On this episode of What’s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses the important distinction between consumerism and materialism and why being ‘materialistic’ isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

This episode was recorded on Thursday 1 October.

Read more on The Point.

Enter the code CURED to get 25% off Curing Affluenza: How to buy less stuff and save the world by Richard Denniss via Australia Institute Press.

Host: Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // @richarddenniss

Host: Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // @annachang

Show notes:

Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026, the Australia Institute

Revenue Summit 2026, the Australia Institute

More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (August 2026)

Theme music: Blue Dot Sessions

We’d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au. Subscribe to What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

On this episode of What&rsquo;s the Point?, Richard Denniss discusses the important distinction between consumerism and materialism and why being &lsquo;materialistic&rsquo; isn&rsquo;t necessarily a bad thing.
This episode was recorded on Thursday 1 October.
Read more on <a href="https://thepoint.com.au">The Point</a>.
Enter the code CURED to get 25% off <a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/curing-affluenza">Curing Affluenza: How to buy less stuff and save the world</a> by Richard Denniss via Australia Institute Press.
Host:&nbsp;Richard Denniss, co-Chief Executive Officer, the Australia Institute // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/richarddenniss.bsky.social">@richarddenniss</a>
Host:&nbsp;Anna Chang, Managing Editor, The Point // <a href="https://bsky.app/profile/annachang.bsky.social">@annachang</a>
Show notes:
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/bernie-fraser-oration-2026-hon-dr-jim-chalmers-mp">Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP | Bernie Fraser Oration 2026</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://events.humanitix.com/revenue-summit-2026">Revenue Summit 2026</a>, the Australia Institute
<a href="https://australiainstitute.org.au/store/more-fool-me-vantage-point-issue-6">More Fool Me: How the gas industry tricked Australia</a> by Richard Denniss, Australia Institute Press (August 2026)
Theme music:&nbsp;Blue Dot Sessions
We&rsquo;d love to hear your feedback on this series, so send in your questions, comments or suggestions for future episodes to <a href="mailto:podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au">podcasts@australiainstitute.org.au</a>. Subscribe to&nbsp;What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss&nbsp;on <a href="https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLgXQ0oSpA60zbnbOH5xNLdinbxKeW2JqH&amp;si=fKjXy59qM9uUQ77q">YouTube</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/whats-the-point-with-richard-denniss/id1896871574">Apple Podcasts</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/033rDEIEiJCMwPEwADjpfb">Spotify</a> or wherever you get your favourite podcasts.

What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians.

Richard connects the dots between policy and politics with sharp analysis. By getting straight to the point, Richard helps listeners understand how democracy works and why it matters.

Presented by the Australia Institute.

What&rsquo;s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians.
Richard connects the dots between policy and politics with sharp analysis. By getting straight to the point, Richard helps listeners understand how democracy works and why it matters.
Presented by the Australia Institute.

What’s the Point? with Richard Denniss cuts through the spin to explain the political and economic decisions shaping the lives of everyday Australians lives.