Uncommon Sense

Historian and evolutionary neurobiologist Dr Matthew Cobb joins Amy for a deep conversation on The Idea of the Brain: A History. Dr Skye Cleary, philosopher at Columbia University, NYC, explores the essential features of existentialism from her co-edited book, How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy. Historian Dr Chloe Ward from RMIT on the latest in UK politics and the tense Brexit negotiations between Britain and the European Union.

Dr Skye Cleary, philosopher at Columbia University, NYC, explores the essential features of existentialism from her co-edited book, How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy.

Historian and evolutionary neurobiologist Dr Matthew Cobb joins Amy for a deep conversation on The Idea of the Brain: A History.

Former Australian Ambassador to China Geoff Raby joins Amy for an in-depth conversation about his new book, China's Grand Strategy and Australia’s Future in the New Global Order, which examines China’s place in the world and the strategy behind its actions. They also discuss diplomatic relations between Beijing and Canberra, which are at an all time low. Why has the situation worsened in recent years and months, and what can be done? Epidemiologist and WHO COVID-19 advisor Professor Mary-Louise McLaws returns to discuss what we have learned globally about the coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) and what we must do in Australia to keep COVID-19 transmission at zero to very low. Mary-Louise also discusses the risk of viral transmission through aerosol particles, how best to ventilate spaces, contact-tracing best practice, and the concerning development of people chronically ill with 'long COVID'. Plus Ben Eltham calls in to talk about the latest in federal politics.

Former Australian Ambassador to China Geoff Raby joins Amy for an in-depth conversation about his new book, China's Grand Strategy and Australia’s Future in the New Global Order, which examines China’s place in the world and the strategy behind its actions. They also discuss diplomatic relations between Beijing and Canberra, which are at an all time low. Why has the situation worsened in recent years and months, and what can be done?

US politics expert Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT joins Amy for an in-depth and extensive analysis of the US election – what happened, what does it mean for the US, and what does it mean for the rest of the world, including Australia? Dr Gabriel da Silva, lecturer in chemical engineering from The University of Melbourne on the effects of air pollution and particularly bushfire smoke. He outlines the changes we must make to manage air pollutions hazards nationally going forward. Ben Eltham from New Matilda on the latest in federal politics.

US politics expert Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT joins Amy for an in-depth and extensive analysis of the US election – what happened, what does it mean for the US, and what does it mean for the rest of the world, including Australia?

Former Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley speaks with Amy about the findings of the Bushfire Royal Commission report that was just handed down and what we must do to prepare for the bushfire season. Craig has been advocating alongside fellow Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to put climate change at the centre of Australia’s bushfire and natural disasters response.

Former Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley speaks with Amy about the findings of the Bushfire Royal Commission report that was just handed down and what we must do to prepare for the bushfire season. Craig has been advocating alongside fellow Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to put climate change at the centre of Australia’s bushfire and natural disasters response. Dr Manu Saunders, an insect ecologist at the University of New England, speaks about what native pollinators are getting up to in our gardens and ecosystems this spring, and how to participate in the Wild Pollinator Count, which is being held during Australian Pollinator Week (8-15 November 2020). Dr Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute chats with Amy about Australia’s economic woes and the need for a robust and effective federal ICAC.

Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis joins Amy for a special conversation about his vision for a post-capitalist society. They discuss Yanis's political influences, his time as Finance Minister seeking to negotiate a financial settlement for Greece and his battle with Europe's establishment, as well delving deeply into his new book, Another Now: Dispatches From An Alternative Present. Abigail Compton, artistic director and founder of Third Drawer Down chats with Amy about her beautiful new book, Truth Bomb: Inspiration from the Mouths and Minds of Women Artists. And Ben Eltham from New Matilda chats about federal and Victorian politics.