TuneFM

The act of lying seems to be an inherently human trait at times, but when we dig a bit deeper beneath the surface we see that nature practices deception all the time. As part of the 2025 Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour conference and ahead of the release of his latest book, we caught up with James to chat about his work, and the incredible ways that animals deceive us and others. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Last week Taylor Swift made an announcement that many fans have long been waiting for: she now owns the master recordings of all six of her early albums. To learn why this is a big deal, we sat down with copyright and IP expert and Taylor Swift fan, Dr Wellett Potter from the University of New England. Dr Potter has also written a Conversation article on the topic, which you can read here: https://theconversation.com/taylor-swift-now-owns-all-the-music-she-has-ever-made-a-copyright-expert-breaks-it-down-257965Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fossils play an important part in how we interact with and understand our environment - including those environments long past. There's a wealth of fossils in Lightning Ridge, which can teach us much about the mid-Cretaceous, and that's exactly what today's guest, Sherri Donaldson, is working on. We caught up with Sherri for World Environment Day to talk about how these ancient creatures can teach us not just about the past, but also our future. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander listeners are advised that this episode discusses heavy topics surrounding the Myall Creek Massacre of 1838, and may contain the names of people who have died. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Myall Creek Memorial in it's current form. Over 180 years ago, settlers murdered at least 28 Aboriginal people who had taken refuge from colonial violence at Myall Creek Station. What makes this event different to others is that it was the first and only time in Australian history where white settlers were charged with the murder of Aboriginal people. Seven men were hanged. Each year around June 10th, the Friends of Myall Creek mark the occasion with a memorial service, now held at the site. In 2018 The University of New England's School of Law became involved, running a symposium ahead of the memorial at the Oorala Aboriginal Centre. In today's episode, Ash sits down with Julie Collins and Andrew Lawson, two members of the Armidale branch of the Friends of Myall Creek, about their involvement in the memorial, the symposium, and its relevance to the study of law in NSW, and the act of Reconciliation. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode contains discussions of domestic and family violence that may be triggering to some listeners. If you or a loved one are struggling, know there there is help available: 1800 RESPECT 13 YARN LifeLine 13 11 14 For Domestic and Family Violence Prevention Month, Ash sits down with Lili Greer - the founder of the Tina Greer Project which honours her late mother. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash sits down with Dr Marianne Moen to discuss the importance of taking an intersectional approach to archaeology. Drawing on Dr Moen's research areas of gender archaeology and mortuary practices, the two have an in-depth discussion of the role that gender plays in our understanding of the past, and the narratives we tell ourselves.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NSW Government is seeking input on a proposal to grow the state's hemp industry. Ash sits down with Dr Alison Bowman, the Associate Group Director of Research Assurance for Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development's Agriculture and Biosecurity department. They discuss the benefits of this crop on the economy, and the ways in which the state and public input can shape the crop's future.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ollie sits down with the one and only Ruby Fields to discuss her upcoming appearance at the Big Chill music festival, the aussie festival scene, and her passion for science and music.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How attached to your wood heater are you? A new pilot study being conducted in Armidale aims to examine the impacts of wood heaters on air quality and air pollution by offering homeowners the chance to switch from traditional wood heating to reverse cycle air conditioning. Ash sits down with Dr Sharon Campbell from the University of Tasmania to discuss her work and what the study will look like.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For World Book and Copyright Day, Ash sits down with Dr Wellett Potter and Dr Sophie Masson to discuss the intricate relationship between literature, copyright, and the impact of artificial intelligence. They explore the evolution of copyright law, the challenges posed by AI, the nuances of fan fiction, and the role of copyright in literary adaptations. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For World Art Day Ash catches up with Dr Marty Branagan, who in addition to being the convenor of peace studies at the University of New England is also an artist and a writer with a long history of drawing inspiration from the climate and environment. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNE PhD student Nathan Enriquez has published a paper on dinosaur feature scales, alongside lecturers Dr Nic Campione and Dr Phil Bell. The paper looks at the nature of these feature scales and what role they may have played in dinosaur life and development. Ash sits down with Nic to discuss his role in the paper as Nathan's supervisor, along with an exciting opportunity for students later this year.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As climate change continues to be at the forefront of many peoples minds, philosophical lines of thinking are beginning to open up, looking at the rights and responsibilities not just of those impacted by climate change and climatic events, but also the responsibilities of all people. Ash sits down with UNE PhD candidate, Harrison Munday, to discuss his research into climate justice and climate displacement, within the philosophy discipline, and what meaningful action people can take to seek justice for those affected by climate change.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What makes peace, and how can we contribute? These are the questions that academics and students discussed at the Peace and Justice: the Sixth Biennial Peace Studies Conference, held in Sydney earlier this month. Ash sits down with Associate Professor in Peace Studies, Dr Marty Branagan, about the conference, peace as a cultural revolution, and his latest book The Cultural Dimensions of Peacebuilding, which examines the creation, through the arts and culture, of societies that enjoy sustainable, positive peace.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Goodness sits down with fellow UNE PhD student, Elandri de Bruyn, to discuss her research into cattle genetics, and creating the best steak.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following a study being released from the University of NSW and Deakin University, Ash sits down with PhD student Anjuli Muller from Massey University, whose expert reaction to the study was cited by Scimex. Anjuli is researching co-production and participatory public engagement through the subject of women’s health in Aotearoa New Zealand. She tells us about her research, the need for more women in research spaces, and what people in those spaces can do to better include women.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

