Uncommon Sense

John Keane, Professor of Politics at the University of Sydney talks about his recent book The New Despotism, which examines the anti-democratic practices of despotic governments sweeping the world, and the current threats to democracy.

John Keane, Professor of Politics at the University of Sydney talks about his recent book The New Despotism, which examines the anti-democratic practices of despotic governments sweeping the world, and the current threats to democracy. Journalist and author Madeleine Chapman joins Amy to discuss her biography of one of the world's most admired political leaders, New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. And Dr Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute chats with Amy about the dire economic straits Australian businesses and workers finds themselves in due to the coronavirus pandemic, and how and when we might achieve an economic recovery.

Amy is joined by Melburnian Nicholas Dowse, founder of the urban beekeeping collective Honey Fingers, ahead of World Bee Day. They discuss the fascinating hive mind of honey bees, how beekeeping has evolved in modern times, its similarities with modernist architecture, and the special relationship humans have with bees. Nic also shares his urban beekeeping practices, and the process he goes through to make raw honey.

Amy is joined by Melburnian Nicholas Dowse, founder of the urban beekeeping collective Honey Fingers, ahead of World Bee Day. They discuss the fascinating hive mind of honey bees, how beekeeping has evolved in modern times, its similarities with modernist architecture, and the special relationship humans have with bees. Nic also shares his urban beekeeping practices, and the process he goes through to make raw honey. Historian Dr Chloe Ward from RMIT joined Amy to discuss the latest in UK politics, including the Tory government's controversial management of the COVID-19 pandemic, and how the new Labour Leader Keir Starmer is performing. Plus Ben Eltham from New Matilda discusses the latest in federal politics.

Luke Henriques-Gomes, reporter for the Guardian Australia chats about the latest in welfare and social policy, including the federal government’s response to the COVID–19 unemployment crisis. American naturalist and writer Sy Montgomery joined Amy to discuss her lifelong relationship with animals, and explore ideas about animal intelligence and consciousness from her critically acclaimed books The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness and How to Be a Good Creature. Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT on the latest in US politics, including the escalating coronavirus death toll and protests demanding state governors open up local societies and the American economy.

American naturalist and writer Sy Montgomery joined Amy to discuss her lifelong relationship with animals, and explore ideas about animal intelligence and consciousness from her critically acclaimed books The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness and How to Be a Good Creature.

Renowned American science writer David Quammen joined Amy to discuss his prescient 2012 book, Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic. David explores why zoonotic spillovers that cause diseases like COVID–19 are occurring more and more. He also tells us what humans must do to prevent the next viral pandemic, including changing our relationship to nature and stopping the disruption and destruction of diverse ecosystems. Megan Patty, Head of Publications at the National Gallery of Victoria talks about their latest book of essays, She Persists: Perspectives on Women in Art & Design, which highlights the work of women artists across centuries and cultures. Megan also discusses her essay on the poster as a site of resistance, and 1980s feminist art activists the Guerrilla Girls. Plus Ben Eltham from New Matilda chats about the latest in federal politics.

Renowned American science writer David Quammen joined Amy to discuss his prescient 2012 book, Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic. David explores why zoonotic spillovers that cause diseases like COVID–19 are occurring more and more. He also tells us what humans must do to prevent the next viral pandemic, including changing our relationship to nature and stopping the disruption and destruction of diverse ecosystems.

Historian Dr Alessandro Antonello from Flinders University joins Amy to discuss the politics and history of Antarctica and tells us about a very hot summer on the coldest continent on Earth. Journalist Kate Leaver chats about her new book, Good Dog, and the many benefits of the human-canine bond. Kate shares stories about those special dogs who lift our spirits and in some cases, save our lives. Plus Ben Eltham on the latest in federal politics and Australia’s response to COVID-19.

Historian Dr Alessandro Antonello from Flinders University joins Amy to discuss the politics and history of Antarctica and tells us about a very hot summer on the coldest continent on Earth