Uncommon Sense

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 herd immunity against COVID-19 through vaccination. She also talks about Victoria's 5-day lockdown, the 'variants of concern' now in the community, Australia's hotel quarantine issues, and the scientific verdict on airborne transmission. Hong Kong-based lawyer and author Antony Dapiran returns to discuss the ongoing political crackdowns in Hong Kong that have resulted since far-reaching national security laws were introduced in 2020.

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 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.

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 Melbourne conservation ecologist professor Brendan Wintle returns to talk about the major recommendations made to the federal government from the independent review of Australia’s environment laws (the EPBC Act). Will these recommended changes, if implemented in full, protect the environment? Historian Dr Chloe Ward from RMIT will call in to discuss the latest in UK politics, with England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland still in a strict lockdown to get on top of COVID-19 cases which are currently about 14,000 each day.

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 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. The Heide Museum of Modern Art's senior curator Kendrah Morgan stops by to discuss their major retrospective exhibition, Joy Hester: Remember Me, which marks the centenary of Hester's birth by exploring the range and depth of Hester's expressionistic and modernist works.

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 Gippsland, chats with Amy about their creative collaborations with local people and producers, including their Dark Emu Dark Lager with Bunurong and Yuin man, Bruce Pascoe.

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.

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.

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.

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, which examines China’s place in the world and the strategy behind its actions. They also discuss diplomatic relations between Beijing and Canberra, which are at an all time low. Why has the situation worsened in recent years and months, and what can be done?

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, which examines China’s place in the world and the strategy behind its actions. They also discuss diplomatic relations between Beijing and Canberra, which are at an all time low. Why has the situation worsened in recent years and months, and what can be done? Epidemiologist and WHO COVID-19 advisor Professor Mary-Louise McLaws returns to discuss what we have learned globally about the coronavirus (SARS-Cov-2) and what we must do in Australia to keep COVID-19 transmission at zero to very low. Mary-Louise also discusses the risk of viral transmission through aerosol particles, how best to ventilate spaces, contact-tracing best practice, and the concerning development of people chronically ill with 'long COVID'. Plus Ben Eltham calls in to talk about the latest in federal politics.

US politics expert Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT joins Amy for an in-depth and extensive analysis of the US election – what happened, what does it mean for the US, and what does it mean for the rest of the world, including Australia? Dr Gabriel da Silva, lecturer in chemical engineering from The University of Melbourne on the effects of air pollution and particularly bushfire smoke. He outlines the changes we must make to manage air pollutions hazards nationally going forward. Ben Eltham from New Matilda on the latest in federal politics.

US politics expert Dr Emma Shortis from RMIT joins Amy for an in-depth and extensive analysis of the US election – what happened, what does it mean for the US, and what does it mean for the rest of the world, including Australia?

Former Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley speaks with Amy about the findings of the Bushfire Royal Commission report that was just handed down and what we must do to prepare for the bushfire season. Craig has been advocating alongside fellow Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to put climate change at the centre of Australia’s bushfire and natural disasters response. Dr Manu Saunders, an insect ecologist at the University of New England, speaks about what native pollinators are getting up to in our gardens and ecosystems this spring, and how to participate in the Wild Pollinator Count, which is being held during Australian Pollinator Week (8-15 November 2020). Dr Richard Denniss, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute chats with Amy about Australia’s economic woes and the need for a robust and effective federal ICAC.

Former Victorian Emergency Management Commissioner Craig Lapsley speaks with Amy about the findings of the Bushfire Royal Commission report that was just handed down and what we must do to prepare for the bushfire season. Craig has been advocating alongside fellow Emergency Leaders for Climate Action to put climate change at the centre of Australia’s bushfire and natural disasters response.

Former Greek Finance Minister Yanis Varoufakis joins Amy for a special conversation about his vision for a post-capitalist society. They discuss Yanis's political influences, his time as Finance Minister seeking to negotiate a financial settlement for Greece and his battle with Europe's establishment, as well delving deeply into his new book, Another Now: Dispatches From An Alternative Present. Abigail Compton, artistic director and founder of Third Drawer Down chats with Amy about her beautiful new book, Truth Bomb: Inspiration from the Mouths and Minds of Women Artists. And Ben Eltham from New Matilda chats about federal and Victorian politics.

Former Greek finance minister and economist Yanis Varoufakis joined Amy Mullins 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. They discuss his political activism, influences, and time as finance minister in 2015 seeking to negotiate a settlement for Greece with Europe’s establishment. Yanis is a professor of economics at the University of Athens and co-founder of Diem25.