Podcasts about Curtin University

Russia has announced it will stop abiding by the now-defunct INF treaty with the United States.The announcement came just days after Trump ordered the repositioning of two nuclear submarines in response to what he called "threatening comments" from former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of Russia's security council.Is this the beginning of a new nuclear arms race? What happens when nuclear posturing, once considered a taboo topic, plays out over social media between world leaders? And eighty years after Hiroshima and Nagasaki, have we forgotten the reality of nuclear war and the moral restraint that once held it at bay?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Kamal Makili-Aliyev, Associate Professor at the School of Global Studies, University of Gothenburg, Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University in Australia, Zhang Xin, Deputy Director of the Center for Russian Studies at East China Normal University.

Amy Steel is a climate adaptation expert and PhD candidate with Adrift Lab at Curtin University, Western Australia. With over a decade of experience advising on decarbonisation and climate resilience, Amy is now focused on a vital question: should humans intervene to help ecosystems on the verge of collapse—and if so, how, where, and when?Amy's research centres on the Yowli (otherwise known as Flesh-footed Shearwaters) breeding on islands in the Recherche Archipelago off Kepa Kurl, Esperance. These seabirds face increasing and worsening threats from lightning-ignited wildfires during their peak breeding season, impacted by climate change. Working with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, Amy is exploring how Wudjari cultural burning can protect these fragile habitats. Amy also reflects on moving from high-level strategy to hands-on fieldwork, the importance of Indigenous knowledge, and what it means to protect ecosystems in a rapidly changing climate.In this episode, we discuss:Amy's diverse background and what led her from leadership roles in climate strategy to researchThe long-term impacts of heat stroke that ended her competitive netball career and influenced her pathJoining the Adrift Lab team and what inspired her to undertake a PhDWhy islands and seabirds like the Yowli are critical indicators of ecosystem healthThe increasing severity of wildfires and extreme weather, and their impacts on vulnerable speciesWhether seabirds and other wildlife can adapt to human-driven climate change, and if natural checks and balances are breaking downThe ethical and ecological questions around human intervention in collapsing ecosystemsWorking closely with the Esperance Tjaltjraak Rangers, and the role of Wudjari cultural burning in ecosystem resilienceThe importance of place-based policy and honouring Indigenous knowledge in climate responsesHow to communicate climate and conservation issues effectively, and create lasting change within communitiesStaying motivated in advocacy through collaboration and community actionThe role of athletes in climate conversations, and how to stay safe while being active in a changing climateWhat gives Amy hope as an environmental researcherTo view all the links to the websites and documents, visit the show notes on our website.Please support our work and enable us to deliver more content by buying us a coffee or becoming a member of Athletes for Nature.Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and Bluesky, subscribe to this podcast, and share this episode with your friends and family.

In this episode of SpaceTime, we dive into the depths of cosmic mysteries and groundbreaking discoveries, including the enigmatic Long Period Transient and the stellar companion of Betelgeuse, alongside exciting findings from Mars.Unraveling the Long Period TransientAstronomers have uncovered a new cosmic phenomenon, ASCAP J1832-0911, which emits both radio and X-ray pulses every 44 minutes for just two minutes at a time. This first-ever detection of a Long Period Transient has left scientists puzzled about its nature and origins. Lead author Dr Andy Wang from Curtin University discusses the potential theories, including the possibility of a magnetar or a binary star system, while emphasizing the need for further observations to unravel this cosmic mystery.Betelgeuse's Stellar CompanionIn a remarkable discovery, astronomers have identified a stellar companion orbiting the red supergiant Betelgeuse. This pre-main sequence star, approximately one and a half times the mass of the Sun, resides within Betelgeuse's outer atmosphere. As Betelgeuse approaches the end of its life, this companion is also on a collision course with destiny, likely spiraling into Betelgeuse within the next 10,000 years. This finding could shed light on the periodic brightness changes observed in similar red supergiant stars.Mars Perseverance Rover's New DiscoveriesNASA's Perseverance Rover continues its exploration of Jezero Crater, uncovering unusual rock formations that may reveal significant geological history. The rover is investigating an intriguing contact area where clay-bearing units meet olivine-rich rocks, potentially preserving evidence of ancient intrusive processes. Despite challenges in studying these formations, mission managers remain determined to unlock the secrets they hold about Mars' past.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.com✍️ Episode ReferencesAstrophysical Journal Lettershttps://iopscience.iop.org/journal/1538-4357NASA's Perseverance Rover Missionhttps://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/spacetime-space-astronomy--2458531/support.00:00 Space Time series 28 episode 90 for broadcast on 28 July 202500:47 Long Period Transient emitting radio and X ray pulses every 44 minutes07:48 Astronomers have discovered what appears to be a companion star in binary orbit12:30 NASA's Mars Perseverance Rover is continuing its exploration of Jetro Crater15:00 New study links early smartphone use to poorer mental health later in life17:39 There are new reports of Bigfoot activity in the Pacific Northwest state of Washington

