Big Brain Channel

Following from talks of motivation from episode 4, David and Tim discuss the differences (and similarities) of Western and Eastern philosophy. They come to some very interesting conclusions. Despite cultural differences, there is a lot to learn from the philosophical journeys different countries took in the past few millennia. These observations draw dichotomies in spirituality, existentialism and...

In part two of David and Tim's assessment of the teachings in Dr. Jordan Peterson's book, 12 Rules for Life, they dive into some of the deeper topics and try to find value in the words. While avoiding the religious, political, and philosophical assumptions that make up part of the rules, the overall conclusions that are discussed become quite useful, and alternatives are given to those who don't a...

Jordan Peterson is coming to town! Whilst not as popular or as kid-friendly as Santa-Claus, Dr. Peterson is a psychologist and respected author who has been on a fiery book tour around the world. The book, "12 Rules for Life" is an applied philosophy for all, and has been met with much media controversy. In this episode David and Tim discuss the background and consequences of the first 6 rules in...

What makes you want to get out the bed to work or be productive? Many people will think hard about this and not even consider the differences between the tangible and internal fruits of their labour. Winning bread for a family can be fulfilling for you internally, but the work result is extrinsic, there are external factors motivating you to work. What does intrinsic motivation do differently and...

Talking and interacting with others is the most important thing humans do, it's how we learn, understand one another, and keep informed. Why then, in an age of so many communication devices and innovations, is it harder to stay well informed, trust others, and get the most of our social relationships? David and Tim talk about our use of phones and consumption of news today. With the help of some g...

John gives his summary of SIA's & STRATEGIKON's year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today's episode of Blind Insights, David teaches us a lesson about education and how to learn. With his vast experience as an educator, David has thought about the issues surrounding education in the 21st century, and has profound rules and strategies to help us learn. With consideration of the focus on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) where is the education system in Australia (...

Welcome to the Blind Insights Podcast! This episode is an introduction to David as a educator and applied philosopher, and a blind citizen. Then, to set up a series on thinking deeply, we talk about how to argue and what to think about in discussions of complex topics. Argument is a highly complex social interaction, and it doesn't need to be a negative experience. David puts forth his argument, a...

An introduction to an exciting podcast. Drop us a line about what you want us to discuss! If you have any thoughts, questions, or want to present your argument, contact us and send us an audio clip at timwhiffen@auscastnetwork.com Upcoming topics include: The art of argument, How to learn, Communication, Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, Western and Eastern Philosophy,&n...

In this week's podcast, I delve into the minefield that is isometric exercise. Is it the best thing since sliced bread? Does everyone respond? What are the key questions we need to understand? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Welcome to our Halloween Special! With the US Midterms around the corner, we thought we'd put this important electoral event under the STRATEGIKON microscope. In this episode, John speaks to SIA's Dr. Jonathan Z. Ludwig direct from Stillwater Oklahoma. Usually, we’d take the time to put down a few helpful explanations – factoids if you will – however, as we are talking about a to...

John and David interview David Khandan, Executive Director of Austability. In this episode we look at this Aussie security company's approach to a range of issues from counter-terrorism, radicalisation, cyber as well as women & child protection. Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: Retired US Army Major Jim Gant,...

John & David is joined by Special Guest Prof. Julian Lindley-French as they look deep into Russia's contemporary grand strategy. Was the fuss about Russian military exercise Vostok 2018 justified? Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: General Valery Gerasimov - Russian Chief of the General Staff Glavnoye Razvedyva...

In this podcast we consider some new research exploring psychological factors and tendinopathy. There is emerging evidence that, as per other musculoskeletal conditions and as you would expect, they do play a role. I discuss which ones appear to be most strongly linked with tendinopathies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode John & David interview Prof Albert Wolf. Albert recently moved to the KRG from his last posting in Afghanistan. Here, we discuss issues surrounding KRG, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Israel. Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: Hashd al Shabi - also known as the Popular Mobilisation Units, largely Shia Ir...

Prof. R. Evan Ellis, US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute discusses the problems plaguing the South American country, Venezuela with John Bruni. Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: Venezuela: Population - 31 million. Colectivos: groups of criminal paramilitaries that support the Venezuelan government. Th...

John Bruni and Col. Sandy Wade OBE (Ret'd) examine how solid the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea is. What is the likelihood of this peace being a permanent feature of the Horn of Africa? Here is extra information on some of the terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is the current ruling party...

FIVEaa's Jeremy Cordeaux interviews SIA's Dr. John Bruni on the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit (12 June 2018) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hi all, this episode we focus on two recent randomised controlled trials evaluating education and exercise interventions for gluteal tendinopathy, One of them is the best RCT I have read in ages. Well worth a look at their methods, findings and exercise interventions. Hope you enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode we focus on technology use in rehab. I'm inspired by the patient will see you now by Dr Eric Topol which I recently read so this weeks podcast covers 2 technology focused systematic reviews. The first is on the efficacy of exergames for treating musculoskeletal pain, and the second is on basically the use of accelerometers and other wearable sensors to monitor rehab exercises. An exci...

John and David with Shaz absent but with us 'in spirit' take the opportunity to interview Prof. Albert Wolf again, this time on the fate of the nation he is currently working in, Afghanistan. Here is extra information on some of the terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them and also some useful terms to know when unpacking events in Afghanistan: Islamic State Khorasan...

John, David (in the studio) and Shaz (not) discuss with Professor Albert Wolf the problems posed for Israel by Iran's close proximity to it in Syria. How will these enemy states traverse the Syrian landscape to fulfil their national security ambitions? Here are a couple of terms that were used in the podcast that our listeners might not be familiar with: Pasdaran - another term used to describe th...

BBC5live's Dotun Abedayo interviews Assoc. Prof. Robert D. English, International Foreign Policy & Defense Analysis, University of Southern California School of International Relations and Dr. John Bruni, Founder & CEO of Australian think tank, SAGE International Australia on the US-led airstrike against three alleged chemical weapons sites in Syria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...

John & David are joined by Prof. Purnendra Jain, internationally renowned Japan scholar & Northeast Asian security expert from the University of Adelaide, Dept. of Asian Studies Following is a list of some useful factoids regarding our Northeast Asian security special for those unfamiliar with some of the terms used: KOREA UNDER JAPANESE RULE - 1910-45 the Korean Peninsula was one indivisi...

John Bruni being interviewed by the BBC on the possible origin of the latest airstrike against the Syrian Arab Air Force airbase outside of the city of Homs. The Pentagon denies responsibility for the airstrike, so is it possible that an American proxy took the lead on this attack? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.