Uncommon Sense

Russia and international security expert Dr Matthew Sussex gives us clarity on what is happening in Russia's war against Ukraine, the "worldview" of President Putin, the effect of Russia's withdrawal from Kherson on the war strategy of both sides, plus their use of munitions, drones, and more. Matthew is an Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Defence Research, Australian Defence College.

Historian Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT's EU Centre of Excellence stops by to talk about the latest in US politics, including the mid-term election results and the summit season currently underway and attended by world leaders. Acclaimed novelist, poet, and musician Gregory Day joins Amy to speak in-depth about his latest book, Words Are Eagles: Selected Writings on the Nature and Language of Place. Gregory's book is a collection of essays on the wonders of the natural world and the ways that Wadawurrung language is intertwined with place. He is inspired by the area he lives in – Mangowak (Aireys Inlet) on Wadawurrung Country. Russia and international security expert Dr Matthew Sussex gives us clarity on what is happening in Russia's war against Ukraine, the worldview of President Putin, the effect of Russia's withdrawal from Kherson on the war strategy of both sides, plus their use of munitions, drones, and more. Matthew is an Associate Professor at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University and Senior Fellow at the Centre for Defence Research, Australian Defence College.

Professor Chris Wallace from the Faculty of Business, Government, and Law at the University of Canberra, talks about the latest in federal politics, including the Robodebt Royal Commission, Labor's IR Bill, the October budget, and much more. Journalist and filmmaker Karl Malakunas speaks in-depth about the volunteer environmental defenders risking their lives on the island of Palawan (Philippines) to save some of the most biodiverse forests and oceans in the world from illegal logging and fishing. The story of the Palawan NGO Network Inc's (PNNI) brave members and supporters is featured in Karl's award-winning enviro-thriller documentary, Delikado. Karl is also Asia-Pacific Deputy Editor-In-Chief for Agence France-Presse. Jordan Crook, Nature Conservation Campaigner at the Victorian National Parks Association, evaluates the Victorian Government's record on some key environmental policy areas and issues ahead of the election and updates us on the latest campaigning wins for native forests. *Note: This is by no means a comprehensive look at all environmental policies of all parties at the state election. It looks at the record of the state government in areas that involve biodiversity, threatened species and habitat, and conservation. It does not include climate change. If you would like further information about election policies on the environment to complement this conversation, head to this Conversation article by Sarah Bekessy and Brendan Wintle.

For Delikado film screenings information and more: www.delikadofilm.com Watch the film trailer: https://vimeo.com/708871732

Journalist and filmmaker Karl Malakunas speaks in-depth about the volunteer environmental defenders risking their lives on the island of Palawan (Philippines) to save some of the most biodiverse forests and oceans in the world from illegal logging and fishing. The story of the Palawan NGO Network Inc's (PNNI) brave members and supporters is featured in Karl's award-winning enviro-thriller documentary, Delikado. Karl is also Asia-Pacific Deputy Editor-In-Chief for Agence France-Presse.

For screenings information and more: www.delikadofilm.com Watch the film trailer: https://vimeo.com/708871732

Barkandji researcher and storyteller Zena Cumpston talks about indigenous plant use and the deep cultural significance of plants for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Zena also speaks in-depth about the ongoing effects of colonisation in institutions like universities and the ways in which Aboriginal knowledge has been treated as an "add-on" to the scientific study of plants and the management of Country. She outlines how and why this needs to change. Zena's new book, co-authored with Lesley Head and Michael Shawn-Fletcher, is called Plants: Past, Present and Future. Amy is joined by Thai cave rescue diver, retired veterinary surgeon, and 2019 Australian of the Year Craig Challen. Craig speaks of his fascinating experiences as a technical cave diver setting records and travelling around the world diving with his mate Dr Richard 'Harry' Harris. Craig also shares how their involvement in the famous Tham Luang cave rescue in northern Thailand has extended the cave diving community's ability to conduct rescues. Craig outlines the ways Ancient Stoic philosophy has influenced his life and much more. Plus, Rachel Withers, Contributing Editor of The Monthly and The Politics columnist previews the October Budget and discusses the latest in federal politics.

Zena's other discussed projects include, Emu Sky, the Indigenous Plant Use booklet (free PDF), and The 2021 State of the Environment Report (co-author of the Indigenous, Heritage, and Urban chapters).

Craig Challen was speaking at the Stoicon-X Melbourne Conference. See his keynote address.

Amy is joined by Thai cave rescue diver, retired veterinary surgeon, and 2019 Australian of the Year Craig Challen. Craig speaks of his fascinating experiences as a technical cave diver setting records and travelling around the world diving with his mate Dr Richard 'Harry' Harris. Craig also shares how their involvement in the famous Tham Luang cave rescue in northern Thailand has extended the cave diving community's ability to conduct rescues. Craig outlines the ways Ancient Stoic philosophy has influenced his life and much more.

Craig was speaking at the Stoicon-X Melbourne Conference. See his keynote address.

Award-winning climate scientist and writer Dr Joëlle Gergis, delves into her new book, Humanity's Moment: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope. Joëlle is an Australian Lead Author of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and an advisor to the Climate Council.

Broadcaster and guest columnist for The Politics Jonathan Green talks all things federal politics. Award-winning climate scientist and writer Dr Joëlle Gergis, delves into her new book, Humanity's Moment: A Climate Scientist's Case for Hope. Joëlle is an Australian Lead Author of the UN’s Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report and an advisor to the Climate Council. Dr Andrew Walter, Professor of International Relations at the University of Melbourne, stops by to chat about the latest in UK politics, including the mini-budget that caused the British pound to plummet to an all-time low and in the end led to the demise of new PM Liz Truss and Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng.

To mark the Geelong Football Club's 2022 AFL premiership win, we re-aired a special interview with former Vice-President of the Geelong Football Club Bob Gartland and Geelong Gallery Director Jason Smith. They discuss the history of Aussie rules football and the second oldest continuous sporting organisation in the world – the Geelong Football Club. Bob and Jason explore the inextricable link between the Geelong Football Club and the city of Geelong, and talk about Bob’s massive historical GFC collection, which was on show in 2019 for the Geelong Gallery's exhibition, The Greatest Team of All—treasures from the Bob Gartland Collection.

Historians Professor Michelle Arrow and Professor Frank Bongiorno speak about the disturbing new history wars, which have seen several of Australia's national cultural institutions suffer severe cumulative federal funding cuts over decades with damaging effects. For example, the National Library of Australia has taken an unprecedented step and closed access to its manuscript collections for seven months to repair a leaking roof. This will have enormous effects on the work of academics, students, historians, and everyday Australians who use this unique collection. Michelle and Frank also talk about the National Cultural Policy to be developed and what needs to change to protect our nation's heritage and cultural institutions. To mark the Geelong Football Club's 2022 AFL premiership win, we re-aired a special interview with former Vice-President of the Geelong Football Club Bob Gartland and Geelong Gallery Director Jason Smith. They discuss the history of Aussie rules football and the second oldest continuous sporting organisation in the world – the Geelong Football Club. Bob and Jason explore the inextricable link between the Geelong Football Club and the city of Geelong, and talk about Bob’s massive historical GFC collection, which was on show in 2019 for the Geelong Gallery's exhibition, The Greatest Team of All—treasures from the Bob Gartland Collection. Professor Chris Wallace stops by to talk about federal politics, including the introduction of federal ICAC legislation, the impending federal budget, Labor's management of the COVID pandemic, and more.