Future Tense

ABC listen

4.7 (309)
SOCIETY & CULTURE
UPDATED FORTNIGHTLY

A critical look at new technologies, new approaches and new ways of thinking, from politics to media to environmental sustainability.

5 DAYS AGO

Do we need new rules of war as conflict takes on a cyber dimension?

Military spending around the world has reached a new peak, and it's still going up. All eyes are on Ukraine and the Middle East as new strategies and weapons are being put to the test. But are the traditional international rules of warfare too focussed on old technologies? Can they be adjusted to encompass cyber hacking and the use of online civilian proxies? Guests Professor Johanna Weaver – Director of the Tech Policy design Centre, Australian National University, ANU Professor Alexander Hill – Military Historian, University of Calgary Dr Nan Tian – Senior Researcher and Programme Director, SIPRI Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, SIPRI Dr Jack Watling – Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare, Royal United Services Institute (UK) Further information Global Roaming - THE NEW FRONTLINES 01: Welcome to the future of war

29 min
21 NOV

Whatever happened to...?

Sometimes, despite the hype, despite extensive funding, and despite clever and ingenious thinking, good ideas fail. Or at least don’t live up to their initial promise. There are lessons to be learnt and interesting anecdotes to be told. In this episode we look at four future-focused projects that have never really taken off: Google Glass, solar roads, space tourism and hyperloop technology. Guests Dr Paul Sutter – Astrophysicist, SUNY Stony Brook and the Flatiron Institute, New York Sarah Marquart – freelance journalist, editor of From Quarks to Quasars Andrew Hawkins – Transportation editor, The Verge Quinn Myers – Chicago-based journalist and author 'Google Glass'

29 min
17 NOV

A declaration on future generations

The UN General Assembly has passed a Declaration on Future Generations. It’s designed to ensure the generations of tomorrow aren’t disadvantaged by the decisions we make today. But is it more than feel good symbolism? Could it one day be as powerful as the Declaration on Human Rights? Also, how a focus on the here and now restricts visionary thinking; and we get the results from the latest 4-day work week trial, this time in Germany. Guests Professor Thomas Hale – Blavatnik School of Government, Oxford University Professor Brett Bowden – Professor of Historical and Philosophical Inquiry, School of Humanities & Communication Arts, Western Sydney University Professor Julia Backmann – University of Münster Further information University of Münster - Germany’s four-day working week trial Blavatnik School of Government - Implementing a Declaration on Future Generations Brett Bowden - Now is Not the Time: Inside our Obsession with the Present

29 min
7 NOV

Robots in the home – friend or foe?

Robot vacuum cleaners are so innocuous, many people treat them almost like pets. But they're also potential portals into our private life. Story Lab journalist, Julian Fell, learns how to hack a robot vacuum cleaner and uncovers some disturbing facts about the security of connected household appliances. Also, acts of aggression and abuse committed in virtual reality environments. So-called "metacrimes" may be cyber in nature, but they can feel very real and have physical world consequences. Guests Dr Milind Tiwari – Postdoctoral research fellow, Charles Sturt University Dennis Giese – independent security researcher Sean Kelly – robot vacuum owner Daniel Swenson – US-based victim of robot vacuum hack Donald Dansereau – senior lecturer, Australian Centre for Robotics, University of Sydney Yong Zhi Lim – former cybersecurity tester, TUV SUD Further information ABC News - Hackers take control of robot vacuums in multiple cities, yell racial slurs ABC News - We hacked a robot vacuum — and could watch live through its camera

