Exchanges with Evan Lucas

Evan Lucas

Welcome to Exchanges the podcast where trends, economics, markets and financial behaviour meets everyday life. Each week, I sit down with leading thinkers, business leaders, and policymakers to unpack the ideas, data, and decisions shaping our future from inflation to housing, leadership to innovation, trends to technology through the lens of human behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. 18/12/2025

    Exchanges with Liz Ritchie: The Tree and Sea Change

    This week, Liz Ritchie, CEO of the Regional Australia Institute, joins Exchanges to make the case for why regional Australia is central to the nation’s future. We explore the urgent need for strategic planning across housing, jobs, and infrastructure as Australia’s population grows, and unpack the pressures building in regional housing and rental markets. Liz explains why connectivity, livability, and productivity are critical to attracting and retaining people outside the major cities. The conversation also tackles the need for regulatory reform, greater local decision-making power, and how regional communities must be at the centre of renewable energy development. To follow Liz click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-ritchie-a3b7a012/ Website: https://www.regionalaustralia.org.au/ To follow Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/ Chapters 00:00 The Future of Regional Australia 03:15 Housing Challenges in the Regions 09:01 Rental Market Dynamics 11:22 Infrastructure Needs for Growth 14:55 Livability and Connectivity 19:35 Retention of Residents in Regional Areas 22:53 Regulatory Changes for Productivity 26:10 Embracing Renewable Energy in Regions 31:47 A Vision for National Policy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    36 min

  2. 11/12/2025

    Exchanges with Madeline Miller: The Z-Gen

    This week, Madeline Miller Gen Z Leadership Architect joins Exchanges to unpack how Gen Z is reshaping the meaning of work and identity. Madeline explains why this generation is increasingly skeptical of traditional career paths and promotions, and how they’re redefining success on their own terms. We explore Gen Z’s desire for work-life balance, their push for authenticity in the workplace, and their willingness to change jobs to find alignment with their values. Madeline also highlights how the failures of previous work models have shaped this generation’s expectations, from their demand for better culture to their insistence on flexibility and meaningful work. Follow Madeline Here LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/millermadeline/ Website: https://coachingwithmadeline.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/madelinemillercoaching/ Follow Evan Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ Website: https://evanlucas.com.au/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  3. 18/11/2025

    Exchanges with Simone Constant: ASIC's private and public side

    This week on Exchanges ASIC Commissioner Simone Constant joined us to unpack why Australia’s financial markets are at a crossroads, and why innovation has never been more important. We dive into the challenges facing public markets, the rapid growth of private markets and private credit, and what this shift means for businesses, investors, and the broader economy. Simone highlights the need for stronger market integrity, access, and participation, while also addressing emerging systemic risks and the importance of smart regulatory oversight. At the heart of the conversation is a clear message: building a healthy, inclusive financial ecosystem will require real collaboration across the industry. To follow Simone click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-constant-b1a86678/ ASIC: https://ministers.treasury.gov.au/ministers/jim-chalmers-2022/media-releases/australian-securities-and-investment-commission To follow Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ website: https://evanlucas.com.au/ Chapters 00:00 Innovation vs. Stagnation in Australian Markets 02:58 Public Market Challenges and Opportunities 06:07 The Rise of Private Markets 08:55 Concerns in Private Credit 11:56 Market Dynamics and Systemic Risks 15:10 Access and Participation in Financial Markets 17:48 The Future of Private and Public Markets 21:01 Regulatory Insights and Industry Practices 23:56 Final Thoughts and Vision for the Future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    34 min

  4. 10/11/2025

    Exchanges with Andy Fithall: Social Business

    On This Week’s Episode of Exchanges: Andy Fithall on Coffee, Connection, and Creating Social Good Andy Fithall, social entrepreneur and founder of The Good Machine, joins Exchanges to explore how purpose and profit can coexist. Andy shares the story of how he launched In Other Good News during the COVID-19 pandemic and grew it into a thriving social enterprise focused on creating positive impact with every cup. We dive into the essence of social entrepreneurialism, the idea of coffee as a currency for connection, and how businesses can balance commercial success with community contribution. Andy also reveals his future vision for The Good Machine and the importance of sustainability and purpose in building meaningful change. A conversation that proves small actions like a cup of coffee can fuel something much bigger. To follow Andy click here: LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/andyfithall Website: https://thegoodmachine.com.au/ Dadstock '25: https://events.humanitix.com/dadstock-25 To follow Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ Website: www.evanlucas.com.au Chapters 00:00 Understanding Social Entrepreneurialism 02:58 The Role of Coffee in Social Impact 05:50 Balancing Profit and Purpose 09:01 The Birth of 'In Other Good News' 12:01 Transforming a Good News Show into a Social Enterprise 14:53 The Evolution of The Good Machine 17:56 Future Vision for Social Entrepreneurship Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    29 min

