We Need To Talk

'It's Time ... Again!' - Talking Gough Whitlam, our constitution, and becoming a republic with Professor Peter Botsman

This episode I had the great pleasure of talking with historian, teacher, and public policy writer, Professor Peter Botsman. He's an Honorary Fellow at Melbourne University and was a founder and head of the Whitlam Institute, and led think tanks, the Evatt Foundation and the Brisbane Institute. Peter wrote, 'The Great Constitution Swindle: A Citizen's View of the Australian Constitution' in 1999, which sparked debate about who actually wrote the first draft of our constitution with him pointing to Tasmania's Andrew Inglis Clark as its 'unsung' author. He studied at Cornell and Yale universities and advised the U.S. government on healthcare, after completing his PhD at the University of New South Wales in 1987. Such is his respect in America, he was invited to President Clinton's inauguration in 1993. In Peter's push for Australia to become a republic he's developed a model, the 'Australian Executive Council', which he believes will best achieve this aim. He's a passionate advocate of Indigenous rights and frequently travels to the Outback and Arnhem Land to teach in First Nations communities. In Peter's 'spare time', (I mean does he ever have any?) he runs a Scottish Highland cattle property in NSW's stunning Kangaroo Valley. So grab yourself a hot or cold beverage, and sit back for a fascinating and deeply insightful discussion on Whitlam, the constitution and becoming a republic with Professor Peter Botsman.

Rewiring the Brain from 'Womb to Tomb' - Talking with cognitive neuroscientist, Prof Mark Williams, about how to enhance our brain function for better human connection

This episode I'm talking with cognitive neuroscientist, Professor Mark Williams, who's spent over 25 years researching the connection between the human brain and our behaviour.  Mark's taught thousands of students and teachers about how to have a healthy brain and many more in the wider community with his numerous media appearances. He's had published over 70 scientific articles, along with his illuminating book, 'The Connected Species'. Mark and I discuss what drives our brain to think as it does and how we can rewire it to overcome serious issues such as bullying and racism, along with negative behaviour stemming from gender expectations around each sex.  Mark points out that kindness, compassion and empathy shape our brains to improve individual and community wellbeing.  So, sit back and make yourselves comfortable for a fascinating discussion with Professor Mark Williams.

Facing the Truth - Talking with Craig Foster on Human Rights and moving Australia forward as a nation

This episode, the first of our second series, I had the great pleasure of talking with Craig Foster, one of Australia's most respected sportspeople and human rights activists -  Since his Socceroo days, Craig has had an illustrious career as a sports broadcaster, alongside his unwavering human rights advocacy, primarily around multiculturalism, particularly in support of refugees and those seeking asylum in our country - Last year Craig was elected the chairperson of the Australian Republic Movement (ARM) and whilst he is a passionate campaigner for this cause, he is committed to Australia first having an Indigenous Voice to Parliament that is enshrined in our constitution - In 2021, Craig was appointed a member of the Order of Australia and is the current NSW Australian of the Year - Sit back for a deeply inspirational talk with the irrepressible Craig Foster on why standing up for human rights is vital to the wellbeing of each other, our nation and our global community -

'Eleven Sons, Two Daughters' - Talking with Catherine Knox about Postnatal Depression, in particular, anger, guilt and a loss of identity

This episode I'm talking with Social Justice advocate and educator, Catherine Knox, about Postnatal Depression and how we each got through this tough life challenge. Catherine and I go back almost 20 years when I interviewed her for my PhD research on this serious health issue. Between us, we have 13 children, 11 sons and 2 daughters, so we have plenty of experience around motherhood to share, as well as knowledge we've gained from our professional lives. Catherine and I discuss how feelings of anger, guilt and a loss of identity amongst new mothers often stem from gender expectations around the 'good mother' ideology. A sense of humour and keeping a healthy perspective as a mother are two of the main factors we talk about which led to our recoveries. So sit back and enjoy this very frank and open discussion between two experts on Postnatal Depression, Catherine Knox, and, 'yours truly'.

Making clear 'Voice, Treaty and Truth' - Talking with author and leading activist, Thomas Mayor, about the Uluru Statement from the Heart in the lead up to Australia's next referendum

This episode I had the great honour of talking with author and leading activist, Thomas Mayor, who carried the Uluru Statement from the Heart around Australia for 18 months from 2017. Thomas explains the three key elements of the Uluru Statement - Voice, Treaty and Truth, in particular, why our country needs an Enshrined Indigenous Voice to parliament. Our discussion helps to dispel confusion around what effect this change to our constitution will have and makes clear why this action is vital to the wellbeing of our First Nations people and therefore, to our nation as a whole. So sit back and enjoy this truly enlightening and inspirational talk with the irrepressible, Thomas Mayor.