The Grand Scheme of Things

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The Grand Scheme of Things

Like a pair of podcasting bower birds, Ben & Joe collect perspectives on climate action in Australia
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11/07/2024

It’s been a while, but The Grand Scheme of Things will most certainly rise again!

As you wait, here’s another podcast the elder of the team (Joe) has been working on for some time. It’s mainly about ‘determinism’ - a worldview you may or may not have sympathy for. A great many contributors are featured over four episodes. Some ‘bonus episodes’ to come in the next few weeks, as well.

Website: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2382054
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6simwycEDUpZlr2sZEd7RW

Writing projects - including ’The Guestbook’ - also at: https://www.joe-s-blogs.com/

Tyvm!

19/06/2022

Fittingly, we turn to good friends ‘The Climate Council’ for this significant episode in our series:

Ep. 50: Simon Bradshaw - researcher on climate science and impacts at ‘The CC’, writer, advocate, optimist.

We made it our focus, here, to wrap our heads around the recent shift in Canberra. Some of our questions:
- Was climate really the central issue of the election?
- Do the ‘Powering Australia’ policies cut the mustard?
- What’s the chance of complacency among ‘climate concerned’, from here?

Simon is a calm, thoughtful speaker. You’ll have a surer grasp on the things after listening. Heck, you might even feel a lift in motivation!

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/1bQE92OppbY98juwXvu42p?si=GClYUxWcQd6t3tFUI1hiZQ

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/50-simon-bradshaw/id1545857147?i=1000567028505

Many thanks for all the support to this point of our project! Such is our devotion to numbers and the ‘base 10’ system, we’re marking this as the end of ‘season 1’. Spare us any accusations we’re dropping the ball, though. We’ll be reflecting, rewiring, taking stock etc. before a return in the short-term. See you then! Go well!

07/06/2022

This week: an expedition to the land of finance!

Ep. 49: Jeff Chee - distinguished investment guru, Global Head of Portfolio Strategy at Willis Towers Watson, patient explainer, polar traveller.

A fruitful chat, with Jeff offering thoughts on topics such as climate risk assessment, ethical funds, divestment, greenwash and the future value of fossil fuels. All views are his own, of course, but be prepared to find them enlightening! Keep your dictionary apps handy, as well - you may come across new vocab that‘ll make you seem pretty capable if repeated.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7gD4SqYjpb2dxpN6FAzaax?si=bs5NC2LMRH2izOWSiDFljw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/49-jeff-chee/id1545857147?i=1000565351332

Big thanks to Jeff! Go well all!

26/05/2022

How can you top this?

Ep. 48: Craig ‘Fozz’ Foster - 40th captain of the almighty Socceroos, human rights champion, frank and forthright football analyst, pushing into national treasure territory if he’s not careful.

What a privilege to speak with a stalwart of Australian football! No doubt you’ve seen, as well, that ‘Fozz’ is hyperactive on human rights and multicultural issues. Famously, he played an instrumental role in assisting Hakeem al-Araibi’s passage to Australia in 2019. He also delivered a stirring National Press Club address earlier this year.

This episode touches on Craig’s younger years, his perspectives on Australia’s relationship with refugees, how sport needs to address their business model, as well as brief reflections on the Qatar World Cup. Don’t fret, we didn’t forget about climate change either.

Have a nice day 🌻

19/05/2022

Here’s a D.I.Y attitude that would put a ‘Better Homes & Gardens’ presenter to shame!

Ep 47 - Despi O’Connor: Climate 200 Independent for Flinders, FORMER Teacher and Mayor (concurrently), community lifeblood-cell.

Super lucky to speak with Despi O’Connor on the brink of what promises to be a furious election contest in the seat of Flinders. She gave great insight into her reasons for running as an independent, spoke to the key issues in the electorate, explained the Climate 200 endorsement process and was overall remarkably generous with her time (not a bad trait for a prospective federal member).

Even if you’ve only ever holidayed in Flinders, don’t waste what could be a last chance to hear from one of these topical independents!

13/05/2022

If you’ve plucked a climate action scorecard from your letterbox in the last few weeks and scrutinised it carefully, give yourself a rigorous pat on the back!

