Best Joey Atlas Podcasts (2025)

1
EP#138: Regional stewardship in action at the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing 37:08

8d ago37:08

37:08

Our APS Reform in Action series returns with a deep dive into bringing stewardship to life in aged care across Australia’s regions. In response to the Aged Care Royal Commission, the Australian Government invested over $13 million to tackle local challenges and service gaps in aged care through a local network of Department of Health, Disability an…

1
Case 4: The Black Lung - Part 4: To Fire or Not to Fire 26:22

15d ago26:22

26:22

Edith is worried that Locke is gonna spend too much time wallowing in despair because of Locke 2. So she convinces him to get to work using a little melodic incentive. First order of business, go to the Kenneth Heights Gazette and find out how they got those pictures! Music: "Bass Walker", "Dark Alleys", "Apero Hour", "Prelude and Action", "Backbay…

1
EP#137: Purposeful productivity with Danielle Wood 36:17

15d ago36:17

36:17

On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Danielle Wood, Chair of the Productivity Commission, reflects on how the Commission’s role has evolved—from her early days as a graduate to leading its national reform agenda. As Australia faces slower growth and rising complexity, how can public policy adapt to deliver long-term productivity and social prog…

1
EP#136: ‘Of(f) Course Minister’ with Sean Innis 40:52

28d ago40:52

40:52

On this episode of Work with Purpose, Sean Innis, author of ‘Of(f) Course Minister’, talks about the principle of responsible government – how it has evolved, drifted and, at times, been corrupted. As the dust settles from the 2025 Australian Federal Election, we take a deep dive into the ins and outs of the relationships between public servants, m…

1
EP#135: Giving better: holistic community engagement with Michelle Steele 31:20

1M ago31:20

31:20

On this episode, Michelle Steele from the Paul Ramsay Foundation talks us through community engagement from a philanthropic and public sector perspective, highlighting the value of listening instead of coming with solutions. When governments engage with communities, it’s usually about a specific program or policy – but what if the first goal was to…

1
EP#134: In caretaker mode 33:58

2M ago33:58

33:58

On today’s episode of Work with Purpose, Andrew Walter from the Department of the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet and Professor Anne Tiernan from the McKinnon Institute for Political Leadership unpack the caretaker conventions. The Australian federal election campaign is well underway – this means the Australian Public Service is now i…

1
EP#133: The road to the top is paved with difficult conversations: A leadership chat with Ray Griggs AO CSC 47:55

2M ago47:55

47:55

On this episode of Work with Purpose, we hear from Ray Griggs AO CSC about what working in the navy has taught him about taking and giving feedback, and why difficult conversations are part and parcel of becoming a better leader. Ray Griggs AO CSC looks back at a long and distinguished career in the public sector – from Australia’s Defence Force to…

1
EP#132: ‘Own it’: Empowering neuro-affirming workstyles and environments with Joey Ballantyne 50:53

3M ago50:53

50:53

Trigger warning: themes of mental health/sexual assault Robin Edmonds from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communication and the Arts and Joey Ballantyne of Grit n Grace Collective talk about neurodiversity, developing a strong sense of self, and supporting people to learn and work in a way that helps them thrive.…

1
EP#131: Mapping the nation: The Digital Atlas of Australia 40:29

3M ago40:29

40:29

On our second episode of our APS Reform in Action series, we hear from Lisa Bush and Maree Wilson from Geoscience Australia about the power of geospatial data for better decision-making in the public sector. If you want to make better decisions, you need to have quality, trusted data. Unfortunately, critical data can often sit in siloes or be scatt…

1
EP#130: On a journey of continuous reform with Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn – part 2 34:08

3M ago34:08

34:08

Returning for part 2 of our new ‘APS Reform in Action’ series, Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn discuss how Australia is learning from other countries’ public service best practice – and vice versa. Wanting to do things better doesn’t always mean you have to re-invent the wheel. In this episode, Dr Rachel Bacon from the Australian Publi…

