Raising the bar Christchurch 2026 podcast artwork
Education

Raising the bar Christchurch 2026

by Raising the Bar

Chart positions today · United States

Not on the United States charts we track today.

If you like Raising the bar Christchurch 2026, try…

Latest episodes

  • Can video games save our humanity? by Dr Kong Meng Liew

    September 28, 2026 · 20 min

    Kong Meng Liew, a Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Canterbury, explores what video games can tell us about being human. Drawing on research into online communities and mental health, he looks at how virtual worlds can offer…

  • Decoding the winning mindset by Dr Dwain Allan

    September 28, 2026 · 26 min

    Dwain Allan, a psychological scientist at the University of Canterbury, asks what people really mean by a “winning mindset.” Drawing on new research, he explores how our beliefs about winning can shape what we notice, what we expect and…

  • How (not) to play life's games by Dr Elizabeth Stewart

    September 28, 2026 · 33 min

    Elizabeth Stewart, a Lecturer in Philosophy at the University of Canterbury, examines the points, streaks and rewards that shape everyday choices. She explores how these game-like features can change behaviour, the risks that come with…

  • Feeding everyone no matter what by Dr David Denkenberger

    September 28, 2026 · 28 min

    David Denkenberger, an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, explores how people could meet their basic needs after a global catastrophe. He examines ideas for producing food from seaweed, leaves and wood, alongside…

  • The high-wire act of live events by Dr Chris Chen

    September 28, 2026 · 30 min

    Chris Chen, Associate Professor in Marketing at the University of Canterbury, takes us behind the scenes of live events. He explores how organisers balance memorable experiences with potential risks, and how psychology and marketing…

Show 7 more episodesShow fewer episodes
  • What really made Rome great? by Dr Alison Griffith

    September 28, 2026 · 25 min

    Alison Griffith, Associate Professor in Classics at the University of Canterbury, looks beyond Rome’s armies and emperors to ask what helped the empire endure. She explores how aqueducts and access to clean water transformed Roman cities…

  • Can animals predict natural disasters? by Dr Stuart Parsons

    September 28, 2026 · 36 min

    Stuart Parsons, Professor of Biological Sciences and Executive Dean of Science at the University of Canterbury, investigates reports of animals behaving strangely before earthquakes, tsunamis and storms. He explores what they might be…

  • A tail of two cities: Wildlife in the urban jungle by Dr Sara Kross

    September 28, 2026 · 33 min

    Sara Kross, a Senior Lecturer in Terrestrial Ecology at the University of Canterbury, looks at wildlife in New York City and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Through examples from both cities, she explores how urban design and community conservation…

  • Navigating between knowledge systems: Who gets to define knowledge? by Dr John Vea

    September 28, 2026 · 38 min

    John Vea, a lecturer in Fine Arts and Pacific Studies at the University of Canterbury, asks whose knowledge is recognised and valued. Drawing on Pacific approaches to art, education and research, he explores how learning through culture…

  • Can maths help us respond to a pandemic? by Dr Michael Plank

    September 28, 2026 · 28 min

    Michael Plank, Professor of Mathematics at the University of Canterbury, explores how mathematical models help people make decisions during pandemics. He explains what models can and cannot tell us, and how they can help make sense of data…

  • Jumping spiders: Tiny brains, complex minds by Dr Ximena Nelson

    September 28, 2026 · 30 min

    Ximena Nelson, Professor of Behavioural Ecology at the University of Canterbury, explores the surprising abilities of jumping spiders. She looks at how they use vision to find food and mates, whether they can plan ahead, and what their…

  • Ageing strong: Why muscle matters by Dr Sibi Walter

    September 28, 2026 · 26 min

    Sibi Walter, a Senior Lecturer in Health Sciences at the University of Canterbury, explains why losing muscle can make everyday activities harder as we age. Drawing on sports science, he explores how strength training can help people stay…

Full episode archive on Apple Podcasts →

About the show

In September 2026, Raising the Bar and the University of Canterbury hosted 20 talks in 10 Christchurch venues, filling the city with ideas and conversation for one unforgettable night. The recordings are now available for everyone to enjoy.