Shows
Curiosity Crisis PodcastThe Rare Earth Monopoly - China's Dominance and the World's DependencyChina processes 90% of the world's rare earth elements and controls 100% of high-temperature magnet production materials essential for fighter jets, electric vehicles, wind turbines, and smartphones. In this episode, we explore how China strategically built this monopoly through state consolidation and technological mastery, why Western nations struggle to compete, and what this means for green technology and national security. Drawing comparisons to historical monopolies like OPEC, we examine the geopolitical implications, emerging alternatives, and whether the West can break free from this dependency. It isn't just about minerals, it's about who controls the supply chains defining the 21st century.
2025-11-1723 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastUnder Our Feet, Over Our Heads: The Infrastructure That Runs the WorldMost of the world runs on systems we never think about—until they break. From Roman aqueducts and the Chinese Grand Canal to modern undersea cables, power grids, GPS satellites, and water systems, hidden infrastructure has always been the backbone of progress. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the invisible networks that keep civilisation running, explore how their failures ripple into chaos, and reveal why the smartest investments are often in the “boring” backbones of tomorrow.
2025-10-2227 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastThe Age-Old Lessons Behind Modern Venture CapitalVenture capital may feel like a Silicon Valley invention, but its roots go back centuries — from explorers pitching monarchs to railroad financiers and tulip traders. In this episode, we explore what history teaches us about backing bold ideas, bubbles, and human nature, and why the timeless lessons of people, storytelling, and curiosity still shape today’s hyper-competitive startup world.
2025-09-1826 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastJim's Group CEO on Growth by a Thousand Steps, Service and Shaping the Future of SocietyOur guest today is a true Australian icon and a fascinating mind! From a modest $24 investment in a lawn mowing business while pursuing his PhD in history, he built an empire. Jim Penman is the founder of Jim's Group, the largest franchising chain in the Southern Hemisphere, with over 40 divisions and thousands of franchisees globally. But beyond the business success, he's also an author and a pioneer in the field of Biohistory, funding cutting-edge research into epigenetics and its impact on human behaviour and society.#Business, #Investing, #Technology, #Curiosity, #Entrepreneurship, #STEM, #Science, #Engineering, #Mathematics, #Innovation, #Epigenetics...
2025-09-0247 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastPrincipal Data Scientist Talks LLMs in Business and LawMitchell Scott is the Principal Data Scientist at Consilio, where he works in the Rapid Prototyping Team developing specialised Large Language Models for legal problem-solving. A unique blend of solicitor and published data scientist, Mitch helps create cutting-edge AI tools. His algorithm for identifying gendered language in legal drafting was shortlisted for the 2022 Financial Times Innovative Lawyers award.In this episode we discuss the future of AI and real applications for it. We dive into how Chinese open source models have changed the landscape and where the value capture is happening.
2025-08-1241 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastDennis Barnes: Snowy Hydro CEO on What's Missing in the Energy Conversation, Snowy 2.0 & Energy LeadershipWe were joined by Dennis Barnes, CEO of Snowy Hydro, a leader in Australia’s energy transition. With decades of experience in the sector, he’s steered major companies through transformation, decarbonisation, and infrastructure growth. We talked about his career, how he sees the future of energy, and what’s next for Snowy Hydro.--Dennis Barnes is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Snowy Hydro LimitedPrior to joining Snowy Hydro, Barnes served as CEO of Contact Energy in New Zealand, where he led an invest...
2025-07-1035 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastHacking ProductivityWe talk about all things productivity and the many methods we have personally tried and benefited from! Join for a fun episode and get some tips for your next project!#Business, #Investing, #Technology, #Curiosity, #Entrepreneurship, #STEM, #Science, #Engineering, #Mathematics, #Innovation
2025-06-2424 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastA History of TariffsTariffs have become very important in today’s geopolitical and economic landscape however they are not new. Tariffs were an economic tool used in the ancient world and have evolved through history to be used today. All tools have use cases but not all tools are suited to all use cases. In this episode we look at a history of tariffs, when they have been used in the past from ancient and industrial times and how they impacted the economy of that time.
2025-05-2835 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastChanging the Game in Energy - Octopus EnergyIn this episode, we dive into the inspiring story of Octopus Energy – the UK’s fastest-growing energy supplier and a leader in the global decarbonization movement. From disrupting a stagnating market to building the innovative Kraken platform, Octopus has transformed the energy sector with its tech-driven, customer-first approach. Discover how they scaled from zero to 7.3 million customers, dominated the UK market, and expanded internationally. Join us for an inside look at the company's founding, its breakthrough technology, and the culture that’s fueling its rapid rise. It’s a study into innovation, growth, and sustainability!#Business, #Investin...
2025-05-0727 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastInstitutional Investing vs You and MeIn this episode we interview Ian—a retired investment professional with extensive experience in capital markets research, asset allocation, risk management, and investment analytics. An Economics (Hons) graduate from Sydney University who also qualified as an actuary, Ian has held key roles at major super annuation institutions and investment committees. Though retired, Ian's seasoned expertise will help bridge the gap of institutional insights for everyday retail players. Today will get look behind the curtain at how large institutions view portfolio allocation.Note: Nothing in this episode is financial advice and is strictly for educational purposes onl...
2025-04-2443 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastGame Changing HabitsOur game changing habits!We often asks our guests what's keeping them curious and what the keys are to their success, so we did some reflecting.We discuss the key habits that serve us and keep us moving forward in this world!#Business, #Investing, #Technology, #Curiosity, #Entrepreneurship, #STEM, #Science, #Engineering, #Mathematics, #Innovation
2025-03-3129 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEnergy Independence - Big Tech Now in Nuclear!?!Major tech companies are redefining energy autonomy to meet their growing demands. Discover how Microsoft is pioneering advanced nuclear solutions, Google is achieving 24/7 carbon-free energy with renewables, and Amazon is deploying distributed energy networks at scale. Learn how these innovative strategies are shaping the future of sustainable energy and setting the stage for other industries to follow.
2025-03-1123 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastHuman Centred AI - Professor WilesJanet Wiles is a Professor of Human Centred Computing at the University of Queensland and leads a UQ project on human centred AI. She has delivered talks for Google and TEDx and has 30 years’ experience in research and teaching in machine learning, artificial intelligence, bio-inspired computation, complex systems, visualisation, language technologies and social robotics.We talk all things Human Centred AI in a very engaging and relevant episode!
2025-02-0431 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastReality TV and Reality Business with Locklan GilbertLocky Gilbert will be a name familiar to many. Locky has lived a life in the public eye for a while now, having been a star on hit shows, the Bachelor, SAS Australia and Survivor, and has made appearances on many other shows in his time. Locky is an avid adventurer and family man, and shares this life with us through his Instagram, inspiring many to get outdoors. What people might not know however is Locky is also a businessman and has founded ventures along his journey, and its part of how he makes a living today. H...
2024-11-0532 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastCam Bostock, Hiking from Mexico to CanadaCam Bostock hikes, travels and inspires others for a living. We love what Cam does so much that this is his 2nd time on the podcast! We needed to chat to him again as our last episode with him was recorded the day before he flew to America to start the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT). Cam has just touched back down in Australia after hiking for 5 months, from Mexico to Canada along the PCT - an incredible journey!So much to dive into after hiking for 2,940 Miles or 4,730km and for days, weeks an...
2024-10-1435 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastThe New Space Race: Building an Intergalactic EconomyWhy is space on the agenda again? Economics and opportunity.The renewed space race is increasingly driven by private companies rather than solely by government efforts, with firms like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Rocket Lab leading the charge. These companies are transforming the economics of space exploration through innovation, making space more accessible and financially viable.We delve into what has changed in the space race, the tech that is enabling it, the economic opportunity beyond our atmosphere and some surprising developments along the journey!#Business, #Investing, #Technology, #Curiosity, #Entrepreneurship, #STEM, #Science...
2024-09-3028 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastNBN Chief Security Officer - Security for a Nation’s InternetWe chatted to Darren Kane, the Chief Security Officer at NBN - The National Broadband Network and picked his brain about all things security and defense.Darren has been the CSO at NBN since 2015. Prior to NBN, Darren served in Federal Government Law Enforcement Agencies for over 19 years in the Australian Federal Police and financial markets regulator the Australian Securities & Investment Commission. In 2020, Darren was appointed to the Federal Government’s Cyber Security Industry Advisory Committee to help guide the implementation of the nation’s Cyber Security Strategy and provide ongoing advice to address emerging cyber security chal...
2024-09-1134 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastVirtual Power Plants - Changing Our FutureHome solar, batteries and Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) are emerging as some of the most popular energy innovations in recent years. Some listeners will be very unfamiliar with the concept of a virtual power plant so we want to go through how they will potentially change our energy situation in the future.This is the final installment in a micro series tackling different parts of the energy transition.In this Episode we delve into - what is a Virtual Power Plant, how do they work, why are they gaining popularity, what do they promise for o...
2024-08-2929 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastBuilding a Business Straight Out of Uni - the 10 year Journey to AcquisitionLearn the story of a young 21 year old starting a business straight out of university, growing and scaling it over a 10 year journey, to most recently being acquired by the business he aspired to when he started it all.Hursh Dodhia-Shah was the Founder and Director of Aligned Agency, a digital agency based out of Perth, WA, servicing clients around Australia and the globe. They work right across the digital marketing value chain - building websites and online presence, doing google/facebook ads and search engine optimization right through to rebrands and business strategy and growth consulting.
2024-08-1340 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 24 | The Energy Market - Light At The Flick Of A SwitchWe take electricity for granted, even though it is such a fundamental aspect of our lives. Society and our economies depend on electricity.We are chat with Dylan Pathirana, a Renewable Energy Engineer and Energy Market Enthusiast, to break down what actually happens behind the scenes when we turn on a switch at home. How does the industry and the energy market facilitate the use of electricity in our lives?This will be the third installment in a micro series tackling different parts of the energy transition. We talk about the energy market, electricity generation...
2024-07-3134 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 23 | $0 to $Millions - Australia to Texas with Fieldd Tech Founder/CEOHarrison Lingard, the Founder and CEO of Fieldd started a growth and automation software for home and automotive service, built to make the lives of Service Based businesses streamlined, easy and more scalable.Since starting Fieldd, the journey has been nothing short of incredible. Building his own software solution took him to 25,000 customers and 50 staff in just 2 years, and he was even featured on Shark Tank Australia. Since then, Harry has moved Fieldd to the United States, basing out of Texas, which has been a big part of the scale up story.https://fieldd.co/
2024-07-1637 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 22 | Nuclear Energy - The King of Decarbonisation?Why is nuclear energy such a big part of so many global economies’ plans to get to net zero? We investigate nuclear energy’s role in a net zero future, how it works, why it’s advantageous, and bust some of the questions and myths around its safety. We also talk about its cost relative to other energy, its role in the energy mix and its growth into the future. #Business, #Investing, #Technology, #Curiosity, #Entrepreneurship, #STEM, #Science, #Engineering, #Mathematics, #Innovation
2024-07-0328 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 21 | Finding Your Purpose - Purposeful CEO Liz KnightElizabeth Knight is the Founder and CEO of Purposeful, an organisation aimed at helping people find their place in the world and careers they are passionate about. We love and resonate with that mission, as it aligns with our core theme of ‘Curiosity’. Liz has worked with thousands of young people, and has an incredible story herself, starting her first business at 19! She started a company called No Code Odyssey and currently runs a company called Purposeful. They have partnered with Universities, Colleges, Schools and other organisations to help people find what they are most passionate about to pur...
