Best Monash Impact Podcasts (2024)

1
Reinventing Nature: How synthetic biology can shape our living planet with Harrison Steel 36:30

16d ago36:30

36:30

Synthetic biology has changed how we live, from genetically modified food to insulin production and engineered mosquitos. This science shrinks traditional engineering to the nanometre, tailoring life from inside a cell. Can we engineer bacteria to remove waste products from our environment and reverse the effects of climate change? Will the future …

1
Dismantling the Boundaries between Ideas, Sectors & People: the future of problem-solving with Professor Katherine Daniell 33:47

1M ago33:47

33:47

What is the School of Cybernetics, and why has it become an engine for innovation? What does history tell us about how robotics will affect society in the future? How can we generate more conversation between policymakers, engineers, and businesses? Professor Katherine Daniell (2005 John Monash Scholar) joins us to explain how and why she establish…

1
Bridging Worlds: Technology's Impact on Society with Physicist-Turned-Entrepreneur Aqeel Akber 1:21:31

1M ago1:21:31

1:21:31

We recently reconnected with Aqeel Akber, a nuclear physicist turned entrepreneur, and co-founder of AI and Data consultancy, Thaum. 15 minutes into our catch up at Market Lane over a batch brew, we decided to jump behind the mic for an impromptu exploration into the heart of technology's impact on society. It's not every day that you meet a kindre…

1
CoLabs Updates #1 - Monash Precinct Developments, Civic Science Hub Relaunch and Member Updates with Andrew Gray and Samuel Wines 39:27

2M ago39:27

39:27

We're experimenting with a first for us on the podcast: a shorter, condensed version where we (Andrew and Sam) cover off what has been happening recently in and around the lab. This conversation includes updates on: Our new site that is being built in the Monash Precinct Our civic science hub, BioQuisitive and it's relaunch Two of our members that …

1
Correcting the Bias: Georgina Ryan on Australia’s mathematical literacy crisis 21:36

2M ago21:36

21:36

Why do men seem to dominate the math lecture hall at a tertiary level? Why are Australian classrooms continuing to lose math students? What is mathematical communication and how might it boost math skills among Australia’s marginalised populations? Georgina Ryan (2024 Commonwealth Bank John Monash Scholar) joins Justin Kelly to discuss the reasons …

1
Improving Female Fertility Outcomes using Lab-On-A-Chip Technology with Edgar Charry, co-founder of Symex Labs 1:00:26

2M ago1:00:26

1:00:26

For this episode, we sat down with Edgar Charry, the co-founder of Symex Labs, to explore the nuanced and deeply personal world of reproductive health. This episode brings forth a candid account of Edgar's startup journey, driven by his own fertility challenges. Together, we chart the human experiences that fuel scientific breakthroughs, and how Ed…

1
Investing in Climate Optimism with Dr Arjuna Dibley 28:30

3M ago28:30

28:30

What is sustainable finance and how is it changing the investment landscape? Who are some of the biggest hidden players of carbon emissions, and why aren’t we talking about them? Join Dr Arjuna Dibley (2016 Woodside John Monash Scholar) and host Justin Kelly as they explore what it means to put a price on climate change and the creative ways policy…

1
A Deep Dive into Synthetic Biological Intelligence with Hon Weng Chong from Cortical Labs 1:25:51

3M ago1:25:51

1:25:51

Have you ever wondered what happens when the frontiers of biology and technology collide? Hon Weng Chong, the CEO of Cortical Labs, sits down with us and takes us on a recap of his journey thus far. Starting with his transition from being a medical doctor, through to being a tech innovator, Hon takes us through the crests and troughs of startup lif…

1
Solving the Energy Equation - Mathematics in Motion: CBA Scholar Alexander Makarowsky's Vision for a Brighter Tomorrow" 30:30

4M ago30:30

30:30

Alex has a Bachelor of Telecommunications Engineering (Honours) from the University of Adelaide, where he studied as a Charles Hawker Memorial Scholar. With his John Monash Scholarship, he completed an MSc in Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing at the University of Oxford, graduating with the Kathryn Gillow Prize for best dissertation. …

1
Dissecting Media Bias and AI's Role in Research and Innovation with Ben Field and Juistin Beaconsfield from Raava 1:35:16

4M ago1:35:16

1:35:16

Ready to delve into the world of AI startups, media bias, and the future of research and education? This episode promises an enlightening conversation with Ben and Justin, a.k.a 'the AI boys' the brains (and potential boy band) behind Rava, an emerging AI startup and impact member at CoLabs Australia. We explore their journey into this fascinating …

1
Should professional athletes claim workers' compensation for repeated head traumas? | ISCRR Podcast Ep.3 18:07

5M ago18:07

18:07

In this ISCRR podcast, Dr. Eric Windholz from Monash University examines the current insurance arrangements for athletes, the exemption from workers’ compensation of professional sportspersons in particular, and options for reform in light of the recommendations from the 2023 Senate inquiry into concussions and repeated head trauma in contact sport…

1
Can we prevent work-related violence in healthcare? | ISCRR Podcast Ep.2 26:05

5M ago26:05

26:05

In this ISCRR podcast, three esteemed researchers from Monash University discuss their research, all with a focus on work-related violence from a particular lens. Dr Dianne Sheppard, Senior Research Fellow at the Monash University Accident Research Centre (MUARC), opens the discussion with an overview of her work on the financial burden associated …

1
How are road workers impacted by bitumen fumes? | ISCRR podcast Ep. 1 19:24

5M ago19:24

19:24

In this ISCRR podcast, Dr. Janine McMillan (Acting Co-Director and Research Lead at ISCRR) and Nick Blackford (OHS Officer at the Australian Workers’ Union) summarise the findings of ISCRR’s Evidence Review and Environmental Scan of the adverse health risks of bitumen fume exposure to road workers, and how this research is currently changing practi…

1
Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain: A Conversation with Prof. Justin Moore, Neurosurgery Pioneer 27:54

5M ago27:54

27:54

Justin Moore earned his B.Med.Sci and Medical degrees at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, supported by a faculty scholarship, achieving top-tier honors in both disciplines. Additionally, he pursued a legal degree with a specific focus on medical law. During his early career, he completed his internship and foundational surgical training a…

1
Creating Regenerative Materials Economies: A Conversation with Tina Funder from Alt.Leather 52:09

6M ago52:09

52:09

Imagine a future where materials like leather are sustainable, ethical, and biobased, harming no animals in its production. Imagine a world where your leather handbag could be thrown in your garden at the end of its life, where it could decompose and actively regenerate the soil. Luckily for us, this vision of an entangled future where nature-grown…

1
Exploring Practical Tech Ethics with Mathew Mykta and Nathan Kinch from Tethix 1:48:07

6M ago1:48:07

1:48:07

In this whirlwind of an episode, we sat down with Mathew Mykta and Nathan (Nate) Kinch from Tethix. In this episode, We took a deep dive into Tethix's SMILES framework (the Symbio-Memetic Interwoven Language Embodiment System), which works at the intersection of transdisciplinary theory, reflective practice, and a deep ecological orientation. We ve…

1
2024 John Monash Scholars: Trailblazing Australians Pursuing Excellence, Leadership, and Global Impact: An Interview with Foundation CEO Paul Ramadge 32:36

5M ago32:36

32:36

In its 20th year of selecting scholars, the John Monash Foundation has announced sixteen outstanding Australians who will embark on an exciting journey of education and leadership overseas. These scholars represent a diverse range of fields, from medicine and health to the arts, engineering, business, law, mathematics, science, and Indigenous affai…

1
Meet Creative Technologist Jessie Hughes: Pioneering Digital Innovation for Positive Impact 29:51

6M ago29:51

29:51

Jessie Hughes is an internationally-recognised Australian new media artist, technologist and screenwriter, her works having exhibited most notably at Sundance Film Festival, SXSW, Cannes and the Tate Modern. Hughes has been named one of Australia’s Future Changers for her commitment to using digital innovation for positive social impact, and was aw…

1
Leading Change and Shaping Victoria's Future: A Conversation with Jim Round, CEO of VicReturn, Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme 28:43

7M ago28:43

28:43

Jim has recently been appointed as CEO at VicReturn, which is Victoria's Container Deposit Scheme. Prior to this Jim held notable leadership positions such as the Chief of Planning and Governance for the Victoria 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Committee, Deputy Secretary in the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions, where he worked on indus…

