‘What Happens Next?’: Introducing Season Eight

In a world facing unprecedented challenges – where climate change, technological advancements, and social tensions dominate headlines – it's easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if you had a secret weapon that could empower you to understand and navigate these complex issues?

Monash University's award-winning podcast, What Happens Next?, hosted by academic and commentator Dr Susan Carland, offers precisely that—an opportunity to step through sliding doors and explore the potential futures that await us based on our actions today.

Play

From childhood to adulthood, play holds tremendous benefits, including fostering creativity, enhancing our wellbeing and strengthening social connections. But what happens when we stop playing? And how do we balance work and fun?

Climate anxiety

We’re facing an existential crisis in the form of climate change, and its psychological impact runs deep. Can we learn to conquer climate anxiety? And can art play a role in helping us manage it as we work together towards a sustainable future?

Transhumanism

As technology advances at an unprecedented rate, the lines between man and machine may begin to blur. Is humanity on the brink of the next step in our evolution? What are the ethical quandaries emerging tech raises? And how can we unlock our full potential?

Influencer culture

Influencers wield significant economic power, but many people don’t take them seriously. Are gendered stereotypes at play? Susan and her guests take a closer look at influencer culture, exploring the consequences of one-sided relationships with our favourite content creators and questioning the hidden gendered labour behind this phenomenon.

Escapism

We all yearn to escape reality occasionally, whether it’s through binge-watching Netflix, playing a little Dungeons & Dragons, or reading a good book. But can we overdo it? And is escapism addictive?

Civility

In an increasingly polarised world, civility is a crucial aspect of fostering healthy relationships and maintaining social cohesion. Are we becoming ruder? Does increasing incivility mean the end of democracy? And can we re-learn how to get along?

Can't wait to find out what happens next? Catch up on our back catalogue.

Each episode in the upcoming season of What Happens Next? offers listeners expert insights and valuable perspectives, empowering us to make informed decisions and positive change. You’ll hear from world-leading experts including Sir John Monash Distinguished Professor Marilyn Fleer; Professor Margaret S Barrett, head of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance; and Associate Professor Shaun Gregory, co-director of the university’s Artificial Heart Frontiers Program, among other prominent researchers.

Other notable guests this season include social commentator Waleed Aly, alumna and 1998 Young Australian of the Year Tan Le and more.

Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of global challenges or are keen to help change the world, season eight of What Happens Next? has something to offer. Join us and step through those sliding doors to glimpse the potential futures that lie ahead.

Season 8 is coming to your favourite podcast app later this month – subscribe now. Already a subscriber? You can help other listeners find the show by giving What Happens Next? a rating and review.

New this season: Subscribe to Monash’s YouTube channel to watch the video version of each episode.

Listen to more What Happens Next? podcast episodes