The Paradigm Shift on 4ZZZ

Today we are talking about Living More With Less - a good philosophy and also the name of a project by married couple Jon and Emilie. They are documenting their family's attempts to live sustainably, generously and fulfillingly. Originally broadcast 08/05/26

Today, in the spirit of the original May Day activists, we are asking the question: should we be working less? I speak to Adrian McMahon about the case for the four day work week, and we hear a bit from the late David Graeber about the phenomenon of “bullshit jobs”. Originally broadcast 01/05/23

Today we hear from the Goori Embassy which have pitched tents at Barrambin/Victoria Park in an attempt to protect that place from being cleared to make way for an Olympic stadium. We also speak to Jane Grigg from the Ibisa Organising Collective who have been creatively connecting people to Barrambin. Originally broadcast 24/04/26

Today it's part two of our series on Queensland's new Palestine censorship laws. I speak to Remah Naji from Justice For Palestine Magandjin about what these prohibited chants are actually about and how they plan to resist the laws, and to the father-son combo who have both challenged them already - Jim Dowling who was arrested for holding a sign, and Franz Dowling who had his house raided and electronic devices seized for putting up a banner. Originally broadcast 17/04/26

Today is the first of a two part series where we look at Queensland's new "hate speech" laws regarding Palestinian protest chants. I speak to Michael Cope from the Queensland Council of Civil Liberties about the restriction of freedom of speech; to Jewish activist Robin Taubenfeld about how and if the laws relate to anti-semitism, and to Liam Parry - the first person arrested and charged under the laws. Originally broadcast 10/04/26

On today's Good Friday special we talk about the relevance of spiritual stories and practices to making a better world. Today I speak to Christian minister Peter Catt about Palm Sunday peace rallies and the Easter story, and to Muslim activist Omar Ashour about the relevance of Islam and Ramadan to the struggle for social justice. Originally broadcast 03/04/26

Today we speak to Salih Hudayar about the repression of Uyghurs and other Turkic minorities in the Western Chinese province of Xinjiang - otherwise known as East Turkistan. Originally broadcast 20/03/26

Today we speak to Elliot Dolan-Evans about his book "Making the World Safe for Capitalism" - a critical look at the economic policies dictated during conflict in Ukraine by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. Originally broadcast 27/02/26

Today on the show we speak with author and social theorist Paul James. We speak about the multitude of crises humanity is facing, and whether they are all underpinned by a crisis in the human condition - one led by the processes of abstraction and reconstitution and exacerbated by advancing technoscience. Originally broadcast 20/02/26

Today we talk about the current conflict in Sudan - its effects, causes, Australia's role in it, and what local people are doing about it. We hear from community organiser Huda Fadlelmawla and Greens defence spokesperson David Shoebridge. Originally broadcast 13/02/26

Today we speak about the recent protests and brutal government response in Iran. I speak to local Iranian people about what has happened over there and what it might mean for the future of Iran. Originally broadcast 23/01/26

Today we speak with Federico Fuentes about Venezuela - what has happened in the last crazy week, what the future might hold, and what happened to the Bolivarian revolution that promised so much for that country in the first part of this century? Originally broadcast 09/01/26

Today we speak with long term activist and former leader of the Greens Bob Brown. He has just written a book called "Defiance" and we talk about the need for people-powered non-violent direct action to protect our planet. Originally broadcast 28/11/25

Today we reflect on the different religious celebrations of this season - we speak to Ed Carroll about what Hanukkah means to Jewish people, especially in a time of grief. And we speak to Usama Nicola in Bethlehem about what Christmas story means to those currently in the story's setting. Originally broadcast 19/12/25

Today we speak to housing specialist Anna Pagani about a new document she has co-authored - "Housing for a Post-Growth World: A Manifesto". It tries to radically rethink our housing crisis using creative examples from around the world. Originally broadcast 12/12/25

Today on the show we look back at 4ZZZ's history of making radical radio. I speak to some radical radio makers from previous eras - Asger Strodl, Wave Beach and Linda Rose. Originally broadcast 05/12/25

Today we go back to 2016 when West Papuan independence activist Benny Wenda came into the studio to sing some songs, talk about his life and his country's long struggle for self-determination. Originally broadcast 27/05/2016

Today we again revisit a classic episode - from October 2016 we we marked the 100 year anniversary of Australia voting against conscription to the first world war. We hear from historian Humphrey McQueen about the story of the referendum, the campaign against conscription, and it's relevance to us today. Originally broadcast 28/10/16

