Best Codebreak Podcasts (2025)

1
Doctor Who at 60 — still as attractive as ever 53:59

1d ago53:59

53:59

Doctor Who has acted as a mirror to more than six decades of social, technological and cultural change. It's been able to evolve and adapt more radically than any other fiction. Why we are so addicted to fiction, and why does this wonderful wandering time traveller mean so much to so many. This talk was provided by the York Festival of Ideas. The F…

1
171. Captain Morgan - Pirate, Knight & Politician - Part II 1:11:56

26m ago1:11:56

1:11:56

Welcome to the second half of the tale of the infamous Captain Morgan, the man, not the rum, the Privateer, or professional pirate during the Buccaneering Era in the Golden Age of Piracy, many tales and pirate adventures are based on the excursions by this fella from Wales. So during this piracy month, Henry Morgan, the King of Buccaneers... Hosted…

1
The role of spirituality and religion in mental health care 54:36

10m ago54:36

54:36

The connection between body and mind is well established. But mental health expert Daniel Fung also includes the soul in this 'ecosystem' that shapes your overall wellbeing. He envisions a future for mental health services, that is person-centred, holistic and consciously uses digital tools and social media. Beautiful minds, Loving hearts: Asian Me…

1
170. Captain Morgan - Privateer, Pirate & Buccaneer - Part I 1:08:35

3h ago1:08:35

1:08:35

Captain Morgan, the man, not the rum, was a Privateer, or professional pirate during the Buccaneering Era in the Golden Age of Piracy, many tales and pirate adventures are based on the excursions by this fella from Wales. So during this piracy month, enjoy part 1 of teh life of Henry Morgan, the King of Buccaneers... Hosted by Katie Charlwood Donat…

1
Poinsettia Man: Lindsay Schakenbach Regele on Joel Roberts Poinsett, Adventures, Diplomacy, Espionage, Trade, Self-Dealing, South Carolina, and the Paradoxes of American Patriotism 31:33

5d ago31:33

31:33

The red flowered plant that shows up everywhere at this time of year–I saw a forest of them in Wegman’s this morning– is called in Mexico the cuetlaxochitl, or the noche buena; but Americans know it by as the namesake of man who introduced it to the United States: poinsettia. Yet Joel Roberts Poinsett was a more interesting organism than that plant…

1
Head in the Clouds - Owain Wyn Evans, Gavin Pretor-Pinney, Amanda Maycock 42:24

3d ago42:24

42:24

Robin Ince and Brian Cox look up to the heavens as they try to ‘de-mistify’ the foggy science of clouds. They’re joined by Cloud Appreciation Society founder Gavin Pretor-Pinney, climate scientist Amanda Maycock, and former weather presenter and drummer Owain Wyn Evans, for a whirlwind tour of our too often-overlooked aerial realm. The panel explor…

1
A song for every feeling? Pub Choir's Astrid Jorgensen with Natasha Mitchell 1:04:17

2d ago1:04:17

1:04:17

From innocently conning controversial radio duo Kyle and Jackie O as a kid, time in a Zambian convent as a teen, to nearly becoming an air traffic controller before finding her real passion - helping others find their voice - Astrid Jorgensen has quite a story to tell. Her new memoir is called Average At Best. She is anything but. She is anything b…

1
Victoria's new treaty with First Peoples — a turning point for Australia? 42:51

6m ago42:51

42:51

Australia now has its first treaty with this country's first peoples. After nearly a decade of formal consultation and negotiation, the Victorian Statewide Treaty has become law, and will come into effect from early December. This address outlines the long road to achieving the treaty, why it's important, and what comes next. The 25th Dr Charles Pe…

1
Pay attention — writer Emily Maguire finds promiscuous curiosity and cultural receptivity in the creative process 54:35

7d ago54:35

54:35

Humans are by nature creative, but how do we turn a spark of inspiration into something more tangible? Author Emily Maguire draws inspiration from some of the world's most creative minds — from Lin Manuel Miranda, to Susan Sontag, to explore the ingredients of a truly creative life. The 2025 Colin Roderick Memorial Lecture, hosted by the Foundation…

