Future Tense podcast

Future Tense

A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.

A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.

 

#244

Nostalgia can make you vulnerable to manipulation

Nostalgia triggers our emotions and that in turn makes us vulnerable to manipulation. We speak with Richard King about the commodification and weaponisation of nostalgic sentiment. Also, New York Times critic-at-large, Jason Farago, on why he believes our cultural age might be the least innovative in half a millennium. Guests Richard King – author and critic Jason Farago – author, social commentator and critic-at-large, The New York Times Further information Richard’s Griffith Review essay - [Nostalgia on demand] (https://www.griffithreview.com/articles/nostalgia-on-demand/) Jason’s NYT essay - [Why Culture Has Come to a Standstill] (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/10/magazine/stale-culture.html) ... Read more

26 Dec 2024

29 MINS

29:08

26 Dec 2024


#243

The artificial secret behind "natural food"

Most people want to eat better. And many of us have embraced the trend toward "natural" foods and conscious eating. We equate "natural" with healthy, nutritious and virtuous, but that can often be way off the mark. New research shows many healthy alternatives are anything but. And our embrace of the term natural is more about expressing identity and morality rather than healthy eating. Empowering people to understand what and how they should eat is what it should be about – and one way to do that is by using a food labelling app. Guests [Professor Sarah Bridle] (https://www.york.ac.uk/environment/our-staff/sarah-bridle/) – Chair in Food, Climate and Society, University of York [Alan Levinovitz] (https://www.jmu.edu/philrel/people/levinovitz-alan.shtml) – Associate Professor of Religious Studies, James Madison University [Laura Marchese] (https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/people/laura-marchese) – Researcher, Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition, Deakin University [Julie Chapon] (https://yuka.io/en/) – Co-founder of the Yuka app Lisa – Brisbane-based food-rating app user Further information Sarah Bridle: Food and Climate Change -- Without the Hot Air,  [UIT Cambridge] (http://www.uit.co.uk/food-and-climate-change-without-the-hot-air) [Climate Stack Calculator] (https://www.takeabitecc.org/calculator.html) - A free tool to help you add up the climate impact of different food choices [Play the game] (http://climatefoodchallenge.online/game/) : Which of your food choices have the biggest climate impact?    [Take A Bite Out of Climate] (https://www.takeabitecc.org/) – resources and games to learn how food choices contribute to climate change  BBC Future – [Foodprint Calculator] (https://www.bbc.com/future/bespoke/follow-the-food/calculate-the-environmental-footprint-of-your-food.html) ... Read more

19 Dec 2024

29 MINS

29:08

19 Dec 2024


#242

The role genetics could play in bringing down Methane levels

Methane levels are going up — not down, despite decades spent trying to reduce emissions from agriculture and landfill. But some countries are bucking the trend, we find out who and how. Breeding sheep and cattle to burp less is one way to reduce methane emissions. ABC Top 5 Science Residency recipient Luisa Olmo talks us through a genetic selection programme that could lead the way forward. Guests [Dr Ed Clayton] (https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/staff/profiles/ed-clayton) – Ruminant nutritionist, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development [Professor Sam Clark] (https://www.une.edu.au/staff-profiles/ers/sclark37) – Professor of Animal Genetics, University of New England [Dr Pep Canadell ] (https://people.csiro.au/C/P/Pep-Canadell) – Chief Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment Producer [Dr Luisa Olmo] (https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/staff/profiles/luisa-olmo) — Research Officer, Meat Science and Value Chains, NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development ... Read more

12 Dec 2024

29 MINS

29:07

12 Dec 2024


#241

The cities that create rain; AI in warfare; and do carbon offsets really work?

