Best Humans Of Canberra Podcasts (2024)

1
Reporting on the 1989 Revolution in Romania and the Czechoslovak Velvet Revolution (357) 57:33

14h ago57:33

57:33

Allan Little recounts his journey from his student days in Edinburgh to working as a journalist the front lines of Cold War history in Eastern Europe and beyond. In 1989 he found himself on the night shift at the BBC’s Today programme in London when the Berlin Wall fell. Witnessing the world change in real time Allan’s desire to be part of these mo…

1
Mafia Spies and the CIA Plot to Kill Fidel Castro (356) 56:47

2d ago56:47

56:47

Thomas Maier an investigative journalist is our guide to the shadowy world of organized crime and espionage where shares insights from his extensive research and writing, including his latest book and drama documentary "Mafia Spies," which explores the unlikely alliance between the CIA and the Mafia in their attempts to assassinate Fidel Castro. We…

1
Finding Peak Health With Mark Trbojevich 58:17

8h ago58:17

58:17

Mark Trbojevich is the Principal Chiropractor at Peak Health Canberra. After a number of injuries, he sought a career in combining his passion for health and fitness, with his other passion of helping people. He's the man that keeps me, along with a host of other runners in the game. He's also looked after World Champions, and some of the best athl…

1
Teaching English in East Germany (355) 1:15:40

16h ago1:15:40

1:15:40

Bärbel was born in a village near Magdeburg in 1962, She explores her personal and professional life growing up in East Germany. We delve into her family's views on the East German government, her journey to becoming a teacher, and her experiences teaching English. We cover gender roles and the pressures to become a member of the communist party. A…

1
#163 – Dr Kamilah Majied on Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living 1:00:54

21h ago1:00:54

1:00:54

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Kamilah Majied about her insightful book entitled “Joyfully Just: Black Wisdom and Buddhist Insights for Liberated Living”. Dr. Majied is Professor of Social Work at California State University, Monterey Bay. She teaches clinical practice to graduate students employing psychodynamic, c…

1
Cold War Nuclear Bombing Missions and a UFO Encounter (354) 1:08:40

11d ago1:08:40

1:08:40

Cold War RAF pilot Jeremy Lane, shares his gripping experiences, from nuclear bombing missions to a close encounter with a UFO. He was trained to fly the Canberra aircraft on nuclear bombing missions and describes how the American weaponry they would have used required dual control from both the President of the United States and the British Prime …

1
#162 – Professor Sally Gainsbury on Recreational Gambling vs Problematic Gambling 42:02

12d ago42:02

42:02

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Sally Gainsbury about the differences between problematic and recreational gambling while exploring the development of responsible gambling strategies. Professor Sally Gainsbury, PhD, Doctor.ClinPsych, BPsych(Hons) is a leader in gambling psychology research, focussing on using …

1
Kaiti Primrose's 777 Bravehearts Marathon Journey 1:15:41

13d ago1:15:41

1:15:41

Kaiti Primrose is a hybrid athlete who has played a number of sports, but found long distance running through the influence of her dad and in 2021 did her first 777 Bravehearts Marathon event. That year's event provided some of the toughest lessons she will ever face in the sport of running, but it didn't deter Kaiti from coming back, seeing her no…

1
Cheltenham Schoolboy to Cold War Canberra Jet Pilot (353) 46:34

18d ago46:34

46:34

Jeremy Lane’s fascination for aviation was nurtured by countless childhood hours watching aircraft at Staverton Airport and North Weald. He shares his experiences flying the Jet Provost and later, the Canberra. He describes the capabilities of this versatile and iconic aircraft, from high-speed reconnaissance to its nuclear role. The Canberra's des…

1
Peak Endurance: The Isobel Tait Story 1:15:00

15d ago1:15:00

1:15:00

Isobel Tait has had an incredible running career, from humble beginnings, Isobel has gone on to win some of Australia's great ultra races including Six Foot Track and Great Southern Endurance Run Miler. She has represented Australia 3 times at the World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships, and has raced twice in the Barkley Marathons. If t…

