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Big Ideas

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

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
Society & CultureNewsPolitics

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Artwork for Big Ideas

Latest Episodes

The decisions being made right now, in parliament, in budget lock-ups, in policy debates, will shape the lives of your kids and their kids. Think: Climate. Housing. Aged care. AI., But in many cases, those decisions are being deferred. There's a name... more

Meet the tenacious Papua New Guineans who won't give up on holding Australian mining giants to account, despite the enormous personal toll of doing so. Emmanuel Peni is fighting to protect the world's "second Amazon"- the pristine Sepik River. Theoni... more

From the Frontier Wars, to foreign wars experienced by migrant Australians, to the threat of Australia's involvement in future conflict, war means many different things to different people. So as Australian society evolves, should our culture of war ... more

Pacific communities have long led the global climate fight — not from the margins, but from the front. Australia's hopes of co-hosting COP31 alongside Pacific Island nations have been dashed. So, what does genuine partnership now look like and what d... more

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Recent Guests

Tukini Tavui
CEO of the Pacific Islands Council of South Australia
Pacific Islands Council of South Australia
Episode: What Pacific peoples know about climate justice — and Australia still needs to learn
Moimona Safaatoa-Schwenki
Samoan climate justice activist and UNICEF Pacific Regional Ambassador
UNICEF Pacific Regional Office
Episode: What Pacific peoples know about climate justice — and Australia still needs to learn
George Carter
Head of the Pacific Institute, Australian National University
Australian National University
Episode: What Pacific peoples know about climate justice — and Australia still needs to learn
Alopi Latukefu
Director of the Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education
Edmund Rice Centre for Justice and Community Education
Episode: What Pacific peoples know about climate justice — and Australia still needs to learn
Dennis Altman
Gay rights pioneer, professor, author
La Trobe University / activist
Episode: Gay rights pioneer Dennis Altman on five decades of activism, writing and social change
Tyree Barnette
Author of Stolen Man on Stolen Land, Being African American in Australia
Author
Episode: What does 'being a man' look like — today?
Andrew Pippos
Novelist, editor of The Monthly, author of Lucky's and The Transformations
Author
Episode: What does 'being a man' look like — today?
Brandon Jack
Former AFL player, author of Pissants, 28: A Memoir of Football, Addiction, Art, Masculinity and Love
Author
Episode: What does 'being a man' look like — today?
Terry Garcia
US ocean explorer and conservationist, former National Geographic and NOAA executive
Ocean explorer; former National Geographic Society and NOAA
Episode: Could the 21st century be the greatest age of exploration in the history of humankind? Ocean explorer Terry Garcia thinks so

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
    Australia3 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
    Australia6 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
    Australia10 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
    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.

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.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Could the 21st century be the greatest age of exploration in the history of humankind? Ocean explorer Terry Garcia thinks so
Q: What is the one thing you'd like to ask of our audience tonight?
I would tell the audience that every single person in this room can do something, whether writing a letter or joining an organization, and that collective action has a real impact on protecting the ocean.
Could you be a hope punk? Jack Toohey on rebellious hope and why better things are possible
Q: For this book, you went searching for hope punks. What's a hope punk?
A hope punk is someone who actively believes that better things are possible and takes concrete steps to create them, rather than remaining passive or cynical about the future.
Ex-chief scientist Alan Finkel's three laws of Artificial Intelligence
Q: How would these laws realistically be adopted internationally, given the speed of AI development and the lack of regulatory frameworks?
Adoption would require international agreements and national legislation, with a focus on embedding the laws into AI systems themselves, creating a universally applicable guardrail that operates across borders regardless of jurisdiction.
Ex-chief scientist Alan Finkel's three laws of Artificial Intelligence
Q: In relation to your three laws of AI that you mentioned, can you comment on the use of AI in the current warfare on what's going on in the world at the moment, and the very sinister aspects of that and the results of that?
The first law explicitly rules out harm or deception by AI in warfare; embedding the laws would prevent autonomous weapons and other abuses, ensuring AI cannot be used to kill or mislead, and the laws should guide development toward safe, human-centered applications.
Is education policy damaging our democracy?
Q: How can an individual influence policy decisions from outside the parliament?
The guest describes unleashing the power of citizens to voice views beyond elections and stresses that politicians must enable broader participation, with institutions facilitating engagement; it's about shifting from episodic voting to ongoing civic involvement.

Audience Metrics

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

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
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Age Range
Household Income
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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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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. Global Roaming with Geraldine Doogue and Hamish Macdonald
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?

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What guests have appeared on Big Ideas?

Recent guests on Big Ideas include:

1. Tukini Tavui
2. Moimona Safaatoa-Schwenki
3. George Carter
4. Alopi Latukefu
5. Dennis Altman
6. Tyree Barnette
7. Andrew Pippos
8. Brandon Jack

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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