Big Brain Channel
386 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 1 year ago -"Big Brain" A term to describe the most intellectual of individuals.
This channel is dedicated to our podcasts where you'll learn something!
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Episodes
Japan - Reiwa Era feat. Prof. Purnendra Jain
April 17, 2019 10:35 - 53 minutes - 49.1 MBOn May 1st, Japan's current Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate. As every Japanese emperor reigns in his own specific era, the post-Akihito era has been named Reiwa, promising a period of order and harmony. So, what will the Reiwa Imperial Era spell for Japan? Will it be an era of order and peace as the name suggests? In this episode, we’ll be joined by SAGE International Australia’s Prof. Purnendra Jain, our resident expert on Japan and Northeast Asia to discuss these issues. We hope that...
Blind Insights - Collective Action Vs. Collective Violence (Special Guest Peter Thomson)
April 12, 2019 00:30 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBPeter Thomson joins Tim and David to discuss the merits and consequences of violence and community in the face of oppression or political stagnation. In an increasingly polarised world (see Jonathan Haidt's Righteous Mind), the approaches we have to make change are varied in morality and efficacy. Violence should never be the answer, but can it be? Unionism seems to be underappreciated or misused, so what's the alternative? If you're feeling disillusioned by the coming Australian Federal Ele...
Blind Insights - Collective Action Vs. Collective Violence (Special guest Peter Thomson)
April 12, 2019 00:30 - 55 minutes - 50.5 MBPeter Thomson joins Tim and David to discuss the merits and consequences of violence and community in the face of oppression or political stagnation. In an increasingly polarised world (see Jonathan Haidt's Righteous Mind), the approaches we have to make change are varied in morality and efficacy. Violence should never be the answer, but can it be? Unionism seems to be underappreciated or misused, so what's the alternative? If you're feeling disillusioned by the coming Australian Federal Elec...
Injection Therapy - What does the evidence tell us?
April 10, 2019 07:27 - 19 minutes - 17.6 MBDespite our best intentions, not everyone with tendinopathy will respond to conservative treatments. Clinicians need alternative options like injection therapy. Injections such as steroid and platelet-rich plasma continue to be popular for tendinopathy, and there are other emerging injections such as the high-volume injection. Injection TherapyIn Tendinopathy: Art & Science - 4th May 2019 MELBOURNE booking via link below: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/injection-therapy-in-tendin...
STRATEGIKON - Live from the Auscast Festival
April 09, 2019 00:18 - 16 minutes - 15 MBJohn, David, and Tim take to the Adelaide Podcast Festival during the Fringe 2019 to talk to a live audience about the importance of security and showcase a bit of what STRATEGIKON is all about. With a brief overview of China, North Korea, and ISIS, the team briefly cover a lot of ground and give good insight into some well talked about topics. Thank you to the Adelaide Podcast Festival, and all the sponsors, including Omny and Zoom for having us. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inf...
Blind Insights - Experience Based Morality (Special guest Peter Thomson)
April 08, 2019 14:02 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn an obscure conversation about moral compasses, David and Tim discuss experiences with a special Guest Peter Thomson, and how they impact our moral decisions. In this episode, expect to hear some anecdotes, some tips and thoughts for consuming knowledge and some great book suggestions. It's one to make you think, "what is my moral compass, and how did I get here?". Peter, David, and Tim also discuss how the challenges that encourage moral learning are being stripped from western society gra...
Blind Insights - Experience Based Morality (Special Guest Peter Thomson)
April 08, 2019 14:02 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBIn an obscure conversation about moral compasses, David and Tim discuss experiences with a special Guest Peter Thomson, and how they impact our moral decisions. In this episode, expect to hear some anecdotes, some tips and thoughts for consuming knowledge and some great book suggestions. It's one to make you think, "what is my moral compass, and how did I get here?". Peter, David, and Tim also discuss how the challenges that encourage moral learning are being stripped from western society gr...