1
Can science keep dementia at bay and keep your brain sharper − for longer? 54:36

3d ago54:36

54:36

As we grow older, changes to our bodies and minds are inevitable. But what if science could help us age better? Our experts on Big Ideas uncover the latest science behind healthy brain aging. What's possible in the fight against cognitive decline and dementia? How might you live a longer, healthier, and more meaningful life? Presented by Sydney Ide…

1
Plato's Letters: Ariel Helfer on the Political Challenges of the Philosophic Life 34:27

9d ago34:27

34:27

The Greek philosopher Plato is famous for writing his teachings in the form of dialogues. But there are additionally a series of seven letters attributed to Plato. Over the centuries much ink has been spilt in arguments over their authenticity. My guest today argues that these letters are actually epistolary philosophical novel which are if nothing…

1
Fusion – Ria Lina, Yasmin Andrew and Howard Wilson 42:14

2d ago42:14

42:14

Robin Ince and Brian Cox get all fired up, overcome their natural repulsion and come together for this stellar episode on nuclear fusion. They’re joined by plasma physicist Yasmin Andrew, fusion scientist Howard Wilson and comedian Ria Lina to uncover the secrets of star-making here on our planet. Together the panel discovers how the sun fuses atom…

1
Acclaimed author Christos Tsiolkas on fence-sitting in a time of fracture 53:54

9d ago53:54

53:54

When acclaimed Australia author Christos Tsiolkas was invited to give the 2025 Ray Mathew Lecture at the National Library of Australia, he had in mind what he wanted to say, as difficult as it was. Then he got a rage-filled message from a longtime friend. How did Christos respond? Is fence-sitting an indulgence in an ethically troubled, divisive, d…

1
From the Vault - Grainne Mhaoil the Irish Pirate Queen 56:24

7d ago56:24

56:24

From the Vault - the stpry of Grainne O Maille, the Irish Pirate Queen, a woman who has often been referred to as "Grace" which has never been has her name and to call her that is to steal a woman's name from her, which is not only crappy, but bad storytelling. Antwat enjoy the first tale in a month of pirates, yo ho me hearty yo ho! Hosted by Kati…

1
The stories we tell about cricket — with Paul Giles and Gideon Haigh 1:09:58

7d ago1:09:58

1:09:58

From The Don to Warny, the Gabba to the G, from its legacy of British colonialism, to the Asian powerhouse nations of today — cricket is not just a sport, but also a reflection of the societies who play it. Drawing on a wealth of writing about the sport, including novels, biographies, and media reporting, this lecture explores the cultural and hist…

1
Judge Navi Pillay on the fight for human rights, justice and accountability 54:36

11d ago54:36

54:36

Born in apartheid South Africa, she became the country's first female high court judge. She sat on the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, and helped to establish sexual violence and rape as war crimes in international law. At a time of global conflict and instability, the work and achievements of Navi Pillay are a reminder of what can be a…

1
Musician Holly Rankin on why young Australians feel that politics isn't delivering for them 53:51

19d ago53:51

53:51

Young Australians are losing faith that our politics, our civic institutions and the mainstream media are working for them. Why is this? And how can our democracy adapt to win back the trust and engagement of new generations? The 2025 Speaker's Lecture was recorded at Parliament House on 27 October 2025. Speakers Holly Rankin - Musician and recordi…

1
Vector: Robyn Arianrohd on the Surprising Story of Space, Time, and Mathematical Transformation 33:06

14d ago33:06

33:06

On October 16, 1843, William Rowan Hamilton was taking a walk with his wife Helen. He was on his way to preside over a meeting of the Royal Irish Academy. As Hamilton came to Broome Bridge, over the Royal Canal, the solution to a vexing problem finally emerged in front of him. He was so excited, and perhaps so afraid that he might forget, that he p…

1
What’s the deal with eels? – Lucy Porter, David Righton and Caroline Durif 42:26

9d ago42:26

42:26

Fishing rods at the ready, Brian Cox and Robin Ince attempt to reel in a creature that has baffled scientists since Aristotle: the eel. Wriggling in to help them uncover the mysteries of one of nature’s slimiest subjects are marine scientists David Righton and Caroline Durif, and comedian Lucy Porter. How do eels navigate such vast distances so dee…