The design of your city contributes to how much rain you get. Researchers have found a 'wet island effect' and it's likely to shape the future construction of our cities. Also, better understanding how Artificial Intelligence is used in conflict; and the major Australian study that calls into question the effectiveness of carbon trading. Guests [Dr Megan Evans] (https://www.unsw.edu.au/staff/megan-evans) – Senior Lecturer, Public Sector Management, UNSW Canberra [Professor Dev Niyogi] (https://oden.utexas.edu/people/directory/Dev-Niyogi/ ) – Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences, Jackson School of Geosciences, University of Texas at Austin [Professor Toni Erskine] (https://researchportalplus.anu.edu.au/en/persons/toni-erskine) – International Politics, Coral Bell School of Asia Pacific Affairs, Australian National University, ANU Further information [Statement from the Clean Energy Regulator] (https://live-production.wcms.abc-cdn.net.au/8bd85543bb9c1545d29786fcf833fa06) ... Read more

05 Dec 2024

29 MINS

29:08

05 Dec 2024


#240

Do we need new rules of war as conflict takes on a cyber dimension?

Military spending around the world has reached a new peak, and it's still going up. All eyes are on Ukraine and the Middle East as new strategies and weapons are being put to the test. But are the traditional international rules of warfare too focussed on old technologies? Can they be adjusted to encompass cyber hacking and the use of online civilian proxies? Guests [Professor Johanna Weaver] (https://techpolicydesign.au/) – Director of the Tech Policy design Centre, Australian National University, ANU [Professor Alexander Hill] (https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/alexander-hill) – Military Historian, University of Calgary [Dr Nan Tian] (https://www.sipri.org/) – Senior Researcher and Programme Director, SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, SIPRI [Dr Jack Watling] (https://www.rusi.org/people/jack-watling) – Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare, Royal United Services Institute (UK) Further information Global Roaming - [THE NEW FRONTLINES 01: Welcome to the future of war] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/global-roaming/global-roaming-new-frontlines-future-of-warfare-jack-watling/104237434) ... Read more

28 Nov 2024

29 MINS

29:08

28 Nov 2024


#239

Whatever happened to...?

Sometimes, despite the hype, despite extensive funding, and despite clever and ingenious thinking, good ideas fail. Or at least don’t live up to their initial promise. There are lessons to be learnt and interesting anecdotes to be told. In this episode we look at four future-focused projects that have never really taken off: Google Glass, solar roads, space tourism and hyperloop technology.  Guests [Dr Paul Sutter] (https://www.nasa.gov/people/paul-m-sutter/) – Astrophysicist, SUNY Stony Brook and the Flatiron Institute, New York  [Sarah Marquart] (https://from-q-to-q.webflow.io/about#sarah) – freelance journalist, editor of From Quarks to Quasars [Andrew Hawkins] (https://www.theverge.com/authors/andrew-j-hawkins) – Transportation editor, The Verge  [Quinn Myers] (https://muckrack.com/quinn-myers) – Chicago-based journalist and author 'Google Glass' ... Read more

21 Nov 2024

29 MINS

29:08

21 Nov 2024


#238

A declaration on future generations

The UN General Assembly has passed a Declaration on Future Generations. It’s designed to ensure the generations of tomorrow aren’t disadvantaged by the decisions we make today. But is it more than feel good symbolism? Could it one day be as powerful as the Declaration on Human Rights? Also, how a focus on the here and now restricts visionary thinking; and we get the results from the latest 4-day work week trial, this time in Germany.   Guests [Professor Thomas Hale] (https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/people/thomas-hale) – Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University   [Professor Brett Bowden] (https://researchers.westernsydney.edu.au/en/persons/brett-bowden ) – Professor of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, School of Humanities & Communication Arts, Western Sydney University  [Professor Julia Backmann] (https://professional-school.uni-muenster.de/lecturers/prof-dr-julia-backmann/) – University of Münster Further information  University of Münster - [Germany’s four-day working week trial] (https://www.uni-muenster.de/news/view.php?cmdid=14338) Blavatnik School of Government - [Implementing a Declaration on Future Generations] (https://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-05/Policy%20brief%20%E2%80%93%20What%20would%20a%20Declaration%20on%20Future%20Generations%20mean%20in%20practice.pdf) Brett Bowden - [Now is Not the Time: Inside our Obsession with the Present] (https://www.collectiveinkbooks.com/iff-books/our-books/now-is-not-time-our-obsession-present) ... Read more

17 Nov 2024

29 MINS

29:08

17 Nov 2024


#237

Robots in the home – friend or foe?

