The Solutionists, with Mark Scott
Join Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Sydney, and get ready to view the world from a different perspective. From our own wellbeing to the preservation of the planet, The Solutionists dives into the most pressing issues of our time and introduces you to the people unearthing the seeds of remarkable solutions.
Latest episodes
Eating disorders are Australia’s deadliest mental illness. This is what you should know
29 May 2024
Eating disorders are Australia’s deadliest mental illness. This is what you should know
29 May 2024
CastBox | Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Overcast | Pocketcast
More than one million Australians are living with an eating disorder and anorexia is the nation’s deadliest mental illness. Dr Sarah Maguire teaches you the signs to look out for, the risks around social media, and how to help someone recover from a "completely curable" illness.
If you’re concerned about eating disorders or body image issues, whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, you can call the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673.
The sewage solution – The promise of recycled water and why it’s so hard to swallow
15 May 2024
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
The idea of drinking water that was once swirling down your toilet bowl or kitchen sink may make you feel squeamish, but it could hold the key to future water security. University of Sydney Professor Stuart Khan explains the promise of purified recycled water, and how it can future-proof water supplies in a thirsty nation prone to drought.
Turning pages, changing lives – How the humanities teach us to live in uncertain times
1 May 2024
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
Arts and humanities degrees sometimes get a bad rap, but Sophie Gee argues they are more valuable than ever in the age of AI. She says stories cut through in a way science cannot – just look at the documentary My Octopus Teacher – and equip you with the skills you need to have "truly transformational ideas".
Political powerhouse Alastair Campbell on broken politics, the Iraq War, and why he’s grateful for his breakdown
22 April 2024
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
You might know Alastair Campbell as the formidable former press secretary of British prime minister Tony Blair and co-host of popular podcast The Rest is Politics. But back in 1996, when Alastair was a high-flying tabloid journalist, his mind suddenly unravelled. “I was hearing voices and seeing things that weren’t there.”
Clones, cheats, and ChatGPT – How the AI revolution is reshaping education
3 April 2024
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
The role of artificial intelligence in education has been hotly debated, with concerns about cheating creating headlines. But what if we could harness regenerative AI to transform education for the better? Professor Danny Liu says AI can herald a new era of personalised learning, and he explains how he’s grappling with issues around student integrity and AI bias.
Saving nature’s unsung heroes – Why pollinator decline threatens life as we know it and how you can help
20 March 2024
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
If you go into your backyard right now, you’ll be able to find a species of insect that is new to science. Tanya Latty guarantees it – even if you live in the inner city. But around the world, insects are in trouble. “We’re almost certainly losing species faster than we’re naming them.” Tanya sheds light on the challenges around insect conservation and explains how you can help pollinators.
Not sleeping enough can kill you. Master the art of good sleep, with Dr Carmel Harrington
20 December 2023
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
After her son died of SIDS, Dr Carmel Harrington left her job as a lawyer to devote her career to finding answers. Her groundbreaking research into SIDS opened up another mission: to wake society up to the critical importance of sleep. Carmel is the managing director of Sleep for Health. High-flying CEOs and even the Australian military are now turning to her expertise in a bid to master the art of sleep.
Previous episodes
6 December 2023
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
University of Sydney Clinical Professor and Neonatologist Adrienne Gordon helps save the lives of tiny babies in intensive care. They constantly amaze her. Their unique personalities. How fast they learn. The way they can be so close to death and yet go on to thrive.
Adrienne shares what parents need to know about the first 1,000 days, the critical period from conception to the age of two.
22 November 2023
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
We’re all living longer, and in many countries, a baby born today could easily live to 100.
Professor Andrew Scott is a world-leading expert on longevity, a Professor of Economics at London Business School and the author of The 100-Year Life.
But longevity isn't about 'being old for longer’. Andrew says it gives us the chance to completely rethink the stages of our lives. You will have more time – as much as 100,000 extra hours – and you need to act now to set yourself up for the best possible future.
You’ll also hear from a group of movers and shakers at a Dance Health Alliance class in Sydney about the upsides of being older.
8 November 2023
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
Dr Kate Harrison Brennan is the director of the Sydney Policy Lab and a University of Sydney alumna. Her work brings people together to collaborate on solutions to the most pressing challenges of our time. In this episode, she shares practical ways to bring people together – be it at work, at home, or in the public policy sphere.
