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?

22.11.24 
What Happens Next? 
What's Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis? | 98 

Every nine days, an Australian woman dies at the hands of a current or former partner.

In this episode of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?” podcast, Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests expose the deep-rooted forces perpetuating violence against women. 

Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon challenges our national security priorities, while former Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack AM unravels centuries of patriarchal influence. Professor Jane Fisher illuminates the complex barriers facing migrant and refugee communities, Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Stephanie Wescott reveal alarming trends in our schools and Associate Professor Charles Livingstone exposes the hidden links between gambling addiction and violence.

Discover how patriarchal systems, economic inequality and modern threats such as social media’s manosphere and technology-facilitated abuse create a perfect storm of violence – and learn why Australia's current response falls dangerously short.

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



Learn more:


Eliminating gender-based violence


Masculinity, part 1: It’s a Man’s World – “What Happens Next?”


Gambling: A developing global disaster for public health



Australian resources recommended by our experts:

Gender-Based Violence help:


For anyone in immediate danger, call 000 for police and ambulance


1800RESPECT or 1800respect.org.au – Confidential national counselling and support service for people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, their family and friends and frontline workers


1800FULLSTOP (1800 385 578) – National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery service


WhiteRibbon.org.au


Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline – 1800 497 212


13YARN (13 92 76) – A national crisis support line for mob


Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) – A service for men who use family violence


Mensline Australia (1300 789 978) – telephone and online support for men in Australia

Gambling help:


1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au

Information about the crisis:


Ourwatch.org.au – Quick facts about violence against women


RespectVictoria.vic.gov.au – Research and resources

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Feels Safe?’, the final episode of season nine.



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.

22.11.24  What Happens Next?  What's Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis? | 98 
Every nine days, an Australian woman dies at the hands of a current or former partner.
In this episode of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?” podcast, Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests expose the deep-rooted forces perpetuating violence against women. 
<a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/kate-fitz-gibbon?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=KateFitzGibbon_website_nov_australia">Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon</a> challenges our national security priorities, while former Victims of Crime Commissioner <a href="https://www.monash.edu/alumni/community/distinguished-alumni-awards/2021/fiona-mccormack-am?utm_campaign=ALUMN_ERD&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=FionaMcCormack_website_nov_australia">Fiona McCormack AM</a> unravels centuries of patriarchal influence. <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/jane-fisher?utm_campaign=RESCH_MED&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=JaneFisher_website_nov_australia">Professor Jane Fisher</a> illuminates the complex barriers facing migrant and refugee communities, <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/steven-roberts?utm_campaign=RESCH_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=StevenRoberts_website_nov_australia">Professor Steven Roberts</a> and <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/stephanie-wescott?utm_campaign=RESCH_EDU&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=StephWescott_website_nov_australia">Dr Stephanie Wescott</a> reveal alarming trends in our schools and <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/charles-livingstone?utm_campaign=RESCH_MED&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=CharlesLivingstone_website_nov_australia">Associate Professor Charles Livingstone</a> exposes the hidden links between gambling addiction and violence.
Discover how patriarchal systems, economic inequality and modern threats such as social media’s manosphere and technology-facilitated abuse create a perfect storm of violence – and learn why Australia's current response falls dangerously short.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/11/22/1387174/gender-based-violence?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E98_podcast_nov_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
 
Learn more:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/eliminating-gender-based-violence?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=GBVShorthand_website_nov_australia">Eliminating gender-based violence</a> 
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2020/06/26/1380751/whnpodcast-masculinity-s2-part1?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S2E19_podcast_nov_australia">Masculinity, part 1: It’s a Man’s World – “What Happens Next?”</a>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@medicine-health/2024/10/25/1387127/gambling-a-developing-global-disaster-for-public-health?utm_campaign=MLENS_MED&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Gambling_article_nov_australia">Gambling: A developing global disaster for public health</a>
</li>
</ul>
 
