UNSW Centre for Ideas

Programs like ChatGPT have become ubiquitous with AI, promising to kick start the next industrial evolution. But the scale of resources needed to support AI are staggering, with the cost largely being levied on the marginalised. From energy demands eclipsing whole cities, to labour exploitation in the global south, this behaviour bodes poorly for an equitable future.
In Empire of AI, award-winning investigative journalist Karen Hao unpacks the rise of OpenAI and their race for global dominance – prompting the question, what will it take to reign in this laissez-faire approach to growth? Answers are needed and UNSW legal expert Mimi Zou is exploring the possibilities surrounding the regulation of AI, along with UNSW neuroscientist Joel Pearson who is scrutinising the human impact of AI at an individual and societal level.
Hear Chief Scientist of UNSW AI Toby Walsh in conversation with Karen Hao and then Mimi Zou and Joel Pearson on what it will take to usher in a sustainable, equitable AI revolution.
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Many people would recognise Australian actress Yael Stone from her breakout role as the red-lipped Lorna Morello in TV series Orange is the New Black. But, in 2020 she gave up her green card, and her acting career in the United States, unable to reconcile the carbon emissions of the jet-setting lifestyle with her own climate conscience. Since then, Yael has channelled her focus into a new career path in climate advocacy, going back to university and co-founding the not-for-profit renewables and clean energy organisation, Hi Neighbour.
In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, hear actress, entrepreneur and climate advocate Yael Stone alongside writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law as they explore what we have to give up to gain a life living in alignment with our personal values.
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Within today's social media landscape, a finely tuned content algorithm is serving up often unhealthy and sometimes extreme views on masculinity. For boys, in particular, the injection of vitriol into playgrounds, classrooms, backyards and wider society has turned the question of what it means to be a man on its head. This is also having far-reaching consequences for young girls and women.
So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? Hear ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.
Originally recorded on 18 November 2025.
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Hear acclaimed political biographer Troy Bramston in conversation with UNSW’s Verity Firth and delve into his latest book Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New. From Whitlam’s rise through the Labor party to Prime Minister, to his family, upbringing and life after politics, Troy lifts the lid on new revelations behind the man and his polices.
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We’ve come a long way since references to lesbians could potentially land you jail-time and lesbian culture was less visible in literature and the arts, social commentary and public life. From anthemic pop icons Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish to commercially successful flicks like Bottoms and Love Lies Bleeding, lesbian culture is having a moment.
In the fifty years since the rallying cry “Lesbians are Lovely!” was sprawled across walls, bodies and picket boards in the fight for recognition and liberation, there have been many developments in queer identity and culture. But are we making space for all lesbians and how can we celebrate every part of our community?
Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, presenter and producer Mon Schafter and featuring a trailblazing lineup of panellist, including Kate Rowe, an activist and advocate ‘78er who marched in the original Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras; Kath Ebbs queer actor, presenter and content creator; and Jackie Turner, trans woman, social justice and climate organiser, and Director of Trans Justice Project.
This event is co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas (in collaboration with Dr Yves Rees) and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
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