The Churchill Changemakers

Episoade

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  Fake news, real impact: Teaching kids to tackle misinformation 04.08.2026 24min

  What happens when kids get most of their “news” from Instagram and YouTube, and what can actually be done to improve their media literacy? In this episode of The Churchill Changemakers, journalist Bryce Corbett joins host Michelle Ainsworth to unpack the urgent need for media literacy in Australia. As a 2023 Churchill Fellow, Bryce shares how he created Newshounds, a free program helping primary students spot mis- and disinformation, and reflects on his travels as a Churchill Fellow through the US, UK and Europe during a tumultuous news cycle. He also reveals what Australia can learn from global experts about teaching media literacy in schools-  why these critical thinking skills for kids can’t wait.   The Churchill Changemakers is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  More than convenience: How public toilets shape public life 21.07.2026 25min

  Who gets to participate in public life - and what do toilets have to do with it? Social planner and public toilet advocate Katherine Webber joins host Michelle Ainsworth in this episode of The Churchill Changemakers to unpack how accessible, well-maintained public toilets reflect dignity, safety and community values. Katherine shares the stories that sparked her research, insights from her Churchill Fellowship travels across North America and Europe, and why public toilets shape mobility and civic participation - especially for parents, older people, people with disabilities, and trans and gender-diverse communities. She also explores policy gaps, the push for a “minister for toilets,” and how better design can build more inclusive public spaces. Fellowship Sponsor: Katherine was awarded The Rodney Warmington Churchill Fellowship in 2018 to increase accessibility to public toilets by researching taboos, design, policy and legal barriers   The Churchill Changemakers is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Australia's health system is ''siloed''. How can we integrate mental and physical care? 07.07.2026 29min

  Why does Australia’s health system still treat mental and physical health as separate issues? Psychiatrist Dr Paul Fung tackles this question on this episode of The Churchill Changemakers, drawing on insights from his Churchill Fellowship research across the US, UK and New Zealand. Paul shares practical, real-world models for integrating mental health into general practice, reducing stigma, and improving access for culturally diverse, regional and underserved communities.  He also explores workforce shortages and the often-overlooked “missing middle,” challenging the idea that more care is always better. In doing so, Paul makes a thoughtful and compelling case for smarter, more equitable health reform. Fellowship Sponsor: Paul was awarded The Paul Tys Churchill Fellowship to investigate clinical service models that integrate mental health care with General Practice.   The Churchill Changemakers is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Unfiltered truth: tobacco control’s legacy in the age of vaping 23.06.2026 26min

  We all know disinformation campaigns can threaten public health. But what can we learn from the tobacco industry, which wrote the disinformation playbook decades ago, and from tobacco control advocates, who have had some huge wins in tackling the issue? In this episode of The Churchill Changemakers, host and Churchill Fellow Michelle Ainsworth speaks with public health advocate Christine Morris, a public health specialist whose 1997 Churchill Fellowship helped shape Australia’s fight against tobacco. Christine shares powerful insights from her time in North America,  the creation of landmark campaigns in Australia, including  “Every Cigarette is Doing You Damage,” and how those early lessons inform the modern battle against youth vaping. From disinformation tactics to bold policy moves, this conversation explores how global learnings are driving local change - and what still needs to be done to protect future generations from nicotine addiction.   The Churchill Changemakers is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Introducing: Season 3 - The Churchill Changemakers 16.06.2026 2min

  The focus for Season 3 is impact, which comes with a title change from The Churchill Collective to The Churchill Changemakers and a new batch of extraordinary people who received their Churchill Fellowships some years ago, to reveal impact over time. Michelle Ainsworth, Churchill Fellow and host of The Churchill Changemakers, talks to 10 bold thinkers, driven to learn more globally and return home to make an impact locally.  You'll hear stories on topics from 'media literacy for primary school children' to 'tobacco control', and from 'maintaining historical keyboard instruments' to 'public toilet taboos, design and policy'.  So, what did these changemakers do with those powerful new ideas, and how have they driven impact locally? We invite you to listen to The Churchill Changemakers and find out.    The Churchill Changemakers is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Bringing spirits home 22.09.2025 22min

