Celebrating 100 years of David Attenborough and cancelling the Met Gala

About this episode

The episode celebrates David Attenborough's 100th birthday while discussing blood donation and the ethics of the Met Gala.

Sir David Attenborough is turning 100 years old. Over decades spent exploring and documenting the wonders of nature across the planet, he has shaped our collective understanding of the world. On the cusp of his birthday, Emeritus Professor Justin Marshall and Sir Dave Day convenor Gemma Pepper celebrate the enduring legacy of an extraordinary man. Every day, thousands of Australians rely on blood transfusions to not just survive, but to live a normal life. And while it's estimated one in three of us will need blood or blood products in our lifetime, only one in 30 donates. Blood donation advocate Kate Fisher shares how human stories are key to encouraging more eligible donors to give the gift of life. The Met Gala has always been for a handful of elite philanthropists and celebrities raising money for an exclusive institution. But this year's event, funded by Jeff Bezos, felt especially dystopian. So is it ethical to have a little bit of fun looking at fancy people dressing up in fun clothes, when it's sponsored by a billionaire oligarch?

People in this episode

Guests: Justin Marshall, Gemma Pepper, Kate Fisher

Topics covered

• celebration
• blood donation
• ethical discussions
• David Attenborough
• Met Gala
• philanthropy

Keywords

• David Attenborough
• blood donation
• Met Gala
• ethical discussions
• celebrity philanthropy

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Met Gala

More episodes of Life Matters - Full program podcast

• AI anxiety and fibbing about your religion for the greater good · June 11, 2026 · 53 min
• Dealing with anxiety after a health scare and chasing happiness · June 10, 2026 · 55 min
• Using maths to make the 'perfect' decision and why communities need trees and bookstores · June 9, 2026 · 54 min
• Our plastic shame and how to deal with dyslexia at work · June 8, 2026 · 54 min
• What Dr Billy Garvey wants you to know about raising boys and reflecting on Richard Scolyer's legacy · June 7, 2026 · 55 min
• Where looksmaxxing crosses the line and the guilt of pet regret · June 4, 2026 · 54 min