Best Virtual Book Club Questions Podcasts (2024)

1
Interview: Clive Hamilton talks about 'Living Hot: Surviving and Thriving on a Heating Planet', the book he co-authored with George Wilkenfeld 26:52

22h ago26:52

26:52

"Living Hot: Thriving and Surviving on a Heating Planet", co-authored by Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld, tells the blunt truth about our current climate change predicament: it's time to get cracking on making Australia resilient to intensifying climate extremes. If we prepare well, we can give ourselves a fighting chance to preserve some of t…

1
Interview: Home comfort and energy expert, Tim Forcey, talks about his new book on 'Australia's BIggest Book Club' 1:00:06

1h ago1:00:06

1:00:06

Tim Forcey (pictured) was recently a guest on The Australia Institute's "Australia Biggest Book Club". He was interviewed and talked about his relatively new book," My Efficient Electric Home Handbook". Tim has been a guest on Climate Conversations. He spoke recently at "Shepparton's GV Library" a few months ago with the members of Zero Carbon Tatu…

1
Climate News: The crippling issue of corporate self-control, greenwashing and the confusion and moderation of alcohol 22:30

33m ago22:30

22:30

Professor Christine Parker (pictured) last month lectured about "Nudge versus Sludge: The Great Greenwashing and the Failure of Corporate Regulation". And then, coincidently, the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) carried a story on its Radion National program, Breakfast, in which corporations were "walking both sides of the street" about al…

1
Virtual event: 'Don't nuke the climate' - become a nuclear-free campaigner 40:35

12m ago40:35

40:35

Here's your chance to be inspired and after hearing from those who know, become an anti-nuclear campaigner enabling you to talk with others about the myths and weaknesses of the poorly thought-through idea the Liberal-National Party Coalition has for using nuclear energy to power Australia. First, you should listen to/watch the recent virtual event…

1
Event: Tim Forcey and Geoff Lodge discuss making your home more energy efficient 1:00:51

34m ago1:00:51

1:00:51

More than 70 people were recently at Shepparton's GV Library to hear two speakers with an enlightening understanding of how to make your home more energy-efficient - the event, known as the "Home Energy Efficiency Talk" - was promoted by the City of Greater Shepparton through its "Sustainability & Environment Team". The first of the speakers was Ti…

1
Climate News: People are talking everywhere, it seems, about wind and solar energy and the Coalition's idea in Australia for nuclear power stations 46:11

1d ago46:11

46:11

Conversations can be found everywhere about the success and for some the weaknesses, of wind and solar energy. To further confuse the conversation, the Coalition in Australia, the alternative government, is now arguing for constructing and commissioning seven nuclear power stations across Australia. "Refuting myths about nuclear and renewable energ…

1
Interview: Shaun Murphy's almost unseen, unheard lectern was the quiet star of the June Swanpool Environmental Film Festival 16:32

5d ago16:32

16:32

Working from his off-grid home at Lima East, Shaun Murphy (pictured with his creation) created and built the almost unnoticed lectern used at the recent annual Swanpool Environmental Film Festival. The beautiful, and quiet, lectern is a piece of art, reflecting the caring nature of those behind the festival. Shaun, seen by many as the area's "resid…

1
Climate News: Letter writer questions nuclear views of Nicholls Member, Sam Birrell 1:06:07

9d ago1:06:07

1:06:07

Sam Birrell's (pictured) nuclear views questioned by Shepparton letter writer. "Sweltering summer days put Arizonans at risk of dangerous burns"; "Chart: The US battery market is on track for its best year yet"; "The Truth about EV Battery Life and Charging Best Practice!"; "Populism Rising - Global Roaming"; "We mapped weather forecast accuracy ac…

1
Climate News: 'AI is going to kill us, it probably won't, but what will kill us if we don't act is climate change' - David Jones 23:00

9d ago23:00

23:00

David Jones (pictured) understands the advertising world and he also understands that climate change is going to kill us: "AI won’t kill us, but climate change will if we don't act, says leading advertising CEO"; "A ‘Carbon Sucking’ Mural? Campaigns for Big Oil? Global Ad Agency Dentsu Does Both."; "Measures meant to protect our last grasslands are…

1
Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood 58:52

10d ago58:52

58:52

Wendy and Amy take on a sciencey romance with Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood. We let AI guide our discussion and it took us down a science path that was anything but boring. Pop a cork to love in the lab! Book: Love on the Brain by Ali Hazelwood Bubbly: Biagio Prosecco Have you ever read a STEMinist romance? Did you know that Marie Curie was th…