1
The Future of Medicare 18:46

19d ago18:46

18:46

On 19 June 2024, I spoke to a symposium organised by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Symposium, on the topic ‘The future of Medicare: research-informed policy for better access and health’. The text of the speech is available here: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/speeches/address-academy-social-sciences…

1
Discovering What Works: Why Rigorous Evaluation Matters 18:46

24d ago18:46

18:46

On 17 June 2024, I spoke to the Australian Evaluation Showcase on the topic ‘Discovering What Works: Why Rigorous Evaluation Matters’. The text of the speech is available here: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/speeches/address-australian-evaluation-showcase-canberraBy Andrew Leigh MP

1
#161 – Dr Christoph Klebl on The Psychology of Climate Change and Biodiversity 1:24:48

19d ago1:24:48

1:24:48

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr. Christoph Klebl about the psychology of climate change and biodiversity, and his work on aesthetics and morality that relates to that (e.g., why people are most concerned about protecting beautiful animal species). Dr. Christoph Klebl is a postdoctoral research fellow at the School of…

1
Empowering Change With Mika Koelma 49:00

19d ago49:00

49:00

Mika Koelma is the co-founder of Hey Zomi, a company leading the way in menstrual health, period care solutions and education, which she founded with her sister Zoe. As a runner, she uses her experience in education to empower women to change the conversation around their own health. Mika is not your regular entrepreneur, and her positivity radiate…

1
A Cold War Hungarian Journey Through War, Revolution, and Emigration (352) 1:05:27

22d ago1:05:27

1:05:27

In this comprehensive narrative, Imre recounts his life from his birth in 1936 in Hungary to his emigration to the West after the 1956 Hungarian Revolution. He discusses the influence of his family’s Hungarian and German heritage, his father’s work in the oil industry, and the impact of World War II and communist rule on his upbringing. The account…

1
Every Mountain, Every Mile with Ryan MacPherson 1:14:59

25d ago1:14:59

1:14:59

Ryan MacPherson is not your standard hybrid athlete, and his adventures in climbing and mountaineering which started in Canada have led him to some of the most incredible experiences you can have in life. He breaks down the lingo behind climbing, and how this electrician from Australia fell in love with the mountains. He's also an accomplished trai…

1
#160 – Dr Kinga Szymaniak on How the Emotion of Anger Impacts the Way We Think and Act 1:20:52

26d ago1:20:52

1:20:52

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Kinga Szymaniak about the impacts of anger on the way we think and act, and how it shapes our decisions and judgments. Kinga Szymaniak is a Research Associate in the School of Psychology at UNSW. She was awarded her PhD in 2022 from the Faculty of Psychology at the University of Warsaw…

1
#159 – John Sweller on The Cognitive Load Theory 1:22:58

26d ago1:22:58

1:22:58

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with John Sweller about The Cognitive Load Theory which suggests that learning happens best under conditions that are aligned with human cognitive architecture. John Sweller is an educational psychologist and Emeritus Professor at the University of New South Wales. He received a Ph.D. from the…

1
Mutiny in the East German Army (351) 48:02

29d ago48:02

48:02

In this riveting account, Tilo recounts his experiences as an East German soldier during the final months of East Germany. He details the rising political awareness among soldiers, and his fear that his unit will be asked to shoot on demonstrators also provides a personal perspective on the pivotal moments leading up to and following the fall of th…

1
All In: Beth McKenzie's Ultra Trail Australia Triumph 1:10:30

1M ago1:10:30

1:10:30

Beth McKenzie is well known in the world of triathlon, and has now announced herself on the trails, following a stunning with at Ultra Trail Australia's 100 kilometre race, in just her second attempt at the distance. But, what you'll learn is that Beth doesn't do things by halves, if she's going for something it's all in. In this podcast she gives …

1
#158 – Professor David Blustein on The Psychology of Working and the Interface of Mental Health and Work Poverty 1:26:57

