27.10.23
What Happens Next?
Can Escapism Be Good for Us? | 91

New this season:Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each full episode.

Content warning: This episode contains drug references. To skip them, jump ahead to 08:04.

Whether through television, books, games, films or music, escapism serves as a crucial element of the human experience.

This week, Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests explore different forms of escapism, from pseudo-nostalgia, to live action role-playing and video games, to reality TV.

Author Michael W Clune makes a vital distinction between healthy escapism and addiction.

Monash University Business School Associate Professor Davide Orazi explains the appeal of pseudo-nostalgia and live action role-playing.

Cultural critic Dr Clem Bastow discusses the ways we can use escapism to learn about ourselves.

Monash Arts lecturer Dr Whitney Monaghan argues that we bring our full selves into our interactions with media. Are we really escaping anything after all?

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
When worlds collide: What happens when you return from an extraordinary experience?
Game on: Unravelling the bright and dark sides of online gaming
How video games can promote empathic learning in children

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with an all-new topic.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

27.10.23 What Happens Next? Can Escapism Be Good for Us? | 91
<hr>
New this season: <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel</a> to watch the video version of each full episode.
<hr>
Content warning: This episode contains drug references. To skip them, jump ahead to 08:04.
Whether through television, books, games, films or music, escapism serves as a crucial element of the human experience.
This week, Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests explore different forms of escapism, from pseudo-nostalgia, to live action role-playing and video games, to reality TV.
Author <a href="http://www.michaelwclune.com/">Michael W Clune</a> makes a vital distinction between healthy escapism and addiction.
Monash University Business School Associate Professor <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/davide-orazi?utm_campaign=RESCH_BUS&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Orazi_website_oct_australia">Davide Orazi</a> explains the appeal of pseudo-nostalgia and live action role-playing.
Cultural critic <a href="http://www.clembastow.com/">Dr Clem Bastow</a> discusses the ways we can use escapism to learn about ourselves.
Monash Arts lecturer <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/whitney-monaghan?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Monaghan_website_oct_australia">Dr Whitney Monaghan</a> argues that we bring our full selves into our interactions with media. Are we really escaping anything after all?
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/10/27/1386249/can-escapism-be-good?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E91_podcast_oct_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://impact.monash.edu/marketing/larp-when-worlds-collide/?utm_campaign=IMPAC_BUS&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=LARP_article_oct_australia">When worlds collide: What happens when you return from an extraordinary experience?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@medicine-health/2021/07/12/1383460/game-on-unravelling-the-bright-and-dark-sides-of-online-gaming?utm_campaign=ADLEN_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Gaming_video_oct_australia">Game on: Unravelling the bright and dark sides of online gaming</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@technology/2020/09/04/1381176/how-videogames-can-promote-empathic-learning-in-children?utm_campaign=MLENS_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=VideoGamesEmpathy_article_oct_australia">How video games can promote empathic learning in children</a></li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with an all-new topic.
If you’re enjoying the show, <a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">don’t forget to subscribe</a>, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

The Handmaid’s Tale. Brave New World. Mad Max. Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course?

What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future? Learn from leaders, listen to the people making a difference, and discover how you can help drive change.

The Handmaid&rsquo;s Tale. Brave New World. Mad Max. Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course?
What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future? Learn from leaders, listen to the people making a difference, and discover how you can help drive change.

What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future?

What Happens Next?

Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course? On Monash University's podcast, academic and commentator Dr Susan Carland steps through the sliding doors with global experts and thought leaders to find out what could happen if we don’t change – and what the world could look like if we do. To learn more, visit lens.monash.edu.

Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course? On Monash University's podcast, academic and commentator Dr Susan Carland steps through the sliding doors with global experts and thought leaders to find out what could happen if we don’t change – and what the world could look like if we do. To learn more, visit <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next">lens.monash.edu.</a>

Monash University’s podcast, “What Happens Next?”, examines the benefits of escapism for our renewal and well-being.

Can Escapism Be Good for Us?

10.11.23
What Happens Next?
Can We Learn to Be More Civil? | 93

New this season:Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each episode.

