Post-Growth Australia Podcast

Across the next two episodes of PGAP, we will be showcasing the good work from CASSE NSW Inc (https://www.casse-nsw.org.au/)., who are advocating for the steady state economy in Australia. For this episode, we interview Phil Jones, Treasurer and Secretary, as he shares with us the progress of government reports and inquiries into the Circular Economy. Furthermore, why it is crucial that we encourage the government to take serious action in implementing the circular economy, rather than letting their reports gather dust in Canberra. We discuss two reports in particular: The Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group (https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/protection/circular-economy/ministerial-advisory-group), established in 2023, and: The Productivity Commission “Opportunities in the Circular Economy (https://www.pc.gov.au/inquiries/current/circular-economy/interim)” interim report The circular economy is defined by Wikipepdia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circular_economy#Critiques_of_circular_economy_models) as: “a model of resource production and consumption in any economy that involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing, and recycling existing materials and products for as long as possible.” Phil is positive with the potential for the rollout of the circular economy in Australia, especially in its capacity to catalyse existing initiatives such as recycling programs, repair cafes, second hand exchange initiatives, etc. However, he cautions that the circular economy is alone insufficient in achieving true sustainability unless it is coupled with the Steady State Economy (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steady-state_economy). That is, "an economy made up of a constant stock of physical wealth (capital) and a constant population size, which does grow over the course of time". The episode concludes with a call to action to get some real and action in response to these reports. A good place to start is by signing the CASSE NSW INC petition (https://www.casse-nsw.org.au/post/casse-nsw-s-petition-to-parliament) to establish a Federal government inquiry into the steady state economy. Did you like this episode and want to explore further? You may be interested in PGAP’s first ever episode with Steady State ACT (https://pgap.fireside.fm/steadystate), or with CASSE’s international director Brian Czech (https://pgap.fireside.fm/brianczech). We also discussed the New Economy Network Australia on the episode, so you may be interested in PGAP’s coverage of the 2023 NENA conference (https://pgap.fireside.fm/nena2023) (sadly, I didn’t get around to recording Phil’s excellent talk). You can find out more about Phil and CASSE NSW in the Sustainable Population Australia Newsletter November 2024 (https://population.org.au/newsletters/spa-newsletter-157-november-2024/). Speaking of SPA, who proudly support PGAP, please consider signing their position statement (https://population.org.au/sign-the-spa-position-statement/), calling for an end to population growth in Australia. You can also support PGAP by sharing this or other episodes with your networks. Encourage the online community to listen to PGAP by rating and reviewing us on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099). On the PGAP website, (https://pgap.fireside.fm/) you can subscribe or contact us, as we appreciate your invaluable feedback and suggestions. All perspectives of PGAP guests, including legacy past, present and future, are exclusively theirs and do not always reflect the perspectives or working of PGAP or SPA. Special Guest: Phil Jones.

In the lead up to World Population Day (WPD) 2025, we welcome back Val Allen, who was previously a panel guest for the PGAP episode “3 Women 2 Countries 1 Message: World Population Day 2022 (https://pgap.fireside.fm/wpd2022).” Three years later, Val has a new book out – “HOW MANY IS ENOUGH?” -just in time for World Population Day 25. She is also in the process of finalising a new documentary “TICK TOCK BOOM BANG” due later this month, which she has produced along with Nick Bohle of HatChap productions. In this mini episode, Val shares her recent very busy journey in creating content across multiple media and her reflections on a world that has changed immensely in the three years since Val was last guest on PGAP. Valorie Allen has been an activist for 35 years in the environmental, population and animal rights movements, receiving the Canadian Volunteer Award. Her first award-winning book “Growing Pains—A Planet in Distress” was published in 2010. A trailer for ‘Tik Tok Boom Bang’ may be watched at the HatChap productions website HERE (https://www.hatchapproductions.com/portfolio?wix-vod-video-id=d6fc4b7922194493b7332559c132d13f&wix-vod-comp-id=comp-lx0rmxvz) Valorie Allen’s latest book ‘How Many Is Enough?’ is available from Amazon for Kindle HERE (https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/Valorie-Allen-ebook/dp/B0F7D4RMPC). You can keep up to date with Val’s latest projects from her website Population In Sync (https://populationinsync.net/). Sustainable Population Australia, who support PGAP, have launched a media release in anticipation for World Population Day, which may be read in full from the SPA website (https://population.org.au/). It includes quotes from SPA patrons Prof. Anne Poelina and Dr. Paul Collins, both previous guests on PGAP. During this episode, Val refers to the chilling article from the Independent, “There could be billions more people on Earth than previously thought (https://www.independent.co.uk/news/science/population-earth-world-billions-un-estimate-b2721808.html)” which could be a consequence as a result of under counting rural populations. PGAP will never run ads and our success depends on word of mouth from our dedicated community. Please consider sharing this and other episodes of PGAP with your networks. Or rate and review PGAP on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099). We welcome you to subscribe (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe) or to contact us (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact)with your feedback, opinions and topic recommendations for future episodes. Special Guest: Valorie Allen.

