Uncommon Sense

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.

Gareth Evans AC QC, former Cabinet Minister in the Hawke–Keating governments joins Amy to talk about his new book, Good International Citizenship: The Case for Decency. Why should Australia care about poverty, human rights atrocities, environmental catastrophes, weapons proliferation or any other problems afflicting faraway countries, when they don’t have any direct or immediate impact on us? Gareth Evans explains why and how Australians should demand better both morally and ethically from their governments on the international stage. 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 and must prevent an insect apocalypse. Dave Goulson studied biology at Oxford University and is Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex. Dr Emma Shortis, Research Fellow from the EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT drops by to discuss the latest in U.S. politics. Emma talks about the real-life consequences of the Supreme Court overturning Roe vs Wade, Joe Biden's trip to Saudi Arabia, and gun control reform since the Uvalde, Texas mass shooting.

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 and must prevent an insect apocalypse. Dave Goulson studied biology at Oxford University and is Professor of Biology at the University of Sussex.

American biologist Professor David George Haskell 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, Evolution's Creativity and the Crisis of Sensory Extinction.' 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 age of beekeeping? Plus, Rachel Withers Contributing Editor to THE MONTHLY and The Politics columnist talks about the latest in federal politics.

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 G. Haskell 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, Evolution's Creativity and the Crisis of Sensory Extinction.

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 Population and Global Health at the University of Melbourne and a general surgeon. 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. Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass OBE dials in to talk about how human rights are protected and promoted in Victoria by the Ombudsman and what her powers are and how she can act to hold government and public sector agencies to account.

Victorian cultural leader, philanthropist, and author Carrillo Gantner AC joins Amy for an in-depth conversation about his new book, Dismal Diplomacy, Disposable Sovereignty: Our Problem With China and America (out via Monash University Publishing). Carrillo examines the recent history of Australia's 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 Beijing in 1985-87, what he learned about Chinese culture, language, history, and politics, and how this can inform respectful and productive diplomacy.

He also discusses Australia's gradual relinquishment of sovereignty over time, with recent examples including the AUKUS alliance with the United States and United Kindom, and the controversial nuclear submarine deal.

Jo Dyer reflects on her experiences campaigning as an independent in the marginal seat of Boothby and the rise of the independents in politics. Jo discusses the transformation of Australian politics with a greatly expanded crossbench, a more diverse parliament, and a likely shift in the political culture in Canberra. Jo is the author of the very prescient book, Burning Down The House: Reconstructing Modern Politics, and is outgoing Artistic Director of the Adelaide Festival. Dr Brendan Wintle, Professor of Conservation Ecology at the University of Melbourne, joins Amy to talk about the crisis of bioddiversity loss in Australia. After past failures of federal environmental policy, what does the new Albanese Labor government need to do to correct course and protect Australia's threatened species? Will the Great Barrier Reef finally be placed on the World Heritage 'in danger' list? 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 reef and what he has learned about the causes of its decline. We learn about its current condition and the reef's future in the face of climate change. Graham also explains what happened during the recent assessment of the reef's condition by a scientific team from UNESCO.

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 reef's condition by a scientific team from UNESCO. Will the Great Barrier Reef finally be placed on the World Heritage 'in danger' list?

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. Award-winning author Dr Ashley Hay discusses her critically acclaimed book, Gum: The story of eucalypts and their champions. Gum has now been updated and released in a new edition out via NewSouth Books. Ashley is Editor of the Griffith Review and author of many books. Historian Dr Emma Shortis discusses what the election of the Albanese Labor government means for Australia's foreign policy, especially our relationship with the United States and the Indo-Pacific region. Emma also chats about the US political situation domestically, including the leaked Supreme Court judgment that seeks to overturn Roe vs Wade and restrict access to safe abortions. Emma is Research Fellow at the EU Centre of Excellence, RMIT and author of Our Exceptional Friend: Australia’s Fatal Alliance with the United States.