With the advent of social media, conversations and disagreements are magnified. But as our exchanges become increasingly digital, we must remember that behind every screen, there’s a fellow human being.

In the last episode of Season 8, Dr Susan Carland’s expert guests highlight the importance of maintaining civility, and its role in preserving democratic principles and collective pursuit of the common good.

Dr Amanda Stephens emphasises the importance of being aware of our mindset before engaging with others.

Dr Steven Zech points out that building cooperation – whether it’s between governments or individuals – takes time, and it can be lost in a moment.

Professor Lucas Walsh calls attention to the need to educate young people about common challenges such as climate change that demand collective solutions.

Associate Professor Helen Forbes-Mewett recognises the significance of civility as a cornerstone of social cohesion, particularly in multicultural societies.

Scott Stephens, co-host of ABC Radio National’s The Minefield, emphasises the essential nature of face-to-face interactions for understanding the moral reality of another person.

Finally, academic and presenter Dr Waleed Aly identifies the ways we can remove contempt and engage in good faith with people whose views we oppose.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
Ripple effect: The social consequences of the ‘everyday’ hate crime
Hi, neighbour: The dynamics that shape Melbourne's inter-ethnic relationships
Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what's behind this common (and annoying) driving habit

Thank you for joining us for Season 8 of “What Happens Next?”. We’ll be back with all-new episodes in a few short months. Explore our back catalog or watch your favourite episodes.

Don’t forget to subscribe to be notified about our next season, and rate or review the show to help others discover it.

10.11.23 What Happens Next? Can We Learn to Be More Civil? | 93
<hr>
New this season: <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel</a> to watch the video version of each episode.
<hr>
With the advent of social media, conversations and disagreements are magnified. But as our exchanges become increasingly digital, we must remember that behind every screen, there’s a fellow human being.
In the last episode of Season 8, Dr Susan Carland’s expert guests highlight the importance of maintaining civility, and its role in preserving democratic principles and collective pursuit of the common good.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/amanda-stephens?utm_campaign=RESCH_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Stephens_website_nov_australia">Dr Amanda Stephens</a> emphasises the importance of being aware of our mindset before engaging with others.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/steven-zech?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Zech_website_nov_australia">Dr Steven Zech</a> points out that building cooperation – whether it’s between governments or individuals – takes time, and it can be lost in a moment.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/lucas-walsh?utm_campaign=RESCH_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Walsh_website_nov_australia">Professor Lucas Walsh</a> calls attention to the need to educate young people about common challenges such as climate change that demand collective solutions.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/helen-forbes-mewett?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Forbes-Mewett_website_nov_australia">Associate Professor Helen Forbes-Mewett</a> recognises the significance of civility as a cornerstone of social cohesion, particularly in multicultural societies.
<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/scott-stephens/33390">Scott Stephens</a>, co-host of ABC Radio National’s The Minefield, emphasises the essential nature of face-to-face interactions for understanding the moral reality of another person.
Finally, academic and presenter <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/waleed-aly-1/7690840">Dr Waleed Aly</a> identifies the ways we can remove contempt and engage in good faith with people whose views we oppose.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/11/03/1386282/can-we-learn-to-be-civil?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E93_podcast_nov_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2021/06/10/1383332/ripple-effect-the-social-consequences-of-the-everyday-hate-crime?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=HateCrime_article_nov_australia">Ripple effect: The social consequences of the ‘everyday’ hate crime</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2020/04/07/1379809/the-dynamics-that-shape-melbournes-inter-ethnic-relationships?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Neighbourhoods_article_nov_australia">Hi, neighbour: The dynamics that shape Melbourne's inter-ethnic relationships</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2023/01/04/1385372/why-do-people-tailgate-a-psychologist-explains-whats-behind-this-common-and-annoying-driving-habit?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Tailgating_article_nov_australia">Why do people tailgate? A psychologist explains what's behind this common (and annoying) driving habit</a></li>
</ul>
Thank you for joining us for Season 8 of “What Happens Next?”. We’ll be back with all-new episodes in a few short months. <a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=WHN_website_nov_australia">Explore our back catalog</a> or <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">watch your favourite episodes</a>.
<a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">Don’t forget to subscribe</a> to be notified about our next season, and rate or review the show to help others discover it.

