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.

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>

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.

What Are We Trying to Escape?

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.

Will Climate Change Wipe Out the Indo-Pacific?

1.11.24 
What Happens Next? 
Can We Create a Better Reality? | 95 

In this thought-provoking episode of "What Happens Next?", Dr Susan Carland and her guests explore how emerging technologies like AI and robotics could help build a more equitable future. Following last week's examination of AI risks, we shift focus to the unprecedented opportunities for social good these tools present.

Leading experts – including Monash Data Futures Institute Director Professor Joanna Batstone, Robotics Australia Group chair Dr Sue Keay, Monash Faculty of Information Technology’s Professor Geoff Webb, and Monash Faculty of Arts’ Associate Professors Stephanie Collins and Ben Wellings – reveal how AI and robotics are already transforming healthcare, democracy, agriculture and elder care. They discuss fascinating innovations, from AI-powered crop monitoring systems helping Kenyan farmers to robots providing non-judgmental support for the elderly.

The conversation takes an important turn as Professor Chris Lawrence shares how Indigenous knowledge systems are being integrated into technology development at Monash, ensuring new innovations truly serve their intended users. Meanwhile, futurist Dr Ben Hamer highlights AI's potential $600 billion contribution to Australia's economy, while emphasising the need to focus on enhancing rather than replacing human capabilities.

We’re at a technological crossroads, and the experts agree – success lies in balancing innovation with responsible development. They outline practical steps toward implementing appropriate governance frameworks, ensuring inclusive design and maintaining human oversight.

Join Monash as we envision a future where technology serves humanity's highest aspirations, from strengthening democratic processes to revolutionising healthcare and education.

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

Learn more:
Part one: Will AI Cut Us off from Reality?
Star man: From a childhood dream to an Indigenous academy shooting for space
ChatGPT: Old AI problems in a new guise, new problems in disguise 

“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.

1.11.24  What Happens Next?  Can We Create a Better Reality? | 95 
In this thought-provoking episode of "What Happens Next?", Dr Susan Carland and her guests explore how emerging technologies like AI and robotics could help build a more equitable future. Following last week's examination of AI risks, we shift focus to the unprecedented opportunities for social good these tools present.
Leading experts – including Monash Data Futures Institute Director <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/joanna-batstone?utm_campaign=RESCH_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Batstone_profile_oct_australia">Professor Joanna Batstone</a>, Robotics Australia Group chair <a href="https://www.suekeay.com/">Dr Sue Keay</a>, Monash Faculty of Information Technology’s <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/geoff-webb?utm_campaign=RESCH_ITE&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Webb_profile_oct_australia">Professor Geoff Webb</a>, and Monash Faculty of Arts’ Associate Professors <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/stephanie-collins?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Collins_profile_oct_australia">Stephanie Collins</a> and <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/ben-wellings?utm_campaign=RESCH_ART&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Wellings_profile_oct_australia">Ben Wellings</a> – reveal how AI and robotics are already transforming healthcare, democracy, agriculture and elder care. They discuss fascinating innovations, from AI-powered crop monitoring systems helping Kenyan farmers to robots providing non-judgmental support for the elderly.
The conversation takes an important turn as <a href="https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/chris-lawrence?utm_campaign=RESCH_ITE&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=Lawrence_profile_nov_australia">Professor Chris Lawrence</a> shares how Indigenous knowledge systems are being integrated into technology development at Monash, ensuring new innovations truly serve their intended users. Meanwhile, futurist <a href="https://benhamer.space/">Dr Ben Hamer</a> highlights AI's potential $600 billion contribution to Australia's economy, while emphasising the need to focus on enhancing rather than replacing human capabilities.
We’re at a technological crossroads, and the experts agree – success lies in balancing innovation with responsible development. They outline practical steps toward implementing appropriate governance frameworks, ensuring inclusive design and maintaining human oversight.
Join Monash as we envision a future where technology serves humanity's highest aspirations, from strengthening democratic processes to revolutionising healthcare and education.
<a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@what-happens-next/2024/10/25/1387145/reality-2?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E95_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/@what-happens-next/2024/10/25/1387122/reality?utm_campaign=WHNPD_BRA&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=S9E94_podcast_oct_australia">Part one: Will AI Cut Us off from Reality?</a></li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@technology/2023/07/04/1385916/star-man-from-a-childhood-dream-to-an-indigenous-academy-shooting-for-space?utm_campaign=MLENS_ITE&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=StarMan_article_nov_australia">Star man: From a childhood dream to an Indigenous academy shooting for space</a> </li>
<li aria-level="1"><a href="https://lens.monash.edu/@politics-society/2023/02/13/1385448/chatgpt-old-ai-problems-in-a-new-guise-new-problems-in-disguise?utm_campaign=MLENS_BUS&amp;utm_source=omny_studio&amp;utm_medium=organic&amp;utm_content=ChatGPTProblems_article_nov_australia">ChatGPT: Old AI problems in a new guise, new problems in disguise </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.

While AI and robotics reshape our reality, experts explore how these emerging tools could be used to create a more equitable future – from healthcare breakthroughs to Indigenous-led innovation.

What Are We Trying to Escape?

In 1 playlist(s)

What Happens Next?

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips