World-renowned philosopher and animal rights advocate Peter Singer returns to his undergraduate days at the University of Melbourne, recalling the Baillieu Library as both a place of study and a social hub—complete with late-night protests, unexpected discoveries in the book stacks, and even a little romance among the shelves. Singer reflects on the vibrant culture of debate that shaped his thinking, from spirited arguments with political opponents to the importance of hearing and understanding views we disagree with. He shares why libraries, cafés, and campus pubs were essential “third places” in his education, and why universities must continue to foster spaces where challenging ideas can be exchanged freely.

In this episode of A Third Place, international human rights leader Gillian Triggs reflects on her student days at the University of Melbourne and the spaces that shaped her path from young law student to President of the Australian Human Rights Commission and now Assistant High Commissioner for Protection at the United Nations. Triggs recalls the Baillieu Library as both an academic lifeline and a social hub, and the lecturers who inspired her to see law not just as rules, but as a tool for justice. She also speaks about the stresses and rewards of public life, the importance of civic and community spaces—from trams to libraries—in fostering empathy, and why encounters in everyday places can transform how we see refugees, migrants, and each other.

In this episode of A Third Place, celebrated Shakespeare scholar David McInnis reflects on his student days at the University of Melbourne and the spaces that shaped his intellectual journey. From the calm refuge of the Baillieu Library’s south lawn windows, to a chance encounter with a Shakespeare Second Folio in the rare books room, McInnis shares how libraries have been a source of wonder, perspective, and transformation throughout his life. He also speaks about the enduring presence of Shakespeare in culture—from birds introduced to America by literary enthusiasts to Melbourne’s forgotten Shakespearean landmarks—and why libraries remain his “happy place,” where students and scholars alike can experience the awe of history and the spark of discovery.

In this episode of A Third Place, social change leader Lucy Thomas, co-founder and CEO of Project Rockit, shares her journey from a sibling conversation at a family wedding to building Australia’s leading youth-driven movement against bullying, hate, and prejudice. Thomas reflects on the power of giving young people the tools to challenge inequity, the resilience found in Project Rockit workshops, and the importance of allyship in a divided world. She also speaks about the role of third places—from the Baillieu Library to art galleries, beaches, and even online spaces—as essential environments that continue to inspire communities to feel safe, speak up, and spark change.

In this episode of A Third Place, host Peter McPhee speaks with the multi-talented Alice Garner — actor, writer, musician, historian, and teacher — about the enduring role of libraries and other “third places” in her life. From her student days in the Baillieu Library to her first job at the State Library, Alice reflects on the ways these public spaces offer safety, discovery, and community. She shares vivid memories of accidental bookshelf finds, the quiet solace of reading rooms, and the unexpected connections sparked by library graffiti. Along the way, Alice explores how libraries support people of all ages and backgrounds, and why preserving their unique mix of openness and silence matters more than ever.