Robot vacuum cleaners are so innocuous, many people treat them almost like pets. But they're also potential portals into our private life. Story Lab journalist, Julian Fell, learns how to hack a robot vacuum cleaner and uncovers some disturbing facts about the security of connected household appliances. Also, acts of aggression and abuse committed in virtual reality environments. So-called "metacrimes" may be cyber in nature, but they can feel very real and have physical world consequences. Guests [Dr Milind Tiwari ] (https://researchoutput.csu.edu.au/en/persons/milind-tiwari) – Postdoctoral research fellow, Charles Sturt University [Dennis Giese] (https://dontvacuum.me/) – independent security researcher Sean Kelly – robot vacuum owner Daniel Swenson – US-based victim of robot vacuum hack [Donald Dansereau] (http://www-personal.acfr.usyd.edu.au/ddan1654/) – senior lecturer, Australian Centre for Robotics, University of Sydney Yong Zhi Lim – former cybersecurity tester, TUV SUD Further information ABC News - [Hackers take control of robot vacuums in multiple cities, yell racial slurs] (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-11/robot-vacuum-yells-racial-slurs-at-family-after-being-hacked/104445408) ABC News - [We hacked a robot vacuum — and could watch live through its camera] (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-10-04/robot-vacuum-hacked-photos-camera-audio/104414020) ... Read more

07 Nov 2024

29 MINS

29:08

07 Nov 2024


#236

Melting brains and climate anxiety

The heating climate is now recognised as a threat to our inner world – to brain health and rationality. Extreme temperatures not only impact our ability to think and our decision-making they also increase the presence of neurotoxins in the environment. And that can lead to disease and mental degeneration. We speak with the head of the newly formed International Neuro Climate Working Group. Climate anxiety is also caused by changes in our brains. So, is that a blessing or a curse? Guests [Clayton Page Aldern] (https://claytonaldern.com/) – Neuroscientist, author and senior reporter, Grist. [Dr Burcin Ikiz ] (https://www.burcinikiz.com/) – Neuroscientist and Chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group [Professor Joshua Carlson] (https://nmu.edu/psychology/joshua-carlson) – Director of the Cognitive X Affective Behaviour and Integrative Neuroscience Lab, Northern Michigan University Further information Clayton Aldern - [The Weight of Nature.How a Changing Climate Changes Our Minds, Brains and Bodies] (https://www.penguin.com.au/books/the-weight-of-nature-9780241597378) [The Melting brain] (https://aeon.co/essays/how-a-warming-earth-is-changing-our-brains-bodies-and-minds) Joshua Carlon - [The Age of Climate Anxiety] (https://nmu.edu/northernmagazine/age-climate-anxiety-0) [Climate change on the brain: Neural correlates of climate anxiety] (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38431988/) ... Read more

31 Oct 2024

29 MINS

29:08

31 Oct 2024


#235

Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menagerie in an icy test tube — San Diego's Frozen Zoo and the fight to preserve biodiversity. Guests [Dr Ken Storey] (http://www.kenstoreylab.com/) — Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada. [Dr Saffron Bryant] (https://academics.rmit.edu.au/saffron-bryant ) – Senior lecturer, Department of Physics, RMIT University [Marlys Houck] (https://science.sandiegozoo.org/resources/frozen-zoo%C2%AE) – Curator, Frozen Zoo, San Diego Wildlife Alliance [Dr Justine O’Brien] (https://taronga.org.au/news/alumni/meet-dr-justine-obrien) – Manager, Conservation Science,Taronga Conservation Society Australia Further information Youtube video of a [frozen frog thawing] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofSdw5V21Ek ) ... Read more

24 Oct 2024

29 MINS

29:08

24 Oct 2024


#234

Sex tech, AI and the centrality of consent

The demand for sex tech is booming. That is, toys and apps that can be used for pleasure, communication or to improve sexual health. Developers are using innovative ways to incorporate AI in a way that is respectful of both consent and the diversity of human desire. But it seems some male developers are intent on weaponising it against women. In this special episode of Future Tense, Stephen Stockwell, explores the power of the emerging technology, its potential benefits and harms, and the need to keep a clear focus on consent. Guests [Madison Griffiths] (https://www.linkedin.com/in/madison-griffiths-29a901b4?originalSubdomain=au) – Melbourne-based writer, artist and producer [Bryony Cole] (https://www.bryonycole.co/) – host of the Future of Sex Podcast [Professor Alan McKee] (https://www.sydney.edu.au/arts/about/our-people/academic-staff/alan.mckee.html) – pornography researcher and Head of the School of Art, Communication and English, University of Sydney Ashley Neale – founder of My Peach AI Further information Madison Griffiths - [Orifice.ai, and the Arousal of Rejection] (https://roughsex.substack.com/p/orificeai-and-the-arousal-of-rejection) ... Read more