Ep. 46: Alex Currell - Kooyong Climate Change Alliance member, climate scorecard mastermind, Josh Frydenberg impersonator.

Alex put a lot of hard work into developing the ‘Kooyong Votes Climate’ scorecard (and its offshoots). Chatting with him,
we get a very handy overview of the climate policies of contenders in federal seats. There’s a summary of Labor and Liberal ambitions on emissions targets, renewable energy and EVs, to be precise. Hear, as well, how this humble scorecard may have had a role in influencing the stated policies of Monique Ryan. And hang around for the reflection, where Ben gets grumpy on the issue of polling - in an adorably naive sort of way!

Link to scorecard info and the rationale here: https://kooyongvotesclimate.com/federal-election/

05/05/2022

Dear Kooyong,

ESSENTIAL LISTENING if you weren’t impressed by either candidate in today’s debate...

Ep. 45: Peter Lynch - Labor‘s pick for Kooyong, highly-regarded physician, member of ‘Labor for Refugees’, prolific reader, carbon neutral homeowner.

All the burning questions are covered (we think): ‘Powering Australia’ policies, the safeguard mechanism, refugees, the Labor/Greens relationship, the possible effectiveness of teal independents and the many achievements of the incumbent. Peter’s got his work cut out, but he’s a strong ambassador for the ALP and he’s leaving no stone unturned. We’re grateful that ‘TGSOT’ could be one such stone!

27/04/2022

If it wasn’t obvious enough when they renamed a hangout to ‘Marvel Stadium’, here’s more evidence AFL players are Australia’s own superheroes...

Episode 44: Jasper Pittard - dashing defender (of the planet), 157 games for Port Adelaide and North Melbourne, co-founder of AFLP4CA, strong media performer.

Some great insights here, spanning Jasper’s work with ‘AFL Players For Climate Action’ (AFLP4CA), the flawed notion of ‘staying in your lane’, fossil fuels in sport and Carlton’s chances for the rest of the year.

Footy rocks! Keep watch for their upcoming projects!

19/04/2022

We thought long and hard about how to get the perspectives of all 21,000+ Victorian farmers without recording 21,000 episodes. We found a solution...

Ep. 43: Emma Germano - President of the Victorian Farmers Federation, food producer, Nuffield Scholar, future founder of the Australian ‘Common Sense’ Party.

Emma’s an inspiring leader with plenty to say on the subjects that matter. Some featured here: emissions pledges, carbon credits, supermarkets, advocacy groups and political representation. Even if you don’t want to get more engaged about where your food comes from (shame!), the least you could do is to give this a listen. If you’re a farmer yourself, you might as well listen too!

13/04/2022

Get your head in the game!

Ep. 42: Tosh Greenslade - actor, writer, comic, Limp Bizkit supporter, human host for Brian Pegmatite, Chris Lorax, Mick Nobo, Caspar Jonquil etc.

We’re huge fans of ‘Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell’, and so it was a thrill to here speak with Tosh, one of the show’s perennial stars. As well as behind the scenes titbits, it was great to also discuss Tosh’s book ‘The Scomo Diaries’, an exclusive biography of Scott Morrison’s first 18 months as PM. And, of course, there are thoughts on the climate situation, optimism v pessimism, cultural tribalism and the limitations of Powderfinger to boot.

A pleasure!

27/03/2022

Brighten up your next commute with...

Ep. 41: Jeff Sparrow - writer, socialist advocate, journalist, no declared hobbies.

Jeff’s recent text, ‘Crimes Against Nature’ is a finely-crafted polemic on corporate attitudes toward the environment, and it leaps to the defence of the little guy. Highlights from this conversation include snippets on personal responsibility, markets, political engagement, the impact of books, and various crystal ball predictions.

Unsurprisingly, Jeff wasn’t one to shy from anti-capitalist sentiment, so get ready to emerge from this episode with a few of your own opinions coming to the fore. There’s a chance you’ll also come out a tad smarter!

17/03/2022

Like a Christian conservative on a federal ballot paper, this year we’re going with FAMILY FIRST...

