The Future Of

The Australian bush is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Meet the people bringing urban bushland areas back to life. 

In this bonus episode, our host David speaks with Lesley van Schoubroeck, a volunteer with the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland. They talk about how the Friends are leading the restoration of the adjacent sandpit into a pristine banksia woodland – one of the few times a restoration of this kind has been attempted in the world.

Curious how you get plants to grow in sand? Listen to Part 1 of the TFO Urban Bushland. 

Lesley van Schoubroeck

Lesley is the Secretary and Community Education and Engagement Lead for the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland. She has lived in the area since 1980. She has experience in strategic policy leadership, organisational transformation and social justice, and is interested in applying this knowledge to support the not-for-profit sector.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

Study a Master of Environmental Science

Email [email protected]The Australian bush is unlike anywhere else on Earth. Meet the people bringing urban bushland areas back to life.

Read the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/urban-bushland-jirdarup/transcript

Host: David Karsten

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

Just a stone's throw from Curtin is a bushland more biodiverse than Kings Park. Find out how a team of volunteers are not only conserving that bushland, but leading a daring restoration project. 

In this episode, our hosts David and Celeste are joined by plant biologist and Curtin Research Fellow, Dr Michael Just. They talk about how the Friends of Jirdarup Bushland are leading the transformation of a former rubbish dump into a pristine banksia woodland.

Michael also delves into seed sourcing and the challenges of getting anything to grow in a sandpit.

Note: the introduction incorrectly stated the sandpit is on track to become the world's first fully-restored banksia woodland; it is set to be one of a few successfully restored woodland areas. 

Episode feature image: Red-capped robin by Georgina Wilson.

Dr Michael Just

Michael is a plant biologist with expertise in seed dormancy, germination physiology, and restoration ecology. He holds a Doctor of Philosophy from Curtin University, where he conducted research on intractable seed dormancy and its impact on biodiversity in Southwest Australia.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

Study a Master of Environmental Science.

Email [email protected]

Read the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/urban-bushland/transcript

Host: David Karsten and Celeste Fourie

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

Is plastic pollution a design flaw we can actually fix? 

In this episode, David Karsten and Celeste Fourie are joined by Dr Atiq Zaman, Associate Professor at Curtin University and UN advisor, to discuss why recycling alone won't solve the plastic crisis – and what a genuinely circular system could look like.

Dr Atiq Zaman

Associate Professor at the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute (CUSP)

Dr Atiq Zaman was ranked first globally under ‘zero waste’ by the ScholarGPS database in 2025 and recognised as one of the world's ‘Top 2% Scientists’ by Stanford/Elsevier in 2024. He advises the UN Secretary-General's Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition, has contributed to COP27, COP28, and COP29, and is the Founding Co-Director of the Global South Nexus at Curtin University.

His research focuses on developing zero-waste strategies and circular economy tools across sustainable development – from packaging and plastics to cities and the built environment.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

If you loved this episode, you might like our Graduate Diploma or Master of Environment and Climate Emergency. 

Email [email protected]

Read the transcript

Host: David Karsten and Celeste Fourie

Content creator: Caitlin Crowley

Producer: Emilia Jolakoska

Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

With oil costing more than US$100 a barrel, there’s never been a better time to go green. Meet some of the movers and shakers who are funding and fast-tracking clean energy solutions.

In this episode, hosts David and Celeste are joined by Jason McFarlane and Desire Runganga from the GreenTech Hub – a Western Australian Innovation Hub that’s helping to solve global sustainability challenges through novel thinking, commercialisation and tech development. 

Jason McFarlane

Jason is the inaugural Director of the Western Australian GreenTech Hub. He’s an economic strategist with a strong understanding of green technology trends and the practical realities of commercialisation. 

Desire Runganga

Desire is an engineer with postgraduate degrees in mining, economics, and law. He’s currently completing his PhD at the Curtin Institute for Energy Transition, focusing on global collaboration in securing critical minerals. 

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

Email [email protected]

Read the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/energy/transcript

Hosts: David Karsten and Celeste Fourie

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

How can we turn climate anxiety into meaningful action and hope for the future?