1
Help! Sinking under opportunities; Dutton's nuclear proposal reignites climate wars 26:06

12d ago26:06

26:06

A climate blog set up probably a decade ago was rather difficult as it was challenging to find relevant news stories, until shifting to podcasting about three years ago and now stories about climate change are everywhere - the landscape has changed dramatically. Choosing what's relevant is now the challenge, deciding what to leave out, rather than …

1
Interview: 'This is one of the most important books I've seen for some time': Simon Kerr praises 'Living Hot' 37:25

13d ago37:25

37:25

Simon Kerr (pictured) is the musical driving force of "Music for a Warming World" and has had a long history in the challenges of climate change. The Melbourne-based musician/academic was reading the most recent book, "Living Hot: Surviving and Thriving on a Heating Planet", co-authored by Australian public intellectual Clive Hamilton and energy co…

1
Climate News: Trump emboldens Australia's LNP; Tiny nuclear idea has giant and remarkable impact 48:47

18d ago48:47

48:47

The potential election of Donald Trump (pictured) as the next U.S. President seems to have provided oxygen to Australia's Liberal/National Party: "How the prospect of Trump 2.0 is emboldening the Coalition on climate change"; "Tiny and unsubstantiated nuclear idea grabs the nation's attention"; "Former Liberal minister’s new climate role heightens …

1
Climate News: LNP nuclear fantasy continues; Mexico has week of weather contrasts 32:57

30d ago32:57

32:57

Mexico has it all in just one day (picture: hail 'flooded" street)- "‘Multiple disasters all in one day’: New Mexico’s brutal week of fire and flood"; "Big Solar is already outperforming Big Oil – learn how"; "‘Dripping with self-righteous sanctimony’: Littleproud lashes teal MPs in nuclear debate"; "Dutton’s claim nuclear waste would be size of Co…

1
Climate News Peter Dutton's nuclear power grab, fact or fantasy? 49:52

27d ago49:52

49:52

Australia's Opposition leader, Peter Dutton (pictured) and his LNP cohort want Australia to build seven nuclear-powered electricity-generating power plants - "Dutton’s nuclear gamble puts everything on the line – except the details"; "Liberals, Nationals split over support for big wind and solar"; "Why Dutton’s nuclear power plan is so Soviet"; "Nu…

1
Interview: 'Australia's E-Bike moment' with Bicycle Network's CEO, Alison McCormack 41:34

23d ago41:34

41:34

Alison McCormack (pictured) leads the Melbourne-based Bicycle Network and is excited and overwhelmed by what is "Australia's e-bike moment". Working with her team, Alison recently organized an e-bike event at the Brunswick Velodrome attracting some 4000 people from all parts of Victoria. The event, which allowed people to test-ride their preferred …

1
Interview: Ray is 'energized' about Electric SUV Expo Melbourne coming up in August 20:39

1M ago20:39

20:39

Ray Evans (pictured) founded the Australian Business Forum (ABF) and is excited and energized by the "Electric SUV Expo" that people can enjoy at the Melbourne Exhibition and Convention Centre over three days from August 9. The ABF is a premier business platform dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, business owners and professionals in the small a…

1
Swanpool Environmental Film Festival: Finding a path to a sustainable future; Finding the Money; And understanding the 'Undercurrents' 47:01

1M ago47:01

47:01

The June 15 Swanpool Environmental Film Festival was in equal portions depressing and uplifting - the latter arising from the fact that the Swanpool theatre was full of people eager to understand what is ahead for humanity and how best they could contribute to decisions ensuring the correct path was chosen. The eight-hour festival included the scre…

1
Environmental Film Festival: Renewable energy guru Dr Mark Diesendorf declares climate change an existential threat to civilisation 36:52

1M ago36:52

36:52

Dr Mark Diesendorf (pictured) delivered a powerful and relevant address at the Saturday, June 15, Swanpool Environmental Film Festival. Dr Diesendorf is an associate professor from the University of New South Wales and is the co-author of "The Path to a Sustainable Civilisation". During his presentation, Dr Diesendorf pointed to the "Australian Con…

1
Webinar: Matthew Eisenson dispels myths and misinformation about renewable energy, wind turnbine bird deaths, whale casualties and electric cars 41:21

1M ago41:21

41:21

Matthew B.Eisenson (pictured) from the Columbia Climate School Sabin Centre for Climate Change Law was the guest on a recent webinar where he talked about the "Myths and Misinformation about Renewable Energy". A recording from the session will be posted soon on the Columbia Climate School YouTube site, please check back there.…

1
Climate News: Alex Halliday has long championed the need for climate action; Listen to the Outrage & Optimism podcast 49:07

