In this episode of How Humans Talk Rune and Stefan tackle one of Australia's most passionate and polarising topics - the great Australian dream of home ownership. Diving into the myths and realities surrounding housing in Australia, they reflect on the emotional and cultural pressure of chasing property ownership - and the ways that language reinforces it. In contrast, they examine Denmark’s model, where stable, lifelong renting is not only common but culturally accepted.
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33:59
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33:59
Speaking for Two: How Kids Navigate Heritage Language, Culture and Identity
Join Rune Pedersen and Stefan Delatovic as they explore how language shapes who we are and where we come from in this episode of How Humans Talk. Stefan sits down with artist and restaurateur Pey Chi to discuss embracing with her cultural roots later in life. Rune speaks with interpreter and translator Jim Hlavac, about the complex roles children play as family language brokers, and the emotional challenges involved. And journalist Danny Tran shares his experience navigating outdated language and cultural identity as a child of immigrants. Together, they reveal the delicate interplay between language, identity, and belonging. Discover why heritage languages can feel like opening a linguistic time capsule.
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31:58
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31:58
How Doctors Talk
In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune investigates the language of how words shape the doctor–patient relationship, and what’s at stake when communication fails. He’s joined by Dr. Sarah J. White, a conversation analyst and Director of Bedside Manners, and Dr Mary Dahm, a health communication expert and lecturer at Deakin University. Together, they reveal how even well-meaning language can confuse, and how subtle shifts in phrasing can make all the difference. Rune also explores how cultural differences affect care from a linguistic point of view. You’ll learn how medicine is just as much a language game as it is a science, and why better conversations might just save lives.
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35:42
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35:42
How Voice Actors Talk
In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune wants to understand how some people make words leap off a page, and into our ears. Rune dives into the world of professional voice acting with voice coach and voice actor Abbe Holmes, who has spent decades helping people turn flat scripts into vibrant, believable performances. Together, they explore how voice actors bring life to language - from manipulating pitch and rhythm to working with (or against) clunky copy. Abbe explains how authenticity is often crafted, not spontaneous, and why the difference between sounding “real” and reading aloud is all in the breath, pauses, and intention. You’ll hear how voice acting plays with trust and emotion, how actors fix poor writing mid-performance, and why sounding natural takes more skill than it seems.
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37:44
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37:44
How humans talk to dogs
In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune heads to the park to chat with dog owners, speculates with scientists, and barks up a storm with his furry friends. Alongside for the journey is University of Melbourne animal welfare scientist Dr Mia Cobb, who explains the nine different ways we communicate with our canine companions. From playful baby talk and stern commands to quiet, soothing whispers. Together they explore what our speech reveals about our relationships with dogs, and why the way we talk to animals says just as much about us as it does about them.
How Humans Talk is a series exploring how people connect, persuade, and make sense of one another through language. Join host Rune Pedersen as he navigates the quirks, nuances, and hidden meanings of everyday conversations. Uncover the subtle ways our words shape identities, relationships, and the world around us. Listen in for chats with communication specialists, cultural commentators, and some delightfully curious minds.
Australia