Blind Insights - Liberty and Safety
March 30, 2019 12:00 - 46 minutes - 42.2 MB"Freedom from"s and "Freedom to"s make for a hot debate that has been circulating for centuries, if not since the beginning of civilisation. Liberty is sacred foundation to many societies and our desire for safety can often be in tension with this, and political debate ensues. Maybe freedom doesn't have to be a political topic, but a topic that each of us as individuals can think on, and act on in the world to form our ideas of a perfect society. Tim and David discuss why freedom is so impor...
Blind Insights - Conscious Capitalism
March 22, 2019 06:39 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBIt seems for all its faults, capitalism is often crowned as the "system that works" where socialism is not afforded the same pragmatic assessment. But can we do better than capitalism? Is the merit in socialism able to be separated from the problems with devaluing the individual? David and Tim discuss some of the best business strategies and theories from this century, and why or how you can do good, and do well, at the same time. Got a suggestion for Best Ethical Coffee Spot? If you have a...
The World Uyghur Congress - European Parliament Intern Shahrezad Ghayrat
March 15, 2019 09:51 - 38 minutes - 35.3 MBSTRATEGIKON is the podcast of SAGE International Australia, Adelaide’s only private not-for-profit think tank specialising in defence, security & foreign affairs. In this episode we speak to former SIA Intern/Research Assistant Ms Shahrezad Ghayrat. Ms Ghayrat who now works for the World Uyghur Congress, based in Munich, Germany is currently interning at the European Parliament. She recently launched the Unrepresented Women campaign for the UNPO: https://www.facebook.com/Shahrezadi As a key...
Blind Insights LIVE - The Adelaide Podcast Festival
March 15, 2019 02:59 - 11 minutes - 10.6 MBAuscast presents the #AdlPodFest featuring a range of shows from different genres. Now in its third year, this event is like speed-dating for podcasting. Blind Insights had the privilege of featuring in the 2019 Adelaide Podcast Festival in front of a live audience. Tim and David talk about a Albert Einstein in all of his wisdom and faults, as a teaser to our podcast. This is a good introductory episode for those friends you can't convince to commit to our 30-60 minute episodes. If you have...
Blind Insights - Go fast? Go Alone. Go far? Take Friends.
March 08, 2019 01:25 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBA quote, or an iteration of a quote David uses frequently when he consults for corporate and military teams has a lot of meaning behind it. Tim and David unpack what it means to go fast and what you need to go far. Drawing on some previously discussed themes, and referencing a few key texts along the way, the discussion deals a lot with why friends are important for any kind of progress, and why the transition from study to work can be so difficult. Have questions? Send them through to timwh...
Blind Insights - Go fast, Go Alone. Go far, Take Friends.
March 08, 2019 01:25 - 30 minutes - 28.4 MBA quote, or an iteration of a quote David uses frequently when he consults for corporate and military teams has a lot of meaning behind it. Tim and David unpack what it means to go fast and what you need to go far. Drawing on some previously discussed themes, and referencing a few key texts along the way, the discussion deals a lot with why friends are important for any kind of progress, and why the transition from study to work can be so difficult. Have questions? Send them through to timwhi...
Something IS happening in the tendon! Collagen turnover in people with Achilles tendinopathy
March 04, 2019 00:45 - 13 minutes - 12.3 MBUnderstanding how tendon recovers from injury and adapts to load is so important and has huge implications on how we manage tendons and the education and advice that we provide patients. This podcast features a relatively new study providing insights into the collagen turnover in healthy tendons and those with tendinopathy, adding critical knowledge to what we know about tendon collagen adaptation over time. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blind Insights - Meritocracy and Passivity
February 27, 2019 02:00 - 48 minutes - 44.1 MBDo we earn what we get? David and Tim explore the merit in... well, Meritocracy! A system where people are rewarded for their skills and efforts sounds fair, but is it? What kind of system do we have now? Why is networking and social capability such an important part of how we progress in our society? These questions are not as straightforward as it seems, and the topic leads into a discussion about what makes a well-functioning society. If you have any thoughts, questions, or want to pre...
