What Shall We Do About...?
By Sam Robinson
What Shall We Do About...?Oct 18, 2021
Fear w/ Lisa Millar
What are you afraid of? What scares you? And how do you overcome that fear?
We are all stopped in our tracks by something - and it's a real problem.
On the podcast this week, we're joined by journalist and host of ABC News Breakfast, Lisa Millar. Lisa has faced a number of fears over the years, including a fear of flying following a bad experience on a plane. In this conversation we also talk about the dangers associated with being a foreign correspondent, and much more.
Lisa Millar's memoir is called Daring to Fly, and you can also find Lisa on Instagram @LisaMillarTV.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Fun w/ Ben Lee
We've been stuck indoors for months, been robbed of human interaction, and who knows when we'll next be able to travel internationally. We miss the freedoms that come with socialising without risk, and in many ways, the world feels less fun, and more negative, than it used to be.
So, what shall we do about fun? Joining the podcast to discuss this question is musician Ben Lee, who has been spreading positivity through his music for years. Ben has just moved back to Australia, recently appeared on The Masked Singer, and released a new single, Born For This Bulls***. Ben shares about his career, dealing with trolls, and how we can push through the hard stuff to find fun.
Ben's new album I'm Fun releases in June 2022, and you can find Ben on Twitter @BenLeeMusic and Instagram @BenLeeMusic.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Climate Change w/ Anika Molesworth
I've always wanted to look at the issue of climate change, because here in Australia, not enough is being done about it. Someone who has been quite vocal about the issue, with a lived experience of its effects, is Dr. Anika Molesworth.
Anika moved to a sheep station outside of Broken Hill when she was 12, just as the Millennium Drought hit. She witnessed firsthand the way in which her surroundings changed, becoming dry, and with challenges of heat waves and dust storms.
Anika's new book Our Sunburnt Country is a hope-filled story of her life, and shares that we can indeed make a difference despite the enormity of the challenge. We discuss plenty in this challenging, yet hopeful chat.
Anika's new book is Our Sunburnt Country, and you can find Anika on Twitter @AnikaMolesworth.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Smoking w/ John Safran
But here's a statistic for you: of the 57 million people who die around the world each year, 8 million are due to Big Tobacco. That's 14 per cent. Clearly, it's still a problem.
Joining this episode is writer and filmmaker John Safran. His latest book, Puff Piece, investigates how makers of Marlboro - Philip Morris - have redefined themselves as the future of cigarettes is up in the air. And as John explains, not is all as it seems.
John Safran's new book Puff Piece is available now. John can also be found on Twitter @JohnSafran.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Disability w/ Skye-Blue Henderson
In this conversation, Skye-Blue shares about being underestimated, and how she doesn't believe in the word 'disability'. No doubt you'll find this conversation inspiring, and hopefully you'll leave challenged to make a change in the way you perceive others.
Skye-Blue Henderson is on Instagram @skyeblueh.
Read more about Skye-Blue: Reality TV shows Big Brother, The Voice and The Amazing Race helping to 'crush' stigma around disability (ABC News).
And that brings us to the end of another season of What Shall We Do About...?. If you missed any episodes, there's 70 of them to go back and enjoy. Hopefully we'll be back with new conversations at some time in the near future. In the meantime, shoot me an email and share any feedback you may have!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Generational Gap w/ Ashley Fell
We might look at Baby Boomers and wish we could have grown up in a time where houses were more affordable. We might look at younger generations and think that they have it so much easier, growing up in a world where they'll never have to look up basic information in a paper encyclopedia.
Ashley Fell is a social researcher, and Director of Advisory at McCrindle Research. Together with Mark McCrindle, she has written a brand new book: Generation Alpha: Understanding Our Children and Helping Them Thrive. Ashley joins this episode to talk about Generation Alpha and how they fit together with other generations, whether it's helpful to create generalisations about generations, and how we can better understand those who may have grown up at different times to us.
Ashley Fell is on Twitter @AshFelll, and her new book is Generation Alpha, which is out now.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Museums w/ Marc Fennell
TV host and podcaster Marc Fennell returns to What Shall We Do About...? for the first time in nearly two years. His podcast series for the ABC, Stuff the British Stole, burst onto the podcast charts late in 2020 and delves into a number of museum-held items and their histories. In this conversation, we talk about the making of Marc's podcast, whether cancel culture should exist within the walls of the museum, and how we should best respond to what's on display.
