After 17 years at the United Nations, Janet Salem was growing frustrated with the gap between the sustainability data she was gathering, and the information businesses were using to make investment decisions. She saw an opportunity to give business’s crucial insight into their resource consumption and environmental impact to make more informed decisions, the same way food packaging provides nutritional information so that consumers can make more informed decisions. Now, she’s co-founded a start-up to help get sustainable investment a green thumbs up from the CFO.

Her journey from UNSW environmental engineering graduate to UN advisor to start-up co-founder sounds like a perfectly executed career path, but none of it was planned. On this episode of We built this thing, Janet chats with host Justine Rogers about being a first-time founder in her 40s. From getting over imposter syndrome in the tech-bro universe to the benefits of breaking the mould from the traditional ideas of what a fintech founder, UN advisor or engineer should be.

After 17 years at the United Nations, Janet Salem was growing frustrated with the gap between the sustainability data she was gathering, and the information businesses were using to make investment decisions. She saw an opportunity to give business&rsquo;s crucial insight into their resource consumption and environmental impact to make more informed decisions, the same way food packaging provides nutritional information so that consumers can make more informed decisions. Now, she&rsquo;s co-founded a start-up to help get sustainable investment a green thumbs up from the CFO.
Her journey from UNSW environmental engineering graduate to UN advisor to start-up co-founder sounds like a perfectly executed career path, but none of it was planned. On this episode of We built this thing, Janet chats with host Justine Rogers about being a first-time founder in her 40s. From getting over imposter syndrome in the tech-bro universe to the benefits of breaking the mould from the traditional ideas of what a fintech founder, UN advisor or engineer should be.

We built this thing Ep2: The competitive edge as a first-time founder in your 40s with Janet Salem

On this episode, Shannon chats about pivoting your start-up after funding failure, committing to your mission and transforming lives in the process. 

On this episode, Shannon chats about pivoting your start-up after funding failure, committing to your mission and transforming lives in the process.&nbsp;

We built this thing Ep1: When solving the water crisis comes from thin air with Shannon Lemanski

Not your average 9 to 5 job.

Life after school can feel more like a high wire act than a clear path forward.

From picking the right career, to saving for your first place, to figuring out who you are and what you stand for. A decade (or two) passes in the blink of an eye. And then what? You were meant to travel, see stuff. Be someone. And what about the environment? Is anyone doing anything about that? Won’t AI make us all obsolete in the next couple of years anyway? So many questions and just one life.

Enter We built this thing – a podcast series designed to share tips and bring a little joy to lead a more fulfilled life with host Dr Justine Rogers an Associate Law Professor and stand-up performer. 

Presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas, We built this thing shares stories from founders, engineers and passionate creatives who aren’t following a traditional career path yet are achieving their dreams and living a life aligned with their values on their own terms.

Not your average 9 to 5 job.
Life after school can feel more like a high wire act than a clear path forward.
From picking the right career, to saving for your first place, to figuring out who you are and what you stand for. A decade (or two) passes in the blink of an eye. And then what? You were meant to travel, see stuff. Be someone. And what about the environment? Is anyone doing anything about that? Won&rsquo;t AI make us all obsolete in the next couple of years anyway? So many questions and just one life.
Enter We built this thing&nbsp;&ndash; a podcast series designed to share tips and bring a little joy to lead a more fulfilled life with host Dr Justine Rogers an Associate Law Professor and stand-up performer.&nbsp;
Presented by the&nbsp;<a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>, We built this thing&nbsp;shares stories from founders, engineers and passionate creatives who aren&rsquo;t following a traditional career path yet are achieving their dreams and living a life aligned with their values on their own terms.

We built this thing

The development of AI has brought humanity to the cusp of a seismic change the likes of which has never been seen before. Workforces of the future will be dramatically different, as some jobs become obsolete and people scramble to learn new skills and ways of working. But just as this intelligence revolution has called into question the role of humans, could it be the catalyst for more purposeful leadership and smarter working? Could the very essence of being human – empathy, creativity and collaboration – become skills more important than ever as AI increasingly takes over dull, dirty, difficult and dangerous tasks? 

