Uncommon Sense

Epidemiologist and WHO Adviser Professor Mary-Louise McLaws takes us through everything we need to know about the Omicron variant, the current COVID-19 outbreaks in Victoria and NSW, plus how to best stay safe over the summer holiday period.

Have you heard about the damage being done to our orbital environments by rapidly growing satellite mega-constellations? Writer Ceridwen Dovey discusses her award-winning essay, "Everlasting Free Fall.” She writes that, “in the past 2 years, over 1000 new commercial satellites have been shot into low Earth Orbit.” These satellites are altering the night sky and have many consequences for the science of astronomy and our ability to spot potentially life-threatening asteroids. Listen as Ceridwen explains this concerning development, what it means for us, and the mental shift that needs to take place about space. "Everlasting Free Fall" is published in The Best Australian Science Writing 2021 (NewSouth Books) and on the Alexander digital storytelling platform.

Economist Dr Richard Denniss debunks the political spin from Canberra during the last sitting week of parliament. He looks at the modelling and "plan" behind the Coalition's 'Net Zero by 2050' target, as well as the pandemic failures of the Morrison government. Nic Maclellan, Pacific Affairs Correspondent for Inside Story, discusses New Caledonia's third independence referendum controversy, civil unrest in the Solomon Islands, and much more. Writer Ceridwen Dovey explores her award-winning essay, "Everlasting Free Fall.” Have you heard about the damage being done to our orbital environments by rapidly growing satellite mega-constellations? “In the past 2 years, over 1000 new commercial satellites have been shot into low Earth Orbit.” These satellites are altering the night sky and have many consequences for the science of astronomy and our ability to spot potentially life-threatening asteroids. Ceridwen explains this concerning development, what it means for us, and the mental shift that needs to take place about space. "Everlasting Free Fall" is published in The Best Australian Science Writing 2021 (NewSouth Books) and on the Alexander digital storytelling platform.

Political historian Judith Brett reflects on over 40 years of writing about Australian politics, as she discusses subjects from her new book of past essays, Doing Politics: Writing on Public Life. Judith is Emeritus Professor of Politics at La Trobe University

Historian Emma Shortis talks about the latest in US politics including the Virginia election, as well as Australian diplomacy fails, and the COP26 climate talks. Emma is an author and Research Fellow at the EU Centre of Excellence at RMIT. Political historian Judith Brett reflects on over 40 years of writing about Australian politics, as she discusses subjects from her new book of past essays, Doing Politics: Writing on Public Life. Judith is Emeritus Professor of Politics at La Trobe University. Jordan Crook, Nature Conservation Campaigner at the Victorian National Parks Association and Qualified Arborist, chats about the concerning changes to native forest logging laws in Victoria, as well as some positive news for national parks in Central West Victoria and forest conservation.

Guardian Australia Environment Reporter Graham Readfearn previews the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow and talks about Australia's global reputation and history at UN climate negotiations since Kyoto. He also discusses the Coalition government's internal negotiations over climate policy and their eventual commitment to net zero emissions by 2050. Is it enough?

Guardian Australia Environment Reporter Graham Readfearn previews the COP26 climate talks in Glasgow and talks about Australia's global reputation and history at the climate negotiations since Kyoto. He also discusses the Coalition government's internal negotiations over climate policy and net-zero by 2050. Historian Stuart Kells talks about his new book co-authored with Scott Hamilton, Sold Down The River: How Robber Barons and Wall Street Traders Cornered Australia’s Water Market. He looks at how the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the marketisation of water has gone horribly wrong. Plus art historian Associate Professor Claire Roberts explores the life of Scottish-born painter Ian Fairweather. Claire has written a book about Fairweather's extended time living in China and his fascination with Chinese culture and language. It's called Fairweather and China.

Historian and author Stuart Kells talks about his new book, 'Sold Down The River: How Robber Barons and Wall Street Traders Cornered Australia’s Water Market.' He and co-author Scott Hamilton look at how the Murray-Darling Basin Plan and the marketisation of water has gone horribly wrong. Stuart Kells is also adjunct professor at La Trobe Business School. He has twice won the Ashurst Business Literature Prize.

Greg Mullins, firefighter and former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner discusses his book, 'Firestorm: Battling Super-Charged Natural Disasters.' Greg describes the dire effects of human-caused climate change on bushfire seasons here in Australia and globally. He also speaks out strongly over the policy and federal leadership vacuum on these issues. Epidemiologist Mary-Louise McLaws discusses Victoria's plan to exit lockdown and open up. Plus, the epidemiology of Victoria's current outbreak, our hospital capacity, Long Covid, and the push to reach high levels of vaccination coverage. Jaclyn Crupi, Melbourne-based bookseller and author, tells us how to 'Garden Like a Nonno: The Italian Art of Growing Your Own Food.’

Greg Mullins, long-serving volunteer firefighter and former NSW Fire and Rescue Commissioner discusses his book, 'Firestorm: Battling Super-Charged Natural Disasters.' Greg describes the dire effects of human-caused climate change on bushfire seasons here in Australia and globally. He also speaks out strongly over the policy and federal leadership vacuum on these issues.