  5. 22/10/2025

    Exchanges with Merriden Varrall: Anti-Establishment Attraction

    This week on Exchanges, Merriden Varrall Special Advisor Geopolitics at KPMG South ASPAC and Head of geopolitical insights outfit Vantage Geopol joins us to explore the rise of populism and its far-reaching implications for markets, trade, and institutional trust. We unpack how populism’s anti-establishment sentiment and ‘us versus them’ mentality are driving a new wave of protectionism, reshaping global politics and economic policy. Merriden shares insights into the growing challenges faced by international institutions, and the critical role businesses must play in rebuilding public trust. The exchange also dives into Australia’s position in global trade, what rising populism means for economic diplomacy, and how politics, policy, and perception are converging to define the next era of global cooperation. Follow Merriden here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/merriden-varrall-phd-maicd-ab96024/ Website: http://www.vantagegeoopl.com/ Follow Evan here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Website: www.evanlucas.com.au Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Chapters 00:00 Understanding Populism and Its Impact 05:20 The Rise of Protectionism in Global Trade 12:02 Challenges for International Institutions 17:53 The Role of Business in a Populist Era 20:00 Tariffs and Economic Coercion 24:42 Strategic Economic Interventions 28:06 Future of Politics in a Populist Landscape Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    35 min

  6. 14/10/2025

    Exchanges with Sarah Hunter: The inner thinking of the RBA

    Welcome to Season 3 of Exchanges This Week’s Episode: Sarah Hunter on Inflation, Productivity, and Australia’s Economic Outlook from the inner thinking of the RAB Sarah Hunter, Assistant Governor (Economic) and Chief Economist at the RBA, joins Exchanges to unpack the current state of inflation in Australia and what it means for households, businesses, and policymakers. We discuss the RBA’s transition to monthly economic data, how AI is reshaping economic analysis, and the key productivity and growth challenges facing the nation. Sarah also shares insights into consumer confidence, monetary policy decisions, and why keeping a close eye on multiple indicators is crucial to balancing inflation control with sustainable growth. To follow Sarah click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-hunter-42526541/ Website: https://www.rba.gov.au/about-rba/people/ag-economic.html To follow Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ Website: www.evanlucas.com.au Chapters 00:00 Inflation Transition and Economic Outlook 06:13 Housing Market and Rental Inflation Concerns 12:49 AI's Role in Economic Analysis 15:11 Understanding Productivity in Australia 20:22 Growth Projections for the Australian Economy 27:03 Consumer Confidence and Economic Perceptions Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

  7. 03/09/2025

    Exchanges with Betsy Westcott: A good money life

    This week, Betsy Westcott, financial coach and former banker, joins us to share her journey from the world of banking to financial coaching and what she’s learned about the psychology of money along the way. We dive into the disconnect between wealth and personal happiness, the dynamics of Australia’s housing market, and our cultural addiction to debt. Betsy explains why financial education is critical to breaking unhealthy money cycles and empowering individuals to make better choices. We also explore the growing role of finfluencers in shaping financial behaviour, and Betsy shares her vision for a more financially confident and empowered society. To follow Betsy click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/betsywestcott/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/betsywestcott/ Website: https://www.betsywestcott.com/ To follow Evan click here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ Website: www.evanlucas.com.au Chapters 00:00 From Banking to Financial Coaching 03:02 Understanding Money Psychology 05:49 The Value Trap and Self-Worth 08:49 Housing Market Dynamics and Debt Addiction 12:04 Cultural Attitudes Towards Wealth 14:54 The Role of Influencers in Financial Education 17:51 Navigating Investment Strategies 20:56 The Risks of Negative Gearing 24:02 The Need for Financial Literacy 26:59 A Vision for Financial Education 29:57 Betsy’s Ideal Financial Revolution Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    37 min

  8. 28/08/2025

    Exchanges with Lawrence Lam: The Founder

    This week, Lawrence Lam joins us to explore the powerful role that founders play in shaping company success. We dive into the unique traits and decision-making styles that set founders apart, and how their intrinsic motivation drives long-term vision and resilience. Lawrence unpacks the psychological side of corporate leadership, the risks that come with founder control, and why long-term incentives are essential in corporate governance. Follow Lawrence here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lawrence-lam-354b84bb/ Website: https://lumenaryinvest.com/ Book: https://lawrencelam.org/the-founder-effect/#buythefoundereffect Follow Evan Here: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/evan-lucas-44a25316/ Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/evanlucas_/ website: www.evanlucas.com.au Chapters 00:00 The Fascination with Founders 02:52 The Traits of Successful Founders 05:48 The Lego Case Study: A Masterclass in Alignment 09:36 The Risks of Founder Control 12:49 Identifying Founder Narcissism 15:50 Motivation: Intrinsic vs Extrinsic 19:51 Long-Term Thinking in Corporate Leadership 23:33 Incentives for Change in Corporate Australia 26:45 A Vision for the Future Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    31 min
See All (33)

4.9
out of 5
54 Ratings

About

Welcome to Exchanges the podcast where trends, economics, markets and financial behaviour meets everyday life. Each week, I sit down with leading thinkers, business leaders, and policymakers to unpack the ideas, data, and decisions shaping our future from inflation to housing, leadership to innovation, trends to technology through the lens of human behaviour. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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