Today we talk with academic Marty Branagan about his latest book "The Cultural Dimensions of Peacebuilding" - investigating how our culture currently contributes to the violence in our world, and asking how we can build more peaceful alternatives. Originally broadcast 24/10/25

Today we are once again turning our eyes to Palestine. I speak to Remah Naji about the ceasefire in Gaza, and to Juliet Lamont about her recent experience on the Sumud flotilla to Gaza and subsequent arrest and deportation.  Originally broadcast 17/10/25

On today's classic episode we go back to 2017 and a trip through the sculptures of Brisbane! We speak to sculptors Cezary Stulgis and Luke Roberts; historian Jeff Rickertt, and the tale of Aboriginal cricket pioneer Eddie Gilbert. Originally broadcast 22/06/17

Today we delve into the Paradigm Shift archive. Back to 2019, and a show about Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation - when companies take activists to court to stifle protest and repress public debate. We hear what are SLAPP suits and why are they a problem from "bush lawyer" Greg Ogle, and then the different experiences from Adam Burling who was sued by woodchipping company Gunns, Shae Anderson who was sued by McDonalds, and Sadie Jones who was being sued by coal freight company Aurizon. Originally broadcast 24/05/2019

Today we are talking about the hard work of transitioning rural areas into a more sustainable economy. I speak to Amanda Cahill from Next Economy and Lu Allan from the Renewable Energy Alliance. Originally broadcast 29/08/25

Today we speak to music writer Liz Pelly about her recent book "Mood Machine" - a critique of algorithmic streaming monolith Spotify and what it is doing to the way we play and listen to music. Originally broadcast 15/08/25

Today we are talking about the possible future of work and wealth distribution - reduced working hours, universal basic income, job guarantees. Hear from economists John Quiggin and Steven Hail about their ideas for fairer, more sustainable and more flourishing economy. Originally broadcast 08/08/25

Today we are celebrating the 50th birthday of Women's House - Queensland's first domestic violence shelter, which is still assisting women and advocating for social change half a century on. They are celebrating with an exhibition this week, and I spoke to Barb and Chantal from Women's House to learn about the past and present of their organisation and the broader culture. Originally broadcast 01/08/25

Today we get a report back from the Palestine convergence in Canberra. I speak to Remah Naji about the convergence; and to a couple of people who did direct actions there - Juliet Lamont locked herself on to the roof of weapons company EOS, and Cate Adams painted red the monument to US-Aus allyship. Originally broadcast 25/07/25

Today we go back 40 years - to when Brisbane was in the grips of the SEQEB dispute after Joh Bjelke-Peterson's government sacked over 1000 electrical workers. I speak to lifelong unionist Bob Carnegie about the dispute and it's effect, and also to Peter Ong from the Electrical Trades Union about the lessons learned for that union and what they are up to today. Originally broadcast 18/07/25

Today's show is a tribute to the Moorooka Social Space aka Fleurs St Social Exchange - an amazing by-donation cafe and op shop that council has recently told to shut down. The volunteers there want to keep it going but it will require a bit of people power! To sign the petition to keep it alive, go to https://www.change.org/p/prevent-the-closure-of-fleur-street-social-exchange-at-the-moorooka-social-space Originally broadcast 11/07/25

Today we are talking zines! To get ready for the Paperbark Zine Fair, I speak to Bernie from the Australian Anarchist Zine Archive, plus 4ZZZ favourites Anna (Radio Reversal) and CJ (Locked In) about their alter egos as zine makers. Originally broadcast 04/07/25

Today we get a taste of the People Against Poverty Summit in Brisbane. I speak to Maiy Azize about "the hidden harm of foodbanks" and the "NGO industrial complex", Mel Powersmith about social housing, and to Caspian from Anti Poverty Network about organising the summit. Originally broadcast 20/06/25

Today we talk about microplastics and PFAS (aka "forever chemicals"). I speak to environmental scientists Karen Raubenheimer and Ian Wright about these tiny particles, what they do to our health and environment, and whether this is really the physical legacy we want our society to leave for the generations to come. Originally broadcast 06/06/25

Today we speak to Kurdish journalist and analyst Kamal Chomani. There have been some significant developments in the situation of Kurdish liberation politics in both Turkey and Syria - including the PKK guerilla army voluntarily dissolving and the autonomous Rojava administration joining the new Syrian government. We hear from Kamal what these developments might mean for Kurdish people and the journey to peace and democracy. Originally broadcast 30/05/25

Today on the Paradigm Shift I speak with outgoing greens MP Max Chandler-Mather. We try to look past the hot takes to try to properly reflect on what the recent election means for the greens and whether there are learnings to be taken from it.