29 min
31 OCT

Melting brains and climate anxiety

The heating climate is now recognised as a threat to our inner world – to brain health and rationality. Extreme temperatures not only impact our ability to think and our decision-making they also increase the presence of neurotoxins in the environment. And that can lead to disease and mental degeneration. We speak with the head of the newly formed International Neuro Climate Working Group. Climate anxiety is also caused by changes in our brains. So, is that a blessing or a curse? Guests Clayton Page Aldern – Neuroscientist, author and senior reporter, Grist. Dr Burcin Ikiz – Neuroscientist and Chair of the International Neuro Climate Working Group Professor Joshua Carlson – Director of the Cognitive X Affective Behaviour and Integrative Neuroscience Lab, Northern Michigan University Further information Clayton Aldern - The Weight of Nature.How a Changing Climate Changes Our Minds, Brains and Bodies The Melting brain Joshua Carlon - The Age of Climate Anxiety Climate change on the brain: Neural correlates of climate anxiety

29 min
24 OCT

Frozen frogs, tissues and cells — the health and environmental benefits of keeping it chill

Rana Sylvatica is an unassuming wood frog with an extraordinary gift. In the depths of winter, it can slow down its metabolism, flood its cells with ice and remain in a state of suspended animation for months. But it's what it might be able to teach us about preserving human organs for transplant that has scientists really excited. Also, the menagerie in an icy test tube — San Diego's Frozen Zoo and the fight to preserve biodiversity. Guests Dr Ken Storey — Professor of Biology and Biochemistry, Carleton University, Canada. Dr Saffron Bryant – Senior lecturer, Department of Physics, RMIT University Marlys Houck – Curator, Frozen Zoo, San Diego Wildlife Alliance Dr Justine O’Brien – Manager, Conservation Science,Taronga Conservation Society Australia Further information Youtube video of a frozen frog thawing

29 min
17 OCT

Sex tech, AI and the centrality of consent

The demand for sex tech is booming. That is, toys and apps that can be used for pleasure, communication or to improve sexual health. Developers are using innovative ways to incorporate AI in a way that is respectful of both consent and the diversity of human desire. But it seems some male developers are intent on weaponising it against women. In this special episode of Future Tense, Stephen Stockwell, explores the power of the emerging technology, its potential benefits and harms, and the need to keep a clear focus on consent. Guests Madison Griffiths – Melbourne-based writer, artist and producer Bryony Cole – host of the Future of Sex Podcast Professor Alan McKee – pornography researcher and Head of the School of Art, Communication and English, University of Sydney Ashley Neale – founder of My Peach AI Further information Madison Griffiths - Orifice.ai, and the Arousal of Rejection

29 min
10 OCT

Wolf Warrior diplomacy — Have we finally seen an end to undiplomatic diplomacy?

It was known as Wolf Warrior diplomacy – a brand of Chinese foreign ministry posturing that was as aggressive as it was unexpected. But has Beijing now changed tack? And if so, why? Also, does the theory of Institutional Amnesia explain why our preparedness for natural disasters is often found wanting? Guests Assistant Professor Tyler Jost — Political Science, International and Public Affairs, Brown University (US) Dr Sarah Robertson – Research Fellow in sustainability, RMIT University Dr Paul Barnes — Senior Research Fellow and emergency and risk management expert, Griffith University Dr Alastair Stark – Associate Professor in Public Policy, School of Political Science and International Studies, Queensland University Further information Future Tense - The best response to disasters: centralised strength or community mitigation? Select Committee on Australia's Disaster Resilience Have China's Wolf Warriors Gone Extinct?

29 min

See All (545)

Antony Funnell

Host

4.7

out of 5

309 Ratings

Brilliant

4 Oct

SimonAlfref

Fascinating. Professional.
A gem

1 Oct

Dr Johnston

Informative, using multiple academic expertise to provide nuanced perspectives on complex topics.
Outstanding

14 Jan

Crispygf

This is one of the great Australian podcasts (radio shows) as so often it finds fascinating areas to explore
Yet another ABC show loose with facts

3 Apr

CurbedEnthusiasm

Yet another ABC show loose with facts. I’ve listened for a while now and several episodes have factual errors and misinformation. Some guests have agendas and are woke. Nothing new here. It’s the ABC so it’s expected. Just a warning to anyone who values truth. Some of this podcast is utter nonsense. Make sure you balance it with information from other sources.