Dr Kevin Bonham, psephologist, polling analyst, and political commentator, drops by to discuss the problem with Group Voting Tickets and preference harvesting, how this affects who gets elected and distorts voter intention, and why we should vote below the line in the Upper House. Kevin also gives us an update on the Victorian state election polling figures thus far. Broadcast on 22 November 2022. For additional reading from Kevin, as mentioned in the interview: https://kevinbonham.blogspot.com/...
Nov 23, 2022•45 min
Jordan Crook, Nature Conservation Campaigner at the Victorian National Parks Association, evaluates the Victorian Government's record on some key environmental policy areas and issues ahead of the election and updates us on the latest campaigning wins for native forests. *Note: This is by no means a comprehensive look at all environmental policies of all parties at the state election. It looks at the record of the state government in areas that involve biodiversity, threatened species and habita...
Nov 22, 2022•28 min
Russia and international security expert Dr Matthew Sussex gives us clarity on what's happening in Russia's war against Ukraine, the "worldview" of President Putin, the effect of Russia's withdrawal from Kherson on the war strategy of both sides, plus their use of munitions, drones, and more. Matthew is an Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Defence Research, Australian Defence College. Broadcast on 15 November 2022.
Nov 15, 2022•43 min
Barkandji researcher and storyteller Zena Cumpston talks about indigenous plant use and the deep cultural significance of plants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Zena also speaks in-depth about the ongoing effects of colonisation in institutions like universities and the ways in which Aboriginal knowledge has been treated as an "add-on" to the scientific study of plants and the management of Country. She outlines how and why this needs to change. Zena's new book, co-authored wit...
Nov 13, 2022•26 min
Amy is joined by Thai cave rescue diver, retired veterinary surgeon, and 2019 Australian of the Year Craig Challen. Craig speaks of his fascinating experiences as a technical cave diver setting records and travelling around the world diving with his mate Dr Richard 'Harry' Harris. Craig also shares how their involvement in the famous Tham Luang cave rescue in northern Thailand has extended the cave diving community's ability to conduct rescues. Craig outlines the ways Ancient Stoic philosophy ha...
Nov 13, 2022•54 min
Historians Professor Michelle Arrow and Professor Frank Bongiorno speak about the disturbing new history wars, which have seen several of Australia's national cultural institutions suffer severe cumulative federal funding cuts over decades with damaging effects. For example, the National Library of Australia has taken an unprecedented step and closed access to its manuscript collections for seven months to repair a leaking roof. This will have enormous effects on the work of academics, students,...
Nov 12, 2022•32 min
From the archives: Former Vice-President of the Geelong Football Club Bob Gartland and Geelong Gallery Director Jason Smith discuss the history of Aussie rules football and the second oldest continuous sporting organisation in the world – the Geelong Football Club. They explore the inextricable link between the Geelong Football Club and the city of Geelong, and talk about Bob’s massive historical GFC collection, which was on show in 2019 for the Geelong Gallery's exhibition, The Greatest Team of...
Nov 11, 2022•31 min
ABC radio host and former Triple R broadcaster Jacinta Parsons joins Amy for an in-depth discussion about her new book, 'A Question of Age: Women, ageing and the forever self.' Jacinta asks, how do we adjust our perceptions of getting older? What does it mean to age as a woman? And what is our currency now? Jacinta's previous book is called, 'Unseen: The secret life of chronic illness.' Broadcast on 13 September 2022.
Nov 11, 2022•44 min
Journalist and filmmaker Karl Malakunas speaks in-depth about the volunteer environmental defenders risking their lives on the island of Palawan (Philippines) to save some of the most biodiverse forests and oceans in the world from illegal logging and fishing. The story of the Palawan NGO Network Inc's(PNNI) brave members and supporters is featured in Karl's award-winning enviro-thriller documentary, Delikado. Karl is also Asia-Pacific Deputy Editor-In-Chief for Agence France-Presse. For screeni...
Nov 09, 2022•47 min
Award-winning climate scientist and writer Dr Joëlle Gergis, delves into her new book, Humanity's Moment: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope. Joëlle is an Australian Lead Author of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and an advisor to the Climate Council.
Oct 10, 2022•47 min
What's really causing inflation in Australia and will jacking up interest rates fix it? Dr Richard Denniss, Executive Director of The Australia Institute explains Australia's current economic woes and demystifies the confusion and arguments around the role of the RBA, rising interest rates, increasing inflation, Stage 3 tax cuts, and low wages growth. Richard tells us exactly how these issues affect us and what can be done about them. Broadcast on 6 September 2022.
Oct 05, 2022•48 min
World-leading forest scientist Professor David Lindenmayer AO joins Amy to discuss his book, The Great Forest: The Rare Beauty of the Victorian Central Highlands. David will also discuss his most recent scientific research on the mountain ash forests and the ongoing problems with native forest logging in Victoria. Professor David Lindenmayer is a world-renowned expert in forest ecology and resource management, and conservation science, based at the Fenner School of Environment and Society, ANU. ...
Oct 05, 2022•26 min
Cinematic legend and icon Jean-Luc Godard died at age 91 recently, so it was apt that Dr Andrew McGregor returned to delve deeply into the life and legacy of the revolutionary auteur. Andrew and Amy discuss the nouvelle vague movement that originated in the late 1950s into the 1960s in France and Godard's prominent place within it. They explore the innovative film-making techniques and artistic genius that distinguished Godard's work from others and transformed cinema forever. They also highligh...
Sep 30, 2022•54 min
British musician and environmentalist Nick Mulvey joins Amy for a special in-depth conversation about his latest album, New Mythology. Nick explains how he's "always trying to explore the planetary through the personal" with his music. From his early years as a founding member of Portico Quartet to his solo career, Nick shares the many spiritual, cultural, musical, and environmental influences on his new work, including ancient Celtic cultures, American buddhist Joanna Macy, and the revered late...
Aug 29, 2022•47 min
Nick Feik, former Editor of The Monthly, delves into the latest in federal politics with an incisive analysis of all the developments and questions arising from former Prime Minister Scott Morrison's ministerial power grab, including the complicity of those who knew, the role of the Governor-General, and much more. Broadcast on 23 August 2022.
Aug 29, 2022•34 min
Highly regarded geopolitical thinker and former Singaporean diplomat Kishore Mahbubani talks about his essay, 'Australia's Choice: Can It Be A Bridge To Asia?', which is published in Australian Foreign Affairs Magazine (July 2022). Kishore explains how Australia needs to face up to the geopolitical reality of the 21st century – that China will become the number 1 global power. In order to find effective ways to both get along with and stand up to China, Kishore says there are many lessons Austra...
Aug 28, 2022•41 min
Best-selling British author Johann Hari chats in-depth with Amy live on Uncommon Sense for part two of their conversation on his book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can't Pay Attention. Johann discusses the crisis of attention in both children and adults, how 'big tech' saps our ability to focus, as well as the insidious environmental factors that affect our attention, like pollution and chemicals. Most importantly, Johann explains what we can do about it, individually and collectively. Listen to part o...
Aug 21, 2022•50 min
Acclaimed historian Henry Reynolds discusses his award-winning book, 'Forgotten War' – on the frontier wars between First Nations people and white colonists. Frontier violence was commonplace in Australia during the 19th century, but can it be characterised as a war? Henry Reynolds explains. Originally published in 2014, it has been re-released by NewSouth Publishing. Broadcast on 9 August 2022.
Aug 21, 2022•49 min
Fiona Patten MLC, Reason Party Leader and representative for the Northern Metropolitan Region in the upper house of Victoria's state parliament, joins Amy to discuss state politics and policy, as well as the upcoming state election. Fiona explains her new bill which seeks to ensure that all publicly funded hospitals (including religious ones that receive government funding) provide abortion services, contraception, and voluntary-assisted dying. She also discusses a widely-criticised law the Andr...
Aug 17, 2022•46 min
Dr Chris Wallace discusses the latest in federal politics, including the recent revelations that former Prime Minister Scott Morrison formally appointed himself to five Ministerial roles in secret. Chris delves into the detail of what happened and the historical and contemporary significance of this unprecedented action by an Australian Prime Minister. She also shares what this means for democracy and whether a Royal Commission or inquiry is needed. Broadcast on 16 August 2022.