1M ago49:07

49:07

Professor Alex Halliday founded the Columbia Climate School and has long championed the need for climate action. "US Elections: Could Trump Surprise Us On Climate?"; "Get on with orderly energy transition, says Origin boss"; "‘It makes our life easier’: Climate campaigns seize on Dutton’s refusal to set target"; "Talking the Talk: Dutton dumps clim…

1
Climate News: Peter Dutton follows Trump's lead and wants to take Australia out of the Paris Accord - it's the 'climate wars', again 39:36

1M ago39:36

39:36

Peter Dutton (pictured) has damned Australia's climate efforts, proposes nuclear energy and so will see Australia burst past its Paris agreement. Subsequently, the leader of Australia's Liberal Party seems to have cornered the news services, here are a few: "Dutton and Albanese both think they’re on a winner with nuclear power. Only one man can be …

1
Climate News: Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld have a change of consciousness and write 'Living Hot: surviving and thriving on a heating planet' 50:27

1M ago50:27

50:27

Clive Hamilton and George Wilkenfeld continue to be urgently concerned about mitigation, but now see adaptation to be the primary issue of concern for all levels of government - listen to Hamilton as he talks with Michelle Grattan on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation: "Politics with Michelle Grattan: Clive Hamilton on how Australians must ada…

1
Heritage Lecture: Ross McPherson talks about the past, present and future of newspapers, the power of story telling and this episode relates that to tackling climate change 34:27

2M ago34:27

34:27

Ross McPherson (pictured), the Chairman and editor-in-chief of the Shepparton-based McPherson Group of Newspapers, was the guest speaker at The Greater Shepparton Biennial Bruce Willson Memorial Heritage Lecture for 2024. The Wednesday, June 5, session was recorded, in both an audio and visual sense but the recording has not been posted as yet on t…

1
The Measure by Nikki Erlick 1:05:20

1M ago1:05:20

1:05:20

Wendy and Amy discuss speculative fiction novel The Measure by Nikki Erlick. We talked characters we related to and loved, and some we didn't. We had thoughts about AI and which of us would absolutely have to open the box. Pop a cork to living your life to the fullest! Book: The Measure by Nikki Erlick Bubbly: Giusti Asolo Prosecco Can AI Predict L…

1
Interview: Kent Getsinger sees the Modern Monetary Theory as playing a crucial role in addressing climate change 41:36

2M ago41:36

41:36

Kent Getsinger (pictured) might be an organiser with the Victorian Allied Health Professionals Association, but he is also an ardent advocate of the Modern Monetary Theory (MMT). Arrangements to interview Kent were made at a Melbourne meeting of "Sustainable Prosperity Action Group – Naarm" earlier this year where about 40 people had gathered at th…

1
Climate News: Mark Spencer embarks on a fresh adventure with his new 'Transmission' podcast 20:59

2M ago20:59

20:59

Mark Spencer could never be a street-marching, placard-waving climate change protestor, but he was mighty comfortable behind a microphone doing all he could to alert people to the implications and complications of the climate crisis, and his latest adventure is through his new podcast, "Transmission". "Here comes winter … and more rain"; "Q&A: Al J…

1
Interview: The powerful idea of Letitions is driven by the passion and commitment of Geelong's Robert Patterson 19:57

2M ago19:57

19:57

Letitions are a variation of the commonly used and understood petitions but are immensely more powerful. Geelong's Robert Patterson is the man behind letition.org and this powerful process is endorsed by some powerful people, including the Australian Captial Territory Senator, David Pocock. Many in the Geelong community had embraced the idea of the…

1
Climate News: "Looming over all of this are the huge challenges we are facing globally and of course climate change is the major one" - Dr Allan Patience 51:07

2M ago51:07

51:07

Dr Allan Patience (pictured) an honorary fellow in political science at the University of Melbourne joined Emeritus Professor at La Trobe University in Melbourne, a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Social Sciences, Convener of Conversation at the Crossroads, and Co-Convener of SHAPE (Saving Humanity and Planet Earth), Professor Joseph Camilleri …

1
Climate News: "If I had children, I would want to be able to look them in the eye and say 'I did everything I could'", Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson 50:17

2M ago50:17

50:17

Stunning interview with Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson (pictured) - "The InterviewThis Scientist Has an Antidote to Our Climate Delusions"; "Politics with Michelle Grattan: Madeleine King on investment incentives and the pivotal role of gas"; "In one of the US’s hottest deserts, utilities push gas rather than solar"; "‘The fear has properly set in’: ho…

