Uncommon Sense – Triple R FM

Amy Mullins chats with Don Watson, acclaimed author and former speechwriter to Paul Keating, about his Quarterly Essay, 'High Noon: Trump, Harris and America on the Brink.' In this historically rich and incisive account, Watson explores Donald Trump, Kamala Harris, and a nation approaching its democratic high noon. As part of his research, Don travelled across the U.S. earlier this year, exploring the question: Is the United States disintegrating? Key themes of his essay include voter suppression, the rise of fascist politics, Australian parallels, and deeply rooted systemic racism, with his queries capturing a critical juncture in history. Furthermore, he says: “The core of the problem lies in their founding documents — the Constitution and Declaration of Independence, as they never began resolving the race debate.” Broadcast 17 September 2024.

British philosopher and best-selling author A. C. Grayling joins Amy in the Triple R studios for a very special in-depth conversation. Anthony tells us how we can consciously build our own philosophy of life, and why it is so important that we have one of our own. Grayling doesn't want to be prescriptive, but rather says we should take what's best for us from a range of philosophical schools and ideas. Amy and Anthony discuss free will and Sartre and Beauvoir's concept of existentialism, the key ancient philosophical schools and philosophers, including the Stoics, Cynics, and Epicureans. They also explore universal topics of love, friendship, and what happiness really is today compared with how it was conceived of in the past. He explores these ideas in his recent book, 'Philosophy And Life: Exploring the Great Questions of How to Live.' Broadcast on 13 August 2024.

A very special interview is brought out of the archives as acclaimed British writer Robert Macfarlane joins Amy for an in-depth conversation about the connections between landscape, language, people, and place. This expansive conversation begins with an exploration of the aspects of nature, landscape, and place that motivate Robert's writing. Robert says, “We can think of thought itself as site-specific and as motion sensitive,” and that bodily movement in a particular landscape can prompt transformative thoughts and feelings that are not always accessible outside that place. “There are thoughts I've had while climbing mountains that I could not have had at sea-level. There are thoughts that I've had while walking 20 to 30 miles a day that were borne of the tiredness in my body and the landscapes through which I was moving at that time,” Robert recounts. He explains what motivated his inquiry into the underland – that part of the landscape that exists underfoot, and which has long-standing significance for human culture and practices. While writing 'Underland: A Deep Time Journey,' Robert realised this was “a very, very old human story... [and] began from that apparent paradox, why have we gone into the darkness to see things for as long as we've been human?” Amy and Robert also draw on ideas from his past works including, Mountains of the Mind, The Old Ways, and Landmarks. Robert is a Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge University. First broadcast on 1 September 2020. Re-aired on 30 July 2024.

Author and former financier Satyajit Das joins Amy for a long-form conversation about the rise of ecotourism, the joys and wonders of seeing animals "in the wild," along with ecotourism's very problematic effects, as explored in his latest book, Wild Quests: Journeys into Ecotourism and the Future for Animals (Monash University Publishing). Is Das witnessing the end of the natural world as we know it? Das was named in 2014 by Bloomberg as among the 50 most influential people in financial markets. He has held senior positions in banks and industry and now works as a consultant to investors and corporations globally. His previous books include, Traders, Guns & Money (2006), Extreme Money (2011), A Banquet of Consequences (2015, updated 2021), and Fortune's Fool: Australia's Choices (2022). He is also the author (with Jade Novakovic) of In Search of the Pangolin: The Accidental Eco-Tourist (2006). Broadcast on 16 July 2024.

Author and philosopher Dr Kate Manne returns to speak in-depth with Amy about her excellent new book, Unshrinking: How To Fight Fatphobia. As Kate describes it; "part memoir, part polemic, and part (all?) philosophy, this book aims to show why fatphobia is a vital social justice issue, and provide an analysis of what fatphobia is and how it works." She proposes "a radical reevaluation of who our bodies exist in the world for: ourselves and no one else." Kate spoke about her previous best-selling books with Amy in 2020 – Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny and Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women. Kate Manne is a Professor of Philosophy at Cornell University. Interview from 2020 here: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/uncommon-sense/episodes/4851-kate-manne-on-sexism-misogyny-and-her-book-entitled-how-male-privilege-hurts-women Broadcast on 9 July 2024.

Amy is joined by Professor of Philosophy A. C. Grayling for a deep examination of his new book, 'Who Owns The Moon? In Defence of Humanity's Common Interests in Space.' With rare earths and natural resources that are essential for future technology from microprocessors to EV batteries running out on the Earth – humanity is now looking towards its closest solar neighbours for future resources. Moving away from the question of should we harness these resources, A. C. Grayling instead asks 'who' should access these natural resources, what rules are required to govern its use, and what they owe to the denizens of planet Earth? Grayling tells Amy, “What we are actually trembling on the brink of at the moment is humanity in the form of Chinese and private entrepreneurs now taking possession of the moon and space beyond the moon, shaping how things will happen out there – unconstrained by any really serious mature-minded, robust and enforceable set of agreements of how they should behave out there. And so we've just stepped out of the front door of our house and found a complete wild west.” Broadcast on 16 April 2024.

Dr Bertrand Bourgeois speaks in-depth about the snap French elections for the National Assembly (lower house) called by President Emmanuel Macron. With the far-right National Rally (led by Marine Le Pen and Jordan Bardella) leading in the polls, closely followed by the far left coalition, the New Popular Front (comprising 'La France Insoumise' or France Unbowed, the Greens, Communists, and Socialists), and Macron's centrist coalition Ensemble, including his Renaissance party coming in third – was it a miscalculated gamble to go early? Why is Jean-Luc Mélenchon such a polarising figure? What do the parties and coalition's stand for and why is the far-right becoming “mainstream” in France? Dr Bertrand Bourgeois is a Senior Lecturer in French Studies at Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Broadcast on 25 June 2024.

Professor James Curran delves into the discussions and real intentions behind the AUKUS agreement and Australia's plan to obtain nuclear submarines from the US and the UK. How exactly does the US perceive AUKUS? James reveals how the US' view differs greatly from the Australian government's view. With so many practical questions weighing around the delivery of the submarines and the cooperation of the US, UK, and Australian navies, does Australia have a Plan B? James Curran is International Editor of the AFR and Professor of Modern History at the University of Sydney. In our discussion he talks about his essay on AUKUS in the Australian Book Review, 'AUKUS in the Dock: Questions and challenges for the Albanese government.' Read his essay here: https://www.australianbookreview.com.au/abr-online/current-issue/1003-june-2024-no-465/12583-aukus-in-the-dock-questions-and-challenges-for-the-albanese-government-by-james-curran and his columns here: https://www.afr.com/by/james-curran-p4yvj2 Broadcast on 25 June 2024.

Professor Andrew Walter from the University of Melbourne updates us about the UK election campaign, which is in its third week. With voting to be held on July 4th, will the UK population show up and vote according to what the polls presently indicate, which is a landslide victory to Sir Keir Starmer's Labour Party? Or will there be an increase in the popularity of minor parties, or an unlikely resurgence of the embattled Tories led by PM Rishi Sunak? Broadcast on 11 June 2024.

Dr Richard Denniss talks all about inequality in Australia and how we fix it – the topic of his current national speaking tour. Richard is Executive Director of The Australia Institute. To attend the online live-streamed event being hosted in Adelaide, visit: https://australiainstitute.org.au/event/unequal-australia-adelaide/ To listen back to Amy's past interview with Richard about his book, Econobabble: How to Decode Political Spin and Economic Nonsense: https://soundcloud.com/uncommonsense-rrr/interview-with-richard-denniss-econobabble Broadcast on 11 June 2024.

Acclaimed writer Ceridwen Dovey brings real space objects to life in her new collection of short stories, Only The Astronauts (Penguin Books). Ceridwen reflects on the stories and inner lives she creates for Elon Musk's rocket test mannequin, 'Starman,' as well as the International Space Station, the first sculpture ever taken to the Moon, the Voyager 1 space probe carrying the Golden Record, and more. Ceridwen speaks with Amy in-depth about the restorative effects of reading and writing fiction, as well as her process for writing these wonderful short stories in the form of a fable. Listen to Amy's past interview with Ceridwen on the commercial satellite mega-constellations damaging the night sky: https://soundcloud.com/uncommonsense-rrr/interview-with-ceridwen-dovey

Amy speaks with Bruce Pascoe and partner Lyn Harwood about their new book, Black Duck: A Year at Yumburra (Thames & Hudson), which is a personal reflection on life, Country and the consequences of Dark Emu through six seasons on Bruce and Lyn's farm. Bruce Pascoe is a Bunurong, Yuin and Tasmanian Aboriginal writer of literary fiction, non-fiction, poetry, essays and children's literature. He is the enterprise professor in Indigenous Agriculture at the University of Melbourne. He is best known for his work, Dark Emu: Aboriginal Australia and the Birth of Agriculture (Magabala Books, 2014). Lyn Harwood has worked as a teacher, a dancer, an editor, a publisher and an artist. She is a director on the Board of Black Duck Foods, promoting Indigenous food agriculture and has instigated a community based fuel management practice for the Mallacoota township.

British best-selling author Johann Hari joins Amy Mullins to talk about his excellent new book, Magic Pill, which examines the benefits and risks of controversial new weight-loss drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy. Johann has in fact tried this medication himself and is conflicted about whether they are the miracle solution for obesity that they appear to be. We get into all the nuances of the science and debate around these medications, as well as the real causes of obesity and why people who try to lose weight the old-fashioned way (through diet and exercise) – may initially lose weight but struggle to keep it off. Hint: it actually isn't your fault. This interview is essential listening for all people wanting to understand how our modern society has geared us towards obesity and disrupted our metabolic systems. Broadcast on 7 May 2024.

Julian Assange's brother Gabriel Shipton joined Amy Mullins to update us as to Julian's state of mind and health ahead of the UK High Court's impending decision, which is to be handed down tonight 9.30pm AEDT (10.30am London time). The court will decide whether Wikileaks founder and journalist Julian Assange will be able to appeal the decision to extradite him from Britain to the United States where he faces 18 charges for publishing US military documents and diplomatic cables and up to 173 years in prison or even the death penalty. Gabriel tells us about his attendance as a guest of Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie at President Joe Biden's 2024 State of the Union Address and the intense lobbying efforts happening behind the scenes at the US Congress. When will the Australian government make greater representations to the United States on its citizen's behalf? To support Julian Assange and take action, visit the campaign website: www.action.assangecampaign.org.au Broadcast on 26 March 2024.

Freelance journalist Nick Feik speaks in-depth about his essay for The Monthly, 'The Rotten Core', which details his own investigations and the findings of a Tasmanian commission of inquiry uncovering decades of abuse towards young people in the state's care, including at the Ashley Youth Detention Centre and Launceston General Hospital. Nick also talks about the damning Richardson Report into the Home Affairs Department and the media's current lack of scrutiny towards the then responsible minister, Peter Dutton MP. Nick Feik is former Editor of The Monthly. Broadcast on 21 February 2024. Listen to Nick's essay in full here (free): https://tasmaniantimes.com/2024/03/the-rotten-core-audio-edition-by-nick-feik/ Or read it here: https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2024/february/nick-feik/rotten-core Please note this interview contains topics that may distress some listeners, including allegations of child sexual abuse and harm to children. Please see helpline information below. HELPLINES: If you or anyone you know needs mental health support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For support related to child sexual abuse, you can call Bravehearts on 1800 272 831. Children and young people up to 25 can seek help via the Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Amy speaks with long-time blogging friend, turned journalist and economist Greg Jericho. Greg is a Guardian columnist and Chief Economist at The Australia Institute and he dives into the dubious political and policy debates around tax "reform" in Australia and the Stage 3 tax cut changes announced by the Albanese Labor government. He also talks about Australia's slowing inflation and the extent of the RBA's role in controlling it. Check out Greg's columns for the Guardian, 'Grogonomics' here: https://www.theguardian.com/profile/greg-jericho Broadcast on 6 February 2024.

We remember John Pilger, renowned Australian independent journalist and filmmaker, who passed away on 30 December 2023, by re-airing an interview Amy conducted with John at the Triple R studios in February 2017 on his prescient documentary, The Coming War On China (free to watch here: https://johnpilger.com/videos/the-coming-war-on-china). John was age 84. Re-broadcast on 6 February 2024.

Born in Chicago in 1938, author, artist, feminist, and commentator Sara Dowse speaks in-depth about her Jewish family history and how it is intertwined with the history of Zionism and specifically the dissenting voices within it who disagreed with the establishment of the state of Israel at the expense of Palestinians – those such as Asher Hirsch Ginsberg who wrote under the pen name Ahad Ha'am ("man of the people"). You can read Sara's columns for John Menadue's Pearls and Irritations on Israel's silencing of its critics: https://johnmenadue.com/what-good-comes-from-israel-silencing-criticism/ as well as The Sabra transformed: https://johnmenadue.com/the-sabra-transformed/ Sara's book about her Great-Aunt is called, As the Lonely Fly: https://books.google.com.au/books?id=Dmv9DwAAQBAJ&newbks=1&newbks_redir=0&lpg=PP1&pg=PP1#v=onepage&q&f=false Broadcast on 6 February 2024.

For International Women's Day, award-winning author and science journalist Angela Saini joins Amy from New York to talk about her latest book, The Patriarchs: How Men Came To Rule. Angela delves into the origins of "the patriarchy" and gendered oppression and finds that patriarchal societies are a far more recent historical development than we might imagine. She also talks about our fascination with matriarchy and women-led matrilineal societies and reveals that many different types of matrilineal societies exist across the world today. Angela explains how patriarchy is not inevitable and what feminists and people seeking a gender equal world can do to turn the tide. The Patriarchs was shortlisted for the 2023 Orwell Prize. It's published by Harper Collins Australia. Angela's previous books are, Inferior: How Science Got Women Wrong, and Superior: The Return of Race Science. This is the extended full version of the interview with Angela Saini. Broadcast on 5 March 2024.

