Many people would recognise Australian actress Yael Stone from her breakout role as the red-lipped Lorna Morello in TV series Orange is the New Black. But, in 2020 she gave up her green card, and her acting career in the United States, unable to reconcile the carbon emissions of the jet-setting lifestyle with her own climate conscience. Since then, Yael has channelled her focus into a new career path in climate advocacy, going back to university and co-founding the not-for-profit renewables and clean energy organisation, Hi Neighbour.  

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2026, hear actress, entrepreneur and climate advocate Yael Stone alongside writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law as they explore what we have to give up to gain a life living in alignment with our personal values.

Many people would recognise&nbsp;Australian&nbsp;actress&nbsp;Yael&nbsp;Stone&nbsp;from her breakout role as&nbsp;the red-lipped Lorna Morello&nbsp;in&nbsp;TV series&nbsp;Orange is the New Black.&nbsp;But, in&nbsp;2020 she gave up her green card, and her&nbsp;acting career&nbsp;in the United States,&nbsp;unable to reconcile the carbon emissions of&nbsp;the&nbsp;jet-setting&nbsp;lifestyle&nbsp;with her own climate&nbsp;conscience. Since then,&nbsp;Yael has channelled her focus into&nbsp;a new career&nbsp;path in&nbsp;climate&nbsp;advocacy, going back to university and co-founding&nbsp;the&nbsp;not-for-profit&nbsp;renewables and clean energy organisation,&nbsp;Hi Neighbour.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In celebration of International Women&rsquo;s Day 2026, hear actress, entrepreneur and climate advocate Yael Stone alongside writer and broadcaster Benjamin Law as they explore what we have to give up to gain a life living in alignment with our personal values.

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.

UNSW Centre for Ideas

An initiative of UNSW Sydney, the Centre for Idea…

UNSW Centre for Ideas | All Episodes

Yael Stone: Giving to gain

Within today's social media landscape, a finely tuned content algorithm is serving up often unhealthy and sometimes extreme views on masculinity. For boys, in particular, the injection of vitriol into playgrounds, classrooms, backyards and wider society has turned the question of what it means to be a man on its head. This is also having far-reaching consequences for young girls and women. 

So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? Hear ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.

Originally recorded on 18 November 2025.

Within today's social media landscape, a finely tuned content algorithm is serving up often unhealthy and sometimes extreme views on masculinity. For boys, in particular, the injection of vitriol into playgrounds, classrooms, backyards and wider society has turned the question of what it means to be a man on its head. This is also having far-reaching consequences for young girls and women.&nbsp;
So what do we do when influencers co-opt masculinity for clout? Hear&nbsp;ABC presenter Siobhan Marin as she explores this topic with award-winning author, human rights advocate and Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo, former Aussie Rules player and Chief Operating Officer for the AFL, Tom Harley.
Originally recorded on 18 November 2025.

Who's the Man? (Re-release)

Hear acclaimed political biographer Troy Bramston in conversation with UNSW’s Verity Firth and delve into his latest book Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New. From Whitlam’s rise through the Labor party to Prime Minister, to his family, upbringing and life after politics, Troy lifts the lid on new revelations behind the man and his polices.

Hear acclaimed political biographer Troy Bramston in conversation with UNSW&rsquo;s Verity Firth and delve into his latest book Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New. From Whitlam&rsquo;s rise through the Labor party to Prime Minister, to his family, upbringing and life after politics, Troy lifts the lid on new revelations behind the man and his polices.

Gough Whitlam: The Vista of the New

We’ve come a long way since references to lesbians could potentially land you jail-time and lesbian culture was less visible in literature and the arts, social commentary and public life. From anthemic pop icons Chappell Roan and Billie Eilish to commercially successful flicks like Bottoms and Love Lies Bleeding, lesbian culture is having a moment.  

In the fifty years since the rallying cry “Lesbians are Lovely!” was sprawled across walls, bodies and picket boards in the fight for recognition and liberation, there have been many developments in queer identity and culture. But are we making space for all lesbians and how can we celebrate every part of our community? 

Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, presenter and producer Mon Schafter and featuring a trailblazing lineup of panellist, including Kate Rowe, an activist and advocate ‘78er who marched in the original Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras; Kath Ebbs queer actor, presenter and content creator; and Jackie Turner, trans woman, social justice and climate organiser, and Director of Trans Justice Project. 

This event is co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas (in collaboration with Dr Yves Rees) and Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.

We&rsquo;ve&nbsp;come a long way since&nbsp;references to&nbsp;lesbians&nbsp;could&nbsp;potentially&nbsp;land you&nbsp;jail-time&nbsp;and lesbian&nbsp;culture was&nbsp;less visible&nbsp;in&nbsp;literature&nbsp;and the arts,&nbsp;social&nbsp;commentary&nbsp;and&nbsp;public life. From anthemic pop icons Chappell Roan and&nbsp;Billie Eilish&nbsp;to commercially successful flicks like&nbsp;Bottoms&nbsp;and&nbsp;Love Lies Bleeding, lesbian&nbsp;culture is having a moment.&nbsp;&nbsp;
In the fifty years since the rallying cry &ldquo;Lesbians are Lovely!&rdquo; was sprawled across walls,&nbsp;bodies&nbsp;and picket boards in the fight for recognition and liberation, there have been many developments in queer identity and culture.&nbsp;But are we making space for all lesbians and how can we celebrate&nbsp;every&nbsp;part&nbsp;of our community?&nbsp;
Hosted by Walkley Award-winning journalist, presenter and producer Mon Schafter and featuring a trailblazing lineup of panellist, including Kate Rowe, an activist and advocate &lsquo;78er who marched in the original Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras; Kath Ebbs queer actor, presenter and content creator; and Jackie Turner, trans woman, social justice and climate organiser, and Director of Trans Justice Project.&nbsp;
This event is co-presented by the UNSW Centre for Ideas (in collaboration with Dr Yves Rees) and <a href="https://www.mardigras.org.au/">Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras</a>.

Yael Stone: Giving to gain

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