Sad/Angry/Happy: Happy

Grappling with an abiding sorrow? Grinding your teeth when that car cuts you off in the street? Searching for that ever-elusive sense of satisfaction and well-being? If Melbourne’s a city that often experiences four seasons in a day, most of its residents face much the same experience internally.

We’re always in the mood for a good discussion at the Wheeler Centre, but let’s face it – an even temperament is hard to find and even harder to achieve. Over three nights we take a digressive exploration through the tempers and moods of modern life. From the electrical signals and balance of chemicals that fire up our brains, to the social pressures and metaphysical entanglements that drive our behaviour, our panels of experts consider depression and rage, contentment and joy.

Presenters

Catherine Deveny

Catherine Deveny is a comedy writer, columnist, stand-up comedian and the author of Free to a Good Home, Say When and It’s Not My Fault They Print Them.

Jonathan Daly

Jonathan Daly is an urbanist and behaviour change consultant with a focus on the human, social and cultural capital of cities.

Anne Manne

Anne Manne is a Melbourne writer, essayist and social philosopher. She has been a regular columnist for The Australian and The Age.

Sean Dooley

Sean Dooley is a Melbourne author who works as a television comedy writer. He has a weekly spot with 3RRR Breakfasters and regularly contributes to The Age and ABC radio about birds, the environment, sport and, well, anything really.