1
Language, Law, Human Rights and Justice: A conversation with Associate Professor Jacqueline Mowbray 30:53

7M ago30:53

30:53

Jacqui completed her PhD at the University of Cambridge in 2008 and returned to Australia. She is now an Associate Professor at the University of Sydney law school and also the external legal adviser to the Commonwealth of Australia's Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights. In 2009 she was awarded the University of Sydney Faculty of Law Awar…

1
Behind the Reflection: Decoding Body Image and Self-Perception with A/Prof Gemma Sharp 21:51

8M ago21:51

21:51

A/Prof Gemma Sharp is a 2007 General Sir John Monash Scholar. Her scholarship allowed her to complete a MSc in the Department of Oncology at Cambridge University. her field of expertise is body image, eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorder, cosmetic procedures, mental health, psychology, therapy, treatment, and social media. Gemma leads the Bod…

1
Cultivated Meat: A conversation with Paul Bevan and Andrew Laslett from Magic Valley 1:26:15

8M ago1:26:15

1:26:15

For our next edition of The Strange Attractor, we were joined by Paul Bevan and Andrew Laslett, hosts of The Magic Hour Podcast. Paul, Andrew, and Sam chat about the story behind Magic Valley and its people - one of several startups working at Co-Labs' shared lab space in Brunswick. We discuss a wide range of topics, from activism, innovation in Au…

1
The Quantum Leap: Bridging Science and Industry with Dr. Thomas Hanna 27:01

8M ago27:01

27:01

Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Sydney and a Bachelor of Science with First Class Honours in Physics from ANU. He used his John Monash Scholarship to study for a DPhil in Atomic and Laser Physics in Oxford, before working as a postdoctoral fellow in the USA. Tom specialised in the theory of ultracold atomic and mole…

1
Empowering the Future: Unleashing Energy & Education with Nicholas Maurer 24:02

9M ago24:02

24:02

Nicholas is a graduate physicist and engineer, receiving first-class honours and a University Medal for his studies at the University of Queensland. He is passionate about energy and education and aspires to make a difference in both fields. His research focuses on future decarbonised energy systems and he has published an award-winning paper on th…

1
Exploring the Power of Vegetation: Unveiling Nature's Impact on the Water Balance with Dr. Sally Thompson 27:49

9M ago27:49

27:49

Sally completed her PhD in Environmental Science at Duke University (North Carolina, USA) in 2010, studying the how changes in the pattern of vegetation growth on landscapes predicts changes to ecosystems. She worked as a Postdoctoral Associate at Duke University, and as a Visiting Scholar at Princeton University and Teaching Scholar at Purdue Univ…

1
Breaking the Silence: Empowering Lives and Changing Habits with Chris Raine, the Mental Health and Addiction Champion 23:30

9M ago23:30

23:30

Chris is a mental health and addiction social entrepreneur. He was the Founder and CEO of Hello Sunday Morning, a non-profit that supports one of the largest communities in the world of people looking to change their relationship with alcohol. Hello Sunday Morning provides free access to peer and/or clinical support for any Australian looking to ch…

1
Lessons on the law with 2023 John Monash Scholars: Abi Rajkumar, Bridget Dunne and Karri Walker 32:50

10M ago32:50

32:50

In this episode, Justin talks with three 2023 John Monash Foundation scholars. Abi Rajkumar is a Crown Prosecutor in the Northern Territory who believes the law should be used to change lives for the better. She has worked as an Adviser to federal and state politicians in communications and policy and has travelled across the country exploring comm…

1
Dr Yolanda Klempfner AO reflects on the 20th anniversary of the General Sir John Monash Foundation Scholarship 24:42

11M ago24:42

24:42

Dr Yolanda Klempfner AO has long had a passion for education and learning. For the last 20 years, she has been instrumental in assisting and guiding the General Sir John Monash Foundation - a scholarship program awarded to Australians for postgraduate study overseas. In this podcast, Dr Klempfner reflects fondly on her two decades with the Foundati…