In this episode of PGAP, we’re joined by Michael D.B. Harvey, author of "The Age of Humachines: Big Tech and the Battle for Humanity’s Future." Harvey offers a sobering perspective on the trajectory of modern technology - not towards a Star Trek-style utopia but into a hyper-neoliberal, corporate-driven dystopia shaped by Big Tech. His analysis strikes a chord with the Post-Growth community, which has long challenged the illusion that technology alone can rescue us from our social and ecological crises. Yet, Harvey is not fatalistic. He envisions a radically different future that is grounded in degrowth, steady-state economics, and a shared commitment to equity and ecological sustainability. The Age of Humachines explores how today’s tech revolution increasingly shapes every aspect of our lives, introducing critical concepts like the Technocene (the possible successor to the Anthropocene), Smartheid societies, and CIMENT, a term Harvey uses to describe the dominant values of Competitive Individualism and Materialist Entitlement. In contrast, he proposes a new framework: SEWP (Sustainable, Equitable Wellbeing Planetwide), offering offering a hopeful lens through which we might transition toward an Ecocene future. _ Cover of 'The Age of Humachines'. You can purchase your copy, or find our more, HERE (https://steadystate.org/steady-state-press/the-age-of-humachines/). _ This conversation also provided PGAP co-hosts Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss the opportunity to reflect on their personal relationships with technology over the past three decades, from the optimism of the 1990s to the increasing unease of today’s digital world. Michael D.B. Harvey holds qualifications in English Literature, Sociology, Psychology, Psychotherapy, and Organizational Psychology. He is also the author of Interactional Leadership: The Art of the Choice-Focused Leader and Utopia in the Anthropocene: A Change Plan for a Sustainable and Equitable World. Harvey’s connections include the Centre for the Advancement of the Steady State Economy (CASSE (https://steadystate.org/)), who helped make this interview possible. If this episode resonated with you, we highly recommend picking up a copy of The Age of Humachines [HERE] (https://steadystate.org/steady-state-press/the-age-of-humachines/), and checking out Harvey’s engaging talks and interviews on YouTube, e.g. [HERE (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjJxC7_8qI0)]. Michael is also a musician, performing solo (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwq4vV4poPmHrw6ARQggkKg) and withhis band Bridges of Sound (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHmzPivX_cWkVB-zVQB0Wdw). This episode features a sample of his song “Standing Up for Being Huma (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rI1nKpWTdNs&list=RDrI1nKpWTdNs&start_radio=1)n.” We’d love to hear your thoughts on the future of technology. Reach out to PGAP through our contact form (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact), rate and review us on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099), and share this episode with your networks. You can find out more about PGAP co-hosts Mark Allen [HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/)] and Michael Bayliss [HERE (https://michaelbayliss.org/)]. Episode Timestamp: 00:00 - Introduction with Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss 11:40 - Part 1 interview with Michael D.B. Harvey 40:56 - Interlude with Michael Bayliss and excerpt from “Standing Up for Being Human.” 43:06 - Part 2 interview with Michael D.B. Harvey Please note: The views expressed by PGAP guests are their own and may not necessarily reflect those of PGAP or Sustainable Population Australia (SPA (https://population.org.au/)), who support this podcast. Special Guest: Michael DB Harvey.

In this latest episode we speak with scientist, researcher and author George Tsakraklides about the deeper roots of humanity’s many crises. Drawing on his rich scientific background and corporate insight, George explores how our evolutionary wiring, societal structures and cultural narratives hinder meaningful change. We unpack the psychological forces driving self-destruction, the limitations of rational thought and the need to reconnect with a deeper sense of being. From the inherited challenges of activism in a world of algorithms to the quiet strength of grounded action and grief, this conversation offers a powerful lens on navigating despair and cultivating meaning in a collapsing world. George Tsakraklides is author of The Unhappiness Machine, In The Grip of Necrocapitalism, Beyond the Petri Dish, Frankenpolitics and other works exploring the deeper drivers of civilisational collapse and humanity’s self-destructive trajectory. With degrees in molecular biology, chemistry, food science, and Earth sciences, George spent two decades in social research, data analytics, and global brand strategy, working with major multinationals, gaining insight into the inner workings of profit-driven systems. After leaving the corporate world, George turned his focus to humanity’s broken relationship with nature and the repeating patterns of societal failure. This work has featured on Radio Ecoshock, Collapse Chronicles, Post-Doom Conversations and other platforms addressing environmental and civilisational crises. In this episode, we dive into the intersection of science, philosophy and ecological activism, as explored in George’s latest book, Beyond the Petri Dish. We examine why rational thinking alone falls short and the importance of reconnecting with the expansive Infinity State, a realm beyond reason, to achieve full embodiment. The conversation also delves into the psychological and societal forces steering humanity away from ecological wisdom, including the role of social media in fuelling addictive, reactionary behaviours. We critique the environmental movement’s entanglement with growth-based paradigms and explore the need for a more honest, existential reckoning with what it means to be human in an age of collapse. From the pitfalls of call-out culture in activism to the quiet power of tending a conservation garden, we reflect on the value of small, grounded acts in a world that often feels overwhelming. Finally, we explore the role of grief, acceptance and grounded hope in moving beyond paralysis, offering insight for those struggling with eco-anxiety and despair. For those who want to explore George’s work further, you can check out his website HERE (https://tsakraklides.com/). You can also find George on Substack here: (1) The George Tsakraklides View | Substack (https://georgetsakraklides.substack.com/) George’s latest articles on Substack are all recommended and highly pertinent to this episode. Some examples include: A Brief History of the Dopamine Dystopia (https://georgetsakraklides.substack.com/p/a-brief-history-of-the-dopamine-dystopia) Finding Meaning in An Increasingly Absurd World (https://georgetsakraklides.substack.com/p/finding-meaning-in-an-increasingly) The Meta Terror State: A Do-It-Yourself Guide for Aspiring Dictators (https://georgetsakraklides.substack.com/p/the-meta-terror-state-a-do-it-yourself) George also has an Instagram page (https://www.instagram.com/george_tsakraklides/?hl=en) where you can view his garden restoration among other things. In this episode we also discuss how George’s work connects with Holistic Activism. You can read/download the 2025 edition of the Holistic Activism booklet HERE (https://holisticactivism.wordpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/holistic-activism-booklet-2025-update-1.pdf). Please feel welcome to support the work of PGAP through subscribing (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe), through sharing this and other episodes with your networks, or by rating and leaving...

Susie Russell is a long-time activist and campaigner for protecting Australia’s forests who holds committee positions in The North East Forest Alliance (https://www.nefa.org.au/), the North Coast Environment Council (https://www.ncec.org.au/), 4Nature (https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/e62f6142-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/profile) and The Rainforest Information Centre (https://www.rainforestinformationcentre.org/). Susie was awarded the Miles Dunphy Award in 2024 and soon after was arrested as part of the Save Bulga Forest (https://savebulgaforest.org/)movement for obstructing logging in endangered glider habitat. In this episode we explore several critical issues including the persistent effects of growth-driven capitalism on the natural environment as well as the urgent need for deep, systemic change to avert impending ecological collapse. Drawing on decades of experience in environmental and social justice activism, Susie goes on to offer a distinctive and holistic vision for a post-growth future where humanity can thrive in harmony with the natural world. • For further reading, we recommend Susie’s interview with the Finding Courage publication: “Standing Up (Even When All Seems Lost) (https://findingcourage.online/stories/susie-russell).” • PGAP was introduced to Susie through John Seed, who we interviewed in the season 5 finale: “Going deep into Deep Ecology with John Seed (https://pgap.fireside.fm/deep-ecology).” Many thanks to all of our listeners for your support. You are welcome to support PGAP further by sharing this episode with your friends, family and networks. You are also welcome to rate and review us on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099)or your favourite podcast platform. You can send us your feedback, thoughts and suggestions on the PGAP Contact form (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact). You can find out more about your PGAP co-hosts Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/)and HERE (https://michaelbayliss.org/). Special Guest: Susie Russell.

