UNSW Centre for Ideas

Ever wondered what makes us tick as individuals, or why societies thrive or fall apart? Michael Muthukrishna, the mind behind the groundbreaking A Theory of Everyone has the answers. By blending psychology, anthropology, and economics into a revolutionary framework Muthukrishna dives into how cultural evolution and social learning shape everything from our daily decisions to the fate of entire civilisations. 

Whether you’re curious about the roots of human behaviour or looking for fresh insights into global challenges like inequality and cooperation, this talk with UNSW Scientia Professor Rob Brooks provides a blueprint for a better future.   

Despite rapid technological advancements, increasing affluence and population growth continue to strain our planet. Currently not a single country in the world is operating at sustainable level of resource use – and yet that is what we need to aspire to if we’re going to slow climate change, reduce inequality and increase our quality of life. So, how do we get there?  

Listen to UNSW’s sustainability scientist Tommy Wiedmann and Professor of Law Bronwen Morgan, CSIRO researcher Sabrina Chakori, and former Deputy Lord Mayor and author of Glimpses of Utopia Jess Scully as host, discuss sustainability and the urgent challenge we face to create a world which ensures human needs are met without sacrificing a sustainable, inclusive future. 

Why do we know so little about women’s bodies? Over half the world’s population have had a period or could be having a period right now – so why do menstruation and menopause remain such medical mysteries? And why are doctors still scratching their collective heads when asked to explain how female anatomy works? Well, New York Times bestseller Jennifer Gunter is hoping to change that.  

In conversation with Caroline Ford, Jennifer will unpack why she’s sick of women being sidelined by the medical profession, and outline the steps we need to take to put women’s bodies and healthcare in the spotlight.

Haben Girma would prefer not to be called inspiring. But, as the first Deafblind woman to make Harvard history and living in defiance of great social and physical barriers, it is a term often used to describe her achievements. Girma developed a powerful path to success despite facing many social and physical barriers. Overcoming all with an insatiable appetite for social justice as well as a wicked sense of humour, she’s become a leading advocate for people living with disabilities. Girma has been named one of the Forbes 30 Under 30 and was awarded the White House Champion of Change, presented by former President of the United States, Barack Obama.   

In an evening of conversation with ABC’s Nas Campanella, Girma shares how she overcame adversity, how we can all advocate for more inclusive design principles, the importance of patience and understanding, and her opinions on Vegemite, in an inspiring discussion.  

Has climate chaos, the cost-of-living crisis and the threat of AI overlords got you feeling like the end is nigh? Don’t stress. As psychologist and evolutionary biologist Athena Aktipis points out, humankind is hardwired to survive big existential crises. 

In this engaging talk, Athena—armed with her trusty ukulele—and UNSW’s Rob Brooks journey through history, psychology, and shared humanity to uncover the tools that will help us survive—and thrive—amidst the chaos. Tune in to the podcast and you can expect to learn about the psychology of stress, tips for prepping (hint: duct tape is essential!), and how embracing our communal nature can turn even the direst situations into opportunities for growth and connection.