2024-06-1739 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 20 | Energy Storage Saving Our FutureIf you’re passionate about sustainability and our journey to lowering emissions, you’ve probably heard about batteries.In this episode we breakdown the dilemma facing our energy grids worldwide, as we try to move to 100% renewable energy, and why energy storage is critical to fixing the problem.Between us as co-hosts we have almost a decade of experience in one of the most unstable energy markets in the world. There are so many questions around how we are going to get from where we are, to where we need to be, for a renewable ener...
2024-06-0328 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 19 | Adventurepreneurship - Cam BostockCam hikes, travels and inspires others for a living. He has hiked some of world’s most amazing treks, including the Te Aroha in New Zealand, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, Lebuche East and Island Peak in the Himalayas. He has amassed a following of over a quarter million on Instagram and has become a fulltime content creator and hiker.He lives a unique life that sounds wild to most, yet Cam is one of the most down to Earth guys we know, and is a friend of the show. We couldn’t pass up the oppor...
2024-05-1935 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 18 | Stanford Ignite & Lendecon Founder Dylan PathiranaDylan is a renewable energy engineer who left the Energy Industry to pursue entrepreneurship. He went to the Ignite Program at Stanford Graduate school of Business and has founded a sustainable equipment lending company called Lendecon. We unpack this journey into the unknown with Dylan and discover the key takeaways gained from his couple of months at Stanford. Dylan is a friend of the show and someone we've been patiently waiting to have on the show when he returned to Australia from Stanford!
2024-05-0132 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 17 | Angel Investing and Private Equity, Blake Burton (P2)Part 2 of the chat with Blake Burton - delving into his investing journey. We discussed his personal investing philosophies, asset classes and how he differentiates opportunities, to best apply his time. We went deep on his experience in private equity - particularly the story of his investment into Intercast Australia, a local non-ferrous metals foundry, that he bought into, modernised and optimised.
2024-04-1531 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 16 | NetOrigin Founder and Adisyn (ASX: AI1) CEO, Blake BurtonBlake started his professional career with PwC in 2011. He went on to become the co-founder of Perth’s largest privately owned web hosting company, Netorigin in 2014, before he took the business to a successful trade sale to Ventra-IP in 2019. Since then, Blake has done a lot and, he’s only 31. His most active role is as the Managing Director for Adisyn or (AI1), an ASX-Listed Data Solutions business. He also holds a directorship with Fieldd, a fast growing SAAS business in the US, and closer to home has invested via an active stake, in Intercast Australia - a Per...
2024-04-0333 min
Curiosity Crisis PodcastEp 15 | High Risk, High Reward - Investing in Speccies, Dan WimmerWe delve into the world of speculative (speccy) investing with Dan Wimmer, an experienced investor known for his bold approach to the market. Dan shares his personal journey into speculative investing, reflecting on his first forays into this high-risk, high-reward realm. We explore the psychology behind investing in speculative stocks, uncovering Dan's strategies for managing risk, and navigating market volatility, staying the course and investing with conviction. We often say there is no one way to invest successfully. Join the ride and hear Dan’s story of the exciting, stressful, rewarding and frustrating world of speculative investments.
2024-03-1833 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 14 | Be a Better Thinker - Mental ModelsLearn how to be a better thinker.Mental models are frameworks or structures that help individuals understand, analyze, and navigate the world around them. They are essentially cognitive tools that simplify complex situations, allowing us to make better decisions, solve problems, and interpret information more effectively.We go through a range of mental models, the theory and context around them, and how you can try to implement them in your day to day life. https://fs.blog/books/mental-models-vol1/
2024-03-0431 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 13 | Big Industry, Big DecarbonisationWe talk a lot about decarbonisation and how companies will need to be at the forefront of it. Fortescue have been very public and vocal about transitioning from an Iron Ore Company into a Global Integrated Green Technology, Energy and Metals Company. We delve into how they are doing this, and whether or not it is a trailblazing change, or just marketing.
