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Big Ideas

ABC Australia
Australia
Climate Change
Artificial Intelligence
China
Democracy
Colonialism
Misinformation
Social Media
Education
Australian Government
Mental Health
American Democracy
Indigenous Australians
Populism
Covid-19
Donald Trump
History
Public Policy
United States
Renewable Energy

Your front row seat to big thinkers at the best live events, forums, and festivals. Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. We love hearing from you about the show or events you are planning. Get in touch! Email: Bigideas@abc.net.au SMS line for ABC Radio National: 0418 226 576 Airs Monday to Thursday 8pm, repeated Tuesday to Friday 12pm, on ABC Radio ... more

PublishesDailyEpisodes1385Founded20 years ago
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Society & CultureNewsPolitics

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Artwork for Big Ideas

Latest Episodes

Migration has shaped modern Australia, but as the country grows, debates around immigrants and multiculturalism are intensifying. Join David Speers for the ABC’s latest National Forum. We bring together Australians from all walks of life to ask: Is o... more

Being poor has become big business in Australia, but not for people who need work. Billions spent. Millions of profits. But who's getting them? Why do unemployment and poverty continue to be stigmatised? And does the legacy of the Robodebt scandal li... more

Helen Garner is one of Australia's most significant and renowned writers, known for her precise and observational writing style, disarming honesty and piercing curiosity about her fellow human beings. Here, she reflects on a lifetime of writing, from... more

Foraging and eating wild food is nothing new in Australia. First Nations people have done it for over 50,000 years. Even your grandparents often still used to search for eatable weeds, mushrooms and nuts at the edge of their fields and in the woods. ... more

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Recent Guests

Jean-Christophe Rufin
Co-founder of Médecins Sans Frontières, author
Médecins Sans Frontières; Author
Episode: Feminist trailblazer Gloria Steinem with Natasha Mitchell and guests on travels that transformed them
Ali Cobby Eckermann
Prize-winning poet and author
Author/Poet
Episode: Feminist trailblazer Gloria Steinem with Natasha Mitchell and guests on travels that transformed them
Gloria Steinem
Trailblazing feminist activist, journalist, founder of Ms. Magazine
Ms. Magazine (founder)
Episode: Feminist trailblazer Gloria Steinem with Natasha Mitchell and guests on travels that transformed them
Andy Griffiths
Australian children's author, Australian Children's Laureate
Treehouse series, Maddy Mara pseudonym
Episode: Are kid's books too moralistic, worthy, or 'woke'? Andy Griffiths, Hilary Rogers, Tamuz Ellazam for Radio National's Top 100 Books
Tamuz Ellazam
Readings Kids Bookshop manager
Readings Books
Episode: Are kid's books too moralistic, worthy, or 'woke'? Andy Griffiths, Hilary Rogers, Tamuz Ellazam for Radio National's Top 100 Books
Hilary Rogers
Publisher and co-writer under the pseudonym Maddy Mara
Go Girl, Zac Power, Billie B Brown
Episode: Are kid's books too moralistic, worthy, or 'woke'? Andy Griffiths, Hilary Rogers, Tamuz Ellazam for Radio National's Top 100 Books
Emily Andrews
Royal commentator and journalist
Royal Correspondent/journalist
Episode: Inside the life of Elizabeth II with royal biographer Robert Hardman
Robert Hardman
Royal biographer, author of Elizabeth II, In Private, In Public, The Inside Story
Royal biographies publishing, Royal Society of Arts event attendee
Episode: Inside the life of Elizabeth II with royal biographer Robert Hardman
Cory Doctorow
Canadian journalist, author, technology and creative commons activist
Self/Various affiliations including Wheeler Centre and Now or Never Festival
Episode: Tech activist Cory Doctorow says the internet's been enshittified. So is it too late to save it?

Host

Natasha Mitchell
Host of Big Ideas; long-running anchor with focus on governance, policy, and global issues.

Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars from 1.5k ratings
  • A true gem!

    This pod never disappoints.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jennprincipesa
    Australia4 months ago
  • Women matter

    Just an idea - maybe the complete overreach, anti science and homophobic approach of those wedded to gender ideology has inflicted this damage. It’s called “shooting yourself in the foot.” (One group’s “wants” being given absolute priority over the rights of everyone else certainly isn’t a winning approach.)

    Apple Podcasts
    1
    LizAnne S
    Australia7 months ago
  • Big Ideas Spotify episode

    This should have been an interesting program, but any “investigative journalist” who uses the word “like” as every fifth word needs some coaching on public speaking before the ABC gives them a platform.

