutional reform expert; Anne Twomey; and political theorist Tim Soutphommasane. On being elected, Prime...
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Wild weather, lost land and persistent pollutants
Renowned environmental scientist, Professor Emma Johnston AO, the co-chief author of the 2021 Australian State of Environment Report and the University’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) is joined by her co-authors to discuss key findings of the report and what is in store for our environment…
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Teela Reid: Reconcile what? Why white Australia needs to rectify its wrongs
Why are we a nation that has not yet recognised the First People, and what can we do to take action? Teela Reid, proud Wiradjuri and Wailwan woman, lawyer and the University of Sydney's inaugural Indigenous Practitioner-in-Residence, examines the hard questions that cut to the legitimacy of our...
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Dr Kakenya Ntaiya: Empowering girls and women in education
Hear from global leader Dr Kakenya Ntaiya, scholar, social activist and 2021/2022 Senior Fellow at Brown University. Kakenya is the founder of Kakenya's Dream, an international nonprofit organisation that seeks to educate girls, end harmful traditional practices including female genital…
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2022 federal election series: Part 1
In the lead up to the federal election, as the parties vie for voter’s attention, Sydney Ideas brings together a panel of experts to examine some of the key policy issues that are shaping this election, such as the economy, climate change, and more. FEATURING: – Professor Anika Gauja, Australian...
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A flood of emotions
In the aftermath of devastating climate disasters like Australia’s recent east-coast floods, how do communities – those at the centre of the crisis and those on the periphery – support each other emotionally during times of climate distress? Hear from climate emotions experts and residents of...
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Maths, AI and intuition
How can artificial intelligence help us solve tough mathematical problems? Delve into the surprising ways that AI can enhance our human intuition with esteemed Australian mathematician Professor Geordie Williamson and MC Adam Spencer. To see the beautiful images and graphs Geordie refers to in…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's premier public lecture series program, bringing the world's leading thinkers and the latest research to the wider Sydney community.
HOSTED BY
Sydney Ideas
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Sydney Ideas have?
Sydney Ideas currently has 500 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Sydney Ideas about?
Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's premier public lecture series program, bringing the world's leading thinkers and the latest research to the wider Sydney community.
How often does Sydney Ideas release new episodes?
Sydney Ideas publishes regularly with 500 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Sydney Ideas?
You can listen to Sydney Ideas on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Sydney Ideas?
Sydney Ideas is created and hosted by Sydney Ideas.
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