The Solutionists, with Mark Scott

Growing food is one of our most fundamental human activities, and it’s the core puzzle underlying our societies. As more people are freed up from farm work, our societies grow and we need yet more food.   Today, that tricky equation also includes robots. Australia faces a labour shortage in the agriculture sector for a variety of reasons, and the already razor-thin margins on many farms are only growing sharper. Enter: AI, sensor drones, self-driving tractors and a whole host of other high-tech tools.   But are they too costly for smaller farms? What happens when a multi-tonne robot dies in the field? And what kind of workers will these robotic farms of the future need to run smoothly?  Professor Salah Sukkarieh, the Professor of Robotics and Intelligent Systems, has been at the forefront of robotics for twenty years. His own machines have been used on Australian farms, and his sights are also set internationally, where he hopes powerful machines will help self-subsistence farmers keep up. He explains what’s happening on Aussie farms already, how farm owners are managing the tech transition, and shines some light on the advancements to come.   +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Sarah Dabro. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can you be friends with someone who doesn’t know you exist? It’s a legitimate question for members of fandoms – groups of people brought together by a shared passion for an artist, sports team, celebrity or piece of media. At the centre of these groups is a parasocial relationship: a one-sided connection with a public figure. If you’ve heard the term before, it probably hasn’t been in a positive light... Dr Georgia Carroll, an expert on fan culture and Australia’s go-to scholar on Taylor Swift, says the way we understand parasocial relationships is a bit lop-sided. “Parasocial relationships are just one part of our social worlds, and they can be a really healthy, identity-building piece of the pie.” But that’s not to say they can’t go wrong. Georgia explains what happens at the extreme ends of the parasocial spectrum, and outlines how social media and artificial intelligence are rapidly changing the nature of these relationships. She also unpacks Taylor Swift’s highly lucrative marketing strategy and how it purposely leans into parasocial connections with fans. +++ The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Sarah Dabro. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Your biology’s been hacked. Your naturally evolved appetite would allow you to eat exactly the right amount of food every day, except that most of us live in highly industrialised food environments today. Two of nutrition’s most productive scientists explain how we ended up here, and how you can eat healthier in an imbalanced food environment. ~~~ Why don’t animals need calorie trackers? Baboons don’t know the difference between fats and carbs, don’t follow a keto diet and don’t track what they eat. Yet we humans, who have all this technology at hand, are facing an obesity epidemic when no other animal seems to struggle with healthy eating. How is that possible? Professors Steve Simpson and David Raubenheimer have strived to answer that question for as long as they’ve worked together. By studying the feeding patterns of locusts and paying extra attention to protein, they’ve concluded that humans should be able to eat as well as the animals – but our modern food environment won’t let us. Steve is Academic Director of the Charles Perkins Centre, and a Professor in the School of Life and Environmental Sciences at the University of Sydney, and Executive Director of Obesity Australia. David is the Leonard P Ullmann Chair in Nutritional Ecology at the University of Sydney. +++ The Solutionists  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room. This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Loneliness is becoming more common, and it’s making us sick. But why? Professor Melody Ding studies loneliness from a public health perspective, and she wants us to design communities where everyone has access to a flourishing social life. ~~~ There have never been more people living on the planet than now. And yet loneliness has become a major health concern worldwide – it’s serious enough that the World Health Organisation has declared it a public health concern. Professor Melody Ding examines loneliness and social isolation – how they differ, and how they overlap. While everyone’s experience is unique, the way we organise our communities can and does contribute to these problems. This means improvements, too, are within our reach. Melody Ding explains the differences between loneliness and social isolation, examines causes, and looks at what systemic changes we can make to improve connectedness. +++ The Solutionists  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room. This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared, and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes a childhood good? Every parent wants their kids to be safe, and for their childhoods to set them up for a productive and fulfilling adulthood. But what about the childhood itself? How do we make sure every child in Australia gets to truly be a kid? Universal childcare might be the answer...  ~~~ Do you ever wish you could be a kid again?   Remember the freedom of childhood – no job, no responsibilities, no worries... if you were lucky. In the lucky country, every child should have the opportunity to grow, explore and learn free from worry. But how?   Philosopher Luara Ferracioli says universal access to early childhood education and care is the key. Universal ECEC would make sure every Australian child gets an equitable education, as well as access to a social life beyond their own families.   Luara explains the ‘inherent goods of childhood,’ why they’re crucial for a flourishing childhood, and how universal childcare makes sure those goods are available to all children.   +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The widespread problem of substance abuse has plagued humans throughout history. It robs potential, ruins lives. Yet nothing we’ve tried has ever solved addiction. Professor Michael Bowen wants to change this. He went looking for a solution not in the human body, but in the brain.  And what he’s found could change the way we treat addiction forever.  ~~~ Addiction – substance abuse – is a wicked problem in our modern era. It robs potential, ruins lives.  Yet it isn’t a new problem. Over and over again, humans have tried to beat the scourge of addiction. And no matter the substance, or the treatment, every attempt at a cure has had limited success at best.  What if we’re thinking about it the wrong way?   What if the solution to addiction isn't to focus on the addictive substance, but on the experience of addiction itself? What if focusing on cravings is the key?   That’s the question Professor Michael Bowen is trying to answer.  Michael’s skills as a neuroscientist and psychopharmacologist give him unique insight into how substance abuse affects human brains and bodies.   And right now Michael and his team are testing a single drug that could change the way we treat every addiction.  If listening to this episode raised any concerns for you, follow the below links to access assistance:  Australian Government National Alcohol and Other Drug Helpline – 1800 250 015  Turning Point – Treatment & Support  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Social media connects us to friends and family, and gives us an unprecedented window to the wider world. But how much do we really know about how social media, and the barons who run these platforms, shape our views and our communities? Former newspaper editor and current Meta advisor Alan Rusbridger sheds light on the question of whether social media is strengthening democracy – or strangling it.  Social media is now an inextricable part of our lives. It provides many social goods: connection to friends and family; more touchpoints to the world previously available only via mass media.  Yet the initial promise that social media might support democracy is souring, as increasing amounts of misinformation and disinformation flourish on these platforms.  With distrust in both legacy media and social media on the rise, how do we stay informed and maintain a civil society?  Alan Rusbridger is deeply interested in this question. Long-time editor-in-chief of The Guardian UK and current editor of Prospect Magazine, his achievements span traditional print media as well as The Guardian’s transition to a digital-first newspaper. A supporter of social media from its earliest days, Alan also serves on Meta’s Advisory Group.  On a recent visit to Australia, Alan discussed nothing less than media and the future of democracy with Mark Scott in a live event at the University of Sydney.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s in the name, sure... But is AI really ‘intelligent’? Does it ‘think’? What do you know about how these tools were made, who owns them now, and who determines the way they work? How can you turn AI to best advantage in business and personal spheres?  Now that AI’s on the tip of everyone’s tongues and offered as a service by almost every company you encounter, it’s time to examine your own relationship with the technology.  Dr Sandra Peter wants to make technology work for people. Through her research at the intersection of business and cutting-edge technology at the University of Sydney Business School, Dr Peter explores where AI where it is at this moment, where came from, and invites you to think about how to harness AI in your own life – and where to consider placing limits.  For more on the rise of AI, listen to Dr Sandra Peter in this forum held at the University of Sydney in 2023.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Supervising producer is Andrea Ho. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE SOLUTIONISTS SUMMER THROWBACK: Heatwaves are an invisible killer, and they’re becoming more common.   With another scorching summer already upon us, you need to know how to keep you and your family cool when temperatures soar. In this episode, originally published in 2023, heat expert Ollie Jay gives you a tour of his groundbreaking thermal ergonomics lab and teaches you how to stay safe during a heatwave.  Ollie explains how extreme heat affects the human body and shares easy, cost-effective ways to stay cool without resorting to an air conditioner.   +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Monique Ross. Sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and field recordings by Harry Hughes. The executive producer is Rachel Fountain.  Executive editors are Jen Peterson-Ward, Kellie Riordan and Mark Scott.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Who gets to tell the story of Australia?   This is the question always at the forefront of Michael Dagostino’s mind. Michael’s the Director of Museums and Cultural Engagement at the University of Sydney, meaning he oversees its famous Chau Chak Wing museum. The museum houses tens of thousands of objects, all of which tell a story.   But how does an object tell a story? And how does the way we collect and house them affect that story?   Michael shares how art offered him a sense of place and identity as an outcast kid, and how he adopts the mindset of a journalist when curating an exhibition. You’ll also hear from Marika Duczynski, Chau Chak Wing’s Indigenous heritage curator, about her favourite objects in the museum and how they help her connect with women who lived in Sydney hundreds or even thousands of years ago.   And if you’re in Sydney, you can pay a free visit to the Chau Chak Wing museum FREE. Details here.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and sound recording by Harry Hughes. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Where do your values come from? What do you care about, and why?   