The Grand Scheme of Things

Successful peace-talks lead to Joe and Ben's first combined interview in yonks. Their guest is Chris Middleton, a Jesuit priest who is also the rector of Xavier College. Chris explains his idea of a pragmatic approach to climate change, in particular the roles that could be played by the Church and the market. It also seemed a good opportunity to get his take on a few pesky existential questions.

For the first time, we're including some 'recommended reading'. As background to this bumper episode, check out Chris' articles related to climate change that have been published in Eureka Street and sections of Pope Francis'  'Laudato Si' (2015). 

- https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article/a-guide-to-pragmatic-climate-action
- https://www.eurekastreet.com.au/article/climate-action-requires-unity-not-division
- http://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/encyclicals/documents/papa-francesco_20150524_enciclica-laudato-si.html

(Episode prepared Dec 2020)

In this finale of the 'Mayor Series', Ben sits down with Andrew Munroe, the Mayor of Whitehorse. They were so occupied by climate issues that there wasn't a chance to address the recent closure of Darkzone Box Hill and the subsequent dearth of laser-tag in the community. 

Anyway, the discussion provides another valuable insight into how a council might perceive its role surrounding climate change. Enjoy!

(Episode prepared Dec 2020)

Kicking off a two-part series featuring local government leaders, Joe chats to Jennifer Alden, the recently instated Mayor of Bendigo. Jennifer has long shown an interest in environmental matters and certainly proves this with her words here. 

When in Bendigo, Joe chooses to stay at: 
- Nan & Grandad's
Eats at:  
- Nan & Grandad's
- Baker's Delight Strath Village ($)
- Condon St Fish & Chippery ($)
- Clogs Pizza ($$$)

(Episode prepared Dec 2020)

Joe books a coveted podcaster-teacher interview with Mr Chris Mullarvey. Their chat traverses such topics as high school climate engagement, social media impacts and PlayStation escapism. Chris is a seriously good operator!

(Episode prepared mid Nov 2020)

Could your great-great-great-grandparents have ever imagined that in the 2020s it would be possible for a bumbling interviewer (Joe) to video call an Australian writer and renewables expert based in Norway (Ketan Joshi) and later to package their conversation (somewhat about moving away from coal etc.) as a product that interested strangers could listen to on a whim? I highly doubt it!

Check out Ketan's first book 'Windfall' (published September 2020) after listening to this miraculous episode!

(Episode prepared November 2020)

Continuing his purple patch, Ben conducts an extended interview with Lesley Hughes, a climate scientist and a significant figure on Australia's Climate Council. They talk, in part, about how to best communicate environmental issues to the wider public. 

Reviews for this episode:
"Non-stop mayhem. Objectively awesome" - Margaret Pomegranate 
"A tour de force. Unputdownable" - Jabba from Sunrise

(Episode prepared October 2020)

Deepening suspicions that the relationship between the brothers has soured, Ben embarks on a solo quest to interview stockbroker and underrated polymath Paul Vergano! Paul was generous enough to sit down and have a ROBUST CHAT(TM) about the social, political and environmental issue that is climate change. It was a fun discussion!

(Episode prepared October 2020)

Joe gives meek reasons for interviewing politics aficionado Judith Brett on his own and cynical listeners are led to suspect a brotherly spat. Fortunately, this sideshow is quickly submerged by Judith's insights into the Australian economy and the success of the mining lobby. Do check out her Quarterly Essay 'The Coal Curse' (published in June 2020) if you're a fan of the discussion and like books that say their piece in <80 pages! 

(Episode prepared October 2020)

In this episode, we chat with Jennifer Marohasy.  Jennifer is a scientist, author and speaker.  She's also a senior fellow at the Institute of Public Affairs and edited their recent title, 'Climate Change: The Facts 2020'.  It's fair to say that she isn't one to shy away from controversial opinions on climate science. Enjoy! (Conversation recorded early Oct 2020)

Things are getting serious. New equipment has arrived and Professor David Karoly, a prominent CSIRO atmospheric scientist, joins the podcast to discuss the effects of climate change and how he became an expert in the field. (Conversation recorded early Oct 2020)