Things You Can't Live Without

By Rio Tinto / Listen

How do the objects we rely on come to be made? What goes into creating them? How did they become so vital to us? And what is the environmental impact of living with them, now and into the future?&n

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FAQs about Things You Can't Live Without:

How many episodes does Things You Can't Live Without have?

The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.

Things You Can't Live Without episodes:

May 21, 2025 BONUS: Ed Conway on the future of sustainability
In this special extended episode, journalist, author and economics expert Ed Conway joins Dr Anna to explore the future of sustainability. Alongside Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, and Froydis Cameron-Johansson, Rio Tinto's Global Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Security, they discuss the challenges and solutions of responsible sourcing and manufacturing, taking a deep dive into materials such as copper, iron and lithium – all of which can be found in Ed’s indispensable item, his earbuds. They also look to the future for better sustainable practices and debate how to find the critical balance required to meet growing demands while preserving the environment.

To read more about Ed’s book ‘Material World’ go to: http://edconway.substack.com/p/material-world
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42min
May 14, 2025Sabrina Ghayour on her favourite knives, learning from others and butternut squash best practice
Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour’s knife is an indispensable partner in her kitchen. Sabrina tells Dr Anna about her journey toward finding her favourite type of knives and how to look for the right knife for you. She is joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, who delves into the material science behind how our knives are made. They discuss collaboration in the world of food and industry, and how it can benefit everyone involved. Listen to hear how to tackle a butternut squash, Sabrina’s thoughts on ceramic knives and the future of vital materials like steel.

Read these articles to learn more about ELYSIS and how it relates to Apple:
Apple’s $4.7B in Green Bonds support innovative green technology - Apple
ELYSIS strengthens its ties with Apple | ELYSIS

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25min
May 07, 2025 Cornelia Funke on plastic pens, storytelling and sustainability
Global bestselling author Cornelia Funke (Dragon Rider, Inkheart) says she has hungry hands and that she cannot live without her pen to conjure up her magical worlds. Cornelia tells Dr Anna about the importance of the physical process of writing and illustrating, before committing her work to a computer. She also shares her deep passion for the protection of nature and our knowledge of it. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive Australia, Kellie Parker, to talk about the importance of rehabilitating nature at mine sites and the ways they are being successfully rejuvenated around the world. Listen to hear about going back to quill and ink, butterfly rehabilitation, and the importance of respecting land which we use for vital materials.
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23min
April 30, 2025 Beatrice Galilee on nature-inspired sustainable design and future architecture
Beatrice Galilee, founder of architecture and design platform The World Around is dedicated to inspiring and supporting the next generation of architects. She introduces Dr Anna to 'Botanica', a nature-inspired vase, which exists to prompt conversations around the future of sustainable design and architectural practices. They are joined by Brett Capper, General Manager APAC, Studies and Project Shaping at Rio Tinto, to learn why indigenous knowledge and implementing nature-inspired solutions are crucial in the improvement of mining processes. Listen to hear about plants that can clean polluted lakes, what our world might look like without plastic, and the importance of connecting knowledge across generations and disciplines.
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24min
April 23, 2025 Mark Mangini on Hollywood sounds, innovation and suspending disbelief
Oscar-winning sound designer Mark Mangini uses highly specialised microphones to capture the sounds we know and love in some of Hollywood’s most successful films. In an episode focusing on reuse and recycling, Mark tells Dr Anna about the unlikely, everyday sources behind some very famous film sounds. They’re joined by Didier Arseguel, Vice President of Technology at Rio Tinto Iron & Titanium, to discover why keeping an open mind is crucial in driving innovation. Listen to find out how to record realistic rain sounds without getting (too) wet, how screaming elephants played a part in the story of Star Wars and why you can never have too many microphones.
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25min
April 16, 2025 Ruby Wax on laptop addiction, mindfulness and community
Comedian, author and mental health campaigner Ruby Wax OBE is addicted to her laptop - and here she explains to Dr Anna about the positive and negative impacts it has on her mental health. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, who explains the material science behind creating computers and introducing sustainable innovations in how they are being made. Listen to hear why turning off notifications helps both industrial processes as well as our brains, and the importance of community in today's digital age.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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26min
April 09, 2025 Edward Burtynsky on using one camera tripod across 50 countries and 30 years
Revered photographic artist Edward Burtynsky shares how his carbon-fibre camera tripod has become indispensable in his documentation of human impacts on the planet. He tells Dr Anna about his artistic approach to industrial landscapes, especially those affected by fuel production. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Decarbonisation Officer, Jonathon McCarthy, who shares progress on the mining industry’s move toward durable, efficient materials and energy sources. Listen to hear stories behind Edward’s photographs, learn about the developments in EV batteries, and how the crossover of art and science helps us communicate critical climate issues.

Show Notes:
To see Edward's photographs mentioned in this episode, visit his website here: https://www.edwardburtynsky.com/projects/photographs/shipbreaking
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28min
April 02, 2025 Jon Lampley on blowing his trumpet, outdoor venues and the ethics of AI in music
Renowned trumpeter Jon Lampley performs on national TV in the Stephen Colbert house band, to stadiums of people, and alone in his small home studio - but which does he prefer? Jon tells Dr Anna about the significance of his custom-built trumpet, his unique sound and his most memorable performances. They are also joined by Shawn Lyndon, Chief Digital Officer at Rio Tinto, to explore the balance between analogue authenticity and digital convenience. Shawn shares how digitization enhances their operations, from environmental preservation to making sites safer. Listen to find out about the positive impacts of AI on creativity as well as the ethical considerations surrounding its use, and how digital advancements might democratise creativity in the future.
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25min
March 26, 2025 Dr Adam Rutherford on bodies, blue-sky projects and blue-blooded crabs
Geneticist Dr Adam Rutherford relies on refrigeration to preserve the unique DNA samples that underpin his lab work. Furthermore, as he explains to Dr Anna, fridges are good for keeping his beer cold! In an episode all about research and development, Adam and Anna are joined by Marie-Pierre Paquin, Head of Science and Partnerships at Rio Tinto, to explore how a mix of curiosity, diligence and data leads to scientific breakthroughs. Listen to find out how many periodic table elements are in the human body, why some parts of the world are richer in DNA samples than others, and why certain crustaceans have blue blood.
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25min
March 18, 2025 Get ready for Series 2
Series 2 of Things You Can’t Live Without is coming soon. Here’s Dr Anna Ploszajski with a preview of what you can expect. Make sure you follow the show to hear new episodes as they launch.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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2min

FAQs about Things You Can't Live Without:

How many episodes does Things You Can't Live Without have?

The podcast currently has 21 episodes available.

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