Join the world’s first neuro-futurist, Joel Pearson, in this masterclass exploring how AI is rapidly disrupting work, trust, relationships and our sense of certainty. He offers practical strategies for managing uncertainty, protecting our critical-thinking skills and keeping human wellbeing at the centre of the transition.

The development of AI has brought humanity to the cusp of a seismic change the likes of which has never been seen before. Workforces of the future will be dramatically different, as some jobs become obsolete and people scramble to learn new skills and ways of working. But just as this intelligence revolution has called into question the role of humans, could it be the catalyst for more purposeful leadership and smarter working? Could the very essence of being human &ndash; empathy, creativity and collaboration &ndash; become skills more important than ever as AI increasingly takes over dull, dirty, difficult and dangerous tasks?&nbsp;
Join the world&rsquo;s first neuro-futurist, Joel Pearson, in this masterclass exploring how AI is rapidly disrupting work, trust, relationships and our sense of certainty. He offers practical strategies for managing uncertainty, protecting our critical-thinking skills and keeping human wellbeing at the centre of the transition.

Human vs Machine: Joel Pearson on staying optimistic about the intelligence revolution

The development of AI has brought humanity to the cusp of a seismic change the likes of which has never been seen before. Workforces of the future will be dramatically different, as some jobs become obsolete and people scramble to learn new skills and ways of working. But just as this intelligence revolution has called into question the role of humans, could it be the catalyst for more purposeful leadership and smarter working? Could the very essence of being human – empathy, creativity and collaboration – become skills more important than ever as AI increasingly takes over dull, dirty, difficult and dangerous tasks?   

Join the world’s first neuro-futurist, Joel Pearson, in conversation with leadership coach and transformation expert, Barbara Wilby. Hosted by the ABC’s Tegan Taylor, Wilby and Pearson will examine how we can respond to AI by actively using it to enhance decision-making, amplify human strengths and lead through uncertainty. 

The development of AI has brought humanity to the cusp of a seismic change the likes of which has never been seen before. Workforces of the future will be dramatically different, as some jobs become obsolete and people scramble to learn new skills and ways of working. But just as this intelligence revolution has called into question the role of humans, could it be the catalyst for more purposeful leadership and smarter working? Could the very essence of being human &ndash; empathy, creativity and collaboration &ndash; become skills more important than ever as AI increasingly takes over dull, dirty, difficult and dangerous tasks?&nbsp; &nbsp;
Join the world&rsquo;s first neuro-futurist, Joel Pearson, in conversation with leadership coach and transformation expert, Barbara Wilby. Hosted by the ABC&rsquo;s Tegan Taylor, Wilby and Pearson will examine how we can respond to AI by actively using it to enhance decision-making, amplify human strengths and lead through uncertainty.&nbsp;

Human vs Machine: Barbara Wilby and Joel Pearson in conversation 

Statistics can sometimes paint a rosy picture. Women now make up half of federal parliamentarians in Australia, more women graduate from university than men, and over 60% of Australia’s Winter Olympic team in 2026 were women. 

But the reality of gender equality and progress is disappointingly stagnant if not downright regressive and concerning.  From the alarmingly high prevalence of gendered violence online and in relationships, to the burden of the mental load in household chores, to the uneven playing field in which women are promoted and paid. When even the most accomplished women are exposed to everyday misogyny and double standards, the question must be asked: is this the kind of progress the feminist foremothers had in mind?  

Join authors and leading women’s advocates, Hannah Ferguson and Jane Caro alongside journalist Farhana Dawood as they explore the reality of gender equality. Women on Top will be a candid conversation about feminism in the age of the manosphere, the real and perceived gains and losses in Australia and globally, and how we can confront the truth.