1
Lessons on Leadership with May Samali and Jillian Kilby 48:13

12M ago48:13

48:13

Jillian Kilby and May Samali are celebrated scholars of the General Sir John Monash Foundation. Both have carved out incredible careers after studying in Australia and the United States. May Samali is a professionally certified leadership coach, facilitator, researcher, venture partner and business founder. She is passionate about investing in peop…

1
From school teacher to state politician - the life of Iwan Walters 34:46

12M ago34:46

34:46

Iwan Walters is a 2012 John Monash Scholar and the Foundation's first elected politician. He returned to Australia in late 2015 after completing an MPhil in Economic and Social History at the University of Oxford, and a Master of Public Policy at Oxford's Blavatnik School of Government. Before going to Oxford, Iwan was a secondary school teacher in…

1
What it's like to climb Mt Everest with Dr Nikki Bart 29:30

1y ago29:30

29:30

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2010 John Monash Scholar, Dr Nikki Bart about her work as a cardiologist and her adventures as a professional mountaineer. Nikki Bart is a world record holder for being part of the first ever mother-daughter team to climb Mt. Everest. Upon reaching the top, they also became the first mother-daughter duo to comple…

1
Why systems theory could enhance Australian healthcare with Dr Isabel Hanson 29:09

1y ago29:09

29:09

In this episode, Justin speaks with Dr Isabel Hanson, 2022 BHP John Monash Scholar about studying at University of Oxford, her experience as a General Practitioner and her work in healthcare policy. Dr Hanson is an award-winning General Practitioner and academic who has completed a Bachelor of Medicine/Bachelor of Surgery from the University of Syd…

1
Life with endometriosis with Jess Coldrey and Dr Amy McLennan 32:25

1y ago32:25

32:25

In this 50th episode special, Justin is joined by two scholars, Jess Coldrey and Dr Amy McLennan to talk about living with endometriosis and the work they are doing as academics to spread awareness and help the 10% of women globally affected by the disorder. Jess Coldrey, a 2021 Victorian Government John Monash Scholar and Humanitarian Engineer and…

1
Making neuroscience more ecological with Lauren Bennett 28:09

1y ago28:09

28:09

In this episode, Justin speaks with Lauren Bennett, 2021 Judith Neilson Foundation ‘Sustainable Futures’ John Monash Scholar about her work in neuroscience at the College of London. Lauren has a Bachelor of Biomedicine in Neuroscience and a Bachelor of Commerce in Economics at the University of Melbourne, as well as a Master of Phil in Economics at…

1
Co-Labs: The Origin Story with co-founders Samuel Wines and Andrew Gray 1:20:29

1y ago1:20:29

1:20:29

Welcome to the Inaugural Edition of The Strange Attractor! In this podcast, we delve into the Co-Labs' origin story, exploring where we came from and how we managed to build Victroia's first co-working lab and transdisciplinary innovation hub. We also discuss some of the fun projects that are happening in the lab. Links to the members we discussed …

1
Playing for the Wallabies with Tomas Robertson 30:07

1y ago30:07

30:07

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2023 Tim Fischer John Monash Scholar and professional rugby union player, Tomas Robertson. Tom has a decorated career as a rugby player having been capped for Australia and played more than 80 Super Rugby matches. He has also completed a Master of Public Health and a Master of Philosophy at Sydney University and …

1
Becoming a chess grandmaster with Dr David Smerdon 34:32

1+ y ago34:32

34:32

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2011 John Monash Scholar and chess Grandmaster, Dr David Smerdon about his work in economics, love of chess and how he became Australia's 4th grandmaster. Dr David Smerdon is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Economics at the University of Queensland. He specialises in behavioural and development economics where…

1
The use of psychedelics in mental health with Jesse Schnall 27:41

1+ y ago27:41

27:41

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2022 Roth/Segal John Monash Harvard Scholar and medical doctor, Dr Jesse Schnall about his work in health, interest in philosophy and his research into using novel therapeutics for mental illness. Jesse is a medical doctor from Melbourne with interests in bioethics, health policy and the overlap of mental health …

1
Practicing both human and animal medicine with Dr Mark Schembri 27:15

1+ y ago27:15

27:15

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2009 John Monash Scholar, Dr Mark Schembri about his work as practitioner in both human and animal medicine and as the Chairman of the National Selection Panel for the Sir John Monash Scholarship. Dr Mark Schembri is a leading multidisciplinary educator, academic and practitioner in both human and animal medicine…

