JOY Drive

25 Feb 2025

Dr Ash Watson: Vibe Culture

Psychology, Society & Culture

You know that feeling when you walk into a room and something feels off? Or when you are having a great time and say, “We are vibing”?

We all use the word “vibe” to describe moods, energies and atmospheres, but can we study them?

Researchers are now investigating “vibe culture” to understand how we navigate social interactions, make decisions, and even how companies use vibes to market to us.

Guest: Dr Ash Watson, Scientia Fellow and Senior Lecturer at the University of New South Wales Sydney

Presenter: Warren Andrew

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:24 — 17.0MB)

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15 Mar 2026

Associate Professor Micah Goldwater: Why Rational People Still Believe in Superstitions

Popular Culture, Social Sciences, Society & Culture

Most of us consider ourselves rational, yet superstitions still shape everyday behaviour. Psychologist Micah Goldwater explains why scientific thinking and ...

15 Mar 2026

Associate Professor Lauren Rosewarne: Why Some Gen Z Men Are Returning to Traditional Gender Views

LGBTIQA+ Community, Popular Culture, Social Media, Society & Culture

New research suggests some Gen Z men are expressing more traditional views about gender roles than older generations. Associate Professor ...

15 Mar 2026

Ben Cork: What the Pride in Sport Survey Reveals About Inclusion in Australian Sport

LGBTIQA+ Community, Professional, Society & Culture, Sports & Recreation

New results from the Pride in Sport Index survey reveal how LGBTQIA+ players, coaches and volunteers are experiencing sport across ...