In 2024, the University of New South Wales (UNSW) held a panel discussion on Degrowth as part of their Centre for Ideas series. The panellists were Tommy Wiedmann (Professor of Sustainability Research), Bronwen Morgan (Professor of Law and member of NENA), and Sabrina Chakori (CSIRO researcher). The discussion was hosted by former Deputy Lord Mayor and author of Glimpses of Utopia, Jess Scully. The panel explored sustainability and the urgent challenge of ensuring human needs are met without compromising a sustainable and inclusive future. With the kind permission of UNSW Centre for Ideas, the recording of this panel discussion is now available to listen to on the Post-Growth Australia Podcast (PGAP). Tommy Wiedmann has been a supporter of PGAP since our early days in 2021, so it was great to hear him in his element, sharing his research, knowledge, and ideas on Degrowth. We really appreciate Tommy and panel host Jess Scully giving PGAP a shout-out towards the end of the talk. We hope to return the favour by sharing this insightful discussion, which serves as an excellent introduction to Degrowth for those new to the topic. It is encouraging to see Degrowth becoming an openly discussed subject in Australian universities. Tommy also wrote a very encouraging review for PGAP on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099). We warmly invite you to add your review. This will help to broaden our outreach and encourage new listeners. Please also feel welcome to contact us (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your feedback or suggestions for future episode topics. Co-hosts Mark Allen (https://holisticactivism.net/) and Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/)share their thoughts on the panel discussion in the introduction and conclusion. For the most part, we align with the perspectives of the four panellists, but we also provide additional thoughts on how the Degrowth movement can incorporate concerns around population, which we briefly touch on in our commentary. For a more in-depth analysis, we encourage you to read the PGAP blog: “To populate or not to populate? How we can come together around the eternal debate of everyone’s favourite vexed issue. (https://pgap.fireside.fm/articles/population)” We also encourage listening to two recent PGAP episodes on population, including Anne Poelina (https://pgap.fireside.fm/annepoelinapatron), who brings a First Nations’ perspective to the debate, and Isaac Kabongo (https://pgap.fireside.fm/isaaceco), who brings a Ugandan/Global South perspective. Regarding the discussion on population, Tommy cited two particularly relevant scientific articles, which are well worth reading: Lamb, W. F., Wiedmann, T., Pongratz, J., Andrew, R., Crippa, M., Olivier, J. G. J., Wiedenhofer, D., Mattioli, G., Khourdajie, A. A., House, J., Pachauri, S., Figueroa, M., Saheb, Y., Slade, R., Hubacek, K., Sun, L., Ribeiro, S. K., Khennas, S., de la Rue du Can, S., Chapungu, L., Davis, S. J., Bashmakov, I., Dai, H., Dhakal, S., Tan, X., Geng, Y., Gu, B. and Minx, J. (2021) A review of trends and drivers of greenhouse gas emissions by sector from 1990 to 2018. Environmental Research Letters, 16, 073005. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abee4e (. http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/abee4e) Kikstra, J. S., Mastrucci, A., Min, J., Riahi, K. and Rao, N. D. (2021) Decent living gaps and energy needs around the world. Environmental Research Letters, 16, 095006. https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac1c27 (https://dx.doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ac1c27) We would like to thank UNSW, the Centre for Ideas, and all four speakers for allowing PGAP to re-release this outstanding panel discussion. The original podcast of this discussion is available to listen to on the Centre for Ideas website HERE. (https://unswcentreforideas.com/article/degrowth) All views, opinions, and legacies—past and present—of the panellists and UNSW Centre for Ideas are their own and may not...

Isaac Kabongo is the CEO of the Uganda-based Ecological Christian Organisation (ECO (https://ecouganda.org/)), a faith-driven initiative dedicated to fostering environmental stewardship at the grassroots level. ECO works to integrate sustainability with community-led action, including raising awareness about family planning and contraception. By reframing the relationship between Christianity, family planning, and discussions around population, the organisation provides an important bridge between faith and sustainability. In addition to his leadership at ECO, Isaac has represented Sustainable Population Australia (SPA (https://population.org.au/)) at each international COP talk since 2012, playing a key role in shaping discussions on how the Global South and Global North can collaborate to address population related issues. A committed advocate for Degrowth and Ecological Sustainability, Isaac’s insights are a vital contribution to the post-growth movement. Isaac speaking on a panel at a recent COP As we are all aware, population sustainability remains a contentious issue. However, it is too often that the voices of experts from Global South communities remain unconsulted. In this episode, PGAP asks Isaac several pertinent questions relevant to the population debate, including: "As a Ugandan citizen, how would you reassure the international community that it is a good thing that organisations within Australia and Uganda work together to address overpopulation in Uganda and other countries in the Global South?" While Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) campaigns strongly on the domestic population issues facing Australia, less is known about the organisation’s commitment to the global stage. We hope this episode will be an inspiration on global partnerships in response to delivering on basic human rights such as access to family planning and reproductive healthcare. Issac was interviwed for the SPA February 2025 Newsletter, which can be downloaded here. (https://population.org.au/newsletters/spa-newsletter-158-february-2025/) Isaac Kabongo representing SPA at a COP exhibition stall, photographed with fellow exhibitors. For more PGAP episodes that explore Global South perspectives on population, we recommend our interviews with Women for Conversation (https://pgap.fireside.fm/w4c) (Colombia) and Florence Blondel (https://pgap.fireside.fm/smallfamilies) (who is also from Uganda). Please share this and other episodes of PGAP (https://pgap.fireside.fm/) with your friends, family and networks. Also, feel welcome to rate and review PGAP on Apple Podcast, (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099) subscribe to PGAP, (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe) or contact us (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your feedback. During this episode, we play the latest single from new West Australian band ‘Mobile Zebra’. You can find out more about your co-hosts Michael Bayliss and Mark Allen here (https://michaelbayliss.org/) and here (https://holisticactivism.net/). Special Guest: Isaac Kabongo.

