Tune into my interview with one of Australia’s leading think tanks – the Institute of Public Affairs (IPA), where I discuss my book Winners Don’t Cheat. The Young IPA Podcast – Episode 70 with Andrew Bushnell & Sean Jacobs
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Getting better with Menzies: reconnecting with good values
My piece in the Spectator arguing what Menzies – our longest-serving prime minister – can tell us about the value and appeal of good values. Click here to read.
Continue readingNothing new under the sun: Marcus Aurelius, student-life and Meditations
During my first university tutorial, over a decade ago, I can still recall the gasps of horror as our Greek History lecturer first introduced us to the idea of ‘stoicism’. ‘It’s basically a preference for pain and hardship over nice things,’ I remember him explaining. ‘Ugh,’ cried one student. ‘Why the hell would you want that?’ complained another. Furrowed brows followed as he tried to explain this ancient philosophy to a room full of young restless minds, glued to the idea of instant gratification. But I suspect there were some in the room who, like myself, understood or ‘felt’ what […]
Continue readingEpisode 17 – Book Interview: Winners Don’t Cheat
Although I feel slightly indulgent to speak about my new book, I pass the interviewer’s mic to good friend Jordan Shopov. We talk about the lessons in my book, in particular, how an intolerance of your circumstances, developing focus, improving your writing and taking advantage of the unique opportunities Australia offers all conspired to fuel my turnaround. For a copy of the book please visit Connor Court Publishing.
Continue readingEpisode 16 – Identity Politics with Dr Jeremy Sammut
On this episode I talk to Dr Sammut from the Centre for Independent Studies. We start a little differently by discussing personal history but then move onto the (re)emergence of identity politics, the state of universities and building cultural confidence in Australian history.
Continue readingEpisode 15 – Lifeguarding with Luke Ingwersen
For something slightly different, I talk to Gold Coast Lifeguard Luke Ingwersen on the range of roles a lifeguard plays, from local tour guide to first responder. It’s a great discussion on rips, some general water safety, the changing nature of international beach-goers and the challenges of being responsible for public safety in one of the busiest places in the country.
Continue readingEpisode 14 – Please Keep The Cow And Do The Milking – Australian Federalism
This episode’s title is borrowed from Robert Garran’s satire of the Australia’s State Premiers in 1934. While we oftentimes hear that the States should collect your income tax (the Feds currently do) they historically haven’t been too keen on it. Federalism is hardly a ‘fun’ topic but join Jordan Shopov, Will Witheridge and I as we talk about some of the unique features of our federal system.
Continue readingEpisode 13 – Us vs Them: The Failure of Globalism
It’s not all about the United States, Trump or Brexit. All states and governments are under pressure, from technology and ‘automation’ to a new generation bringing all new grievances. Are robots really going to wipe out our workforce? And, in a more connected world, are we actually becoming more isolated? Join economist Will Witheridge and I for a discussion on the trends shaping our current world.
Continue readingHey, dudes, back off: a defence of millennials
Arguing the case for millennials can be tough. But hard work, discipline and personal responsibility form part of the millennial ethos, even if it’s not easy to see. Check out my piece here.
Continue readingEpisode 12 – Renewable Energy with Lauren Timms
Renewable energy targets, power bills, nuclear power, Paris agreements and a ‘carbon constrained environment’. Join energy policy specialist Lauren Timms and I as we come at the energy discussion from different angles. I even manage to throw Adam Smith in there. Lauren Timms Lauren is an energy policy specialist with the Queensland Government, who came to the energy sector by way of an Arts degree majoring in international relations She started her career as a baby analyst and with a boutique consultancy firm in Vienna and specialising in European and North East Asian natural gas markets before moving into electricity. […]
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