In 2025, we shared a wealth of videos, podcasts and articles with audiences around the world. Below, you’ll find our top five most watched, most listened to and most read pieces of the year.
WATCH
Barrie Cassidy Election Special
Barrie Cassidy, acclaimed political journalist and former host of ABC’s Insiders, leads a compelling discussion of the 2025 Australian federal election.
Pankaj Mishra: The World After Gaza
Watch a timely and thoughtful discussion with renowned author and intellectual Pankaj Mishra as he speaks about his new book on Palestine, colonialism and the moral reckoning of our current time with Host Antony Loewenstein.
The Liberal Party: Where to from Here?
After the crushing result of the 2025 Australian federal election, what does the future hold for the Liberal Party? A panel of key Liberal figures share their insights.
Jason Stanley on Fascism
Watch Jason Stanley, a leading expert on fascism, as he examines how authoritarian regimes manipulate history and civil liberties. With host Sarah Schwartz.
Back to Back Barries: Live
Following an election result that no one saw coming and with the gift of hindsight, watch political commentators and former major party insiders Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry as they offer a discerning examination of how, and why, we arrived at the surprising results on 3 May 2025.
LISTEN
Liz Pelly: Mood Machine
Hear from music journalist and cultural critic Liz Pelly with host Lauren Taylor in this sharp and insightful exploration into how streaming platforms have transformed our relationship with music.
Being Jewish After the Destruction of Gaza
American Jewish journalist Peter Beinart reflects on the world around him – and his place within it – amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Pankaj Mishra: The World After Gaza
Pankaj Mishra’s latest work, The World After Gaza, reckons with the latest devastating conflict in the Middle East and how the world’s balance of power is shifting.
Jeanette Winterson: 40 Years of Storytelling
Hear from one of literature’s most provocative and original minds, as Jeanette Winterson reflects on her remarkable career and the themes that continue to shape her writing.
Rachel Kushner: Creation Lake
Twice Booker Prize-nominated author Rachel Kushner discusses her propulsive new eco-espionage novel Creation Lake, in conversation with Rebecca Harkins-Cross.
READ
Watch, Listen, Read 2025: The Wheeler Centre team mid-year round-up
The Wheeler Centre team provided their 2025 mid-year round-up of everything they were loving - from books and podcasts to films and YouTube finds. Explore now to be inspired to find your next obsession.
Watch, Listen, Read 2025: Cities of Literature
Get a global insight into what people were loving around the world as the Melbourne City of Literature reached out to their counterparts in Jakarta, Bucheon and Heidelberg to ask what they were watching, listening to and reading.
Megan Herbert Live Draws: Jason Stanley on Fascism
Political cartoonist and illustrator Megan Herbert was on hand to capture the conversation between Jason Stanley and Sarah Schwartz in real time, distilling its most powerful moments through her distinctive live drawings.
Patrick Lenton - A love letter to the millennial skinny jean obsession
Skinny-jean nostalgia meets modern millennial malaise in Patrick Lenton’s hilarious love letter to skin-tight denim. 'To this day, I have two long bald patches on my calves, shiny mirrors of skin that were created from the constant friction of my skinny jeans obsession.'
The Next Chapter - Published Works
The Next Chapter, The Wheeler Centre’s landmark writing program, has elevated Australian stories that aren’t being told and nurtures a new wave of writers to tell them. In this article, explore the brilliant Next Chapter Alumni who have published their work so far.