In late 2024, Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) proudly welcomed Professor Anne Poelina as its newest Patron. This mini-episode features the audio recording from a video interview that co-host Michael Bayliss conducted with Anne as part of SPA's Meet the Patrons series. An abridged version of this interview is available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wQjr0Gk6Uo). As a Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Owner from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Professor Poelina brings a profound commitment to integrating Indigenous First Australian wisdom into discussions on degrowth, population, and immigration policies. At PGAP, we strongly believe that First Nations perspectives are essential in shaping a collaborative path toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Prof. Poelina's invitation to be Patron for SPA was partly inspired by her past interview on PGAP: "Saving the Martuwarra-Fitzroy river with Professor Anne Poelina (https://pgap.fireside.fm/martuwarra)". You can read more about Anne at SPA's patron page HERE (https://population.org.au/about/people/prof-anne-poelina/). Anne is also the chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council (https://www.martuwarra.org/) and her work on water security aligns with SPA’s most recent discussion paper: “Big thirsty Australia: how population growth threatens our water security and sustainability (https://population.org.au/discussion-papers/water/).” We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode of PGAP! CONTACT US HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your feedback, ideas for future episodes, or suggestions for potential guests. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with your networks, leaving a review on APPLE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099), or SUBSCRIBING (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe). You can find out more about your co-hosts Mark Allen HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/)and Michael Bayliss HERE (https://michaelbayliss.org/). Special Guest: Prof. Anne Poelina.

In late 2024, Sustainable Population Australia (SPA) proudly welcomed Professor Anne Poelina as its newest Patron. This mini-episode features the audio recording from a video interview that co-host Michael Bayliss conducted with Anne as part of SPA's Meet the Patrons series. An abridged version of this interview is available on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8wQjr0Gk6Uo). As a Nyikina Warrwa Traditional Owner from the Kimberley region of Western Australia, Professor Poelina brings a profound commitment to integrating Indigenous First Australian wisdom into discussions on degrowth, population, and immigration policies. At PGAP, we strongly believe that First Nations perspectives are essential in shaping a collaborative path toward a more equitable and sustainable future. Prof. Poelina's invitation to be Patron for SPA was partly inspired by her past interview on PGAP: "Saving the Martuwarra-Fitzroy river with Professor Anne Poelina (https://pgap.fireside.fm/martuwarra)". You can read more about Anne at SPA's patron page HERE (https://population.org.au/about/people/prof-anne-poelina/). Anne is also the chair of the Martuwarra Fitzroy River Council (https://www.martuwarra.org/) and her work on water security aligns with SPA’s most recent discussion paper: “Big thirsty Australia: how population growth threatens our water security and sustainability (https://population.org.au/discussion-papers/water/).” We’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode of PGAP! CONTACT US HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your feedback, ideas for future episodes, or suggestions for potential guests. If you enjoyed this episode, please consider sharing it with your networks, leaving a review on APPLE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099), or SUBSCRIBING (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe). You can find out more about your co-hosts Mark Allen HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/)and Michael Bayliss HERE (https://michaelbayliss.org/). Special Guest: Prof. Anne Poelina.

In this episode of Post-Growth Australia Podcast (PGAP), we pay tribute to Dr. John Coulter, who sadly passed away in September 2024. John Richard Coulter (3 December 1930 – 6 September 2024) was a trailblazer in the conservation movement, most notably serving as Leader of the Australian Democrats in the early 1990s. In 1971, he organised an open letter published in The Australian newspaper, addressed "to those who shape Australia’s destiny," urging them to recognise the limits to growth. (This episode is in memory of Dr John Coulter) John remained an executive member of Sustainable Population Australia (https://population.org.au/) (SPA) until the end of his life. Through SPA, he fearlessly challenged mainstream media for neglecting critical issues such as overpopulation and the limits to growth. In 2021, PGAP had the privilege of interviewing John at his home in the Adelaide Hills. Unfortunately, a bushfire had swept through the property a few months earlier, leaving much of the land scarred. Walking through the devastated bushland was a sobering experience and a stark reminder of the profound changes occurring as society’s growth experiment entered the "decade of consequence." This interview was originally broadcast in 2021 as part of the episode World Population Day 2021 (https://pgap.fireside.fm/wpd2021). For this memorial episode, we are re-releasing that conversation, as John’s thoughts, perspectives, and reflections resonate even more powerfully in retrospect. Co-hosts Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss share their reflections on the interview and John’s legacy, particularly his pioneering work in the early 1970s for the broader post-growth movement. (The 1971 Newspaper open letter) A heartfelt tribute to John Coulter was penned by Dr Bob Brown: "I was sad to hear of John Coulter’s death, but that sadness was quickly replaced by a celebration of John’s remarkable, life-long advocacy for the environment. In his time as the Democrats’ spokesperson, he was the major Australian political voice for protecting this nation’s wildlife, wild regions, and oceans, as well as promoting greener living for us all. He was a gentleman but unswerving in his devotion to life on Earth. South Australia and the nation are indebted to John for a long, caring, and actively eco-saving career." One of John’s final articles, "The Guiding Criminal Lie in Economics (https://johnmenadue.com/the-guiding-criminal-lie-in-economics/)", was published in Pearls and Irritations in 2024. A moving tribute in the same publication, "Vale Dr. John Coulter (https://johnmenadue.com/vale-dr-john-coulter/)", was written by former SPA President Jenny Goldie. In April 2024, John was invited to become a Patron of SPA (https://population.org.au/about/people/john-coulter/)—a role that he very much cherished during the brief months before his passing. The Post-Growth Australia Podcast will take a short break over the festive season before returning to Season Seven in January. In the meantime, we warmly encourage you to share this and other episodes of PGAP with your friends, family, and networks. You can rate and review us on Apple Podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099), and we welcome your feedback, thoughts, and suggestions for future episodes. You can contact us HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact). Remember, podcasts are rapidly becoming a key medium for mass communication and influence in the modern age. It is vital that we work together to ensure the message of Degrowth reaches a wide audience. To learn more about your PGAP co-hosts and their broader work, visit the respective websites for Mark Allen (https://holisticactivism.net/) and Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/). PGAP is made possible by the kind support of Sustainable Population Australia (https://population.org.au/). Special Guest: John Coulter.