1
EP#129: On a journey of continuous reform with Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn – part 1 31:43

3M ago31:43

31:43

Launching our new ‘APS Reform in Action’ series, we hear from Dr Rachel Bacon and Professor Janine O’Flynn about enduring APS Reform and why public trust shouldn’t be taken for granted. The APS Reform Agenda has been a major project for the Australian Public Service over the past years – so, where is it at and where will it go in the future? Dr Rac…

1
EP#128: Tune into empathy for public sector work with Dr Claire Yorke 39:27

4M ago39:27

39:27

On the first episode of Work with Purpose of the year, Dr Claire Yorke lifts the lid on empathy and why it matters for policy and programs. Critics might say that empathy is a ‘soft skill’, yet it is absolutely critical to understanding people’s experiences and circumstances – and how they feel about them. It is also a key tool for better policy, p…

1
EP#107/127: Revisiting ‘In defence of Australia with Matt Yannopoulos PSM’ 44:06

4M ago44:06

44:06

In our last re-run for this season, Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia’s interests. In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia’s security and prosperity. On thi…

1
EP#105/126: Revisiting ‘ADDRESSing psychosocial hazards at work’ 38:48

5M ago38:48

38:48

Trigger warning: themes of mental and physical abuse Amaly Khalaf and Dr Steven Munns from the Australian Public Service Commission explore psychological safety in public sector workplaces – from the desk to the frontlines – on our third best-of episode of Work with Purpose 2024. Creating workplaces which are both mentally and physically safe is a …

1
EP#104/125: Revisiting ‘The power of leadership devolution with Blair Comley PSM' 46:39

5M ago46:39

46:39

Today, we listen back to a 2024 Work with Purpose episode with Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care Blair Comley PSM. Blair tells the story of his public service career and highlights how devolving leadership in the public sector can reduce risk, increase work quality and staff satisfaction. Blair Comley PSM looks back at an outstand…

1
EP#101/124: Revisiting ‘A masterclass in human-centred design in the public sector' 48:15

6M ago48:15

48:15

In this re-run of our most popular Work with Purpose episode of 2024, Dr Nina Terrey, Bec Bodel and Professor Brenton Prosser help you learn the ropes of human-centred design. In today’s complex world, how can the public sector effectively ensure that its policies and programs are centred on the needs of the people they serve? This episode explores…

1
Case 4: The Black Lung - Part 3: The Leak 26:17

6M ago26:17

26:17

Lock gets a crazy surprise the next day when he finds that Mrs. Berman is not actually Mrs. Berman, and all the pictures he took of her husband have been leaked to the press. In an effort to find out who the mysterious woman was who hired him, Locke decides to look at security cameras from various businesses on the street. But who has the best view…

1
EP#123: Work with Purpose 2024: (un)wrapped 30:51

6M ago30:51

30:51

Join us in unpacking the best conversations of Work with Purpose in 2024 – from tips for human-centred design to understanding how the public sector can join hands in defence of Australia. As the year comes to a close, we listen back to some of our fantastic 2024 Work with Purpose guests, reflecting on the sector’s most pressing challenges, innovat…

1
EP#122: Work with Purpose live: Lifting the stigma around men’s mental health at work 55:20

6M ago55:20

55:20

TW: mental health and suicide On our first ever Work with Purpose live episode, we shine a light on men’s mental health – from the numbers to the stories behind them – with Matthew Short from the Department of Health, Matthew Breen from Running for Resilience, and Lachlan Vivian-Taylor from Comcare. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics,…

1
EP#121: Running on empty? Burnout in the public sector with Dr Antonio Di Dio 37:27

7M ago37:27

37:27

Today, Dr Antonio Di Dio from the Professional Services Review talks about how to identify burnout and support yourself and your team members when they struggle with mental health challenges. The end of the year is inching closer, but for many working in the public sector, the next time-hungry project is just around the corner, increasing pressure …