 A pair of letters from life down under. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Story 1:  Can I Hold Your Hand The guy who had something extra, gives it to her. By Baztrachian My name is Dennis. Growing up on our ranch in Western Australia, I lived a pretty isolated life. Starting at around age twelve, I was bussed into town, and had to adjust to big classrooms, and girls. Some of them were already well developed by the time I hit my, shall we call it, ‘growth spurt'?  I noticed I had a weird effect on girls but more so on women. If they touched my hands they'd act weird and sometimes just get quiet and stare at me. It was weird so I didn't tell my parents but by the time I was thirteen I wore gloves all the time. That way I could do all the normal things everyone else did like shake hands and stuff like that without causing a problem. At first, Folks assumed I had an injury or skin rash.Soon folks thought I had some OCD about germs. Yes, as hard as it was to wear gloves all the time it was even harder not to wear them. You never know how much people touch each other with their hands until you can't do it. Try refusing to shake someone's hands sometime. You'll see. Fortunately for me the hand thing had no effect on my own household members, including my mother & sister. Perhaps it's a pheromone thing, I don't know? At a family reunion when I was 14, my female cousins went numb like the girls at school, so after that, I always wore gloves around them. Unless I wanted them to shut up, then it was kind of handy! As I transitioned from middle school to high school, the female reactions to my touch brought on more immediate & expressive sexual attraction. The younger girls were confused by their feelings, the older and sexually active girls weren't confused at all. They knew they were horny. Granted, I took off the gloves like when I was out with my Boy Scout troop, playing sports at school, and some other social events where there were no women around. Avoiding girls as a practice, made some people think I was gay; so it was a relief when I went off to Perth for Curtin University, where being weird was much more acceptable. But more to the point here, is I wasn't gay. I really did want a girlfriend. In my speech class I met a cute girl named Melody. She was perky, a little offbeat, average in size, and she wore her dark hair in very feminine pixie cut that showed off her sexy neck. Taking a chance, I started to hang out more with Melody and her group of friends from Bunbury, a city further south on Australia's west coast. One night she came to a rugby game I was in. Afterward, she came down on the field & impulsively leaned in and kissed me on the lips, before going home with her gals. I discovered that I could kiss her and she was just fine, with no odd side effects. A month later, a few of us were in her off-campus apartment after class, for lunch. After eating, the others suddenly left for class, leaving just the two of us. Mel was looking at my gloved hands. She asked why I wore gloves around campus, but not in always? She even saw me at Rugby practice last week without gloves on. I tried brushing it off with a witty joke. I had several rehearsed one-liners ready, for such inquiries. She laughed, then added; “But seriously; why? I tried a tall-tale far-fetched narrative for my next come back. That didn't deter her persistency either. I paused, then decided to risk it and just explain to her about the gloves and the true impact of my hands, but I think she thought the truth was just an even crazier tale to cover for some Obsessive Cumpulsive thing on my part. "Dennis, do you think it would be okay for me to touch your hands without the gloves? Do you trust me?" It had been a few years since the last time I'd deliberately touched a woman, and that was in another place, hours away from college. Maybe here & now it would be okay? Besides, I was longing to touch her and feel her lovely skin. "Alright, but don't say I didn't tell you what might happen." With that I removed my gloves. "Your hands look so soft! I've never seen a guy with hands as soft as yours..." and that's where her sentence ended. Mel had her hand on mine and now she had that glazed-over look, which I remembered so well. As she sat there staring at me, I took the chance to gently touch her face and then steal a caress of her gorgeous neck. That stirred her up a bit. "Oh, my God; that's amazing!" she finally said. Then her face turned a little red. "What's it like?" I asked her. Hate to admit but I was really curious about it. "It's like riding a roller coaster and getting that feeling you get when it goes over a hill!" She squirmed in her seat. "Oh, that's doing things for me!" Then she got up and strided over to her bathroom. I got up and cleared the table, grabbed my gloves, then sat on the couch. A couple minutes later she came back out, looking calmer. She sat down by me and said; “I thought I might have peed my panties. False alarm; sort of.” She sat back down at the table & looked at me in wonder as the effect started to wear off. "Fuck, Dennis! You weren't lying were you? Oh my God, that must have been a bitch to grow up with that. You poor thing." Her hands impulsively went to mine again, and she touched me before I had a chance to react. Her head dropped back against the backrest, & her jaw went slack. She just seemed to melt into the couch. I let go of her hands and her recovery was a little faster this time. She was definitely experiencing it pretty intensely. She was looking at me like she was starving and I was a bacon cheeseburger. (Yeah, virgin Dennis was stupid enough not to realize that she was sexually aroused.) "Oh, my. I think we need to explore this a little more..." she said as she reached for me again. This time I pulled my hands back and slipped on my gloves. "Mel, I think I'm gonna to the library, and maybe let you get yourself together, okay?" I stood up and left her on her couch. She looked a little confused so I left, to let her recover in private. It was maybe twenty minutes later when she texted me, asking me to come back to her place. I sighed and texted back that I was on my way. I figured if she was okay enough to text me then she was okay, right?  I guess I had some responsibility to make sure she was okay. It was twenty minutes for me to walk back to her place. When she opened the door for me, I caught my breath. The object of my desire was standing before me in a long t-shirt. I immediately noticed her stiff nipples, and concluded that the t-shirt was perhaps the only thing she was wearing. She still had that craving hungry look. She managed to compose herself & politely invite me in, and had me sit on her couch. "I think we need to talk." she said, as she sat down next to me and let her soft boob lean against my horny arm. "Okay,” I said. “About what?" Then she looked me in the eyes and boldly said; "I think you need to fuck me so we can find out what this does." She said this with an impish smile while reaching for down my cock, which was hard. To be honest, I'd been very smitten by Mel since we first met on campus. Hence, it was usually hard when I was around Mel, so this wasn't all that remarkable. What was remarkable was my virgin cock getting its first female attention. I immediately decided that I liked this. Loved this. Quite a lot. "Mel, this is probably going to be a very bad idea. Are you sure you want to do this, because I know I do." She bit her lip and in a very exaggerated nod, said; “God, yes.” Leading me to her bedroom, she unbuttoned my shirt and pushed it off my shoulders. My shorts came next and I let them drop as I stepped out of my sandals. I was almost naked except for my gloves. Mel pulled her t-shirt over her head, and there she was. In all her feminine glory! She smiled at me and then kissed me lightly on the lips. Her hands went to my gloves. "Mel, I have to tell you something..." She looked a little surprised and she smiled. "Okay, the hand thing wasn't enough? What else? And please don't tell me you have herpes." "I'm a virgin." She giggled and smiled as she held her hands against her chest, "So am I! Isn't this crazy? I was planning to wait, but now all I can think about is you!" She yanked my arm and tugged me to the bedroom. Then she pulled back the blankets and climbed onto the middle of the waterbed. Patting on the bed she meant for me to join her. My cock jutted out from my body like a diving board. I briefly had an ethical discussion with myself about what I was doing and if it was fair to Mel. I quickly realized that I loved her, I wanted to be with her, and sooner or later we were going to have sex so why not now? Besides, she liked me, right? I went to get on the bed and had one knee on the blankets when she held up her hand. "Gloves. Off. Now." I drew in a breath for the moment of truth and took off my gloves. Being careful not to touch her too soon I got onto the bed next to her and laid on my side. She rolled over to face me, we rocked a bit from the waves. "Touch me." she said. "Where?" She smiled. "Any damn where you want. But do it now." I slowly moved my hand to her breast and then gently palmed it. Her reaction was instant. She sighed as a feeling of arousal and euphoria swept over her. I may have been a virgin but I knew what serious arousal looked like and this was it! Her face was flush, again. The glassy look in her eyes returned, but she held it together better. We kissed and started making out. Her hands were all over me and my hands were all over her. I noticed that her pelvis was rhythmically rocking. I don't think she knew. It wasn't maybe even two or three minutes when she rolled onto her back and pulled me on top of her. I had no idea what I was doing but my cock certainly knew where it wanted to be and I started pushing and prodding. "Here." she said, as she reached between us and firmly grabbed my rod and guided me until my sensitive tip felt her warm cunt. She moved my cock across her furrow a few times and then suddenly I felt the silky smooth wetness of her treasures. I hesitated and looked into her eyes. "Please." she lusted. I slipped into her glorious heaven. It was snug and tight and shallow, but with a twerk of her hips, she burst open her depths. “Ah, ahah!” she groaned for a moment, her eyes expressing some pain. And then she rocked her hips up and swallowed my full length. It was wet, warm, & snug. And it blew my mind to finally have my cock inside the girl of my dreams. "Oh, Jesus...fuck..." she uttered as I started to fuck her. Her eyes rolled back and then she closed them, panting heavily. She fell limp as my hips rose and fell on hers. I'd love to tell you it went on and on but, you know...virgin. I was new to this, and too soon I felt my cum rising. I think my last wet dream last longer than this. The college health class came back to me at that moment. I briefly thought about stopping. Then looking at Mel, my desire took over and I pressed deep into her and let loose! It felt so great to cum in her. We laid there embracing for a few more minutes as her breathing relaxed. “Look at me, Dennis,” she said. As I looked at her, she started twitching and moaning. Her hips moved to meet mine and I shot out another few squirts of cum. We did this routine again, until my cock and balls were starting to feel a little sore from the effort. When I was done, Mel lay there senseless. She was still twitching and moaning, and now her hands felt her own body. It was amazingly erotic. This thing she was doing went on and on, but then tapered off for several minutes at which point she fell soundly asleep. I got up and turned around to look at the lovely woman who gave herself to me. I looked down at my spent dick. It had a bit of a blood stain at the base. I guess this is what's referred to as ‘popping her cherry?' I grabbed my clothes and took a quick rinse in her shower, then got dressed enough to be presentable. Sitting down in her living room I fiddled with my hands and eventually turned on the TV. The sun set in the west. Right around eight o'clock  I heard her stirring. When she came out of the bedroom she had this silly smile on her face. And the t-shirt. Just the t-shirt. I could tell she was still aroused. Anyone would have seen that. "Lover, that was absolutely fucking ah, mazing!" "You're okay?" Really I was concerned for her. I loved her after all. She sat down on the couch next to me and kissed me. "I'm fine. I had no idea that was what sex was supposed to be like. Fuck." Her hand went to my chest. "Dennis, you're like the best psych drug ever invented!" "You've done drugs?" I asked. "Only when I had my wisdom teeth pulled. And this was way the fuck better than that! When your dick touched me it was like the whole world felt at peace and everything was going to be wonderful and then you started fucking me. Damn, that was intense! When you came in me it was like getting injected with a rainbow!" She went on and on about the experience, and as she did it was pretty clear she wanted more. I touched her face and she flushed with arousal; and this time we didn't even make it back to the bed. I fucked her right there on the couch. I lasted a little longer before I felt the unstoppable urge to cum in her. This time she gave a little cry and then fell limp. It took me a little time to calm down and when I did, I picked up Mel and carried her to the bedroom. She was totally passed out and I figured to let her sleep it off so after covering her up I got dressed and headed to my dorm. She called me late the next morning, explaining how she'd slept in and missed her morning classes. She didn't seem to care about it too much, and told me she would make her afternoon classes. But she also insisted I had to come over for dinner. Naturally I spent my time in class thinking about Mel. By the time I made it to her place I was getting hard before I got to her door; with the near certainty that I was going to get laid. When she opened her door for me she radiated sexiness. Her movements were different and she simply appeared more beautiful than before. It harkened to me some classic literature references to ‘the power of a woman's glamour', her charms, as another author phrased it. She was a new woman. A viral woman, a woman awakened to seduction and seducing. There was also a resoluteness to her now, and she made clear that she desired me. I knew that most of this was from my condition, the potent effect of my bare hands upon a female prospect. Still, it was getting me laid, right? We made it through dinner and then we managed to talk for a short time. Mel was amazed at herself for what she was doing with me. She said it was totally against her nature and upbringing to have given up her virginity, and to keep risking pregnancy with me; but she couldn't help herself. Twenty minutes later she passed out after I'd filled her cunt again. As she lay there sleeping it off I realized that when she got a dose of my cum it was sedating her, so the little swimmers in my semen would have time to travel upstream into her womb. I looked at the sleeping girl and realized that my cum was doing double duty trying to get her pregnant. When she woke up, she wanted to go again and so did my cock. In due time, she quit school because she didn't care about it anymore. And then the day she told me she was pregnant, the tears were flowing and she was crying...right until I took off my gloves and touched her face. I took her to visit my parents that next weekend; apprehensive of my parents' reaction. My father spoke first; “Son, this is a huge relief. My health issues require that I stop ranching, or get a lot of help. I was hoping to delay the matter until you finish college, but I was going to ask you to come home and take over the business. If the two of you could settle down here with us, I'll get the home builders out here, next week. We'd just gotten our first royalty check from the new natural gas wells that were drilled last year. Dad needed a way to reinvest it in the ranch, or he'd have to pay some very high taxes on the windfall. We got married the following month in Mel's home town. Then my parents threw a big reception at the family ranch a few weeks later. As the baby grew Mel became very calm and tranquil. She definitely had a ‘baby glow'. We'd still fuck and it still had the same effect on her; but even when we weren't fucking she'd still be very Zen-like. I understood it, when the baby was born; and Mel would get a sedated, glazed-over expression whenever little Gary (named after my father), put his hands on her tits and latched on to suckle them. It didn't sexually arouse her, but it still sent her into a trance-like condition. My boy was going to be a chip off the old block! I nicknamed him ‘Chip'. By Baztrachian for Literotica Story 2: New Step Siblings In Aussie Lockdown Teens meet in Melbourne for their parents' wedding, then get left together in locked-down Australia. By Baztrachian When my father told me that he was getting married again I accepted it as good news. He'd been alone and depressed since the divorce and when he met Debbie she clearly brought back his smile and his joy. So of course I was happy for him. It was just after Thanksgiving in 2019 when they decided on getting married the following June. The plan was for four of us to take a family trip together instead of doing the traditional honeymoon vacation. The four of us included my father, Debbie, myself, and my new step-sister, Taylor. The June date was set to coincide with Taylor graduating high school. Taylor was pretty happy about the plan to take a trip to Australia because their drinking laws would allow even a freshly minted eighteen year old to enjoy a visit to a bar. Over the ensuing months I got to know Taylor fairly well and we ended up getting along despite some serious differences. Where I was a devoted outdoorsman who loved hiking, off-road sports, climbing, and working out Taylor was your typical ginger. She was alabaster white and would get sunburned if she was in the sun for much more than a few minutes. She was also nearsighted and she had to wear glasses to see past her arm. She was cute in a dorky sort of way and I had no problem enjoying her company. The news of COVID started up in January but most everyone I knew dismissed it as being an overhyped flu. Granted, we took it more seriously as time went on but we still had plans to visit Australia and we kept to them. The wedding took place the weekend after Taylor's graduation. The next morning was a flurry of activity as we headed off to the airport. There had been a lockdown in Melbourne that May but it ended soon enough that our plans were not affected. It wasn't easy to get into Australia but we did and when we arrived we headed off to the house we'd rented for the vacation. We'd be there three weeks and we'd head home on July 9th just as planned. One thing we quickly discovered is that July is in the depths of winter, for the Aussies. The rental house was pretty amazing. It was in the town of Port Campbell situated on the ocean and that meant I had quite a lot to do every day. I quickly found myself a kayak and spent several of my days exploring the coast and getting in some decent fishing. My father and Debbie had a good time, of course, and Taylor made the best of it staying in the shade and catching up on her books. You know how when you go on vacation you allow yourself to detach from the world and not have much care for the news? Yep, that was our mistake. Living in our little vacation bubble we had no idea that not only had COVID not blown over but it was getting worse. We only got an idea that things were getting serious when my father got a toothache and decided to cut the honeymoon short by a couple days and go home. Turned out that a lot of Americans were trying to get out of Australia at that point, so airline seats were at a premium. The best my father could pull off were two seats for himself and Debbie. Taylor and I would have to wait for our flight on July 9th before we'd get home. Where we'd only be waiting a couple days for the flight my father paid for me and Taylor to stay in a decent enough Melbourne apartment with a view of the beach and the cruise pier. It was a great location and even though we'd just be there a couple days I was looking forward to making the most of the winter-time beach. The airport situation was a little crazy so we ended up saying our goodbyes at the apartment and then Taylor and I watched as the taxi took our parents away. That afternoon we went to a local store to get a few things and noticed that the other shoppers were all stocking up. Something about their faces alarmed me. "What're you doing?" asked Taylor as I put down our handbasket and instead took a 'trolley' as they call grocery carts down under. "I'm just being cautious is all. Look at these people, they're all freaked out and getting ready to hunker down. I don't know what's really happening but I want to make sure we've got everything we might need just in case." Taylor was a little irritated as I started picking up sundries, snacks, toiletries, and enough food for a couple weeks. I told her that if nothing happened then I'd just leave the stuff out for someone else. She made a remark about how I was wasting my money and I ignored her. On the way back to our apartment I slipped into a liquor store and picked up two cases of beer, six liters of vodka, six liters of whisky, and assorted mixers. Just in case, of course. The news that evening confirmed my fears. Melbourne was going into six weeks of lockdown. We were going to be shut into our apartment and only allowed outside for two hours of exercise and one hour to go visit a store. I made a few frantic calls to the airline and it was the seventh time I tried that I got through to find out our flight was cancelled. A few more calls followed and I confirmed we weren't going to be allowed to leave for at least the entirety of the six weeks. That led to calling my father back at home in the US. He handled the news with aplomb as if this was no big deal. I appreciated his confidence and doubly appreciated his promise to drop enough money in my account to see me and Taylor through the six weeks of lockdown. I felt better when I got off the phone and shared this news with Taylor. The next day was the start of the lockdown and it was immediately apparent that the police were in no mood to play with anyone. We looked over the balcony of the apartment and saw people on the beach getting chased away or even arrested by the aggressive police. At one point one of the cops even yelled at us to go inside or get arrested! It was really shocking to see the city become a big prison. You just don't expect that kind of thing to happen in a Western country and in this case it had happened so fast that there wasn't even time for anyone to protest. Although we were supposedly allowed to go out to exercise I convinced Taylor to stay in due to wanting to avoid a problem with the police. Where we were set on food for a while I also decided against going shopping until we absolutely had to. When we'd arranged for the apartment I was sleeping on the couch and Taylor had the bed. But a couple days into the lockdown Taylor had me switch because the bed was going to be more comfortable for me. Hate to say, but I didn't argue with her about that. We passed our time talking a lot. I got to hear about her high school experience, her debate club victories, her attempts at art, and her plans to study higher mathematics in college. Taylor got to hear about my hiking trip to Nepal, my fishing adventure in the Red Sea, my close encounter with a bear in Alaska, and etc. We even made it six days before I opened a case of beer. Despite the cold weather we made a point of sitting out on the balcony at night. We would sit and chat and sip a drink and enjoy breaking one of the oppressive rules. Naturally we stayed out of sight because even though we were rebels we didn't want to push our luck. An odd thing took place during our confinement as we tacitly agreed on some domestic practices. We never had to discuss it as we started doing laundry, cleaning dishes, and doing all of the normal things you do when you live together. For whatever reason we got along well as roommates and one day we both acknowledged this fact and each considered ourselves fortunate to have family we could like. I don't recall precisely which day it was but a day came along where we didn't need to leave the apartment and neither of us bothered to get dressed. I spent the day in a t-shirt and boxers, and Taylor spent the day in her night-time chemise and panties. That started a habit with us of being rather casual around the apartment. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to giving her body serious consideration. I did my best to play it off but when I was in the shower by myself I found her to be the object of my fantasies as I'd relieve my pent-up needs. July 31st was a Friday, and that particular day stood out to me. Taylor and I had been into drinking a bit more than usual and when it came time for bed she followed me into the bedroom. It was cold and cloudy outside and the apartment had a bit of a chill to it so Taylor's explanation made sense. "It's too fucking cold to sleep on the couch," she slurred, "hope you don't mind but I'm in here tonight." It was the first time I'd heard her swear. Myself, I didn't mind the prospect of her company so I held up the blanket and let her slide in. Then I cuddled up behind her and my prescription from Doctor Johnny Walker put me to sleep. In the morning I woke to feeling Taylor's warm ass pressing against my body. It was a couple moments before I realized that my cock was out of my boxers and snugly gripped by Taylor's panty-protected thigh gap. I really had to fight back the urge to try to fuck her but at the same time it just wasn't right. She gently moved against me as I withdrew my cock. I swore she was wanting me, but I had to tell my ego to calm down. I got up from the warm bed and headed out to the kitchen to make some much needed coffee. As the coffee was brewing I went out on the balcony to get some cold air. That helped me wake up and it also settled down the spike jutting out from between my legs. The day that followed was more or less normal. I was quietly relieved when Taylor didn't speak of what my cock had been up to during the night and I was quite set on making sure there were no repeat performances. At the same time the thought that my cock had been separated from Taylor's cunt by just a flimsy bit of fabric had me somewhat aroused all day. Around noon there was a knock on the door from one of our neighbors. I opened the door after putting on the requisite mask and the cheerful fellow mentioned how he'd overheard us on the balcony talking about vodka. He needed some and we had it. A trade was completed and now we had a bottle of gin and a couple bottles of tonic water. That night Taylor and myself sat down watching Sky News mostly because they were the only channel with news from the USA. At a certain point Taylor got up and made two pint glasses full of gin and tonic. Needless to say by bedtime we were both toasted and the two drinks were just a bit more than half gone. I made my move getting up to go to bed while Taylor put the two leftover drinks in the fridge. When she joined me in bed she had me spoon up behind her and then she snuggled into me. I have to admit that it was really nice. When I put my arm around her she didn't mind that my hand ended up holding her tit. Sleep overtook me before anything else happened and at the moment I was grateful. Sometime during the night I woke to feeling Taylor's ass pushing back at me. It was a very gentle motion but it was enough that my cock was responding. I couldn't help myself but to pull her tight against myself and strain to push my crotch at hers. She pulled away just enough to get her hand between us. She went right to my cock and rubbed it under my shorts. Again, she was very gentle but she was also making clear what she wanted. Fishing around my shorts she found the opening and I sighed as her soft hand wrapped around my pole and pulled it out of my shorts. Her hand exited the space between us and I felt her ass push up against me again. My cock rubbed between her ass cheeks. They felt silky and smooth. She moved again and this time lifted a leg to allow my cock to fit between us. The tip of my cock rubbed against something warm and moist. I woke up a bit more and did an exploratory thrust and realized that she wasn't wearing panties. "Taylor?" I asked. "Yeah?" she huskily replied. "Do you want me to stop?" She didn't hesitate. "No." She pressed her ass at me and I couldn't help myself but to thrust. We bumped a few times and then we both caught our breath as my cock found the right place. My cock was just pressed into the mouth of her cunt. I took a moment to savor the feeling and then felt her press back. I didn't move and instead felt her body open up for me as the first inch or so of my cock entered her. My instincts took over at this point. "Uh, ah!" she exclaimed as I started to drive myself into her. I felt her body twitch as I tried to get deeper. "Oh, God." she uttered as she moved her hips allowing me to plunge all the way inside of her. Between the effects of the alcohol and my need I wasn't the least bit interested in being gentle. All I knew was my cock was in her cunt and it was absolute Heaven! I started fucking her hard and my hands wrapped around her. I mashed one of her tits while she grunted from getting her cunt slammed. She put a hand on my hip to try to push me back a little and all I did was fuck harder. Taylor cried out as I drove deep and started spewing my load into her. She tried to move away from me and I held her tight until I was done shooting my cum into her. She was silent in the aftermath of our coupling. When my cock finally relaxed and slipped from her body she moved away from me just enough to get some space. As I started to feel the embrace of sleep I swore I could hear her quietly sobbing. It was a bit before sunrise when I awoke. The memory of the evening flooded in on me and I had that brief moment of disbelief where I thought it could have been a dream. During the night Taylor had moved to where she was sleeping a little away from me. I explored her body with a hand and felt her bare thigh. Moving up I found her bare hip and the fact that she was naked below the waist made me hard again. I brushed her hair with my hand and then caressed her cheek. "Taylor? You awake?" I asked. Her snoozing continued informing me she was deep in sleep. My hand moved down her body. I undid the ties on her chemise and treated myself to feeling the soft skin of her breasts. She gave a pleasant little purr as my fingers played over her nipples. I removed my hand and let her go back to snoozing. Taking her hip with my hand I gently pulled her against me. As her body moved against me my cock neatly fit into her thigh gap again. She lay quietly as I gently rutted against her. When I poked her in the right place she moaned and moved her leg. I stopped for a moment and then started gently moving again as I heard her moan in approval. When she'd moved her leg she exposed her cunt to me and it wasn't long before I felt her moisture on my cock. As gently as I could I changed my angle and pushed. Her cunt opened for me and I stifled a moan as I slipped into her again. I was determined to be gentle and took my time getting myself fully embedded in her. Taking a little time just to savor the moment I started a very slow and deliberate rhythm. Somewhere along the line Taylor stirred. She reached between us to where our bodies met and explored. Then she just relaxed and let me keep going. Soon enough I felt her hips moving in response to mine and then I felt her tense. "Fuck..." she whispered as she came. I felt her cunt clench around my cock and that did it for me as I unloaded my cum into her again. We had a moment where I just held her but then she was up and off to the shower. When she was done she excused herself to the kitchen and it was my turn to clean up. I needed it. And after I was dressed decently I went out to talk to her. "Good morning." I said, wondering what her response would be. She smiled at me. "It is." Naturally we had to talk about our new relationship. And that's what we did for a while before deciding to take a walk together. It was eerie to be in a big city and have it so quiet. We got over to the beach but between signs saying the beach was closed and glares from the police we decided to stay close to the apartment. Lunch was a simple affair of bread and cheese. While we ate I asked Taylor why she'd wanted to be more to me than just a step-sister. "I guess I never would have known you if our parents didn't get married. You're like the total opposite of me. But being around you I got to know you and then there's the thing where you're not so hard to look at, Mister." I smiled at her. "You're not so hard to look at yourself." When I asked her about the possibility of pregnancy she just shrugged. "I can go to the store if you want me to." I offered. "What if I didn't want you to?" she asked. "You mean you don't want to have sex anymore? I can understand that." She shook her head, "No, what if I just want us to keep doing this; whatever it is. Would you be okay with that?" I looked in her pale green eyes and realized that I was looking at the woman I'd marry. "Of course I would." And that, my friends, was the closest we ever came to a marriage proposal. After that it was just a given that we would marry and have a family. Naturally, it was no surprise that when we were finally allowed to return to the USA, Taylor was sporting a very modest bulge. I guess my biggest surprise in all of this was when we got home and broke the news to our parents. They looked at each other, smiled, and then my new step-mom says, "Yeah, we kind of figured you two would find a way to pass the time." By Baztrachian for Literotica

 A pair of letters from life down under. Listen to the Podcast at Steamy Stories. Story 1:  Can I Hold Your Hand The guy who had something extra, gives it to her. By Baztrachian My name is Dennis. Growing up on our ranch in Western Australia, I lived a pretty isolated life. Starting at around age twelve, I was bussed into town, and had to adjust to big classrooms, and girls. Some of them were already well developed by the time I hit my, shall we call it, ‘growth spurt'?  I noticed I had a weird effect on girls but more so on women. If they touched my hands they'd act weird and sometimes just get quiet and stare at me. It was weird so I didn't tell my parents but by the time I was thirteen I wore gloves all the time. That way I could do all the normal things everyone else did like shake hands and stuff like that without causing a problem. At first, Folks assumed I had an injury or skin rash.Soon folks thought I had some OCD about germs. Yes, as hard as it was to wear gloves all the time it was even harder not to wear them. You never know how much people touch each other with their hands until you can't do it. Try refusing to shake someone's hands sometime. You'll see. Fortunately for me the hand thing had no effect on my own household members, including my mother & sister. Perhaps it's a pheromone thing, I don't know? At a family reunion when I was 14, my female cousins went numb like the girls at school, so after that, I always wore gloves around them. Unless I wanted them to shut up, then it was kind of handy! As I transitioned from middle school to high school, the female reactions to my touch brought on more immediate & expressive sexual attraction. The younger girls were confused by their feelings, the older and sexually active girls weren't confused at all. They knew they were horny. Granted, I took off the gloves like when I was out with my Boy Scout troop, playing sports at school, and some other social events where there were no women around. Avoiding girls as a practice, made some people think I was gay; so it was a relief when I went off to Perth for Curtin University, where being weird was much more acceptable. But more to the point here, is I wasn't gay. I really did want a girlfriend. In my speech class I met a cute girl named Melody. She was perky, a little offbeat, average in size, and she wore her dark hair in very feminine pixie cut that showed off her sexy neck. Taking a chance, I started to hang out more with Melody and her group of friends from Bunbury, a city further south on Australia's west coast. One night she came to a rugby game I was in. Afterward, she came down on the field & impulsively leaned in and kissed me on the lips, before going home with her gals. I discovered that I could kiss her and she was just fine, with no odd side effects. A month later, a few of us were in her off-campus apartment after class, for lunch. After eating, the others suddenly left for class, leaving just the two of us. Mel was looking at my gloved hands. She asked why I wore gloves around campus, but not in always? She even saw me at Rugby practice last week without gloves on. I tried brushing it off with a witty joke. I had several rehearsed one-liners ready, for such inquiries. She laughed, then added; “But seriously; why? I tried a tall-tale far-fetched narrative for my next come back. That didn't deter her persistency either. I paused, then decided to risk it and just explain to her about the gloves and the true impact of my hands, but I think she thought the truth was just an even crazier tale to cover for some Obsessive Cumpulsive thing on my part. "Dennis, do you think it would be okay for me to touch your hands without the gloves? Do you trust me?" It had been a few years since the last time I'd deliberately touched a woman, and that was in another place, hours away from college. Maybe here & now it would be okay? Besides, I was longing to touch her and feel her lovely skin. "Alright, but don't say I didn't tell you what might happen." With that I removed my gloves. "Your hands look so soft! I've never seen a guy with hands as soft as yours..." and that's where her sentence ended. Mel had her hand on mine and now she had that glazed-over look, which I remembered so well. As she sat there staring at me, I took the chance to gently touch her face and then steal a caress of her gorgeous neck. That stirred her up a bit. "Oh, my God; that's amazing!" she finally said. Then her face turned a little red. "What's it like?" I asked her. Hate to admit but I was really curious about it. "It's like riding a roller coaster and getting that feeling you get when it goes over a hill!" She squirmed in her seat. "Oh, that's doing things for me!" Then she got up and strided over to her bathroom. I got up and cleared the table, grabbed my gloves, then sat on the couch. A couple minutes later she came back out, looking calmer. She sat down by me and said; “I thought I might have peed my panties. False alarm; sort of.” She sat back down at the table & looked at me in wonder as the effect started to wear off. "Fuck, Dennis! You weren't lying were you? Oh my God, that must have been a bitch to grow up with that. You poor thing." Her hands impulsively went to mine again, and she touched me before I had a chance to react. Her head dropped back against the backrest, & her jaw went slack. She just seemed to melt into the couch. I let go of her hands and her recovery was a little faster this time. She was definitely experiencing it pretty intensely. She was looking at me like she was starving and I was a bacon cheeseburger. (Yeah, virgin Dennis was stupid enough not to realize that she was sexually aroused.) "Oh, my. I think we need to explore this a little more..." she said as she reached for me again. This time I pulled my hands back and slipped on my gloves. "Mel, I think I'm gonna to the library, and maybe let you get yourself together, okay?" I stood up and left her on her couch. She looked a little confused so I left, to let her recover in private. It was maybe twenty minutes later when she texted me, asking me to come back to her place. I sighed and texted back that I was on my way. I figured if she was okay enough to text me then she was okay, right?  I guess I had some responsibility to make sure she was okay. It was twenty minutes for me to walk back to her place. When she opened the door for me, I caught my breath. The object of my desire was standing before me in a long t-shirt. I immediately noticed her stiff nipples, and concluded that the t-shirt was perhaps the only thing she was wearing. She still had that craving hungry look. She managed to compose herself & politely invite me in, and had me sit on her couch. "I think we need to talk." she said, as she sat down next to me and let her soft boob lean against my horny arm. "Okay,” I said. “About what?" Then she looked me in the eyes and boldly said; "I think you need to fuck me so we can find out what this does." She said this with an impish smile while reaching for down my cock, which was hard. To be honest, I'd been very smitten by Mel since we first met on campus. Hence, it was usually hard when I was around Mel, so this wasn't all that remarkable. What was remarkable was my virgin cock getting its first female attention. I immediately decided that I liked this. Loved this. Quite a lot. "Mel, this is probably going to be a very bad idea. Are you sure you want to do this, because I know I do." She bit her lip and in a very exaggerated nod, said; “God, yes.” Leading me to her bedroom, she unbuttoned my shirt and pushed it off my shoulders. My shorts came next and I let them drop as I stepped out of my sandals. I was almost naked except for my gloves. Mel pulled her t-shirt over her head, and there she was. In all her feminine glory! She smiled at me and then kissed me lightly on the lips. Her hands went to my gloves. "Mel, I have to tell you something..." She looked a little surprised and she smiled. "Okay, the hand thing wasn't enough? What else? And please don't tell me you have herpes." "I'm a virgin." She giggled and smiled as she held her hands against her chest, "So am I! Isn't this crazy? I was planning to wait, but now all I can think about is you!" She yanked my arm and tugged me to the bedroom. Then she pulled back the blankets and climbed onto the middle of the waterbed. Patting on the bed she meant for me to join her. My cock jutted out from my body like a diving board. I briefly had an ethical discussion with myself about what I was doing and if it was fair to Mel. I quickly realized that I loved her, I wanted to be with her, and sooner or later we were going to have sex so why not now? Besides, she liked me, right? I went to get on the bed and had one knee on the blankets when she held up her hand. "Gloves. Off. Now." I drew in a breath for the moment of truth and took off my gloves. Being careful not to touch her too soon I got onto the bed next to her and laid on my side. She rolled over to face me, we rocked a bit from the waves. "Touch me." she said. "Where?" She smiled. "Any damn where you want. But do it now." I slowly moved my hand to her breast and then gently palmed it. Her reaction was instant. She sighed as a feeling of arousal and euphoria swept over her. I may have been a virgin but I knew what serious arousal looked like and this was it! Her face was flush, again. The glassy look in her eyes returned, but she held it together better. We kissed and started making out. Her hands were all over me and my hands were all over her. I noticed that her pelvis was rhythmically rocking. I don't think she knew. It wasn't maybe even two or three minutes when she rolled onto her back and pulled me on top of her. I had no idea what I was doing but my cock certainly knew where it wanted to be and I started pushing and prodding. "Here." she said, as she reached between us and firmly grabbed my rod and guided me until my sensitive tip felt her warm cunt. She moved my cock across her furrow a few times and then suddenly I felt the silky smooth wetness of her treasures. I hesitated and looked into her eyes. "Please." she lusted. I slipped into her glorious heaven. It was snug and tight and shallow, but with a twerk of her hips, she burst open her depths. “Ah, ahah!” she groaned for a moment, her eyes expressing some pain. And then she rocked her hips up and swallowed my full length. It was wet, warm, & snug. And it blew my mind to finally have my cock inside the girl of my dreams. "Oh, Jesus...fuck..." she uttered as I started to fuck her. Her eyes rolled back and then she closed them, panting heavily. She fell limp as my hips rose and fell on hers. I'd love to tell you it went on and on but, you know...virgin. I was new to this, and too soon I felt my cum rising. I think my last wet dream last longer than this. The college health class came back to me at that moment. I briefly thought about stopping. Then looking at Mel, my desire took over and I pressed deep into her and let loose! It felt so great to cum in her. We laid there embracing for a few more minutes as her breathing relaxed. “Look at me, Dennis,” she said. As I looked at her, she started twitching and moaning. Her hips moved to meet mine and I shot out another few squirts of cum. We did this routine again, until my cock and balls were starting to feel a little sore from the effort. When I was done, Mel lay there senseless. She was still twitching and moaning, and now her hands felt her own body. It was amazingly erotic. This thing she was doing went on and on, but then tapered off for several minutes at which point she fell soundly asleep. I got up and turned around to look at the lovely woman who gave herself to me. I looked down at my spent dick. It had a bit of a blood stain at the base. I guess this is what's referred to as ‘popping her cherry?' I grabbed my clothes and took a quick rinse in her shower, then got dressed enough to be presentable. Sitting down in her living room I fiddled with my hands and eventually turned on the TV. The sun set in the west. Right around eight o'clock  I heard her stirring. When she came out of the bedroom she had this silly smile on her face. And the t-shirt. Just the t-shirt. I could tell she was still aroused. Anyone would have seen that. "Lover, that was absolutely fucking ah, mazing!" "You're okay?" Really I was concerned for her. I loved her after all. She sat down on the couch next to me and kissed me. "I'm fine. I had no idea that was what sex was supposed to be like. Fuck." Her hand went to my chest. "Dennis, you're like the best psych drug ever invented!" "You've done drugs?" I asked. "Only when I had my wisdom teeth pulled. And this was way the fuck better than that! When your dick touched me it was like the whole world felt at peace and everything was going to be wonderful and then you started fucking me. Damn, that was intense! When you came in me it was like getting injected with a rainbow!" She went on and on about the experience, and as she did it was pretty clear she wanted more. I touched her face and she flushed with arousal; and this time we didn't even make it back to the bed. I fucked her right there on the couch. I lasted a little longer before I felt the unstoppable urge to cum in her. This time she gave a little cry and then fell limp. It took me a little time to calm down and when I did, I picked up Mel and carried her to the bedroom. She was totally passed out and I figured to let her sleep it off so after covering her up I got dressed and headed to my dorm. She called me late the next morning, explaining how she'd slept in and missed her morning classes. She didn't seem to care about it too much, and told me she would make her afternoon classes. But she also insisted I had to come over for dinner. Naturally I spent my time in class thinking about Mel. By the time I made it to her place I was getting hard before I got to her door; with the near certainty that I was going to get laid. When she opened her door for me she radiated sexiness. Her movements were different and she simply appeared more beautiful than before. It harkened to me some classic literature references to ‘the power of a woman's glamour', her charms, as another author phrased it. She was a new woman. A viral woman, a woman awakened to seduction and seducing. There was also a resoluteness to her now, and she made clear that she desired me. I knew that most of this was from my condition, the potent effect of my bare hands upon a female prospect. Still, it was getting me laid, right? We made it through dinner and then we managed to talk for a short time. Mel was amazed at herself for what she was doing with me. She said it was totally against her nature and upbringing to have given up her virginity, and to keep risking pregnancy with me; but she couldn't help herself. Twenty minutes later she passed out after I'd filled her cunt again. As she lay there sleeping it off I realized that when she got a dose of my cum it was sedating her, so the little swimmers in my semen would have time to travel upstream into her womb. I looked at the sleeping girl and realized that my cum was doing double duty trying to get her pregnant. When she woke up, she wanted to go again and so did my cock. In due time, she quit school because she didn't care about it anymore. And then the day she told me she was pregnant, the tears were flowing and she was crying...right until I took off my gloves and touched her face. I took her to visit my parents that next weekend; apprehensive of my parents' reaction. My father spoke first; “Son, this is a huge relief. My health issues require that I stop ranching, or get a lot of help. I was hoping to delay the matter until you finish college, but I was going to ask you to come home and take over the business. If the two of you could settle down here with us, I'll get the home builders out here, next week. We'd just gotten our first royalty check from the new natural gas wells that were drilled last year. Dad needed a way to reinvest it in the ranch, or he'd have to pay some very high taxes on the windfall. We got married the following month in Mel's home town. Then my parents threw a big reception at the family ranch a few weeks later. As the baby grew Mel became very calm and tranquil. She definitely had a ‘baby glow'. We'd still fuck and it still had the same effect on her; but even when we weren't fucking she'd still be very Zen-like. I understood it, when the baby was born; and Mel would get a sedated, glazed-over expression whenever little Gary (named after my father), put his hands on her tits and latched on to suckle them. It didn't sexually arouse her, but it still sent her into a trance-like condition. My boy was going to be a chip off the old block! I nicknamed him ‘Chip'. By Baztrachian for Literotica Story 2: New Step Siblings In Aussie Lockdown Teens meet in Melbourne for their parents' wedding, then get left together in locked-down Australia. By Baztrachian When my father told me that he was getting married again I accepted it as good news. He'd been alone and depressed since the divorce and when he met Debbie she clearly brought back his smile and his joy. So of course I was happy for him. It was just after Thanksgiving in 2019 when they decided on getting married the following June. The plan was for four of us to take a family trip together instead of doing the traditional honeymoon vacation. The four of us included my father, Debbie, myself, and my new step-sister, Taylor. The June date was set to coincide with Taylor graduating high school. Taylor was pretty happy about the plan to take a trip to Australia because their drinking laws would allow even a freshly minted eighteen year old to enjoy a visit to a bar. Over the ensuing months I got to know Taylor fairly well and we ended up getting along despite some serious differences. Where I was a devoted outdoorsman who loved hiking, off-road sports, climbing, and working out Taylor was your typical ginger. She was alabaster white and would get sunburned if she was in the sun for much more than a few minutes. She was also nearsighted and she had to wear glasses to see past her arm. She was cute in a dorky sort of way and I had no problem enjoying her company. The news of COVID started up in January but most everyone I knew dismissed it as being an overhyped flu. Granted, we took it more seriously as time went on but we still had plans to visit Australia and we kept to them. The wedding took place the weekend after Taylor's graduation. The next morning was a flurry of activity as we headed off to the airport. There had been a lockdown in Melbourne that May but it ended soon enough that our plans were not affected. It wasn't easy to get into Australia but we did and when we arrived we headed off to the house we'd rented for the vacation. We'd be there three weeks and we'd head home on July 9th just as planned. One thing we quickly discovered is that July is in the depths of winter, for the Aussies. The rental house was pretty amazing. It was in the town of Port Campbell situated on the ocean and that meant I had quite a lot to do every day. I quickly found myself a kayak and spent several of my days exploring the coast and getting in some decent fishing. My father and Debbie had a good time, of course, and Taylor made the best of it staying in the shade and catching up on her books. You know how when you go on vacation you allow yourself to detach from the world and not have much care for the news? Yep, that was our mistake. Living in our little vacation bubble we had no idea that not only had COVID not blown over but it was getting worse. We only got an idea that things were getting serious when my father got a toothache and decided to cut the honeymoon short by a couple days and go home. Turned out that a lot of Americans were trying to get out of Australia at that point, so airline seats were at a premium. The best my father could pull off were two seats for himself and Debbie. Taylor and I would have to wait for our flight on July 9th before we'd get home. Where we'd only be waiting a couple days for the flight my father paid for me and Taylor to stay in a decent enough Melbourne apartment with a view of the beach and the cruise pier. It was a great location and even though we'd just be there a couple days I was looking forward to making the most of the winter-time beach. The airport situation was a little crazy so we ended up saying our goodbyes at the apartment and then Taylor and I watched as the taxi took our parents away. That afternoon we went to a local store to get a few things and noticed that the other shoppers were all stocking up. Something about their faces alarmed me. "What're you doing?" asked Taylor as I put down our handbasket and instead took a 'trolley' as they call grocery carts down under. "I'm just being cautious is all. Look at these people, they're all freaked out and getting ready to hunker down. I don't know what's really happening but I want to make sure we've got everything we might need just in case." Taylor was a little irritated as I started picking up sundries, snacks, toiletries, and enough food for a couple weeks. I told her that if nothing happened then I'd just leave the stuff out for someone else. She made a remark about how I was wasting my money and I ignored her. On the way back to our apartment I slipped into a liquor store and picked up two cases of beer, six liters of vodka, six liters of whisky, and assorted mixers. Just in case, of course. The news that evening confirmed my fears. Melbourne was going into six weeks of lockdown. We were going to be shut into our apartment and only allowed outside for two hours of exercise and one hour to go visit a store. I made a few frantic calls to the airline and it was the seventh time I tried that I got through to find out our flight was cancelled. A few more calls followed and I confirmed we weren't going to be allowed to leave for at least the entirety of the six weeks. That led to calling my father back at home in the US. He handled the news with aplomb as if this was no big deal. I appreciated his confidence and doubly appreciated his promise to drop enough money in my account to see me and Taylor through the six weeks of lockdown. I felt better when I got off the phone and shared this news with Taylor. The next day was the start of the lockdown and it was immediately apparent that the police were in no mood to play with anyone. We looked over the balcony of the apartment and saw people on the beach getting chased away or even arrested by the aggressive police. At one point one of the cops even yelled at us to go inside or get arrested! It was really shocking to see the city become a big prison. You just don't expect that kind of thing to happen in a Western country and in this case it had happened so fast that there wasn't even time for anyone to protest. Although we were supposedly allowed to go out to exercise I convinced Taylor to stay in due to wanting to avoid a problem with the police. Where we were set on food for a while I also decided against going shopping until we absolutely had to. When we'd arranged for the apartment I was sleeping on the couch and Taylor had the bed. But a couple days into the lockdown Taylor had me switch because the bed was going to be more comfortable for me. Hate to say, but I didn't argue with her about that. We passed our time talking a lot. I got to hear about her high school experience, her debate club victories, her attempts at art, and her plans to study higher mathematics in college. Taylor got to hear about my hiking trip to Nepal, my fishing adventure in the Red Sea, my close encounter with a bear in Alaska, and etc. We even made it six days before I opened a case of beer. Despite the cold weather we made a point of sitting out on the balcony at night. We would sit and chat and sip a drink and enjoy breaking one of the oppressive rules. Naturally we stayed out of sight because even though we were rebels we didn't want to push our luck. An odd thing took place during our confinement as we tacitly agreed on some domestic practices. We never had to discuss it as we started doing laundry, cleaning dishes, and doing all of the normal things you do when you live together. For whatever reason we got along well as roommates and one day we both acknowledged this fact and each considered ourselves fortunate to have family we could like. I don't recall precisely which day it was but a day came along where we didn't need to leave the apartment and neither of us bothered to get dressed. I spent the day in a t-shirt and boxers, and Taylor spent the day in her night-time chemise and panties. That started a habit with us of being rather casual around the apartment. I'd be lying if I didn't admit to giving her body serious consideration. I did my best to play it off but when I was in the shower by myself I found her to be the object of my fantasies as I'd relieve my pent-up needs. July 31st was a Friday, and that particular day stood out to me. Taylor and I had been into drinking a bit more than usual and when it came time for bed she followed me into the bedroom. It was cold and cloudy outside and the apartment had a bit of a chill to it so Taylor's explanation made sense. "It's too fucking cold to sleep on the couch," she slurred, "hope you don't mind but I'm in here tonight." It was the first time I'd heard her swear. Myself, I didn't mind the prospect of her company so I held up the blanket and let her slide in. Then I cuddled up behind her and my prescription from Doctor Johnny Walker put me to sleep. In the morning I woke to feeling Taylor's warm ass pressing against my body. It was a couple moments before I realized that my cock was out of my boxers and snugly gripped by Taylor's panty-protected thigh gap. I really had to fight back the urge to try to fuck her but at the same time it just wasn't right. She gently moved against me as I withdrew my cock. I swore she was wanting me, but I had to tell my ego to calm down. I got up from the warm bed and headed out to the kitchen to make some much needed coffee. As the coffee was brewing I went out on the balcony to get some cold air. That helped me wake up and it also settled down the spike jutting out from between my legs. The day that followed was more or less normal. I was quietly relieved when Taylor didn't speak of what my cock had been up to during the night and I was quite set on making sure there were no repeat performances. At the same time the thought that my cock had been separated from Taylor's cunt by just a flimsy bit of fabric had me somewhat aroused all day. Around noon there was a knock on the door from one of our neighbors. I opened the door after putting on the requisite mask and the cheerful fellow mentioned how he'd overheard us on the balcony talking about vodka. He needed some and we had it. A trade was completed and now we had a bottle of gin and a couple bottles of tonic water. That night Taylor and myself sat down watching Sky News mostly because they were the only channel with news from the USA. At a certain point Taylor got up and made two pint glasses full of gin and tonic. Needless to say by bedtime we were both toasted and the two drinks were just a bit more than half gone. I made my move getting up to go to bed while Taylor put the two leftover drinks in the fridge. When she joined me in bed she had me spoon up behind her and then she snuggled into me. I have to admit that it was really nice. When I put my arm around her she didn't mind that my hand ended up holding her tit. Sleep overtook me before anything else happened and at the moment I was grateful. Sometime during the night I woke to feeling Taylor's ass pushing back at me. It was a very gentle motion but it was enough that my cock was responding. I couldn't help myself but to pull her tight against myself and strain to push my crotch at hers. She pulled away just enough to get her hand between us. She went right to my cock and rubbed it under my shorts. Again, she was very gentle but she was also making clear what she wanted. Fishing around my shorts she found the opening and I sighed as her soft hand wrapped around my pole and pulled it out of my shorts. Her hand exited the space between us and I felt her ass push up against me again. My cock rubbed between her ass cheeks. They felt silky and smooth. She moved again and this time lifted a leg to allow my cock to fit between us. The tip of my cock rubbed against something warm and moist. I woke up a bit more and did an exploratory thrust and realized that she wasn't wearing panties. "Taylor?" I asked. "Yeah?" she huskily replied. "Do you want me to stop?" She didn't hesitate. "No." She pressed her ass at me and I couldn't help myself but to thrust. We bumped a few times and then we both caught our breath as my cock found the right place. My cock was just pressed into the mouth of her cunt. I took a moment to savor the feeling and then felt her press back. I didn't move and instead felt her body open up for me as the first inch or so of my cock entered her. My instincts took over at this point. "Uh, ah!" she exclaimed as I started to drive myself into her. I felt her body twitch as I tried to get deeper. "Oh, God." she uttered as she moved her hips allowing me to plunge all the way inside of her. Between the effects of the alcohol and my need I wasn't the least bit interested in being gentle. All I knew was my cock was in her cunt and it was absolute Heaven! I started fucking her hard and my hands wrapped around her. I mashed one of her tits while she grunted from getting her cunt slammed. She put a hand on my hip to try to push me back a little and all I did was fuck harder. Taylor cried out as I drove deep and started spewing my load into her. She tried to move away from me and I held her tight until I was done shooting my cum into her. She was silent in the aftermath of our coupling. When my cock finally relaxed and slipped from her body she moved away from me just enough to get some space. As I started to feel the embrace of sleep I swore I could hear her quietly sobbing. It was a bit before sunrise when I awoke. The memory of the evening flooded in on me and I had that brief moment of disbelief where I thought it could have been a dream. During the night Taylor had moved to where she was sleeping a little away from me. I explored her body with a hand and felt her bare thigh. Moving up I found her bare hip and the fact that she was naked below the waist made me hard again. I brushed her hair with my hand and then caressed her cheek. "Taylor? You awake?" I asked. Her snoozing continued informing me she was deep in sleep. My hand moved down her body. I undid the ties on her chemise and treated myself to feeling the soft skin of her breasts. She gave a pleasant little purr as my fingers played over her nipples. I removed my hand and let her go back to snoozing. Taking her hip with my hand I gently pulled her against me. As her body moved against me my cock neatly fit into her thigh gap again. She lay quietly as I gently rutted against her. When I poked her in the right place she moaned and moved her leg. I stopped for a moment and then started gently moving again as I heard her moan in approval. When she'd moved her leg she exposed her cunt to me and it wasn't long before I felt her moisture on my cock. As gently as I could I changed my angle and pushed. Her cunt opened for me and I stifled a moan as I slipped into her again. I was determined to be gentle and took my time getting myself fully embedded in her. Taking a little time just to savor the moment I started a very slow and deliberate rhythm. Somewhere along the line Taylor stirred. She reached between us to where our bodies met and explored. Then she just relaxed and let me keep going. Soon enough I felt her hips moving in response to mine and then I felt her tense. "Fuck..." she whispered as she came. I felt her cunt clench around my cock and that did it for me as I unloaded my cum into her again. We had a moment where I just held her but then she was up and off to the shower. When she was done she excused herself to the kitchen and it was my turn to clean up. I needed it. And after I was dressed decently I went out to talk to her. "Good morning." I said, wondering what her response would be. She smiled at me. "It is." Naturally we had to talk about our new relationship. And that's what we did for a while before deciding to take a walk together. It was eerie to be in a big city and have it so quiet. We got over to the beach but between signs saying the beach was closed and glares from the police we decided to stay close to the apartment. Lunch was a simple affair of bread and cheese. While we ate I asked Taylor why she'd wanted to be more to me than just a step-sister. "I guess I never would have known you if our parents didn't get married. You're like the total opposite of me. But being around you I got to know you and then there's the thing where you're not so hard to look at, Mister." I smiled at her. "You're not so hard to look at yourself." When I asked her about the possibility of pregnancy she just shrugged. "I can go to the store if you want me to." I offered. "What if I didn't want you to?" she asked. "You mean you don't want to have sex anymore? I can understand that." She shook her head, "No, what if I just want us to keep doing this; whatever it is. Would you be okay with that?" I looked in her pale green eyes and realized that I was looking at the woman I'd marry. "Of course I would." And that, my friends, was the closest we ever came to a marriage proposal. After that it was just a given that we would marry and have a family. Naturally, it was no surprise that when we were finally allowed to return to the USA, Taylor was sporting a very modest bulge. I guess my biggest surprise in all of this was when we got home and broke the news to our parents. They looked at each other, smiled, and then my new step-mom says, "Yeah, we kind of figured you two would find a way to pass the time." By Baztrachian for Literotica

Drones that think. Algorithms that decide who lives and who dies. Cyber weapons that never sleep. As AI, autonomous systems, and digital infrastructure become central to global defence strategy, the nature of warfare is undergoing a profound transformation that challenges long-held assumptions about deterrence, power, and control. In this episode, we speak to Dr. Alexey Muraviev, national security and strategic studies expert at Curtin University, about how emerging military technologies are altering the way nations like the U.S., Russia, China, and Ukraine prepare for and fight wars. Image Credit: ShutterstockSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of On the Couch, I am chatting with a truly inspiring young woman, Grady Wulff.Grady is a Senior Market Analyst at Bell Direct. Prior to joining Bell Direct, she was a presenter at Grafa Finance. Grady previously held roles at Channel 7, Fox Sports News, GWN7 News, AFL and AFLW. She has a Graduate Diploma in Broadcasting from Edith Cowan University, and a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Marketing and Advertising at the Curtin University of Technology.Talking Points.·       The Grady Wulff story·       What attracted her to the world of broking?·       What advice would she give anyone looking to break into finance?·       What are her top stock picks at the moment and why?·       What does she think will be the big themes of the new financial year. ·       What advice would she give to young investors just starting out?·       What is the best piece of advice that someone has ever given her?·       Given we all stuff up, what has she learned from her mistakes? Disclaimer: This is general advice only. Please consult your financial adviser before making any investment decisions.If you're looking for personal financial advice, our friends at Clime Investment Management can help. Their team of licensed advisers operates across most states, offering tailored financial planning services.Want to invest with Marcus Today? The Managed Strategy Portfolio is designed for investors seeking exposure to our strategy while we do the hard work for you.Why not sign up for a free trial? Gain access to expert insights, research, and analysis to become a better investor. 

Have you ever had to take a day off work due to severe period pain? Or to manage menopause symptoms? Or to attend an IVF appointment? New research reveals it would save the Australian economy billions of dollars a year if employers offered leave specifically for reproductive health.In this episode our host David Karsten talks with the authors of the research, Dr Silvia Salazar and Dr Abebe Hailemariam, from the Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre. They discuss what reproductive health leave is and explore the benefits it could have for both employees and employers, including economic savings, increased productivity, improved mental health and wellbeing, and better workplace equity. They also discuss some of the risks of implementing reproductive health leave and the cultural stigma associated with women's reproductive health.What is reproductive health leave (RHL)? [01:02]Absenteeism and presenteeism costs economy A$21billion [03:49]RHL is a shared concern and promotes equality [08:45]How other countries offer RHL [10:28]Will RHL discriminate against women? [15:19]Steps to legislate RHL in Australia [23:00]Connect with our guestsDr Silvia SalazarResearch Fellow, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Dr Salazar is a researcher in development economics, ethnic and gender issues and public policy. She obtained her PhD at the Paris School of Economics and the University Paris 1, Panthéon Sorbonne, and has presented her research at numerous international conferences and workshops.Dr Abebe HailemariamSenior Research Fellow, Bankwest Curtin Economics Centre Dr Hailmarian obtained his PhD in Economics from Monash University, where he and received the Mollie Holman Medal Award for Best doctoral thesis in the Faculty of Business and Economics at Monash University.Dr Hailemariam's research areas of interest include energy economics, health economics, housing, gender and inequality.Join Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.auSocial mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcript.Behind the scenesHost: David KarstenContent creators: Caitlin Crowley and Zoe TaylorProducer:Emilia JolakoskaFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.MusicOKAY by 13ounce Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library.Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

Murujuga is a sacred rock art site in Western Australia's Pilbara more ancient than the pyramids in Egypt. Preservation of the rocks is hard-fought, and some experts say that's been made even more precarious by the federal government's decision last month to conditionally extend the neighbouring North-West Shelf gas project. We brought you this story in 2024 and because of these very recent developments, we're re-running the investigation by Tylah Tully from Curtin University to help you understand a story entwined in history, culture, politics and power. Host: Andrew DoddReporter/Producer: Tylah TullyExecutive Producer: Simon BradyStatement by Raelene Cooper, Traditional Owner, on Federal Court application  Statement by Federal Environment Minister Murray WattReport on Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring ProgramStatement by Woodside EnergyStatement by Murujuga Land Corporation on UNESCO applicationFor more stories from the best student journalism in Australia:The JunctionEpisode imagesSocial media and web: Robin Chapple, Tylah TullyMusic‘Betelgeuse' / Kunal Shingade'Spirituality' by Maximus Sound'Anxious' by Oleksii Kaplunskyi'Desert Orchid' by Alisha Studio'So Many Memories' by Myton Music'Just a Light Secret' by MooveKa'Come Back Home' by Olexy

While there are a lot of dinosaur fossils, and a lot of plant fossils, the precise connection between the two has been something of a mystery. Now, researchers report that they've found what's called a cololite, fossilized gut contents, in the remains of a sauropod—a massive, long-necked plant-eater. The dino's last meal dates back 95 to 100 million years. Paleontologist Stephen Poropat joins Host Flora Lichtman to dig into the mysteries of a dinosaur's tummy.And, for prairie dogs, communication is key. The rodents' yips and barks can warn when danger is near—and not just to other prairie dogs. A new study suggests that birds called long-billed curlews are eavesdropping on this chatter to learn when a predator is lurking nearby. Using speakers and a taxidermied badger on wheels, ornithologists are untangling the social dynamics of black-tailed prairie dogs. Host Flora Lichtman talks with study author Andrew Dreelin about this eavesdropping behavior and what it means for conservation.Guests:Dr. Stephen Poropat is a paleontologist and deputy director of the Western Australian Organic and Isotope Geochemistry Centre at Curtin University in Perth, Australia.Andrew Dreelin is a research fellow with the Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute and a PhD candidate at Northern Illinois University.Transcripts for each episode are available within 1-3 days at sciencefriday.com. Subscribe to this podcast. Plus, to stay updated on all things science, sign up for Science Friday's newsletters.

Robyn Jean is a Noongar/Yamatji artist and photographer whose work explores cultural identity, resilience, and the healing power of nature. A Curtin University graduate, she creates layered imagery and collaborates on public art projects. After receiving an unexpected epiphany while watching Star Wars, Robyn decided to chase her dreams. ABOUT THE COLLECTION: City of Stirling Backstories at Perth Festival is a collection showcasing stories from members of the community in City of Stirling. These stories were produced in partnership and made possible by generous funding from City of Stirling and Perth Festival. Storytellers participated in a series of workshops where they worked with our specialist story trainer, Vuma Phiri, to craft first-person narratives about their memorable experiences living in this neighbourhood. In this collection, you will hear live recordings from five unique voices shared at an intimate Perth Festival event. This story and corresponding images are owned by the storyteller and have been licensed to the Centre for Stories. For reproduction and distribution of this story/image please contact the Centre for Stories. To support Centre for Stories in helping more important truths to be told and share, please consider donating or partnering with us. You can find out more about Centre for Stories at www.centreforstories.com. This episode was narrated and produced by Vuma Phiri from Centre for Stories. Original music and sound engineering by Mason Vellios. Live recording by Mason Vellios

Picture this: there's an asteroid on a collision course with Earth. What exactly would we do – and who's working behind the scenes to keep us safe? In this episode, David Karsten is joined by Associate Professor Nicholas Timms and Professor William Rickard to explore the fascinating science of planetary defence.o How a Moon rock changed a career [00:58]o Planetary defence 101 [02:32]o Space rocks and the tools unlocking their secrets [04:50]o What Asteroid Bennu is teaching us about life's building blocks [07:40]o The story of WA's Mother's Day meteorite [10:24]o Popcorn asteroids, Apophis and the DART mission [15:45]o Potentially hazardous objects: Whose problem is it anyway? [19:47]o The future of planetary defence and space research [22:17]  Learn moreJohn de Laeter Research CentrePolice officer finds meteorite that lit up WA's skiesPristine asteroid samples reveal secrets of the ancient solar systemConnect with our guestsAssociate Professor Nicholas Timms, School of Earth and Planetary SciencesNick is a leading expert in rock and mineral deformation and geochronology and has focussed his recent research on impact cratering and extra-terrestrial geology. Deeply immersed in the field, Nick is director of the Space Science and Technology Centre at Curtin University, a team member for NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission and member of the CASA Moon NASA Solar System Exploration Research Virtual Institute (SSERVI).LinkedInCurtin staffProfessor William Rickard, Director, John de Laeter CentreProfessor Will Rickard is an experienced materials scientist with a successful record in applied research and analytical facility management. He collaborates widely with researchers and industry as the subject matter expert for advanced materials characterisation. Will is the Director of the John de Laeter Centre where he manages a suite of core research facilities and co-ordinates a number of projects in defence, materials science and geoscience disciplines.LinkedInCurtin staffJoin Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationGot any questions, or suggestions for future topics?Email thefutureof@curtin.edu.auSocial mediaXFacebookInstagramYouTubeLinkedInTranscriptRead the transcriptBehind the scenesHost: David KarstenContent creator and recordist: Caitlin CrowleyProducer: Emilia JolakoskaSocial Media: Celeste FourieExecutive Producer: Anita ShoreFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.MusicOKAY by 13ounce Creative Commons — Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported — CC BY-SA 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library.Curtin University supports academic freedom of speech. The views expressed in The Future Of podcast may not reflect those of Curtin University.

What if a digital tool could help bridge the gap between hearing loss and informed action?In this session from the 2025 Future of Hearing Healthcare Conference, Dr. Mel Ferguson of Curtin University introduces the Hear Choice project—a co-designed, evidence-based decision aid developed to empower adults with hearing loss. Backed by Australia's National Health and Medical Research Council, Hear Choice is designed to address long-standing barriers in the hearing care pathway, from lack of knowledge and stigma to limited care options.Dr. Ferguson outlines how the tool was developed through stakeholder engagement, usability testing, and ongoing clinical evaluation. Early feedback from users and clinicians suggests that Hear Choice not only improves understanding but may also prompt meaningful behavior change. Watch now to learn how this scalable, brand-agnostic resource could support better-informed decisions and earlier intervention in hearing healthcare.Be sure to subscribe to our channel for the latest episodes each week and follow This Week in Hearing on LinkedIn and X (formerly Twitter).- https://twitter.com/WeekinHearing- https://www.linkedin.com/company/this-week-in-hearing- https://hearinghealthmatters.org/thisweek/

Monday 16th June 2025 This episode is dedicated to the great Todd ‘the tractor' Ingraham. Todd was a trailblazer and a weapon in the WA running world, holding state titles from the 1500m all the way to the full marathon, and even a sneaky 2000m steeplechase. Todd loved to race and loved to win, Todd's superpower was his grit, determination and out hurting his competitors.  Todd sadly lost his battle to Motor Neuron Disease last week. His stories, mantras and his legacy will live on in the WA running community. Rest in Peace Papa T.  This week we cover the 2025 Wadjemup Rottnest Running Festival with Kate Baker and Max Davidson taking out the inaugural Todd Ingraham Trophy, and results from the PTS winter series Eagle and Child.  In this week's interview, we talk to Dr Shaphan Cox and Peter Hallahan from Curtin University, who look to explore our running habits and our sense of ‘place' using the power of Strava. Jorge Madeira, Tom Zawalnyski's coconuts at the 2025 Samoa Marathon, see through half tights at Rotto and Chemie Banger feature in this week's weapons of WARP.    Participate in Shaphan and Peter's research via: https://www.geography.run  Strava "Runners, space, and place research project" https://www.strava.com/clubs/1252688  Jographies Blog - Why Geographers study running: Jographies – geographical perspectives on running    Reach out and connect! Instagram: @warunningpod Email: warunningpodcast@gmail.com  Strava: https://www.strava.com/clubs/WARP

Key Points:Introductions and backgroundMarc Zen introduces himself as a PhD candidate at Curtin University researching explicit media literacy education, particularly focusing on parent perspectives. He discusses his personal experiences with education growing up and how that motivated his research interests.Defining "explicit media literacy" Marc explains why he uses the broader term "explicit media literacy" rather than just focusing on . He notes that parents were more concerned about the influence of media on their children's future relationships than just the content of itself.Parent perspectives on media influenceThe parents Marc interviewed expressed a range of views, but were generally most concerned about how the media their children consume could negatively impact their future relationships and ability to have healthy, respectful intimacy. Some saw potential benefits in using media to start conversations.Initiating conversations with children Many parents struggled with how to initiate conversations with their children about and relationships, often resorting to awkward tactics like having the conversation in the car. Marc and Cam discuss strategies for parents to create a safe, open environment for these discussions.Differences in parent and gender perspectives Marc observed differences in how mothers and fathers approached the topic, with fathers more likely to discuss directly and share their own experiences, while mothers were more concerned about media messages promoting unhealthy relationship dynamics.Framing education in schools Marc discusses the debate around taking a "critical" approach versus a more "neutral" approach to teaching explicit media literacy in schools. He believes the neutral approach focused on building practical skills is more effective, though the critical approach is better than nothing.Concluding thoughtsMarc emphasizes the importance of reframing adolescence as a time of opportunity to build valuable life skills, rather than just a period of risk and vulnerability. He advocates for evidence-based, shame-free education that provides young people with practical tools.Relevant linksWebsite: www.marczen.com.au.Instagram: marc_zen_

In the United States, the conflict between California and the Trump administration over immigration appears to be further intensifying. Federal immigration officials are carrying out enforcement activities in California, especially the Los Angeles area, as part of President Donald Trump's mass deportation policy. The raids have been sharply criticized by local officials who say everything in their daily life is being affected by the activities targeting immigrant families. At the center of the clash is the federal government's decision to order the deployment of National Guard members and Marines to LA after days of protests driven by anger over the raids.What does the clash tell us about the social and political divisions in the United States? Host Ding Heng is joined by Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures at Curtin University, and Andy Mok, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for China and Globalization.

Donald Trump brands Vladimir Putin 'absolutely crazy' after Russia launched its largest aerial attack of the war on Ukraine. The Kremlin is downplaying Trump’s remarks, describing them as 'emotional overload'. So, is the US President emboldening Putin? Or will Trump’s fiery words be put into action with sanctions? In this episode: Mark Storella, Former US Ambassador. Alexey Muraviev, Associate Professor, National Security and Strategic Studies, Curtin University. Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior Fellow, Democratic Strategy Initiative. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

This week on the Perth Property Show, Trent Fleskens welcomes Megan Adair, director of Adair Advisory, WAPC Commissioner and Non-Executive Director at Stellar Living, for an in-depth discussion on her career and insights into the housing market in Western Australia. Megan shares her journey from studying at Curtin University to becoming a pivotal figure in the planning and property industry, touching upon key experiences and challenges she has faced. The conversation delves into the complexities of the planning landscape, the role of local government, and the importance of leadership and flexibility in policy-making. 

In this episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Natalie Morgan from Curtin University explains why fiber is often the overlooked component in poultry diets and why it deserves more attention. She explains how soluble and insoluble fibers impact gut health, nutrient absorption, and enzyme efficiency. Listen now on all major platforms!"Soluble fiber ferments and fuels beneficial bacteria, producing short-chain fatty acids that support gut health and reduce pathogen colonization."What will you learn: (00:00) Introduction(00:54) Guest background(02:25) Fiber in poultry nutrition(03:28) Soluble vs. insoluble fiber(04:07) Fiber's impact on enzymes(09:25) Fiber research(10:56) Closing thoughtsMeet the guest:Dr. Natalie Morgan received her B.Sc. in Animal Biology and Ph.D. in Poultry Nutrition from Nottingham Trent University. Now an Associate Professor at Curtin University in Australia, she specializes in dietary fiber and prebiotics in poultry diets, with extensive experience in enzyme application and microbiota studies. Her research aims to optimize nutrient absorption and gut health in poultry.Connect with our guest on Social Media: LinkedInLiked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!

Data is the currency of the digital age, and most of us give our personal data away without realising. In this episode, host David Karsten is joined by Dr. Adam Andreotta to discuss his book, Rethinking Informed Consent in the Big Data Age. Listen to discover how big data is reshaping our privacy and how we can protect our information in the new age of integrated technology.Dr Adam Andreotta's journey [01:17]What is personal data? [04:54]The upside of sharing your data [08:14]What are we agreeing to when we ‘accept terms'? [11:23]The pitfalls of privacy policies [15:21]Can we take back control? [18:24]Copyright and consent [33:00]The future of online privacy [36:28]Learn moreThe Philosopher's ZoneAutomated informed consentRethinking Informed Consent in the Big Data AgeConnect with our guestsDr Adam Andreotta, Lecturer, School of Management and Marketing, Curtin UniversityDr Adam Andreotta's research explores the philosophy of artificial intelligence, the ethics of big data, and how we can better secure informed consent surrounding the collection and use of our personal data online.In 2024, Adam authored Rethinking Informed Consent in the Big Data Age where he delves into the challenges of self-managing our private data online and suggests ways we can improve data consent practices in everyday contexts.Curtin Staff ProfileLinkedInPhilPeopleJoin Curtin UniversityThis podcast is brought to you by Curtin University. Curtin is a global university known for its commitment to making positive change happen through high-impact research, strong industry partnerships and practical teaching.Work with usStudy a research degreeStart postgraduate educationTranscriptRead the transcriptBehind the scenesHost: David KarstenRecordist and Content Creator: Caitlin CrowleySocial Media: Celeste FourieProducer: Emilia JolakoskaExecutive Producer: Anita ShoreFirst Nations AcknowledgementCurtin University acknowledges all First Nations of this place we call Australia and the First Nations peoples connected with our global campuses. We are committed to working in partnership with all Custodians and Owners to strengthen and embed First Nations' voices and perspectives in our decision-making, now and into the future.

Jo and Sab want everyone to plant more banksia trees.Perth needs two million more banksias to give Carnaby's and Baudin's black cockatoos a decent food supply, according to Curtin University botanist Professor Kingsley Dixon. 01:28 How long until you can expect fruit off your dwarf Hass avocado tree.04:30 Hot weather is on its way - should you still prune? 15:20 If your trees aren't prospering, at what point should you replace them? The hilarious Sabrina Hahn is a font of knowledge.Listen to the program live on Saturdays at 9:00AM on ABC Radio Perth and ask your questions by calling in on 1300 222 720 or text 0437 922 720 Subscribe to the podcast through the ABC Listen App, Apple Podcasts or wherever you like to listen

Harvard University has sued the Trump administration to halt the freezing of federal grants worth billions of dollars. Does the lawsuit signal a major escalation in the growing conflict between higher education and the Trump administration, and what could be the possible outcomes? Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Haolan, Research Assistant at the Asia Society Policy Institute's Center for China Analysis; Edward Lehman, Managing Director LEHMAN, LEE & Xu Law Firm; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures, Curtin University.

Somewhere out past Mars in the early hours of Easter Monday, a space probe called Lucy whizzed by an asteroid named Donaldjohanson.Lucy then sent back images showing Donaldjohanson is about five kilometres wide and shaped like a peanut.It's one of a handful of asteroids on Lucy's 12-year itinerary.So what does the billion-dollar mission hope to achieve?

New Curtin University research into the overlooked environmental impact of pet dogs has found far-reaching negative effects on wildlife and ecosystems. Professor Bill Batemen from Curtin University joins Bill Woods to discuss his findings.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Refugees and supporters rally for justic.First up on this week's Doin Time is an interview with  Associate Professor Dr Hannah McGlade of Curtin University, expert member of the UN Permanent Forum for Indigenous Issues and complaint author. We speak to her about a complaint which has been submitted to the United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, with the support of the Human Rights Law Centre.Joining us after that we have David Glanz from the Refugee Action Collective, who will update us about a rally on Saturday in Brunswick to demand that Labor's deportation laws are scrapped and refugees in limbo are given permanent visas.

John Phillimore is the Executive Director of the John Curtin Institute of Public Policy at Curtin University. He has been at Curtin for 17 years, and previously worked in government and for other universities. He has spoken to SBS WA Correspondent Christopher Tan about why Western Australia is seen as a battleground state in the upcoming election.

The average new home loan size hit a record high in December 2024. According to the bureau of statistics that is now $666,000, making it difficult for first time buyers to enter the market. Curtin University's Professor Rachel Ong ViforJ looks closely at the pros and cons of housing entry schemes such as the first homebuyers grant and shared equity schemes.

Three months after the fall of Bashar al-Assad, Syria's interim President has been struggling to unite the country.In a landmark breakthrough, the government struck a deal to merge the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces into state institutions.While Syrian Kurds celebrate the deal, residents on the northwestern coast remain wary after days of sectarian violence that killed over 1,000 people. The government blamed pro-Assad groups for instigating the violence, and said the security threats had already been neutralized, but will the fragmented country be able to achieve peace and unity after 13 years of civil war?Host Zhao Ying is joined by Wang Jin, Associate Professor with Northwest University in Xi'an, China; Joseph Siracusa, Professor of Global Futures with Curtin University; Steven Wright, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Hamad Bin Khalifa University.

A Ukraine ceasefire could be a while away yet, according to one expert. Ukraine's agreed to a US-proposed 30-day ceasefire with Russia, after Washington and Kyiv officials held talks in Saudi Arabia today. Curtin University associate professor, Alexey Muraviev, says the US would need to make some significant compromises for Russia to consider it. He explained that's what it would take for Vladimir Putin to be able to sell the idea. "If it's going to be just a case of showing goodwill - I think Putin would be damaging his own reputation in the eyes of the people he was trying to sell this war to." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves speaks with Catherine Allfrey from Wavestone Capital as US and local markets are hit with US recession fears, plus Liam Wagner from Curtin University explains why petrol prices are likely to fall soon.

A new people has emerged in the digital age, that of ‘internet famous' celebrities. And that new people has a class of social scientist focused on studying them, the digital anthropologist. Crystal Abidin, a professor at Australia's Curtin University and founding director of the Influencer Ethnography Research Lab there, is such as digital anthropologist. Her research covers influencers – both adult and child and the general pop culture centered on social media, especially in the Asia Pacific region. In this Social Science Bites podcast, Abidin offers interviewer David Edmonds a metaphor to understand how her cyber-ethnography and digital anthropology work in practice. “I often think of anthropologists as Mars rovers that you throw into these unknown planets, and slowly but surely, we roll around the planet looking for bits of data, bits of material that might be new or novel. We're not going for quantity and volume at this scale. We're looking for what's neglected, unseen, sidelined by the margins, not yet mainstream. And we're measuring how much of these things are characteristic of the planet and worthy of study. … [A]s an anthropologist, given that my fidelity is to people and their cultures, I don't always only go for the shiniest, most mainstream thing. I often look for what's left behind.” In this conversation, though, Abidin talks about something very shiny indeed – those professional internet celebrities known collectively as “influencers.” She explains how while the top influencers do generate the paydays seen in popular media, the ecosystem extends down to individuals who are spending their own money in hopes of someday making it big. She also draws a distinction between influencers and creators, and also between influencers and memes.  Abidin also dives into regional differences in influencer culture, using her own detailed analysis of Asia Pacific influencer cultures, to explore regional differences that should be understood when assessing content on global platforms. “[I]f we were to discount the hegemony of American popular culture and their stronghold and a lot of social media, the palette is so diverse, the markets are so varied, that trends go in many different directions. So we need to sometimes think about who we are speaking about, what the superpower of the day is, and whenever we make these generalizations, what are the limitations? Who's not included in them?” In addition to her role at Curtin, Abidin founded the TikTok Cultures Research Network and is an affiliate researcher with the Media Management and Transformation Centre at Jönköping University. She was named an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow for 2019 to 2024. Currently the editor-in-chief of Media International Australia, she has written or edited a number of books that bridge popular concerns with academic rigor, including 2018's Internet Celebrity: Understanding Fame Online and this year's Influencer Marketing: Interdisciplinary and Socio-Cultural Perspectives (co-edited with Lauren Gurrieri and Jenna Drenten),

In this episode, Dr. Sylvanna Mirichlis from Curtin University in Perth, Australia, and ISSS Past President Dr. Stephen Lewis from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada share about the origins of the annual March 1st Self-Injury Awareness Day (SIAD), what people around the world are doing as part of this day, and what our ISSS Stigma, Recovery, and Lived Experience Special Interest Group is doing to boost awareness of self-injury. We also share some of our favorite clips from past episodes. Self-Injury Resources:International Society for the Study of Self-Injury (ISSS) (https://itriples.org/Self-injury Outreach & Support (SiOS) (http://sioutreach.org/)Cornell's Self-Injury & Recovery Resources (SIRR) (www.selfinjury.bctr.cornell.edu)Shedding Light on Self-Injury (https://www.self-injury.org.au/)Lewis, S. P., & Hasking, P. A. (2023). Understanding self-injury: A person-centered approach. Oxford University Press.To watch Dr. Lewis' TEDx talk about his own lived experience of self-injury on YouTube, visit https://youtu.be/G17iMOw0ar8.Timestamps for clips from past episodes:37:37 - Lived experience: Kirsty's story of self-injury & advocacy (Season 2, Episode 30)43:41 - Psychologists with lived experience of self-injury, with Dr. Sarah Victor (Season 1, Episode 9)45:25 - Self-injury stigma and language, with Dr. Penelope Hasking (Season 1, Episode 4)48:26 - Lived experience: Thomas' story of self-injury & gender dysphoria (Season 4, Episode 48)52:48 - Self-harm across cultures, with Dr. Marc Wilson (Season 2, Episode 24)56:39 - The psychology of self-injury scarring, with Dr. Taylor Burke (Season 2, Episode 31)1:01:52 - A dad & daughter discuss her lived experience of self-harm (Season 3, Episode 37)1:15:15 - Parenting youth who self-injure, with Dr. Janis Whitlock (Season 1, Episode 3)1:23:49 - Supporting siblings of individuals who self-harm, with Dr. Amy Lucas (Season 4, Episode 46)Want to have a bigger role on the podcast?:Should you or someone you know be interviewed on the podcast? We want to know! Please fill out this Google doc form, and we will be in touch with more details if it's a good fit.Want to hear your question and have it answered on the podcast? Please send an audio clip of your question (60 seconds or less) to @DocWesters on Instagram or Twitter/X, or email us at thepsychologyofselfinjury@gmail.comWant to be involved in research? Send us a message at thepsychologyofselfinjury@gmail.com and we will see if we can match you to an active study.Want to interact with us through comments and polls? You can on Spotify!Follow Dr. Westers on Instagram and Twitter/X (@DocWesters). To join ISSS, visit itriples.org and follow ISSS on Facebook and Twitter/X (@ITripleS).The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast has been rated as one of the "10 Best Self Harm Podcasts" and "20 Best Clinical Psychology Podcasts" by Feedspot  and one of the Top 100 Psychology Podcasts by Goodpods. It has also been featured in Audible's "Best Mental Health Podcasts to Defy Stigma and Begin to Heal."

Peter Newman, Professor of Sustainability at Curtin University says zero emissions is essential for our long-term viability. Some cities are leaping forward with their green agenda, embracing new technologies and restoring ecosystems. Is St Louis Missouri in the race?

An asteroid dubbed 2024 YR4 is causing a stir among the space community and a frenzy in the media. It currently has a 2.3 per cent chance of crashing into Earth three days before Christmas in 2032. But this is not our first asteroid rodeo. Get in touch with us: labnotes@abc.net.au

Cinematographer James Hoare is a recent graduate from Curtin University, where he worked alongside director Christopher Paik-Swan and writer Max Joyce to bring to life their final year short film Don't Talk About the Monster on the Roof, a micro-budget horror short flick inspired by the look of Ozploitation films. It's an impressively taut thriller that is drenched in sweaty tension as a group of mates head off on a road trip up to the Pinnacles, only to find that while on the trip, they each start disappearing one by one after something on the roof of the car rips them away.James' work as the cinematographer saw him utilising LED virtual production technology, alongside drone shots and on location cinematography. He comfortably blends the VFX backgrounds with on location shots, culminating in an effective and creatively engaging short that executes high concept ideas on a student budget.James was also able to present the film at the 2024 CamerImage Festival in Poland as part of their Talent Demo program. At the festival, he was able to present the film and receive detailed feedback from celebrated filmmakers like cinematographer Jarin Baschkle (Nosferatu, The Lighthouse) and director Hiro Murai (Atlanta, Mr and Mrs Smith).In the following interview, recorded ahead of the films screening at the WA Made Film Festival on Saturday 22 February as part of the Saturday Shorts line-up, James talks about his creative journey to becoming a cinematographer, what it means to be able to make films in Western Australia, and a lot more.The line-up for this years WA Made Film Festival is a stellar one, with a huge array of shorts, long shorts, features, documentaries, and a panels galore to keep you up to speed on the ins and outs of the WA film scene. The festival opens with the world premiere of Remotely Famous, directed by Brad Newland. The excitement for that is so high that the screening has already sold out. The energy continues over the weekend with a live Cinema Australia podcast recording with Matthew Eeles and director Zak Hilditch, short film showcases, screenings of award winning films like Genocide in the Wildflower State, world premieres of films like Lint, Christmas Orphans, In Sect, and Highest Treason, while acclaimed films like Jellyfish, Green: The Fight for Rock and Roll, and Everywhere get spotlight screenings.I'm proud to be part of this years festival as I join a panel of excellent WA filmmakers for The Future is Bright: Independent Filmmaker Panel on Saturday 22 February from 11:45am at the City of Perth Library Auditorium. The panel includes Sarah Legg, Tayah Lee-Traub, Steven J. Mihaljevich, Emilie Lowe, Lawrence Murphy, and Oscar Miller, each of whom will be discussing their upcoming feature films which were made completely independently.I'm continually in awe of the work that Jasmine Leivers and Matthew Eeles put into bringing the WA Made Film Festival together. It's a top tier local film festival that reminds audiences that there is a vibrant, active, and downright vital film scene in operation here in Western Australia.For all the details on the festival, and to secure your tickets, visit WAMadeFilmFestival.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cinematographer James Hoare is a recent graduate from Curtin University, where he worked alongside director Christopher Paik-Swan and writer Max Joyce to bring to life their final year short film Don't Talk About the Monster on the Roof, a micro-budget horror short flick inspired by the look of Ozploitation films. It's an impressively taut thriller that is drenched in sweaty tension as a group of mates head off on a road trip up to the Pinnacles, only to find that while on the trip, they each start disappearing one by one after something on the roof of the car rips them away.James' work as the cinematographer saw him utilising LED virtual production technology, alongside drone shots and on location cinematography. He comfortably blends the VFX backgrounds with on location shots, culminating in an effective and creatively engaging short that executes high concept ideas on a student budget.James was also able to present the film at the 2024 CamerImage Festival in Poland as part of their Talent Demo program. At the festival, he was able to present the film and receive detailed feedback from celebrated filmmakers like cinematographer Jarin Baschkle (Nosferatu, The Lighthouse) and director Hiro Murai (Atlanta, Mr and Mrs Smith).In the following interview, recorded ahead of the films screening at the WA Made Film Festival on Saturday 22 February as part of the Saturday Shorts line-up, James talks about his creative journey to becoming a cinematographer, what it means to be able to make films in Western Australia, and a lot more.The line-up for this years WA Made Film Festival is a stellar one, with a huge array of shorts, long shorts, features, documentaries, and a panels galore to keep you up to speed on the ins and outs of the WA film scene. The festival opens with the world premiere of Remotely Famous, directed by Brad Newland. The excitement for that is so high that the screening has already sold out. The energy continues over the weekend with a live Cinema Australia podcast recording with Matthew Eeles and director Zak Hilditch, short film showcases, screenings of award winning films like Genocide in the Wildflower State, world premieres of films like Lint, Christmas Orphans, In Sect, and Highest Treason, while acclaimed films like Jellyfish, Green: The Fight for Rock and Roll, and Everywhere get spotlight screenings.I'm proud to be part of this years festival as I join a panel of excellent WA filmmakers for The Future is Bright: Independent Filmmaker Panel on Saturday 22 February from 11:45am at the City of Perth Library Auditorium. The panel includes Sarah Legg, Tayah Lee-Traub, Steven J. Mihaljevich, Emilie Lowe, Lawrence Murphy, and Oscar Miller, each of whom will be discussing their upcoming feature films which were made completely independently.I'm continually in awe of the work that Jasmine Leivers and Matthew Eeles put into bringing the WA Made Film Festival together. It's a top tier local film festival that reminds audiences that there is a vibrant, active, and downright vital film scene in operation here in Western Australia.For all the details on the festival, and to secure your tickets, visit WAMadeFilmFestival.com.au. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, Ros and Laura sit down with Tracy Verdugo, a vibrant artist, author, and teacher based in Jervis Bay, Australia. Tracy describes her art as a beautiful kaleidoscope of impressions, experiences, and dreams, reflecting her unfiltered emotions and unique creative vision. She shares her journey into the art world, starting with a Fine Art degree at Curtin University, which she left to pursue incredible opportunities in America that shaped her career and her success in business.  As a natural storyteller, Tracy also wrote an incredible book called: Paint Mojo, which helps artists unleash their creativity, build confidence, and elevate their art practice. Her creative work spans hosting art retreats around the globe (including an upcoming retreat in Sicily this May), teaching online courses, and maintaining her personal art practice. In this conversation Tracy highlights the importance of balancing her business and creative pursuits with the most important things like health & family. Listeners can learn more about Tracy's offerings, including her retreats and classes, by visiting tracyverdugo.com and signing up for her newsletter. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about Tracy's artistic evolution, her passion for empowering others, and her journey as an artist, teacher, and author. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to embrace their creative potential!   PODCAST LINKS:   Tracy's Website: https://tracyverdugo.com/   Tracy's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tracyverdugo/ Tracy's Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TracyVerdugoArt/   Tracy's You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/user/tracyverdugo PODCAST PROMO'S: Ros' Art for the Heart Membership currently has a discount offer - Sign up by January 17th to get 25% off. Go to: https://www.permissiontopaint.co/afh   AND Laura's Art Retreat in Vietnam 2025 - Has ONE final spot available - Go to: https://laurajaneday.com/retreat Don't forget your special Podcast discount code — PRR200 (hurry only 1 ticket left!)   FIND US AND FOLLOW US ONLINE! Follow Laura on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laurajaneday/ Follow Ros on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rosgervayart And to book a creative business coaching session with Laura please visit: https://coaching.laurajaneday.com/ To explore Ros' business coaching offers visit https://www.permissiontopaint.co   Help us grow our Podcast by leaving us 5 stars on Spotify or a review on Apple Podcasts. Here is how!  

The Smart 7 is an award winning daily podcast that gives you everything you need to know in 7 minutes, at 7am, 7 days a week...With over 17 million downloads and consistently charting, including as No. 1 News Podcast on Spotify, we're a trusted source for people every day and the Sunday 7 won a Gold Award as “Best Conversation Starter” in the International Signal Podcast Awards If you're enjoying it, please follow, share, or even post a review, it all helps...Today's episode includes the following guests:Dr Aziza Sesay - Vice-Chair of Black Female Doctors UK and an Honorary Senior Clinical LecturerAndrew Parfery - Programme Manager for the Venture Builder Incubator at the University of Edinburgh Jess Brunet - Clinical Team Manager at QbTestWill Guyatt - The Smart 7's Tech GuruHenry Shelford - CEO and Co-Founder of ADHD UKAnthony Clarke - PhD student at Curtin University, AustraliaProfessor Chris Kirkland - Curtin University, AustraliaKenneth Bowersox - Former Astronaut and NASA's Associate Administrator for Space OperationsSteve Sitch - Commercial Crew Program at NASA's Kennedy Space CenterMark Strassman - CBS News Senior Correspondent Dr Gary Ruvkun - Professor of Genetics at Harvard Medical SchoolGeoffrey Hinton - Professor Emeritus at the University of TorontoSir Demis Hassabis - Co-Founder & CEO of Google Deep MindPedro Sanchez - Prime Minister of SpainSeth Borentsein - Associated PressOksana Tarasova - Senior Scientific Officer at the UN's World Meteorological OrganisationDr Vicky Price - Vice-President at the Society for Acute MedicineDr Stephen Childs - University of SunderlandDr Kath McCollough - Royal College of PhysiciansKaren Betts OBE - CEO of the Food and Drink FederationContact us over at X or visit www.thesmart7.comPresented by Ciara Revins, written by Liam Thompson and Meg Turner, and produced by Daft Doris. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As 2024 retreats fast into the past, how shall we summarize what has happened in our world over the past year? At a forum on foreign policy in mid-December, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said that, in 2024, the world witnessed transformation intertwined with instability, marked by protracted and intensified geopolitical conflicts, repeated attempts to decouple and sever supply chains, and the accelerated rise of the Global South.Where is our world heading? In this edition of the program, we will try to get closer to the answer by decoding the remarkable changes, instability, and conflicts we saw in 2024. Host Ding Heng is joined by Professor Zha Daojiong from the School of International Studies, Peking University; Professor Joseph Siracusa, Dean of Global Futures with Curtin University; Harvey Dzodin, Senior Fellow of the Center for China and Globalization.

