Absolutely Revolting
A history podcast that looks at the revolutionaries, ratbags, and social movements that shaped the modern world. Hosts Liam Byrne and Francis Leach travel through time to explore moments that set the course for today, from successful social change movements to disastrous events. Produced with support from the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative at the University of Melbourne, the show considers how change happens and how we can avoid repeating past mistakes.
Episodes
Bonus Episode: Discover the Melbourne Public Humanities Initiative
Liam sits down with Melbourne Public Humanities Initative (MPHI) producer Seth Robinson to talk about research translation, storytelling, and the value of public humanities. About Seth Robinson Seth Robinson is a writer, producer, and academic. He Lectures in the University of Melbourne's Executive Master of Arts Program, and works as the Creative Producer for the MPHI. He is currentl
Is the USA a superpower in decline? Trump, Trumpism, and lessons from history
The United States has dominated the world state as a political, cultural, and military hegemon for the last century. But now, with the rise of Trump, and a time of change and conflict in the US, it's worth asking the question, is it in decline?Francis and Liam join Tim Lynch, to talk all things America and Trump, in the season finale of Absolutely Revolting. About Emma ShortisDr Emma Shortis
Making a multicultural Australia: the history of migrant advocacy and activism
Australian society has been shaped by a multicultural community. But now, in a time of growing isolationist policy and conflict on the world stage, it's time to look at the history of migration and learn how migrant communities in Australia have organised and advocated for their rights against racism. Francis and Liam join Joy Damousi and Joo-Cheong Tham to learn about the battles of the past, and
Revolutions in language and culture - is Shakespeare still relevant today?
The works of Shakespeare are everywhere. They're entrenched in our cultural history, our theatres, and of course, the school curriculum. But 400 years on, are these stories still relevant to audiences today? And if so, why? David McInnis joins Francis and Liam to discuss the staying power of Shakespeare's work, and why these plays are still filling seats. About David McInnis Dav
Is a 4-day week really possible? The history of shorter hours campaigns
Who wouldn't love a long weekend, every week? But as the 4-day work week movement picks up momentum around the world, it's time to crack open the history books and look at the history of labour movements. Liam and Francis speak with Sean Scalmer, and Fiona McDonald to find out if it's realistic, and what it would take to get us all knocking off early. About Fiona McDonald Dr Fio
Who were the Luddites and why do they matter today? AI, automation, and the history of protest against modern technology
Who were the Luddites? And why should we care about them today? In the age of AI and technological innovation on steroids, the history of technological protest is more relevant than ever. Join Francis and Liam as they speak with Professor Jeannie Paterson, and find out how smashing machine parts shaped the way we work now, and what it might mean as we consider our future AI overlords... &nbs
More than 50 years since the Equal Pay decision in Australia – why do Australian women still not have pay equality?
In 1974 the Equal Pay decision set the wheels in motion, but more than 50 years later, we're still a long way from gender pay parity. This week on Absolutely Revolting, Liam and Francis are joined by Marilyn Lake, Leah Ruppanner, and Lisa Heap, to look at how far we've come, how far we still have to go, and how we get there. About Marilyn Lake Marilyn is an Honorary Professoria
Revolutionary Transformations: The Russian Revolution
In episode two of Absolutely Revolting, we're crossing the continent to learn about the Russian Revolution with Dr Natasha Wilson. We'll go inside the bloody end of an empire, as the Bolsheviks overthrew the Russian Monarchy, in a story that inspired, but was anything but a Disney movie. About Natasha Wilson Dr Natasha Wilson is a historian of the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. She receive
Revolutionary Transformations: The French Revolution
Professor Peter McPhee joins Liam and Francis to share all the grisly details of the French Revolution. We'll consider exactly what that idea of 'revolution' means, whether it's political, social, or technological, and think about how these major moments of change, and how they set the tone for today. Liam also gets the chance to share his love of historically inspired musicals. About P