Public Service Announcement - Graduate Applications
February 26, 2019 01:02 - 10 minutes - 9.9 MBApplying for public service after your study? David has all the advice a lecturer can offer to help you get where you want to be. With tips and tricks, as well as important reminders for wellbeing, David runs through the things to remember as you go through the application, and interview process. Good luck listeners! Questions, contact us at [email protected] Thanks to the Auscast Network! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blind Insights - Suffering and Meaning
February 15, 2019 06:14 - 29 minutes - 26.6 MBMeaning. Everyone wants it but not many people say they have it, and fewer can describe it. What does suffering have to do with it? A lot actually, and it's strange to want suffering, but David can certainly convince you to add a bit of suffering into your life with this thoughtful discussion on Stoic philosophy. This episode can come as a shock to the system, so if you have any thoughts, questions, or want to present your argument, contact us and send us an audio clip at timwhiffen@auscas...
Blind Insights - An Insight to Blindness
February 08, 2019 21:30 - 56 minutes - 51.9 MBTim and David get into the nitty gritty of blindness and vision impairment, as Tim asks popular questions that strike at core of disabilities, and David candidly and openly answers. This episode makes for a good understanding of David's background, and encourages consideration of what it is like to live a life with physical disability. Got more questions for David? If you have any thoughts, questions, or want to present your argument, contact us and send us an audio clip at timwhiffen@ausc...
PSJ Episode 41 - Who Sets Interest Rates?
February 06, 2019 01:14 - 10 minutes - 9.92 MBWhen interest rates fluctuate, it can be hard to work out why and for what benefit. Paul sheds some light on the subject by telling us who sets the rates, why they change, and what chain of events occur to change the rate on your mortgage or credit card. Make sure to send us any questions to [email protected] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blind Insights - Is there a "doer" within every thinker?
February 01, 2019 09:00 - 42 minutes - 39.3 MBThis week on Blind Insights with David, Tim brings an interesting question from Brad. He asks "Within every thinker, is there a doer trying to find a way to be released?". Of course this brings about great discussion from the two, who ponder on the different relationships between thinking and doing, practicality and dreaming, and stumble across some meaningful thought processes and attitudes to adopt. If you have any thoughts, questions, or want to present your argument, contact us and sen...
Blind Insights - Western and Eastern Philosophy
January 24, 2019 23:30 - 56 minutes - 51.7 MBFollowing from talks of motivation from episode 4, David and Tim discuss the differences (and similarities) of Western and Eastern philosophy. They come to some very interesting conclusions. Despite cultural differences, there is a lot to learn from the philosophical journeys different countries took in the past few millennia. These observations draw dichotomies in spirituality, existentialism and morality. Come along for an unscripted but fascinating journey, and don't forget to send us fee...
Blind Insights - Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life Part 2
January 19, 2019 02:08 - 1 hour - 62.7 MBIn part two of David and Tim's assessment of the teachings in Dr. Jordan Peterson's book, 12 Rules for Life, they dive into some of the deeper topics and try to find value in the words. While avoiding the religious, political, and philosophical assumptions that make up part of the rules, the overall conclusions that are discussed become quite useful, and alternatives are given to those who don't agree with Jordan Peterson, yet could still benefit from the rules. We'd love to have Jordan Pete...
Blind Insights- Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life Part 1
January 11, 2019 01:25 - 47 minutes - 44 MBJordan Peterson is coming to town! Whilst not as popular or as kid-friendly as Santa-Claus, Dr. Peterson is a psychologist and respected author who has been on a fiery book tour around the world. The book, "12 Rules for Life" is an applied philosophy for all, and has been met with much media controversy. In this episode David and Tim discuss the background and consequences of the first 6 rules in the book. If you want more content like this, let Jordan Peterson on twitter and ask him on the ...
Blind Insights - Intrinsic and Extrinsic Motivation
January 02, 2019 23:30 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MBWhat makes you want to get out the bed to work or be productive? Many people will think hard about this and not even consider the differences between the tangible and internal fruits of their labour. Winning bread for a family can be fulfilling for you internally, but the work result is extrinsic, there are external factors motivating you to work. What does intrinsic motivation do differently and why does it matter for the individual and for economy? David and Tim discuss new movements in th...
