Uncommon Sense

Barrister Richard Beasley SC joins Amy to discuss why he's angry about the death of the Murray-Darling Basin and what we can do about it. Richard's new book is called, Dead in the Water: A very angry book about our greatest environmental catastrophe... the death of the Murray-Darling Basin, published by Allen & Unwin.

Dr Monica Bell, associate professor of law and sociology at Yale University joins Amy to discuss the murder of George Floyd and the trial of Derek Chauvin, as well as pervasive police violence against Black and brown Americans and the push for racial justice in the United States.

Amy talks with fungi expert, ecologist, natural historian, and photographer Dr Alison Pouliot about her new book, Wild Mushrooming: A Guide for Foragers, co-authored with Tom May (CSIRO Publishing). Alison takes us on a foray and forage through the Kingdom Fungi. She shares how we can forage for mushrooms with safety, respect for nature, and conservation at the forefront. This is a special extended conversation.

A panel of experts join Amy to discuss why the Moon has a "right to exist, persist and continue its vital cycles unaltered, unharmed and unpolluted by human beings." Hear from co-authors of the 'Declaration of the Rights of the Moon’; US-based nature rights advocate Mari Margil, space archaeologist Alice Gorman aka 'Dr Space Junk', and landscape architect Thomas Gooch. They talk about why we must protect the moon from human exploitation and interference, especially with plans currently...

Former war correspondent Elizabeth Becker talks about three brilliant women war reporters who made their own way to report on the frontline during the Vietnam War – Australian combat reporter Kate Webb, French daredevil photojournalist Catherine Leroy, and American intellectual Frances FitzGerald. Elizabeth draws out their fascinating careers in her new book, You Don’t Belong Here: How Three Women Rewrote the Story of War.

Award-winning investigative reporter Marian Wilkinson joins Amy to talk in-depth about her revealing book, The Carbon Club: How a network of influential climate sceptics, politicians and business leaders fought to control Australia's climate policy. The Australia Institute’s chief economist Dr Richard Denniss discusses the permanent change (ie. cut) to the rate of the unemployment allowance. After years of lobbying is the rate adequate and what does this mean for people currently struggling...

Award-winning investigative reporter Marian Wilkinson joins Amy to talk in-depth about her revealing book, The Carbon Club: How a network of influential climate sceptics, politicians and business leaders fought to control Australia's climate policy.

Acclaimed historian Henry Reynolds brings us some serious truth-telling with his book of the same name, Truth-Telling: History, Sovereignty And The Uluru Statement. Henry takes us through the historical reality of the British colonisation of Australia, and why it is legally, historically and morally clear that Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded. The Monthly's contributing editor Rachel Withers talks about sexual assault and rape allegations in politics and the news media bargaining code....

Acclaimed historian Henry Reynolds speaks with Amy about the historical reality of the colonisation of Australia, and why it is legally, historically, and morally clear that Indigenous sovereignty was never ceded. Henry also discusses his life's research on the frontier wars in Australia and his views on treaty-making, memorialisation, and confronting our violent history. His new book is 'Truth-Telling: History, Sovereignty, and the Uluru Statement'.

Award-winning investigative reporter Louise Milligan delves into the issues examined in her latest book, 'Witness: An Investigation Into the Brutal Cost of Seeking Justice.' Louise talks about the traumatic effects witnesses and complainants of sexual abuse experience under cross-examination, and whilst navigating the criminal justice system in Australia. Epidemiologist and WHO Advisor on COVID-19 Professor Mary-Louise McLaws returns to discuss what needs to happen for Australia to achieve...

Award-winning investigative reporter Louise Milligan delves into the issues examined in her latest book, Witness: An Investigation Into the Brutal Cost of Seeking Justice. Louise talks about the traumatic effects witnesses and complainants of sexual abuse experience under cross-examination, and whilst navigating the criminal justice system in Australia.

Philosopher and diver Peter Godfrey-Smith speaks in-depth about his new book, Metazoa: Animal Minds and the Birth of Consciousness. Peter explains how conscious experience evolved from animals in the sea millions of years ago. He introduces us to some of the fascinating creatures he meets on his scuba dives; sponges, soft coral, banded shrimp, giant cuttlefish, and hermit crabs. Peter is a professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at The University of Sydney. University of...

Philosopher and scuba diver Peter Godfrey-Smith speaks in-depth about his new book, Metazoa: Animal Minds and the Birth of Consciousness. Peter explains how conscious experience evolved from animals in the sea millions of years ago. He introduces us to some of the fascinating creatures he meets on his scuba dives; sponges, soft coral, banded shrimp, giant cuttlefish, and hermit crabs. Peter is a professor in the School of History and Philosophy of Science at The University of Sydney.

Amy returns for her first show of 2021! Dr Emma Shortis, Research Fellow at the EU Centre of Excellence, RMIT, delivers the US Politics Wrap talking about the Capital coup and media reporting of it, Joe Biden’s first days and actions as US President, the impending impeachment trial, and more. 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. We talk about the extensive...

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. We talk about the extensive 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 to regenerative farming practices is urgent now more than ever.

Kate Manne, Australian philosopher at Cornell University (NYC), joins Amy to discuss her new book, Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, and her ground-breaking previous book, Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny. Uncommon Sense regulars Emma Shortis and Ben Eltham stop by for the 2020 year-in-review politics wrap talking all things Australian and US politics – the lows, and the even deeper lows – sprinkled with some necessary humour. Chris Moore of Sailors Grave Brewing in Orbost, East...

Kate Manne, Australian philosopher at Cornell University (NYC), joins Amy to discuss her new book, Entitled: How Male Privilege Hurts Women, and her ground-breaking previous book, Down Girl: The Logic of Misogyny.

Historian and evolutionary neurobiologist Dr Matthew Cobb joins Amy for a deep conversation on The Idea of the Brain: A History. Dr Skye Cleary, philosopher at Columbia University, NYC, explores the essential features of existentialism from her co-edited book, How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy. Historian Dr Chloe Ward from RMIT on the latest in UK politics and the tense Brexit negotiations between Britain and the European Union.

Historian and evolutionary neurobiologist Dr Matthew Cobb joins Amy for a deep conversation on The Idea of the Brain: A History.

Dr Skye Cleary, philosopher at Columbia University, NYC, explores the essential features of existentialism from her co-edited book, How to Live a Good Life: A Guide to Choosing Your Personal Philosophy.