Absolutely Revolting

Bonus Episode: Discover the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative

Liam sits down with Melbourne Public Humanities Initative (MPHI) producer Seth Robinson to talk about research translation, storytelling, and the value of public humanities.    About Seth Robinson Seth Robinson is a writer, producer, and academic. He Lectures in the University of Melbourne's Executive Master of Arts Program, and works as the Creative Producer for the MPHI. He is currently co-host of the podcast 'Unfolded', with Tony Birch, which presents original audiofictions, and does a deep dive interview with the stories' authors.   Absolutely Revolting is a podcast that takes history to the barricades. History-curious dilettante and music addict Francis Leach joins renowned historian and Star Wars encyclopaedia Dr Liam Byrne on a rampage through the history of social change, radical movements, social and cultural upheaval, reactionary nasties, goodies, baddies and uglies to try and understand how change happens, why it fails, and what we can learn from it all. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is the USA a superpower in decline? Trump, Trumpism, and lessons from history

The United States has dominated the world state as a political, cultural, and military hegemon for the last century. But now, with the rise of Trump, and a time of change and conflict in the US, it's worth asking the question, is it in decline? Francis and Liam join Tim Lynch, to talk all things America and Trump, in the season finale of Absolutely Revolting.  About Emma Shortis Dr Emma Shortis is Director of the Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program. Emma is historian and writer, focused on the history and politics of the United States and its role in the world.    About Tim Lynch Timothy J. Lynch is Professor of American politics and co-chair of the political science discipline in the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. He is the author of several books about American politics and foreign policy, and is currently writing a book on 10 reasons to doubt that the USA is in political decline.    Absolutely Revolting is a podcast that takes history to the barricades. History-curious dilettante and music addict Francis Leach joins renowned historian and Star Wars encyclopaedia Dr Liam Byrne on a rampage through the history of social change, radical movements, social and cultural upheaval, reactionary nasties, goodies, baddies and uglies to try and understand how change happens, why it fails, and what we can learn from it all. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Making a multicultural Australia: the history of migrant advocacy and activism

Australian society has been shaped by a multicultural community. But now, in a time of growing isolationist policy and conflict on the world stage, it's time to look at the history of migration and learn how migrant communities in Australia have organised and advocated for their rights against racism. Francis and Liam join Joy Damousi and Joo-Cheong Tham to learn about the battles of the past, and how they're continuing today.    About Joy Damousi Joy Damousi is Professor of History in the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne as well as Dean of Arts, Professor and Director of the Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences at Australian Catholic University. About Joo-Cheong Tham Joo-Cheong Tham is a Professor at Melbourne Law School with expertise in labour law and public law. His labour law research focuses on the regulation of precarious work. He has previously been the Deputy Chair of the Migrant Workers Centre, and is currently the National Tertiary Education Union’s Victorian Assistant Secretary (Academic Staff).   Absolutely Revolting is a podcast that takes history to the barricades. History-curious dilettante and music addict Francis Leach joins renowned historian and Star Wars encyclopaedia Dr.Liam Byrne on a rampage through the history of social change, radical movements, social and cultural upheaval, reactionary nasties, goodies, baddies and uglies to try and understand how change happens, why it fails, and what we can learn from it all. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Revolutions in language and culture - is Shakespeare still relevant today?

The works of Shakespeare are everywhere. They're entrenched in our cultural history, our theatres, and of course, the school curriculum. But 400 years on, are these stories still relevant to audiences today? And if so, why?  David McInnis joins Francis and Liam to discuss the staying power of Shakespeare's work, and why these plays are still filling seats.    About David McInnis David is Professor of Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama at the University of Melbourne. His major scholarly books include Shakespeare and Lost Plays(Cambridge UP, 2021; paperback 2023), Mind-Travelling and Voyage Drama in Early Modern England (Palgrave, 2013), and the Revels Plays edition of Dekker’s Old Fortunatus (Manchester UP, 2020).   Absolutely Revolting is a podcast that takes history to the barricades. History-curious dilettante and music addict Francis Leach joins renowned historian and Star Wars encyclopaedia Dr Liam Byrne on a rampage through the history of social change, radical movements, social and cultural upheaval, reactionary nasties, goodies, baddies and uglies to try and understand how change happens, why it fails, and what we can learn from it all. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Is a 4-day week really possible? The history of shorter hours campaigns

Who wouldn't love a long weekend, every week? But as the 4-day work week movement picks up momentum around the world, it's time to crack open the history books and look at the history of labour movements.  Liam and Francis speak with Sean Scalmer, and Fiona McDonald to find out if it's realistic, and what it would take to get us all knocking off early.    About Fiona McDonald Dr Fiona McDonald is the Acting Director of the Centre for Future Work and an Adjunct Principal Research Fellow in the College of Business and Law at RMIT. About Sean Scalmer Professor Sean Scalmer is from the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies at the University of Melbourne, and has just written a book on the history of campaigns for shorter hours.   Absolutely Revolting is a podcast that takes history to the barricades. History-curious dilettante and music addict Francis Leach joins renowned historian and Star Wars encyclopaedia Dr.Liam Byrne on a rampage through the history of social change, radical movements, social and cultural upheaval, reactionary nasties, goodies, baddies and uglies to try and understand how change happens, why it fails, and what we can learn from it all. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.