    I gave up a few minutes in - too tedious to keep listening.

    Apple Podcasts
    2
    LizAnne S
    Australiaa year ago
  • Always stimulating!

    Excellent podcast among my short-list of #podrecs - the programming is excellent, interviewers and chairs great, guests always invigorating and stimulating. Worth tuning in, following and sharing.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Anthony Zwi
    Australiaa year ago
  • Adam Liaw

    Big ideas is always good but I was so stimulated by this show as Adam traversed issues of politics, culture, science and food. We are so blessed to have our Aunty sharing her sage advice through such interesting people.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    digit2021
    Australiaa year ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners value the depth and breadth of perspectives, with many praising the quality of discourse and guest selection.
Some episodes draw mixed feedback on pacing or perceived bias, but overall praise for its ambition and range.
A thought-provoking program that consistently brings high-caliber guests and thoughtful moderation.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Are kid's books too moralistic, worthy, or 'woke'? Andy Griffiths, Hilary Rogers, Tamuz Ellazam for Radio National's Top 100 Books
Q: What do you think about Mac Barnett's claim that many children's books are propaganda for adulthood and overly didactic?
Andy Griffiths contends that while there is a growing trend toward issue-based publishing, storytelling must remain at the core; a book can be both entertaining and meaningful if it engages children emotionally first and then invites reflection.
Bob Spitz on the Rolling Stones and why all great music is a threat
Q: What is there left to say about the Rolling Stones that hasn't been said before?
Spitz argues that his task was to deliver the all-encompassing, well-sourced narrative that explains the band's ongoing impact and the dynamics between Mick and Keith, while acknowledging the human flaws and moral complexities involved.
Roman Krznaric on why the history of human solidarity offers us radical hope, even now
Q: Has there been a time in history where there's been a peaceful revolution or have they always been just turbulent?
There have been movements toward reform and nonviolent action, such as India's campaigns against colonial rule, which achieved change through sustained, nonviolent resistance and strategic pressure, suggesting peaceful paths are possible even if not always the norm.
Stephanie Alexander with Adam Liaw on 30 years of The Cook's Companion
Q: Is there a piece of advice that can help listeners live a better food life?
Only cook something you genuinely like, treat food as a joy, and share the process with friends to build a supportive cooking community.
Why Oz Harvest's Ronni Kahn wants you to join the "Order of the Teaspoon" to end food insecurity and waste
Q: What role can individuals—especially younger generations—play in ending food insecurity and waste?
Everyone has a teaspoon to contribute; by taking small, consistent actions—cooking, sharing, reducing waste, supporting local programs—people can collectively create a significant impact and help shift societal norms toward care and responsibility.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Big Ideas

What is Big Ideas about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A provocateur-minded show features long-form discussions with leading thinkers across politics, science, history, and public policy. Episodes frequently center on global governance, technological change, climate justice, human rights, and memory or culture, often framed as live panel or interview formats that encourage nuanced, policy-relevant dialogue. Notable strengths include high-caliber guests, rigorous moderation, and a willingness to tackle ethically complex or controversial topics with depth and a long-view perspective. This program is likely to appeal to intellectually curious professionals, policy-minded listeners, and academics who enjoy well-structured conversations that connect ideas to real-world outcomes.

Where can I find podcast stats for Big Ideas?

Rephonic provides a wide range of podcast stats for Big Ideas. We scanned the web and collated all of the information that we could find in our comprehensive podcast database. See how many people listen to Big Ideas and access YouTube viewership numbers, download stats, audience demographics, chart rankings, ratings, reviews and more.

How many listeners does Big Ideas get?

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What are the audience demographics for Big Ideas?

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How many subscribers and views does Big Ideas have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Big Ideas has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Big Ideas?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Big Ideas:

1. Rear Vision — How History Shaped Today
2. Late Night Live — Full program podcast
3. Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald
4. The Minefield
5. All In The Mind

How many episodes of Big Ideas are there?

Big Ideas launched 20 years ago and published 1385 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Big Ideas?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Big Ideas?

Rephonic pulls ratings and reviews for Big Ideas from multiple sources, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, and Podcast Addict.

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What guests have appeared on Big Ideas?

Recent guests on Big Ideas include:

1. Jean-Christophe Rufin
2. Ali Cobby Eckermann
3. Gloria Steinem
4. Andy Griffiths
5. Tamuz Ellazam
6. Hilary Rogers
7. Emily Andrews
8. Robert Hardman

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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