Today we are talking about what the election means for the climate movement in this country. I speak to academic Wesley Morgan about Labor's climate policy, and with climate movement practitioners Shaun Murray (from Rising Tide), Monique Tovo (Tomorrow Movement) and Ellen Roberts (Lock The Gate).

Today's show is all about the Kurilpa Anarchist Bookfair (which by the time you hear this podcast has unfortunately already happened). We speak to one of the organisers Tom Morrison; to Oliver Graham from the Anarchist Communist Federation about unionism and anarchism; and to Elina Sleiman about a women's anarchist history of Brisbane. Originally broadcast 02/05/25

On today's show we hear four different interviews with local Brisbane people who have been working for change in our city - community eviction resistance; providing spaces for girls in Afghanistan to learn and share their stories; getting together with neighbours to talk about climate resilience; and interrupting the campaign speeches of politicians to put climate change on the election radar. Originally broadcast 25/04/25

Today we chat to a few people from the Ethical Futures for People and Planet conference that is coming up in a few weeks in Brisbane. We hear from Michelle Maloney, Larelle Bossi and Hugh Breakey to learn about Earth Laws, applied ethics, AI, space exploration and more! Originally broadcast 11/04/25

This week we speak to Salwa Abughali. Salwa lives in Jenin in the West Bank of occupied Palestine. We speak to her about her family in Gaza, her experiences of the recent "ceasefire" and her hopes for what real peace might look like in Palestine. Originally broadcast 04/04/25

Today we hear from Save Victoria Park about taking on the Olympics to protect public green space; Growing Foward about their efforts to protect the Kurilpa Commons; and the Anti-Poverty Network about showing solidarity with rough sleepers who the council has tried to evict. Originally broadcast 28/03/25

Today we speak to Gabriela Barraza about the Argentinian social movement Nuestro America. They do collective housing, popular education, health brigades and children's programs in the poorest regions of Argentina - working with addicts, peasants and indigenous people.  Originally broadcast 21/03/25

Today we speak to Tim Hollo about his book "Living Democracy". We talk about some of the deficiencies in democracy as we currently envision it, and some of the other possibilities of how we could live in a society where everyone gets a say in the things that affect us. Originally broadcast 14/03/25

Today we speak to Christian and Tim from the Peoples History of Australia podcast. They have been covering all kinds of stories from the past of ordinary people working together to make this country a better place. Originally broadcast 31/01/25

Today we are remembering Dundalli - Aboriginal resistance fighter, executed in the middle of Brisbane 170 years ago. I speak to historian Libby Connors about who Dundalli was, and to author Melissa Lucashenko about the importance of remembering. Originally broadcast 03/01/25

Today's show is a Christmas special - I speak to Usama Nicola in Bethlehem. Two millennia on from the original christmas story, we hear how in Jesus' birthplace there is still restricted movement, the mass killing of children, the fleeing of refugees, but still hope to be found in unlikely places. Originally broadcast 20/12/24

Today we are talking deforestation. I speak to ecologist David Lindenmayer about his book "The Forest Wars", and to Hannah Thomas who has been studying why Qld has some of the highest rates of deforestation in the world. Originally broadcast 01/11/24

Today's show is a report back from the People's Blockade of the World's Biggest Coal Port - which happened over the last few weeks in Newcastle and Canberra. Hear from organisers and people who took direct action against the fossil fuel industry! Originally broadcast 06/12/24

Today we chat to Vesna Cerroni about her time in Otpor - the group of Serbian students who at the turn of this century were able to build a movement that could non-violently overthrow dictator Slobodan Milosevic. Originally broadcast 22/11/24

Today we chat with Holly Hammond from the Commons Library about activist strategy - how to think strategically and plan to change the world for the better! Originally broadcast 08/11/24

Today on the Paradigm Shift it's an anti-royalty special! I speak to Aboriginal activist Wayne Wharton about his thwarted attempts this week to serve the king with legal papers, and to Esther Anatolitis from the Australian Republican Movement. Originally broadcast 25/10/24