The aftermath of the US election has left many of us in a state of shock. Voters were faced with a stark choice between more growth-based neoliberalism or alt right extremism, choosing the latter. It was a great day for billionaires either way. As Australia looks to face a very similar choice in mid-2025, it is clear that activists must take stock, recalibrate and work together effectively to advocate for a third alternative that celebrates people and planet. PGAP co-hosts Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss discuss their responses to the election and their recent engagements toward a Degrowth future. In this episode, Michael shares the speech that he gave on Degrowth at the Torbay Festival, Western Australia in late October – just before the election. A quote from the talk: “What can we do as Davids against the Goliaths of psychopathic multinational corporations and the politicians who serve time as their apologists for a few years in the promise of a cushy job in the gas industry? This is where I invite you to think about where from here and let’s have the conversation.” This is a conversation that needs to happen with greater urgency as humanity lurches towards an increasingly dark future. A transcript of Michael’s talk can be read on the PGAP BLOG (https://pgap.fireside.fm/articles/torbaydegrowthnotes). Mark shares his most recent posting on Holistic Activism following the US election. As Mark explains, “this message isn’t a call for optimism or hope…instead, it’s a call to hold space and to serve both human and non-human futures, with an awareness of our profound interconnectedness.” The post may be read at the Holistic Activism website HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/upcoming-events/). You can be part of the Holistic Activism movement today by joining the HA FACEBOOK GROUP. (https://www.facebook.com/groups/211194752603900) PGAP is also proud to be the first to play Mark’s new song ‘Ballad of Yakamia’ performed by his occasional and ongoing musical project ‘Counting Backwards.’ You can download or purchase the song from BANDCAMP (https://countingbackwards.bandcamp.com/track/ballad-of-yakamia). One take away from the US election is that podcasts have now overtaken mainstream media as public informers. However, did you know that the top 10 performing podcasts tend to lean more towards right wing populism? It is time that podcasts that offer genuine solutions – planned degrowth, steady state economics, wellbeing societies, and stabilising populations start to make a bigger splash in the mainstream media. We have been very happy with the performance of PGAP’ Season Seven opener, “Rethinking Sustainability (https://pgap.fireside.fm/7rethinksustain)” which is looking to break PGAP download records. We invite you to help us to build this momentum. Please SUBSCRIBE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe) and share PGAP (https://pgap.fireside.fm/) with your friends, family and networks. You can rate and review us on APPLE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099). CONTACT US (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your feedback and recommendations for future episode. This episode is made possible by the kind support of Sustainable Population Australia. (https://population.org.au/) SPA is the only population organisation in the world, that has demonstrated unequivocal support from the broader public, for a sensible and rational population policy. With 17,500 signatures to their position statement (https://population.org.au/sign-the-spa-position-statement/), SPA has demonstrated that the issue doesn’t have to be ugly or divisive to win popular support (someone should have told the Republicans). SPA has also released a sobering report on Australia’s water security: “Big thirsty Australia: how population growth threatens our water security and sustainability (https://population.org.au/discussion-papers/water/)”. A couple more links: This blog piece from CASSE, A Steady Stater’s Response to...

Welcome back to a brand-new Season Seven of Post Growth Australia Podcast! As our world teeters on the edge of an increasingly perilous environmental future—extending beyond climate change—we must ask: what does true sustainability entail? How far are we from it, what are the root causes of our current trajectory, and what paths could lead us there? Rod Taylor (author, columnist, radio host) asks these very questions to eleven esteemed Australian scientists and thinkers in a brand-new radio documentary. PGAP is proud to be the first platform to share this thought-provoking documentary, which explores ecological economics, planned Degrowth and Modern Monetary Theory. Rod Taylor is author of “Ten Journeys on a Fragile Planet (https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/scienceshow/ten-journeys-on-a-fragile-planet/13173096)”, co-author with Mark Diesendorf of “The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-981-99-0663-5)” and co-editor with Stephen Williams, of the groundbreaking book, “Sustainability and the New Economics (https://link.springer.com/book/10.1007/978-3-030-78795-0)”. Rod is also host of the ‘Fuzzy Logic Science Show (https://fuzzylogicon2xx.podbean.com/).” Rod was a previous guest on PGAP (Fuzzy Logic on a Fragile Planet with Rod Taylor (https://pgap.fireside.fm/rodtaylor)). Stephen Williams and Mark Disendorf were also past guests on PGAP. You can listen to their episodes HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/stevewilliams) and HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/pathsustainableciv). The impressive list of guests on the documentary ‘Rethinking Sustainability' include (in order of appearance): • Prof David Lindenmayer • Prof Will Steffen • Prof Clive Hamilton • Dr Kerryn Higgs • Prof Philip Lawn • Dr Mark Diesendorf • Prof Steve Keen • Ian Dunlop • Prof Steven Hail • High Court Justice Michael Kirby • Prof Ian Lowe Last but not least, a shout out to environmental scientist David Tiller, who provided production assistance in the making of this documentary. This episode of PGAP was produced just before the disastrous election results in the USA. As such your co-hosts Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/) and Mark Allen come across as merely VERY pessimistic at the state of the world, instead of EXTREMELY. Stay tuned for our upcoming episode, where we’ll address these events in more depth and discuss the underlying systemic issues that shape our society. In the meantime, you can explore these ideas further through Mark’s Holistic Activism (https://holisticactivism.net/)movement. Now more than ever, it is important that progressive podcasts are supported, as some panacea to the extreme right leaning media that are dominating the airwaves. Please consider supporting PGAP by sharing this and other episodes with your networks, leaving a review on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099) and contacting us (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your thoughts and feedback. This episode of Post-Growth Australia Podcast was made possible with the kind support of Sustainable Population Australia (https://population.org.au/). Special Guest: Rod Taylor.

