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Big Ideas

ABC Australia
Australia
Climate Change
Artificial Intelligence
China
Donald Trump
Misinformation
Colonialism
American Democracy
United States
Doctor Who
Covid-19
Renewable Energy
Democracy
Populism
Mental Health
Weight Stigma
Southeast Asia
History
Ukraine
Australian Government

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
Number of ListenersCategories
NewsPoliticsSociety & Culture

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Latest Episodes

Donor-sperm conception has become even more difficult in Australia. Would-be parents are now facing a shortage of sperm. That's on top of an already complex end confusing process. For solo parents, queer couples, and people navigating fertility the p... more

From embracing the future of new technologies, materials and innovations, to returning to past times of multigenerational and communal living, architecture and design has plenty to offer when it comes to solving Australia's housing crisis. While deba... more

Join Bruce Pascoe and Professor Ray Norris with Natasha Mitchell to discuss their eye-opening new book Big Sky: When the Emu Left the Earth. Then go outside, look up, and wonder about what connects humans rather than divides us. Humans have always ga... more

Rising authoritarianism, splintering alliances and an organised backlash against women's rights, gender equality and international development are threatening progress towards justice and equality. Can the United Nations' women, peace, and security a... more

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Recent Guests

Anthony Burke
Professor of Architecture, University of Technology Sydney; host of Grand Designs Australia
University of Technology Sydney; Grand Designs Australia
Episode: How can we design our way out of Australia's housing crisis? With Anthony Burke and Tim Ross
Tim Ross
Comedian, presenter, architecture and design enthusiast
ABC TV/By Design
Episode: How can we design our way out of Australia's housing crisis? With Anthony Burke and Tim Ross
Bruce Pascoe
Author of Dark Emu, Aboriginal farmer
Magabala Books (publisher mentioned)
Episode: Dark Emu's Bruce Pascoe and astrophysicist Ray Norris — can Aboriginal astronomy unite humanity under one big sky?
Ray Norris
Astrophysicist, honorary fellow at CSIRO
CSIRO
Episode: Dark Emu's Bruce Pascoe and astrophysicist Ray Norris — can Aboriginal astronomy unite humanity under one big sky?
Elise Stephenson
Deputy Director of the Global Institute for Women's Leadership at ANU
Australian National University
Episode: Hard-won progress in women's rights is dismantled — and it threatens global security
Caroline Millar
Former Australian Ambassador to NATO and the EU
Australian government
Episode: Hard-won progress in women's rights is dismantled — and it threatens global security
Asha Clementi
Principal of the Persephone Network
Persephone Network
Episode: Hard-won progress in women's rights is dismantled — and it threatens global security
Zoe Wainer
Director-General of the Australian Centre for Disease Control
Australian Centre for Disease Control
Episode: Medical misogyny — how the health system overlooks women's pain and how it's finally adapting
Summer Mae Finlay
Yorta Yorta woman, Associate Professor in Indigenous Health at the University of Wollongong
University of Wollongong
Episode: Medical misogyny — how the health system overlooks women's pain and how it's finally adapting

Host

Natasha Mitchell
Host of the program and Big Ideas, facilitating live discussions and festival conversations across a broad range of topics.

Reviews

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

    This pod never disappoints.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jennprincipesa
    Australiaa month 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
    Australia4 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
    Australia8 months 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
    Australia10 months 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
    Australia10 months ago

Listeners Say

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

Audiences frequently cite diverse perspectives and well-credentialed guests as strengths, making it a valuable resource for staying informed and challenged.
Fans highlight the long-form, contextual discussions as a differentiator from typical news coverage.
Listeners appreciate the depth and range of guests and topics, with many noting high-quality, thought-provoking conversations.
The program is praised for live event energy and strong interviewers, though some reviews indicate polarized opinions on certain episodes.

Chart Rankings

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

Apple Podcasts
#210
Australia/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#36
Australia/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Hard-won progress in women's rights is dismantled — and it threatens global security
Q: What is the current state of multilateralism and how does it affect progress on women's leadership in security?
Multilateral institutions are strained and face hard debates, but there is still momentum for reform, with calls to update practices and maintain inclusive leadership to push gender-focused security agendas forward.
How to date from a position of power, with the creator of Bad Dates of Melbourne Alita Brydon
Q: What do you see as the biggest shift in dating culture today?
The shift is toward greater emphasis on self-worth and independence, with dating seen as a journey of personal growth rather than just finding someone to complete you.
What can Plato teach us about democracy today?
Q: What are the attributes of the reason which law will help to bring about and that the state will be under?
A system where laws reflect reason and guide rulers, ensuring that governing authority remains conditional on and accountable to the common good.
How to date from a position of power, with Bad Dates of Melbourne creator Alita Brydon and Nelly Thomas
Q: What are the worst aspects of modern dating and how has technology changed dating behavior?
Technology has amplified both opportunities and pressures, with dating apps increasing choice but also raising expectations and speed of interactions; the hosts encourage thoughtful profiles, clear boundaries, and prioritizing enthusiasm and respect over performance or mere speed.
Australia's Broken Social Contract — Tahlia Isaac wants to protect women in prison
Q: If you were Prime Minister, what policy would you make and what would you fund to ensure kids are not slipping through the cracks and ending up through courts?
Prioritize housing as a human right, inclusive education, and welfare support to keep families together, while scaling early-intervention and community-based supports to prevent marginalization of at-risk youth.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
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Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Ideas

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

A deep, long-form interview show that brings together prominent journalists, academics, politicians, and thought leaders to explore big ideas at live events and festivals. Episodes commonly tackle politics, leadership, democracy, media integrity, social policy, and science, often weaving historical context with contemporary relevance. A standout feature is the willingness to host cross-disciplinary conversations—from regional Australian politics to global press freedom, AI in journalism, and responses to major societal challenges. The format tends to mix rigorous analysis with personal narratives, offering listeners nuanced perspectives and practical insights for decision-makers, researchers, and industry professionals who want to stay info... more

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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?

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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. The Minefield
4. All In The Mind
5. Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald

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?

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What guests have appeared on Big Ideas?

Recent guests on Big Ideas include:

1. Anthony Burke
2. Tim Ross
3. Bruce Pascoe
4. Ray Norris
5. Elise Stephenson
6. Caroline Millar
7. Asha Clementi
8. Zoe Wainer

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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