2024-02-1928 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 12 | Coinbase (Nasdaq: COIN) Investment ThesisA deep dive into Coinbase, the crypto industry and our thesis on the company, including the bear case risks. Over the past 2 years the case for Coinbase has become very interesting and we detail the company's evolution, strengths, growth areas and the overall case for investment while still covering some of the downside risks.
2024-02-0632 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 11 | 2023 Wrapped and 2024 PredictionsPretty self explanatory. A fun episode looking back at some of the big things that happened in 2023 and some wild guesses for 2024. Some of which already came true :o
2024-01-2229 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 10 | 10 Minute Investment ThesisThe boys developed something called the 10 minute thesis. The idea is to pitch something for investing or convey some knowledge and compact it down to just 10 minutes. It originated from the 1 hour thesis which was a technique Luke and Khush had previously used where all research had to be conducted within an hour. Stripping away the research limitation but keeping a presentation cap creates an interesting overview on topics can be engaging even while remaining concise.
2024-01-0828 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 9 | The Making of a PodcastWhat actually goes into making a podcast?Reflecting on the journey so far we look at what has been involved in making a podcast. Luke compares how it has been as his second time co-hosting a podcast and identifying lessons learnt.We dive into the physical setups, content planning and generation, the act of recording, producing and distributing the content.
2023-12-2521 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 8 | Buy, Hold, Sell - Portfolio ManagementIn this episode the boys discuss their ongoing portfolio management and addressing direct questions around how they actually invest currently. What are their strategies, whether they are active or passive and most importantly how they think about buying and selling positions.
2023-12-1128 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 7 | Tesla Master Plan 3: Path to Net-ZeroIn this episode we tackle the concerns of sustainability and look at a proposed path to get there. The Tesla Master Plan 3 looks to reach a sustainable global energy economy through end-use electrification and sustainable electricity generation and storage.
2023-11-2728 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 6 | Blockchain and Crypto 101In this foundational episode, we explore the core principles of blockchain, decentralization, and cryptocurrency with Luke. From the basics of Bitcoin and smart contracts to security measures and practical aspects like wallets and exchanges, we cover the essentials. The episode also touches on blockchain's impact across the economy and industries and touches on future trends. We aim to provide a straightforward introduction to this transformative technology.Join us as we make the complex simple in this "Blockchain and Crypto 101".
2023-11-1331 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 5 | Electric Vehicles and Where They're HeadedElectric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular. Some of the most sold cars every year are now EVs and that doesn't seem to be slowing. From battery chemistry to self driving and infrastructure we dive deep into the future of the electrification of our transportation.
2023-10-3028 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 4 | AI & What You Need to KnowAI is everywhere. It seems like the biggest buzzword of 2023. Most of the world's working professionals have probably been exposed to AI in one form or the other, and many may be unsure where to start. We get Luke to leverage his computer science degree to explain artificial intelligence in layman's terms, including the basics, AI History, Use Cases and a How-to-start guide.
2023-10-1525 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 3 | The Energy & Climate Challenge: A Net-Zero '101'We break down the energy transition simply in terms of the challenge at hand and the problem(s) that needs to be solved. Avoiding politics, we look at the energy transition to 'net-zero' in terms of technology and with an economic lens. The aim is that you'll leave with better context and a more clear understanding of what it will take to get to 'net-zero'. Some concepts to discuss at your next dinner party - let us know if you come up with any solutions!
2023-10-0222 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 2 | Co-Host Luke Discusses Risk Tolerance In InvestingLuke talks about his investing philosophy and how it has influenced his perception of risk. He explains what he's looking at and why in a somewhat unique take on the market.
2023-09-1830 minCuriosity Crisis PodcastEp 1 | Co-Host Khush Talks High Conviction InvestingKhush dives into his investing philosophy, method and thinking about markets, including some of his favourite companies and what he thinks will and won't change in the future of markets.
2023-09-0522 min