Renowned Australian-born film critic Adrian Martin joins Amy to discuss the brilliance of Jean-Luc Godard's cinematic masterpiece, LE MÉPRIS (Contempt, 1963), starring Brigitte Bardot, Michel Piccoli, Jack Palance, Giorgia Moll, and Fritz Lang. Filmed in Capri, Italy, LE MÉPRIS depicts the breakdown of a marriage, but it is also about much more than that as you'll hear. It has been newly restored in 4k and is having its Australian premiere at Europa Europa Film Festival in Melbourne on the 6th and 11th March 2024 (Hawthorn and Elsternwick). The screenings are co-presented by Melbourne Cinémathèque. This is the extended full version of the interview. In the original interview that aired, we heard some of the iconic music by Georges Delerue who composed the epic and sweeping soundtrack to LE MÉPRIS, including Générique: https://youtu.be/N_QiBDGJ__4?si=7wNYLiERT0AbaGDp and Camille: https://youtu.be/ZPtQWm2QmXI?si=k5J639911cysfrVY To view Godard's films from home, they can be found at your local library, university library, Picture Search Video & Vinyl in Richmond, on Kanopy (often via your library's subscription: https://www.kanopy.com/video/contempt), and Apple Movies and Google Movies. His films are distributed in Australia by Madman Entertainment and Umbrella Entertainment. Read Adrian Martin's film essays and criticism on his website: https://adrianmartinfilmcritic.com Broadcast on 5 March 2024.

James Curran, international editor of the Australian Financial Review and Professor of Modern History at the University of Sydney, speaks in-depth about his latest essay for Australian Foreign Affairs, 'Excess Baggage: Is China A Genuine Threat To Australia?' James writes that, "Australia's fears of China... are profoundly shaped by what is being said and discussed in Washington." Are Australia's fears largely unfounded? What are China's intentions toward Taiwan? What is the United States aiming to achieve through AUKUS? Broadcast on 24 October 2023. Companion interview with Geoff Raby on China, as referenced: https://soundcloud.com/uncommonsense-rrr/interview-with-geoff-raby-a-former-ambassador-on-chinas-grand-strategy

Sean Reynolds, cultural archaeologist and founder of Melbourne Ghost Signs on Instagram, speaks about his passion for ghost signs in Melbourne and Victoria more broadly, and tells us what they reveal about our local histories. He also tells us about a community fundraising campaign for the Chiltern Athenaeum Museum building to get a climate control system. This will enable the Victorian gold rush town to protect their precious collection of items, photographs and records documenting the history of the Chiltern district and its people from the mid 1800s to the present. Follow @Melbourne_GhostSigns on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/melbourne_ghostsigns/?hl=en Donate to the Chiltern Athanaeum Museum's fundraiser: https://givenow.com.au/chilternathenaeum Broadcast on 24 October 2023.

El Gibbs, writer and disability advocate, joins Amy to talk about the Disability Royal Commission's final report. The commissioner's handed down their their 222 recommendations in September after extensive hearings detailing the violence, abuse, and neglect of disabled people in Australia. El Gibbs analyses the Royal Commission's activities, its findings, and what should happen next. El also addresses the ongoing COVID impacts on disabled and chronically ill people who are effectively excluded from engaging with society properly and safely as almost all COVID mitigations have been dropped. Broadcast on 24 October 2023.

Melbourne-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Claire Deak talks about her debut solo album, Sotto Voce, and the two women composers of the Baroque whose music she recovered and reimagined – Francesca Caccini (1587-c. 1645) and Barbara Strozzi (1619-1677). Some of their compositions are intuitively sensed and worked into new neoclassical compositions by Claire using a range of Baroque and modern instruments, as well as innovative modern and analogue recording techniques that bend our concept of time. Claire delves into her compositions and musical practice as we hear some of her atmospheric and imaginative new works throughout the interview. Claire has kindly given us permission to feature her music in the podcast for your listening enjoyment. Sotto Voce is out via Lost Tribe Sound. To listen to her album, visit Claire Deak's Bandcamp page here: https://clairedeak.bandcamp.com/album/sotto-voce Tracklist (in order) as aired in the interview: Claire Deak - Prefigured (Ritornello) Claire Deak - Dolce Tormento Claire Deak - Liberated Sighs Claire Deak - A Million Cloaked Ghosts Broadcast on 17 October 2023.

To mark the 70th anniversary of Britain's atomic weapons tests at Emu Field in South Australia – the first on terrestrial land in Australia – author and academic Dr Elizabeth Tynan speaks about her book, The Secret of Emu Field: Britain's forgotten atomic tests in Australia. It was at Emu Field, SA on October 15, 1953 that a terrifying black mist spread across the land after an atomic bomb detonation (Totem 1), bringing death and sickness to Aboriginal people and other people in its path. Secrecy around the testing activities and its effects still exists today. Totem 2 was detonated on October 27, 1953. Elizabeth is an Associate Professor at James Cook University. Her previous book, Atomic Thunder: The Maralinga Story, won the Prime Minister's Literary Award for Australian History and the CHASS Australia Book Prize in 2017. Read about ICAN's Black Mist campaign here: https://icanw.org.au/media-release-black-mist-and-ban/ Read Nic Maclellan's long-form article on the Emu Field tests: https://islandsbusiness.com/news-break/black-mist-across-the-desert/ Broadcast on 17 October 2023. First aired on 17 May 2022.

Don Watson and Chris Wallace analyse the outcome of the Voice to Parliament referendum in-depth. They also examine Australia's response to the Israel-Palestine conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and Labor's unwavering support of AUKUS, as outlined in Don's recent essay in The Monthly (link below). Don Watson is an award-winning author and former speechwriter to Paul Keating. His books include, Death Sentence: The Decay of Public Language, Recollections of a Bleeding Heart: A Portrait of Paul Keating PM, The Bush, and Watsonia. Professor Chris Wallace is a political historian, commentator, and former member of the Canberra Press Gallery and her books include, Political Lives: Australian prime ministers and their biographers and How To Win An Election. Broadcast on 17 October 2023. Don's essay - A modest proposal for submarine money: https://www.themonthly.com.au/issue/2023/august/don-watson/modest-proposal-submarine-money

Indigenous leader Thomas Mayo and award-winning journalist Kerry O'Brien sit down with Amy for a special in-depth conversation about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, which Australians will vote on in a referendum this Saturday 14th October 2023. Thomas and Kerry explain the history behind the Voice, why we should support it, and the consequences if we don't. They also debunk the many myths and misconceptions around it. Thomas Mayo is a proud Kaurareg Aboriginal and Kalkalgal, Erubamle Torres Strait Islander man. Their 'Voice to Parliament Handbook: All The Detail You Need' is designed to help Australians understand and have conversations about the Voice. It's out now via Hardie Grant Books. Broadcast on 10 October 2023.

Acclaimed writer and journalist David Marr speaks in-depth about his new book, Killing for Country: A Family Story, which details Marr's great-great grandfather Reg Uhr's involvement in Australia's frontier wars of the nineteenth century as an officer of the Queensland Native Police. Uhr also recruited his two sons into the Native Police. Marr explains how the dispossession of land and massacres of Aboriginal people occurred and how they fought back. He also explains the historical significance of this story for Australian politics today. Broadcast on 3 October 2023.

Triple R's very own Daniel James and The Monthly's Rachel Withers sit down with Amy to delve into the Indigenous Voice to Parliament, providing an in-depth analysis and answer to every question you might have about it before you vote at the upcoming referendum. Daniel James is a Yorta Yorta man, writer, broadcaster, and host of The Mission on Triple R FM. Rachel Withers is Contributing Editor of The Monthly and columnist for The Politics. Broadcast on 3 October 2023.

Amy's first ever interview for Uncommon Sense was with Peter Wohlleben on his debut book, The Hidden Life of Trees. Now. the German forester, conservationist, and best-selling author returns to discuss his latest book, 'The Power of Trees: How Ancient Forests Can Save Us If We Let Them.' Amy and Peter delve into a wide-range of themes from the book. Peter reveals how trees can create their own climate and weather systems, how trees communicate with birds and insects to protect themselves, the fascinating ways trees respond in situations of unexpected drought, the intricate and unexpected relationship dynamics between fungi, bacteria, and trees, and why ancient or old growth trees will play a key role in combatting climate change. He discusses these topics and much more. Broadcast on 26 September 2023. To listen to Amy's first interview with Peter, visit: https://soundcloud.com/uncommonsense-rrr/interview-with-peter-wohlleben-the-hidden-life-of-trees

The NGV's Cathy Leahy, Senior Curator of Prints & Drawings and Conservator of Paintings Caitlin Breare join Amy to discuss the exhibition, Rembrandt: True to Life, featuring the work of 17th century Dutch master, Rembrandt van Rijn. They give us insights into Rembrandt's fascinating life, his print-making, oil paintings, and drawing practice, as well as the pioneering materials and techniques he used. We discuss several of Rembrandt''s works in the exhibition and what they tell us about him. With more than 100 etchings from the NGV Collection, alongside important paintings and loans from across the world, Rembrandt: True to Life is the most comprehensive exhibition of Rembrandt's work to be held in Australia in 25 years. Open until 10 September at the NGV International. The NGV is hosting a special event on September 9, Revealing Rembrandt, with the NGV's paper, frames, and paintings conservators as they share their insights into researching, conserving and caring for works by Rembrandt. To view Rembrandt's The Three Crosses in the NGV collection: https://www.ngv.vic.gov.au/explore/collection/work/40607/ Broadcast on 22 August 2023.