If you're one of the growing number of non-religious people in Australia, you might find this question pretty hard to answer... Politics and philosophy professor Alexandre Lefebvre says that if this sounds like you, you might be living by a philosophy you didn't even know you had.   Alex believes liberalism could be the source of your very soul. It isn't just about politics - it's actually the hidden operating system running in the background of modern life.   Whether you're wrestling with big societal challenges or just trying to live a good life, Alex wants to offer you a new perspective on the values that guide our modern world.   If you want to hear more about liberalism from Alex, listen to his talk for Sydney Ideas here for free.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why’s it so hard to be healthy? Why does everyone recommend a Mediterranean diet? Is diet or exercise more important? Is intermittent fasting actually useful?   When the entire world’s collective knowledge is at your fingertips, why’s it still so difficult to answer the kinds of questions we’ve been asking for millennia? Nutrition and longevity expert Luigi Fontana says it’s because nutrition isn’t as simple as we’d like to think.   Food is complex; it’s deeply tied to our emotions, our health and our sense of culture and community. How you eat is also influenced by a wider food system, one that profits most from the kinds of ultra-processed food Luigi recommends minimising.   So, what should you eat?   Luigi shares the results of his groundbreaking experiment, in which he’s investigating what a more proactive and holistic healthcare system could look like. He teaches you the core principles he teaches the subjects of that experiment, and introduces you to Marzio Lanzini, the Charles Perkins Centre’s chef-in-residence.   If you want to dive deeper into Luigi and Marzio’s work, visit the CPC RPA Health for Life Program’s website. And if you want to make Marzio’s lentil Bolognese, you can find a video walkthrough here.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and field sound recording by Max Petrovic. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why doesn’t anyone seem to trust journalists anymore? Or politicians? Or anyone, really? Are we all becoming paranoid, or has our trust been broken by those we lent it to?   Lenore Taylor’s the editor-in-chief of The Guardian Australia and the host of the Guardian’s Full Story podcast. Lenore jokes that journos have always been about as trusted as used car salesmen, but she’s worried facts don’t mean what they used to anymore.   Lenore takes you back to the moment she noticed facts were losing their power, explains how political figures have leveraged mistrust to stoke fear, and breaks down what needs to change if we want to rebuild trust in Australia.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There’s no one else on the planet just like you. So why do you take the same medicine as everyone else when you get sick?   Professor David James is an expert is obesity and diabetes, and he says the current medical system isn’t good enough. But as researchers and clinicians learn more about how our genetics work, a better path is beginning to clear.   David explains how your genetics and environment interact with one another and influence your health, and what this means for the future of medicine. You’ll also meet Harry and Stewart from David’s lab, who share how this groundbreaking research gets done.   +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and field sound recording by Gia Moylan. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Deanna D’Alessandro is the director of the University of Sydney’s Net Zero Institute... So why does she want it dissolved?   “In 2051, my goodness, I hope we do not need the Net Zero Institute,” she says. “We should have solved this problem by then.”  So what needs to happen in the meantime? Deanna shares the personal connection to the planet that sparked her passion for climate science, and explains how and why the Net Zero Institute pulls together the work of physicists, chemists, lawyers, business experts and policy makers in the fight to save the planet.   You’ll also visit one of Deanna’s colleagues, Associate Professor Alejandro Montoya, who's invented a novel way of recycling minerals from electronic waste.   +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and field sound recording by Gia Moylan. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“When I say what I do for a living, most women have a story,” says Rae Cooper. “Women have a way of being able to understand what it is pretty easily. I think men find it a little bit more... academic.”   Rae Cooper is Professor of Gender, Work and Employment Relations at the University of Sydney. She says Australia hasn’t come nearly far enough in the fight for gender equality at work, and there’s a few reasons why.   You’ll also hear how professionals Penny and Glen juggle their careers and families, and how they’ve accessed greater flexibility at work.   +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and field sound recording by Harry Hughes. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why do you live where you live?   If you’re lucky, it’s by choice. Maybe you love the solitude and sprawling nature of the bush. Maybe you can’t get enough of the coffee, cuisine and culture that makes your dense inner-city neighbourhood special.   Many of us don’t get to choose, though. People are forced into tiny living spaces as their cities grow in population, while others are pushed to the outskirts when gentrification prices them out of their homes. As our global population grows and the climate crisis worsens, how we live – and how we live together – needs to change.   Ian Goldin, Professor of Globalisation and Development at the University of Oxford, says cities are the greatest engines of innovation. They’re melting pots, bringing together the top performers and brightest minds from all over the world. But they’re hotbeds of inequality, and that inequality is only growing. At the same time, some of the world’s greatest cities are in great physical danger thanks to rising sea levels.  