Pillar Talk is a podcast about politics, philosophy, and economics - the three pillars of the humanities! Supported by the University of Queensland Politics, Philosophy & Economics Society (UQPPES), we dive into ideas from across the three disciplines through interviews with academics and interesting thinkers, commentary on current affairs, and discussions with student writers from our sister publication, Statecraft Magazine. In everything we do, we aim to take complex ideas about the world around us and make them accessible for the everyday listener.
In this latest and greatest episode, we enlist PPE’s very own Sam Weir to help us understand the value of a PPE economics major. As a shining example of an economic policy expert in the making, Sam chats to veteran Statecraft reporter Eloise about how his learning experience has allowed him to keep a foot in both the quantitative analysis and political decision-making camps. If you listen very carefully, you might just be able to deduce that his econ major has allowed Sam to obtain that most coveted of positions: a grad role offer.
While talk of regression analysis and econometrics may have left us at the Publications Editorial team scratching our heads, Sam’s polished presentation skills and ability to distil complex information made for a cogent and digestible interview. We thank him for offering us and our listeners a clear insight into how PPE differs from other econ-related degrees, and of course for plugging Al Stark’s course.
28 Aug 2025
PPE Survival Guide IV: Why Philosophy?
This week, Statecraft is joined by the indefatigable Dan Quill to talk about that mysterious second 'P'... philosophy! As animated as always, Dan explains just how philosophy fits into a PPE degree, before walking us through some of the major strands of the discipline. Discussion revolves about the role of philosophy, not just a standalone subject, but rather a set of crucial tools with which one can better understand the workings of power and the economy. Discussion also revolves around which courses are worth the HECS debt. Not an episode to be missed, Dan helps us realise just how important and rich a basis in philosophy can be.
Next time, join us as we continue our focus on the big ideas of PPE with Sam, who adroitly explains how PPE is better than BAFE at everything. See you then!
27 May 2025
PPE Survival Guide III: Getting Involved!
Students Lachie and Aunima discuss their experiences within the PPE community, including social events and executive roles, in an interview with Kaya.
17 Mar 2025
PPE Survival Guide II: Jobs, Jobs, Jobs
Lucy Boyle and Devika Moss explore the PPE job market, discussing strategies for graduates and the importance of GPA and major choices in this interview episode.
3 Mar 2025
PPE Survival Guide I: So, What is it You Study Again?
UQPPE Society President Jack Sutton discusses the role of president and opportunities for PPE students with Elliott, offering advice to first-year students in this interview.
4 Feb 2023
Cameron Murray on How Australia can Solve Housing Affordability
Dr. Cameron Murray discusses Australia's housing affordability crisis and proposes his HouseMate policy as a solution in this interview with Will Splatt and Oliver Friendship.
4 Feb 2023
Adrian Moore on Buddhist Philosophy and East-West Synthesis
Dr. Adrian Moore, academic philosopher, explores Buddhist philosophy and East-West synthesis with hosts Will Splatt and Oliver Friendship in an interview, delving into consciousness, non-dualism, and philosophical rabbit-holes.
4 Feb 2023
John Quiggin on Climate Policy, Cost of Living, and COVID-19
Economist John Quiggin discusses the 2022 Federal Election, Australian climate policy, and the rising cost of living in an interview with Will Splatt and Oliver Friendship.
16 Jan 2023
George Brandis on National Security and Liberalism in Australia
The Honourable George Brandis KC examines the balance between civil liberties and national security in Australia, exploring the relationship between liberalism and conservatism in an interview with Will Splatt and Oliver Friendship.
5 Oct 2022
Statecraft Keynote Lecture: George Brandis' Reflections on Politics and Diplomacy
George Brandis KC delivers a lecture reflecting on politics and diplomacy, then answers audience questions about the Liberal party, Tory leadership, and Scott Morrison's ministries in this recorded event.
18 Sept 2022
Brendan Markey-Towler on Subsidiarity and Polycentric Governance
Dr. Brendan Markey-Towler explores the principle of subsidiarity and polycentric governance with hosts Tom Watson and Will Splatt, challenging conventional approaches to solving complex global issues in this interview.
14 Aug 2022
Inflation Explained, with Begoña Domínguez
Will and Ollie interview Dr. Begoña Domínguez about inflation, exploring its causes and effects on the economy.
29 Jul 2022
Alastair Stark on Deliberative Democracy and Crisis Management
Dr. Alastair Stark explores deliberative democracy and crisis management with hosts Will Splatt and Oliver Friendship, examining the role of experts and institutional responses to crises in this interview.
25 Jul 2022
What is Pillar Talk?
The hosts introduce Pillar Talk, outlining the podcast's mission to provide unique perspectives as part of the UQ PPE Society's new initiative.
Who has been a guest on Pillar Talk
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Lachie
Aunima
Jack Sutton
Cameron Murray
Adrian Moore
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