The act of lying seems to be an inherently human trait at times, but when we dig a bit deeper beneath the surface we see that nature practices deception all the time. As part of the 2025 Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour conference and ahead of the release of his latest book, we caught up with James to chat about his work, and the incredible ways that animals deceive us and others. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy info...
Jun 16, 2025•23 min
Last week Taylor Swift made an announcement that many fans have long been waiting for: she now owns the master recordings of all six of her early albums. To learn why this is a big deal, we sat down with copyright and IP expert and Taylor Swift fan, Dr Wellett Potter from the University of New England. Dr Potter has also written a Conversation article on the topic, which you can read here: https://theconversation.com/taylor-swift-now-owns-all-the-music-she-has-ever-made-a-copyright-expert-breaks...
Jun 09, 2025•42 min
Fossils play an important part in how we interact with and understand our environment - including those environments long past. There's a wealth of fossils in Lightning Ridge, which can teach us much about the mid-Cretaceous, and that's exactly what today's guest, Sherri Donaldson, is working on. We caught up with Sherri for World Environment Day to talk about how these ancient creatures can teach us not just about the past, but also our future. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm ...
Jun 06, 2025•41 min
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode discusses heavy topics surrounding the Myall Creek Massacre of 1838, and may contain the names of people who have died. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Myall Creek Memorial in it's current form. Over 180 years ago, settlers murdered at least 28 Aboriginal people who had taken refuge from colonial violence at Myall Creek Station. What makes this event different to others is that it was the first and only tim...
May 28, 2025•54 min
This episode contains discussions of domestic and family violence that may be triggering to some listeners. If you or a loved one are struggling, know there there is help available: 1800 RESPECT 13 YARN LifeLine 13 11 14 For Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Ash sits down with Lili Greer - the founder of the Tina Greer Project which honours her late mother. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 14, 2025•19 min
Ash sits down with Dr Marianne Moen to discuss the importance of taking an intersectional approach to archaeology. Drawing on Dr Moen's research areas of gender archaeology and mortuary practices, the two have an in-depth discussion of the role that gender plays in our understanding of the past, and the narratives we tell ourselves. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
May 08, 2025•49 min
The NSW Government is seeking input on a proposal to grow the state's hemp industry. Ash sits down with Dr Alison Bowman, the Associate Group Director of Research Assurance for Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Agriculture and Biosecurity department. They discuss the benefits of this crop on the economy, and the ways in which the state and public input can shape the crop's future. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy ...
May 06, 2025•12 min
Ollie sits down with the one and only Ruby Fields to discuss her upcoming appearance at the Big Chill music festival, the aussie festival scene, and her passion for science and music. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
May 05, 2025•26 min
How attached to your wood heater are you? A new pilot study being conducted in Armidale aims to examine the impacts of wood heaters on air quality and air pollution by offering homeowners the chance to switch from traditional wood heating to reverse cycle air conditioning. Ash sits down with Dr Sharon Campbell from the University of Tasmania to discuss her work and what the study will look like. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information...
Apr 29, 2025•19 min
For World Book and Copyright Day, Ash sits down with Dr Wellett Potter and Dr Sophie Masson to discuss the intricate relationship between literature, copyright, and the impact of artificial intelligence. They explore the evolution of copyright law, the challenges posed by AI, the nuances of fan fiction, and the role of copyright in literary adaptations. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Apr 23, 2025•44 min
For World Art Day Ash catches up with Dr Marty Branagan, who in addition to being the convenor of peace studies at the University of New England is also an artist and a writer with a long history of drawing inspiration from the climate and environment. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Apr 15, 2025•18 min
UNE PhD student Nathan Enriquez has published a paper on dinosaur feature scales, alongside lecturers Dr Nic Campione and Dr Phil Bell. The paper looks at the nature of these feature scales and what role they may have played in dinosaur life and development. Ash sits down with Nic to discuss his role in the paper as Nathan's supervisor, along with an exciting opportunity for students later this year. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy inform...
Apr 08, 2025•22 min
As climate change continues to be at the forefront of many peoples minds, philosophical lines of thinking are beginning to open up, looking at the rights and responsibilities not just of those impacted by climate change and climatic events, but also the responsibilities of all people. Ash sits down with UNE PhD candidate, Harrison Munday, to discuss his research into climate justice and climate displacement, within the philosophy discipline, and what meaningful action people can take to seek jus...
Apr 01, 2025•37 min
What makes peace, and how can we contribute? These are the questions that academics and students discussed at the Peace and Justice: the Sixth Biennial Peace Studies Conference, held in Sydney earlier this month. Ash sits down with Associate Professor in Peace Studies, Dr Marty Branagan, about the conference, peace as a cultural revolution, and his latest book The Cultural Dimensions of Peacebuilding , which examines the creation, through the arts and culture, of societies that enjoy sustainable...
Mar 19, 2025•34 min
Goodness sits down with fellow UNE PhD student, Elandri de Bruyn, to discuss her research into cattle genetics, and creating the best steak. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 14, 2025•17 min
Following a study being released from the University of NSW and Deakin University, Ash sits down with PhD student Anjuli Muller from Massey University, whose expert reaction to the study was cited by Scimex. Anjuli is researching co-production and participatory public engagement through the subject of women’s health in Aotearoa New Zealand. She tells us about her research, the need for more women in research spaces, and what people in those spaces can do to better include women. Support the show...
Mar 13, 2025•16 min
While the biosecurity risk of the varroa mite and it's impact on European honeybees is well-known and documented, the knock-on effects of the parasite on native bee and plant species isn't as highlighted. Ash sits down with Dr Tom Le Breton to discuss his latest paper, published in the Australian Journal of Botany, and the citizen science project that was borne from his research. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Mar 11, 2025•24 min
Ollie sits down with Shane from DZ Deathrays to have a chat about their music, current regional tour Weekend Warriors, and their upcoming album hopefully dropping later this year. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 10, 2025•16 min
TuneFM volunteer Tashi Dema sits down with four incredible women from UNE, Dr Lucie Newsome, Director of Oorala Sam Fowler, Professor Susan Wilson, and Dr Somayeh Ba Akhlagh, to discuss their experiences, achievements, and advice on supporting women in academia and beyond. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 06, 2025•28 min
UNE's Professor Karl Vernes and colleagues Dr Rex Mitchell and Professor Vera Weisbecker from Flinders University have recently published an article on the Conversation looking at the desert rat-kangaroo. Rediscovered in the 1930s, the creature was re-declared extinct in the 90s - but researchers think there's a good likelihood it still survives in pockets of habitat in the Sturt Stony Desert. Ash sits down with Professor Karl Vernes to discuss the creature, and the team's work on it's diet and ...
Mar 06, 2025•25 min
Ben Lewis sits down with Professor Annette Cowie, globally recognised climate scientist, UNE academic, and 2025 finalist for the Premier's NSW Woman of Excellence Award. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mar 03, 2025•11 min
The iconic Ningaloo Reef is experiencing a widespread coral bleaching event, believed to be caused by an ongoing marine heatwave along the Western Australian coast. Coral bleaching occurs when polyps that make up the colony become stressed, generally due to increased temperatures. We spoke with Dr James Gilmour from the Australian Institute for Marine Science, who has over twenty years of experience with corals and coral bleaching. You'll also hear from Paul Gamblin from the Australian Marine Co...
Feb 24, 2025•19 min
Ash sits down with alternative Aussie singer songwriter Adam Newling. The two chat about the music industry, the importance of musical connections, as well as Adam's upcoming album Love Takes Care, and his previous album, Dorothy's Painted Portraits. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 20, 2025•17 min
Following the decision by the Queensland Government to restrict access to hormone therapy for gender diverse individuals under the age of 18, thousands of people across the country came together for a national day of action on the 8th of February. Ben and Ash spoke with a number of people at the local rally in Armidale about their thoughts, and what words of advice they have for young trans people and their parents. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener fo...
Feb 19, 2025•5 min
Bush Heritage Australia has been working to protect environmentally significant habitats along the Murray-Darling Basin, ensuring their preservation and protection. Thanks to Bush Heritage Austraila's recent acquisition of the property Nil Desperandum, they'll be able to better manage places like the Yantabulla Swamp, which is a nationally significant wetland in the region. We spoke to Bridget Roberts, an ecologist with Bush Heritage Australia, on her role in the project. Support the show: https...
Feb 18, 2025•21 min
Ash sits down with Yuwaalaraay man and Narran Lake Nature Reserve Aboriginal Joint Management Chairperson, Jason Wilson, and Jabirr Jabirr man and CSIRO indigenous scientist Max Fabila to discuss the ways in which CSIRO is using cultural knowledge to deepen their understanding of drought resilience." Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Feb 11, 2025•27 min
Tune's resident agricultural report, Goodness, sits down with Cass Donaldson, an agriculture student at UNE. Together they go over Cass's experience in soil science and her time competing in the Soil Judging competition in 2024, run by Soil Science Australia. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Feb 04, 2025•21 min
University of New England researcher Dr Lou Streeting and her team has hatched over 600 endangered Bell’s Turtles as part of an ongoing conservation effort to save the species. TuneFM’s Ash Taylor caught up with Dr Streeting in the lab to learn more about these turtles, and how the project has evolved. All turtles were handled under scientific direction, following all ethics guidelines as stipulated by UNE. This conservation project is a collaboration between the University of New England and Lo...
Feb 03, 2025•6 min
Note: this episode does contain discussion of some mature topics. Ever heard a word and gone 'what the hell does that mean?' Well, you're not alone. New words are created pretty regularly, particularly on the internet, but they don't all make it into mainstream speech. We caught up with UNE's Dr Sally Dixon, who teaches linguistics, to chat about some of 2024's words of the year, including 'rawdog', 'enshittification' and 'colesworth.' Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnyst...
Jan 28, 2025•35 min
We caught up with Dr Tanya Latty from the University of Sydney about the Christmas Beetle Count project that sees people getting involved with collecting data on Christmas beetle populations. Since our conversation last year, sightings have increased, and Dr Latty hopes that this trend will continue on. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefm See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information....
Dec 20, 2024•27 min