Australian resources recommended by our experts:
Gender-Based Violence help:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
For anyone in immediate danger, call 000 for police and ambulance
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
1800RESPECT or <a href="http://1800respect.org.au">1800respect.org.au</a> – Confidential national counselling and support service for people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, their family and friends and frontline workers
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
1800FULLSTOP (1800 385 578) – National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery service
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="http://whiteribbon.org.au">WhiteRibbon.org.au</a>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline – 1800 497 212
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
13YARN (13 92 76) – A national crisis support line for mob
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) – A service for men who use family violence
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Mensline Australia (1300 789 978) – telephone and online support for men in Australia
</li>
</ul>
Gambling help:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au
</li>
</ul>
Information about the crisis:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="http://ourwatch.org.au">Ourwatch.org.au</a> – Quick facts about violence against women
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="http://respectvictoria.vic.gov.au">RespectVictoria.vic.gov.au</a> – Research and resources
</li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Feels Safe?’, the final episode of season nine.
 
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.

Every nine days, an Australian woman dies from domestic violence. Leading experts reveal why our current response falls short and what must change.

What's Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis?

15.11.24
What Happens Next?
Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet? | 97

When it comes to climate change, data alone often fails to inspire action. But across the Indo-Pacific, communities are reframing climate communication by shifting from statistics to human-centred storytelling. This episode of “What Happens Next?” explores how real stories of resilience, innovation and traditional knowledge are adding new plotlines to the narrative of climate change, helping us understand its impacts on a deeper level.

Host Dr Susan Carland speaks with frontline storytellers who are amplifying local voices – from communities adapting to rising sea levels to Indigenous leaders drawing on age-old wisdom to combat environmental challenges. Expert outline how these narratives bridge the gap between global issues and local experiences, making climate science relevant to daily life.

You’ll hear about groundbreaking projects like Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee program, which sends students to witness climate impacts firsthand, and RISE (Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments), a collaborative effort combining traditional and modern methods to address climate challenges in challenging urban environments. By focusing on the lived experiences of those directly affected, the episode highlights how storytelling can transform climate awareness into meaningful action. 

Tune in to discover why the stories we tell might just help save the planet.

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

Learn more:


Part One: Will Climate Change Wipe Out the Indo-Pacific?


RISE Indonesia: Revitalising informal settlements in Makassar


Why we need disability-inclusive climate change adaptation plans

“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.

15.11.24 What Happens Next? Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet? | 97
When it comes to climate change, data alone often fails to inspire action. But across the Indo-Pacific, communities are reframing climate communication by shifting from statistics to human-centred storytelling. This episode of “What Happens Next?” explores how real stories of resilience, innovation and traditional knowledge are adding new plotlines to the narrative of climate change, helping us understand its impacts on a deeper level.
Host Dr Susan Carland speaks with frontline storytellers who are amplifying local voices – from communities adapting to rising sea levels to Indigenous leaders drawing on age-old wisdom to combat environmental challenges. Expert outline how these narratives bridge the gap between global issues and local experiences, making climate science relevant to daily life.
You’ll hear about groundbreaking projects like Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee program, which sends students to witness climate impacts firsthand, and RISE (Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments), a collaborative effort combining traditional and modern methods to address climate challenges in challenging urban environments. By focusing on the lived experiences of those directly affected, the episode highlights how storytelling can transform climate awareness into meaningful action. 
Tune in to discover why the stories we tell might just help save the planet.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/11/15/1387164/indo-pacific-2?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E97_podcast_nov_australia">A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.</a>
Learn more:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/11/08/1387151/indo-pacific?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E96_podcast_nov_australia">Part One: Will Climate Change Wipe Out the Indo-Pacific?</a>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@environment/2019/03/22/1374017/bringing-new-life-to-settlements-in-makassar?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=RISEIndonesia_article_nov_australia">RISE Indonesia: Revitalising informal settlements in Makassar</a>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@climate-change-rising-to-the-real-urgent-and-globa/2024/10/29/1386887/why-we-need-disability-inclusive-climate-change-adaptation-plans?utm_campaign=MLENS_SCI&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=JustTransition_article_nov_australia">Why we need disability-inclusive climate change adaptation plans</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.

