When it comes to biological sex, humans are pretty vanilla. Things are so much wilder in nature. Philosopher of science Paul Griffiths challenges the notion that our biological sex is a rigid, unchangeable thing. Political philosopher Luara Ferracioli contemplates the controversial idea of artificial wombs replacing women’s wombs, with babies gestated entirely outside of the human body. What could that mean for the future of parenthood, motherhood, and our relationship to children? They join Natasha Mitchell for a Big Ideas on sex, biology, and baby making.

Artificial wombs and animal sex — philosophers weigh in on brave new futures

Feed your mind. Be provoked. One big idea at a time. Your brain will love you for it. Grab your front row seat to the best live forums and festivals with Natasha Mitchell.

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Award winning playwright S. Shakthidharan has described his groundbreaking theatre work Counting and Cracking as "a radical act of belonging". The epic, three-act, three-hour tale captures the Australian migrant experience through the story of one Sri Lankan family across four generations. To celebrate the play's return to the stage, we hear from four Sri Lankan Australians about the role creativity has played in their lives, culture and community. This event was recorded at the University of Melbourne (UMAC) in partnership with Rising Festival and The Wheeler Centre on June 2, 2024. Speakers S. Shakthidharan Writer, Director, Producer and composer of original musicAuthor, Counting and CrackingCo-Founder and Co-Director, Kurinji Minoli De Silva Owner, Ella by MinoliFinalist, Masterchef Australia Suren Jayemanne Comedian, writer, presenter Bhakthi Puvanenthiran (host) Entertainment and Features Editor, ABC Further information How writing the epic play Counting and Cracking helped Tamil playwright S. Shakthidharan's mum face her traumaABC Online, May 27, 2024 'We are here, we belong' — The unifying impact of Counting and Cracking The Stage Show, ABC RN, June 11, 2024

Creativity in the Sri Lankan diaspora

Drawing on his experiences working across continents in the "shatter zones" of society — jails, war zones, refugee shelters – Andre de Quadros explains how music and creativity can be used to build peace, reconciliation and empowerment in a troubled world. Later, Anne-Marie Forbes explains how music improves mental, physical and community well-being. These events were recorded at the 2024 Miegunyah Lecture at the University of Melbourne on April 11, 2024, and Melodies as Medicine at the University of Tasmania on April 10, 2024. Speakers Andre de Quadros Professor of Music, Boston University2024 Miegunyah Visiting Fellow, University of Melbourne Anne-Marie Forbes Associate Professor Musicology, University of TasmaniaFellow of the Royal Society of Public Health. Nourish Women's Choir

Andre de Quadros on freedom dreaming

Join Natasha Mitchell and guests at the 2024 Ocean Lovers Festival in Bondi. From deep sea mining to illegal fishing on the high seas, who is the boss of the ocean? And why are scientists-turned-entrepreneurs singing the praises of seaweed?  Two panels of big thinkers exploring new frontiers for ocean exploitation — and inspiration — the risks, the rewards, and the regulation of this vast wilderness which covers 70% of the planet's surface Panel 1 - Who owns the high seas and deep seas? Deep sea mining and illegal fishing  Associate Professor Aline JaeckelAustralian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security (ANCORS)University of Wollongong Captain Peter HammarstedtDirector of Campaigns and Chairman of Sea Shepherd Australia Mattheiu RytzDirector of the film Deep Rising Panel 2 - Is algae the new gold? Dr Michael AskewExecutive Director and co-founderAlgae Co Dr Pia WinbergFounder and chief scientistVenus Shell Systems Dr Alexandra Thomson,Industry Engagement ManagerClimate Change Cluster (C3) Research InstituteUniversity of Technology Sydney

Ocean bounty — deep sea mining, Sea Shepherd sagas, and seaweed solutions

It took until the late 1990s for Australia to decriminalise homosexuality. Since then, the law has changed and evolved in a multitude of ways for LGBTQIA+ people, but not without a fight virtually every step of the way.  This event was recorded as part of Victorian Law Week on May 22, 2024. Speakers Elizabeth Bennett SC, BarristerVice President, Victorian Barristers Network Sam Elkin Author, Detachable Penis: A queer legal saga (Upswell publishing)Legal aid lawyer (inaugural lawyer for Victoria's first Queer legal service)Host, Queer View Mirror, Triple R Yves Rees (host) Senior Lecturer in History, La Trobe University

Queer journeys through the law

Firstly, make sure you become a grandparent. It apparently adds five years to your life. And it can make you very happy - if you do grandparenting right! Hear about the does and don'ts in this discussion about how to age well. Then add a good diet. With the six secret ingredients provided by one of Australia's most recognised leaders in the fields of sports nutrition and dietetics. And lastly, ignore social attitudes and images, that tell you how old you should feel. 'How To Grow Old. It ain't for the faint-hearted' was presented by the Sorrento Writers Festival. Speakers Michael Carr-GreggAdolescent psychologist, and one of Australia's leading authorities on teenage behaviourAuthor of Grandparents: A practical guide to navigating grandparenting today Allen & Unwin, 2023 Karen IngeOne of Australia's most recognised leaders in the fields of sports nutrition and dieteticsAuthor of 'Let's Eat Right! for Families', 'Food, Fitness and Feeling Good', Co-author of the award winning book 'Food for Sport' and 'Food for Sport Cookbook' Bernard SaltAuthor, demographer, social commentator and regular columnist with The Australian Hannie Rayson (host)Australian playwright and newspaper columnist Listen to Big Ideas – The ingredients to ageing well

Artificial wombs and animal sex — philosophers weigh in on brave new futures

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