Uncommon Sense

Former Greek finance minister and economist Yanis Varoufakis joined Amy Mullins for a long-form conversation about his vision for a fair, just, and competitive post-capitalist society, as detailed in his new book Another Now: Dispatches from an Alternative Present. They discuss his political activism, influences, and time as finance minister in 2015 seeking to negotiate a settlement for Greece with Europe’s establishment. Yanis is a professor of economics at the University of Athens and co-founder of Diem25.

Guardian Australia inequality and welfare reporter Luke Henriques-Gomes discusses how the reductions in JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments have been affecting Australians, as well as the difficulties faced in this recession, particularly by older women. Dr Chloe Ward from RMIT University chats about the latest in UK politics, including the British government’s threats of a no-deal Brexit with the EU and the recent surge in COVID-19 cases (recording up to 16,000+ positive cases daily). Historian Professor Michelle Arrow from Macquarie University joins Amy to talk about why we must value a thriving humanities and fund the study of history, philosophy and many other disciplines at universities and beyond.

Writer Katerina Bryant delves into mental illness and bias in the medical system in her new book, Hysteria: A Memoir of Illness, Strength and Women’s Stories Throughout History.

Writer Katerina Bryant delves into mental illness and bias in the medical system in her new book, Hysteria: A Memoir of Illness, Strength and Women’s Stories Throughout History. Professor Brendan Wintle, conservation ecologist and director of the Threatened Species Recovery Hub joins Amy to talk about the ongoing bushfire recovery efforts to save threatened species, recent positive case studies in conservation, and the latest reports on global biodiversity loss. Plus Ben Eltham from New Matilda goes in-depth on the Federal Budget and Labor’s Budget Reply.

French journalist and author Guillaume Pitron talks about his eye-opening new book, The Rare Metals War: The Dark Side of Clean Energy and Digital Technologies. Dr Chris Wallace from the University of Canberra shares with us the secrets of electoral success with her book, How to Win an Election. And Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT stops by to talk about the US Presidential Election and the growing White House coronavirus cluster, that includes President Trump.

French journalist and author Guillaume Pitron talks about his eye-opening new book, The Rare Metals War: The Dark Side of Clean Energy and Digital Technologies.

Amy talks to biographer and journalist Jacqueline Kent about the life of courageous suffragist, politician, and social reformer of the 20th century, Vida Goldstein.

Amy talks to biographer and journalist Jacqueline Kent about the life of courageous suffragist, politician, and social reformer of the 20th century, Vida Goldstein. Professor David Lindenmayer from the ANU Fenner School of Environment & Society is one of the world's most cited forest ecologists. He discusses new research on the Central Highlands showing the direct effects that fire and logging are having on the forests – substantially reducing the number of hollow-bearing trees that threatened and critically endangered Australian mammals can use as homes. Plus Ben Eltham, national affairs correspondent for New Matilda, on the latest in federal politics.

RMIT’s Dr Emma Shortis joins Amy to discuss the life of feminist icon and US Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg - who died on Friday. They will also discuss the implications of her passing on the looming US Presidential Election, and all the latest in US politics. Nic Maclellan, Pacific affairs correspondent for Inside Story magazine, talks about the upcoming independence referendum in New Caledonia – what would a yes or no vote mean for the island nation? As well as news from pacific island nations, including how they are managing in the COVID-19 pandemic. Plus Ben Eltham on the week in federal politics.

Nic Maclellan, Pacific affairs correspondent for Inside Story magazine, talks about the upcoming independence referendum in New Caledonia – what would a yes or no vote mean for the island nation? As well as news from pacific island nations, including how they are managing in the COVID-19 pandemic.