Podcasts about Otago

Fish and Game New Zealand and University of Otago researchers surveyed one thousand nine hundred Kiwi anglers and found they were 52 percent less likely to report psychological distress or thoughts of self harm. Fish and Game's Chief Operating Officer Richie Cosgrove spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

The company behind a vast gold mine planned for Central Otago says it is one of the most scrutinised projects in the region's history. Australian firm Santana Minerals is trying to get consent under the Fast Track Approvals Act but has been beset by delays, telling shareholders the process is extremely rigorous and difficult. The project has also been met with criticism from some locals who feel it poses huge environmental and social costs. Katie Todd reports.

On today's REX Daily Podcast, Dom talks with author Peta Carey about her latest book, 'The Hollows Boys; A story of three brothers and the Fiordland Deer Recovery Era', her personal connection with the story and the significance and impact of this extraordinary period in NZ history... And he talks with Vanessa Hore, Otago Ospri Farmer Committee Chair, about the new livestock movement restrictions being introduced in a part of Central Otago dealing with infected possums spreading bovine TB to livestock, what it means for farmers and the progress being made on eradication efforts in the region. Tune in daily for the latest and greatest REX rural content on your favourite streaming platform, visit rexonline.co.nz and follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn for more.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Matt Heath joins ACC Head G Lane to discuss an incident with Brendon McCullum on Matt's "Balls Deep" R&D trip to Fiji (00:00)...WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE!Then the fellas discuss the ABs' win over the Wallabies at Eden Park and if there's a "Fozzie Curse" on Razor (10:00)...Also, they react live to Europe winning the Ryder Cup (28:50), Otago holding onto the Shield for the Summer (30:25), and the Panthers' dynasty finally coming to an end (31:55).Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (40:35)...GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE AGENDA & BYC LIVE PODCAST HERE! Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE!Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A new survey has revealed a significant number of Kiwis want the Government to prepare for catastrophic events that could bring about the end of the world. New University of Otago research shows two-thirds of respondents believe the Government should draft action plans for threats such as a nuclear war, bioweapons or mass famine and supply chain collapse. Professor Nick Wilson, senior researcher at the Faculty of Medicine's Department of Public Health, says New Zealand's well-placed to weather out a nuclear winter - but there's plenty the nation's not prepared for. "Although we're a great producer of food, all that food production relies on diesel, which is imported. So we haven't got a single biofuel refinery that could keep our agricultural machinery going, for example." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US doctors will soon be advised not to prescribe paracetamol to pregnant women, after President Donald Trump claimed an ‘increased autism risk’. He cited the unproven link as a major factor in the rise of diagnoses. The call has been criticised worldwide, with Ministries of Health globally moving to put out the flames. Experts have labelled the rhetoric “quite scary” and “really damaging”. Today on The Front Page, University of Otago pediatrics and child health science officer, Joanne Dacombe, is with us to dive into how comments like this affect autistics and their families. Follow The Front Page on iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. You can read more about this and other stories in the New Zealand Herald, online at nzherald.co.nz, or tune in to news bulletins across the NZME network. Host: Chelsea DanielsEditor/Producer: Richard MartinProducer: Jane YeeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

North Harbour Head Coach James Maher joins the show to chat NPC 2025, their season so far, the string of very close losses, the Ranfurly Shield challenge v Otago this weekend & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the Pick and Go Podcast.The Rugby Championship is down to the final two rounds and things are heating up, New Zealand face Australia in another Bledisloe clash, while Argentina go up against the world's number one, South Africa, in a match that could shake up the standings.While North Harbour suffered heartbreak in the dying minutes yet again. They now meet Otago this weekend with a chance to bring the Shield back north for only the second time ever. Plus, the fellas  NPC MVP race is back — who's on top after Round 8?

This week in the Niche Cache we start by celebrating Callum McCowatt's perfect footballing hat-trick for Silkeborg IF in Denmark and Otago winning the Ranfurly Shield. Then we chat through a tough start to the NBL season for NZ Breakers who had two heavy losses and break down Isaiah Papali'i's NRL Finals form as well as all New Zealand angles in NRL/NRLW Finals. Chris Wood has a new coach at Nottingham Forest and we discuss some National League key points ahead of the new season, then we finish with White Ferns form and Blackcaps T20 strike-rates.(00:00) Callum McCowatt(14:03) Ranfurly Shield(18:22) Mindfulness(24:38) NZ Breakers(41:51) NRL/NRLW(01:12:26) Chris Wood(01:16:21) Wellington Phoenix(01:23:28) National League(01:34:59) White Ferns/BlackcapsPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/elnichecacheNewsletter: https://thenichecache.substack.comHook us up with a brew: https://buymeacoffee.com/thenichecachethenichecache@gmail.com

For our weekly catchup w/ the Green Party Oto spoke with MP Ricardo Menendez-March about the government's changes to sick leave laws with their planned overhaul of the Holidays Act 2003, as well as Environment Canterbury's decision to carry a motion declaring a nitrate emergency and the responses to the Greens petition calling on te reo Māori names to be restored to Wellington electorates And he spoke with Dr Ritesh Shah a Senior Lecturer in Critical Studies in Education at the University of Auckland about the number of countries announcing their recognition of Palestine at the UN General Assembly and why it might just be a symbolic gesture. Max spoke to Stephen Hoadley, a retired professor of international relations, to talk about the suspension and later reinstation of American Late Night Host Jimmy Kimmel. And he spoke to Dr. Lucy Telfar-Barnard from the University of Otago, Wellington, to discuss the recent study released by the University of Otago that showed how firearm incidents are costing New Zealand $322 million per year.

A new study led by the University of Otago has found that, each year, firearms injuries are costing the New Zealand hospital system an average of $1.48 million and costing the country a further $321 million in years of life lost. The researchers investigated firearms-related hospitalisations and deaths from assaults, accidents and suicide between the years 2000 and 2018. The total cost of hospital care over the 19 years was $28.2 million. Lead researcher Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard, a senior research fellow at the University of Otago, Wellington, says more than 1,000 people died and 2,115 people were hospitalised as a result of firearms incidents between 2000 and 2018. More than 80 per cent of those hospitalised needed surgery, with most of the injuries from accidents. To talk about this study, Producer Max spoke to Dr Lucy Telfar-Barnard.

On today's episode of The Agenda, Manaia Stewart & Finn Caddie join ACC Head G Lane and receive some audio from Fiji... Then the fellas review the MASSIVE weekend of sport, including Otago taking the Shield off Canterbury, and Liam Lawson getting his best F1 finish! Plus, rake over the coals of the Black Ferns' loss in the RWC Semi, and the NRL's Final Four are set... Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please'...See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

RNZ Sports reporter and Nights' regular Jamie Wall returns to Nights to break down Otago's historic Ranfurly Shield win, the Black Ferns' next steps after their semi-final loss, and why international gamblers are eyeing amateur football in New Zealand.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about the new school subjects set to be implemented into the new, proposed curriculum, and the drastic changes to art history and outdoor education. Producer Alex spoke with the University of Otago's Robert Patman about international support for Palestinian Statehood, and whether or not Foreign Minister Winston Peters will follow his Australian and Canadian counterparts. Joel spoke to the Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad about the temporary pause of international adoptions, and what this means for children overseas. And Alex spoke with the University of Aucklands Helen petousis-Harris about the CDC reviewing vaccine recommendations and regulations under an anti-vax committee. Whakarongo mai!

On today's episode of The Agenda, Manaia Stewart & Finn Caddie join ACC Head G Lane and receive some audio from Fiji (00:00)...WATCH THE FULL EPISODE ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL HERE!Then the fellas review the MASSIVE weekend of sport, including Otago taking the Shield off Canterbury (05:25) and Liam Lawson getting his best F1 finish (07:55)!Plus, rake over the coals of the Black Ferns' loss in the RWC Semi (18:45), and the NRL's Final Four are set (22:40)...Finally, they get to your feedback in 'Yours Please' (24:00)...GET YOUR TICKETS TO THE AGENDA & BYC LIVE PODCAST HERE! Did you know that we've launched a new Facebook Group called 'The Caravan' JOIN HERE!Brought to you by Export Ultra! Follow The ACC on Instagram or Facebook or TikTok Subscribe to The Agenda Podcast now on iHeartRadio, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts! iHeartRadio Apple Spotify YouTube THANKS MATE! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Canterbury's reign with the Ranfurly Shield has lasted a fortnight. They've been edged 38-36 by Otago in their NPC contest in Christchurch - their maiden NPC loss of the season. The red-and-blacks led 36-21 in the 53rd minute, before the visitors scored three tries to snatch the Log O' Wood. Otago head coach Mark Brown joined Piney to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel spoke to MP Simon Court about the new school subjects set to be implemented into the new, proposed curriculum, and the drastic changes to art history and outdoor education. Producer Alex spoke with the University of Otago's Robert Patman about international support for Palestinian Statehood, and whether or not Foreign Minister Winston Peters will follow his Australian and Canadian counterparts. Joel spoke to the Children's Commissioner Dr Claire Achmad about the temporary pause of international adoptions, and what this means for children overseas. And Alex spoke with the University of Aucklands Helen petousis-Harris about the CDC reviewing vaccine recommendations and regulations under an anti-vax committee. Whakarongo mai!

