Breaking news: Vikings enjoyed cinnamon buns

Why is vanilla a byword for boring? How did peppercorns end up next to salt on every western table? Did you know the Vikings were rather partial to cinnamon buns? Food writer Eleanor Ford explores the rich history of spices. 




Can churches solve the housing crisis?

The Australian housing crisis rolls on with profound effect. From low-income families, to the elderly, to renters facing rent increase after rent increase. Against this backdrop, we head to Marrickville in Sydney's inner-west where a daring new housing development may provide a path forward.




Bruce Pascoe’s object of desire - Nadgee IV

Writer Bruce Pascoe shares the many stories that bind him closely to his boat and the river.




The magnificence of Broughton Hall 

It started as a paddock and became a wonderland of terraced botanical displays, intricate parterre, maze-like pathways and spectacular colour. Join Tim Entwisle as he explores the beauty of Broughton Hall.

Viking cinnamon buns, Bruce Pascoe's object of desire, and can churches solve the housing crisis?

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The long shadow of Rome

Why are tourists so obsessed with Ancient Greece and Rome? 

Might some of the more obscure archaeological sites, for example from medieval times, be missing out on the attention they deserve - both in terms of the eyes of tourists, as well as the cold hard cash so vital to ensuring their upkeep?

 

What is a system garden?

Join Tim Entwisle on a late autumn stroll through the System Garden at the University of Melbourne.

The System Garden is used by teachers and students to learn about subclasses and families of plants.

Created in 1856, it is one of the oldest gardens of its kind in Australia.

 

Designing for dignity

The idea of designing with empathy is a popular one. But empathy has its limits. 

LA-based designer Nu Goteh explores how we can move beyond creating objects to foster conditions for radical change, reshaping the very idea of design as a chance for others to thrive.

The long shadow of Rome, an 1856 system garden, and designing for dignity

From the flickering flames of ancient hearths to the glowing coals of modern barbecues, fire is more than just a tool; it's an elemental force that has shaped our diets, our culture, and our very way of being. 

Today we'll meet people from across the world who each bring a unique flame to the feast. 

Niklas Ekstedt, the Michelin-starred Swedish chef who has redefined Scandinavian cooking by harnessing the primal power of flame.

We'll travel across the Atlantic for a taste of American barbecue from the deep south, with pitmaster Shalamar Lane. 

No exploration of fire would be complete without understanding the tools we've used to contain it. Colin Bisset will walk us through the design history of the stove.

And chef Lennox Hastie of Sydney’s Firedoor fame joins us to discuss what he’d cook for his last meal on earth.

Cooking with fire: Michelin stars, American BBQ, and the history of the stove

Uni student protests: An architectural history

What impact has the built environment had on student protests on campus? How have universities responded architecturally in order to curb dissent?




Matt Preston: Big Mouth

The former MasterChef judge, restaurant critic and radio host discusses his memoir Big Mouth. 




The rise and rise of Baker Bleu

The Baker Bleu owner shares his ingredients for success in the food business, as well as some of the secrets behind baking seriously good bread.

Matt Preston, Baker Bleu, and an architectural history of student protests

Annie Smithers cooks Elizabeth David - Charcuterie

What’s your relationship like with your local sausage maker? Learn about French techniques and recipes that bring to life the art of charcuterie, celebrating its rich flavours and cultural significance.




What is the future for WA’s forests?

She spent an enchanted childhood exploring her great-grandfather’s land around Whistlepipe Gully, in southern WA. Greenpeace's Jess Panegyres is now concerned by the alarming decline of ancient forests in the region.




Milkwood: Permaculture as a beacon of hope

The author of The Milkwood Permaculture Handbook, Kirsten Bradley, offers an inspiring discourse on how practical permaculture principles may be a lifeline not just for our environment, but for our sense of hope and community.


Clement Meadmore’s iconic mid-century furniture

While best known for his sculptural works, this Australian icon’s furniture pieces encapsulate the minimalist aesthetics and functional elegance that influenced an era.

Viking cinnamon buns, Bruce Pascoe's object of desire, and can churches solve the housing crisis?

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