What would religion, work, sex or technology look like if we lived in a truly feminist world? In a perfect world would the messy stuff make the cut? Or would stuff that makes us human be left in the real world? Join two big thinkers who unpack it all as they build their own feminist utopia in this episode of Big Ideas. This was a live philosophy event presented in London at the Sophia Club, from the creators of Aeon and Psyche magazines. You can find out more about the series at sophiaclub.co. SpeakersChine McDonaldAuthor of Unmaking Mary: Shattering the Myth of Perfect Motherhood and director of religion and society think tank TheosKate DevlinProfessor of artificial intelligence and society at King’s College London and author of Turned On: Science, Sex and RobotsSally Davies (host)Writer and contributing editor at Aeon magazine
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Dark tourism, death, design, and the macabre — should some places stay untouched?
Dark tourism is increasingly popular. Sites of suffering like old gaols, asylums, orphanages hold a certain allure. Can we honour their dark heart and histories, whilst also re-imagining their future? Should some 'traumascapes' be left untouched so the scars of the past are never forgotten, or can we turn them into happier settings with sensitivity? How do designers, developers, and historians tread such tricky terrain? This event was organised by Open House Melbourne and held in the Old Melbourne Gaol during Melbourne Design Week 2025.SpeakersDr Sue HodgesHeritage interpretations specialistManaging director, international consultancy SHP (Sue Hodges Productions Pty Ltd)Erwin TaalSenior AssociateInternational landscape architect and urban design studio ASPECT Studios
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Is language power? With American linguist John McWhorter
Language is always evolving, and reflecting back to us our society, politics and identity. From profanity, to personal pronouns, to the politics of translation and cultural appropriation, why do we use the words we do?This event was recorded at the University of Sydney.SpeakersJohn McWhorterAssociate Professor of English and Comparative Literature, Colombia UniversityAuthor, Pronoun Trouble: The Story of Us in Seven Little Words, Nine Nasty Words: English in the Gutter, Woke Racism: How a New Religion Has Betrayed Black America and moreColumnist, New York TimesHost, Lexicon Valley podcastNick EnfieldProfessor of Linguistics, University of SydneyFurther information:How a Plane to Australia Took Me to '90s Oakland - New York Times, 20 March, 2025
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Hard new world — our post-American future, with Hugh White and Allan Behm
Under Donald Trump's second presidency, America's retreat from global leadership has been swift and erratic. With Russia's war in Ukraine still raging on Europe's doorstep, and China and India on the move, how is the international rules based order being reshaped? And how should Australia position itself in this dangerous, volatile, hard new world?This conversation was recorded at the Australian National University on Tuesday 17 June 2025.SpeakersHugh WhiteEmeritus Professor of Strategic Studies, Australian National UniversityAuthor, Quarterly Essay #98, Hard new world: Our Post-American Future, as well as The China Choice, How to Defend Australia, and three previous Quarterly Essays: Power Shift, Without America and Sleepwalk to WarFounding Director of the Australian Strategic Policy InstituteAllan BehmSenior Advisor International & Security Affairs Program, the Australia Institute
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Baby boycott — the fertility crisis and the big decision
When you enter your childbearing years, it can feel like everyone from the treasurer, your mum, and probably your Instagram reels really wants you to have a kid. But is it the right decision? Few women escape this conundrum of modern family-making, and unfortunately there is no easy or simple answer. But in this talk presented by the Sydney Opera House at the All About Women Festival 2025, you’ll get the context, prompts and profound reflections to help you think through this decision, whether it’s in your own life or for someone you love.
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.
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