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has headed to New York for a conference on a Two State solution in the middle east, where debate over Palestinian recognition and statehood will take place during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. As countries like Australia and Canada pledge support for Palestinian Statehood, alongside other countries that have either expressed intent or already done so, Peters has remained closed off as to whether or not New Zealand will join these ranks. Monday Wire Producer Alex spoke to the Professor of International Relations at the University of Otago, Robert Patman, about what these expressions of support for Palestinian Statehood mean in the long run, and what we can and should expect from Peters and the Government in this regard.

This week I'm joined by Josh Taylor. Josh is an Anglican priest from the Diocese of Christchurch in New Zealand. He has experience in youth ministry, as a spiritual director, and several years as a Vicar in Timaru, New Zealand. He has just submitted a PhD through the University of Otago. His thesis is titled: “Speaking of Sin in 21st Century Aotearoa.”It's his PhD that I'm talking to him about today. We explore why sin can feel like a foreign and awkward concept these days and then track other ways people have tried to express it. We talk about big ideas like total depravity and original sin and try to build a picture of thinking about the concept that's actually hopeful, especially in light of cultural approaches to morality. This is a really helpful chat to help guide young people in a world that is pretty confused about what sin is and how we see God.

Otago Rugby Legend Brendan Chainsaw Laney catches up with Smithy to celebrate Otago heading to Christchurch and taking the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury, also inflicting their first loss of the season & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How New Zealand media covered Covid-19 made the pandemic seem like a competition or a war the country was winning. That's according to a University of Otago study. Bioethics researchers analysed more than a thousand news articles .. and the result is fascinating. Lead author and PHD candidate Emma Anderson talks to Jesse.

In part two, Canterbury has clocked up the most e-scooter accidents over the last five years with more than 1700 ACC claims. What is happening and how can you keep safe? Then, women in Otago have put the pedal to the metal in a burnout competition - the panel talks to the organiser Shelly about the magical event.

A study from the University of Otago, looking into how New Zealand news coverage depicted the country's responses to the Covid-19 pandemic, has shown elements of nationalism and creating a sense of competition. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to Emma Anderson, a PhD Candidate at the Bioethics Centre at the University of Otago, about the study and the harmful consequences of this framing.

Canadian born Law Professor James Allan holds a New Zealand passport and taught at University of Otago for eleven years. He is also an Australian passport holder and professor at the University of Queensland. In this discussion we start with which Anglo based country is doing best in a difficult global climate. We discuss the legacy media (and whether it is broken), judicial activism, the threat of immigration, politicisation of police, and we finish on his views on Israel and Gaza. We visit The Mailroom with Mrs Producer, and comment finally on the ugliest crime in America not to get national coverage. File your comments and complaints at Leighton@newstalkzb.co.nz Haven't listened to a podcast before? Check out our simple how-to guide. Listen here on iHeartRadio Leighton Smith's podcast also available on iTunes:To subscribe via iTunes click here See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As any visitor to the Queenstown Lakes District in New Zealand would attest, the area is absolutely stunning. But is our love for the South Island becoming a bit suffocating? 

Researchers say the March 15 terrorist attack left Christchurch's Muslim community with high rates of both mental health problems and post-traumatic growth. Tess Brunton has more.

It costs just $2 a ride to get a bus in Otago, and despite a 50 cent increase coming into effect in the next few weeks, it's still a cheap way to get around. Councillor Andrew Noone spoke to Ingrid Hipkiss.