1
What are universities for today? The usefulness of "useless" knowledge 54:36

9d ago54:36

54:36

Are our universities facing an existential crisis by trying to be too many things? Places for learning, research, the production of new knowledge, the production of job-ready graduates, and profit-making enterprises? Does everything they do have to produce a tangible, measurable, practical, or profitable outcome? Should they also foster intellectua…

1
Jane Caro — why Australia is failing our school system 59:27

15d ago59:27

59:27

We often hear about "failing schools", but what if it is us, the Australian community, who are failing them? Public school advocate Jane Caro argues that Australia's pursuit of school choice, and the tax payer funding that enables it, has come at a huge cost to the school system, to children's education, and to our broader society. The 2025 Dymphna…

1
169. The Mystery of Little Egypt 55:29

16d ago55:29

55:29

When the 1893 World's Fair hit Chicago, the city was aghast and excited by the dance du ventre that shimmied through the Streets of Cairo procession at the Great Columbian Exhibition. People clambered to see the woman who brought the belly dance to America, a performer that went by the name Little Egypt, but who was she and how did she influence Am…

1
Coming Out and Inviting In — with Zoe Terakes, Nina Oyama, Mon Schafter, Atari Metcalf, Ji Wallace 54:35

19d ago54:35

54:35

Join ABC's Mon Schafter and four incredible speakers as they share honest, powerful stories about revealing their identities on their own terms. From fear to freedom, isolation to community - this is a conversation about truth, courage, and connection. Held in recognition of 40 years of ACON, it celebrates every journey of coming out and shines a l…

1
Searching for convivencia — philosopher AC Grayling makes peace in the culture wars 54:36

23d ago54:36

54:36

If you're a feminist, or pro-civil or gay rights, does that make you "woke"? And if you're not, does that mean you should be cancelled, or abused online, or lose your job? So many of our public debates nowadays are divided along these lines, but is there a better way? This event was recorded at the 2025 Melbourne Writers Festival. To explore more M…

1
S9E05 Hackathon Team Agentic Vibes (2025 1st Place Winner) 45:13

22d ago45:13

45:13

In this episode, we catch up with John Paulett and Faris Siddiqui to talk about their 2025 SIIM Hackathon project, Agentic Vibes, which won first place. Have a listen to hear about hot topics like Foundation Models and Agentic AI, among others! You can find our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcast, or anywhere else you subscribe to podcasts. Please he…

1
Oral History: Douglas A. Boyd explains the basics of the oldest—and newest—historical method 43:23

23d ago43:23

43:23

“Oral history is a field of study and a method of gathering, preserving, and interpreting the voices and memories of people, communities, and participants in past events.” That is the definition provided by no less an authority than the Oral History Association. And yet this brief, simple, and seemingly authoritative definition is accompanied by so…

1
What’s the time? - Marcus Brigstocke, Leon Lobo, Louise Devoy 42:18

24d ago42:18

42:18

Robin Ince and Brian Cox wind up at the Royal Observatory in Greenwich – arguably the centre of time – to uncoil the mysteries of what time is and how on Earth (…and on moon) we keep track of it. Taking the time to join them are comedian Marcus Brigstocke, curator of the Royal Observatory Louise Devoy, and Head of the National Timing Centre Leon Lo…

1
The Sophia Club live philosophy — what are friends for? 1:10:05

24d ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Friends are different from family. We choose them and they choose us. Philosophers long wondered about what makes friendship such a distinctive relationship in our lives. Is being a good friend a kind of moral virtue? Can friends help us find our true selves? What about the dark and difficult side of friendship — toxic friends and frenemies? How is…

1
Understanding China's history is crucial for Australia 44:48

21d ago44:48

44:48

To deal with China as a major trading partner, and also a national security threat requires understanding the history that made China what it is today. That history is shaped by resistance and different waves of uprising. How have governments dealt with these movements? How do they influence politics today? China: Past, Present, Future was recorded…

1
From the Vault - Frank Abagnale Jnr 54:45

18d ago54:45

54:45

From the Vault, way back in 2023 I covered the life of one Frank Abagnale Jnr, a conman so sleek and sly that the FBI hunted him across the globe and his exploits were teh plot of the Stephen Spielberg movie, Catch Me If You Can. A story so wild and fantastical that it seemed to good to be true.... Hosted by Katie Charlwood Donate to Los Angeles Re…

