Uncommon Sense – Triple R FM

Author and regenerative farmer Charles Massy joins Amy to discuss the re-release of his acclaimed book, 'Call Of The Reed Warbler: A New Agriculture, A New Earth'. They talk about the environmental, health, and economic benefits of regenerative agriculture (the alternative to industrial agriculture), as well as the connection between soil health and human health. Charles shares why the transition...

Philosopher Kate Manne speaks in-depth on her book, 'Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women', and her ground-breaking first book, 'Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny'. Kate Manne is an Associate Professor in philosophy at Cornell University (NY, USA). Broadcast on 22 December 2020.

Evolutionary neurobiologist and historian Matthew Cobb joins Amy for a deep conversation exploring his fascinating book, 'The Idea of the Brain: A History.' Matthew is a Professor of Zoology at the University of Manchester (UK). Broadcast on 15 December 2020.

Former Australian Ambassador to China Geoff Raby joins Amy for an in-depth conversation about his new book, 'China's Grand Strategy and Australia's Future in the New Global Order.' Geoff examines China’s place in the world and the strategy behind its actions. He also tells us why diplomatic relations between Beijing and Canberra are at an all time low and what can be done about it. Broadcast on 8...

Former Greek finance minister and economist Yanis Varoufakis joined Amy for a long-form conversation about his vision for a fair, just, and competitive post-capitalist society, as detailed in his new book ‘Another Now: Dispatches from an Alternative Present.’ We discuss his political activism, influences and time as finance minister seeking to negotiate a settlement for Greece with Europe’s establ...

French journalist and author Guillaume Pitron talks about his eye-opening new book, 'The Rare Metals War: The Dark Side of Clean Energy and Digital Technologies.' Broadcast on 6 October 2020.

Philosopher Dr Kate Kirkpatrick discusses her recent biography, 'Becoming Beauvoir: A Life.' Kate examines with great precision, insight, and balance, the life of French writer, feminist, and philosopher Simone de Beauvoir. Beauvoir’s life and work has often been distorted and overshadowed by her working and romantic relationship with Jean-Paul Sartre. Kate debunks some of the major misconceptions...

Poet and aged-care reform advocate Sarah Holland-Batt speaks about the many issues surrounding the coronavirus outbreaks in aged-care homes in Victoria that has led to the early death of so many elderly Australians. Sarah is an Associate Professor in Creative Writing at QUT and Chair of Australian Book Review. Broadcast on 8 September 2020.

Biologist and writer Merlin Sheldrake joins Amy from London for an in-depth conversation about his new book, ‘Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures’. They discuss the mysterious, lively and endlessly fascinating fungi kingdom. Broadcast on 8 September, 2020.

British writer Robert Macfarlane joins Amy for a special long-form conversation about the connections between landscape, language, people, and place. They delve into Robert’s latest book, Underland: A Deep Time Journey, and also draw on ideas from his past works including, Mountains of the Mind, The Old Ways, and Landmarks. Robert is a Fellow of Emmanuel College, Cambridge University. Broadcast on...

Kate Leaver discusses her book 'Good Dog', which delves into the special bond that has evolved between canines and humans. Kate talks of the emotional support she receives from her dog Bertie, and how this inspired her to delve into the research on the sophisticated emotional capacities that dogs display and the health benefits that humans enjoy from interacting with dogs, as well as how dogs also...

Psychologist Professor Cordelia Fine from the University of Melbourne talks about the real science of sex differences, drawing on her 2017 book, Testosterone Rex, and her Aeon Mag essay 'Sexual Dinosaurs'. Cordelia debunks the gender bias in neuroscience that exaggerates the role of testosterone in male and female brains and behaviour. Her book, Testosterone Rex won the prestigious Royal Society S...

Dr Katja Hogendoorn, an entomologist and native bee expert from the University of Adelaide talks about the stunning Metallic Green Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa aerata), why it's vulnerable to extinction, and how her team is trying to save this species on Kangaroo Island after the summer bushfires. Broadcast on 11 August 2020. *You can support Katja's work with the Green Carpenter Bee by donating to the...

LA-based journalist and historian Lesley Blume speaks about her new book, 'Fallout: the Hiroshima cover-up and the reporter who revealed it to the world'. Broadcast on 11 August 2020.

Philosopher Dr Matthew Sharpe explores how the thoughts of Marcus Aurelius and Stoic philosophy can help us get through the COVID-19 pandemic, and current lockdown in Melbourne. Broadcast on 28 July 2020.

Freelance writer and photographer Anthony Ham talks about his new book 'The Last Lions of Africa: Stories from the Frontline in the Battle to Save a Species'. Anthony details the stories of lions under threat across Africa, their relationship to and with humans, and the critical role they play in their local ecosystems. Anthony was fortunate to have visited the places he writes of many times. Broa...

Dr Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute explains the state of Australia's economy during COVID-19 and de-mystifies the economic symbolism at play in the federal government's response. He also explains the Treasurer's back to the 1980's fiscal inspiration, and what the changes to JobKeeper and JobSeeker mean for all of society. Broadcast on July 28, 2020.

Hong Kong-based lawyer and author Antony Dapiran joined Amy to discuss his new book, City on Fire: The Fight for Hong Kong, which takes us to the frontlines of the 2019 protest movement. Antony also gives us an update on how the Hong Kong government is suppressing and controlling the spread of COVID-19. Broadcast 7 April 2020.

Professor Mary-Louise McLaws is an epidemiologist at UNSW, and a member of the World Health Organisation’s Advisory Panel for Infection, Prevention and Control Preparedness and Response to COVID-19. Mary-Louise joins Amy for an in-depth look at the evidence and issues she sees in her work, including how wearing a face mask inhibits the spread of the coronavirus. They also discuss the evidence and...

Historian Rutger Bregman returns to discuss his timely new book, 'Humankind: A Hopeful History.' Rutger delves into the historical and scientific evidence for why and how most humans are actually pretty decent, and just how radical it is to believe this. Rutger last joined the show in July 2017 to talk about his book, 'Utopia For Realists.' Broadcast on 2 June 2020.

Dr Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute chats about the dire economic straits Australian businesses and workers finds themselves in due to the coronavirus pandemic. Richard evaluates how the federal government is managing the economic fall-out, and how and when we might achieve some form of economic recovery. Broadcast on 26 May 2020.

Nicholas Dowse, founder of Honey Fingers – an urban beekeeping collective – speaks with Amy about the fascinating hive mind of honey bees, his experience with urban beekeeping in Melbourne, and how Australia's honey bee populations and beekeeping practices compare with the rest of the world. Nic and Amy also discuss the links between modern beekeeping and modernist architecture, as well as the his...

American naturalist and writer Sy Montgomery joined Amy to discuss her lifelong relationship with animals, and explore the fascinating ideas and stories about animal intelligence and consciousness from her critically acclaimed books, 'The Soul of an Octopus: A Surprising Exploration Into the Wonder of Consciousness' and 'How to Be a Good Creature.' Broadcast on 12 May 2020.

American science writer David Quammen discusses his prescient 2012 book, 'Spillover: Animal Infections and the Next Human Pandemic.' David explores how dangerous viruses 'spillover' from animals into humans, and why they have been occurring more and more since the 1960s. He also tells us how we knew a pandemic like the COVID-19 was coming, why the warnings were ignored, and what we can do to preve...

David George Haskell explores his fascinating book, 'The Songs of Trees: Stories from Nature's Great Connectors.' David and Amy discuss the unique songs and sounds that different trees and forests make around the world, and what they reveal to us about biology and human culture. David is a Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies at the University of the South (USA). Broadcast on 31 March 20...