Ep. 40 - Sister Jess: gifted artist, maths-avoidant meteorologist, prolific reader, lover of maligned music, brave wanderer.

Jess here gets twice as much airtime as the previously featured Sister Alex, but given her astute reflections on the climate change film ‘Don’t Look Up’ and her musings on the wonders of space, it was richly deserved.

It’s been an inexcusable break since our last offering, and we’d like to offer a full apology to members and supporters. Rest assured that plans are afoot for a big 2022 with episodes just as illuminating as this one planned in the next few weeks. Go well!

29/12/2021

Catapult into the New Year with...

Ep. 39: Rikki Dank - climate activist, Gudanji Traditional Owner, gallery director, self-professed 'troublemaker'.

I don't use the word 'plethora' lightly, but there's no better description for the range of topics featured in this episode. In fact, it's something of a 'two-parter'. In the first, we return to the fracking issue, as Rikki discusses the impacts around her home community of Borroloola. In the second, we hear of her journey to Glasgow a few months ago to attend COP26 and what she was able to glean from the experience.

Get listening at your earliest convenience. Happy holidays and we're very much looking forward to continuing the journey in 2022. Salutations!

20/12/2021

For some, an episode with special significance. For others, an introduction to a startling new political voice...

Ep. 38: Geoff Glue - Aus pol diehard, esteemed former secondary educator, commanding presence.

True to over 40 years of teaching form, Geoff gives great insight into current political and social quagmires in Australia, but also challenges excessive pessimism and longings for a ‘golden past’. Of course, we also don’t miss out on getting his take on the climate conversation. Stick around for the reflection, as well, where Ben recounts his recent experience of shaking the hand of another grandmaster - Kerry O’Brien!

https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oGB4cVlHTO5Yfbrw67qay?si=CvAxyf2LQFKOv8gI6Np_xA

15/12/2021

A flurry of episodes to round out the year, commencing with one of the most impressive guests we’ve yet spoken to. You can be the judge, of course…

Ep. 37: Graeme Sawyer - conservationist, Protect Country NT Alliance member, former Lord Mayor of Darwin

We got in touch with Graeme to discuss the matter of gas exploration and fracking in the NT’s Beetaloo Basin – a thorny topic that perhaps doesn’t get its due in the southern states, and a key part of what’s been dubbed the ‘gas-led recovery’. Here, we discuss the logistics of the plan, its consultation process, direct environmental impacts, the extent of emissions, and the course of protest movements that have gathered in response. Truly Graeme has a wealth of knowledge, and he paints a pretty compelling picture. This will be one of two episodes touching on the Beetaloo in the short-term. As always, thanks for listening!

Photos: ABC News, BBC, A Jarrett (ResearchGate)

29/11/2021

Get listening while it’s hot…

Ep 36: Bob Carr - former Australian foreign minister, NSW premier, Industry Professor at UTS (Business and Climate Change), mover, shaker.

Wherever you are on the ‘political nuffy’-‘hermitic recluse’ spectrum, there’s lots to get excited about in this episode. For one, in the shadows of the COP26 summit, we’re talking about Australia’s global profile with someone who’s had a real impact in shaping it. There’s also morsels on China, the Hunter Valley, nuclear power, and parochial state premiers. Alexander Downer’s critique that former pollies ought to butt out of it gets attention, too - although consider us glad this isn’t the course Bob has taken.

Our advice: clear a space in your schedule for this one!

15/11/2021

Is it a journo, is it a commentator? No, it’s...

Ep. 35: Joe Hildebrand - prominent Daily Telegraph and Sky News journalist, recent champion of News Corp’s ‘Mission Zero’, former immature socialist.

We caught Joe right at the zenith of his ‘Captain Planet’ phase, where he was entrusted with the rollout of an editorial series trumpeting the merits of climate action. In our chat, we explored Joe’s own background, the development of ‘Mission Zero’, reasons for optimism, the appropriateness of leaving gaps for ‘new technology’, and whether we should happily leave the future in the hands of billionaire egos (hint: no!). Joe’s a passionate speaker and has been around the political traps for a while. We do hope you find this edition engaging!