While the biosecurity risk of the varroa mite and it's impact on European honeybees is well-known and documented, the knock-on effects of the parasite on native bee and plant species isn't as highlighted. Ash sits down with Dr Tom Le Breton to discuss his latest paper, published in the Australian Journal of Botany, and the citizen science project that was borne from his research.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ollie sits down with Shane from DZ Deathrays to have a chat about their music, current regional tour Weekend Warriors, and their upcoming album hopefully dropping later this year. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TuneFM volunteer Tashi Dema sits down with four incredible women from UNE, Dr Lucie Newsome, Director of Oorala Sam Fowler, Professor Susan Wilson, and Dr Somayeh Ba Akhlagh, to discuss their experiences, achievements, and advice on supporting women in academia and beyond. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

UNE's Professor Karl Vernes and colleagues Dr Rex Mitchell and Professor Vera Weisbecker from Flinders University have recently published an article on the Conversation looking at the desert rat-kangaroo. Rediscovered in the 1930s, the creature was re-declared extinct in the 90s - but researchers think there's a good likelihood it still survives in pockets of habitat in the Sturt Stony Desert. Ash sits down with Professor Karl Vernes to discuss the creature, and the team's work on it's diet and existence. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ben Lewis sits down with Professor Annette Cowie, globally recognised climate scientist, UNE academic, and 2025 finalist for the Premier's NSW Woman of Excellence Award. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The iconic Ningaloo Reef is experiencing a widespread coral bleaching event, believed to be caused by an ongoing marine heatwave along the Western Australian coast. Coral bleaching occurs when polyps that make up the colony become stressed, generally due to increased temperatures. We spoke with Dr James Gilmour from the Australian Institute for Marine Science, who has over twenty years of experience with corals and coral bleaching. You'll also hear from Paul Gamblin from the Australian Marine Conservation Society, who is calling on the WA government to take urgent action to protect the reef. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash sits down with alternative Aussie singer songwriter Adam Newling. The two chat about the music industry, the importance of musical connections, as well as Adam's upcoming album Love Takes Care, and his previous album, Dorothy's Painted Portraits.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Following the decision by the Queensland Government to restrict access to hormone therapy for gender diverse individuals under the age of 18, thousands of people across the country came together for a national day of action on the 8th of February. Ben and Ash spoke with a number of people at the local rally in Armidale about their thoughts, and what words of advice they have for young trans people and their parents.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bush Heritage Australia has been working to protect environmentally significant habitats along the Murray-Darling Basin, ensuring their preservation and protection. Thanks to Bush Heritage Austraila's recent acquisition of the property Nil Desperandum, they'll be able to better manage places like the Yantabulla Swamp, which is a nationally significant wetland in the region. We spoke to Bridget Roberts, an ecologist with Bush Heritage Australia, on her role in the project. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ash sits down with Yuwaalaraay man and Narran Lake Nature Reserve Aboriginal Joint Management Chairperson, Jason Wilson, and Jabirr Jabirr man and CSIRO indigenous scientist Max Fabila to discuss the ways in which CSIRO is using cultural knowledge to deepen their understanding of drought resilience."Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tune's resident agricultural report, Goodness, sits down with Cass Donaldson, an agriculture student at UNE. Together they go over Cass's experience in soil science and her time competing in the Soil Judging competition in 2024, run by Soil Science Australia. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

University of New England researcher Dr Lou Streeting and her team has hatched over 600 endangered Bell’s Turtles as part of an ongoing conservation effort to save the species. TuneFM’s Ash Taylor caught up with Dr Streeting in the lab to learn more about these turtles, and how the project has evolved. All turtles were handled under scientific direction, following all ethics guidelines as stipulated by UNE. This conservation project is a collaboration between the University of New England and Local Land Services, supported by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Note: this episode does contain discussion of some mature topics. Ever heard a word and gone 'what the hell does that mean?' Well, you're not alone. New words are created pretty regularly, particularly on the internet, but they don't all make it into mainstream speech. We caught up with UNE's Dr Sally Dixon, who teaches linguistics, to chat about some of 2024's words of the year, including 'rawdog', 'enshittification' and 'colesworth.'Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We caught up with Dr Tanya Latty from the University of Sydney about the Christmas Beetle Count project that sees people getting involved with collecting data on Christmas beetle populations. Since our conversation last year, sightings have increased, and Dr Latty hopes that this trend will continue on.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of our conversation on universal basic income, we spoke with Sustainable Australia Party Founder, William Bourke, about it's place in SAP's policies, and how they would like to see it implemented. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the cost of living on the rise, is it time we look at different ways to support our population? We sit down with economist and Australian Basic Income Lab co-founder, Ben Spies-Butcher, to discuss how a universal basic income would benefit the country. Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A recent honours thesis from University of South Australia student, Luigi Donnarumma, has investigated the relationship between social media and men's body image - particularly muscle dysmorphia, a form of body dysmorphia often seen in men, resulting in feelings of not being muscular or strong enough. TuneFM caught up with Luigi to discuss his paper, and the impacts of muscle dysphoria on young men. If you or a friend need help, you can contact LifeLine on 13 11 14, or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.Support the show: https://buymeacoffee.com/tunefmSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The NSW State Government has today introduced proposed changes that would see protestors fined a maximum penalty of $22,000 for obstructing a railway. This new legislation aims to balance the peoples right to protest with public safety. The NSW Council for Civil Liberties opposes the changes, believing them to be undemocratic in nature. 

Australia's biggest frog count has begun - so hop on over to the app store and get involved! This absolutely ribbet-ing project has been running for seven years, and has had 1.1 million frogs recorded in that time.We spoke to the Australian Museum's Dr Jodi Rowley, who is the lead scientist on this project, about Frog ID week and why it's so important. 

November is Turtle Month and what better way to celebrate than by getting out in nature and participating in a citizen science project! We caught up with Dr Deb Bower from UNE to discuss all things turtles, as well as how YOU can get involved using the TurtleSAT app.

Dr Sophie Collins from the University of New England sits down with TuneFM to discuss her PhD work and the threats currently facing the endangered Booroolong frog. 

Dr Rodney Berrell sits down with TuneFM to discuss the impact of a recent fossicking ban in the New England region, and what he hopes to see done for fossicking in the future. 

Fossicking in the Nundle region will continue, following concerns raised regarding its impact on the tourism industry. The short-lived ban was put in place last month, in order to protect the endangered Booroolong frog. TuneFM spoke to Dr Sophie Collins from UNE, and Dr Rodney Berrell about their thoughts and experiences with the frogs. This package combines both their voices, but the full interviews are available to listen to as well.

Listeners are advised that this episode discusses content regarding domestic and financial abuse. If you or a loved one need help, please reach out to 1800-RESPECT, or visit their website. A recent study from Swinburne University of Technology has revealed that the current child support system model is putting single mothers at risk of poverty and financial abuse. TuneFM sat down with lead study author, Professor Kay Cook, to discuss the issues, and the recommendations as laid out in the study. Read Professor Cook's study here.

Studying at university can require juggling multiple other elements of your life; you might work, you might be raising children, or you might be in the process of winning an olympic medal at the 2024 Paralympic Games. Granted, that last one might only be true if your name is Dan Michel, who joined Jack over the airwaves to talk about his studies and his career competing in Boccia.

A question on gender identity and sexuality will now be included on the 2026 census, as the federal government comes under fire from LGBTQ+ advocacy groups. However, the ABS will not be including a question on intersex populations. Treasury Assistant Minister Andrew Leigh said the topic was too technically complex to collect high quality data. TuneFM caught up with Dr Aileen Kennedy, the chair of Intersex Human Rights Australia, to discuss the matter. 

