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281 episodes

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker on the devastating effects of our Ahistoric Age: "Embedded in larger stories"
17/06/2026 | 49 mins.
Does a well-developed 'sense of history' help provide people with a sense of purpose and wellbeing?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with Sarah Irving-Stonebraker to unpack the causes and effects of the modern world's historical amnesia. Revealing how our 'ahistoric age' cuts individuals off from their roots, robs them of their place in a broader story, and may even be an unrecognised cause of many of our current anxieties.

Sarah Irving-Stonebraker is Associate Professor of History and Western Civilisation at Australian Catholic University in North Sydney, which is part of the Ramsay Centre’s Western Civilisation Program. She previously served as co-editor of the Journal of Religious History (2021-2024). She is the author of Natural Science and the Origins of the British Empire and Priests of History: Stewarding the Past in an Ahistoric Age.

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Jesse Clark on the Anglosphere's past, present & future: "Unique political culture"
10/06/2026 | 37 mins.
Are the destinies of English-speaking nations intrinsically linked?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with Jesse Clark to dissect what the term 'Anglosphere' actually means. Debating the similarities and differences between the various English-speaking liberal democracies that have emerged from the Westminster tradition, how relevant the grouping remains, and what lays behind the populist political trend each is currently grappling with.

Dr Jesse Clark is an Australian political scientist based in Denver Colorado. He has a PhD from the University of Adelaide, for which his thesis explored ‘Network Homogenisation and Party Disengagement: The Political Sociology of Post-Industrial Democracies’. His recent research interest has been on developing a comparative history of Anglosphere political development.

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Kylie Moore-Gilbert on the nature of the Iranian regime & conflict: "The desire to build a better Iran"
03/06/2026 | 55 mins.
How would an Australian cope with being locked up in an Iranian prison?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with Kylie Moore-Gilbert about the conflict in Iran and her own personal experience with the Iranian regime. After 804 days in incarceration, she offers insights that few other Australians could imagine (or would want to imagine).

Kylie Moore-Gilbert is an Australia-based academic with a research background in Middle East political science. In 2022 she published a bestselling memoir titled The Uncaged Sky: My 804 Days in an Iranian Prison. She has written for local and international media including The Age, The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, The Saturday Paper, The Australian Financial Review, The National, iNews, CNN, Foreign Policy and The Atlantic, and have been profiled by outlets including The New York Times, 60 Minutes, Sky News and Australian Story. She campaigns for democracy and human rights in Iran, and advocates for other victims of state hostage-taking via the Australian Wrongful and Arbitrary Detention Alliance.

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Amanda Laugesen on telling Australia's story through the evolution of our language: "Tell you something about the Australian psyche"
27/05/2026 | 46 mins.
What can you tell about a country through the words it invents?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with lexicographer Amanda Laugesen to tell Australia's story in 100 words. From bushmen to Sheilas, and larrikins to wowsers, it will change your perspective on the Australian language and make you appreciate the uniqueness of our culture.

Amanda Laugesen is a historian, lexicographer, and author. She is director of the Australian National Dictionary Centre at ANU and chief editor of the Australian National Dictionary: Australian words and their origins. She has published extensively on US and Australian history. Her most recent book is Australia in 100 Words (2024).

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Xiaoxi Cui on understanding Menzies's approach to the Suez Crisis | Menzies Early Career Network
26/05/2026 | 13 mins.
In this special series of the Afternoon Light podcast Georgina Downer speaks with participants from the Menzies Early Career Network to discuss their chapters in the new book, Menzies Rediscovered: A new generation’s inspiration for political philosophy, domestic challenges and foreign affairs.

In this episode, Georgina speaks with Xiaoxi Cui on the topic 'Suez and the shadow of the last war'.

The Menzies Early Career Network (MECN) is a flagship program of the Robert Menzies Institute, designed to identify, nurture, and connect a new generation of emerging leaders with a deep understanding of Australia’s national story.

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About Afternoon Light

Welcome to the Afternoon Light Podcast, a captivating journey into the heart of Australia’s political history and enduring values. Presented by the Robert Menzies Institute, a prime ministerial library and museum, this podcast illuminates the remarkable legacy of Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving prime minister. Dive into the rich tapestry of Menzies’s contemporary impact as we explore his profound contributions on the Afternoon Light Podcast. Join us as we delve into his unyielding commitment to equality, boundless opportunity, and unwavering entrepreneurial spirit. Our engaging discussions bring to life the relevance of Menzies’s values in today’s world, inspiring us to uphold his principles for a brighter future. Ready to embark on this enlightening journey? Experience the Afternoon Light Podcast now! Tune in to explore the past, engage with the present, and shape a better tomorrow by learning from the visionary leadership of Sir Robert Menzies. Stay connected by signing up on the Robert Menzies Institute website: https://www.robertmenziesinstitute.org.au/. Have an opinion? Email your comments to: info@robertmenziesinstitute.org.au.

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