That’s the big picture, but what does a great city feel like? To give you a sense of what makes a city livable and loveable, Dr Jennifer Kent, a Senior Research Fellow in Urbanism at the University of Sydney School of Architecture, Design and Planning, takes you on a walking tour of the Sydney suburb of Abbotsford.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Liam Riordan with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot and field sound recording by Harry Hughes. Executive producer is Madeleine Hawcroft. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Strategist is Ann Chesterman. Thanks to the technical staff at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you’re concerned about eating disorders or body image issues, whether you need support for yourself or someone you care about, you can call the Butterfly Foundation on 1800 33 4673.  Picture something that absolutely terrifies you. Now, imagine you’re forced to confront it multiple times a day – and nobody understands why it makes you feel distressed.  Dr Sarah Maguire, the director of the InsideOut Institute, says this is the reality many people with an eating disorder face at meal times. “You might as well be putting a plate of spiders in front of that person and asking them to eat it,” she says.  More than one million Australians are living with an eating disorder (such as anorexia nervosa, bulimia, or binge eating) and anorexia is the nation’s deadliest mental illness. Dr Maguire teaches you the signs to look out for, the risks around social media, and how to help someone recover from a “completely curable” illness.   She also sheds light on the “vicious cycle” she says is holding back research and treatments.  And you’ll hear from 16-year-old Isla and her mother Sara, who reflect on what they’ve learned navigating Isla’s path to recovery. It’s essential listening for any parent.  The InsideOut Institute is at the Charles Perkins Centre at the University of Sydney, where Dr Maguire is also a professor.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  This episode was produced by Monique Ross with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Thanks to the technical staff at the at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the climate changes and populations boom, water supplies are under increasing pressure.  The idea of drinking water that was once swirling down your toilet bowl or kitchen sink may make you feel squeamish, but it could hold the key to future water security.  University of Sydney Professor Stuart Khan explains the promise of purified recycled water, and how it can future-proof water supplies in a thirsty nation prone to drought.  “There is the opportunity to start thinking more about a circular economy and how we might reuse the water that we’re currently discharging.”  Professor Khan points out that all water on Earth is recycled – the water you’re drinking “has quite likely been drunk by dinosaurs in the past” and could be described as “purified dinosaur pee”.   But there’s a huge psychological hurdle involved in drinking water that’s gone from ‘toilet to tap’. So how do you sell the idea to a skeptical public? You’ll hear from Dee Madigan, creative director of advertising agency Campaign Edge and a regular on ABC TV show Gruen.   You’ll also get a taste of how the technology works as you go inside Sydney Water’s Purified Recycled Water Demo Plant, with plant manager James Harrington.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  Sourcing/credit: Archival media clip from ABC News.  This episode was produced by Monique Ross, with field recordings by Harry Hughes. Sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Thanks to the technical staff at the at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Sophie Gee’s husband was suddenly rushed to hospital, her life was plunged into uncertainty.   Amid the chaos, she discovered a surprising source of strength: her study of classic literature, and in particular, the works of Jane Austen.  Sophie, who was Associate Chair of the English Department at Princeton until she came to the University of Sydney as a Vice-Chancellor's Fellow, says stories have made her more resilient. “Literature teaches us how to be uncertain, how to tolerate discomfort, how to tolerate difficulty,” she says.  Arts and humanities degrees sometimes get a bad rap, but Sophie argues they are more valuable than ever in the age of AI.   She says stories cut through in a way science cannot – just look at the documentary My Octopus Teacher – and equip you with the skills you need to have “truly transformational ideas”.   “Storytelling is one of the most important ways to have access and equity to new pathways. If you’re able to tell your story, you’re able to change your life.”   She also makes the case for returning to old favourites, whether it’s Shakespeare or Harry Potter. And she weighs in on the value of Book Tok.  Sophie Gee is an alumna and a Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at the University of Sydney.  +++  The Solutionists is podcast from the University of Sydney, produced by Deadset Studios. Keep up to date with The Solutionists by following @sydney_uni on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.  Sourcing/credit: My Octopus Teacher is a Netflix series and we thank Kaylie for her Book Tok example. Find her on Tik Tok @under_thebelljar   This episode was produced by Monique Ross with sound design by Jeremy Wilmot. The executive producer is Kellie Riordan. Executive editors are Kellie Riordan, Jen Peterson-Ward, and Mark Scott. Thanks to the technical staff at the at the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences Media Room.  This podcast was recorded on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora nation. For thousands of years, across innumerable generations, knowledge has been taught, shared and exchanged here. We pay respect to elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.