Uncommon Sense

Acclaimed historian Henry Reynolds speaks with Amy about the historical reality of the colonisation of Australia, and why it is legally, historically, and morally clear that Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded. Henry also discusses his life's research on the frontier wars in Australia and his views on treaty-making, memorialisation, and confronting our violent history. His new book is 'Truth-Telling: History, Sovereignty, and the Uluru Statement'.

Acclaimed historian Henry Reynolds brings us some serious truth-telling with his book of the same name, Truth-Telling: History, Sovereignty And The Uluru Statement. Henry takes us through the historical reality of the British colonisation of Australia, and why it is legally, historically and morally clear that Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded. The Monthly's contributing editor Rachel Withers talks about sexual assault and rape allegations in politics and the news media bargaining code. Plus journalist Nic Maclellan returns to update us on politics in the Pacific, including trouble at the Pacific Islands Forum, and the first pro-independent government in New Caledonia since 1999.

Award-winning investigative reporter Louise Milligan delves into the issues examined in her latest book, Witness: An Investigation Into the Brutal Cost of Seeking Justice. Louise talks about the traumatic effects witnesses and complainants of sexual abuse experience under cross-examination, and whilst navigating the criminal justice system in Australia.

Award-winning investigative reporter Louise Milligan delves into the issues examined in her latest book, 'Witness: An Investigation Into the Brutal Cost of Seeking Justice.' Louise talks about the traumatic effects witnesses and complainants of sexual abuse experience under cross-examination, and whilst navigating the criminal justice system in Australia. Epidemiologist and WHO Advisor on COVID-19 Professor Mary-Louise McLaws returns to discuss what needs to happen for Australia to achieve herd immunity against COVID-19 through vaccination. She also talks about Victoria's 5-day lockdown, the 'variants of concern' now in the community, Australia's hotel quarantine issues, and the scientific verdict on airborne transmission. Hong Kong-based lawyer and author Antony Dapiran returns to discuss the ongoing political crackdowns in Hong Kong that have resulted since far-reaching national security laws were introduced in 2020.

Philosopher and diver Peter Godfrey-Smith speaks in-depth about his new book, Metazoa: Animal Minds and the Birth of Consciousness. Peter explains how conscious experience evolved from animals in the sea millions of years ago. He introduces us to some of the fascinating creatures he meets on his scuba dives; sponges, soft coral, banded shrimp, giant cuttlefish, and hermit crabs. Peter is a professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at The University of Sydney. University of Melbourne conservation ecologist professor Brendan Wintle returns to talk about the major recommendations made to the federal government from the independent review of Australia’s environment laws (the EPBC Act). Will these recommended changes, if implemented in full, protect the environment? Historian Dr Chloe Ward from RMIT will call in to discuss the latest in UK politics, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland still in a strict lockdown to get on top of COVID-19 cases which are currently about 14,000 each day.

Philosopher and scuba diver Peter Godfrey-Smith speaks in-depth about his new book, Metazoa: Animal Minds and the Birth of Consciousness. Peter explains how conscious experience evolved from animals in the sea millions of years ago. He introduces us to some of the fascinating creatures he meets on his scuba dives; sponges, soft coral, banded shrimp, giant cuttlefish, and hermit crabs. Peter is a professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at The University of Sydney.

Author and regenerative farmer Charles Massy joins Amy to discuss the re-release of his acclaimed book, Call Of The Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth. We talk about the extensive environmental, health, and economic benefits of regenerative agriculture (the alternative to industrial agriculture), as well as the connection between soil health and human health. Charles shares why the transition to regenerative farming practices is urgent now more than ever.

Amy returns for her first show of 2021! Dr Emma Shortis, Research Fellow at the EU Centre of Excellence, RMIT, delivers the US Politics Wrap talking about the Capital coup and media reporting of it, Joe Biden’s first days and actions as US President, the impending impeachment trial, and more. Author and regenerative farmer Charles Massy joins Amy to discuss the re-release of his acclaimed book, Call Of The Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth. We talk about the extensive environmental, health, and economic benefits of regenerative agriculture (the alternative to industrial agriculture), as well as the connection between soil health and human health. Charles shares why the transition to regenerative farming practices is urgent now more than ever. The Heide Museum of Modern Art's senior curator Kendrah Morgan stops by to discuss their major retrospective exhibition, Joy Hester: Remember Me, which marks the centenary of Hester's birth by exploring the range and depth of Hester's expressionistic and modernist works.

Kate Manne, Australian philosopher at Cornell University (NYC), joins Amy to discuss her new book, Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, and her ground-breaking previous book, Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny. Uncommon Sense regulars Emma Shortis and Ben Eltham stop by for the 2020 year-in-review politics wrap talking all things Australian and US politics – the lows, and the even deeper lows – sprinkled with some necessary humour. Chris Moore of Sailors Grave Brewing in Orbost, East Gippsland, chats with Amy about their creative collaborations with local people and producers, including their Dark Emu Dark Lager with Bunurong and Yuin man, Bruce Pascoe.

Kate Manne, Australian philosopher at Cornell University (NYC), joins Amy to discuss her new book, Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, and her ground-breaking previous book, Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny.