The Future Of

Curtin University

The podcast where experts share their vision of the future and how their work is helping shape it for the better. Powered by Curtin University.

  1. Human–AI Decision-Making: trust, agency and context engineering

    3 DAYS AGO

    Human–AI Decision-Making: trust, agency and context engineering

    You make your own decisions – right? AI is already shaping everyday choices and purchases – most often in ways we barely notice. In this episode, David and Celeste are joined by Professor Billy Sung to explore how AI influences everyday consumer decisions, what drives trust, and how humans can stay in the loop as AI becomes more embedded. What “AI” actually means (beyond ChatGPT) [01:07]How AI is already shaping consumer decisions through ads, search and recommendation systems [03:27]What happens when AI search starts serving ads [04:13]The three drivers of trust in AI [08:51]Disclosure is a double-edged sword [11:54]Why people bond with AI influencers: anthropomorphism and parasocial relationships [16:15]The likely future: co-created decisions and “shared agency” [31:17]Learn moreThe Professor Insight PodcastYou make decisions freely? Neuromarketing says think againHow much can we trust AI? Podcast insightsConnect with our guestsBilly Sung, Professor, School of Management and Marketing Professor Billy Sung is a researcher and professor at Curtin University, specialising in neuromarketing, consumer psychology and human–AI interaction. He leads Curtin’s Consumer Research Lab, bringing together behavioural science and emerging technologies to inform industry and policy decision-making. Curtin staff pageJoin Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationIf you liked this episode, why not explore our Master of Artificial Intelligence. Got any questions or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript Behind the scenesHost: Celeste Fourie and David Karsten Content creator and recordist: Caitlin Crowley Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    42 min
  2. Smart cities: urban efficiency, surveillance and data

    27 JAN

    Smart cities: urban efficiency, surveillance and data

    From helping elderly people to cross the road to finding a free parking space, technology is helping to make our cities become safer and more enjoyable. But at what cost to our privacy? In this episode, David and Celeste are joined by Dr Courtney Babb, a senior lecturer in urban and regional planning at Curtin University. They explore the benefits of integrating technology in urban areas, such as efficiency, security and quality, but also look at the implications, including surveillance and privatisation.  Songdo: the rise of the smart city [02:00]Data in urban efficiency [03:15]Who’s using your data, really? [09.30]Technology doesn’t always mean better [12:00]Future directions in urban planning [22:00]Being smarter with your data [29:00]Learn moreWharf Street BasinNew frontiers in sustainable innovationPerth is more smart city than meets the eyeThe Future of Sustainable ArchitectureConnect with our guestsCourtney Babb Courtney Babb is a senior lecturer in urban and regional planning at the School of Design and the Built Environment (DBE), at Curtin University. His research interests include institutional change and design in spatial planning; transport institutions and the politics of resisting auto-mobility; transitions to low energy transport systems; and integrated planning and management of riverine environments. Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Start postgraduate educationStudy a research degreeWork with usGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript.  Behind the scenesHosts: David Karsten and Celeste Fourie Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Writer: Zoe Taylor Executive producer: Natasha Weeks First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    32 min
  3. AI in Education: tutors, learning models and integrity

    13 JAN

    AI in Education: tutors, learning models and integrity

    Nearly 80% of Australian students are already using generative AI – but should they be? In this episode, Celeste Fourie and David Karsten are joined by Alex Jenkins, Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub to discuss the future of artificial intelligence in education.  From AI-powered tutoring to the risks of cognitive offloading, this episode examines how students and educators can collaborate with AI while preserving critical thinking. From neural networks to ChatGPT: how generative AI became mainstream [01:14]AI in classrooms: mastery learning and AI tutoring [04:53]Assessments, skill building and academic integrity in tertiary education [12:00]The danger of cognitive offloading [14:41]AI risks, ethics and equity gaps [21:31]How students and educators can use AI responsibly [27:48]Learn moreAI’s impact on education in Australia: podcast insightsAn (AI) tutor for every student TEDxAssessment 2030Connect with our guestsAlex Jenkins, Director of the WA Data Science Innovation Hub Alex is an artificial intelligence specialist and experienced technology leader. He has more than 15 years of experience working in the technology space where he implements and advocates for analytics, data science and artificial intelligence solutions.  Connect with Alex. Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationIf you liked this episode, why not explore our Master of Artificial Intelligence or one-year Graduate Diploma in Education. Got any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript. Behind the scenesHosts: Celeste Fourie and David Karsten Content Creator and recordist: Caitlin Crowley Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    38 min
  4. Speech: stuttering, genetics and intervention

    09/12/2025

    Speech: stuttering, genetics and intervention

    What causes some people to stutter? It's often believed that trauma or anxiety is the cause, but world-first research has found a genetic link to stuttering, allowing for life-changing early intervention. Our host David Karsten is joined by Professor Janet Beilby, an internationally renowned stuttering expert and Director of the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic (CSTC). They discuss how Beilby and her colleagues have pinpointed the genes associated with stuttering, meaning intervention can happen much sooner, which is crucial for managing the condition.  David and Janet also talk about the the impact stuttering can have on a person's life, and how the CSTC helps to manage stuttering and other fluency disorders in children, adults and the elderly.  What is stuttering? [01:16]Challenges faced by people who stutter [05:52]The genetic link to stuttering [11:05]‘Genes aren’t destiny’ [19:27]Fostering resilience in kids [29:44]Acceptance and Commitment Therapy [31:00]Future directions in speech science [40:03]Learn moreCurtin Stuttering ClinicLife-changing genetic link offers hope for millions who stutterInternational Stuttering ProjectLarge-scale genome-wide analyses of stuttering (Nature Genetics)Connect with our guestsProfessor Janet Beilby Janet is a leading speech pathology clinician, researcher, educator and director of the Curtin Stuttering Treatment Clinic (CSTC). In July this year, Janet co-published world-first research in Nature Genetics that pinpointed the genetic markers for stuttering.  As director of CSTC, Janet has translated research into life-changing outcomes for over 10,000 clients, trained hundreds of students and been awarded over half a million dollars in research funds to investigate aspects of stuttering disorders, as well as dementia and virtual education. Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/speech/transcript Behind the scenesHost: David Karsten Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Content writer: Zoe Taylor Executive producer: Natasha Weeks First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    42 min
  5. Social Media: Australia’s ban, AI and young people online

    11/11/2025

    Social Media: Australia’s ban, AI and young people online

    Australia is banning social media for children 16 and under – but will it actually keep them safe or only spark new problems? In this episode, hosts David Karsten and Celeste Fourie are joined by Professor Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University, to discuss Australia’s proposed ban on social media for children under 16. We explore what the Ban aims to achieve, who it will affect, and whether it could reshape the relationship between government and big tech. The discussion also ventures into what social media will look like when the ban comes into play, and how AI is creating a new internet for the next generation. The ban: Purpose, platforms and rollout [01:15]Consultation and youth input [04:40]How social platforms shape teens’ social lives [06:20]Will the ban protect young people? [11:12]Generative AI and youth [16:30]Industry and global response [22:00]Digital literacy and misinformation [16:50]The path forward: advice on supporting teens as the ban takes effect [33:10]Learn moreeSafety CommissionerDigital ChildThe social media ban: four essential insights for young people and parentsConnect with our guestsProfessor Tama Leaver, Professor of Internet Studies at Curtin University Tama is a regular media commentator, Chief Investigator in the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child and former president of the Association of Internet Researchers (AoIR). Follow Tama on LinkedIn Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript Behind the scenesHosts: Celeste Fourie and David Karsten Content Creators: Zoe Taylor and Caitlin Crowley  Recordist: Caitlin Crowley Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    36 min
  6. Neuro Tech: Neuralink, brain chips, human augmentation

    14/10/2025

    Neuro Tech: Neuralink, brain chips, human augmentation

    Inserting microchips into human brains was once the stuff of science fiction but is now reality thanks to companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink. But what are the pros and cons of having Musk tech inside our heads?  In this episode, our host David gets cerebral with Dr Sarah Hellewell, a Neurotrauma Research Fellow at Curtin University and the Perron Institute. Together, they unpack how human augmentation tech like Neuralink works, and how it can help to improve the quality of life for people with brain injuries or neurological conditions. They also explore the ethics of merging ‘mind with machine’.  Understanding brain computer interfaces (BCI) [01:02]Decoding thoughts into actions [04:45]BCI can change lives [09:12]Ethical implications of BCI tech [14:15]The future of BCI in everyday life [12:36]Learn moreThe man with a mind-reading chip in his brain – thanks to Elon MuskWhy Elon Musk’s Neuralink brain implant reframes our ideas of self-identityResearchers reveal new pathway to improve traumatic brain injury outcomesThe Future Of Brain trauma and sportsConnect with our guestsDr Sarah Hellewell Sarah is a Senior Research Fellow in Neurotrauma at Curtin University and the Perron Institute. Her research incorporates both clinical and preclinical research programs spanning the spectrum of neurodegeneration and brain injury severity, enabling her to rapidly identify clinical problems and translate “bedside to bench” and back again. Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript: https://thefutureof.simplecast.com/episodes/neuro-tech/transcript  Behind the scenesHost: David Karsten Content creators: Caitlin Crowley and Zoe Taylor Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Executive producer: Natasha Weeks and Anita Shore First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. MusicOKAY by 13ounce Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    27 min
  7. Masculinity: identity, social media and extremism