And Dr Richard Harris reflects on what the Thai cave rescue taught him about teamwork and trust.
25 October 2023
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
Eddie Woo, alumni of the University of Sydney and the teacher you wish you had, is here with a lesson on embracing learning at any age. He also gets personal, reflecting on his own life, how the death of his mother shaped his view of growth mindset, and how he came to realise teaching isn’t about knowing all the answers.
11 October 2023
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Pocketcast
Heatwaves kill more people than all natural disasters combined – but because they’re not visually dramatic, we underestimate how dangerous they are. Professor Ollie Jay, whose groundbreaking research has informed the likes of Google and the Australian Open, has another way of showing us how dangerous heatwaves can be.
Sydney Ideas podcast
Public event series produced by University Marketing and Communications
Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's flagship public talks program, bringing you talks and conversations featuring the best and brightest minds at the University of Sydney and beyond.
Raising the Bar Sydney podcast
Public event series produced by University of Sydney Marketing and Communications
In April 2023 the University of Sydney and the City of Sydney teamed up to inject knowledge into people's night out for Raising the Bar Sydney. The event featured a wide range of topics from robotics and climate tech to cyber security and next-gen bio tech, catering to everyone's interests.
City Road Podcast
Original series produced by Associate Professor Dallas Rogers
City Road Podcast is informed stories about cities and urban life. From the researchers in the Urban Housing Lab and Smart Urbanism Lab at The University of Sydney.
Minding Your Mind
Original series hosted by Professor Ian Hickie (Brain and Mind Centre) and James O'Loghlin
In Minding Your Mind, mental health expert Prof Ian Hickie and author & broadcaster James O’Loghlin explore all aspects of mental health; the different types of mental health issues we can experience, their causes, how they affect us, and what we can do to get help and find solutions
Object Matters
Original series produced and hosted by Dr Craig Barker (Chau Chak Wing Museum)
Object Matters is the Chau Chak Wing Museum's regular podcast series hosted by Dr Craig Barker. Join Dr Craig Barker as he and a guest discuss one item in detail from the Museum's collections of art, archaeology, natural history, science and culture.
Open for discussion
Original series produced by University of Sydney Media Office, hosted by Dr Chris Neff
Join lecturer in public policy and University of Sydney alumni Dr Chris Neff as they turn their sceptical eye and curious mind to the world of research. Each episode an academic will join Chris in their office to explore the latest research on topics that affect all of us. From housing prices to diet guidelines and everything in between, Chris will question what the evidence says, debunking myths and assumptions along the way.
Reimagined Futures
Original series produced by Sydney Environment Institute
Be inspired by stories of community resilience and transformation in the face of the climate crisis. Reimagined Futures is a seven-part podcast series produced by the Sydney Environment Institute (based at the University of Sydney), the Social Entrepreneurship Association (Auroville), and the India and Bharat Together Foundation (New Delhi).
The Road To Find Out
Original series hosted by University of Sydney students Carla Field and Harry Peters
The Road To Find Out is a student-run podcast where academics from the University of Sydney chat about their remarkable personal journeys and ground-breaking research. Hosts Carla Field and Harry Peters sit down to talk about everything and anything - whether that be Greek philosophy, street libraries or educational disadvantage.
Shirtloads of Science
Original series hosted by Dr Karl
Dr Karl’s a curious optimist – a great combination for a science lover. An alumni of the University of Sydney, join him and his guests on Shirtloads of Science for weird facts, amazing conversation and remember, it’s never too late for a happy childhood.
Sydney Business Insights
Original series produced and hosted by Dr Sandra Peter and Professor Kai Riemer at University of Sydney Business School
Sydney Business Insights (SBI) aims to further informed research and critical thinking on major issues and trends as it impacts on the future of business. SBI talks with leading and innovative thinkers in research, industry, government and community.
The Unlearn Project
Original series produced and hosted by Dr Sandra Peter and Professor Kai Riemer at University of Sydney Business School
The Unlearn Project is about changing common sense. The way the world works has changed. Things you thought you knew like automation will make our work easier, music is something to listen to, large companies can’t innovate, or data is the new oil are no longer true. Hosts Sandra Peter and Kai Riemer set out to unlearn old wisdoms and discover new ones.