You can hear season one of Stuff the British Stole on the ABC Listen app, or wherever you get your podcasts. Marc Fennell is on Twitter @MarcFennell and Instagram @MarcFennell.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Heartbreak w/ Jessie Stephens
Breakups suck - they're often messy, painful, and disorientating. And yet, we all experience heartbreak at some time in our lives. So why isn't heartbreak seen as a real form of grief, instead relegated to montage sequences in film where characters mope around the house, eating ice cream straight from the tub?
Journalist and podcaster Jessie Stephens has experienced more than her fair share of heartbreak, which moved her to write a non-fiction book called Heartsick: Three Stories about Love and Loss, and what Happens in Between. It's a fascinating, and devastating read - and intrigued me so much I wanted to get Jessie on the podcast, to ask, what shall we do about heartbreak?
Heartsick by Jessie Stephens is out now. You can find Jessie on Instagram @jessiestephens90.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Redevelopment w/ Tim Ross
Tim 'Rosso' Ross is a comedian and design nerd, and has filmed a number of specials about architecture for the ABC. In this conversation, we discuss classic Australian design being lost to redevelopment, the issues around heritage listing, and more.
Tim Ross is on Instagram @Modernister, and you can see more of Tim's passion for architecture and design at timross.com.au.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Hospitals w/ Georgie Carroll
Mostly though, it's a place of sickness and sadness, a place of pain and painful waits. A place where staff are stretched, especially as they deal with the added pressure of a pandemic. So, what shall we do about hospitals?
Georgie Carroll spent years working as a nurse in public hospitals around the world, before switching gears and launching into the world of comedy. She's just released her first book, Off the Charts, which is a memoir of her time working as a nurse. In this conversation we talk about nursing, comedy, and what can be done to improve our hospitals.
Georgie Carroll's book Off the Charts is out now. Georgie is on Instagram @nurse_georgie_carroll, and you can find out more about Georgie and her upcoming shows at georgiecarroll.com.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Pokies w/ Tim Costello
So why are they legal, especially when these machines cause so much harm? Is it because we're simply a betting nation, or is there more at play?
The Reverend Tim Costello has been working hard to bring the truth about pokies to light for decades. Tim now serves as the Chief Advocate for the Alliance for Gambling Reform, and talks on this episode about the history of poker machines, the damage that they do, and the threats he's received along the way for being so outspoken.
Rev. Tim Costello is on Twitter @TimCostello, and you can find out more about the work of the Alliance for Gambling Reform at pokiesplayyou.org.au. And if you or someone you know needs help, you can call the Gambling Help Hotline in Australia on 1800 858 858.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Musicals w/ Gabbi Bolt
So, what shall we do about musicals, and do we need to rethink the way they are created? One such example of ingenuity happened during the pandemic, when TikTok users around the world teamed up to crowdsource create an unofficial musical based on the 2007 Disney Pixar film Ratatouille, Ratatousical.
One of those Tik Tok users is Gabbi Bolt - who wrote a song from her home in Bathurst, Australia. In this episode, Gabbi shares the experience of becoming an overnight musical composer, and where she sees the future of musicals headed.
Gabbi Bolt is on TikTok as @FettuccineFettuqueen, as well as Instagram @GabbiBoltOfficial.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Electric Vehicles w/ Kurt Johnson
Kurt happily joined me on this episode to discuss electric vehicles, the technology and minerals required to build them, and whether I'll ever be able to afford an EV here in Australia.
Kurt Johnson is on Twitter @kujo4pm, and his article about electric vehicles is in the April 10 2021 edition of The Saturday Paper.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed this show, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Game Shows w/ Claire McNear
My guest this week is Claire McNear, a writer at sports and pop culture website The Ringer. Claire has just released a book about the long-running American television show Jeopardy!, and was able to share plenty of insights into not only the history (and scandals) of game shows, but also the obsession that still exists among fans of the format.
Claire McNear's book Answers in the Form of Questions: A Definitive History and Insider's Guide to Jeopardy! is out now. Claire is also on Twitter @ClaireMcNear.
If you enjoyed this episode, you might enjoy our previous episode on Trivia with Cheryl Toh from The Chase Australia.
Thanks for listening! If you enjoyed it, please follow us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
World Records w/ Cameron James
And yet, in more recent years, the world record has lost its sheen. More trivial records have become more common, businesses and brands have sought the glory more than individuals, and questions have been raised over why Guinness are the gatekeepers. So, what shall we do about world records?
Comedian and Podcaster Cameron James has always been fascinated by world records, and has even investigated one that didn't appear that it could be true on the ABC podcast Finding Desperado. I connected with Cameron to talk about his discoveries, as well as the process required to actually gain a world record, which is both surprising and controversial.