For the season six finale, PGAP welcomes three core members of Degrowth Network Australia: Sandy Gonzalez de la Vega Gonzalez, Tonié Field and Jess Prescott. According to the Degrowth blog (https://degrowth.info/en/degrowth): "As degrowth becomes a more familiar term worldwide, a loose informal network of Australian degrowth activists, scholars and advocates has emerged into the formal Degrowth Network Australia (DNA)." Although a new collective, DNA has already made their mark through workshops, Degrowth themed festivals, and at the New Economy Network Australia 2023 conference, through theatrical degrowth scenario skits. It was through this interactive workshop at the 'Life After Capitalism' conference that PGAP co-host Michael Bayliss was inspired to invite DNA as esteemed PGAP guests. During this episode, we explore the emerging popularity of the Degrowth movement and how presenting Degrowth concepts within fun and interactive ways such as theatrical skits is a means of broadening the movement beyond the academic sphere and include younger generations, local communities and mainstream society. Our guests each share their stories of how they arrived at the Degrowth movement and their perspectives on why we can't have infinite growth on a finite planet. To contribute, join the DNA network or get more details, contact Anisa Rogers at degrowthnetwork@proton.me or Natalie Lowrey at natalie.lowrey@gmail.com or campaign@aidwatch.org.au Remember to RATE and REVIEW PGAP on APPLE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099) or on your favourite platform. You can also SUBSCRIBE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/subscribe) to PGAP or CONTACT US (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your thoughts, feedback or suggestions for future topics and guests. As we take a short break, we would really love to hear from you, our valued listeners and PGAP community. In the meantime, you may also be interest in PGAP's coverage of the NENA conference HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/nena2023) (Michael is still kicking himself for not recording the DNA workshop at the conference). You can find out more about your co-hosts Michael Bayliss HERE (https://michaelbayliss.org/) and Mark Allen[ HERE].(https://holisticactivism.net/) Special Guests: Sandy Gonzalez de la Vega Gonzalez and Tonié Field.

The way we design and plan our cities and towns significantly influences our daily lives, which, in turn, affects our carbon emissions and ecological footprints. Australia's continually expanding cities are a striking example of this, illustrating the consequences of an unrelenting pursuit of growth. Fortunately, there are a few urban planners who recognise that transitioning to a degrowth, steady-state system is imperative for the future of urban planning. Our special guest, Emeritus Professor Michael Buxton (OAM) is one such expert. Michael Buxton is one of the most well known and most quoted planning professors in Australia and has taught thousands of planning students over the years at RMIT University and Monash University, as well as working in the public service for 12 years. Despite officially being retired, Michael continues to play a huge role in town planning issues, including being interviewed for podcasts such as PGAP. As a resident of Melbourne, Michael discusses his home city as a case study throughout the interview to illustrate the current state of urban planning. In particular, he draws attention to the Victorian government’s obsession with ‘growth at all cost’ and their ongoing deregulation of the urban planning sector. This episode provided us with an opportunity to discuss the importance of systemic change towards a post growth society and why this will lead to much better planning and development outcomes. We invite you to share this very important episode among your networks and rate and review PGAP on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099), or contact us (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your thoughts and ideas. PGAP is made possible by the support of Sustainable Population Australia (https://population.org.au/) (SPA). All opinions, views and legacies past and present of our guests are exclusive theirs and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of PGAP or SPA. Speaking of Sustainable Population Australia, PGAP co-hosts Mark Allen (https://holisticactivism.net/)and Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/) worked with SPA on an animated video, "The Endless Growth Paradigm (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s9445ShUJqM)", launched in 2019. The animation explores why we need to break from a system of endless economic and population growth. Otherwise, our neighbourhoods will never be dense enough, our cities will never stop sprawling and we will never catch up with the infrastructure backlog. The video has amassed ten thousand views on YouTube and we believe it is still very relevant five years later. If you are keen to revolutionise the town planning sector, we encourage you to check out Town Planning Rebellion (https://holisticactivism.net/town-planning-rebellion-tpr/) or, if you are a resident of Victoria, Planning Democracy, chaired by Kelvin Thomson. PGAP has explored the issue of urban planning and overdevelopment several times. If you would like to find out more, we recommend our interviews with Kelvin Thomson, (https://pgap.fireside.fm/politics) Alex Baumann (https://pgap.fireside.fm/degrowthousing)and David Holmgren (https://pgap.fireside.fm/holmgren). Looking outside Victoria, we interviewed several Western Australian groups fighting overdevelopment (https://pgap.fireside.fm/wacommunity). You may also be interested in your co-hosts Mark and Michael’s own perspectives in the episode: “Housing Crisis?? What Housing Crisis!! (https://pgap.fireside.fm/housingcrisis)” Special Guest: Michael Buxton.

In this mini episode, Post-Growth Australia Podcast reunites with Dr. Shane Simonson. Last time we spoke with Shane in PGAP season 3 (https://pgap.fireside.fm/zeroinput), he gave us a tour of his 'Zero Input Agriculture' farm in Queensland. We caught up with Shane to get an update of the farm - including the addition of some new four legged residents - only to discover that Shane has branched out accross many projects including: Cohosting the Going To Seed Podcast. (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-going-to-seed-podcast/id1713240427). This podcast is of special interest to anyone wanting to explore deeply into alternative and revolutionary crop breeders from around the world. The episode with Bruce Pascoe (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/going-to-seed-bruce-pascoe/id1713240427?i=1000638665431) will be of particular interest to Australian listeners. Shane has written a biological hard scifi novel "Our Vitreous Womb", under the author name Haldane B. Doyle. You can find more about Shane's impressive work of fiction here (https://haldanebdoyle.com/). Shane has also written a non fiction novel "Taming the Apocalypse", a short novella exploring the potential of novel domestications and low tech biotechnology to guide humanity through the end of industrial civilisation. Find out more here (https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/taming-the-apocalypse-shane-simonsen/1145571651;jsessionid=2694C8791703DE0BDA9BC42209AFB72C.prodny_store01-atgap14?ean=2940192815410). Shane's two articles mentioned in the interview, are The City Is A Lion (https://zeroinputagriculture.wordpress.com/2022/04/15/the-city-is-a-lion/) and The Genie in the Bottleneck (https://zeroinputagriculture.substack.com/p/the-genie-in-the-bottleneck). These articles will be of interest to anyone interested in overpopulation and seeking an original, perspective on the issue. PGAP is made possible by the kind support of Sustainable Population Australia (https://population.org.au/). All guest opinions, perspectives and past and present legacies are exclusively their own and may not always reflects those of PGAP or SPA. PGAP's official position on the population debate may be read at our [BLOG HERE].(https://pgap.fireside.fm/articles/population) Please rate and review PGAP on Apple Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099) Special Guest: Dr. Shane Simonsen.