1
The future of AI with Jonathan Kummerfeld 28:21

1+ y ago28:21

28:21

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2010 John Monash Scholar, Jonathan Kummerfeld about his academic journey, work in Human-AI Collaborative Systems and thoughts on the future of AI. Jonathan is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science at The University of Sydney and was previously a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, working at the Universit…

1
Developing government policy with Freya Jansens 25:33

2y ago25:33

25:33

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2019 Scholar Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar, Freya Jansens about her academic journey and life studying and working in London, as well as work in economics and policy advisement for the Australian Government. Freya Jansens is a policy adviser working for the Australian Government on areas including sustaina…

1
The path to cognitive neurology with Dr Xin Zhang 25:11

2y ago25:11

25:11

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2022 Scholar Susan and Isaac Wakil John Monash Scholar, Xin Zhang about her academic journey and study at University College London, as well as her work in dementia treatment and neurology. Dr Xin Zhang is a doctor and researcher specialising in Cognitive Neurology. She completed a Physics Degree at the Universit…

1
The role of an Art Curator with Sophie Rose 31:50

2y ago31:50

31:50

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2022 Dame Quentin Bryce John Monash Scholar, Sophie Rose about her academic journey and study at Bard College, as well as what goes into realising an international art exhibit. Sophie Rose is Assistant Curator of International Art at the Queensland Art Gallery of Modern Art and the Foundations first Quentin Bryce…

1
Changing the lives of disadvantaged youth with Hannah Gandy 25:41

2y ago25:41

25:41

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2022 Scholar Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, Hannah Gandy about her academic journey and studying law, her passion for youth justice and her disadvantaged upbringing. Hannah Gandy is a Senior Liaison Officer for the Youth Referral and Independent Person Program at the Centre for Multicultural Youth and …

1
Making infrastructure projects more sustainable with Jess Coldrey 28:45

2y ago28:45

28:45

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2021 Scholar Victorian Government John Monash Scholar, Jess Coldrey about her academic journey and study in Humanitarian Engineering, her artwork and advocacy for diversity and inclusion in STEM. Graduating from Monash University with a Bachelor of Arts (Human Geography) and Bachelor of Visual Arts, Jess has done…

1
Glaciology in Antarctica with Lieutenant Hannah Phelps 25:17

2y ago25:17

25:17

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2021 Chairman's Circle John Monash Scholar, Hannah Phelps about her academic journey and study in glaciology, her work in the Navy and recent scientific expedition to Antarctica. Hannah graduated from UNSW ADFA with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and the University Medal in mathematics and statistics. Since then, s…

1
At the forefront of the COVID-19 pandemic response with Alexandra Phelan 30:54

2y ago30:54

30:54

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2013 Pratt Foundation John Monash Scholar, Alex Phelan about her current work in policy and law relating to infectious diseases, her academic journey to Georgetown University and her work in the COVID and Ebola health responses. Alex attended Monash University in Melbourne, Australia where she received her Bachel…

1
Inspired study from a near death experience with Thomas Jenkins 24:25

2y ago24:25

24:25

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2020 Wesfarmers John Monash Scholar, Tom Jenkins about his work in reducing green house gases as well as his sudden cardiac arrest and how it has inspired his current work and study. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and Business Management and a Master of Professional Engineering with Dis…

1
Using technology to improve healthcare with Dr Martin Seneviratne 31:52

2+ y ago31:52

31:52

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2017 Roden Cutler NSW John Monash Scholar, Martin Seneviratne about his academic journey, his work with Google and his passion for incorporating new technology into healthcare. Dr Martin Seneviratne has a Masters of Biomedical informatics at the University of Stanford where he worked on the development and implem…

1
Breaking new ground in dementia research with Dr Matthew Lennon 29:28

2+ y ago29:28

29:28

In this episode, Justin speaks with 2020 Tim Fischer John Monash Scholar, Dr Matthew Lennon about his academic journey, life at Oxford during the pandemic and work on alzheimers research. Dr Matthew Lennon graduated from medicine at UNSW with the University Medal and Honours in Neuroscience and has gone on to study at Oxford where he hopes to use t…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Monash Impact Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide