Sean Jacobs Sean Jacobs

Here I talk with Australian ecological historian Vic Jurskis, and test just how true it is that koalas are endangered, what constitutes a healthy, stable koala population, Indigenous land management practice and the history of koalas on the continent. Vic has featured on ABC and 2GB radio, and is the author of The Great Koala Scam (Connor Court Publishing, 2020).

On this episode Jordan, Will and I question each other on whether certain things - people, places, books or anything else - are underrated or overrated. The concept is adapted from Conversations with Tyler and, while slightly different, offers an entertaining listen, covering everything from the artist Deadmau5 to Thomas Piketty's Capital. Please be sure to review!

Wrapping up 2019 and looking ahead to next year, I recorded this from Brisbane’s Happy Boy Restaurant. Amid ambient café noise, we touch on what it takes to be a genius, socialism versus capitalism, the ascendance of China, man’s search for meaning, LBJ and, of course, our big reads in 2019 and thoughts for 2020.

In part two Will and I, continuing our 'enduring' theme, allude to John Howard - the seminal political figure in Australian politics of the last 20 years - and his capacity to provide stability with change. And, at least by the temporary standards of modern prime ministers, deliver a solid dose of political endurance. We also talk about Dilbert cartoonist Scott Adams' advice on when to give in or keep 'enduring', and discuss how generalists can triumph in an age of specialisation.

What endures? Clearly things that have been around for a while will tend to go on persisting, from Broadway musicals to timeless virtues. Economist Will Witheridge and I talk about how important principles are, why they appeal and why they’re making a comeback, from author Ryan Holiday’s commitment to stoicism to Jordan Peterson’s philosophy of self-help. This show is split in two so please tune in next week for Part II.

On this episode we take things around the world, covering everything from Brexit and the late Christopher Hitchens to index funds and the common sense of JFK. Sorry it’s been a while in between drinks.