17 Oct 2024

29 MINS

29:08

17 Oct 2024


#233

Wolf Warrior diplomacy — Have we finally seen an end to undiplomatic diplomacy?

It was known as Wolf Warrior diplomacy – a brand of Chinese foreign ministry posturing that was as aggressive as it was unexpected. But has Beijing now changed tack? And if so, why? Also, does the theory of Institutional Amnesia explain why our preparedness for natural disasters is often found wanting? Guests [Assistant Professor Tyler Jost] (https://polisci.brown.edu/people/tyler-jost) — Political Science, International and Public Affairs, Brown University (US) [Dr Sarah Robertson] (https://cur.org.au/people/sarah-robertson/) – Research Fellow in sustainability, RMIT University [Dr Paul Barnes] (https://experts.griffith.edu.au/5033-paul-barnes) — Senior Research Fellow and emergency and risk management expert, Griffith University [Dr Alastair Stark ] (https://polsis.uq.edu.au/profile/1522/alastair-stark) – Associate Professor in Public Policy, School of Political Science and International Studies, Queensland University Further information Future Tense - [The best response to disasters: centralised strength or community mitigation?] (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/futuretense/natural-disaster-response-centralised-community-polycrises/103805980 ) [Select Committee on Australia's Disaster Resilience] (https://Select Committee on Australia’s Disaster Resilience – Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au) ) [Have China's Wolf Warriors Gone Extinct?] (https://www.foreignaffairs.com/china/have-chinas-wolf-warriors-gone-extinct ) ... Read more

10 Oct 2024

29 MINS

29:08

10 Oct 2024


#232

Why China has tightened its belt and road

Gone are the grandiose infrastructure projects, replaced by an emphasis on smaller development opportunities. China's Belt and Road initiative has entered its second decade — and it's changing. It now also includes a determined focus on green technology. But is the recalibration a sign of the project's overall success? Or a scaling back because of China's growing economic problems? And what has Beijing learnt about debt-levels and governance? Guests [Professor Christoph Nedopil] (https://experts.griffith.edu.au/44240-christoph-nedopil-wang) – Director of Asia Institute, Griffith University [Associate Professor Chong Ja Ian] (https://discovery.nus.edu.sg/2380-ja-ian-chong) – Political Science, National University of Singapore [Associate Professor Jessica Liao] (https://chass.ncsu.edu/people/cliao5/) – Political Science, North Carolina State University ... Read more

03 Oct 2024

29 MINS

29:08

03 Oct 2024


#231

The year of the poll — democracy's mega test

2024 has been an eventful year for democracies around the world. More than 80 countries, containing over half the world's population, are holding elections this year. It's democracy's mega test. The implications for the future of democracy and world order are profound. Guests [Professor Nick Bisley] (https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/nbisley) – Dean of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences, La Trobe University [Dr Gorana Grjic] (https://css.ethz.ch/en/center/people/dr-gorana-grgic.html) – Senior Researcher, Swiss and Euro-Atlantic Security Team, ETH Zürich's Center for Security Studies (CSS) [Dr Priya Chako] (https://www.adelaide.edu.au/directory/priya.chacko) – Associate Professor, International Politics, University of Adelaide [Dr Raul Sanchez-Urribarri] (https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/r2sanchezurr) – Senior Lecturer in Crime, Justice and Legal Studies, Department of Social Inquiry, La Trobe University ... Read more