Explore more events from the UNSW Centre for Ideas 👉 unsw.to/cfi

Statistics can sometimes paint a rosy picture. Women now make up half of federal parliamentarians in Australia, more women graduate from university than men, and over 60% of Australia&rsquo;s Winter Olympic team in 2026 were women.&nbsp;
But the reality of gender equality and progress is disappointingly stagnant if not downright regressive and concerning. &nbsp;From the alarmingly high prevalence of gendered violence online and in relationships, to the burden of the mental load in household chores, to the uneven playing field in which women are promoted and paid. When even the most accomplished women are exposed to everyday misogyny and double standards, the question must be asked: is this the kind of progress the feminist foremothers had in mind? &nbsp;
Join authors and leading women&rsquo;s advocates, Hannah Ferguson and Jane Caro alongside journalist Farhana Dawood as they explore the reality of gender equality. Women on Top will be a candid conversation about feminism in the age of the manosphere, the real and perceived gains and losses in Australia and globally, and how we can confront the truth.
Explore more events from the UNSW Centre for Ideas 👉 unsw.to/cfi

Women on Top

Most whistleblowers are unknown and ordinary people shedding light on corruption and misconduct. They rarely make the front page; many pay a devastating personal price. Australia’s whistleblowing protections are failing them. 

Hear two of the foremost experts in Australia on protecting and defending the rights of whistleblowers, Kieran Pender and Gabriel Shipton alongside leading commentator and former editor of Guardian Australia, Lenore Taylor. The event also includes an account from a whistleblower on a harrowing case of wrongdoing they exposed in the prison system.

Most whistleblowers are unknown and ordinary people shedding light on corruption and misconduct. They rarely make the front page; many pay a devastating personal price. Australia&rsquo;s whistleblowing protections are failing them.&nbsp;
Hear two of the foremost experts in Australia on protecting and defending the rights of whistleblowers, Kieran Pender and Gabriel Shipton alongside leading commentator and former editor of Guardian Australia, Lenore Taylor. The event also includes an account from a whistleblower on a harrowing case of wrongdoing they exposed in the prison system.

Whistleblowers: In defence of truth

Following the historic appointment of Sue-Anne Hunter as the inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Australia finds itself on a new journey but an old and critical road to mend.  

From the over-representation of Indigenous kids in child protection and youth detention systems to the inordinately high rates of incarceration, family separation and suicide, there has been an ongoing failure to address their health and wellbeing, justice and education. Commissioner Hunter has been clear - First Peoples’ children and young people deserve better. 

In an evening of reflection and hope, Sue-Anne Hunter shares her vision for uplifting the lives and voices of Indigenous Youth in Australia. She discusses how this new agency, now given statutory powers to do its important work, will help to realise international and domestic commitments to human rights, address systemic failures in federal and state institutions, and enhance the safety, wellbeing and life chances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people. Sue-Anne Hunter was joined in conversation by Isabella Higgins, host of ABC News' AM radio program.

Following the historic appointment of Sue-Anne Hunter as the inaugural National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Australia finds itself on a new journey but an old and critical road to mend. &nbsp;
From the over-representation of Indigenous kids in child protection and youth detention systems to the inordinately high rates of incarceration, family separation and suicide, there has been an ongoing failure to address their health and wellbeing, justice and education. Commissioner Hunter has been clear - First Peoples&rsquo; children and young people deserve better.&nbsp;
In an evening of reflection and hope, Sue-Anne Hunter shares her vision for uplifting the lives and voices of Indigenous Youth in Australia. She discusses how this new agency, now given statutory powers to do its important work, will help to realise international and domestic commitments to human rights, address systemic failures in federal and state institutions, and enhance the safety, wellbeing and life chances of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.&nbsp;Sue-Anne Hunter was joined in conversation by Isabella Higgins, host of ABC News' AM radio program.

Sue-Anne Hunter: Our kids deserve better

The ongoing conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has not only led to the deaths of many thousands of people, it has destabilised the global world order. As a middle power, Australia is being drawn into the conflict amid global pressures and strategic resource dependencies. Closer to home, the conflict is having a destabilising impact on Australia’s economy and enhancing other ongoing issues, such as rising inflation and concerns of higher unemployment. 

UNSW’s Nalini Prasad explains how global and domestic trends in the economy are impacting the Aussie wallet, and your standard of living. She will explain how these trends are threatening an economic situation called ‘stagflation’, unseen since the 1970s and difficult to solve through traditional policy levers.

