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Big Ideas

ABC Australia
Australia
Artificial Intelligence
Climate Change
Colonialism
China
Social Media
Misinformation
Democracy
Australian Government
Indigenous Australians
Mental Health
History
Public Policy
Renewable Energy
Racism
Cricket
Populism
Donald Trump
Fossil Fuels
Australian Politics

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

Artificial Intelligence is fundamentally reshaping education and learning in Australian schools, with 80 per cent of students and two thirds of teachers now using AI tools. So how can we take advantage of the technology, and avoid the risks? This eve... more

If authoritarianism was pressing in, what personal choices would you make to resist? Foreign correspondent Melissa Chan and artist-in-exile Badiucao have collaborated on the gobsmacking new graphic novel You Must Take Part in Revolution. It's set in ... more

Forensics has gripped pop culture for decades. But what’s the reality of this job? From the crime scene to the laboratory, our expert panel examines the evidence, explains the science and reveals how the truth gets uncovered. In the real world, by pe... more

From the blue-collar man, to the professional woman. From the multigenerational Australian born citizen, to a predominantly migrant nation. From the inner city to the suburbs to the bush. Australia has changed. But have our politicians?

This event w... more

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Recent Guests

Melissa Chan
Taiwanese-American journalist, foreign correspondent
Emmy-nominated journalist, based in Berlin/LA
Episode: You Must Take Part in Revolution — journalist Melissa Chan and artist-in-exile Badiucao
Jessica Rothman
Professor of Anthropology
City University of New York
Episode: The legacy of Jane Goodall —from chimp whisperer to changing how science understands primates
Kristin Andrews
Professor of Philosophy at the City University of New York Graduate Center
City University of New York
Episode: The legacy of Jane Goodall —from chimp whisperer to changing how science understands primates
David Lahti
Professor of Biology and Psychology
City University of New York
Episode: The legacy of Jane Goodall —from chimp whisperer to changing how science understands primates
Tim Adair
Professor, Nossal Institute for Global Health
Nossal Institute for Global Health
Episode: The future of ageing — what will growing old be like in 2076?
Andy Philp
Professor, University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
Episode: The future of ageing — what will growing old be like in 2076?
Jenny Waycott
Professor, University of Technology Sydney
University of Technology Sydney
Episode: The future of ageing — what will growing old be like in 2076?
Mark Dreyfus
Politician and lawyer
Australian Parliament
Episode: The future of ageing — what will growing old be like in 2076?
Clare Marshall
Futurist, lead of National Futures Initiative
Australian Centre for Social Innovation
Episode: Can we change the future by reimagining 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
    Australia5 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
    Australia8 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.

Apple Podcasts
#191
Australia/Top Podcasts
Apple Podcasts
#27
Australia/Society & Culture

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

The legacy of Jane Goodall —from chimp whisperer to changing how science understands primates
Q: What is non-human culture and do chimpanzees have it?
Culture in non-human animals is defined as behaviors that are socially learned, shared within a community, and capable of developing into traditions that vary between groups. The discussion shows clear evidence that chimpanzees exhibit such culture through group-specific techniques, social learning, and tradition.
You Must Take Part in Revolution — journalist Melissa Chan and artist-in-exile Badiucao
Q: What sparked the collaboration between Melissa Chan and Badiucao, and how did the graphic novel come together?
The collaboration grew from a shared aim to translate decades of journalism and lived experience into a single, accessible medium. They planned together from the outset, plotting scene by scene, aligning character development, world-building, and pacing, while negotiating how to balance text with powerful imagery across different time zones.
When you trust social media influencers more than your GP — what can only go wrong?
Q: What should individuals ask themselves before following online health recommendations?
Consider the purpose behind the information, assess the source's credibility, demand evidence, weigh benefits against harms, explore alternatives, and consult qualified health professionals when in doubt.
When you trust social media influencers more than your GP — what can only go wrong?
Q: Why is parasocial interaction with health influencers potentially dangerous for patients?
Parasocial relationships can make people feel seen and validated, which is powerful, but they may also lead to biased trust and questionable medical advice when the sources lack proper evidence or regulatory oversight.
Why Diego Bonetto wants you to eat weeds
Q: What is your guidance for beginners who want to start foraging safely?
Begin with easy, clearly identifiable species like pine mushrooms and avoid high-risk look-alikes; learn one edible plant at a time and only forage where you know the ecosystem hasn't been compromised by chemicals.

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.

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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. Melissa Chan
2. Jessica Rothman
3. Kristin Andrews
4. David Lahti
5. Tim Adair
6. Andy Philp
7. Jenny Waycott
8. Mark Dreyfus

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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