1M ago1:26:57

1:26:57

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor David Blustein about the complexities surrounding the psychology of working and its profound impact on mental health, while shedding light on the challenges posed by work poverty. Dr Blustein is a Professor and Golden Eagle Faculty Fellow in the Department of Counseling, Develop…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH AMAR SINGH 59:15

1M ago59:15

59:15

Amar is the President and Founder of charity organisation Turbans 4 Australia. Since 2015, they have been providing assistance to Australians from all walks of life while also promoting multiculturalism and religious tolerance. Turbans 4 Australia has worked tirelessly to help hundreds of thousands of Australians in need. They have assisted people …

1
Face to face with the Soviets at the Cold War Reykjavik Summit between President Reagan and Mikhail Gorbachev (350) 1:12:45

1M ago1:12:45

1:12:45

This episode is brought to you by the CNN Original Series Secrets & Spies: A Nuclear Game which premieres 2nd June 2024 and is available now on BBC Iplayer). The series tracks the spies operating behind the scenes in the 1980s as the Cold War brings two superpowers to the brink of nuclear war. This razor-sharp series examines the tenuousness of glo…

1
#157 – Rob Brooks on How AI Is Reshaping Human Sexual Perspectives and Interactions 1:26:08

1M ago1:26:08

1:26:08

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Rob Brooks about the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on reshaping human sexual perspectives and interactions and how it revolutionizes our understanding in the realm of human sexuality. Rob Brooks, a Scientia Professor of Evolution at UNSW Sydney. He both founded and directed f…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH ANN BRAY 56:13

2M ago56:13

56:13

Ann has had a successful career in the public and private sectors. Ann’s professional journey has been diverse. She trained and worked as a Maths/Science Teacher joined a large food manufacturing company as a Quality Assurance Manager and Production Manager, supported her father in a small business venture and worked in Washington DC as a senior di…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH MALCOM FARR 1:01:39

2M ago1:01:39

1:01:39

Malcolm Farr was a highly respected senior political journalist in the Canberra Press Gallery covering the Parliament of Australia in Canberra, Australia. Based in Canberra, Malcom was the National Political Editor for News.com.au and contributing writer to The Punch. Most recently he is writing for The Guardian Australia to October 2022. Malcom ha…

1
The President’s Kill List - Assassination and US Foreign Policy since 1945 (349) 52:36

1M ago52:36

52:36

Luca Trenta is an associate professor at Swansea University and has recently authored The President's Kill List: Assassination and US Foreign Policy Since 1945. We dig in detail into the contents of the book delving into the history of Cold War CIA operations including instances of electoral interference and assassination. Our conversation explores…

1
The Madness Of Racing The Sun 21:10

2M ago21:10

21:10

Tomorrow 12 groups of 6 runners will be going from the Gold Coast to Tenterfield more than 300 kilometres away. The concept has grown rapidly in this the second year it is being run. But why? The Madness of Red Bull 24 Hour Race The Sun, the brainchild of Courtney Atkinson, this race is going to test the limits of even the best runners in this race…

1
The sinking of the USS Scorpion and the Velvet Revolution (348) 33:58

2M ago33:58

33:58

I’m a big fan of the History Daily podcast, where my good friend Lindsay Graham takes you back in time to explore a momentous moment that happened ‘on this day’ in history. Visit Historydaily.com or search History Daily in your podcast app to learn more. As an introduction to History Daily I have selected two Cold War-themed episodes that I know yo…

1
#156 – Dr Susie Burke on The Psychology of Climate Change 1:11:32

2M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Susie Burke about the role that psychology can play in helping us understand the causes, impacts and solutions to climate change and other environmental threats. Dr Susie Burke is a psychologist, Adjunct Associate Professor (University of Queensland), researcher, writer, and climate ch…

1
A US Diplomat's Son in Cold War Soviet Union, Nicaragua and Cuba (347) 1:08:40

2M ago1:08:40

1:08:40

In this fascinating interview, Patrick D. Joyce recounts his unique experience growing up as the son of a U.S. diplomat during the Cold War. Living in the diplomatic community of the Soviet Union, Nicaragua, and Cuba, Patrick shares vivid memories of his father's career as a Soviet and linguistic expert, who rose to become Deputy Ambassador at both…

