In this episode of The Learning Future Podcast, Louka Parry speaks with Professor Pascale Quester, Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne University of Technology, about what higher education must become in an age of AI, rapid change and growing complexity. Pascale challenges the deep conservatism that still shapes education, arguing that universities must move beyond inherited models like lectures and exams and instead rethink assessment, learning and capability from the ground up. Together, they explore the role of productive struggle in learning, the difference between friction that supports growth and friction that blocks access, and why authentic assessment matters more than ever.

The conversation also examines Swinburne’s bold strategic direction, including its focus on personalised learning, technological infusion, entrepreneurial thinking and global relevance without simply replicating itself everywhere. Pascale makes a compelling case for a more human-centred, adaptive and differentiated university model—one that builds resilience, welcomes discomfort, and prepares learners not just with knowledge or skills, but with the capacity to keep learning for life. At its core, this episode is a powerful reflection on unlearning, transformation and the future of universities in a world that urgently needs stronger, wiser and more capable humans.

In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, Louka Parry interviews Dr. Anne Knock, a leading figure in educational strategy and design. They discuss the importance of strategic design in education, the role of complexity theory, and the need for schools to adapt to a rapidly changing world. Dr. Knock shares insights from her book, 'School by Design,' emphasizing the shift from traditional classroom models to more dynamic learning ecosystems. The conversation also explores the significance of leadership, values, and practical tools in transforming educational environments for the benefit of students.

In this episode of the Learning Future Podcast, host Louka Parry engages with two Year 11 students, Flynn Thomas and Chelsea Cox, from Hunter Valley Grammar School. They discuss their experiences in education, focusing on themes such as adaptability, time management, the importance of wellbeing, and the role of relational connections in teaching. The conversation also explores student agency, the value of skills over academic scores, and the impact of technology and social media on young people's lives. Flynn and Chelsea share their insights on navigating career pathways and the evolving landscape of education, emphasizing the need for a learning mindset in an unpredictable future.

In this episode, Louka Parry sits down with Dr Annalies Corbin, founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation, for a powerful conversation about reimagining the purpose and practice of education. Together they explore how schools can evolve from isolated, subject-bound institutions into dynamic learning ecosystems that connect curiosity, community and real-world problem-solving.

Dr Corbin shares insights from 25 years of innovation — from honouring student passions and recognising learning beyond the classroom, to supporting teachers in showing up authentically and reigniting their own love of learning. She discusses the importance of micro-credentialing, the future of STEM, and what it takes to design learning experiences that truly link learning to life.

A compelling conversation for anyone passionate about transforming education, empowering young people, and imagining what’s possible when we start with curiosity and say “yes” to new ways of learning.

In this episode of the Learning Future podcast, host Louka Parry engages with futurists Jamais Cascio and Bob Johansen to explore the complexities of navigating the current chaotic landscape, framed by the BANI model. They discuss their personal learning experiences, the implications of technology on human development, and the importance of mentorship across generations. The conversation emphasizes the need for clarity in uncertain times and the role of education in fostering resilience and adaptability in students.

In this engaging conversation, Louka Parry, Tessa Forshaw, and Rich Braden explore the intersection of education, innovation, and cognitive science. They discuss the importance of mindsets in fostering creativity, the role of AI in learning, and the necessity of navigating ambiguity in educational environments. The speakers emphasize that innovation is not merely a process but a mindset that can be cultivated through intentional practice. They also reflect on the changing landscape of education, the impact of technology, and the need for learners to develop metacognitive skills to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.