In this episode, David Karsten is joined by Associate Professor Jayne Bryant, Director of the Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute, to discuss climate anxiety, sustainability leadership and how people can move from fear to meaningful action.

Associate Professor Jayne Bryant

Director, Curtin University Sustainability Policy Institute

Associate Professor Jayne Bryant’s career in teaching, research and practice has focused on building the sustainability leadership capability of those around her. Jayne has spent close to a decade living, working, teaching and researching in Sweden and is keen to share this unique experience in strategic sustainability, transformational leadership and a systems approach to creating change for more just and sustainable futures.

Curtin staff page

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

If you liked this episode, explore the possibilities of a Master or Graduate Certificate in Environment and Climate Emergency.

Got any questions, or suggestions for future topics?

Email [email protected]

Read the transcript

Host: David Karsten

Content creator: Caitlin Crowley

Producer: Emilia Jolakoska

Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

The four-day work week sounds ideal, but is it realistic for all of us? 

Seven decades ago, Australia moved from working six days a week to five. Many of us now think it’s time for an update, with the idea of a four-day work week gaining traction around the word. 

A shorter work week has been shown to boost productivity and mental health, but critics argue it’s a 'white-collar fantasy' that’s unrealistic for many industries.

Our host David Karsten is joined by Professor Julia Richardson to explore the pros and cons of a shorter work week, and how likely it is to be implemented in your workplace. 

• Clarifying the four-day concept [01:09]
• Increased efficiency [03.31]
• An identity beyond work [06:21]
• Long term sustainability concerns [08:41]
• Expectations and performance [12:12]
• Interpersonal over AI [20:18]

• From the great resignation to the four-day work week (2024)

Professor Julia Richardson

Professor Julia Richardson is the Head of the School of Management and Marketing at Curtin University and a recognised expert in careers and human resources management. 

She has enjoyed a global career in the UK, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia, New Zealand and Canada, and has won multiple awards for her research and teaching. Julia’s current research focuses on the future of careers, career sustainability, and work-life balance.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

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Read the transcript.

Hosts: David Karsten and Celeste Fourie
Writer:Zoe Taylor

Producer:Emilia Jolakoska

Executive producer: Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

You make your own decisions – right? AI is already shaping everyday choices and purchases – most often in ways we barely notice.

In this episode, David and Celeste are joined by Professor Billy Sung to explore how AI influences everyday consumer decisions, what drives trust, and how humans can stay in the loop as AI becomes more embedded.

• What “AI” actually means (beyond ChatGPT) [01:07]
• How AI is already shaping consumer decisions through ads, search and recommendation systems [03:27]
• What happens when AI search starts serving ads [04:13]
• The three drivers of trust in AI [08:51]
• Disclosure is a double-edged sword [11:54]
• Why people bond with AI influencers: anthropomorphism and parasocial relationships [16:15]
• The likely future: co-created decisions and “shared agency” [31:17]

• The Professor Insight Podcast
• You make decisions freely? Neuromarketing says think again
• How much can we trust AI? Podcast insights

Billy Sung, Professor, School of Management and Marketing

Professor Billy Sung is a researcher and professor at Curtin University, specialising in neuromarketing, consumer psychology and human–AI interaction. He leads Curtin’s Consumer Research Lab, bringing together behavioural science and emerging technologies to inform industry and policy decision-making.

• Curtin staff page

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

• Work with us
• Study a research degree
• Start postgraduate education

If you liked this episode, why not explore our Master of Artificial Intelligence.

Email [email protected]

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Read the transcript

Host: Celeste Fourie and David Karsten
Content creator and recordist: Caitlin Crowley
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska
Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

From helping elderly people to cross the road to finding a free parking space, technology is helping to make our cities become safer and more enjoyable. But at what cost to our privacy?

In this episode, David and Celeste are joined by Dr Courtney Babb, a senior lecturer in urban and regional planning at Curtin University. They explore the benefits of integrating technology in urban areas, such as efficiency, security and quality, but also look at the implications, including surveillance and privatisation. 

