The Wisdom & Action Podcast

This week we hear from Emma about what happened when a stranger’s lungs saved her life. In her late 20s, at the advice from her doctors, Emma went on the waiting list for a double lung transplant. This podcast explores the year she spent waiting for that phone call, her recovery, and what she’s learnt coming out of such a life altering experience. Show notes:Did you know that one organ donor can s...

How do you take something complex and convey the information in a fun way? Just ask filmmaker Damon Gameau. It's what he did with That Sugar Film. And what he's going to do with his latest documentary, 2040. It's all about what the world could look like if we addressed climate change using knowledge we already have. We are SO excited for this film. It's still a work in progress and right now Damon...

Introducing Dumbo Feather's newest podcast, That Time When, a series where people tell the story of what happened when they had a life-changing experience, planned or not! Our first episode explores the world of Vipassana, and what happened when Farayi, a self-described corporate baby was silent…for ten days. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"You can come up with a really cool idea but unless you’re willing to put in all the effort to get it into orbit then it’s nothing."—Peter Drew We chatted recently to Peter Drew about making art that starts conversations. He's the man behind the "Real Australians Say Welcome" poster series—and has many interesting things to say about what it takes to make art that stops you in the street. Mentione...

We loved hearing from singer-songwriter Missy Higgins about finding her way back to music after depression, turning her focus to social justice—and the difficulty of writing a protest song. If you’re struggling with depression—or someone you love is—please check out this list of resources for Australia from BeyondBlue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/national-help-lines-and-websites Host...

We are always inspired by David Ritter, CEO of Greenpeace Australia Pacific. He is thoughtful, articulate and remarkably optimistic about humanity’s capacity to band together and stave off the worst effects of climate change. He makes us feel better! We loved chatting with him about having tough conversations at BBQs, the language of resistance and why getting involved matters. Hosted on Acast. Se...

What will it take for us to give refugees a fair go? Julian Burnside QC has a few ideas. The barrister (and arts lover and storyteller and much more besides) has been fighting for better treatment for refugees for 15 years. He chatted to us recently about the value of listening to other people, why we should all support living artists and the piece of music that never fails to lift his soul. Menti...

Noni Hazlehurst, beloved Aussie actor and Play School presenter, fears our hearts are growing cold. That's why she wants to create a positive news channel full of stories that reflect our ordinariness and vulnerability, stories that empower us and make us feel good to be human. We sat down with her to chat about her idea and why it's ok to feel things deeply. In fact, we need a whole lot more of i...

How do we help people move through trauma? Just listen, says Amy Ziering. And she’d know. The documentary filmmaker has taken on enormous institutions—like the US military—and had some seriously difficult conversations. Her latest film, The Hunting Ground, tells the harrowing story of the culture of rape in American universities and has had an enormous social impact since it was released. And just...

Worldwide, less than a quarter of the people we hear from in the media are women. Tara Moss is over it! Hear her tips for creating a world where gender doesn’t limit any of us. In this podcast: how to deal with trolls, the art of self care and Feminist Gaslighting Bingo! This podcast is supported by our friends at Bank Australia. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hugh Mackay has been examining how we live for six decades. So he's got some pretty great insights into what makes a good life. We loved our chat with him! This podcast is supported by our friends at Bank Australia and presented in collaboration with The School of Life. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this mini-series, our editor Berry is determined to sit her rebellious, music-loving mum Lee down with a pile of her favourite records to get to the heart of things. Berry looks forward to the luxury of sitting down with her mum over endless cups of tea and hours of music. But, as ever, life has other plans! Thank goodness then for Mahler and the divine Sarah Vaughan. This podcast is brought to...

In this mini-series, our editor Berry is determined to sit her rebellious, music-loving mum Lee down with a pile of her favourite records to get to the heart of things. Berry and Lee swoon over the ridiculously urbane Nat King Cole, Lee scandalises Berry with her favourite Beatle—and both chat about the challenges of motherhood. This podcast is brought to you by our friends at Victorian Opera. Mus...

In this mini-series, our editor Berry is determined to sit her rebellious, music-loving mum Lee down with a pile of her favourite records to get to the heart of things. In this final episode, we take a whirlwind tour of Lee's vinyl collection—with stops at tantric songs and pyramid recordings—while Berry and Lee reflect on what it means to swap stories across generations. This podcast is brought t...

What's at the core of the prejudice we still encounter in our political and social lives? Listen in to our chat with Melbourne-based sociologist Susan Carland who advocates for a more openhearted Australia. This episode includes questions from the audience, and at some points can become a little hard to hear. We’re working on improving our recording techniques—thanks for bearing with us! This podc...

How do we help raise our boys and girls to become responsible, motivated and resilient men and women? Dr Arne Rubinstein shares practical advice for helping teenagers develop healthy adult behaviour. This episode includes questions from the audience, and at some points can become a little hard to hear. We’re working on improving our recording techniques—thanks for bearing with us! This podcast is...

Brendan Murray is the principal at Victoria’s Parkville College, a school that’s inside a prison. He believes in the power of education to change people’s lives and treats every student with unconditional positive regard. This episode includes questions from the audience, and at some points can become a little hard to hear. We’re working on improving our recording techniques—thanks for bearing wit...