  World War I tore many Australian families asunder, but Indigenous Australian families in particular, with their limited access and resources, were often left wondering where their relatives had fallen, and where they now rest. One man on a mission has now answered many of their questions. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer delves into the fascinating journey of Joe Flick, a man dedicated to documenting the stories of Indigenous Australian soldiers who fought in the Great War. Discover how Joe's passion has not only answered century-old questions but also brought solace and recognition to many families. Through his studies, Joe has shed light on the forgotten contributions of Indigenous servicemen.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Amplifying arts accessibility 08.09.2025 23min

  Imagine being a classical musician who suddenly, and unexpectedly, loses her sight. That was a crisis overcome by Morwenna Collett, who subsequently turned her experiences into a passion for making the arts more accessible to disabled people. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores Morwenna’s amazing, and inspiring, life. Living with Multiple Sclerosis isn’t easy, but nevertheless Morwenna has transformed her challenges into triumphs, becoming a leader in arts accessibility in Australia thanks to a Churchill Fellowship that allowed her to study innovations abroad.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Recycling in style 25.08.2025 25min

  Our culture’s voracious adoption of "fast fashion", with its exploitation and carbon footprint, is creating mountains of waste around the world. So how can we change Australia’s attitudes? In this episode of The Churchill Collective, Adam Spencer explores innovative recycling and upcycling techniques with Jane Milburn, an agricultural scientist who has embraced the “slow fashion” movement as the founder of her company, Textile Beat. Jane discusses how emphasising the importance of natural fibres and personal style can reduce fashion waste. Drawing parallels with the "slow food" movement, she advocates for a thoughtful approach to clothing consumption. Jane shares her Churchill Fellowship experiences, highlighting global initiatives that inspire local actions to combat unsustainable practices. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Breaking Boundaries, a Playbook for Sportswomen 11.08.2025 21min

  Making Australia the best country in the world to be a sportswoman is an admirable dream, and one woman is working to make it happen. Sydney Swans Executive General Manager for AFLW, Kate Mahony, has dedicated her professional life to the cause. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer joins Kate to explore the triumphs and challenges of Australian women's sport, and how Australia can lead the way in supporting female athletes by adopting the best practices from overseas. Kate Mahony’s Churchill Fellowship journey took her across the globe to bring back innovative methods to inspire local change in female medical care, resources, and the unique needs of sportswomen. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Cracking cold cases and improving policing 28.07.2025 22min

  Australian police forces may have superb track records in solving homicides, be they new or cold cases. But there is always room for improvement, particularly when detectives find themselves confronted by growing caseloads. In this gripping episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer shines a torch into the world of homicide investigation with Detective Inspector Tim Day of Victoria Police. From solving cold cases and gangland murders to learning groundbreaking techniques overseas, Tim shares his extraordinary journey in law enforcement. Discover how his passion for forensic medicine evolved into a stellar career in policing, and how his Churchill Fellowship helped bring innovative investigative methods back to Australia. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Walking with the animals 14.07.2025 15min

  Zoos have changed for the better in recent decades, but there are many good ideas left to be discovered overseas. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer chats with Sarah Brown, the Director of Community Engagement at Zoos South Australia, about innovative methods to enhance zoo experiences for both animals and visitors. Learn about Sarah's Churchill Fellowship journey, her groundbreaking work with cross-fostering endangered species, and the exciting integration of so called 'phygital' technology to connect people with nature. Listen and learn about the vital role zoos play in preserving biodiversity.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A thirst for quenching 30.06.2025 14min

  What would it be like to enter a remote community with shocking water quality, only to leave the people with fresh, clean liquid finally running from their taps? This is the life of Churchill Fellow Eric Vanweydeveld. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer interviews Eric about the critical issue of water quality in regional and remote Australia. Eric shares his journey of studying innovative water treatment solutions abroad and bringing that knowledge back to Australia. He discusses the significant challenges faced by remote communities, especially First Nations, and how new technologies like containerised water treatment and renewable energy can make a difference. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A “brush” with fame 16.06.2025 18min

  A talented hair artist and wigmaker, Selena Pertzel was never going to be content in a normal salon. In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer introduces us to Selena and explores how and why she left her hairdressing job on the Gold Coast to become one of the most important hair artists in the Australian film industry. Selena recounts her work on films like the ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ and ‘The Great Gatsby’ and what it’s like to work with stars like Johnny Depp and Russell Crowe. She also discusses her Churchill Fellowship experience, where she travelled to London to learn the art of custom wig-making, aiming to contribute to the growth of the Australian film industry. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  A thorny problem for native reptiles 02.06.2025 22min