As a new year rolls around, many people will be thinking about taking up some kind of fitness regime. This could be as simple as regular brisk walks, taking up yoga or pilates, or full on gym workouts. But is it worth it? Dr Elissa Burton is Associate Professor of Healthy Ageing at Curtin University with more than 15 years' experience of working with older adults. She says some kind of exercise is vital for our wellbeing as we grow older.

The Moon has always sparked human curiosity. It governs the tides and biological rhythms. It's inspired myths and stories. It's inspired us to reach out and explore it. And it's certainly inspired CrowdScience listeners, who have sent us a host of questions about it. And in a special lunar-themed episode we've brought together a panel of astronomers and planetary scientists to help answer them. What would life be like if there was no Moon? Would there even be life? Or what if we had two moons? Are the Moon and Earth equally battered by meteors? What would happen if an asteroid collided with the Moon? And could the Moon ever escape Earth's gravity? Anand Jagatia is joined by Prof Sara Russell, Head of the Planetary Materials Group at the Natural History Museum in London; Prof Neil Comins from the University of Maine, author of the book What if the Moon didn't Exist?; and Prof Katarina Miljkovic from Curtin University in Perth, Australia. Presenter: Anand Jagatia Producer: Jeremy Grange Editor: Cathy Edwards Production Co-ordinator: Ishmael Soriano Studio Manager: Andrew Garratt(Photo: Landscape with the rising of the full moon during the golden hour Credit: Jose A. Bernat Bacete via Getty Images)

Anthony Clarke, a researcher from Curtin University, joined the show to discuss new findings about Stonehenge that have revealed yet another mystery related to the ancient landmark: how did one of the stones travel all the way from Scotland to reach the Salisbury Plain?

Vannessa Hearman - East Timor's Great Famine, 1977-1979 Following Indonesia's annexation of East Timor in December 1975, the forced displacement and mass starvation of its people resulted in what is known as the Great East Timor Famine, 1977-1979. As Indonesian forces moved into the province thousands of people were forced to flee their villages and farms into the mountains and bush, where food sources were scarce. It is estimated that over fifty percent of East Timor's population of 600,000 was displaced. A report complied by the East Timor Truth, Reception and Reconciliation Commission (CAVR) concluded that at least 84,000 people, but possibly up to 180,000, died in the famine. As such this tragedy touched one in two East Timorese. Indonesia's restrictions on the media and its own propaganda, meant that there was little open reporting on the tragedy as it unfolded. More than two decades since East Timorese voted for independence from Indonesia the truth and associated trauma of this conflict-induced famine remains little known. What was the context in which this famine took place? How did it unfold and what was the scale of the suffering of the East Timorese? What media reporting, if any, was there at the time, and what was the international community's response? And how is the famine remembered in East Timor today and what is being done to bring justice for its victims? In this week's episode Jemma chats with Dr Vannessa Hearman, a senior lecturer in history at Curtin University in Western Australia. Her award-winning monograph, Unmarked Graves: Death and Survival in the Anti-Communist Violence in East Java, Indonesia, is a study of the 1965-66 mass violence in Indonesia. Her research deals with the history and politics of Indonesia and Timor-Leste and Australia's engagements with both countries. She is researching the history of East Timorese migration to Australia and how Australian cultural institutions reflect this history in their collections. Her recent publications on East Timor's famine include, ‘Australian News Photography and Contested Images of Indonesian-Occupied East Timor', Australian Historical Studies, (2003) 54:3; and ‘Challenges in the pursuit of justice for East Timor's Great Famine (1977-1979), Third World Quarterly (2024), 45:2. Also see Pat Walsh's writings on the famine and the fate of the CAVR report Chega!. In 2024, the Talking Indonesia podcast is co-hosted by Dr Jemma Purdey from the Australia-Indonesia Centre, Dr Jacqui Baker from Murdoch University, Dr Elisabeth Kramer from the University of New South Wales and Tito Ambyo from RMIT. Image: A Peter Rodgers photograph denoting forced displacement, surrender and famine on display at the CNC as part of an exhibition on the history of Timor-Leste's independence struggle. Source: Raimundo Fraga, CNC.

SpaceTime Series 27 Episode 142*How Mars Got Its MoonsA groundbreaking study suggests that Mars acquired its moons, Phobos and Deimos, after a passing asteroid was torn apart by the planet's gravity. This new hypothesis, based on NASA's supercomputer simulations and published in the journal Icarus, challenges previous theories of their origin, such as capture or major impact. The upcoming Martian Moons Exploration mission by JAXA, with NASA's involvement, aims to further investigate these theories by collecting samples from Phobos.*Starship Test Flight 6SpaceX has successfully completed its sixth test flight of the Starship Mega rocket, overseen by SpaceX CEO Elon Musk and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. The test included a splashdown of the booster in the Gulf of Mexico and a successful orbital journey of the Starship, which trialled new heat shield materials and descent strategies. This marks the final test for this version of Starship, with an upgraded version expected to fly soon.*Revisiting Earth's Ore DepositsNew research reveals that the largest iron ore deposits in Western Australia's Pilbara are around a billion years younger than previously thought. Using advanced geochronology techniques, scientists have dated these deposits to between 1.1 and 1.4 billion years, reshaping our understanding of Earth's geological history and aiding future exploration efforts.The Science ReportA study suggests that a daily hour-long walk for those over 40 could extend life expectancy by five years. Meanwhile, global plastic waste is projected to double by mid-century, but a combination of policies could reduce it by 90%. Additionally, switching to a vegan diet could lower food costs by 19%, unlike the Mediterranean diet. The Bent Spoon Award was given to the Cancer Council of Western Australia for endorsing pseudoscientific practices like Richie.www.spacetimewithstuartgary.comwww.bitesz.com

 Climate Action Show Produced by Vivien LangfordNovember 18th 2024CLIMATE ACTION IN KOALA PARK  and NEWCASTLE COAL PORT Rising Tide Protestival Register now - https://www.risingtide.org.au/blockade-rego Rising Tide Protest organisers outside NSW Court this week- Photo Wendy Bacon at Michael West media Speakers at the Bob Brown Foundation Rally in Sydney to Protect Native ForestsMark Graham - "Our forest are our future. They keep us safe"Phil Zylstra - Associate Professor at Curtin University, and as Honorary Fellow at the University of Wollongong.Alex the Astronaut - https://www.youtube.com/c/AlextheAstronautKate Carol - National Parks association - Citizen ScienceEmily Mitchell   - Rising TideTO REGISTER - https://www.risingtide.org.au/blockade-regoThe courtcase : https://michaelwest.com.au/rising-tide-climate-protestival-to-go-ahead-despite-court-ruling/Little Green - https://littlegreenmusic.com/homeUncle Bruce Shillingsworth - https://www.facebook.com/mundagutta/Video: Bob Bown and Alexa Stuart :  From saving the Franklin to shutting down the world's largest coal port      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LqvHnYt0aNg PLUS : Rising Tide Spokeperson Zack Schofield****************************************************************************************************Rising Tide climate ‘Protestival' to go ahead despite court rulingby Wendy Bacon | Nov 9, 2024 | Government, Latest Posts"NSW Police argued that the risks to safety outweighed the right to protest. Rising Tide barrister Neal Funnell told the court that the group did not deny that there were inherent risks in protests on water but pointed to evidence that showed police logs revealed no safety concerns or incidents during the 2023 protest.Although he accepted the police argument about safety risks, Justice Fagan acknowledged that the “organisers of Rising Tide have taken a responsible approach to on-water safety by preparing very thorough plans and protocols, by engaging members of supportive organisations to attend with outboard motor driven rescue craft and by enlisting the assistance of trained lifeguards."In his judgement, Justice Desmond Fagan affirmed that protesting without a permit is lawful".NSW Council for Civil Liberties is one of more than twenty organisations that supported the Rising Tide case.In response to the prohibition order, its Vice-President Lidia Shelly said, “Rising Tide submitted a Form 1 application so that NSW Police could work with the organisers to ensure the safety of the public. The organisers did everything right in accordance with the law. It's responsible and peaceful protesting. Instead, the police dragged the organisers to Court and furthered the public's perception that they're acting under political pressure to protect the interests of the fossil fuel industry.”

Are you high, or is that a sheep glowing?Yep- sheep glow, but that's not all... when it comes to glowing the list of animals includes the platypus, dolphin teeth, bilby ears and Tasmanian Devil feet. Featuring:Linda Reinhold, Zoologist at James Cook University.Professor Simon Lewis, Curtin University. Dr. Kenny Travouillon, Western Australian Museum. Caitlin Grieve, Hillend Dorsets.Production:Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.Petria Ladgrove, Producer.Joel Werner, Script editing.Additional mastering:  Simon Branthwaite.If you want to hear more "What the Duck?" episodes- please like and subscribe here.This episode of What the Duck?! was first broadcast in October 2023 and is produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

A group of Killer whales have been hassling boats around Spain over the last few years. They've been nibbling the rudders and even sinking yachts, but why?Has anyone considered that it might be revenge?  How dangerous are Orcas anyway? Featuring:Martin Evans, UK Sailor.Professor Peter Keegan, History and Archaeology at Macquarie University. Dr Rebeca Wellard, Curtin University.Dr Luke Rendell, University of St Andrews, Scotland. Anna Selbmann, University of Iceland.Production:Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.Petria Ladgrove, Producer.Additional mastering:  Hamish Camilleri.This episode of What the Duck?! was originally broadcast on the 30th of September 2023 and was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung and Kaurna people.

In this episode of the Tongue Experts podcast, Lisa Paladino interviews Dr. Sharon Smart, and Dr. Ray Tseng. Dr. Sharon Smart and Dr. Ray Tseng, board members of ICAP and CIREAS, discuss the importance of interdisciplinary teamwork and evidence-based practices for treating tongue and oral ties. They emphasize the need for rigorous research and advocate for educating professionals about ttethered oral tissues. Both highlight the evolving field and encourage listeners to join ICAP and CIREAS to stay informed and support advancements in care.To learn more (and join) ICAP, click here: https://icapprofessionals.com/Dr. Ray Tseng is a pediatric dentist and owner of the NC Tongue Tie Center in Cary, North Carolina. He holds a DDS and PhD from The Ohio State University and completed post-doctoral research and pediatric specialty training at the University of North Carolina. Dr. Tseng has focused on tethered oral tissues (TOTs) for six years, conducting research and practice to build a strong evidence base in this field. He serves on the board of ICAP and chairs its scientific affairs committee, while also holding adjunct faculty positions at UNC and Curtin University.Dr. Sharon Smart is a teaching and research academic at Curtin University, specializing in pediatric feeding disorders and tongue-tie. She is actively involved with ASTOT and serves as Vice Chair of ICAP, where she co-chairs CIREAS. Dr. Smart has collaborated on ICAP's Position Statement and Practice Guidelines for Ankylofrenula Management, offering evidence-based recommendations for healthcare professionals worldwide.Special thanks to our sponsor for their support of the podcast. You can check out Light Scalpel here: LightScalpel.comMore From Tongue Tie Experts:To learn more, download freebies, and for the links mentioned in the episode, including our popular course, Understanding Milk Supply for Medical and Birth Professionals, click here: www.tonguetieexperts.net/LinksUse code PODCAST15 for 15% off all of our offerings.A gentle disclaimer. Please do not consider anything discussed on this podcast, by myself or any guest of the podcast, to be medical advice. The information is provided for educational purposes only and does not take the place of your own medical or lactation provider.Mentioned in this episode:Light Scalpel Ad LinkLight Scalpel Ad LinkLight Scalpel Ad Link

Did you know that chronic pain affects 1 in 5 people globally and is the leading cause of disability? Whether it's persistent back pain, recurring neck issues, stubborn knee problems, or debilitating migraines, chronic pain can be both physically exhausting and emotionally draining. But, as this week's fantastic guest will explain, there is so much more that we could be doing.   Professor Peter O'Sullivan is a Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist and a John Curtin Distinguished Professor at the School of Allied Health Sciences at Curtin University. He's internationally recognised as a leading clinician, researcher and educator in musculoskeletal pain disorders. And, with his team, he's developed an approach called cognitive functional therapy, which has been proven to work not just with chronic back pain but also with other persistent pain conditions. Together, they have published more than 345 scientific papers, written numerous book chapters, and Peter has been the keynote speaker at over 120 international conferences.  In this episode, Peter explains why changing the story around pain is one of the most important things we need to address, if we want to effectively tackle it. We delve into the 10 myths of lower back pain and challenge common beliefs about posture, core strength, and the necessity of scans. Peter also explains why many popular strategies for avoiding back pain might actually make things worse. We discuss the vital role of healthcare professionals in chronic pain management, including the need for a multidimensional approach that combines physical therapy with psychological understanding. Building trust, listening to patient stories, and fostering hope is crucial in order to make people active participants in their own recovery journey. Peter is knowledgeable, passionate and someone who deeply cares about helping people break free from chronic pain. I truly believe this episode has the potential to change lives. Whether you're dealing with chronic pain yourself or know someone who is, I encourage you to tune in and listen to this valuable information. Support the podcast and enjoy Ad-Free episodes. Try FREE for 7 days on Apple Podcasts https://apple.co/feelbetterlivemore. For all podcast platforms go to https://fblm.supercast.com. Thanks to our sponsors: https://airbnb.co.uk/host https://vivobarefoot.com/livemore https://calm.com/livemore https://drinkag1.com/livemore   Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/472   DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or qualified healthcare provider. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.