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What Happens Next?

What Happens Next?

Written by: Monash University
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The Handmaid’s Tale. Brave New World. Mad Max. Fictional dystopias have never seemed so close to becoming reality. Is it too late to change our course?

What Happens Next?, a podcast from Monash University, examines some of the biggest challenges facing our world and asks the experts, what will happen if we don't change? And what can we do to create a better future? Learn from leaders, listen to the people making a difference, and discover how you can help drive change.

2026 2024 Social Sciences
Episodes
  • How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Feels Safe?

    How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Feels Safe?
    Nov 28 2024

    29.11.24
    What Happens Next?
    How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Feels Safe? | 99

    What if we could actually end gender-based violence? In this eye-opening episode of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?”, Dr Susan Carland and a team of leading experts from Monash and beyond address one of Australia's most urgent social challenges.

    You’ll learn why violence against women happens – and more importantly, how we can stop it. These guests – Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon, former Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack AM, Professor Jane Fisher, Professor Steven Roberts, Dr Stephanie Wescott and Associate Professor Charles Livingstone – aren't just talking theory; they're mapping out practical solutions to dismantle the systems that perpetuate harm.

    From social media's toxic masculinity problem to the surprising link between gambling and relationship violence, this episode will challenge you to think differently about prevention, showing it's not just about school programs, but transforming our broader culture – workplaces, media and online spaces.

    You’ll also learn how to genuinely support victim-survivors in a way that makes them feel heard and puts control back in their hands.

    We all play a role in the effort to eliminate gender-based violence. Are you ready to be part of the solution?

    A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

    Learn more:

    • Part 1: What’s Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis?

    • Eliminating gender-based violence

    • What Australia is doing to address escalating violence against women

    • Shocking number of Australians admit to acts of sexual violence

    This is the final episode of season nine of “What Happens Next?”. For more fascinating stories and insights from world-leading experts, visit Lens.

    If you’ve enjoyed this season, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    58 mins
  • What's Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis?

    What's Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis?
    Nov 21 2024
    22.11.24 What Happens Next? What's Behind the Gender-Based Violence Crisis? | 98 Every nine days, an Australian woman dies at the hands of a current or former partner. In this episode of Monash University’s “What Happens Next?” podcast, Dr Susan Carland and her expert guests expose the deep-rooted forces perpetuating violence against women. Professor Kate Fitz-Gibbon challenges our national security priorities, while former Victims of Crime Commissioner Fiona McCormack AM unravels centuries of patriarchal influence. Professor Jane Fisher illuminates the complex barriers facing migrant and refugee communities, Professor Steven Roberts and Dr Stephanie Wescott reveal alarming trends in our schools and Associate Professor Charles Livingstone exposes the hidden links between gambling addiction and violence. Discover how patriarchal systems, economic inequality and modern threats such as social media’s manosphere and technology-facilitated abuse create a perfect storm of violence – and learn why Australia's current response falls dangerously short. A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens. Learn more: Eliminating gender-based violence Masculinity, part 1: It’s a Man’s World – “What Happens Next?” Gambling: A developing global disaster for public health Australian resources recommended by our experts: Gender-Based Violence help: For anyone in immediate danger, call 000 for police and ambulance 1800RESPECT or 1800respect.org.au – Confidential national counselling and support service for people who have experienced, or are at risk of experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence, their family and friends and frontline workers 1800FULLSTOP (1800 385 578) – National violence and abuse trauma counselling and recovery service WhiteRibbon.org.au Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline – 1800 497 212 13YARN (13 92 76) – A national crisis support line for mob Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) – A service for men who use family violence Mensline Australia (1300 789 978) – telephone and online support for men in Australia Gambling help: 1800 858 858 or gamblinghelponline.org.au Information about the crisis: Ourwatch.org.au – Quick facts about violence against women RespectVictoria.vic.gov.au – Research and resources “What Happens Next?” will be back next week with part two of this series, ‘How Do We Build a Future Where Everyone Feels Safe?’, the final episode of season nine. If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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    57 mins
  • Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet?

    Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet?
    Nov 14 2024

    15.11.24
    What Happens Next?
    Can Good Stories Help Save the Planet? | 97

    When it comes to climate change, data alone often fails to inspire action. But across the Indo-Pacific, communities are reframing climate communication by shifting from statistics to human-centred storytelling. This episode of “What Happens Next?” explores how real stories of resilience, innovation and traditional knowledge are adding new plotlines to the narrative of climate change, helping us understand its impacts on a deeper level.

    Host Dr Susan Carland speaks with frontline storytellers who are amplifying local voices – from communities adapting to rising sea levels to Indigenous leaders drawing on age-old wisdom to combat environmental challenges. Expert outline how these narratives bridge the gap between global issues and local experiences, making climate science relevant to daily life.

    You’ll hear about groundbreaking projects like Monash University’s Global Immersion Guarantee program, which sends students to witness climate impacts firsthand, and RISE (Revitalising Informal Settlements and their Environments), a collaborative effort combining traditional and modern methods to address climate challenges in challenging urban environments. By focusing on the lived experiences of those directly affected, the episode highlights how storytelling can transform climate awareness into meaningful action.

    Tune in to discover why the stories we tell might just help save the planet.

    A full transcript of this episode is available on Monash Lens.

    Learn more:

    • Part One: Will Climate Change Wipe Out the Indo-Pacific?

    • RISE Indonesia: Revitalising informal settlements in Makassar

    • Why we need disability-inclusive climate change adaptation plans

    “What Happens Next?” will be back next week with an all-new topic.

    If you’re enjoying the show, don’t forget to subscribe, or rate or review “What Happens Next?” to help listeners like yourself discover it.

    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins
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