The Wheeler Centre has announced two major additions to its 2026 program, bringing Australian entertainment icon Magda Szubanski and acclaimed US author Michael Pollan to Melbourne for exclusive conversations at Melbourne Town Hall.
The headline events will see two of the world’s most compelling storytellers explore themes of identity, grief, creativity, consciousness and what it means to better understand ourselves and the world around us.
Wheeler Centre CEO Erin Vincent said the appearances highlight the importance of coming together for meaningful conversations.
“Magda Szubanski and Michael Pollan are two remarkable voices and these exclusive Melbourne appearances speak to the great importance of gathering for compelling conversations. We’re thrilled to add them to our year-round program this year,” she said.
“The events continue the Wheeler Centre’s commitment to bringing audiences together through the exchange of stories and ideas.
“The Wheeler Centre brings people together through the exchange of stories and ideas, encouraging curiosity and thoughtful provocation. We’re so proud to bring Melbourne audiences together with these extraordinary writers whose work opens up space for curiosity and reflection.’
In September, Magda Szubanski will join acclaimed journalist and author Julia Baird for a conversation marking the release of her highly anticipated second memoir, I Can’t Tell You But I Will.
Following her bestselling memoir Reckoning, Szubanski’s latest book reflects on her journey through personal loss, public advocacy and the challenges of caring for a loved one. The conversation will explore the emotional weight of grief, resilience and balancing private struggles with public responsibilities.
In November, Michael Pollan will take audiences on a journey into the mysteries of consciousness during a conversation with broadcaster Richard Fidler.
Drawing from his latest work A World Appears: A Journey Into Consciousness, Pollan will examine the science, philosophy and cultural perspectives behind the human mind, exploring everything from Indigenous knowledge systems to the future possibilities of machine consciousness.
Both events will take place at Melbourne Town Hall as part of the Wheeler Centre’s 2026 program. For more information, visit wheelercentre.com/events