1
Universities and other antidotes to authoritarianism 55:15

22d ago55:15

55:15

The United States has long been famous for its world leading universities. But in the face of research funding cuts, government attacks on free speech, DEI and the right to protest, and the persecution of foreign students, could all that be changing? The speech, Poison Ideas: Universities and other Antidotes to Authoritarianism, was recorded at the…

1
One day, everyone will have always been against this — Omar El Akkad and Peter Greste reckon with Western hypocrisy over Israel's war on Gaza 54:36

24d ago54:36

54:36

The Western world is supposed to stand for values like freedom, justice and human rights, a commitment to meet wrongdoing with consequence, guided by rules and obligations. How then, do we reconcile that with Western governments' and media's support of and complicity in the horrors in Gaza? How do we witness the bloodshed and destruction, and yet l…

1
Love, War, and Diplomacy: Eric H. Cline on the Discovery of the Amarna Letters and the Bronze Age World They Revealed 31:32

29d ago31:32

31:32

“Two years and a half years ago, when coming down the Nile in a dahabiah, I stopped at . . . Tel el-Amarna. In the course of my exploration, I noticed . . . the foundations of a large building, which had just been laid bare by the natives. . . . A few months afterwards the natives, still going on with their work of disinterment, discovered among th…

1
Mind-reading Computers – Phil Wang, Anne Vanhoestenberghe and Luke Bashford 42:42

1M ago42:42

42:42

For once, Brian Cox and Robin Ince are on the same wavelength – with thinking caps firmly on, they plug into the science of brain-computer interfaces. Helping them decode the tech are neuroscientist Luke Bashford, biomedical engineer Anne Vanhoestenberghe, and comedian Phil Wang. Together the panel switches on to the possibilities of using implante…

1
Fixing Australia's housing crisis — is increasing supply really a silver bullet? 1:03:07

27d ago1:03:07

1:03:07

Build more houses. That'll fix Australia's housing crisis won't it? If you listen to governments, you'd sure think so. Under the National Housing Accord, all governments have agreed to support a target of building 1.2 million new, well-located dwellings in 5 years. But will that increase housing affordability, availability, quality, security of ten…

1
Gough Whitlam's dismissal — why is it still relevant today? 54:35

28d ago54:35

54:35

Whitlam's dismissal and following double dissolution 50 years ago, was arguably the most tumultuous period in Australia's political and constitutional history. This political crisis raises key questions about constitutional change and the robustness of Australia's current democracy. What are the lessons? And could it happen again? Presented at the …

1
168. The Blackburn Cult 1:07:47

29d ago1:07:47

1:07:47

In 1920s Los Angelos Mother May Otis Blackburn and her daughter Ruth Wiland Rizzio headed a cult that promised understandid, salvaion and so much hidden treasure, but the devout wouldn't be showered with riches and gold, instead they would live a life of secrecy, forced marriages, rituals and baking people in an oven. Hosted by Katie Charlwood Dona…

1
The Gunpowder Plot 1:10:15

29d ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Remember, remember the fifth of November, Gunpowder, Treason and Plot. I see no reason why gunpowder treason should ever be forgot.. Please enjoy this BONUS episode this Bonfire Night, the tale of Guy Fawkes who very early blew up parliament Hosted by Katie Charlwood Donate to Burlesque Hall of Fame Gift Vouchers: Playful Promises, WhatKatieDid, Bu…

1
An intriguing story of art and espionage — how a classical scholar turned codebreaker during World War 2 54:36

25d ago54:36

54:36

In the 1930s, New Zealand-born, Cambridge educated Arthur Dale Trendall carved a niche for himself as the world's foremost expert in the study of ancient South Italian vase painting. How then, did he end up leading a crack team of code-breakers working in Melbourne to decipher Japanese messages for the Allies during the Second World War? This lectu…

1
Empire of AI — Karen Hao goes inside the reckless race for total world domination 53:59

1M ago53:59

53:59

When it was founded in 2015, openai — the company behind Chat GPT — had a mission to develop artificial intelligence tools that would benefit humanity. But somewhere along the way, that mission changed. While the use of AI in our daily lives is increasingly pervasive, the technology's toll on the environment, human rights, copyright, privacy and wo…