The ongoing conflict between Iran, the US and Israel has not only led to the deaths of many thousands of people, it has destabilised the global world order. As a middle power, Australia is being drawn into the conflict amid global pressures and strategic resource dependencies. Closer to home, the conflict is having a destabilising impact on Australia&rsquo;s economy and enhancing other ongoing issues, such as rising inflation and concerns of higher unemployment.&nbsp; UNSW&rsquo;s Nalini Prasad explains how global and domestic trends in the economy are impacting the Aussie wallet, and your standard of living. She will explain how these trends are threatening an economic situation called &lsquo;stagflation&rsquo;, unseen since the 1970s and difficult to solve through traditional policy levers.

Nalini Prasad on global oil and the Aussie wallet

When Nila Ibrahimi posted a video of herself online, singing proudly in protest of the ban on girls over 12 singing in public, she hoped the music would inspire young girls to continue their education. It was 2021 and the Taliban’s return to Afghanistan had come down swiftly on women's freedom. The video went viral and the ban was reversed, sending a powerful message across social media – women of Afghanistan would not be erased from public life. The Taliban would, however, go on to prohibit female education and Nila and her family would have to flee her homeland. Undeterred, Nila continues to advocate for Afghan girls from Canada.

Listen in to winner of the 2024 International Children’s Peace Prize Nila Ibrahimi in her first ever visit to Australia. In conversation with UNSW’s Verity Firth, they’ll unpack how peaceful grassroots activism can empower people of all ages to challenge authority and the importance of a right to education.

When Nila Ibrahimi posted a video of herself online, singing proudly in protest of the ban on girls over 12 singing in public, she hoped the music would inspire young girls to continue their education. It was 2021 and the Taliban&rsquo;s return to Afghanistan had come down swiftly on women's freedom. The video went viral and the ban was reversed, sending a powerful message across social media &ndash; women of Afghanistan would not be erased from public life. The Taliban would, however, go on to prohibit female education and Nila and her family would have to flee her homeland. Undeterred, Nila continues to advocate for Afghan girls from Canada. Listen in to winner of the 2024 International Children&rsquo;s Peace Prize Nila Ibrahimi in her first ever visit to Australia. In conversation with UNSW&rsquo;s Verity Firth, they&rsquo;ll unpack how peaceful grassroots activism can empower people of all ages to challenge authority and the importance of a right to education.

Nila Ibrahimi: Song of Rebellion (Re-release)

Dr Karaitiana Taiuru is a leading global voice at the forefront of Māori data sovereignty and AI ethics. His practice draws on tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori to facilitate conversations about the ways emerging technologies must uplift, protect and empower Indigenous knowledge, culture and communities.

Hear him in conversation with Dr Sue Keay, where he explores why protecting Māori knowledge as a living treasure is one of the most exciting and urgent challenges of our tech future.

Dr Karaitiana Taiuru is a leading global voice at the forefront of Māori data sovereignty and AI ethics. His practice draws on tikanga Māori and mātauranga Māori to facilitate conversations about the ways emerging technologies must uplift, protect and empower Indigenous knowledge, culture and communities.
Hear him in conversation with Dr Sue Keay, where he explores why protecting Māori knowledge as a living treasure is one of the most exciting and urgent challenges of our tech future.

Guardians of the future: Māori knowledge in the age of AI

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Ideas is a thought-provoking program of events and digital content from the globe's leading thinkers, authors and artists.

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Idea…

UNSW Centre for Ideas | All Episodes

In an era of increasing productivity, efficiency and automation it’s important not to lose sight that education – the learning and teaching that we all pursue – is about human connection and transformation.   

Tune in to learn from Dr Gabi Nudelman, a Senior Lecturer in business sustainability and ethics, on how kindness could be our secret weapons against disconnection in our work and school environments.

In an era of increasing productivity, efficiency and automation it&rsquo;s important not to lose sight that education &ndash; the learning and teaching that we all pursue &ndash; is about human connection and transformation. &nbsp;&nbsp;
Tune in to learn from Dr Gabi Nudelman, a Senior Lecturer in business sustainability and ethics, on how kindness could be our secret weapons against disconnection in our work and school environments.