26 Sep 2024

29 MINS

29:08

26 Sep 2024


#230

Saying goodbye to ageism — the last “acceptable” prejudice

Could the realities of an aging population and a declining birth rate soon make our obsession with youth a thing of the past? It's not just an equity issue it also has implications for politics and economics, because the citizens and consumers of the future will inevitably be older. So, how do we reframe our perceptions of aging to make the most of a very different future workplace? Guests Assistant Professor [Sven Brodmerkel ] (https://research.bond.edu.au/en/persons/sven-brodmerkel/?_ga=2.257161291.1577714395.1687230430-244640911.1687230430) – Advertising and Integrated Marketing Communications, Bond University Assistant Professor [Nicole Dalmer ] (https://www.nicoledalmer.ca/) — Associate Director of the Gilbrea Centre for Studies in Aging, McMaster University (Canada) [Avivah Wittenberg-Cox] (https://www.avivahwittenbergcox.com/) — CEO of the consultancy 20-first — specialising in gender and generational balance [Dr Markus Wettstein] (https://www.psychology.hu-berlin.de/en/staff/1694051) – Research Assistant, Department of Psychology, Humboldt University of Berlin ... Read more

19 Sep 2024

29 MINS

29:08

19 Sep 2024


#229

AI snake oil — its limits, risks, and its thirst for resources

Chat GPT pioneer, Sam Altman, reckons democratic countries will need to re-write their social contracts once AI reaches its full potential, such is its power to shape the future. But to quote a famous political aphorism: "he would say that, wouldn't he?" Princeton computer scientist, Arvind Narayanan, joins us to talk about the hype, the reality and the true limits of Artificial Intelligence. His new book is called "AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What it Can't, and How to Tell the Difference". Also, AI's dirty secret – it's a huge consumer of both power and water. And the more popular it becomes, the thirstier it gets. Guests [Professor Arvind Narayanan] (https://www.cs.princeton.edu/~arvindn/) – Professor of Computer Science and Director of the Center for Information Technology Policy, Princeton University [Gordon Nobel ] (https://profiles.uts.edu.au/Gordon.Noble) – Research Director, Business, Economy and Governance, Institute for Sustainable Futures, University of Technology Sydney [Associate Professor Shaolei Ren ] (https://shaoleiren.github.io/) — Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of California, Riverside Further information Narayanan, Arvind — [AI Snake Oil: What Artificial Intelligence Can Do, What it Can't, and How to Tell the Difference] (https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691249131/ai-snake-oil?srsltid=AfmBOopmroaIDBH6ycnaIc6xVmvp55e57bg0NiVi9q_PXvvs0obao21R) [Making AI Less "Thirsty": Uncovering and Addressing the Secret Water Footprint of AI Models] (https://arxiv.org/abs/2304.03271) [IT and Data Centre Sustainability in Australia] (https://www.uts.edu.au/sites/default/files/2023-07/Pure%20Storage%20and%20Institute%20of%20Sustainable%20Futures%20Report.pdf) ... Read more

12 Sep 2024

29 MINS

29:08

12 Sep 2024


#228

The "disruption nexus" and the power of a good crisis

Every crisis, they say, presents an opportunity. But history tells us differently. Social philosopher, Roman Krznaric, spells out the vital elements needed to initiate rapid change – and why a better understanding of the way we respond to crises could help in the fight against climate change. Guests [Dr Roman Krznaric] (https://www.romankrznaric.com/) – Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Eudaimonia and Human Flourishing, Oxford University [Dr Stefan Peters ] (https://people.unisa.edu.au/Stefan.Peters) – Senior Lecturer in Geospatial Science, University of South Australia Further information Krznaric, Roman – [History for Tomorrow: inspiration from the Past for the Future of Humanity] (https://www.romankrznaric.com/history-for-tomorrow) ... Read more

05 Sep 2024

29 MINS

29:08

05 Sep 2024


#227

Rediscovering the essence of Liberalism could help in the battle against authoritarianism