1
War and Power: Phillips Payson O’Brien on Who Wins Wars and Why 29:15

1M ago29:15

29:15

For at least two centuries, ideas of international relations and grand strategy have been premised on the notion of “great powers.” These were mighty states uniquely able to exert their influence through overwhelming military force. In the words of friend of the podcast Leopold von Ranke, a great power was one who could “maintain itself against all…

1
ABC's CITIZEN JURY — Fixing salmon farming's environmental harms in Tasmania 1:11:15

1M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

ABC Radio National's CITIZEN JURY takes hard, hot-button issues affecting a community — and places citizens at the centre of finding solutions. It's citizen-driven democracy in action! Tasmanian salmon is on dinner plates across Australia. It's a 1.4 billion-dollar industry producing jobs for Tasmanians, and more than 70, 000 tonnes of fish annuall…

1
Anne Summers — 50 Years of Damned Whores and God’s Police 54:35

1M ago54:35

54:35

In 1975, aged just 29, she wrote a bestselling book that changed Australia. Since then, she's courted controversy and acclaim, but Anne Summers has never given up the fight for gender equality. This conversation was recorded live at the 2025 Sydney Writers' Festival. Speakers Dr Anne SummersAuthor, Damned Whores and God's Police, Ducks on the Pond:…

1
167. The McDonalds Hot Coffee Case 48:18

1M ago48:18

48:18

SEE ME LIVE IN LONDON!!! See Who Did What Now LIVE in London this November 2025!!!! Get Your Tickets In the mid-nineties a woman made headlines all over the world bcause she sued McDonalds for having hot coffee... Now that seems ridiculous right? A ridiculous news story that turned an elderly woman into a laughing stock, a greedy instigator of "fri…

1
Why we need to cancel cancel culture — with defamation barrister Sue Chrysanthou 54:34

1M ago54:34

54:34

When people say or do the wrong thing, we have laws and a legal system that should be able to deliver consequences and, hopefully justice. But in this digital age, the human instinct to inflict punishment in the court of public opinion has reached fever pitch. So do we want to live by mob rule, or the rule of law? The 2025 James Merralls Fellowship…

1
Out of this world — with Booker Prize winning author Samantha Harvey 54:09

1M ago54:09

54:09

For all of human history, space has been a place of mystery, awe and fascination. But unless you're an astronaut, a billionaire, or a pop star, most of us will never have the opportunity to travel there — except in our minds. This conversation features two writers who've used the perspective of space to explore our humanity, Earth's place in the un…

1
Bloody Crowns: Michael Livingston on Two Hundred Years of War, Power, and Transformation 34:32

1M ago34:32

34:32

The young King was determined to strike. His throne and power had been taken from him; now he would seize them both back. Now his chosen men entered the castle where he was a virtual prisoner, under the watchful eyes of his mother and her lover. Joining them, he led their rush to the Queen Mother’s apartments. There they seized those who had preven…

1
What Artists See? Critic Quentin Sprague helps you get to the messy human heart of art 54:34

1M ago54:34

54:34

Have you ever visited an art gallery full of wonder, ready to be inspired, only to leave feeling like it was all a bit over your head? You're about to meet one writer whose new book of essays rejects the over-complication and gets to the messy, human heart of art. What Artists See is a collection of essays from award-winning arts writer and critic …

1
Matrescence — on the metamorphosis of motherhood 54:58

1M ago54:58

54:58

When a child is born, so too is a mother. This idea, known as "matrescence", was first conceived in the 1970s by American medical anthropologist Dana Raphael. Parenting in 2025 looks very different in many ways, the scientific evidence now supports the theory that women undergo radical physiological, psychological and social changes during pregnanc…

1
166. The Salem Witch Trials 1:30:56

1M ago1:30:56

1:30:56

SEE ME LIVE IN LONDON!!! See Who Did What Now LIVE in London this November 2025!!!! Get Your Tickets It's time for the most famous witch trial in American history...the Salem Witch Trials Hosted by Katie Charlwood Donate to Burlesque Hall of Fame I'm on Tour! Get Your Tickets Donate at: Patreon Tip Jar Just in Case Beacons (at the bottom of the pag…

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