Monash University’s podcast, “What Happens Next?”, explores the importance of civility in a digital age, reminding us to recognise the humanity behind screens.

Can We Learn to be More Civil?

3.11.23
What Happens Next?
Are We Getting More Rude? | 92

New this season:Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each full episode.

Lockdown helped stop the spread of COVID-19, but it didn’t do our social skills any favours. Have we forgotten how to get along?

Civility goes beyond simple politeness  – it’s a crucial virtue that binds people together. It’s also essential for maintaining democracy.

This week, host Dr Susan Carland is joined by world-leading journalists, commentators and academics for an investigation of civility.

Are we getting more rude? Monash University’s Dr Steven Zech talks about the concerning trend of increasing incivility among certain groups, especially politicians.

Dr Amanda Stephens, of Monash’s Accident Research Centre, discusses road rage and the “de-identifying bubbles” of our cars.

As our society becomes more individualised, finding shared values and a mutual understanding of the common good becomes a critical challenge. Without them, says education expert Professor Lucas Walsh, a breakdown of civility in public discourse is inevitable.

Engaging civilly means inviting responses and acknowledging humanity. Dr Waleed Aly and Scott Stephens, co-hosts of The Minefield, consider the issue of contempt, highlighting how it can erode the foundation of a democratic society.

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
Anger and aggressive driving all the rage on our roads
The Oscars slap raises important moral question about civility and incivility
Scanlon report: Taking Australia's temperature on migration attitudes

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series and our final episode of the season: ‘Can We Learn to Be More Civil?’.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

3.11.23 What Happens Next? Are We Getting More Rude? | 92
<hr>
New this season: <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel</a> to watch the video version of each full episode.
<hr>
Lockdown helped stop the spread of COVID-19, but it didn’t do our social skills any favours. Have we forgotten how to get along?
Civility goes beyond simple politeness  – it’s a crucial virtue that binds people together. It’s also essential for maintaining democracy.
This week, host Dr Susan Carland is joined by world-leading journalists, commentators and academics for an investigation of civility.
Are we getting more rude? Monash University’s <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/steven-zech?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Zech_website_nov_australia">Dr Steven Zech</a> talks about the concerning trend of increasing incivility among certain groups, especially politicians.
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/amanda-stephens?utm_campaign=RESCH_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Stephens_website_nov_australia">Dr Amanda Stephens</a>, of Monash’s Accident Research Centre, discusses road rage and the “de-identifying bubbles” of our cars.
As our society becomes more individualised, finding shared values and a mutual understanding of the common good becomes a critical challenge. Without them, says education expert <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/lucas-walsh?utm_campaign=RESCH_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Walsh_website_nov_australia">Professor Lucas Walsh</a>, a breakdown of civility in public discourse is inevitable.
Engaging civilly means inviting responses and acknowledging humanity. <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/waleed-aly-1/7690840">Dr Waleed Aly</a> and <a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/scott-stephens/33390">Scott Stephens</a>, co-hosts of The Minefield, consider the issue of contempt, highlighting how it can erode the foundation of a democratic society.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/10/27/1386267/are-we-getting-more-rude?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E92_podcast_nov_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2022/11/21/1385266/anger-and-aggressive-driving-all-the-rage-on-our-roads?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=RoadRage_article_nov_australia">Anger and aggressive driving all the rage on our roads</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2022/03/30/1384570/the-oscars-slap-raises-important-moral-question-about-civility-and-incivility?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=OscarsSlap_article_nov_australia">The Oscars slap raises important moral question about civility and incivility</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2019/11/26/1378459/scanlon-report-taking-australias-temperature-on-migration-attitudes?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=ScanlonReport_article_nov_australia">Scanlon report: Taking Australia's temperature on migration attitudes</a></li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series and our final episode of the season: ‘Can We Learn to Be More Civil?’.
If you’re enjoying the show, <a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">don’t forget to subscribe</a>, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

On Monash University’s podcast, “What Happens Next?”, experts discuss the importance of civility in a democratic society marked by dehumanisation and the erosion of shared values.

