The Churchill Collective podcast

How do we know what is really going on behind bars in Australia’s prisons? In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the secretive world of intelligence gathering in the corrections system. He interviews Helen Glazebrook about her fascinating career as an intelligence officer, and her experiences during her Churchill Fellowship, where she visited various countries to learn about intelligence methodologies and state-of-the-art technology. Helen highlights the need for greater collaboration and intelligence sharing between agencies, as well as the potential benefits of lifetime monitoring for serious organised crime offenders.

Dr Scott Sleap is helping Australia reach for the stars through his involvement in the space industry and STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) education. In this episode, host Adam Spencer speaks with this passionate educator and explores his fascinating journey. Dr Sleap discusses his experiences as a Churchill Fellow, travelling to learn about space science and STEM education worldwide. From behind-the-scenes access at NASA to exploring the educational potential of Disney theme parks, his journey is an example of how Australians can gain valuable knowledge abroad and bring it back to inspire locally.

One person’s passion can change the world for everyone else. In this episode, host Adam Spencer talks to Ian Jarratt, the man responsible for bringing unit pricing — something we all use — to Australia. An executive member of the Consumers Federation of Australia, Ian is passionate about unit pricing, which provides standardized pricing for products, making it easier for consumers to compare prices. He discusses how his Churchill Fellowship allowed him to scour the world for the best system, and he reflects on its huge impact and the need for ongoing improvement.

What constitutes a good death, and to what extent should family and friends be involved in the process? In this thought-provoking episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer talks with Rebecca Lyons, who is an advocate for reimagining the funeral industry. Rebecca’s unconventional journey from real estate to the funeral sector led her to question traditional practices. Through a Churchill Fellowship, she explored global approaches to death, finding inspiration, particularly, in Mexico’s communal mourning rituals. Rebecca champions home funerals and natural burials, aiming to empower families in their grieving process. Her work extends to the Australian Home Funeral Alliance, an initiative focused on education and support.

Adam Spencer chats to Chris Boyle about family violence and safety. Chris is challenging Australia’s status quo in response to family violence thanks to his Churchill Fellowship. Chris saw many community-led initiatives around the world that affirmed for him what needed to be done in Australia. Where a family may be a dangerous place, networks in family and friends can be called upon to help through Chris’ invention, the StandbyU Shield which is a free small button pendant. When the button is pressed, it instantly makes a conference-call to five family or friends who can decide to intervene according to the action plans which are unique to each family.

In a candid conversation with Adam Spencer, Cavallaro reflects on the pivotal role of national opera houses, the challenges of fostering relevance in Australia’s cultural landscape, and the responsibility of performers in preserving the emotional and visceral impact of opera. She delves into her innovative initiative, Trio Cavallaro, a portable opera ensemble that traverses regional Australia, bringing the magic of operatic works to young audiences and fostering inclusivity through education, performances, and masterclasses. With a keen focus on accessibility, the ensemble works to dissolve economic barriers and ignite musical curiosity among children in remote areas, fostering a sense of camaraderie and community spirit. Cavallaro’s unwavering dedication not only bridges the gap between diverse communities and the world of classical music but also redefines the role of performers as stewards of cultural legacy.