1
#155 – Professor Andrew Martin on Student Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement - Putting The Horse Before The Cart 1:14:31

2M ago1:14:31

1:14:31

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Professor Andrew Martin about the intricate dynamics of Student Motivation, Engagement, and Achievement. Together, they delve deep into the strategies and challenges of "Putting The Horse Before The Cart," shedding light on the crucial steps needed to ensure academic success and personal …

1
Joe Ward Nominates To Lead AURA 40:06

2M ago40:06

40:06

Joe Ward has recently come off a second placing at Australia's 24 Hour Championship, and last week had his long standing Fastest Known Time from Brisbane to Sydney broken. We also talk about his work with Sean Bell who is currently ripping it up running across the country, and why he has put his hand up to be president of AURA.…

1
#154 – Dr Andrew Amos on the Concerns with Gender Affirming Care - A Psychiatrist's Perspective 1:45:57

2M ago1:45:57

1:45:57

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Andrew Amos about the complexities and concerns surrounding gender-affirming care. This discussion delves into the psychiatric perspective on this important and often debated topic. Dr Andrew Amos is Director of Training – Psychiatry for North Queensland, Deputy Editor of Australasian …

1
East German Army Bullying, Serving in a Brigade HQ and Military Exercises (346) 50:25

2M ago50:25

50:25

Warning: This episode does cover the subject of suicide. If you need help please use these links: UK https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Rest of the World https://findahelpline.com/i/iasp Tilo shares his raw and powerful testimony of a young man conscripted into the East German military at the height of Cold War tensions. …

1
America's Cold War Scottish Bastion (345) 1:22:42

2M ago1:22:42

1:22:42

David McKay is a former Cold War special forces officer and author of Bubbleheads, SEALs and Wizards: America's Scottish Bastion in the Cold War. His book highlights the Scottish bases' significant role in supporting the US military over three decades. David brings his expertise into play, examining this intriguing story by reaching out to more tha…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH JOHN MARSHAL HE WAS BETTER KNOWN AS MR FRUGII 56:59

2M ago56:59

56:59

John a Canberra confectioner who founded the experimental ice-creamery Frugii Dessert Laboratory, sadly passed away in 2021. John had long indulged in his hobby — creating unusually flavoured ice-creams and desserts — while selling them from his home, until he launched the business on Braddon's Lonsdale Street. John's creations came to be featured …

1
The Challenges of a Christian East German Childhood (344) 53:08

2M ago53:08

53:08

Tilo offers an engaging and personal account of growing up in East Berlin before the fall of the Berlin Wall. He begins by describing his early childhood in a rundown building in Prenzlauer Berg before moving to a new prefab neighbourhood in Lichtenberg. Tilo’s grandfather on his mother’s side was a pastor in the Lutheran church and second in comma…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH CLÉMENT CHAUVIN 1:02:32

3M ago1:02:32

1:02:32

Les Bistronomes Restaurant was founded in 2014 by two French men with a desire to extend Bistronomie to Canberra. It was originally located in the inner location of Braddon. The bistro was relocated to the community suburb of Campbell in 2019 where Clément Chauvin has become the Sole Owner and Executive Chef. Clément has experienced working in 3 an…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH BERNARD COLLAERY 1:00:03

3M ago1:00:03

1:00:03

Bernard Collaery is an Australian barrister, lawyer and former politician. Collaery was a member of the ACT first Legislative Assembly. He has served as Deputy Chief Minister and Attorney-General. In 2018, he was charged with disclosing protected intelligence information. The case related to the Australia–East Timor spying scandal however In July 2…

1
Experimenting for Excellence: Randomised Trials in Human Resources 18:07

3M ago18:07

18:07

On 30 April 2024, I spoke at the HR Leaders Forum in Sydney about some of the fascinating findings emerging from randomised trials in the workplace. The full text of the speech is available here: https://ministers.dewr.gov.au/leigh/experimenting-excellence-randomised-trials-human-resourcesBy Andrew Leigh MP