• Songdo: the rise of the smart city [02:00]
• Data in urban efficiency [03:15]
• Who’s using your data, really? [09.30]
• Technology doesn’t always mean better [12:00]
• Future directions in urban planning [22:00]
• Being smarter with your data [29:00]

• Wharf Street Basin
• New frontiers in sustainable innovation
• Perth is more smart city than meets the eye
• The Future of Sustainable Architecture

Courtney Babb

Courtney Babb is a senior lecturer in urban and regional planning at the School of Design and the Built Environment (DBE), at Curtin University. His research interests include institutional change and design in spatial planning; transport institutions and the politics of resisting auto-mobility; transitions to low energy transport systems; and integrated planning and management of riverine environments.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

• Start postgraduate education
• Study a research degree
• Work with us

Email [email protected]

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Read the transcript. 

Hosts: David Karsten and Celeste Fourie
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska
Writer: Zoe Taylor
Executive producer: Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

Nearly 80% of Australian students are already using generative AI – but should they be?

In this episode, Celeste Fourie and David Karsten are joined by Alex Jenkins, Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in education. 

From AI-powered tutoring to the risks of cognitive offloading, this episode examines how students and educators can collaborate with AI while preserving critical thinking.

• From neural networks to ChatGPT: how generative AI became mainstream [01:14]
• AI in classrooms: mastery learning and AI tutoring [04:53]
• Assessments, skill building and academic integrity in tertiary education [12:00]
• The danger of cognitive offloading [14:41]
• AI risks, ethics and equity gaps [21:31]
• How students and educators can use AI responsibly [27:48]

• AI’s impact on education in Australia: podcast insights
• An (AI) tutor for every student TEDx
• Assessment 2030

Alex Jenkins, Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub

Alex is an artificial intelligence specialist and experienced technology leader. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the technology space where he implements and advocates for analytics, data science and artificial intelligence solutions. 

Connect with Alex.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

• Work with us
• Study a research degree
• Start postgraduate education

If you liked this episode, why not explore our Master of Artificial Intelligence or one-year Graduate Diploma in Education.

Email [email protected]

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Read the transcript.

Hosts: Celeste Fourie and David Karsten

Content Creator and recordist: Caitlin Crowley

Producer: Emilia Jolakoska

Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

What causes some people to stutter? It's often believed that trauma or anxiety is the cause, but world-first research has found a genetic link to stuttering, allowing for life-changing early intervention.

Our host David Karsten is joined by Professor Janet Beilby, an internationally renowned stuttering expert and Director of the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic (CSTC). They discuss how Beilby and her colleagues have pinpointed the genes associated with stuttering, meaning intervention can happen much sooner, which is crucial for managing the condition. 

David and Janet also talk about the the impact stuttering can have on a person's life, and how the CSTC helps to manage stuttering and other fluency disorders in children, adults and the elderly. 

1. What is stuttering? [01:16]
2. Challenges faced by people who stutter [05:52]
3. The genetic link to stuttering [11:05]
4. ‘Genes aren’t destiny’ [19:27]
5. Fostering resilience in kids [29:44]
6. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [31:00]
7. Future directions in speech science [40:03]

• Curtin Stuttering Clinic
• Life-changing genetic link offers hope for millions who stutter
• International Stuttering Project
• Large-scale genome-wide analyses of stuttering (Nature Genetics)

Professor Janet Beilby

Janet is a leading speech pathology clinician, researcher, educator and director of the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic (CSTC). In July this year, Janet co-published world-first research in Nature Genetics that pinpointed the genetic markers for stuttering. 

As director of CSTC, Janet has translated research into life-changing outcomes for over 10,000 clients, trained hundreds of students and been awarded over half a million dollars in research funds to investigate aspects of stuttering disorders, as well as dementia and virtual education.

This podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.

• Work with us
• Study a research degree
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Email [email protected]

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Read the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/speech/transcript

Host: David Karsten
Producer: Emilia Jolakoska
Content writer: Zoe Taylor
Executive producer: Natasha Weeks

Curtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.