Sydney Ideas is the University of Sydney's premier public lecture series program, bringing the world's leading thinkers and the latest research to the wider Sydney community.
We know what happens in the brain to drive addiction and addictive behaviours. Can we wrest back control to kick unhealthy and harmful habits?
Hear from Brain and Mind Centre experts as they reveal insights into how our brains are wired for risk and reward, and the ways this can work against us in environments with easy access to addictive stimuli such as drugs, nicotine, digital media and games, and more.
In this conversation, explore what we could do to stem this tide by harnessing technology and novel approaches. Featuring neuroeconomist Agnieszka Tymula, digital interventions and mental health researcher Louise Thornton, and neuroscientist Morgan James. Hosted by Sana Qadar.
This event was presented on Wednesday 23 September 2026 with the Brain and Mind Centre, a flagship multidisciplinary intiative at the University of Sydney addressing child development, youth mental health, and ageing and neurodegeneration.
20 Jul 2026
Conversations for Good: Across political philosophies
[Content warning: Please note there is mild coarse language]
What can we say about the common good in a world marked by deep moral, philosophical, and religious disagreement? Join University of Sydney political philosophers Luara Ferracioli and Alexandre Lefebvre for a spirited discussion, hosted by Fenella Kernebone.
Held on 16 July 2026 at the University of Sydney, this was the second event in a new public series, 'Conversations for Good', which explores how we find shared understanding, respect for different viewpoints and have conversations that can make a real difference, for good.
Visit the Sydney Ideas website for more: https://go.sydney.edu.au/K0i9iP
17 Jun 2026
What Country could be: Indigenous knowledge to take Australia forward
What happens when Indigenous knowledge systems are elevated? Leading thinkers from the University of Sydney, Professor Reuben Bolt and Associate Professor Michael Mossman, discuss the creative potential and ways this can be realised in practice, from the fields of science and technology to architecture and design.
This event was held live at the University of Sydney on 21 May 2026. For more details and resources, visit the Sydney Ideas website: https://go.sydney.edu.au/Y53Q0S
Who has been a guest on Sydney Ideas
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Professor Marjorie Valix
Professor Susan Park
Namali Mackay
Andrew Petersen
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
134,743
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 79 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
94
Social presence
0
YouTube
86
Engagement
75
Contact Sydney Ideas
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
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