Kind by Design with Dr Gabi Nudelman | One Big Idea

The blood-brain barrier prevents 98% of medicines from reaching the brain. This prevents the effective treatment of neurological disorders, from cancer to Alzheimer’s. If we knew how to create drugs that could pass through this barrier, then we’d be able to create targeted, effective treatments. But doing so requires a lot of trial and error, and there aren’t a lot of effective, ethical, targeted treatments. Until now. 

Tune in to learn from Dr Alexis Minchaca Acosta, a Research Officer at the Children’s Cancer Institute, on how her work in lab-made blood brain barriers could change the game for neurological disorders.

The blood-brain barrier prevents 98% of medicines from reaching the brain. This prevents the effective treatment of neurological disorders, from cancer to Alzheimer&rsquo;s. If we knew how to create drugs that could pass through this barrier, then we&rsquo;d be able to create targeted, effective treatments. But doing so requires a lot of trial and error, and there aren&rsquo;t a lot of effective, ethical, targeted treatments. Until now.&nbsp;
Tune in to learn from Dr Alexis Minchaca Acosta, a Research Officer at the Children&rsquo;s Cancer Institute, on how her work in lab-made blood brain barriers could change the game for neurological disorders.

Unpicking the Lock to the Blood-Brain Barrier with Dr Alexis Minchaca Acosta | One Big Idea

As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, we are all at risk of one day having our homes and our lives being in danger from fire or flood. Right now, we are seeing an unprecedented level of people needing rescue in the midst of disaster. But rescue shouldn’t just be after the point of no return, when people must evacuate their homes because hazardous conditions overwhelm communities. 

Listen to Dr Regina Jefferies, a human rights and refugee lawyer, on how recognising the broad scope of who tends to be a first responder in a disaster, and what it means to truly save people, could offer a fairer, kinder chance of rescue.

As natural disasters increase in frequency and severity, we are all at risk of one day having our homes and our lives being in danger from fire or flood. Right now, we are seeing an unprecedented level of people needing rescue in the midst of disaster. But rescue shouldn&rsquo;t just be after the point of no return, when people must evacuate their homes because hazardous conditions overwhelm communities.&nbsp;
Listen to Dr Regina Jefferies, a human rights and refugee lawyer, on how recognising the broad scope of who tends to be a first responder in a disaster, and what it means to truly save people, could offer a fairer, kinder chance of rescue.

Reframing Rescue with Communities at the Heart with Dr Regina Jefferies | One Big Idea

Our coastal marine habitats are suffering from the man-made degradation of climate change. From coral reefs to seagrass meadows, oyster reefs and kelp forests, these ecosystems are vital nurseries for marine life and natural coastal buffers against storms and we’re losing them at a rapid pace. But all is not lost. We have the tools and the know-how to restore these environments.  

Tune in to learn from Ann Flemming Nielsen, a PhD student at the Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, on how we can use human engineering to build back the coastal environments in severe decline and give nature a chance to recover.

Our coastal marine habitats are suffering from the man-made degradation of climate change. From coral reefs to seagrass meadows, oyster reefs and kelp forests, these ecosystems are vital nurseries for marine life and natural coastal buffers against storms and we&rsquo;re losing them at a rapid pace. But all is not lost. We have the tools and the know-how to restore these environments. &nbsp;
Tune in to learn from Ann Flemming Nielsen, a PhD student at the Centre for Marine Science and Innovation, on how we can use human engineering to build back the coastal environments in severe decline and give nature a chance to recover.

Grand Designs for our Oceans' Habitats with Ann Flemming Nielsen | One Big Idea

Light has unlocked many technologies over the course of human history. The more we learn about what light is and what it can do, the more applications we find to advance our lives. When we study light at the smallest scale possible, at the atomic level, we can unlock some pretty amazing, pretty weird capabilities. 

Find out from Dr Alison Goldingay, an award-winning Postdoctoral Fellow at UNSW in the School of Physics, about how the study of light is making quantum computing a reality.

