Pioneering Minds

In Macquarie University's news storytelling podcast "Leading Lights" Producer / Presenter Sean Britten talks to the man behind Macquarie University's new world-first, not-for-profit breast implant check clinic Professor Anand Deva, who is in the media spotlight after the Sunday Telegraph published a story on his research into the link between cancer and certain types of implants. Channel 9's A Current Affair will also broadcast the story this week, highlighting the need for more safety education for women asking for breast surgery.

As the latest Star Wars story hits screens - a tale of young Han Solo and Chewbacca smuggling their way across the galaxy - we sat down with Dr Lee Spitler at the Australian Astronomical Observatory to find out the secrets of the Force. Along the way we talk of the realities of human exploration in space, the ambitions of Elon Musk and Richard Branson, and the cutting-edge research underway between the AAO and Macquarie University to help us make sense of the sublime complexity of the universe.

On May 19, 2018, the saga continues as the Royal Family welcomes Meghan Markle into the Firm. The wedding of Prince Harry and Markle is global news, but what makes it so significant? Why are we still invested in the monarchy at all? Is the presence of Queen Elizabeth II the only thing holding the Commonwealth together? We chat to Professor Robert Reynolds about the evolution of dynasties, and why Her Majesty keeps popping up in people's dreams.

From the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster to the most polluted place right here in Australia, Professor Mark Taylor takes us on an entertaining and sobering journey into environmental contaminations. Across household dust and vintage wine, to blueberries and poisoned groundwater, we talk of lessons the next generation must learn in order to survive the environmental landscape of the future.

On this week's episode, we speak to Dr Anthony Lambert from the Department of Media, Music, Communication and Cultural Studies about the rise of superhero cinema, and the influence these larger-than-life characters wield over our society. We also discuss how media has never been more ubiquitous—or more reflective of the increasing importance our culture is placing on diversity.