Blind Insights - Communication and Media
December 28, 2018 22:05 - 50 minutes - 46 MBTalking and interacting with others is the most important thing humans do, it's how we learn, understand one another, and keep informed. Why then, in an age of so many communication devices and innovations, is it harder to stay well informed, trust others, and get the most of our social relationships? David and Tim talk about our use of phones and consumption of news today. With the help of some good books, there is a lot of good discussion points made in this episode on how we communicate, ...
Yuletide Greetings - SIA & STRATEGIKON 2018
December 23, 2018 00:14 - 5 minutes - 5.33 MBJohn gives his summary of SIA's & STRATEGIKON's year. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Blind Insights - How to Learn
December 21, 2018 03:54 - 1 hour - 56.8 MBIn today's episode of Blind Insights, David teaches us a lesson about education and how to learn. With his vast experience as an educator, David has thought about the issues surrounding education in the 21st century, and has profound rules and strategies to help us learn. With consideration of the focus on STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Maths) where is the education system in Australia (and other western countries) taking us? Any thoughts, comments, questions or disagreements? Ema...
Blind Insights - The Art of Argument
December 14, 2018 01:44 - 48 minutes - 44.3 MBWelcome to the Blind Insights Podcast! This episode is an introduction to David as a educator and applied philosopher, and a blind citizen. Then, to set up a series on thinking deeply, we talk about how to argue and what to think about in discussions of complex topics. Argument is a highly complex social interaction, and it doesn't need to be a negative experience. David puts forth his argument, and Tim asks questions to clarify, resulting in a good example of argument itself. If you have a...
What to expect - Blind Insights with David Olney
December 09, 2018 09:46 - 7 minutes - 6.52 MBAn introduction to an exciting podcast. Drop us a line about what you want us to discuss! If you have any thoughts, questions, or want to present your argument, contact us and send us an audio clip at [email protected] Upcoming topics include: The art of argument, How to learn, Communication, Extrinsic and intrinsic motivation, Western and Eastern Philosophy, Suffering as meaning, Meritocracy, Conscious capitalism, Pragmatism, Identity Politics, Freedom vs Safety, Privacy, Ju...
Isometric exercise for tendinopathy - Variation between humans does exist!
November 26, 2018 02:36 - 10 minutes - 9.64 MBIn this week's podcast, I delve into the minefield that is isometric exercise. Is it the best thing since sliced bread? Does everyone respond? What are the key questions we need to understand? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2018 US Midterm Elections - Victory for the Man with a Plan?
October 30, 2018 09:37 - 50 minutes - 46.3 MBWelcome to our Halloween Special! With the US Midterms around the corner, we thought we'd put this important electoral event under the STRATEGIKON microscope. In this episode, John speaks to SIA's Dr. Jonathan Z. Ludwig direct from Stillwater Oklahoma. Usually, we’d take the time to put down a few helpful explanations – factoids if you will – however, as we are talking about a topic that is currently saturated with media coverage, mainstream and social, we just thought that this time around...
Austability - Story of an Australian Security Company
October 25, 2018 07:02 - 49 minutes - 45.6 MBJohn and David interview David Khandan, Executive Director of Austability. In this episode we look at this Aussie security company's approach to a range of issues from counter-terrorism, radicalisation, cyber as well as women & child protection. Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: Retired US Army Major Jim Gant, former Green Beret, also referred to as 'Lawrence of Afghanistan' for his Village Stability Opera...
Russia's Limited War Option - Vostok 2018
October 13, 2018 06:44 - 56 minutes - 51.8 MBJohn & David is joined by Special Guest Prof. Julian Lindley-French as they look deep into Russia's contemporary grand strategy. Was the fuss about Russian military exercise Vostok 2018 justified? Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: General Valery Gerasimov - Russian Chief of the General Staff Glavnoye Razvedyvatel'noye Upravleniye (GRU) - Main Directorate of the General Staff of the Armed Forces of the Ru...