Light has unlocked many technologies over the course of human history. The more we learn about what light is and what it can do, the more applications we find to advance our lives. When we study light at the smallest scale possible, at the atomic level, we can unlock some pretty amazing, pretty weird capabilities.&nbsp;
Find out from Dr Alison Goldingay, an award-winning Postdoctoral Fellow at UNSW in the School of Physics, about how the study of light is making quantum computing a reality.

The Power of Light with Dr Alison Goldingay | One Big Idea

Ask any AI image generator to create an image of a garden and you’re likely to receive a very specific type; manicured English or French, colourful plants, geometric forms and a winding pathway made of stone or gravel. Why is this such a big deal? Millions of AI images are generated every week but they only represent a narrow view of real life because the technology is trained off western-centric perspectives. 

In an era of AI slop and Shrimp Jesus’, hear from Dr Charu Maithani, a Lecturer in Media, Journalism and Communication, about how changing the approach to machine learning could have far reaching effects on our visual vocabulary.

Ask any AI image generator to create an image of a garden and you&rsquo;re likely to receive a very specific type; manicured English or French, colourful plants, geometric forms and a winding pathway made of stone or gravel. Why is this such a big deal? Millions of AI images are generated every week but they only represent a narrow view of real life because the technology is trained off western-centric perspectives.&nbsp;
In an era of AI slop and Shrimp Jesus&rsquo;, hear from Dr Charu Maithani, a Lecturer in Media, Journalism and Communication, about how changing the approach to machine learning could have far reaching effects on our visual vocabulary.

Rewiring AI with Dr Charu Maithani | One Big Idea

More than 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide this year. Many treatments that are meant to save a child can leave them with lifelong side-effects, including heart damage, infertility and cognitive issues. But for the first time, precision medicine is using the tiniest tools – nanoparticles – to design tailor-made treatments to beat childhood cancer. 

Tune in to learn how precision medicine is changing the odds in the fight against childhood cancer with Professor Maria Kavallaris AM, a researcher whose own cancer diagnosis occurred at the same time as a career-changing opportunity to join the Children's Cancer Institute.

More than 400,000 children and adolescents will be diagnosed with cancer worldwide this year. Many treatments that are meant to save a child can leave them with lifelong side-effects, including heart damage, infertility and cognitive issues. But for the first time, precision medicine is using the tiniest tools &ndash; nanoparticles &ndash; to design tailor-made treatments to beat childhood cancer.&nbsp;
Tune in to learn how precision medicine is changing the odds in the fight against childhood cancer with Professor Maria Kavallaris AM, a researcher whose own cancer diagnosis occurred at the same time as a career-changing opportunity to join the Children's Cancer Institute.

Tailor-Made Childhood Cancer Treatments with Professor Maria Kavallaris AM | One Big Idea

One Big Idea program luminaries had no more than ten minutes to share how one concept in their field of expertise could revolutionise life on earth. You might be surprised what this curious, insightful group of experts can do with a spotlit stage and a single prompt; what if? 

Get inside the whip-smart minds of the people whose job it is to make the world a better place. From the impact of nanotechnology on cancer treatments to supporting ocean environments with urban engineering to the power of radical acts of kindness. Either watch their talks or listen to the podcast with Benjamin Law as he digs deeper into the lives of the people behind the big ideas.

One Big Idea&nbsp;program luminaries had no more than ten minutes to share how one concept in their field of expertise could revolutionise life on earth. You might be surprised what this curious, insightful group of experts can do with a spotlit stage and a single prompt; what if?&nbsp;
Get inside the whip-smart minds of the people whose job it is to make the world a better place. From the impact of nanotechnology on cancer treatments to supporting ocean environments with urban engineering to the power of radical acts of kindness. Either watch their talks or listen to the podcast with Benjamin Law as he digs deeper into the lives of the people behind the big ideas.

One Big Idea

In the popular imagination, preppers are busy hoarding tinned food in their bunkers while they wait for the end of the world. But is this what most prepping looks like? And is climate change as bad as all that? 