Indigenous leader and 'Voice' advocate Thomas Mayo and award-winning journalist Kerry O'Brien sit down with Amy for a special in-depth conversation about the proposed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice to Parliament, which Australians will vote on in a referendum later this year. Thomas and Kerry explain the history behind the Voice and why we should support it. They also debunk some of the myths and misconceptions around it. Their 'Voice to Parliament Handbook: All The Detail You Need' is designed to help Australians understand and have conversations about the Voice. It's out now via Hardie Grant Books. Broadcast on 30 May 2023.

Ecologist, natural historian, and environmental photographer Dr Alison Pouliot returns to discuss her fascinating new book, Underground Lovers: Encounters with Fungi. Alison takes us into the fungi kingdom and shares her vast knowledge and global experiences of fungi with us. She talks about the conservation of fungi, indigenous uses of fungi, the role of women in fungal lore, and much more. Broadcast on 23 May 2023. Note: the slightly distorted audio at the start resolves itself soon into the interview.

World renowned forest scientist Professor David Lindenmayer discusses the breaking news that the Andrews Labor state government has announced that Victoria will end native forest logging and native forest timber production by January 2024 – 6 years ahead of schedule. David talks about the decades long campaign to end native forest logging in Victoria and the economics and science that supports ceasing it. After being promised a Great Forest National Park in 2014, David shares why we need one now more than ever. He also explains what the decision means for the regeneration of our native forests, as well as the plantation forest industry and forestry workers. Broadcast on 23 May 2023.

Solomon Islander journalist Dorothy Wickham speaks from Honiara about what life is really like for people in Solomon Islands. Dorothy expands on the themes of her essay, The View From Solomon Islands: Our Priority Is Running Water, Not Geopolitics. She explains the serious political realities and domestic concerns of Solomon Islanders as their country finds itself in the middle of a geopolitical tussle between China, the US and Australia. Dorothy is editor at the Melanesian News Network and her latest essay is published in Australian Foreign Affairs. Broadcast on 16 May 2023.

Former Leader of the Australian Greens, environmentalist, and giant of the conservation movement Bob Brown speaks in-depth with Amy Mullins. In a wide-ranging conversation, Bob reflects on his life of activism, protest, and deep personal connection with nature including the giant native trees of Tasmania, as depicted in an inspiring documentary, THE GIANTS (in cinemas April 20). THE GIANTS explores the intertwined fates of trees and humans in this cinematic portrait of environmental folk hero and gay icon Bob Brown who took green politics to the centre of power. The film interweaves Bob's story with the life cycle of the ancient trees he is fighting for. Bob heads up the Bob Brown Foundation. Broadcast on 18 April 2023. Songs Bob mentions from the 1960s – If I Had A Hammer by Peter, Paul and Mary: https://youtu.be/lGMOB2K78iM AND Little Boxes by Peter Seeger: https://youtu.be/2AkoPCXZ_K4

It's Piano Day across the world on Wednesday 29th March 2023. Composer and contemporary classical pianist Sophie Hutchings and FLOAT Founder and Piano Day organiser Sofia Ilyas delve into their love for the piano and contemporary piano music in its many forms. An annual worldwide celebration of the piano, Piano Day is held on the 88th day of the year in reference to the 88 keys on a standard piano. Sofia explains the origins of Piano Day in her kitchen chatting with German musician Nils Frahm, while Sophie tells us about her process for composing piano works and recently how she reworked Still / Sound by Ólafur Arnalds. They reflect on their favourite pianists and the role Piano Day has in engaging the local community of Melbourne, as well as the global community – from beginners to professionals, and from casual listeners to piano aficionados. A special event is being hosted by FLOAT in Melbourne at Tempo Rubato (SOLD OUT, waiting list available) on Sunday 2 April featuring Sophie Hutchings, Grace Ferguson, and Evelyn Ida Morris, along with many other events taking place around the globe. Piano Day and LEITER have also released an official companion album, Piano Day Vol. 2. Here is Amy's Curated Contemporary Classical playlist which features 88 meditative tracks of many of the artists and works mentioned – on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0pzRd7zWfpiLKklFYiLy7h and Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/au/playlist/calming-classical/pl.u-06oxlyAFzdWyL Broadcast on 28 March 2023.

Historian Dr Emma Shortis and veteran political journalist Brian Toohey delve into the multi-faceted problems with the AUKUS alliance, Australia's $368 billion nuclear submarines announcement, and former PM Paul Keating's significant intervention in the debate at the National Press Club. They draw out and explore the big picture strategic issues Keating raised. Brian has been writing extensively on national security since 1973. Broadcast on 21 March 2023.

