Emma Donovan: Melbourne Symphony Orchestra – ‘Take Me To The River’

Dr Louise Pryke: The Strange History of the Handshake

A handshake can signal trust, power, respect, awkwardness or rejection in just a few seconds. Dr Louise Pryke explains where the gesture originated, why political handshakes fascinate us, and why refusing one can still carry such force. Guest: Dr Louise Pryke, Honorary Associate, Office of the Vice-Chancellor and President at the University of Sydney Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Louise Pryke: The Strange History of the Handshake [https://joy.org.au/joydrive/2026/05/29/dr-louise-pryke-the-strange-history-of-the-handshake/] appeared first on JOY Drive [https://joy.org.au/joydrive].

Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Would You Pay to Attend a Stranger’s Wedding?

A new website is letting strangers pay to attend weddings around the world. Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne explores what this says about loneliness, spectacle, connection, the experience economy and how private milestones are becoming public performances. Guest: Dr Lauren Rosewarne, Associate Professor in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Would You Pay to Attend a Stranger’s Wedding? [https://joy.org.au/joydrive/2026/05/29/associate-professor-lauren-rosewarne-would-you-pay-to-attend-a-strangers-wedding/] appeared first on JOY Drive [https://joy.org.au/joydrive].

Noah Secomb: Federal Politics Update – Firefighting Foam, Tax Changes and the NACC’s Next Chapter

Noah Secomb joined JOY Drive with the latest from Canberra, including the Federal Government’s legal action against 3M, tax changes entering Parliament and the National Anti-Corruption Commission commissioner stepping down. Guest: Noah Secomb, Federal Politics Reporter at the Community Radio Network Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Noah Secomb: Federal Politics Update – Firefighting Foam, Tax Changes and the NACC’s Next Chapter [https://joy.org.au/joydrive/2026/05/29/noah-secomb-federal-politics-update-firefighting-foam-tax-changes-and-the-naccs-next-chapter/] appeared first on JOY Drive [https://joy.org.au/joydrive].

Susannah Day: Confined 17 and the First Peoples Artists Seen Beyond Incarceration

Confined 17 features almost 500 works by First Peoples artists with lived experience of incarceration. Susannah Day explains how art, culture, identity and connection to Country can shift how people see themselves and how audiences see them. Guest: Susannah Day, Chief Executive Officer, The Torch Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Susannah Day: Confined 17 and the First Peoples Artists Seen Beyond Incarceration [https://joy.org.au/joydrive/2026/05/29/susannah-day-confined-17-and-the-first-peoples-artists-seen-beyond-incarceration/] appeared first on JOY Drive [https://joy.org.au/joydrive].

Dr Nerkez Opacin: Nature, Chosen Family and Easing Loneliness

A Melbourne study brought LGBTQIA+ refugees and people seeking asylum together in nature to explore loneliness, connection and belonging. Dr Nerkez Opacin explains how walking, gardening, food and shared outdoor spaces helped strangers become a community. Guest: Dr Nerkez Opacin, Senior Research Fellow in Nature and People, University of Melbourne Presenter: Warren Andrew The post Dr Nerkez Opacin: Nature, Chosen Family and Easing Loneliness [https://joy.org.au/joydrive/2026/05/29/dr-nerkez-opacin-nature-chosen-family-and-easing-loneliness/] appeared first on JOY Drive [https://joy.org.au/joydrive].