The bin fire of the last few years has ramped the eco-anxiety up to an 11. But as we go about our lives, studying, feeding our families, paying off our debts and waiting for the next season of The Great British Bake Off, have we all put our heads a little too far into the sand? Sure, we’re all worried, but we can’t be thinking about it all the time, much less heading to the hills to shoot our dinner and drag it back to our underground bunkers. Besides, it won't come to that... will it? 

Is there anything we can learn from the prepping mindset as the reality of climate change comes barrelling toward us? 

This episode features: 
John Scarinci – President, Australian Preppers Survival League
Kezia Barker – Senior Lecturer in Geography, Liverpool John Moores University
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering 

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

In the popular imagination, preppers are busy hoarding tinned food in their bunkers while they wait for the end of the world. But is this what most prepping looks like? And is climate change as bad as all that? 
The bin fire of the last few years has ramped the eco-anxiety up to an 11. But as we go about our lives, studying, feeding our families, paying off our debts and waiting for the next season of The Great British Bake Off, have we all put our heads a little too far into the sand? Sure, we’re all worried, but we can’t be thinking about it all the time, much less heading to the hills to shoot our dinner and drag it back to our underground bunkers. Besides, it won't come to that... will it? 
Is there anything we can learn from the prepping mindset as the reality of climate change comes barrelling toward us? 
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>John Scarinci – President, Australian Preppers Survival League</li>
<li>Kezia Barker – Senior Lecturer in Geography, Liverpool John Moores University</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering </li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 1: Ready Or Not

The Earth is cracking under the weight of our expectations, with growth held up as the economic north star. Meanwhile, wildlife populations are collapsing, the ocean is acidifying, and carbon emissions are still increasing. Despite everything we know about what’s wrong and what to do about it, we cling to our current way of life.

Civilizations have collapsed before. Could it be happening again? And if it is, what can we be doing to prepare for it?

This episode features: 
Richard Kingsford – Professor of Ecology and Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Science
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Mark Diesendorf – Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNSW Sydney
Jem Bendell – Emeritus Professor of Sustainability Leadership, University of Cumbria

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

The Earth is cracking under the weight of our expectations, with growth held up as the economic north star. Meanwhile, wildlife populations are collapsing, the ocean is acidifying, and carbon emissions are still increasing. Despite everything we know about what’s wrong and what to do about it, we cling to our current way of life.
Civilizations have collapsed before. Could it be happening again? And if it is, what can we be doing to prepare for it?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Richard Kingsford – Professor of Ecology and Director of the Centre for Ecosystem Science, UNSW Science</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
<li>Mark Diesendorf – Associate Professor of Environmental Studies, UNSW Sydney</li>
<li>Jem Bendell – Emeritus Professor of Sustainability Leadership, University of Cumbria</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 2: The End of the World As We Know It

As we struggle to reduce carbon emissions, environmental markets are creating a world where money really does grow on trees. But does putting a price on nature, and forcing the economy to value the things it’s always taken for granted, really work? And can it help us prepare for climate change?

This episode features: 
Miri (Margaret) Raven – Senior Scientia Lecture, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Megan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra
William Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering  
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

As we struggle to reduce carbon emissions, environmental markets are creating a world where money really does grow on trees. But does putting a price on nature, and forcing the economy to value the things it’s always taken for granted, really work? And can it help us prepare for climate change?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Miri (Margaret) Raven – Senior Scientia Lecture, UNSW Arts, Design &amp; Architecture</li>
<li>Megan Evans – Senior Lecturer, UNSW Canberra</li>
<li>William Glamore – Professor of Environmental Engineering , UNSW Engineering  </li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 3: What's It Worth?

We. Love. Heat. Bring on the summer! Right? But as each month sees another heat record broken, should we start thinking about heat differently?

What’s happening on a local and global level to prepare us for extreme weather events – and for a much sweatier future?