1
Case 4: The Black Lung - Part 2: The Two Lockes 34:50

7M ago34:50

34:50

Locke wrestles with the news of a competing P.I. business across the street, owned by his rival. But he forces himself to press on. He decides to continue with Mrs. Berman's case by following her husband around the city. Oh, and Paul adopts a hobo. Music provided by: Taako at soundcloud.com/madebytaako and "I Knew a Guy", "NoGoodLayabout", "Spy Gla…

1
EP#120: Collaboration Circle: Shaping First Nations initiatives in the APS 45:49

7M ago45:49

45:49

Sam Jeffries from the Australian Public Service Commission, Julie Hansen from the Department of Defence, and Stella Renagi from the Australian Taxation Office join us on this episode to discuss the Collaboration Circle, a new model centering First Nations experiences in the APS. Effective engagement with First Nations peoples to ensure better recru…

1
EP#119: The change leader with Colonel Jennifer Harris 44:06

7M ago44:06

44:06

On this episode, Colonel Jennifer Harris from the Australian Army gives us a masterclass in managing change in complex organisations, based on her experience with the Army’s Digital Twin. Change can be difficult – as individuals, we prefer stability and predictability. Particularly when working in large organisations, it can be both an opportunity …

1
EP#118: Be a CALD champion with Jim Betts 40:43

7M ago40:43

40:43

Jim Betts, Secretary of the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts, talks about shaping his role as APS CALD Champion and why he wants leaders to take action to achieve equality. Our recent episode on CALD representation in the senior executive left many of us and our listeners humbled. Australia’…

1
EP#117: Let’s chat connection, capability, and crops with Adam Fennessy PSM 52:12

8M ago52:12

52:12

Adam Fennessy PSM, Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, shares tips for having difficult conversations and an insight into the department’s recent Growing Australia Together strategy on this episode of Work with Purpose. Where is the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry headed under its recent Growing Australia Together strategy…

1
EP#116: Why cultural and linguistic diversity matters: Unpacking the APS CALD Employment Strategy 50:41

8M ago50:41

50:41

On this episode, Dr Suzanne Akila, Jo Talbot, and Radi Kovacevic talk us through CALD representation in the public service, and what it will take for more culturally and linguistically diverse employees to succeed in the senior executive. Australia is a truly multicultural nation, with over 21 percent of the country's population born overseas. As t…

1
Case 4: The Black Lung - Part 1: The Professional Namer 35:16

8M ago35:16

35:16

Guess who's back with another semi-important case?! That's right! P.I. James Locke!! Season 4 begins with a bang as Locke is ready for another case and hopes to get laid, although he won't admit it. This season is going to be a fun one!! Music: "Backbay Lounge," "Sidewalk Shade," "Airport Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creat…

1
EP#115: Championing evaluation with The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP 31:11

8M ago31:11

31:11

The Hon Dr Andrew Leigh MP joins us on the episode of Work with Purpose to highlight how evaluation can help create better policies and programs. On a recent episode of Work with Purpose on the art of policymaking, our experts agreed that evaluation should be baked into the development process from the get-go – but how do you make it work when the …

1
EP#114: On the executive support team with Lydia Milosavljevic and Zoe Scanlon 38:22

8M ago38:22

38:22

Lydia Milosavljevic from the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water and Zoe Scanlon from the Attorney-General’s Department give us a masterclass in executive support on this episode of Work with Purpose. What does it take to build a superstar executive support team? Hear from Lydia Milosavljevic, executive assistant to Depu…

1
EP#113: Cultivating collaboration and leadership under pressure with Martin Hehir PSM and Kathy Hilyard 43:48

9M ago43:48

43:48

If your team is grappling with an increasingly busy workload, today’s episode of Work with Purpose with Martin Hehir PSM and Kathy Hilyard will give you some useful tips on how better collaboration can become part of the solution. With a busy work program following the pandemic, Martin Hehir PSM, deputy secretary, Governance and Corporate and chief…