See how storytelling, not statistics, can inspire climate action by highlighting resilience and innovation across the Indo-Pacific on a new episode of “What Happens Next?”.

Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet?

8.11.24 
What Happens Next? 
Will Climate Change Wipe Out the Indo-Pacific? | 96

Explore the mounting climate challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, Monash University’s home and a region at the frontline of the global environmental crisis. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and record-breaking heat are reshaping the lives of millions, but these issues are more than just numbers and projections—they’re personal, cultural and immediate.

Host Dr Susan Carland speaks with experts from Monash, including Professor Tony Capon, Dr Gabriel García Ochoa, Dr Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson, Dr Elissa Waters and Professor Christian Jakob. Together, they discuss why the Indo-Pacific’s unique vulnerabilities demand urgent action and how the stories we tell about climate change impact our willingness to act.

Dr García Ochoa highlights the power—and dangers—of storytelling, explaining how compelling but simplified narratives can either inspire change or undermine it. Dr Jackson shares the deeply personal cost of climate impacts on Pacific Island communities, whose connection to the land is both cultural and ancestral. Meanwhile, Dr Waters calls for nuanced narratives that recognise the resilience and rights of Pacific Islanders, emphasising that adaptation, not just relocation, is key.

As COP29 approaches, this episode calls for global attention on the Indo-Pacific’s fight for survival.

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

Learn more:
Why Are We So Anxious About Earth? – Monash University
What Happens Next?: Is Australia Behind in the Critical Minerals Race? – Monash University
The impact of climate change on human health – Monash Lens

“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet?’.

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.

8.11.24 What Happens Next? Will Climate Change Wipe Out the Indo-Pacific? | 96
Explore the mounting climate challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, Monash University’s home and a region at the frontline of the global environmental crisis. Rising sea levels, extreme weather events and record-breaking heat are reshaping the lives of millions, but these issues are more than just numbers and projections—they’re personal, cultural and immediate.
Host Dr Susan Carland speaks with experts from Monash, including <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/tony-capon?utm_campaign=RESCH_MSD&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Tony_website_nov_australia">Professor Tony Capon</a>, <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/gabriel-garcia-ochoa?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Gabe_website_nov_australia">Dr Gabriel García Ochoa</a>, <a href="https://lagipoiva.com/">Dr Lagipoiva Cherelle Jackson</a>, <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/elissa-waters?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Elissa_website_nov_australia">Dr Elissa Waters</a> and <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/christian-jakob?utm_campaign=RESCH_SCI&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Christian_website_nov_australia">Professor Christian Jakob</a>. Together, they discuss why the Indo-Pacific’s unique vulnerabilities demand urgent action and how the stories we tell about climate change impact our willingness to act.
Dr García Ochoa highlights the power—and dangers—of storytelling, explaining how compelling but simplified narratives can either inspire change or undermine it. Dr Jackson shares the deeply personal cost of climate impacts on Pacific Island communities, whose connection to the land is both cultural and ancestral. Meanwhile, Dr Waters calls for nuanced narratives that recognise the resilience and rights of Pacific Islanders, emphasising that adaptation, not just relocation, is key.
As COP29 approaches, this episode calls for global attention on the Indo-Pacific’s fight for survival.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/11/08/1387151/indo-pacific?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E96_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/2023/09/01/1386094/climate-anxiety?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S8E83_podcast_nov_australia">Why Are We So Anxious About Earth? – Monash University</a> </li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2022/11/04/1385248/whnpodcast-minerals-1?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S7E72_podcast_nov_australia">What Happens Next?: Is Australia Behind in the Critical Minerals Race? – Monash University</a> </li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/2024/10/31/1387143/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-human-health?utm_campaign=MLENS_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=HealthClimate_article_nov_australia">The impact of climate change on human health – Monash Lens</a> </li>
</ul>
“What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet?’.
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.

Experts discuss the urgent climate challenges facing the Indo-Pacific, from rising sea levels to cultural impacts, and explore how storytelling can drive action on the climate crisis.

Can Escapism Be Good for Us?

What Happens Next?

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