Professor Michelle Arrow, Elizabeth Reid AO, and Sara Dowse discuss a new book of essays called, 'Women and Whitlam: Revisiting the Revolution.' In 1973, Elizabeth Reid was appointed Women's Advisor to the Prime Minister, a first for Australia and the world. From 1974-1977, Sara Dowse was the inaugural head of the Women's Affairs section of the Department of Prime Minister & Cabinet, which was established to support PM Gough Whitlam's first women's adviser, Elizabeth Reid. They both reflect on their time and leadership within second wave feminism in Australia, whilst the book's editor Michelle Arrow tells us about the collection of essays contained in 'Women and Whitlam.' Broadcast on 14 March 2023.

Australian Alix Biggs speaks to Amy while sheltering from a major air raid conducted by Russia in Ukraine's capital, Kyiv. Alix explains what life is like on the ground for everyday Ukrainians subject to regular air raid offensives with missiles and drones. She shares how Ukrainians perceive the war and the level of military and humanitarian support provided by Western countries, as well as the way Ukrainians have established a "new normal" in the country's capital. Alix also describes the cultural and linguistic transformations taking place across the country, which are creating a strong sense of national identity. Her piece for Inside Story is here: https://insidestory.org.au/kyiv-one-year-on Alix Biggs is Programme Manager for Norwegian Refugee Council and is supporting displaced people in the north of Ukraine. Broadcast on 14 March 2023.

Why is philosophy so male-dominated? Did female philosophers exist in ancient times? (Yes.) Dr Dawn LaValle Norman talks about the presence and role of women in Ancient philosophical dialogues and how it relates to her project, The Diotima Prize. This playwriting competition seeks to address the lack of women featured in philosophical dialogues. Dawn explains who the priestess and philosopher Diotima was, as she appears through Socrates in Plato's The Symposium. She also tells us about other fascinating and prominent women of ancient philosophy and literature, like Sappho, Nossis, Aspasia of Miletus, Macrina the Younger, and Hypatia of Alexandria. Dr Dawn LaValle Norman is a Senior Research Fellow at the Australian Catholic University. Website: https://thediotimaprize.com/ Broadcast on 7 March 2023.

Dr Geoff Raby AO was Australia's Ambassador to China between 2007 and 2011, and has donated 174 contemporary Chinese art works to La Trobe University. Raby arrived in Beijing in the 1980s where he first encountered the emerging contemporary art scene and soon became an avid collector. Dr Damian Smith, art historian, curator, and art critic, speaks about a new book he edited, The Geoff Raby Collection of Contemporary Chinese Art (La Trobe University Press). Damian talks about the artists, art works, and artistic themes featured in the collection including eroticism and sexuality, surrealism, politics, and more. The collection shows the diversity of contemporary art practice in China and how it reveals cultural insights into 21st century China. Broadcast on 28 February 2023.

Tania Wolff, President of the Law Institute of Victoria and Lizzie O'Shea, Chair of Digital Rights Watch sit down with Amy to delve into the Victorian government's proposed digital health record with no opt-out provision – the Health Legislation Amendment (Information Sharing) Bill 2023, which passed the lower house last week. Additional concerns around cybersecurity, privacy, data misuse, and that it will not be subject to Freedom of Information laws are yet to be addressed. We last spoke about this issue with Juanita Fernando (https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/uncommon-sense/episodes/5733-victorias-concerning-health-data-overreach-philosopher-peter-singer-on-living-a-more-ethical-life-comedian-and-actor-chris-parker-a-gentle-man) and Fiona Patten (https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/podcasts/uncommon-sense/episodes/6107-fiona-patten-mp-speaks-in-depth-on-victorian-state-politics-henry-reynolds-on-australias-forgotten-frontier-wars-coral-cover-on-the-great-barrier-reef) in 2022. Broadcast on 28 February 2023.

Dr Richard Denniss tells us what the real causes of inflation and rising interest rates are and he takes us through the failures of federal and state COVID-19 policy. Why is there silence and a policy impasse? Richard is Executive Director of The Australia Institute. Broadcast 28 February 2023.

