The Grand Scheme of Things

We mark the happy occasion of episode 50 by chatting to gun Climate Council researcher Simon Bradshaw. There's an election result to digest and new Labor policies to scrutinise. There are international forums to consider. And there's acknowledgement of a looming fear: will a more 'progressive' government encourage climate complacency among the huddled masses? Simon thinks not, FYI. A good episode to orient yourself after a bewildering change in Canberra. 

And much like bears, chipmunks, snails and wood frogs, we'll be back after a short midwinter break!

Jeff Chee is an investment guru (the Global Head of Portfolio Strategy, to be clear) at leading risk management and advisory firm Willis Towers Watson. His work is significantly focused on climate and sustainability and, in this discussion, he gave sterling insight on topics that were previously uncharted in our series. Climate risk assessment, ethical fund management, greenwash, the role of government, and the limitations of divestment are all covered. We were bowled over by Jeff’s intelligent, wide-ranging perspectives!
 

Our last recorded discussion before the most important election in the history of democracy, so who better to unpack the big topics with than Craig 'Fozz' Foster?!

Craig  was the 40th captain of the Socceroos and he’s a bona fide icon of Australian football. These days he's making waves in the space of human rights, multiculturalism and diversity.  Craig is an articulate and passionate communicator, so don't be alarmed if you find yourself agreeing with everything he says! You’ll hear evaluations on Australia's treatment of refugees, the current business model of sports, and Craig’s biggest influences. As always, there’s also a dash of climate conversation.

Active listening will be rewarded. God bless and we’ll see you at the top!

We’re heading down Peninsula Link (or the scenic route) for this last edition of TGSOT before the federal election. Despi O’Connor is the independent Climate 200 candidate battling for the seat of Flinders, hoping to fill the vacuum left by Greg Hunt. She’s a significant figure in the local community - a former mayor, no less - and ‘name recognition’ might be her secret weapon. Here we’re chatting about the climate credentials of independents, local matters in Flinders, an eligibility hiccup, and the under-utilised French Island. Good luck, Despi!

The special skill Alex Currell brings to the Kooyong Climate Alliance is that he speaks fluent 'policy', and he's put this to good use in developing the Kooyong Climate Scorecard - a representation of candidates' approaches to key climate issues. Inspired by this scorecard, as well as Alex's turn standing-in for the Kooyong incumbent at a recent forum, we got chatting to him here. Tune in for an overview of the major parties' climate offerings, as well as those of Monique Ryan. There's also a brief detour into issues of 'integrity'. Sure it's a long-ish episode, but given the vast territory covered, it's actually quite condensed! Thanks to Alex for his heavy lifting!

FYI, the full scoring rationale for the scorecard can be found at this link and is worth casting an eye over: https://kooyongvotesclimate.com/federal-election/

Away from the media glare, Kooyong candidate Dr Peter Lynch is sticking his neck out for Labor in what's considered 'enemy' territory. He's a vastly experienced physician and he's got a track record of engagement in many of the social issues that really matter. Given he wasn't able to offer a skerrick of praise for Josh Frydenberg in the interview, it's perhaps unfair to pump up Peter's tyres any more in this description. 

Discussion highlights include: Labor climate policy, refugees, opposing candidates, and a brazen attempt to get advice on Ben's broken collarbone without an appointment. 

Remember to vote etc., etc.!

Exciting times in the AFL world, regardless of your opinions on Voss' Blues. Late last year,  Jasper Pittard (former Port Adelaide and North Melbourne defender) and Tom Campbell (St Kilda ruckman) brought together over 260 current and former players to create 'AFL Players For Climate Action'. Here, Jasper joins us to explain their objectives. We also discuss the impacts of climate on community football, engaging with the AFL as a broader industry, and even the sports gambling dilemma. Jasper’s an impressive speaker - crack in!

In this episode (43), we felt #blessed to be able to condense the various viewpoints of ALL Victorian farmers into a single conversation with the inimitable president of the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF),  Emma Germano!

In just one hour,  we made serious headway on all kinds of topics - net-zero targets in the ag sector,  political representation,  ‘front of mind issues’ for those living on the land, and the best ways to consume the oft-maligned cauliflower plant. 

Live, laugh, love and listen!

Great timing! With an election campaign upon us, it was a boon to chat to esteemed actor Tosh Greenslade, a regular in national lounge rooms through his many roles in 'Shaun Micallef's Mad as Hell'. Tosh is also the author of 'The Scomo Diaries', a unique character study (or assassination) of our incumbent ruler. He thinks most people who aspire to federal political office are crackers. Do you agree? Keep your answers to yourself! 

A star of Melbourne’s academic mean streets, Jeff Sparrow looms as a renowned journalist, writer, socialist and ‘ideas man’. Our chat here comes off the back of Jeff’s recent title ‘Crimes Against Nature’, a very timely defence of consumers amidst the climate challenge. We sought him out to discuss this, the viability of a market response, personal responsibility, and global turmoil. Go for it.