Sick, disgusting and harassed, that's how a student's described her months living in North Dunedin flat, constantly monitored by a landlord who owns multiple properties. The student's still fighting to get her bond back and is warning others to check the landlord's background before signing a lease. It's prompted calls for the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Dunedin City Council, the students association and the University of Otago for better protections against dodgy landlord. Bella Craig reports.

In our dairy industry expert feature last week there was talk about fermented milks and how alternative dairy seems poised to disrupt our dairy industry. In response, Anna Benny got in touch. Anna is a Southland dairy farmer and food technologist at the University of Otago. She has authored a paper - Milk without moo - which outlines the challenges to the industry which generates $23 billion New Zealand dollars in revenue annually.

Dr Stephen Young is an Associate Professor at the University of Otago's Faculty of Law and joins Emile Donovan.

Dunedin uni students who come into conflict with their landlords over the filthy state of their flats, or whose bonds are withheld for no apparent reason, have said the Tenancy Tribunal is not fit for purpose. Among them is second year University of Otago student Zoe Eckhoff, who recently won a Tenancy Tribunal case after finding her newly-leased flat in a shocking state. However, she said she was only able able to do this because she had the support of her parents and was able to hire a lawyer. Now the University's Vice Chancellor, Grant Robertson, is among those calling for change. Bella Craig reports.

Just read the latest from NEJM? The PIpELINe Trial

The Tawaki Project based at the University of Otago and driven by the mahi of international researchers, has taken a deep-dive into the population genetics of three Aotearoa crested penguin species – tawaki/Fiordland penguins, erect-crested penguins, and Eastern rockhopper penguins. Findings reveal how genetic health and marine habitat changes have impacted these species. For this week's Green Desk, Host Sara spoke with co-leader of the project, Dr Thomas Mattern about what the study learned about these penguin populations, starting with a general overview of the research

For Dear Science this week, our expert, Dr Daniel Thomas all about ‘interactions'  For our weekly catchup with the National Party, Host Sara spoke to MP Carl Bates about the government's plans to fix up the supermarket duopoly, changes to the Alcohol Sale and Supply act, and Judith Collins legislation for Defence Force workers For Green Desk, Sara spoke to University of Otago's Dr Thomas Mattern about the Tawaki Project on New Zealand's penguin populations Faith spoke to psychological medicine researcher Dr. Aida Dehkhoda about assisted dying, and how doctors, patients, and their families can be better supported

Tess talks about the planned new gold mine being fast tracked in Otago, students struggling with bad flats, water costs blames for rates rise in Waitaki and the winners of the Big Sing.

This week on the Monday Wire: For our weekly catch-up with the ACT Party, News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host, Joel, spoke to MP Simon Court about ACT MP Todd Stephenson's members bill being re-introduced to develop the End of Life Choice Act, Public Service Commissioner, Sir Brian Roche's potential changes to different multiple ministries, and the Select Committee's recommendations regarding four-year parliamentary terms. Producer Alex spoke to Senior Law Lecturer at the University of Canterbury, Dr Cassandra Mudgway about the need for AI regulations in regards to protecting women and vulnerable communities from AI-based harms. Joel also spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizens,' following the killings of two Australian police officers, with the alleged perpetrator, Dezi Freeman, having expressed strong support for the movement online. Alex spoke with the Programme Director and Associate Professor in Global Studies at the University of Auckland, Chris Ogden, about Trumps America acting as a “rogue state”. And on Thursday, Intern Zanoor spoke to Andrew Eruiti, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Auckland, about his new research, showing that certain principles of human rights in the country are ironically being used to restrain Māori governance and tino rangatiratanga. Whakarongo mai.

Former Australian magistrate, David Heilpern, has recently told ABC's Four Corners that "Governments are underestimating the reach and threats of [the sovereign citizenship movement]”, following the killings of two police officers. The alleged killer, Dezi Freeman, has expressed strong support for sovereign citizenship online. News and Editorial Director and Monday Wire Host Joel, spoke to Stephen Young, an Associate Law Professor at the University of Otago, on ‘sovereign citizenship,' what this movement looks like here in Aotearoa, and whether it should be seen as a concern.