1
EP#112: A conversation about rethinking reform with Andrew Podger AO 51:56

9M ago51:56

51:56

A stronger emphasis on merit now will be crucial to ensure a thriving public service in the future, former APS Commissioner Andrew Podger AO tells us on this episode of Work with Purpose. APS Reform is in full swing, but what else could be added to the agenda? On this episode, we hear the perspective of former senior public servant, now commentor a…

1
EP#111: A forever curious mind: Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE 42:23

10M ago42:23

42:23

Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE joins us for this episode reflecting on a career of curiosity and collaboration in service of Australia’s marine environment. Dr Wendy Craik AM FTSE has had a long and distinguished career across science, not-for-profits and the public sector. What has she learned along the way, from her time as a PhD candidate in Canada rese…

1
EP#110: Passion for public service with the Hon Patrick Gorman MP 32:36

10M ago32:36

32:36

In a first for Work with Purpose, we welcome The Hon Patrick Gorman MP to talk about his journey into politics, supporting the Prime Minister, and his vision for the use of artificial intelligence in the public service. From Assistant Minister to the Public Service, to Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister, to – more recently – Assistant Ministe…

1
EP#109: The policymaking toolkit – part 2 37:44

10M ago37:44

37:44

Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM return to complete your policy essentials class with a focus on the mystical policy window, the art of foresight, and the power of evaluation. In today’s complex and fast-moving environment, opportunities to introduce a policy can be tricky to identify. Dr Trish Mercer from the Australian Nat…

1
EP#108: The policymaking toolkit – part 1 31:36

11M ago31:36

31:36

Dr Trish Mercer, Andrew Tongue PSM and Fiona Barbaro PSM take us back to the essentials of policy-making – from understanding the political environment to creating a convincing narrative. What do you need to know about the political environment to make good policy? And how do you create a narrative that gets people on board with your proposal? In t…

1
EP#107: In defence of Australia with Matt Yannopoulos PSM 42:14

11M ago42:14

42:14

Matt Yannopoulos PSM, Associate Secretary of the Department of Defence, maps out a unified approach for the public service to defend Australia’s interests. In a world with increasing geopolitical tension, collaboration across the public service remains key to protecting Australia’s security and prosperity. On this episode, David Pembroke sits down …

1
EP#106: ‘Blak, Loud and Proud’ with Corey Tutt OAM and Ben Williams 42:38

11M ago42:38

42:38

In celebration of NAIDOC Week, Corey Tutt OAM from DeadlyScience and artist Ben Williams share the spirit of pride in their heritage and work. They invite you to listen closely to create true connections with First Nations peoples. How can all Australians join in celebrating First Nations peoples’ contributions? And what will it take for the public…

1
Kenneth Heights Stories: Joey and the Missing Lunch - Part 4/4 26:26

11M ago26:26

26:26

Joey knows who took his baby cake's lunch! But can he retrieve it in time or will it become someone else's dinner?! Listen to find out in the epic conclusion of Joey and the Missing Lunch! Music: "Just as Soon", "On the Cool Side", "Giant Wyrm", "Classic Film Noir", "Sidewalk Shade", and "Backbay Lounge" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed und…

1
EP#105: Addressing psychosocial hazards at work 40:43

11M ago40:43

40:43

Dr Amaly Khalaf and Dr Steven Munns from the Australian Public Service Commission explore psychological safety in public sector workplaces – from the desk to the frontlines. Creating workplaces which are both mentally and physically safe is a mission close to Dr Amaly Khalaf’s and Dr Steven Munn’s hearts. On this episode of Work with Purpose, they …

1
EP#104: The power of leadership devolution with Blair Comley PSM 45:34

12M ago45:34

45:34

Secretary of the Department of Health and Aged Care Blair Comley PSM tells the story of his public service career, and highlights how devolving leadership in the public sector can reduce risk, increase work quality and staff satisfaction. Blair Comley PSM looks back at an outstanding career across the public and private sectors, from designing the …

1
EP#103: Changing the climate for wellbeing 38:53

12M ago38:53

38:53

As the UN Climate Change Conference wraps up in Bonn, our Work with Purpose guests Dr Mara Hammerle and Andrew Hudson discuss the link between climate change and wellbeing and share some innovative ideas for greening government procurement. Climate change remains one of the world’s most complex and systemic challenges. With a profound effect on hum…