Musicologist Dr David Larkin explores Richard Strauss's epic tone poem, An Alpine Symphony (1915) and shows how music can represent and evoke nature and the sublime. With musical excerpts, David shares how Strauss depicts a waterfall, a flowery meadow with cows, a sunrise, a thunderstorm, a hiker reaching an alpine summit, an experience of the sublime, and much more. He explains the historical, philosophical and musical context Strauss wrote and premiered it in and its critical reception across the years. He also gives us some insight into the ideas Strauss had about the meaning of certain sections. The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra are to perform An Alpine Symphony on March 2 and 3 in Melbourne. Broadcast on 21 February 2023. David Larkin is a Senior Lecturer at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is a specialist in German music of the nineteenth century. To listen to the full interview as it aired with the music included, listen to the feature segment here: https://www.rrr.org.au/on-demand/segments/uncommon-sense-david-larkin-shares-how-music-can-powerfully-evoke-nature-and-the-sublime To listen to the music at home alongside the podcast, here is the track list of music aired (in order): Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 1. Nacht (Night), Sir Georg Solti https://youtu.be/uLAck30Wxzc Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 2. Sonnenaufgang (Sunrise), Sir Georg Solti https://youtu.be/1-toTyu7bxk Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 3. Der Anstieg (The Ascent), MSO live [2016] https://open.spotify.com/track/4ijWiZHmFFGiqJVr9sknz0?si=6801907735e84f86 Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 6. Am Wasserfall (At the waterfall), Sir Georg Solti https://youtu.be/rddKGQCSf34 Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 7. Erscheinung (Apparition), Sir Georg Solti https://youtu.be/gqSsNiYY-4U Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 9. Auf der Alm (On the mountain pasture), MSO live [2016] https://open.spotify.com/track/4EXiLyML1RTpfZdybnibVx?si=4c96ae6d3dea40e2 Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 13. Auf dem Gipfel (On the summit), MSO live [2016] https://open.spotify.com/track/7tuqOWQutpaTJKZAoePnTF?si=b666707f8cf045df Eine Alpensinfonie, Op. 64 - 19. Gewitter und Sturm, Abstieg (Thunder and Storm, Descent), MSO live [2016] https://open.spotify.com/track/1aDGTELkAipV9Syb3gLLh5?si=355d3d96e9244584

Acclaimed London-based writer Marina Benjamin speaks in-depth about her latest memoir, A Little Give: the unsung, unseen, undone work of women. Marina talks about these interlinked essays and verse, in which she examines in her own life the tasks once termed, ‘women's work'. From cooking and cleaning to caring for an ageing relative, Marina shows this kind of unsung and invisible caring work is a site of paradox and conflict, but also of solace and meaning. Broadcast on 21 February 2023.

Luke Henriques-Gomes, the Guardian Australia's social affairs and inequality editor, speaks in-depth about what have learned from the Robodebt Royal Commission hearings between December 2022 and February 14, in particular the evidence from top public servants and the responsible ministers at the time. He tells us what we've learned so far and what we are yet to learn. The final round of hearings commence on February 20 2023. To watch the hearings, visit: https://robodebt.royalcommission.gov.au/ Broadcast on 14 February 2023.

Activist and campaigner Judy Ryan discusses her new book, You Talk We Die: The Battle For Victoria's First Safe Injecting Facility. Judy, alongside fellow residents, successfully campaigned for the first safe injecting facility in the state after witnessing decades of tragic and frequent cases of lethal overdoses from drugs in the Richmond and Abbotsford areas. She delves into her advocacy journey and what's next for safe injecting facilities in Victoria. Broadcast on 14 February 2023. To listen to the referenced 2018 interview with Johann Hari on Chasing the Scream: The First and Last Days of the War on Drugs, visit https://www.rrr.org.au/on-demand/segments/author-johann-hari-on-uncommon-sense

Kinsfolk Farm duo Bridie Cotter and Tom Gaunt speak with Amy about their regenerative and organic farming practices in Moriac and their new pocket card guide to kitchen gardening, Home Harvest (Hardie Grant Books). They share a few tips and tricks to help you build your own thriving kitchen garden, as comprehensively featured in their beautiful card guide. Broadcast on 14 February 2023.

Professor Chris Wallace returns to speak in-depth about her new book, 'Political Lives: Australian Prime Ministers and Their Biographers.' Chris tells Australian political history anew through her account of prime ministers, their biographies and their biographers – examining their motivations and relationships. Chris tells of the biographical neglect of our earliest PMs, the use of psychoanalysis in political biography and more. Broadcast on 7 February 2023.

Kendrah Morgan, Head Curator at the Heide Museum of Modern Art speaks in-depth about the first survey exhibition in Australia of modernist sculptor Barbara Hepworth's (1903–1975) work. Inspired by the landscape and human form, Hepworth was one of the leading British artists of her generation and the first woman sculptor to achieve international recognition. She was also the first Western artist to pierce the form in 1932. Her abstract works are timeless and continue to inspire audiences and artists today. Kendrah explains the span of Hepworth's oeuvre, the materials she used, and the discrimination she faced being a talented woman in a male-dominated medium. BARBARA HEPWORTH – IN EQUILIBRIUM is showing at the Heide until March 13. Book at https://www.heide.com.au/exhibitions/barbara-hepworth-equilibrium/ Broadcast on February 7 2023.