Best Conversations On The Reef Podcasts (2024)

1
Norman Swan researched the best way to parent kids under ten. Here's what he reckons 41:39

11m ago41:39

41:39

In this episode we speak with health reporter Norman Swan, who has written a new book on the dos and don'ts of raising children up to the age of 10. Among other topics, Swan talks about how to set good eating habits, what to do about screen overload - and whether it's ever ok to let kids sip alcohol (answer: no). Hosting this conversation with the …

1
36. Climate Change, Gray Rhinos and Black Swans (2/2) 42:37

2h ago42:37

42:37

In Episode 36 of the "Redefining Energy" series, host Michael Barnard engages Michele Wucker in a nuanced discussion about the complex nature of risk, focusing on the distinction between risk profiles and risk fingerprints. These fingerprints, shaped by an individual's inherent traits, experiences, and environmental influences, are crucial in under…

1
Ep14: Kelly Dalling Fallon and Giant Black Marlin on the Great Barrier Reef 1:26:06

41m ago1:26:06

1:26:06

Sit down with Katie and Kelly as they discuss the incredible fishery off the Great Barrier Reef. With nearly 30 years of professional fishing experience between these two women, it's a conversation filled with offshore information that even the most seasoned fisherman can enjoy. Kelly Photography: https://www.kelldallfall.com/marlin-photography/ In…

1
Eric Beecher on media, moguls and what it's like to be sued by a Murdoch 49:06

9d ago49:06

49:06

The youngest ever editor of The Sydney Morning Herald, now owner of Private Media, publisher of Crikey, Eric Beecher has spent decades in and observing the media. In today's episode he discusses his conclusions on when it works best, and when it fails democracy, with his longtime friend, journalist David Leser. Beecher also discusses what it was li…

1
Tim Minchin on social media, doubt and the surprising advice he gives uni students 36:36

16d ago36:36

36:36

In today's episode, singer/songwriter Tim Minchin discusses the poison that is social media, how he emerged from his bruising time in LA and why he urges students to look after their bodies. In conversation with culture reporter Thomas Mitchell, he reflects also on his infamous George Pell song, and on the impending publication of his first non-fic…

1
35. Climate Change, Gray Rhinos and Black Swans (1/2) 40:44

8d ago40:44

40:44

In Episode 35 of "Redefining Energy - Tech," host Michael Barnard engages with Michele Wucker, the author of *The Gray Rhino* and *You Are What You Risk*, in a thought-provoking discussion on risk perception and management. Wucker introduces the concept of the "gray rhino," which symbolizes obvious yet often overlooked risks, in contrast to the "bl…

1
Author Markus Zusak on the magic - and mayhem - of mongrels 36:06

23d ago36:06

36:06

In this episode we speak with Markus Zusak, the bestselling novelist behind The Book Thief and Bridge of Clay, who has penned his first non-fiction book, Three Wild Dogs and the Truth, about Reuben, Archer and Frosty, the pound dogs he and wife Mika brought into their family. Zusak talks about the mad mayhem of sharing your life with a mongrel, and…

1
Missy Higgins on turning adolescent angst and mid-life heartbreak into song 34:35

1M ago34:35

34:35

In this episode we speak with Australian singer-songwriter Missy Higgins, who broke through two decades ago with her hit debut album The Sound of White, which dealt with teen and 20-something troubles. Now 41, Higgins has just produced a new album, The Second Act, which traverses the aftermath of the breakdown of her marriage. Higgins talks candidl…

1
34. Building Energy Big: Secrets to Success with Bent Flyvbjerg (2/2) 39:58

16d ago39:58

39:58

In Episode 34 of the podcast "Redefining Energy Tech" (part 2/2), host Michael Barnard engages with Professor Bent Flyvbjerg, author of "How Big Things Get Done," to delve into the intricacies and strategies of megaprojects, focusing particularly on the comparison between pumped hydro storage and battery systems. The conversation emphasizes the imp…

1
Ep12. Luke Dusenbury & Big Game Hunting 1:29:45

1M ago1:29:45

1:29:45

As a wilderness videographer and photographer capturing the story of big game hunting, Luke Dusenbury has found himself in many challenging situations. In this conversation, Katie interviews Luke Dusenbury, a videographer and photographer specializing in wilderness content. They discuss Luke's background in photography and filmography, his experien…

1
From Sydney to Singapore, Melbourne to Manila: meet the man playing Alexander Hamilton in the hit musical 39:17

1M ago39:17

39:17

In this episode we speak with Jason Arrow, otherwise known as Australia's Alexander Hamilton. The South African-born, Perth-raised performer won the role for the musical's 2021 Sydney premiere, and has since played the titular character in Melbourne, Brisbane, Auckland, Manila, Abu Dhabi and Singapore. Hosting this conversation about everything fro…