Welcome to PGAP’s “World Population Day 2024” special, where your co-hosts Mark Allen and Michael Bayliss share their recent musings on sustainable population. World Population Day (https://www.un.org/en/observances/world-population-day) is an annual event, observed on July 11 every year, which seeks to raise awareness of global population issues. Our ‘manifesto’ on the population debate can be read on the PGAP blog: “To populate or not to populate? How we can come together around the eternal debate of everyone’s favourite vexed issue (https://pgap.fireside.fm/articles/population).” Mark’s article “A Holistic Activism Approach to the Population Issue” was published in MEDIUM (https://medium.com/@bayliss.michael/a-holistic-activism-approach-to-the-population-issue-f1c5d7d80624)and the Sustainable Population Australia newsletter May 2024 edition (https://population.org.au/newsletters/spa-newsletter-155-may-2024/). Want to find out more about Holistic Activism? The booklet can be Downloaded HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/holistic-activism-booklet-2024-edition-10.pdf), or accessed at the Holistic Activism website (https://holisticactivism.net/). Michael’s article “Population growth and wealth inequality are more entwined than we thought: here’s why (https://www.populationmedia.org/the-latest/population-growth-and-wealth-inequality)” was originally published on the Population Media Center blog. An audio summary of the themes may be listened to at the ‘Rethinking Sustainability’ podcast, to which Michael was a guest for the short episode: “Growth and the Parasitic Economy (https://sustainablecivilisation.com/growth-and-the-parasitic-economy/)”. We believe that population sustainability is one essential component of transitioning to a post-growth society and we trust that this episode and our written contributions make for convincing arguments. Kelvin Thomson, former Australian Federal MP and a huge influence on the population sustainability movement, has released an EP of original music. The track ‘Break Away’, that ends this episode, may be watched on YouTube here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcdri2HdO3k). Sustainable Population Australia has launched a media release for World Population Day: “A population may survive but not thrive if it grows rapidly (https://population.org.au/media-releases/world-population-day-a-population-may-survive-but-not-thrive-if-it-grows-rapidly/)”. We have been told that this has had some positive response from the media, including interviews with SPA’s national president on mainstream radio. You can add your name to SPA’s position statement HERE (https://population.org.au/sign-the-spa-position-statement/)(already at 15,000 signatures) or find out more about how you can make a difference HERE (https://population.org.au/how-you-can-make-a-difference/). SPA’s contributions to the population debate are also discussed in this episode. You can rate and review PGAP at Apple Podcast HERE (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099). Feel free to contact us HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your feedback and suggestions, including ideas for future episodes.

This mini episode of PGAP is the 'soundtrack' to a recent seven-minute video that was made by Michael Bayliss on behalf of the Friends of Yakamia Boodja action group, "Meet Larry Blight, Menang Noongar Educator and Friend of Yakamia Forest Boodja (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LnUMHckXEg&t=4s)" It touches on some of the main themes that were discussed during a more in-depth conversation that we had with Larry for the full-length episode of Season Five, "Conversation with Noongar Menang Educator and Storyteller Larry Blight (https://pgap.fireside.fm/larryblight)." You may also be interested in another five minute video, "Meet Some of the Friends of Yakamia Forest Boodja (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XW6-yzR0-RU)" which was filmed on-site and also features Larry Blight along with many other active campaigners. This video was a success on social media and drew in support from the broader community in Albany, South-West Australia. PGAP recognises NAIDOC Week (07th to 14th of July) which honours the traditions, achievements, and voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This episode along with the videos were made on Menang Noongar Boodja, on lands that were never ceded and to whose lands our current extractive society keeps plundering and 'developing' without meaningful consultation. All in the endless pursuit of growth. Groups such as Friends of Yakamia Boodja are active in solidarity with the first custodians of the land in their campaign to protect what we can of remaining patches of bushland. Sadly all conservation groups will find themselves having to fight one battle after another until such time that we transition to a post-growth society that applies the wisdom of First Nation cultures. We deeply respect elders past, present and emerging. Special Guest: Larry Blight.

Our special guest for the first full length episode of this season is Marcus Feldthus from Post Growth Guide (https://www.postgrowthguide.com/). Post Growth Guide is a company that is based in Denmark, where Marcus Feldthus and Oscar Haumann work within the business community to assist other organisations in transitioning to post-growth ways of operating. This is crystalised in the handbook "Setting Limits To Growth: How to make better business decisions in the 21st century (https://www.postgrowthguide.com/handbook)" which also serves as a document of their own journey, still in progress, towards becoming a post-growth business. PGAP has previously interviewed many guests whose focus is on system/legislative change or citizen action. This is possibly the first time that we have had a guest who is working towards change from within the business sector. This places Marcus in a unique position as a true pioneer. We hope you enjoy this episode of Post Growth Australia Podcast. Please feel free to share this and other episodes of PGAP with your networks. You can also rate and review us on APPLE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099), or send us a message (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact) with your thoughts and suggestions. Want to dip your toes deeper into Post Growth Guide, THE learning platform for anyone interested in how to align business with planetary boundaries? Below are a few links to get your started! Open-Eyed Planning 101: Pre-signup for the course: https://www.postgrowthguide.com/course-signup The Handbook "Setting Limits to Growth": https://www.postgrowthguide.com/handbook The Post Growth Guide Membership: https://www.postgrowthguide.com/membership Post Growth Guide's Open Hub (with 50+ resources on post growth business): https://postgrowthguide.notion.site/Open-Hub-7ff04fa753a644609e8ca98cdd594b2e Marcus would also like to share the following links for further information: 20 Cases of Post Growth Practices: https://www.notion.so/postgrowthguide/20-Cases-of-Post-Growth-Practices-dd67efd4c7304df7b6a5ed59cab4ac8e?pvs=4 Reduction Roadmap: Getting Out Of A Race To The Bottom (a case still unfolding): https://www.notion.so/postgrowthguide/Case-Getting-out-of-a-race-to-the-bottom-w-Reduction-Roadmap-594f3ef7d8bf4bb08c6e4345837e0e48?pvs=4 The Danish Deposit System: Collecting & Repurposing 1.9B bottles and cans annually: https://www.notion.so/postgrowthguide/Case-study-Danish-Deposit-System-cebd63fc07e7424d8e8ee3515cb06e0a?pvs=4 The World's First Carbon-Negative Beer (Without Offsets): https://www.notion.so/postgrowthguide/The-World-s-First-Carbon-Negative-Beers-Without-Offsets-5f9870afeed6436d8044252e14061dc9?pvs=4 How To Pay Living Wages w. Pura Utz: https://www.notion.so/postgrowthguide/How-To-Pay-Living-Wages-Pura-Utz-4fd6b454fe0c40ad936ac62eb86a7404?pvs=4 Steward Ownership - an in-depth explainer of how that works: https://www.notion.so/postgrowthguide/What-is-Steward-Ownership-ff98acf7156e47778d70f6c8922a4482?pvs=4 Antoine Monserand's paper on Degrowth and Pension Funds: https://sustainability.sciencesconf.org/data/pages/25_Monserand.pdf "Post-Growth in the Global South? Some Reflections from India and Bhutan" (as mentioned in the interview): https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0921800916315567 Vyld (Purpose Economy has done a case review): https://purpose-economy.org/content/uploads/purpose-vyld-case-study-en.pdf _ You can find out more about your co-hosts Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/)and Mark Allen (https://holisticactivism.net/) here. Post Growth Australia Podcast is made possible from the kind support of Sustainable Population Australia. All views and perspectives of our guests, as well as any past, present or future legacies, are their own and do not always reflect the positions held by PGAP. _ Special Guest: Marcus Feldthus.