08/11/2021

Another episode and another guest that'll make it just that bit more difficult to shake the perception that TGSOT is an Australian Greens propaganda tool.

Ep. 34: Piers Mitchem - Phresh new Greens candidate for Kooyong, lawyer, beard gardener, proud owner of a winning mindset.

Piers lays out for us the reasons that make him the man to challenge Treasurer Josh Frydenberg at the next election, gives a warning to Australia's nuclear proponents and even offers some thoughts on the very trendy topic of climate change. It was great fun!

Work hard, play hard.

30/10/2021

If you’re looking to get in the climate action mood before kick-off at Glasgow OR you’d like more on the topic of bushfires OR you’re a wide-listener with an interest in others’ stories...

Ep. 33: Ali Griffin - Healesville-based artist, activist, member of Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action

Ali discussed the experience of losing her home during Black Saturday, the process of recovery, the ways her art has incorporated climate advocacy and the enduring appeal of living near bushland. She was super generous with what she was able to share and we do encourage you to make the most of it. There’s good stuff about VALUES, too, if they’re something you’ve at all been wondering about. Speak to you all soon!

12/10/2021

Back after a short lay-off!

It goes without saying that bushfires are a big topic in Australian climate conversations. In upcoming episodes, they’ll be getting our earnest attention.

Jo Dodds - President of ‘Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action’, Bega Valley councillor, writer

Jo speaks candidly on her experience of a surprise (and devastating) bushfire, the politicisation of such events, the characteristics of unprecedented conditions, and the significance of recent legal action against the NSW EPA. Much to be gleaned from this one - hop to it!

Bushfire Survivors for Climate Action: https://www.bushfiresurvivors.org

15/09/2021

If you’re all about a can-do attitude, a practical sense of adventure, and slick filmmaking, look no further than Beau Miles’ YouTube channel. If you’re after his views on climate change, however, then get cracking on this episode of The Grand Scheme of Things.

Ep. 31 - Beau Miles: adventurer, outdoorsman, filmmaker, icon.

Whether you’re a first-timer or a previous fan of Beau’s work, we hope you find this discussion to be a right treat. There’s plenty of backyard philosophising to go with all the usual stuff. Bon appetite!

06/09/2021

TGSOT turns 30 this week, and to celebrate we’re chatting with one of the big playmakers of the Australian electric vehicles scene:

Ep 30 - Behyad Jaffari, CEO of the Electric Vehicle Council, energy guru, emerging ‘car person’

If you’ve caught yourself reflecting on any of the following, this episode will be of interest...

- How do we get more of these things on the road?
- Why is it taking so long?
- When will we arrive in ‘the future’?
- What makes a good lobbyist? ...and might Lleyton Hewitt have transferable skills?

Call me a mentalist, but I bet after listening to Behyad, you’ll be thinking our EV industry in Aus is in good hands!

23/08/2021

COVID, CURFEW, KABUL, CARLTON, CLIMATE CHANGE… has the world gone mad?

Ep. 29: Simon Judkins - Emergency Physician, Past President of the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine, a real life-saver

Awesome chat with Simon spanning the impacts of climate change on people’s health and health systems more generally, “Solastalgia”, working as a physician and heaps more. Enjoy!

Further reading:

A fascinating website providing ‘Real-time Air Quality Index Data’ from all over the globe. It’s gnarly, see below.

https://waqi.info/

Also, why we shouldn’t feel so sorry for asthmatics…I, for one, never trusted them!

09/08/2021

Would be remiss of us not to spend some time thinking about how all this ‘energy transition’ stuff affects the Latrobe Valley...

Ep. 28: Wendy Farmer - ‘Voices of the Valley’ president, lifelong resident

It was great to have the opportunity to really focus on a particular neck of the woods, here. There’s plenty on REZs, the urban/rural divide, and the significance of coal mines to their adjacent communities. Wendy is very thoughtful and speaks passionately. You’d do well to tune in!

And in entertainment news, we’re rolling out a new self-indulgent playlist. It’s built piece by piece from the song recommendations of previous episodes!!