Listeners are advised that this interview contains discussion of topics relating to animal welfare that may be distressing to some. Please listen with caution. A NSW State inquiry will inquire into, report on, and make finding and recommendations in relation to greyhound welfare, management, and accuracy and reporting by Greyhound Racing NSW. TuneFM caught up with Harry Rothenfluh from the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds about the inquiry, along with Laura M, who has greyhound rescues herself.If you would like to share your thoughts with the inquiry you can do so here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/office-of-racing/inquiry-into-greyhound-racing-nsw/contact-and-submissionsLearn more about the Coalition for the Protection of Greyhounds here: https://greyhoundcoalition.com/

On the 11th of October, Swedish power metal band Sabaton will be releasing a concert film of their latest world tour, The Tour to End All Tours. Joining the legions of artists to bring a live recording to the big screen with a cinema release including Metallica, Ghost, and Taylor Swift, the unorthodox historians will see their concert film screened in over 800 theatre across the world, including select Hoyts, Event, and Village cinemas in Australia. Our Operations Coordinator and huge Sabaton fan, Ben, was lucky enough to be joined over our airwaves by Hannes Van Dahl! The longtime drummer of Sabaton chatted with Ben about the film, the recording and subsequent production, and future plans of the band. Tune in to hear Hannes' thoughts on the selection of Amsterdam as the location of the recording, what made the show the best choice to immortalise in film, and his thoughts on a return to Australia for a future concert or two!

In September UNE PhD candidate Sophie Zaccone and members of the Barkindji nation have the opportunity to head to Uruguay for the International Conference for Community Psychology. Co-designed with the Barkindji people, Sophie's research project combines traditional knowledge and community psychology to create a wellbeing garden for the Royal Flying Doctor Service. Currently they're raising money to make the trip overseas for the conference, where they will be sharing their knowledge with, and learning from, Uruguay's First Nations People. 

TuneFM sits down with Equality Australia legal director, Emily Gray, to discuss the impacts of the recently announced changes to the 2026 census, which will see LGBTQIA+ Australians excluded from the questionnaire. If this decisions has impacted you or a loved one, you can find support:QLife: qlife.org.au or 1800 184 527LifeLine: 13 11 14BlaQ

Social media use amongst children is a growing concern in Australia. Some members of the government have pushed for a social media ban for young people under the age of 16, proposing an introduction of age verification measures to ensure that children are not circumventing the ban, if it were to be put in place. However, not everyone is in support of this proposal, and many experts believe that a social media ban is not the answer. TuneFM sat down with five law lecturers, each with a focus relating to social media, AI, and children's rights, to discuss the need for increased online safety, and where the law can intervene. 

Music has a long history with political movements, but recently the question of whether it should be disconnected from politics has been raised yet again. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra made the controversial decision to cancel pianist Jayson Gillham's concerts, following his dedication of the piece, titled Witness and composed by Connor D'Netto, to the journalists in Gaza. We caught up with A/Prof Paul Smith and Dr Marty Branagan to discuss the relationship between music and political movements, and non-violent protests. 

Conservationists across Australia have been deploying some interesting strategies in the fight to save our native wildlife, and a new effort by Macquarie University in collaboration with the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) in Western Australia and a group of First Nations rangers from Bunuba country continues that trend.Ben is joined by study lead author Dr. Georgia Ward-Fear from Macquarie University to discuss the impacts that cane toads have been having on the freshwater crocodile population in the Kimberley region of Western Australia and her team's efforts to reduce the amount of crocodiles killed by the toads. The study and experiment centres around conditioned taste aversion, and how it can be used to prevent animals from eating the poisonous cane toads.

Disney has found themselves in hot water this month following the news that a doctor died of anaphylactic shock after dining at a restaurant the company promoted as being allergen friendly on their website. However, it was not this tragic news that made headlines, but rather the fact that Disney has argued that the wrongful death lawsuit brought against them by the widower should be thrown out - because he agreed to a binding arbitration clause when signing up for a Disney+ free trial in 2019. We caught up with Ms Julia Day and Mr Igor Mescher, two lecturers in law with a focus on contracts and tort law here at UNE, to discuss the underlying mechanisms behind the contract, and how things might look for Disney going forward. 

UNE was lucky enough to present a guest lecture from Professor Christina Sanchez-Stockhammer all the way from Chemnitz University of Technology in Germany! Professor Sanchez came to our corner of the globe to talk about her work in linguistics and using corpora to analyze the language of pop culture works from the Brothers Grimm fairytales to the mega-franchise Star Wars. Professor Sanchez dropped into our studio to discuss her work with Ben, including the benefits of corpora and the different perspectives that works of pop culture can offer when they are translated into English. She was also only too happy to talk about what initially piqued her interest in this particular field!