1
Kenneth Heights Stories: Joey and the Missing Lunch - Part 3/4 20:14

12M ago20:14

20:14

Joey is still hard at work trying to find Edith's lunch and he's starting to have his doubts. It's not until he makes a startling discovery vis bus cam footage that he finally believes in himself and so does Edith, but also not really. She kinda wonders why Joey is still on the hunt... But it's for his baby cakes! That's why!!…

1
EP#102: A blueprint for innovation success with Michael Schwager 43:23

1y ago43:23

43:23

On today’s Work with Purpose episode, Director General of IP Australia, Michael Schwager tells IP Australia’s innovation success story, and how the broader public sector can follow in its steps. Did you know that 57 per cent of IP Australia's staff rate their culture as positively supporting innovation, 18 per cent higher than the APS average? Toda…

1
EP#101: A masterclass in human-centred design in the public sector 50:30

1y ago50:30

50:30

On today’s Work with Purpose episode, Dr Nina Terry, Bec Bodel and Professor Brenton Prosser help you learn the ropes of human-centred design. In today's complex world, how can the public sector effectively ensure that its policies and programs are centred on the needs of the people they serve? This episode explores human-centered design as one pie…

1
EP#100: At the heart of public service with Dr Gordon de Brouwer 44:02

1y ago44:02

44:02

Today, we celebrate 100 episodes of Work with Purpose with a special conversation between two passionate public servants: Dr Gordon de Brouwer, Australian Public Service Commissioner and Thanuri Welaratne, education programs officer at Questacon. Together, they explore Gordon’s extensive career journey, covering the APS reform agenda and his report…

1
Public Sector Unearthed – EP#9: The latest buzz: Innovative European wasp control with Daniel Patterson 18:02

1y ago18:02

18:02

Daniel Patterson has always been keen to do good for Canberra’s communities – and their backyards. On this episode of Public Sector Unearthed, the horticulture expert and passionate public servant tells us the story of Canberra’s innovative European Wasp program. Daniel shares how his team manages European wasps in the ACT, by focusing on eco-frien…

1
Kenneth Heights Stories: Joey and the Missing Lunch - Part 2/4 17:29

1y ago17:29

17:29

Joey is interrogated by the police after being at the scene of a horrific crime. Luckily, he's able to talk his way out and get back to Edith's missing lunch. But things still aren't easy and he's worried that if he doesn't find it in time Edith will have to... order food for lunch... GASP!! Music: "Cool Vibes," "Midnight Mystery Jazz," "Bass Vibes…

1
Ep#99: What does a whole-of-nation approach look like for Australia? 29:29

1y ago29:29

29:29

Whilst the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach is not new on the global stage, it is still a relatively new concept in Australian international policy circles. Amidst global challenges that demand more than just government action, it is also becoming increasingly vital. Unlike the familiar whole-of-government strategy, the ‘whole-of-nation’ approach include…

1
Kenneth Heights Stories: Joey and the Missing Lunch - Part 1/4 21:06

1y ago21:06

21:06

Joey wants to be the second best P.I. all sides of the Mississippi. To reach that goal he needs to solve cases. Edith gives him one when she realizes she left her lunch on a city bus. Can Joey find it in time? He's going to try!! Music: "Bass Vibe", "Prelude and Action", "Sidewalk Shade", "Backbay Lounge", "On the Ground", Kevin MacLeod (incompetec…

1
Public Sector Unearthed – EP#8: Unpacking the ACT flexible work program with Matt Padovan and Noel Chan 23:40

1y ago23:40

23:40

In this episode of the Public Sector Unearthed podcast, Matt Padovan and Noel Chan from the ACT public service walk us through the organisation’s innovative flexible work program. Having worked on this project well before the world had to grapple with more flexible work demands due to COVID-19, Matt, who is director of flexible work within the ACT …

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