1
Legislative Frameworks: The Key to an Energy Transition Focused on Human Rights 36:27

1M ago36:27

36:27

Clear frameworks for community benefit sharing in the mining and renewable energy sectors are essential. However, Manson Gwanyanya, the researcher and representative for South and Anglophone Africa at the Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, told the African Climate Conversations podcast that implementing these existing frameworks is key to del…

1
What impact has that 'controversial' $443m investment made to the Great Barrier Reef? 30:18

1M ago30:18

30:18

In this episode, we speak with Anna Marsden, managing director of the Great Barrier Reef Foundation. Back in 2018, Marsden’s life changed overnight when she received news from then prime minister Malcolm Turnbull that the federal government was granting the foundation a record-breaking $443 million to help fortify the reef against the ravages of cl…

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33. How Big Things Get Done: Energy Megaprojects (1/2) 40:30

30d ago40:30

40:30

Michael Barnard talks with Professor Bent Flyvbjerg (part 1/2), a leading expert on megaprojects and author of "How Big Things Get Done." Flyvbjerg shares insights from his extensive research, revealing that a staggering 99.5% of projects fail to meet budget, timeline, and benefit expectations. He discusses the critical importance of analyzing succ…

1
Ep.11: Diving Into The Billfish Foundation with Peter Chaibongsai and Thomas Morrell 1:25:20

1M ago1:25:20

1:25:20

Summary In this episode, Katie sits down with Peter Chaibongsai and TJ Morrell from the Billfish Foundation. They discuss the organization's mission and the importance of research, advocacy, and education in preserving offshore fish populations and supporting the communities that depend on them. They highlight the various programs and resources ava…

1
Best-selling author Roxane Gay on body positivity, Trump and Channing Tatum 35:37

2M ago35:37

35:37

In this episode, we speak with best-selling author and social commentator, Roxane Gay. A decade after the publication of her much-talked-about book, Bad Feminist, Gay offers her unapologetic views on everything from body image, to writer's block, to the likelihood of Kamala Harris becoming America's first female president, to her current writing pr…

1
How can airlines help bridge existing weather data gaps? 29:41

1M ago29:41

29:41

Sensors on aeroplanes measure wind speed, humidity, and temperature, which is crucial for weather forecasting. As climate-related extreme events increase in frequency and intensity, effective weather-related infrastructure is critical not just for the agriculture sector but also development sectors such as agriculture, industries, and communities, …

1
'Like a hurricane was inside the house': a survivor's tale of the Beirut port explosion 39:51

2M ago39:51

39:51

In this episode, we speak with author Theodore Ell. From 2018 to 2021, Ell accompanied his wife on her diplomatic posting to Lebanon, and unexpectedly found himself a witness to a country on the brink. His new book, Lebanon Days, takes in an economic meltdown, mass protests and finally, tragically, the Beirut port explosion of 2020. Hosting this ep…

1
Grappling with twin tragedies and tax reform: Allegra Spender's life as a federal MP 35:02

2M ago35:02

35:02

In this episode we speak with the federal member for Wentworth, Allegra Spender, who was swept into Canberra on a "teal wave" at the 2022 election. Spender talks candidly with The Sydney Morning Herald associate editor Deborah Snow about the aftermath of the April stabbings at Bondi Junction, the impact of war in Gaza on her constituents, and her d…

1
32. Beyond Gas: The Rise of Heat Pumps and Energy Efficiency (2/2) 46:42

2M ago46:42

46:42

In our latest episode, Host Michael Barnard and Jan Rosenow, European director for RAP, delved into the multifaceted world of heat pumps and their critical role in the energy transition (part 2/2). Here’s a brief summary of the insightful discussion: We kicked off by exploring the terminology and rising popularity of heat pumps in the media, highli…

1
Ep.10 Madelyn Motsko and the White Marlin Open 1:07:59

2M ago1:07:59

1:07:59

This conversation covers the history, growth, and impact of the White Marlin Open tournament. It explores the involvement of the tournament directors and their dedication to the event. The chapters also discuss the progression of the tournament, the introduction of Calcutta's and prize money, and the point structure for catch and release. The conve…

1
Debunking milk myths: Farmer and food writer Matthew Evans on the white stuff 31:16

2M ago31:16

31:16

In this episode we speak with Matthew Evans, the Australian chef and restaurant critic turned Tassie farmer and food writer. Evans, who has written a new book called Milk, talks about the science behind dairy products, the truth and lies around them - and answers the curly question of whether cheese dreams are real. Hosting the conversation, in whi…