Do we underestimate the value of Liberalism? Political philosopher, Alexandre Lefebvre, says liberalism underpins the modern Western world, even if we sometimes struggle to define it. And even when its brand is coopted by party-politics. Rediscovering its pure form, he argues, could be the key to a more tolerant and prosperous future. Also, is the European Union losing its taste for regulation, particularly where big tech is involved?  Guests [Dr Alexandre Lefebvre ] (https://www.alexlefebvre.com/) – Professor of Politics and Philosophy, University of Sydney [Laura Petrone] (https://www.globaldata.com/) – Analyst, Thematic Intelligence Team, Global Data [Dr Anabela Malpique] (https://www.ecu.edu.au/schools/education/staff/profiles/senior-lecturers/dr-anabela-malpique) – Senior lecturer, Department of Education, Edith Cowen University  Further information  Alexandre Lefebvre – [Liberalism as a Way of Life] (https://press.princeton.edu/books/hardcover/9780691203744/liberalism-as-a-way-of-life) ... Read more

29 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:08

29 Aug 2024


#226

Why in the 21st century are we still talking about the political Left and Right?

In a world where Donald Trump embraces anti free-trade protectionism and "leftish" governments are going heavy on law and order, do the old political labels of Left and Right really make sense? Is it time for a new way of thinking and talking about political difference? And how do ordinary voters actually choose their political positions? Are their decisions based on ideology or simple tribalism? Guests [Dr Gregory Millard] (https://www.kpu.ca/arts/political-science/faculty/gregory-millard-0) – Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, Kwantlen University, Canada [Dr Simon Otjes] (https://www.universiteitleiden.nl/en/staffmembers/simon-otjes#tab-1) – Assistant Professor, Institute of Political Science, Leiden University, The Netherlands [Dr Verlan Lewis ] (https://verlanlewis.weebly.com/about.html) – Stirling Professor of Constitutional Studies, Utah Valley University. Visiting scholar, Center for American Political Studies, Harvard University Further information Lewis, Verlan – [The Myth of Left and Right] (https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-myth-of-left-and-right-9780197680216?cc=au&lang=en&) ... Read more

22 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:08

22 Aug 2024


#225

"Anthropocene" — why the fight about a name has real world consequences

The Anthropocene – the idea that we now live in a geological age shaped by human activity — is a controversial topic. It irritates those who reject the whole notion of adverse climate change — and it's also now causing a fight among geologists themselves. So, what's behind the scientific contention? Also, why some argue that textiles are the new "hidden" plastic plague. Guests [Dr Erle Ellis] (https://ges.umbc.edu/ellis/) – Professor of Geography and Environmental Sciences, University of Maryland [Dr Francine McCarthy] (https://brocku.ca/mathematics-science/earth-sciences/directory/francine-m-g-mccarthy/) – Professor of Earth Studies, Brock University, Canada [Dr Rebecca Van Amber] (https://www.rmit.edu.au/contact/staff-contacts/academic-staff/v/van-amber-rebecca) – Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Textiles, RMIT University ... Read more

15 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:08

15 Aug 2024


#224

We're losing the dark sky and you can already feel the consequences

The night sky is getting brighter by about ten per cent each year — that's the scientific estimate. While new forms of lighting technology can reduce the amount of light pollution, the sheer impact of a global boom in artificial lighting is just too much. It threatens the health of both humans and other animals. Historically, darkness has been seen in a negative social and cultural context, so can we change our attitudes and learn to embrace the dark sky? In other words, see the light about the beauty of darkness! Guests [Ruskin Hartley] (https://darksky.org/) – Executive Director, Dark Sky International [Dr Paul Bogard ] (https://www.paul-bogard.com/) – Associate Professor Hamline University (US) and author of The End of Night: Searching for Natural Darkness in an Age of Artificial Light [Dr Tim Edensor] (https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/individuals/dr-tim-edensor) – Cultural Geographer, Manchester Metropolitan University  Further information DarkSky International: [Five principles for responsible outdoor lighting] (https://darksky.org/resources/guides-and-how-tos/lighting-principles/) [Nick Dunn/Tim Edensor] (https://www.routledge.com/Dark-Skies-Places-Practices-Communities/Dunn-Edensor/p/book/9781032528021) - Dark Skies: Places, Practises, Communities ... Read more

08 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:08

08 Aug 2024


#223

Can we afford to continue to keep pets — environmentally and financially?