  Climate change is gradually threatening the existence of many of Australia’s endemic species, but is the country doing everything it can to help preserve them? Could we learn from experiences overseas? In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores this emerging crisis with environmental scientist and author Timothy Low, who specialises in preserving our native reptiles. Tim discusses his experiences from his Churchill Fellowship, which was designed to uncover new ideas for species preservation from the Northern Hemisphere, and explains how global initiatives can inform scientists back home in Australia. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Mincing it in France 19.05.2025 19min

  France is the place to go to learn some of the best cooking skills, and in this episode of The Churchill Collective, we travel to the French countryside to discover new skills that can be brought back and enjoyed in Australia. Host Adam Spencer explores the passions behind that country’s charcuterie tradition, and how artisan chef Sascha Randle intends to bring it all home to Australia. The first recipient of a memorial fellowship dedicated to the late daughter of TV Chef Maggie Beer, Sascha describes her journey from Melbourne to France, where she’s perfecting traditional French charcuterie techniques. Sascha discusses her background, the art of charcuterie, and her experiences learning from renowned French chefs. She shares her vision of bringing these refined skills back to Australia to inspire local culinary practices and elevate the nation's food culture.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Thinking locally to act on homelessness 05.05.2025 20min

  Australia’s homelessness crisis is growing, particularly in the big cities. But although the problem is often on their doorsteps, local councils have been feeling powerless. With most powers in the hands of Canberra or the states, what can councils do? In this episode of The Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer investigates this pressing issue with anthropologist and writer Leanne Mitchell, a Churchill Fellow who went overseas to fill an Australian knowledge gap. The discussion highlights innovative global solutions to homelessness and how they can be adapted locally. Leanne shares her insights from her international research, emphasising prevention strategies and the crucial role of local governments in tackling this complex issue.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Jodie Williams – The sound of heritage 23.07.2024 21min

  Jodie Williams is a sound artist and historian from Norfolk Island, who embarked on a Churchill Fellowship journey to explore the soundscapes and heritage of her remote island home. In a conversation with host Adam Spencer about her art practice, Jodie emphasises the importance of sound in preserving memories and connecting generations, especially in the context of remote island communities. She has also received a Churchill Impact Funding Grant to bring sound healing and heritage preservation to her community, including aged care. Jodie shares her advice for aspiring artists and researchers looking to explore their heritage through sound and multimedia.   The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Kate Cole — The trouble with tunnels 25.06.2024 23min

  It’s another example of how one person can change Australia for the better with just a little help. In this episode, host Adam Spencer interviews Kate Cole, a scientist and engineer who embarked on a Churchill Fellowship to improve workplace safety in the underground construction industry. Kate's journey takes her to the world’s tunnelling epicentres, where she learns best practices for managing the dangers of crystalline silica dust exposure in tunnels. She discusses the shocking lack of awareness about silicosis, outdated workplace exposure standards, and challenges in implementing health and safety measures. Kate discusses her efforts to bring about positive change in Australia, including collaborative projects, workshops, and improvements in air quality monitoring. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Nicholas Wood — The pointy end of vaccines 28.05.2024 24min

  In this episode of the Churchill Collective, host Adam Spencer explores the world of vaccines and efforts to make sure they are safe to use. Professor Nicholas Wood, a paediatrician and immunisation researcher, discusses his experiences studying vaccine safety and innovation during his Churchill Fellowship travels. From the development of mRNA vaccines to addressing vaccine hesitancy, Professor Wood talks about critical aspects of immunisation. He also outlines the need for a national vaccine safety office in Australia and the importance of understanding viruses in the ongoing battle against infectious diseases. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Dr Michela Mitchell – Diving into venom research 23.04.2024 19min

  How can we find new medicines from ocean creatures, and then how can we speed up those drugs’ development? These are questions being answered by Dr Michela Mitchell, Australia's first sea anemone taxonomist. In this episode, host Adam Spencer explores the fascinating world of sea anemone toxinology and its potential in drug development. Dr Mitchell discusses her journey from computer programming to marine biology and her research on sea anemone venom. She highlights the complexities of venom extraction and analysis, as well as the need for collaboration among scientists, clinicians, and pharmaceutical companies to expedite drug development. The Churchill Collective is produced for the Winston Churchill Trust by: SoundCartel +61 3 9882 8333See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.