1
31. Decarbonizing Tomorrow: Tackling Energy and Heating Challenges (1/2) 45:01

2M ago45:01

45:01

In our latest episode, host Michael Barnard has the pleasure of speaking with Jan Rosenow, who shared incredible insights into energy policy and the critical steps needed for decarbonization. Here’s a brief overview of the key takeaways: Jan, with his strong background in geosciences and energy policy, highlighted the pivotal role of energy in glob…

1
Solving Australia's chronic housing crisis 33:20

3M ago33:20

33:20

In this episode we speak with economics commentator Cameron Murray, author of the book, The Great Housing Hijack, which looks at the factors behind Australia's housing crisis. Murray was one of the few who predicted the boom in home prices after the COVID-19 pandemic. Hosting a conversation that covers Murray's analysis of the underlying causes of …

1
Ep.09 Curtis De Silva: Madeira & Grander Marlin Fishing 55:43

2M ago55:43

55:43

Summary Curtis De Silva, a professional fisherman, shares his experience fishing in Madeira and the Southern Caribbean. He recently caught a grander blue marlin in Madeira and discusses the fishing techniques and spread used. Curtis also talks about his father, Captain Frothy, and their fishing background. He compares the fishing conditions and cha…

1
‘Live, give, get uncomfortable’: Nedd Brockmann on that epic run across Australia - and his next crazy challenge 32:24

3M ago32:24

32:24

In this episode we speak with Nedd Brockmann. The 25 year old sparky captured the attention of the country in 2022 when he ran from Perth to Sydney, raising $2.5 million for homelessness in the process. With a second book and a Kayo documentary in the works, he’s now come up with a new way to challenge himself - and hopefully break a world record. …

1
'I've got to work out who the hell this guy is:' The true story behind 'Fake' 39:00

3M ago39:00

39:00

In this episode, we speak with former Good Weekend staff writer Stephanie Wood. Stephanie's 2017 story about her real-life relationship with a man who deceived her with a web of lies received an incredible response from readers, such that she left the magazine to write a book about the experience, Fake, which was published in 2019. That story has n…

1
30: Hot Topics: Sustainable Solutions for Industrial Heating (2/2) 45:14

3M ago45:14

45:14

In our latest podcast episode, host Michael Barnard and guest Paul Martin dove deep into innovative solutions for industrial heat. The conversation covered a wide range of topics, from the use of electrical and heat batteries to advancements in thermal storage, underscoring the potential benefits of storing energy as heat rather than relying solely…

1
Ep.08: Robert ‘Fly’ Navarro and The Blue Marlin World Cup 1:20:59

3M ago1:20:59

1:20:59

Summary: In this conversation, Fly Navarro shares his passion for fishing and media. He discusses his background growing up in Palm Beach County and his experiences fishing in the Caribbean and Hawaii. Fly also talks about his transition to freelancing and creating content, as well as his involvement with the Blue Marlin World Cup. This part of the…

1
Athletics champ Tamsyn Manou on Australia’s ‘resurgence’ in the lead-up to Paris 2024 34:44

3M ago34:44

34:44

In this episode we speak to Tamsyn Manou (née Lewis). The former track star long ago traded her running shoes for the microphone, and is headed to France next month as a Nine Wide World of Sports expert athletics commentator. In this chat, she takes us into everything from the headspace occupied by aspiring Olympians right now, to the things she's …

1
Max Chandler-Mather on housing, heckling and the perfect door knock 31:20

4M ago31:20

31:20

In this episode we speak to Max Chandler-Mather, the 32 year old Greens MP who's shaking up Canberra with his uncompromising take on the housing crisis. Chandler-Mather talks with Good Weekend senior writer Jane Cadzow about his own experience as a renter and how it feeds into his policies and politics, his success with door-knocking at the 2022 fe…

1
29. Electrifying the Future: Industrial Heat Redefined (1/2) 44:43

4M ago44:43

44:43

In our latest podcast episode, Host Michael Barnard is thrilled to have Paul Martin. Paul, a seasoned chemical engineer, share his profound insights on the electrification of industrial heat processes. Here’s a brief summary of the conversation: The discussion kicked off with a critical analysis of the inefficiencies associated with using fire for …

1
Ep.07 Jeremy Higgs: The Science Behind Marlin Tournaments with the University of Southern Mississippi 1:04:52

3M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

Summary Jeremy Higgs, assistant director at the Center for Fisheries and Research Development at the University of Southern Mississippi, discusses his work in fisheries research. He talks about his background and how he fell in love with the research opportunities in the Gulf Coast. Jeremy explains his role at the Research Center and the various pr…

1
Meet a Kenyan teacher teaching children crucial environmental skills. 18:01

4M ago18:01

18:01

Our children are the next generation. We, as humans, pass on our legacy to them, whether good or bad. The environment underpins humans’ survival today and tomorrow. As the world warms, it’s important to remember the vital role the environment's natural resources, such as forests, play in balancing human activities such as the burning of coal and ot…

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