This episode features: 
Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick – Professor of Climate Science, ANU
Lan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture  
William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture
Shayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business School
Giovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business School
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Tim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

We. Love. Heat. Bring on the summer! Right? But as each month sees another heat record broken, should we start thinking about heat differently?
What’s happening on a local and global level to prepare us for extreme weather events – and for a much sweatier future?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick – Professor of Climate Science, ANU</li>
<li>Lan Ding – Associate Professor of Built Environment, UNSW Arts, Design &amp; Architecture  </li>
<li>William Craft – Sustainable Design Researcher, UNSW Arts, Design &amp; Architecture</li>
<li>Shayne Gary – Professor of Strategy and Entrepreneurship, UNSW Business School</li>
<li>Giovanni Cunico – PhD Candidate, UNSW Business School</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
<li>Tim Howlett – Team Leader Growth Planning Projects, Dubbo Regional Council</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 4: Meltdown

When it comes to climate change, answers can be difficult to nail down. Will the world reach net zero in time? What does a climate change future even look like? Will the changes come in my lifetime – or is it my kids or grandkids who will suffer? With every uncertainty, you can feel your head sink a little deeper into the sand...

What is it about our lives, and the way we do, or don’t, think about climate change, that makes it so difficult to change our behaviors? And what’s being done to help motivate people in high-risk areas to prepare?

This episode features: 
Ray Langenfelds – Atmospheric Scientist, CSIRO
Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering
Ben Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW Science
Candice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of Melbourne
Jeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture
Brian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne

Preppers is created by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

When it comes to climate change, answers can be difficult to nail down. Will the world reach net zero in time? What does a climate change future even look like? Will the changes come in my lifetime – or is it my kids or grandkids who will suffer? With every uncertainty, you can feel your head sink a little deeper into the sand...
What is it about our lives, and the way we do, or don’t, think about climate change, that makes it so difficult to change our behaviors? And what’s being done to help motivate people in high-risk areas to prepare?
This episode features: 
<ul>
<li>Ray Langenfelds – Atmospheric Scientist, CSIRO</li>
<li>Tommy Wiedmann – Professor of Sustainability, UNSW Engineering</li>
<li>Ben Newell – Professor of Psychology, UNSW Science</li>
<li>Candice Boyd – Associate Producer of Geography and Registered Clinical Psychologist, University of Melbourne</li>
<li>Jeremy Moss – Professor of Philosophy, UNSW Arts, Design and Architecture</li>
<li>Brian Cook – Associate Professor of Geography, University of Melbourne</li>
</ul>
Preppers is created by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>.

Preppers Episode 5: A Change of Heart

Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about climate change with investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic inPreppers, a podcast by the UNSW Centre for Ideas that dives deep into the realities we often avoid.

Get ready to confront the uncomfortable truths about climate change with investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic in Preppers, a podcast by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a> that dives deep into the realities we often avoid.

Trailer: Preppers

In the popular imagination preppers are eccentric, hoarder types with a fondness for tinned pineapple and a belief that ‘the end of the world as we know it’ is on its way. But as we move into an era that marks time by the rate and severity of disasters – with a pandemic in the rear view and more black summers out ahead – isn’t it about time we all started to prepare? 

 As heat records break and the weather becomes wilder, are we preparing hard and fast enough for the climate changes that are coming? And what’s happening at UNSW and beyond to get us ready? Investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic, presents Preppers, a new podcast by the UNSW Centre for Ideas. 

Are you getting ready?

In the popular imagination preppers are eccentric, hoarder types with a fondness for tinned pineapple and a belief that ‘the end of the world as we know it’ is on its way. But as we move into an era that marks time by the rate and severity of disasters – with a pandemic in the rear view and more black summers out ahead – isn’t it about time we all started to prepare? 
 As heat records break and the weather becomes wilder, are we preparing hard and fast enough for the climate changes that are coming? And what’s happening at UNSW and beyond to get us ready? Investigative humorist and climate action enthusiast Dan Ilic, presents Preppers, a new podcast by the <a href="https://unswcentreforideas.com/">UNSW Centre for Ideas</a>. 
Are you getting ready?

UNSW Centre for Ideas

Social links:

Follow the podcast:

2 clip(s)

363 clip(s)

7 clip(s)

6 clip(s)