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/28yFqlTdIabHrXZirTA2Zb?si=0DyT7L-1Tcebuhxyke2TbQ&dl_branch=1

25/07/2021

If at any stage this week your Olympic fever drops to a disinterested 37° and the planetary fever we’re supposed to be talking about creeps front of mind instead...

Ep. 27: Tom Ballard - comedian, TV/radio presenter, political pundit, smart cookie/stit shirrer!

We talk economics, comedy, politics and podcasts. True to form, Tom is passionate and occasionally scathing. Check-off the wider issues of the world and then return guilt-free to the GREEN and GOLD’s quest to accumulate 30-40 pieces of precious metal. Go you good things!

18/07/2021

Announcing TGSOT Magazine’s ‘Man of the Week’:

Ep. 26 - Scott Ludlam: former senator, Australian Greens Hall of Famer, iconoclast, writer, rebel/ratbag

Scott spoke to us from an undisclosed location deep in the NSW hinterland. A great chat, as it turned out, which focused largely on the ‘post-capitalist’ themes he developed in his recent book, ‘Full Circle’. There’s certainly some revolutionary energy in this one, perhaps enough to draw the ire of Scott’s nemesis/namesake.

As always, thanks for listening!

08/07/2021

Here’s another Thursday superhero blockbuster to add to the mix!

Ep. 25: Simon Longstaff - Executive Director of The Ethics Centre, philosopher, writer, thought-provocateur

Simon donates a wealth of ideas on several of the ‘hot topics’ that we’ve recently fixated upon. Perhaps, for a climate change podcast, we spend an inordinate amount of time talking about the health of Australian democracy - but it’s all related, people!

If you like the cut of Simon’s jib, you’d do well to also check out his books or specific projects through The Ethics Centre.

More blockbusters coming your way in the next few weeks, so do try to stay on top of things! Thanks for listening!

27/06/2021

Disappointed by Zizek vs Peterson? Look no further than this week’s edition of The Grand Scheme of Things for a ‘real’ meeting of intellectuals.

Ep. 24
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki - beloved scientist, author, commentator, tropical shirt aficionado, Member of the Order of Australia, asteroid patron, ‘Father of the Year’ (2003)!

Charlie Tauro - precocious primary student, schoolyard ‘Environmental Action Group’ powerbroker, science enthusiast, prolific reader, Dr Karl superfan!

Years from now, this might be reflected upon as a conversation involving two of the 21st century’s sharpest minds. In the typical style of Dr K, our chat covered extraordinary terrain: event horizons, black holes, stretchy DNA, pteropods, Grant Denyer’s UFO encounter, hydrogen planes and (boring old) climate change!

Safe to say, ’Christmas in July’ has come early!

16/06/2021

WE BACK!

After receiving countless emails and heartfelt letters from fans asking us to slow down, we decided to listen. Hopefully you’ve had time to reflect, rejuvenate and catch up on the pod.

Ep. 23: Nicki Hutley - Economist, Climate Councillor, ‘One Million Women’ board member, expert faculty member at SingularityU Australia, lovely person

Joe and I copped an absolute economic super-soaking in this episode. We discussed clean jobs, carbon taxes, capitalism, UBI’s and a whole lot more.

Feel free to check out our new Instagram…
https://www.instagram.com/grandschemeofthingspod/
Don’t spend too much time on there though, it’s only beneficial in stringent moderation.

Take it easy!

24/05/2021

FYI you don’t have to be a political ju**ie to enjoy our latest episode:

Ep. 22: Ellen Sandell - state member for Melbourne, deputy leader of the Victorian Greens, long-standing climate advocate

It was great to take the podcasting wagon out to meet with Ellen at her North Melbourne office - as the picture below proves! Our chat traversed such topics as the Greens/Labor divide and the specifics of a just transition. We also got an insiders account of the atmosphere of state parliament.

Our TGSOT Instagram is up and running as well, so do turn your attention to that platform from time to time. You’ll find more episode updates and the beginnings of an exciting new segment. We hope ‘Ben’s Pics’ becomes a space where listeners can share images captured from their own time on the blue marble, as well as a memorial to ‘Mike’s Pics’ on Channel Ten. May the great man be promptly reinstated!

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