Are We Getting More Rude?

20.10.23
What Happens Next?
What Are We Trying to Escape? | 90

New this season:Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each full episode.

“What Happens Next?” returns with a new topic: escapism. From pseudo-nostalgia that transports us to imagined pasts, to the allure of live action role-play and video games, host Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests shed light on the power of escapism, the blurring of fiction and reality, and the fine line between healthy indulgence and potential addiction.

Escapism often involves seeking refuge in an alternative reality, be it through binge-watching TV shows, playing video games, or even live-action role-playing (LARPing).

But is it unhealthy to long for a place – or even a time – that you’ve never experienced? And what about the parasocial relationships we often create with fictional characters from our favourite media?

This week’s guest experts include Monash University Business School’s Associate Professor Davide Orazi, cultural critic Dr Clem Bastow, Monash’s School of Media, Film and Journalism lecturer Dr Whitney Monaghan and author Professor Michael W Clune.

Today’s episode raises questions about the balance between healthy escapism and excessive immersion, as well as the impact of escapism on individuals' ability to return to reality. Can the line become too blurred?

A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

Learn more:
‘Reality bleed’, and the blurred lines of live-action role-playing
Screen time: Are we seeing ourselves on television?
The science of addiction - A Different Lens

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can Escapism Be Good for Us?’.

If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

20.10.23 What Happens Next? What Are We Trying to Escape? | 90
<hr>
New this season: <a href="https://youtube.com/@MonashUniversity">Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel</a> to watch the video version of each full episode.
<hr>
“What Happens Next?” returns with a new topic: escapism. From pseudo-nostalgia that transports us to imagined pasts, to the allure of live action role-play and video games, host Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests shed light on the power of escapism, the blurring of fiction and reality, and the fine line between healthy indulgence and potential addiction.
Escapism often involves seeking refuge in an alternative reality, be it through binge-watching TV shows, playing video games, or even live-action role-playing (LARPing).
But is it unhealthy to long for a place – or even a time – that you’ve never experienced? And what about the parasocial relationships we often create with fictional characters from our favourite media?
This week’s guest experts include Monash University Business School’s <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/davide-orazi?utm_campaign=RESCH_BUS&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Orazi_website_oct_australia">Associate Professor Davide Orazi</a>, cultural critic <a href="http://www.clembastow.com/">Dr Clem Bastow</a>, Monash’s School of Media, Film and Journalism lecturer <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/whitney-monaghan?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Monaghan_website_oct_australia">Dr Whitney Monaghan</a> and author <a href="http://www.michaelwclune.com/">Professor Michael W Clune</a>.
Today’s episode raises questions about the balance between healthy escapism and excessive immersion, as well as the impact of escapism on individuals' ability to return to reality. Can the line become too blurred?
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2023/10/13/1386231/what-are-we-trying-to-escape?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E90_podcast_oct_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2022/08/31/1385013/reality-bleed-and-the-blurred-lines-of-live-action-role-playing?utm_campaign=MLENS_BUS&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=RealityBleed_article_oct_australia">‘Reality bleed’, and the blurred lines of live-action role-playing</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2023/06/06/1385713/screen-time-are-we-seeing-ourselves-on-television?utm_campaign=MLENS_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Representation_article_oct_australia">Screen time: Are we seeing ourselves on television?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@a-different-lens/2018/05/28/1350176/science-of-addiction?utm_campaign=ADLEN_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Addiction_video_oct_australia">The science of addiction - A Different Lens</a></li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can Escapism Be Good for Us?’.
If you’re enjoying the show, <a href="https://podfollow.com/1485676423">don’t forget to subscribe</a>, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

Is escapism a healthy retreat or a slippery slope? Join the conversation with experts from Monash University and beyond on how escapism, from LARPing to video games, affects our lives.

Can Escapism Be Good for Us?

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