Big Ideas

Best-selling author Holly Ringland says that everyone can be creative – yes, even you! Be it painting, cooking, knitting a jumper or writing a song. It's often self-doubt and the fear of criticism and judgement that's holding you back. The voice in your head telling you that you're not good enough. It doesn't have to be like this. In The House That Joy Built, Holly Ringland explains how to 'get unstuck' and to give yourself permission to be creative.This conversation was presented at the Reading bookstore. Original broadcast on March 5, 2024SpeakersHolly RinglandAustralian author and TV presenterThe House That Joy Built (2023)The Lost Flowers of Alice Hart (2018), winner of the 2019 General fiction book of the year award at the Australian Book Industry Awards. The book was adapted into a television miniseries in 2023.The Seven Skins of Esther Wilding (2022)Kate MildenhallAustralian author – Skylarking (2016), The Mother Fault (2020), The Humming Bird Effect (2023)Listen to Big Ideas - Diversity in arts, culture and the creative sector

A wooden sarcophogas is sold in a Cairo market in the 1800s, transported to Australia, and held in a University of Sydney collection. It remains closed for over a century. And then scientists opened its lid.  What happened next? Two leading Australian Egyptologists join Natasha Mitchell to consider the ethics, history, and science of a quest to understand life and death in Ancient Egypt and get a glimpse into one woman's world over 2500 years ago. But is it really Mer-Neith-It-Es?This event was presented by the Australian Museum as part of the Ramses and the Gold of the Pharaoh's exhibition. Thanks to Liz Young, Narelle Lewis, and the museum team.Original broadcast on April 10, 2024.SpeakersRonika PowerEgyptologist and Professor of BioarchaeologyDirector, Centre for Ancient Cultural Heritage and EnvironmentMacquarie UniversityDr Constance (Conni) LordEgyptologistChau Chak Wing Museum, University of SydneyFurther information:The Australian MuseumThe Mummy Project, University of SydneyUncovering the secrets of Ancient Egypt (University of Sydney)Human remains research projectThe Mummy Project at the Chau Chak Wing Museum (Sydney University Press eBooks, 2022)

The internet was supposed to make the world more open and connected, but things seem to have taken a dark turn. Scottish author Andrew O'Hagan makes an impassioned case for the role of readers and writing as "frontline workers" in the fight for reality.These events were recorded at the Margaret River Readers & Writers Festival on 17 and 19 May 2024. Originally broadcast on Big Ideas on 18 July 2024.SpeakersAndrew O'Hagan Author Caledonian Road, Mayflies, and moreEssayist and editor-at-large of the London Review of BooksGillian O'Shaughnessy Writer, moderator, journalist

Folk legend Eric Bogle is opening up and talks about his life, his thoughts about death, friendship and love and why having a deeper message for writing songs is so much more important than money and fame. It's a rare opportunity to share a conversation with one of the best and most prolific songwriters of the last several decades. His songs have become Australian classics – like The Band Played Waltzing Matilda or No Man's Land. And as a very special treat – you'll hear the world premiere of his latest song … finished on the way to this event.A Heartland Conversation presented at the Blue Mountains Music Festival. March 17, 2024Original broadcast on April 15, 2024SpeakersEric BogleScottish-born Australian folk singer-songwriterGregg Borschmann (host)Writer, radio producer and oral historian for the National Library of Australia