1
Climate News: 'The more renewable we get, the more reliable our power supplies become' - Amory Lovins, U.S. energy expert 33:38

2M ago33:38

33:38

Amory Lovins (pictured) is in Australia for an energy conference and was a guest on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's RN Breakfast and talked with host, Fran Kelly - "Energy efficiency guru Amory Lovins on Future Made in Australia"; "Dick Smith says no country has ever been able to run entirely on renewables. Is that correct?"; "Labor’s Fut…

1
Climate News: 'This is sick', Executive Director of The Australia Institute, Richard Denniss, on Tuesday night's Budget 23:08

2M ago23:08

23:08

Richard Denniss (pictured) heads The Australia Institute and is alarmed at the Australian Labor Government's latest Budget that champions gas, a fossil fuel. "More than 200 authors renew call for Baillie Gifford to divest from fossil fuel"; "Solicitor general to appeal over case of climate activist who held sign on jurors’ rights"; "Wet winter coul…

1
Climate News: 'It is pretty scary', former Chief of Defence, Admiral Chris Barrie, from 'Too Hot to Handle' webinar 22:39

2M ago22:39

22:39

Retired Admiral, Chris Barrie (pictured), who once led the Australian Defence Force and who was speaking recently on the webinar, "Too Hot to Handle - the scorching reality of Australia's climate security failure", finds the rapidly unfolding climate crisis as "pretty scary". "Fossil fuel subsidies hit $14.5 billion in 2023-24, up 31%"; "Nations mu…

1
Interview: Susan Lengyel champions conversation, especially those 'at the Crossroads' 15:27

2M ago15:27

15:27

Susan Lengel (pictured) champions conversation about climate change, but beyond that, and critically, "Conversation at the Crossroads". Susan, who hails from South Australia and once worked for that State's National Parks and Wildlife Service", enriched her climate change experience and knowledge while working with "The Royal Parks" in London. Chec…

1
Climate News: 'Reset, refocus, rethink, climate change is here'; Geelong meeting hears about the power of letitions; Gas driven confusion and despair 1:03:07

2M ago1:03:07

1:03:07

From The Scotsman we hear: "After SNP's 17 years of failure on climate change, things are about to get worse"; "Harnessing the power of coming together"; "Cool Geelong"; "Vote Climate One"; "Geelong Sustainability"; "‘Not a single government dollar’: Albanese plays down gas policy push after blowback"; "‘Paying to be exploited’: Labor has now fully…

1
Climate News: Water talk will ignite the conversation; Experts urge renewed action on future of Murray-Darling Basin 32:59

3M ago32:59

32:59

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has today urged a suite of actions and investments to protect the future of the Murray-Darling Basin in the face of climate change, which is threatening the river’s health and sustainability. In a new essay series A thriving Murray-Darling Basin in 50 years: Actions in the face…

1
Interview: Professor Andrew Blakers explains, again, how renewable sources can fully decarbonise energy in Australia 31:54

3M ago31:54

31:54

"I’ve done the sums. All we need is 1,200 square kilometres. That’s not much. The area devoted to agriculture is about 3,500 times larger at 4.2 million square kilometres. The area of land that would be taken away from agriculture works out at about 45 square metres per person – about the size of a large living room. "We can ditch fossil fuels and …

1
Climate News: Girt by Sea; Australia's security is about attending to climate change; EV charger cautions 31:43

3M ago31:43

31:43

Those who understand climate change see adaptation and mitigation as key planks in national security and former international oil, gas and coal industry executive, chair of the Australian Coal Association and CEO of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, Ian Dunlop, writes on Pearls and Irritations - "Climate security risks and Australia’s …

1
Book Lovers by Emily Henry 55:37

3M ago55:37

55:37

Wendy and Amy discuss a little romance with Book Lovers by Emily Henry. We loved the sisterly bond between Nora and Libby, and the snarky banter between Nora and Charlie. Pop a cork to finding love where you least expect it! Book: Book Lovers by Emily Henry Bubbly: Caposaldo Prosecco This episode has a SPOILER SUMMARY. Character Sketches Wendy: Nor…

1
Climate News: The mirage of nuclear power; CSIRO: innovate or risk profits; Dangerous heat kills dozens 22:45

3M ago22:45

22:45

Nuclear energy was given a brief platform on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation's Q&A program and was championed by the National Party Senator for Victoria, Bridget McKenzie. "Charged up: WA town to home Australia’s biggest battery"; "GV Community Energy"; "Farmers must innovate or risk profits says CSIRO"; "Colbinabbin residents oppose huge s…

1
Climate News: Teeny Tiny Stevies sing about climate change; Is "Climate Conversations" the wrong name? 49:12

3M ago49:12

49:12

The much loved ARIA and AIR Award-winning children’s act Teeny Tiny Stevies, featuring sisters Byll and Beth Stephen, released their fifth record The Green Album via ABC Music. It is launched into the world with a new single and accompanying video, Climate Change. "Growing leaders in Maryborough: How a school groundsman and students tackle climate …

1
Climate News: Sometimes, life gets in the way; Nationals’ nuclear climate policy puts Paris deal in doubt: Playing God With the Atmosphere 24:35

3M ago24:35

24:35

Life often stands in the way of goals, but eventually, the fog lifts and you get back to the essence of those aims - "Playing God With the Atmosphere"; "Why won’t Chris Packham have a real debate on climate?"; "‘Outrageous’ climate activists get in the faces of politicians and oil bosses – will it work?"; "Global battery rollout doubled last year –…

1
Climate News: New climate podcast drops first two episodes; Telling stories about climate change; UK PM slammed for climate stance 1:10:05

3M ago1:10:05

1:10:05

Kyla Brettle (pictured) drops the first two episodes of her new podcast: "Everything We Need"; "Lessons in Climate Storytelling"; "America’s biggest wind farm | Repowering the West"; "Chris Stark: Rishi Sunak has set us back, head of climate change watchdog says"; "What the Fossil Fuel Industry Doesn't Want You To Know"; "LSU’s fossil-fuel partners…

1
Climate News: Random recognition - 'Are you a podcaster?' - thrill as follower recognises my voice 23:28

3M ago23:28

23:28

Joining a Melbourne workshop and arriving early, as I always do, I was helping a woman adjust some blinds and upon hearing me speak she said "Are you a podcaster?" In answering yes and adding that I host "Climate Conversations", she said she was a follower. I was thrilled! Anne is the co-host of RadioMMT, a program that can also be found on YouTube…

1
The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 4 - Bannered Across the Sky in Fire 1:11:18

3M ago1:11:18

1:11:18

In this 4th bonus episode for our 3rd series, we discuss the final 2 episodes, episodes 7 and 8, of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Daes Dae'mar” and “What Was Meant to Be". We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil any…

1
Special Event: 'Two years to save the world' - UNFCCC Executive Secretary, Simon Steill 1:11:45

3M ago1:11:45

1:11:45

Executive Secretary at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Simon Steel (pictured during Q&A at London's Chatham House), has declared we have "Two years to save the world". As a bonus, you can follow this link and go to "Outrage and Optimism" to hear an interview with Simon Steill and then listen as hosts, Tom Rivett-Carnac, C…

1
Climate News: Understanding how climate change impacts every aspect of our home; World-wide coral bleaching; Climate breakdown has begun 53:28

3M ago53:28

53:28

"Investor heavyweights failing to boot directors on climate commitments"; Samantha Helps is full of praise for Violet Coco (pictured) in her piece on Pearls and Irritations: "XR blocking arteries of capitalism labelled “catastrophic inconvenience”"; "Saving Ourselves: From Climate Shocks to Climate Action" - Dana R. Fisher; "The EV revolution has s…

1
Interview: Modern Money Lab founder, Gabrielle Bond, helps me understand the myths of deficits 25:35

3M ago25:35

25:35

Just 40 minutes, along with a fair bit of research, with Gabrielle Bond (pictured), the woman behind the Modern Money Lab at Adelaides Torrens University, changed, no, exploded my views about economic ideas, particularly those of Federal Government deficits. Gabrielle is an enthusiast of the Modern Money Theory (MMT) and an ardent supporter of her …

1
Climate News: Seizing the Decade - Amanda McKenzie; Climate rights decision in Switzerland could ripple across Europe 32:23

3M ago32:23

32:23

The Climate Council CEO, Amanda McKenzie (pictured) talks about "Seizing the Decade"; "Consumer Energy Summit"; "Verdict saying Switzerland violated rights by failing on climate action could ripple across Europe"; "Does "Every Little Thing" REALLY Stop Climate Change?"; "‘Historic’ European Court of Human Rights ruling backs Swiss women in climate …

1
The Wheel of Time Series 2 - Part 3 - Egwene Is Going Through It Hours 1:04:55

4M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this bonus episode, we discuss episodes 5 and 6 of Amazon Primes “The Wheel of Time” series 2, “Damane” and “Eyes Without Pity”. We talk about the episodes in relation to the books, this series is an adaptation of books 2+3 “The Great Hunt” and “The Dragon Reborn”, so we try to not spoil anything plot wise after those books. Episode 5, Damane: M…

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