Post-Growth Australia Podcast welcomes back Dr. Alex Baumann for a mini episode on housing and Degrowth. Alex was one of our star guests a couple of years ago, whose epsiode, "A Public Housing Revolution for Degrowth with Dr Alex Baumann (https://pgap.fireside.fm/degrowthousing)" remains one of PGAP's highest performing episodes. Alex returns to update us on the following: The launch of the De Gruyter Degrowth Handbook (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110778359/html) and most specifically, the chapter, cowritten by Alex and Samuel Alexander: "Land Commodification: A Structural Barrier to Degrowth Transition." An article in The Conversation: "Huge housing costs make us slaves to our jobs and unsustainable growth. But there’s another way (https://theconversation.com/huge-housing-costs-make-us-slaves-to-our-jobs-and-unsustainable-growth-but-theres-another-way-203144)". The strategy paper "LAND COMMODIFICATION AS A BARRIER TO POLITICAL AND ECONOMIC AGENCY: A DEGROWTH PERSPECTIVE (https://www.ppesydney.net/content/uploads/2021/06/19_Baumann-Alexander-and-Burdon1.pdf)" Alex is a lecturer at the 'Sustainable Futures' course at the University of Western Sydney. A video was made with the students of the course, which can be seen on YouTube here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roi4WiJakoY). PGAP is delighted to be returning for a SIXTH season with a mix of full length episodes as well as mini episodes with returning guests. We hope to make this format accessible to everyone, whether you are looking for a briefer or more immersive listen. Please send us your feedback by contacting us on our CONTACT PAGE HERE (https://pgap.fireside.fm/contact). We would appreciate a review on APPLE PODCAST (https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/post-growth-australia-podcast/id1522194099) if you have the time. Please share this and your other favourite episodes of PGAP among your networks. PGAP is run by Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/) and Mark Allen (https://holisticactivism.net/), supported by Sustainable Population Australia (https://population.org.au/). Special Guest: Alex Baumann.

For the final episode of season 5, PGAP welcomes special guest John Seed (OAM). John is founder and director of Australia’s Rainforest Information Centre (https://www.rainforestinformationcentre.org/) and is an Australian figurehead for the Deep Ecology Movement (https://www.deepecology.net/). A long time hero of both co-hosts Mark and Michael, John combines decades of successful environmental activism with an emphasis toward re-establishing a deep emotional connection with the natural world. It is the disconnection from nature which has resulted in the endless growth paradigm which is tearing apart our societies and our planet. John shares his thoughts on why system change is not enough and why a fundamental shift in our collective psychology is needed to get us out of this mess. In addition to John’s other accolades, he is also an accomplished musician. It was a pleasure to play his song ‘The World Bank Song’ on PGAP. The song was written in 1990 for a protest against the World Bank in Washington DC and the message is arguably even more relevant today. The video may be seen on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X6VVZif4fBo) and John’s music may also be heard on SoundCloud. (https://soundcloud.com/johnseed) You can find more about the RAINFOREST INFORMATION CENTRE HERE (https://www.rainforestinformationcentre.org/). Or about DEEP ECOLOGY HERE (https://www.deepecology.net/). More links to John’s work include articles on THE RELIGION OF ECONOMICS (https://rainforestinfo.org.au/deep-eco/ecorelig.htm), THE RIGHTS OF NATURE (https://www.rainforestinformationcentre.org/los_cedros), and CLIMATE GRIEF (https://journal.workthatreconnects.org/2023/09/02/hearing-inside-ourselves-the-sounds-of-the-earth-crying/). More information regarding the Atlas network may be read HERE (https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/jan/06/rishi-sunak-javier-milei-donald-trump-atlas-network) and HERE (https://knittingnannas.org/2024/01/18/atlas-network/). You can find out more about HOLISTIC ACTIVISM HERE (https://holisticactivism.net/) (founded by co-host Mark Allen). Both Mark and Michael Bayliss (https://michaelbayliss.org/) have been busy over the last couple of months. Mark has written A Holistic Activism Approach to the Population Issue (https://medium.com/@bayliss.michael/a-holistic-activism-approach-to-the-population-issue-f1c5d7d80624) for Medium. Michael was recently a guest presenter on the Rethinking Sustainability Podcast, on the topic of Growth and the Parasitic Economy. (https://sustainablecivilisation.com/growth-and-the-parasitic-economy/). Mark has written for Independent Australia: Sydney asbestos crisis the tip of the iceberg (https://independentaustralia.net/environment/environment-display/sydney-asbestos-crisis-the-tip-of-the-iceberg,18376). EcoVoice published Mark's article Climate Activism and the Crisis of Language (https://www.ecovoice.com.au/climate-activism-and-the-crisis-of-language-by-mark-allen-2024/). Last but not least, the PGAP Blog has been updated with a new post, Building a house in the 2020s (and other fun things!) (https://pgap.fireside.fm/articles/buildingahouse). At PGAP, we like to give a shout out to the work of our past guests. The highly anticipated De Gruyter Degrowth Handbook (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9783110778359-018/html) has finally been released! Inside, contributors, including a forward by Jason Hickel, explore various facets of degrowth, delving into its intersections with Marxism, feminism, architecture, and issues related to the global south. A standout chapter, penned by our former podcast guest Alex Baumann and co-author Samuel Alexander, shines a light on the initial privatisation of capitalism, namely land privatisation. While the Handbook itself is behind a paywall, an excellent article in The Conversation...