Bold Thinking 2019 - Best Mates - Can Dogs Heal Hearts And Minds by La Trobe University

Ideas And Society 2019 - What Kind Of Feminism by La Trobe University

Welcome to La Trobe University’s Clever Conversations.

This episode, from our Bold Thinking Series, explores the hottest issues and social media coverage in the 2019 federal election.

In an age of fake news and voter cynicism, our expert panel cuts through the political spin to help you, the voter, make your vote count.

We hear from La Trobe University’s political scientist Andrea Carson, who reveals what side of politics is most likely to resort to fake news.

She’s joined by retiring independent MP, Cathy McGowan, who shares what it takes to create a confident and engaged community.

While Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton, describes the national poll as 131 grassroot elections.

And media commentator, Nasya Bahfen, from La Trobe university explains why she’s changed her mind about young people’s apathy.

This panel conversation is facilitated by journalist Ali Moore.

Welcome to La Trobe University’s Clever Conversations.

In this episode, from our Ideas and Society program, you will hear a discussion on racism in contemporary Australia. Has racism entered the political mainstream? Or, is its influence found only among the far-right extremist groups and lone wolves?

This discussion follows the horrific terrorist attack at two mosques in the New Zealand city of Christchurch, on the 15th of March, 2019. The Christchurch shootings revealed that even one well-armed racist can wreak havoc in any country, anywhere.

Although almost everyone in Australian politics and the media condemns racism, disagreement exists on the question of whether racism in Australia is widespread and structural, or found exclusively on the far-right extremist fringe.

Discussing these issues is a panel of four experts, featuring Professor Tim Soutphommasane, who is a political theorist and Australia’s former race discrimination commissioner, and Tom Switzer, the director of the conservative think-tank, the Centre for Independent Studies, and former well-respected opinion editor at The Australian. You’ll also hear from La Trobe University alumna Tasneem Chopra, who is a cross cultural consultant on issues of cultural competence, and Associate Professor Chelsea Bond, a distinguished academic, who has worked in Indigenous health promotion, culture, identity and community development.

Welcome to La Trobe University’s Clever Conversations.

This episode, from our Bold Thinking Series, explores the future of regional cities in the face of social, economic and environmental changes.

In this hour, you’ll hear the diverse and frank views of four speakers debating what it takes to keep Australia’s regional centres strong as politicians grapple with climate change, social challenges and city-centric policy making.

Farm innovator and Victorian Farmers Federation representative, Emma Germano, defends farmers’ right to grow cotton or any crops they want despite public criticism over water use.

She’s joined by agriculture policy expert, turned consumer watchdog Mick Keogh who weighs in on the perennial topic of interstate water policy.

La Trobe’s planning expert Dr Julie Rudner explains how universities play a crucial role in assisting inland cities to become globally connected.

While Mildura business leader and community advocate Ross Lake brings his own local perspective to the discussion.

This panel conversation is facilitated by author Jack Marx.

Welcome to La Trobe University’s Clever Conversations.

In this episode, we introduce you to The La Trobe Debates – a new series of discussions between those with genuinely different points of view, about some of the most pressing and polarising issues Australians now face.

This series is convened by the University’s Ideas and Society program.

Shortly, you will hear from Hugh White and Clive Hamilton, who are two of the most important voices on Australia’s relationship with China.

In this one-hour debate, they will discuss the potential threats China poses to Australian security, and what Australia’s China Policy should be.

Hugh White is Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at the Australian National University. He has been an intelligence analyst, a journalist, a senior staffer to Defence Minister Kim Beazley and Prime Minister Bob Hawke, a senior official in the Defence Department, and the first Director of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute.

Clive Hamilton is professor of public ethics at Charles Sturt University. He was the founder, and for 14 years, executive director, of The Australia Institute.

Held in association with La Trobe Asia, the following debate is moderated by La Trobe University international relations scholar, Dr Bec Strating.

Welcome to La Trobe University’s Clever Conversations.

This episode, from our Bold Thinking Series, explores the fascinating topic of physical performance in sport.

In this one-hour debate you’ll hear from four of Victoria’s most influential voices in sport and sports science. They'll question how much further athletes can push their limits and ask if they can keep breaking records.

La Trobe’s Dr Peter Brukner, a former doctor of the Australian Cricket team, reveals that getting that physical edge is, apparently, all in the mind.

He’s joined by Paralympic gold medallist Kelly Cartwright, who talks about her drive to break the Long Jump record at the London Olympics.

La Trobe’s Dr Susan Mayes, a world-renowned expert in physiotherapy, says injured athletes can bounce back even stronger.

While former athlete, Dr Bridie O’Donnell, shares the power of resilience in body and mindset.

This panel conversation is facilitated by Francis Leach.

Bold Thinking 2018 - The Honourable Julie Bishop MP On Politics, Leadership And The Liberal Party by La Trobe University

Bold Thinking 2018 - Embracing The F Word by La Trobe University

Bold Thinking 2018 - Is Democracy Broken? by La Trobe University