Aug 17, 2022•45 min
Dr Kylie Soanes, conservation biologist at the University of Melbourne delves into the State of the Environment Report, finally released by the federal government. With the report declaring that urban environments are in the best condition – rated as "good and neutral" – Kylie discusses whether this assessment reflects the reality of nature in our cities and urban ecologies. In fact, Australia’s cities and towns are home to more than 46% of threatened species – including some plants and animals ...
Aug 14, 2022•32 min
Professor Andrew Walter talks about the latest in UK politics, including the demise of UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson and the final round of the Tory leadership contest between Rishi Sunak and Liz Truss. Andrew also discusses some of the other leadership contenders who have since left the field but are making their mark on the Tory party, including Kemi Badenoch. Andrew Walter is a Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne, and a 2021 Fulbright Scholar. Broadcast on 26...
Aug 14, 2022•41 min
Epidemiologist Professor Nancy Baxter discusses the state of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as other viruses of concern this winter, including the flu. Nancy talks about the experiences of people who choose to wear a mask, those with Long COVID, and those seeking timely anti-viral treatments. Nancy also explains the critical and simple things we can do to protect ourselves, each other, and the health system, which is currently under extreme strain. Nancy is Head of the Melbourne School of Populat...
Jul 31, 2022•40 min
British biologist and bumblebee expert Professor Dave Goulson joins Amy to talk about his latest book, 'Silent Earth: Averting the Insect Apocalypse.' Dave talks about how insects have been misunderstood, the vital contributions they make to our ecosystems and lives. He also explains the concerning research detailing insect decline and the reasons behind it. We can prevent an insect apocalypse. Dave Goulson studied biology at Oxford University and is Professor of Biology at the University of Sus...
Jul 28, 2022•53 min
The recent detection of varroa mite in Australia via the Port of Newcastle has alarmed many beekeepers. A deadly parasite, varroa mite has plagued every other continent on Earth except Australia, until now. Nicholas Dowse, founder of urban beekeeping collective Honey Fingers, speaks about this concerning development and the likelihood of varroa mite being eradicated. If it is not, what might its effect be on honeybee populations, beekeeping, and agriculture? Is this the end of Australia's golden...
Jul 27, 2022•32 min
Amy is joined by American biologist Professor David George Haskell who talks about his new book on the evolution of sound and the beauty of listening in nature. David also shares how humans are now silencing and smothering many of the natural sounds of the living Earth. It's a crisis that is easily solvable with political will. David is a professor of biology and environmental studies at Sewanee: the University of the South. His latest book is called, 'Sounds Wild and Broken: Sonic Marvels, Evol...
Jul 18, 2022•54 min
Victorian cultural leader and former diplomat Carrillo Gantner AC joins Amy for an in-depth conversation about his new book, 'Dismal Diplomacy, Disposable Sovereignty: Our Problem With China and America.' Carrillo examines the recent history of Australia's very poor diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China and explains what the new Labor federal government must do to repair the relationship. Carrillo reflects on his time as Counsellor (cultural) at the Australian Embassy in Beiji...
Jun 12, 2022•57 min
Guardian Australia environment reporter Graham Readfearn talks about the sixth mass coral bleaching event at the Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, which occurred earlier this year. He describes his visit to the John Brewer Reef near Townsville and what he has learned about the causes of the Great Barrier Reef's decline. We learn about its current condition and the reef's future in the face of climate change and other factors. Graham also explains what happened during the recent assessment of the...
Jun 11, 2022•29 min
Dr Chris Wallace joins Amy to examine the 2022 federal election results in-depth, including the massive wins for the Greens, independents, and Labor. They also assess the extent of the media's influence, reflect on campaign strategies, and the next steps for an incoming Albanese Labor government. Chris is Professor at the 50/50 By 2030 Foundation at the University of Canberra, a former member of the Canberra Press Gallery and author of 'How To Win An Election.' Broadcast on 24 May 2022.
Jun 03, 2022•48 min
EXTENDED INTERVIEW: Award-winning author Dr Elizabeth Tynan speaks about her new book, The Secret of Emu Field: Britain’s forgotten atomic tests in Australia. Elizabeth tells us what happened at Emu Field, South Australia in October 1953. She talks of a terrifying black mist that spread across the land after the first atomic bomb detonation called Totem I. It brought death and sickness to Aboriginal people in its path. Elizabeth describes some of the secrecy that still exists today around the te...
May 19, 2022•1 hr 3 min
