What if smoking isn't simply about individual choice?

What if we looked at who profits, who carries the harm, and why some products continue to shape health outcomes decades after we learned the truth about them?

In this episode of Biggest Feeds, Claudine Thornton yarns with Raglan Maddox about commercial tobacco, public health, Indigenous leadership and the systems that continue to influence smoking and vaping narratives across communities.

Together they explore:

• Why tobacco is different from most consumer products
• The role of industry, profit and power in shaping health outcomes
• What evidence tells us about reducing smoking rates
• Why community-led solutions matter
• The future of tobacco control and nicotine-free generations

Drawing on years of research and advocacy, Raglan challenges us to think beyond individual behaviour and consider the broader systems that make harmful products easier to access than support. His work focuses on Indigenous-led approaches to tobacco control and the importance of creating healthier futures for coming generations.

This conversation is for anyone interested in public health, community change, health equity, smoking and vaping prevention, and the ongoing work of creating environments where people are supported to thrive.

Acknowledgement of Country

Opening Acknowledgement of Country spoken in Ngiyampaa language by Jesse Hodgetts and used with permission.

Funding Acknowledgement

Biggest Feeds is supported by the National Best Practice Unit and funded through the Australian Government's Tackling Indigenous Smoking Program.

Disclaimer

The views, opinions and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, producers, funding partners or affiliated organisations. Strong language warning on some episodes and if talks on addiction and mental health have you feeling heavy please seek support, contact 13yarn or any other support service.

About Biggest Feeds

Biggest Feeds explores what's actually working in health, community and culture through the voices of people creating change across Australia. Through honest conversations, lived experience and community knowledge, we unpack the ideas shaping healthier futures for mob.

The views, opinions and experiences shared by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the host, producers, funding partners or affiliated organisations. This podcast was created with support from the National Best Practice Unit (NBPU).