If you're scrambling around in the laundry right now looking for boots and shin pads, chances are you're off to a kid's sports event. Alongside the joys of sport come some things to be weary of - like concussion. To help teenagers and their schools better cope with concussion, a group of researchers has developed a framework they hope to use to educate and encourage more reporting. Project co-lead Professor Gisela Sole from Otago's School of Physiotherapy explains to Mihingarangi how it would work.

A thousand choir singers are converging on Dunedin as the Big Sing competition reaches its crescendo. More than 200 secondary school choirs pitched for a position in the Big Sing Finale with the top 24 performing for gold, silver and bronze awards from tomorrow until Saturday's gala concert. An Otago choir hasn't made Finale for more than five years, so it set a special tone for the host city when Columba College made the cut. Tess Brunton reports.

Students at the University of Otago say with the lack of jobs in the city, climbing rent prices and cost of power, they're struggling to make ends meet. The situation has got so bad, some are even leaving their flats altogether to move into vans and cars to sleep. The student's association has said a recent survey shows some students are resorting to sleeping rough. Bella Craig reports.

A group of Lego pros are hoping to build a less stressful environment for young hospital patients by creating brick miniatures of MRI scanners, xray machines and waiting rooms. The Lego verisons of the high tech gear will go Hospitals in South and Otago. Lego put out hundreds of replicas of hospital machinery about eight years ago, but they were snapped up and New Zealand didnt get a look in. Now a South Island Lego group has managed to get the "blue prints" and are building their own. Secretary of the LUG South group, Gavin Evans spoke to Lisa Owen

The phrase "be careful what you wish for" comes to mind with this next story. For more than two years the Otago Harbour Port to Port ferry has advertised an option for passengers to "add a sheep" to their ticket. It was added to the website in jest, but on Saturday, a joke became reality. Port to Port ferry operator Rachel McGregor chats to Jesse.

Gas shortages, a reversal of the ban of offshore oil and gas exploration, and a government plan to double geothermal energy in the next 15 years… There's been a lot in the news recently about New Zealand's energy supply now and in the future. Claire Concannon speaks to researcher Dr Jen Purdie about our ongoing electrification of industry and transport, about our ‘dry year problem', and what the future of supply and demand might look like in a changing climate.Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Guests:Dr Jen Purdie, Senior Research Fellow, Centre for Sustainability, University of Otago.Kirsty Johnston, RNZ In-Depth journalistLearn more:Could nuclear fusion-generated energy be a way to help us power the future? Learn how New Zealand company OpenStar Technologies are trying to crack this.Read or listen to Kirsty's recent reporting about what has changed in climate policies underpinning the Zero Carbon Act 2019. The coalition government has stated they want to use New Zealand's Emissions Trading Scheme (rather than the GIDI fund) to help drive the transition from fossil fuels to other forms of energy, but as climate change journalist Eloise Gibson reports, there are issues with this plan.ReferencesThe 2025 Energy in New Zealand report came out in August 2025.Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Marc Ellis has lived a life worthy of a dozen chapters. From Scarfie hijinks at Otago University to becoming an All Black and Kiwi league international, he carved out a career across rugby and league with Otago, North Harbour, the Blues, Highlanders, Warriors and Kiwis.Off the field, Marc co-founded Charlie's Juice, eventually selling it to Asahi for $129 million, and became one of New Zealand's biggest TV personalities on SportsCafe, Game of Two Halves and beyond – often alongside his infamous partner-in-crime, Matthew Ridge.In this wide-ranging conversation, Marc reflects on:The wild tours and “Susie” at the 1995 Rugby World CupSportsCafe chaos and his dynamic with RidgeyThe rise and sale of Charlie'sLife after fame, media stunts and what he's up to nowHis views on success, fatherhood and living out of the spotlightA true Kiwi icon – this is Marc Ellis like you've never heard him before.This episode is brought to you by the TAB. Got a hunch? Download the new app today and get your bet on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ian Chapman is Honorary Senior Research Fellow in Music at the University of Otago.