If we're genuinely concerned about the impact livestock can have on our environment, why aren't we equally worried about pets? The pet industry is booming and despite the many positive psychological and emotional benefits of pet ownership, concerns about global pet numbers and environmental sustainability are mounting. So, do we need to rethink how we live with domesticated animals? And how can we strike a balance between our seemingly insatiable desire for fur-babies and their subsequent impact on the natural world and our hip pocket? Guests [Dr Jen Gale] (https://vetsustain.org/work/meet-jen-gale) – Veterinarian and Director of Vet Sustain (UK) [Dr Emily Hemendinger ] (https://theconversation.com/pets-give-companionship-cuddles-and-joy-and-also-unavoidable-stresses-227112) – Assistant Professor of Psychiatry, University of Colorado [Dr Andrea Laurent Simpson] (https://www.smu.edu/dedman/academics/departments/sociology/people/faculty/andrealaurentsimpson) – Research Assistant Professor, Southern Methodist University; Author of Just Like Family: How Companion Animals Joined the Household [Dr Andrew Rowan ] (https://wellbeingintl.org/about/our-people/board-members/#andrew-bio) – founder of the Tufts Centre for Animals and Public Policy; President, Wellbeing International [Dr Belinda Jane Dunstan] (https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/dr-belinda-jane-dunstan) – Principal Lead, Creative Robotics Lab, University of New South Wales ... Read more

01 Aug 2024

29 MINS

29:08

01 Aug 2024


#222

Technology is revolutionising sport performance

The rate of technological advancement in sport is unprecedented. From data analytics to robotic umpiring to smart equipment, technologies are reshaping what it means to achieve and compete. Even the International Olympic Committee has now developed an AI strategy.  It's also big business with the sport industry conservatively estimated at around one per cent of global GDP. So, when does ingenious innovation become cheating? And if technology pushes us past the point of physical capacity, why bother with human competitors at all? Guests [Professor Sascha Schmidt] (https://www.whu.edu/en/faculty-research/entrepreneurship-and-innovation-group/center-for-sports-and-management/sascha-l-schmidt/) – Director of the Centre for Sports and Management, WHU – Otto Beisheim School of Management [Louis Weston] (https://www.outertemple.com/barrister/louis-weston/) – Barrister and sports lawyer, Outer Temple Chambers, London [Dr John Holash] (https://profiles.ucalgary.ca/john-holash) – Assistant Professor, Faculty of Kinesiology, The University of Calgary [Robert Marchiori] (https://www.cognizant.com/us/en/insights/insights-blog/data-scores-big-for-the-sports-fan-experience-codex6840) – CEO Cognizant Australia Further information [21st Century Sports. How Technologies Will Change Sports in the Digital Age] (https://www.whu.edu/en/faculty-research/entrepreneurship-and-innovation-group/center-for-sports-and-management/21st-century-sports/) International Olympic Committee - [Olympic AI Agenda] (https://stillmed.olympics.com/media/Documents/International-Olympic-Committee/AI/Olympic-AI-Agenda.pdf) ... Read more

25 Jul 2024

29 MINS

29:08

25 Jul 2024


#221

Are the big US media platforms swallowing our culture?

Global media players now dominate the entertainment business and hold the whip-hand when it comes to accessing local news content. In this program we get an update on Meta's ban on Canadian news content, specifically how it's impacted production of serious news and what's been the public reaction. We also get a reality check on just how interested the giant US steaming services are in Australian content. Guests [Aengus Bridgman] (https://www.mediaecosystemobservatory.com/) – Director, Media Ecosystem Observatory (Canada) [Matthew Deaner] (https://www.screenproducers.org.au/) – CEO, Screen Producers Association [Professor Anna Potter] ( https://www.une.edu.au/staff-profiles/law/dr-wellett-potter) – Digital Media and Cultural Studies, Queensland University of Technology Further information [When journalism is turned off: Preliminary findings on the effects of Meta’s news ban in Canada] (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/6450265301129e5dbabfe8a2/t/6622c8a408f39611294ebdb2/1713555621401/Whenjournalism+is+turned+off_Preliminary+Report.pdf) [Australian Television Drama’s Uncertain Future: How Cultural Policy is Failing Australians] (https://eprints.qut.edu.au/248187/1/Australian_Television_Drama_s_Uncertain_Future_Final.pdf) ... Read more

18 Jul 2024

29 MINS

29:08

18 Jul 2024