Does your psychological wellbeing affect your tendinopathy treatment outcome?
October 08, 2018 22:37 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBIn this podcast we consider some new research exploring psychological factors and tendinopathy. There is emerging evidence that, as per other musculoskeletal conditions and as you would expect, they do play a role. I discuss which ones appear to be most strongly linked with tendinopathies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A Postcard from Erbil - An interview with Prof. Albert Wolf
September 18, 2018 12:10 - 53 minutes - 48.6 MBIn this episode John & David interview Prof Albert Wolf. Albert recently moved to the KRG from his last posting in Afghanistan. Here, we discuss issues surrounding KRG, Iraq, Syria, Iran and Israel. Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: Hashd al Shabi - also known as the Popular Mobilisation Units, largely Shia Iraqi, but has some Sunni, Christian and Yazidi Iraqis as well Sairoon Alliance of the Shiite Iraqi...
Venezuela - The Countdown to Chao
August 20, 2018 12:29 - 58 minutes - 53.3 MBProf. R. Evan Ellis, US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute discusses the problems plaguing the South American country, Venezuela with John Bruni. Here is extra information on some of the names/terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: Venezuela: Population - 31 million. Colectivos: groups of criminal paramilitaries that support the Venezuelan government. They have been around since the 1960s, espousing leftist ideology and claiming to support the B...
Analysis - Outbreak of Peace between Ethiopia and Eritrea
August 06, 2018 12:39 - 51 minutes - 47.1 MBJohn Bruni and Col. Sandy Wade OBE (Ret'd) examine how solid the rapprochement between Ethiopia and Eritrea is. What is the likelihood of this peace being a permanent feature of the Horn of Africa? Here is extra information on some of the terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them: The Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) is the current ruling party of Ethiopia (formed in 1988 as a resistance group to the Derg military regime) Ginbot 7 - an...
Cordeaux Interviews - Bruni on the Trump-Kim Summit
June 13, 2018 00:50 - 24 minutes - 22 MBFIVEaa's Jeremy Cordeaux interviews SIA's Dr. John Bruni on the Trump-Kim Singapore Summit (12 June 2018) See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Finally some quality exercise research for the management of gluteal tendinopathy!
June 03, 2018 20:41 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBHi all, this episode we focus on two recent randomised controlled trials evaluating education and exercise interventions for gluteal tendinopathy, One of them is the best RCT I have read in ages. Well worth a look at their methods, findings and exercise interventions. Hope you enjoy! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Some cool new technology focused systematic reviews that will change our practice
May 08, 2018 02:11 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MBThis episode we focus on technology use in rehab. I'm inspired by the patient will see you now by Dr Eric Topol which I recently read so this weeks podcast covers 2 technology focused systematic reviews. The first is on the efficacy of exergames for treating musculoskeletal pain, and the second is on basically the use of accelerometers and other wearable sensors to monitor rehab exercises. An exciting area that is set to grow hugely and will be part of all of our practices soon. Refere...
Afghanistan - A Forensic Examination of a State in Crisis
April 26, 2018 08:42 - 45 minutes - 42 MBJohn and David with Shaz absent but with us 'in spirit' take the opportunity to interview Prof. Albert Wolf again, this time on the fate of the nation he is currently working in, Afghanistan. Here is extra information on some of the terms used in this episode for those who may not be familiar with them and also some useful terms to know when unpacking events in Afghanistan: Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K) the name of the branch of the Islamic State that is active in Afghanistan, Pakistan and...
Israel & Iran - Checkmate in Syria?
April 19, 2018 13:58 - 51 minutes - 46.8 MBJohn, David (in the studio) and Shaz (not) discuss with Professor Albert Wolf the problems posed for Israel by Iran's close proximity to it in Syria. How will these enemy states traverse the Syrian landscape to fulfil their national security ambitions? Here are a couple of terms that were used in the podcast that our listeners might not be familiar with: Pasdaran - another term used to describe the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), the guardians of the Islamic Revolution of Iran. T...