New Zealand's youth vaping rates are among the highest in the world. How did we get here and what will this mean for the future of our rangatahi? A 2018 court case paved the way for a loose regulatory start for vaping in New Zealand, and rapid uptake by those aged 14–24 in the years since has led to concerns that a new generation is now addicted to nicotine. New Zealand researchers are investigating how vaping affects our lungs, and the harms young people are experiencing in terms of social connections and mental health. Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Guests:Dr Lucy Hardie, School of Population Health, University of AucklandDr Kelly Burrowes, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of AucklandMarizeh Aghababaie, Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of AucklandLani Teddy, Department of Public Health, University of OtagoLearn more:Check out the map mentioned in this episode, which, as well as the school data, also includes an investigation into the overlap of vape store density and area-level deprivation. Lucy and her colleagues have recently written a piece for The Conversation about how vape companies are using global social media accounts to skirt marketing regulations.There are currently no dedicated vaping cessation supports, but a clinical trial is being run to investigate developing one.University of Otago's Professor Janet Hoek spoke to Nine to Noon about the new vaping laws that came into effect in June 2025.References:…Go to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

A group of Otago parents hope a so-called "dead rockers" fundraiser will help to turn a patch of dirt into a toddlers' playground. It's been more than a decade since the playground next to the Blueskin Bay Library in Waitati was moved to make way for an extension. But with no money to replace the playground, local parents hope donning denim, glamming up and getting their dance on will be enough to change that. Tess Brunton reports.

What makes you happy and rich in life? Is it more money and stuff, or the complete opposite; consumming less and embracing a simplier existence. Researchers from the University of Otago have been studying exactly that, and the study found less might be more when comes to happiness. Lead researcher and Associate Professor at the University of Otago, Leah Watkins spoke to Lisa Owen.

Episode 105: Dr Andrew Shepherd is a Senior Lecturer in Theology and Public Issues at the University of Otago, with a particular interest in climate and ecological issues and the wider polycrisis that relates to the convergence of current economic, political, social, cultural and ecological challenges. In this conversation we talk through these intersecting issues, and how the work of theology and spirituality - in community, over time - could renew a kind of moral imagination that could help us tell and inhabit different stories about what matters. Andrew also features on the Ngā Here podcast with James Beck, and has been variously involved in the work of the Christian environmental organisation -  A Rocha Aotearoa NZ

This week we are joined by Dr.  Olivier Jutel, a lecturer in the Department of Media, Film & Communication at the University of Otago in Dunedin, New Zealand. His scholarly focus is in communication studies and media theory, particularly around populism, digital media, political economy, and critical theory. Travis and Julian chat with Olivier about his iconoclastic take on the paradigms that have dominated U.S. technology and communications policy since 2016. Olivier argues that fear of foreign influence has been leveraged by a coalition of Silicon Valley firms, national‑security agencies and allied think‑tanks to deflect structural reform of platforms. Drawing on Cold‑War communication theory, this coalition frames all online conflict as “information warfare,” treating citizens as passive targets for behavioral manipulation while ignoring deeper political‑economic drivers of democratic decay. Jutel retraces the military origins of mass‑communication research, critiques Shoshana Zuboff's “surveillance capitalism” thesis, and dissects the role of high‑profile disinfo professionals whose methods, he contends, don't question the core assumptions of tech industry platforms and national‑security priorities. Olivier concludes that while this disinformation framework is past its heyday, its war‑like view of social life persists, empowering actors such as Palantir while sidelining antitrust and public‑interest remedies. The solution? A shift toward true democratic governance of digital infrastructure. Dr Olivier Jutel at University of Otago https://www.otago.ac.nz/mfco/staff/olivier-jutel Thanks for subscribing to QAA on patreon. Editing by Corey Klotz. Theme by Nick Sena. Additional music by Pontus Berghe. Theme Vocals by THEY/LIVE (https://instagram.com/theyylivve / https://sptfy.com/QrDm). Cover Art by Pedro Correa: (https://pedrocorrea.com) https://qaapodcast.com QAA was known as the QAnon Anonymous podcast. /// We've launched a new podcast miniseries network: Cursed Media. The very first Cursed Media miniseries is Science in Transition. Science in Transition is an investigation into the intellectual origins of the contemporary right wing backlash against transgender acceptance. Through six deeply-researched episodes, hosts Liv Agar and Spencer Barrows unearth a bizarre coalition of well-meaning clinicians, aristocratic sexologists, militant feminists, right-wing culture warriors, headline-chasing journalists, and conservative politicians. Listen to the first five episodes of Science In Transition right now and all episodes after the sixth one is released by subscribing through this link. www.cursedmedia.net/ Subscribers to Cursed Media get access to three new podcast series per year, plus every episode of QAA's existing mini-series (properly organized!)