    09/09/2025

    Masculinity: identity, social media and extremism

    Gender is always in motion, but is masculinity in crisis? In this episode, host David Karsten speaks with Dr Ben Rich and Todd Morley about modern masculinity, the challenges men face today, the rise of extremism and the solutions that could benefit us all. What does it mean to be a man in 2025 – and is masculinity in crisis? [00:09]Why men are falling behind: education, mental health and identity in a time of “polycrisis” [02:04]Generational divides and changing views on struggle [07:43]How social media is shaping masculinity [11:19]Extremism explained – what it really means and how it connects to masculinity [14:49]Is the internet an accelerant for radicalisation? [23:01]What men – and society – can do to create better futures [26:59]Redefining the “modern man” – why ambiguity matters [30:50]Inside the Curtin Extremism Research Network (CERN) [34:59]Learn moreHasan Piker: a "himbo gateway drug" to the left?Most young Aussie men are turning to masculinity influencers, and it's impacting their mental healthWhat is gender? With Judith Butler The draw of the ‘manosphere’: understanding Andrew Tate’s appeal to lost menThe Future Of the Manosphere podcastWestern Australia Intervention Support Program (WAISP)Connect with our guestsDoctor Ben Rich Dr Ben Rich is a senior lecturer in the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry, and co-director of the Curtin Extremism Research Network (CERN), where his research focuses on the factors behind politically extreme views in areas such as gender, race, and public health. Todd Morley Todd Morley is a PhD researcher in the School of Media, Creative Arts and Social Inquiry. His current research focuses on the radicalisation patterns of lone actor terrorists, and he also works as a preventing/countering violent extremism practitioner and consultant outside of Curtin. Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript. Behind the scenesHost: David Karsten Content creator and recordist: Zoe Taylor Editor: Caitlin Crowley Producer: Emilia Jolakoska Executive Producers: Anita Shore and Natasha Weeks First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the First Peoples of this place we call Australia, and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    36 min
  8. Sustainable Futures: climate, curriculum and collaboration

    26/08/2025

    Sustainable Futures: climate, curriculum and collaboration

    What do an urban designer, an electrician and Curtin University have in common? They all want to help humanity prosper. To achieve that, sustainability is key.  In this episode, our host David is joined by Professor Josh Byrne and Saf Flatters. Josh is Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin (he’s also well-known as a presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia), and Saf is an electrical and energy specialist and third-year Curtin data science student.  Together, they explore what a ‘sustainable future’ really means, and how a novel Curtin University subject called Sustainability Challenge is bringing together academia, industry, government and community to create real solutions to some of the most pressing environmental and social problems.  What does a ‘sustainable future’ mean? [03:24]Sustainability problems more complex than ever [04:40]Big problems mean big solutions [07:30]Data science brings structure to complexity [08:28]Cultivating hope and optimism [10:11]Sustainability Challenge insights [12:29]There’s no ‘doctor evil’ industry [30:59]Learnings to last a lifetime [35:17]Learn more2025 Sustainability ChallengeSustainable FuturesFutures Platform at CurtinConnect with our guestsProfessor Josh Byrne, Dean of Sustainable Futures, Faculty of Humanities Professor Josh Byrne is an environmental scientist, urban design professional and Dean of Sustainable Futures at Curtin. His career bridges academia, professional practice, media and policy, with a focus on advancing urban sustainability through demonstration and collaboration. In 2025, Josh was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) for significant service to conservation, the environment and public communication. Curtin staff profile LinkedIn ORCiD Saf Flatters, Bachelor of Science (Data Science) student, Faculty of Science and Engineering Saf describes her career path as “very twisty.” With more than 15 years of experience as an electrician in the electrical and energy sectors, she’s now studying a Bachelor of Science (Data Science) at Curtin. Saf is passionate about using data to solve real-world problems, and outside her studies, she runs an electrical business, serves on industry boards and spends time bike packing through hidden corners of the world. LinkedIn Portfolio Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching. Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.au Social mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript. Behind the scenesHost: David Karsten Researcher: Caitlin Crowley Producer: Emilia Jolakoska First Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations’ voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future. MusicOKAY by 13ounce Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library. Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

    38 min
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4.7
out of 5
21 Ratings

About

The podcast where experts share their vision of the future and how their work is helping shape it for the better. Powered by Curtin University.

Information

  • Creator
    Curtin University
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Curtin University
  • Show Website
    The Future Of

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