BBC5live Interview - Dr. John Bruni on US Airstrike against Alleged Syrian Weapon Sites
April 14, 2018 07:50 - 14 minutes - 13.2 MBBBC5live's Dotun Abedayo interviews Assoc. Prof. Robert D. English, International Foreign Policy & Defense Analysis, University of Southern California School of International Relations and Dr. John Bruni, Founder & CEO of Australian think tank, SAGE International Australia on the US-led airstrike against three alleged chemical weapons sites in Syria. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Of Barbs, Hubs & Spokes - The North Korea Security Dilemma
April 13, 2018 10:07 - 1 hour - 59.8 MBJohn & David are joined by Prof. Purnendra Jain, internationally renowned Japan scholar & Northeast Asian security expert from the University of Adelaide, Dept. of Asian Studies Following is a list of some useful factoids regarding our Northeast Asian security special for those unfamiliar with some of the terms used: KOREA UNDER JAPANESE RULE - 1910-45 the Korean Peninsula was one indivisible territory under Japanese imperial rule. It has been considered an ambivalent period. While Japanes...
BBC Interview - Dr. Bruni on attack against Syrian airfield
April 09, 2018 05:06 - 5 minutes - 5.36 MBJohn Bruni being interviewed by the BBC on the possible origin of the latest airstrike against the Syrian Arab Air Force airbase outside of the city of Homs. The Pentagon denies responsibility for the airstrike, so is it possible that an American proxy took the lead on this attack? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Non-uniform Achilles tendon strain: what is it and should we care?
April 02, 2018 01:15 - 13 minutes - 12 MBHi all This week on Talking Tendons we discuss Non-uniform Achilles tendon strain and displacement and tackle the important questions…what is it? And should we care? The paper is by Prof Finni from Finland supported by an international team. This is an exciting space that has already and will continue to improve our understanding of tendon function and ultimately our ability to prevent and manage these injuries. Hope you enjoy. Subscribe to the podcast to get the latest episodes. J...
China in Latin America - Easy Money or Easy Geopolitics?
March 26, 2018 08:18 - 1 hour - 58.6 MBJohn speaks with Special Guest noted author, commentator and scholar on Latin America, Dr. R. Evan Ellis, US Army War College, Strategic Studies Institute. Here is some extra information to highlight some of the terms/names and acronyms used throughout this episode: MERCOSUR - South American Trade Bloc, founded in 1991. CELAC - Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, a regional bloc founded in 2010. FOCAC - Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, founded in 2000. For more informati...
'Dirty War' - Sergei Skripal, Novichok and the UK-Russia conflict
March 20, 2018 08:39 - 49 minutes - 45.8 MBJohn, David and Shaz ask Special Guest, CDRE Patrick J. Tyrrell on the implications of the Novichok nerve agent attack against former Russian spy & double agent, Sergei Skripal. Here's some interesting links on the Skripal case & its implications thus far: http://www.news.com.au/world/europe/sergei-skripal-exrussian-spy-possibly-poisoned-through-bmw-vents/news-story/5b2cffd599116bc7805385ae1466fa68 http://www.news.com.au/finance/work/leaders/russia-retaliates-against-uk-in-spy-poisoning-...
Efficacy of PRP injections for tendinopathy...really?
March 07, 2018 03:55 - 13 minutes - 12.2 MBThis episode I discuss a recent systematic review that concluded that PRP is more efficacious than control injections for tendinopathy, but the plot thickens when we scratch the surface a little. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
'Shock & Horror?' - One Year of Trump's World Disorder & What Lies Ahead
January 19, 2018 12:14 - 54 minutes - 50.1 MBPlease find some interesting factoids on the year that was (2017): Trump officially begins his presidency of the US 20/01/17 Within this time, there were just too many events to note here that could adequately describe the international devolution from the post-World War II order – but here is a very short timeline to show just how disruptive 2017 was: JANUARY Mexican-US relations plummeted due to Trump’s proposed Wall to prevent overland illegal migration from Central & South America to...