1
Commanding a Cold War US Navy Nuclear Missile Submarine (343) 1:22:01

3M ago1:22:01

1:22:01

Bill Woodman is a former US Navy nuclear missile submarine commander, who shares his rich experiences from joining the US Naval Academy in 1964 to commanding two SSBN submarines, the USS James Monroe and the USS Alabama during the Cold War. Bill opens up about his initial aspirations, rigorous training at the Naval Academy, and his challenging inte…

1
The Human Metronome: Holly Ranson 1:19:18

3M ago1:19:18

1:19:18

Holly Ranson took the recent Australian 24-Hours National Championships by storm, running a new Australian Women's record in the process, along with a whole stack of new records along the way at the AIS in Canberra, which involved some incredible crewing from her partner Nic French. That performance is just a small slice of what Holly has done in t…

1
#153 – Dr Genevieve Rayner on Psychosocial Influences on Mood and Cognitive Disorders in Epilepsy 1:11:12

3M ago1:11:12

1:11:12

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr Genevieve Rayner about the intricate interplay of neurobiology and psychosocial factors contributing to mood and cognitive disorders in epilepsy and other neurological conditions. Dr Genevieve Rayner is a practicing clinical neuropsychologist and lecturer in clinical neuropsychology at…

1
My friend the Bridge of Spies spy - Part 2 (342) 59:47

3M ago59:47

59:47

Burt recounts the surreal experience of learning about Fisher's true identity from a newspaper headline, the subsequent FBI interrogations, and the emotional courtroom testimony where he struggled to reconcile his friendship with the stark reality of espionage. Burt's journey leads him to Moscow in a failed attempt to reconnect with Fisher, reveali…

1
Loops and Laps with Phil Gore 1:16:32

3M ago1:16:32

1:16:32

Phil Gore is a household name in Ultra Running, making a name for himself as a Former World Record Holder in the Backyard Ultra format with 102 loops at the Australian Backyard Masters in 2023, which still stands as an Australian record. More recently he set a new Oceania 24-hour record at the Asia-Oceania Championships in Canberra. In this podcast…

1
THE CONFAB WITH MICHAEL G IN CONVERSATION WITH EMILY BIRKS 59:57

3M ago59:57

59:57

Emily had previously been interested in depicting highly detailed portraits of Australian wildlife species, but now find herself inspired by the elements these animals leave behind such as bones, shells, feathers, and the plants of their environment. Emily arranges these elements along with treasured ceramic and glassware vessels, as a modern Austr…

1
My friend the Bridge of Spies spy - Part 1 (341) 1:07:08

3M ago1:07:08

1:07:08

In a riveting episode that peels back the layers of Cold War espionage, we sit down with Burt, an artist who unwittingly befriended a man better known as Colonel Abel, the infamous Bridge of Spies Spy who was exchanged for shot down US U2 pilot Gary Powers. Burt knew Abel as Emil Goldfuss but his real name was Willie Fisher from Newcastle Upon Tyne…

1
#152 – Dr James Daniel Dunn on Exploring Super-Recognisers 1:20:59

3M ago1:20:59

1:20:59

In this episode of Better Thinking, Nesh Nikolic speaks with Dr James Dunn about strategies that support superior face identification accuracy and contextual influences on face identification as well as his most interesting research on Super-recognisers which he has been studying using the UNSW Face Test. James Dunn is a Lecturer in the School of P…

1
Healthy Surprises: How Randomised Trials Can Challenge Conventional Wisdom and Debunk Dogma 23:12

3M ago23:12

23:12

On 9 April 2024, I spoke at the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute’s Danks Leaders in Science seminar, on the topic “Healthy Surprises: How Randomised Trials Can Challenge Conventional Wisdom and Debunk Dogma”. The text is available here: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/andrew-leigh-2022/speeches/address-danks-leaders-science-seminar…

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Humans Of Canberra Podcasts

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