Cameon James is on Twitter @iamcameronjames and you can hear his World Record investigation in the ABC podcast Finding Desperado.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Virtual Reality w/ Woodes
Elle Graham, also known as Melbourne artist and producer Woodes, has engaged with virtual reality in what she believes is a world first. Not only has she released her debut album, Crystal Ball, but she's also built the complete album virtually into the game Minecraft. I invited Woodes on to the podcast to discuss virtual reality, and the process of working with an online community to turn music into a visual virtual world.
Woodes' debut album Crystal Ball is out now, and you can keep up with her work at @WoodesMusic on Instagram, and at woodesmusic.com.
The article mentioned in this episode is 'What Went Wrong With Virtual Reality?' by Eleanor Lawrie at the BBC.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Soccer w/ Liam Stapleton
Reading w/ Nat Amoore
But how can you keep a reading habit going beyond holidays, and well into the year? And if you've never been much of a reader, where is a good place to start?
Nat Amoore is a children's author who also hosts One More Page - a podcast uncovering the best in kid's literature. I connected with Nat to find out the best ways to form a reading habit, and why reading is such a good thing to be doing, no matter how old you might be.
Nat Amoore's latest book The Power of Positive Pranking is out now, and you can see more of Nat's work at natamoore.com. Nat is also on Twitter at @Nat_Amoore.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
2020 w/ Melanie Tait & Tali Aualiitia
So, what shall we do about 2020? With many of us writing the year off as the worst ever, can we glean anything positive from the experience?
To answer that question, this bumper episode features two return guests whose years have been majorly disrupted, with ruined plans leading to a real need to adapt. Playwright Melanie Tait shares what happened when her play A Broadcast Coup was shut down, and broadcaster Tali Aualiitia discusses whether she could complete her year of 'no new clothes', and whether panic buying a sewing machine aided her time in Stage 4 Lockdown in Melbourne.
Melanie Tait is on Twitter @MelanieTait, and if you're yet to hear her previous episode on Plays, click here.
Tali Aualiitia is on Twitter @TaliAualiitia, and if you're yet to hear her previous episode on Fashion, click here.
If you've had a tough year, know there's always someone who will listen at Lifeline - 13 11 14.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Watches w/ Sami Shah
As this podcast looks to solve the world's less pressing problems - this week we ask the question, what shall we do about watches? According to Guinness World Records, the timepiece jewellery was first invented in 1868, but more recently there's been a decline in popularity because we all carry around phones with clocks on it (that also provide no risk of the dreaded watch tan).
To go deeper on the history, and future, of the watch, I caught up with comedian and writer Sami Shah, who is a big fan, and collector, of the wristwatch.
Sami is on Twitter @SamiShah and you can see more of Sami's work at thesamishah.com.
Further Reading:
Twelve Easily Avoided Mistakes New Watch Enthusiasts Make, Bloomberg
How Apple Killed the Swiss Watch Industry, Forbes
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Shopping Centres w/ Gemma Acton
In the USA, many have closed their doors across the past decade, unable to compete with the rise of online shopping. Here in Australia, department chain Big W has been closing some stores and will continue to do so over the next few years. Target has closed some stores and 92 of the 167 Target sites earmarked for change will be converted to Kmart stores. The closure of department stores impacts shopping centres, and smaller retailers in a major way.
So, what shall we do about shopping centres? Is it possible to return the shopping centre to the fun hangout zone that it once was? And what needs to happen to ensure the shopping mall can not only survive, but thrive?
Gemma Acton is Finance Editor for the Seven Network, and in this episode offers plenty of insight into the challenges facing shopping centres around the world, especially here in Australia.
Gemma Acton is on Twitter @GemmaActon and can be seen on Seven News.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Cooking w/ Jessica Rowe
Journalist and author Jessica Rowe is firmly in the latter category.
Having given herself the title of 'Crap Housewife' for a number of years, Jess has been working hard to help ease the pressure on women especially, so that they are kinder and gentler on themselves - including in the kitchen. Jess joined me to talk about cooking triumphs and fails, and her partnership with Australian butchers that saw her learning how to cook her first steak at the age of 50.
Jessica Rowe is on Instagram @jessjrowe and you can read more about her escapades as a Crap Housewife at jessicarowe.com.au.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Money w/ Rick Morton
Money is a huge topic that I've wanted to tackle on this podcast for some time, and it's only now that I've found the right person for the job and... he's not a financial expert.
Rick Morton grew up on a cattle station in rural Queensland, in what can only be described as poverty. He's since gone to university, become a journalist and is currently The Senior Reporter at the Saturday Paper - but his view of money is still informed from an upbringing without it. n this episode I ask Rick about growing up poor, being chased by a debt collector as an adult, and what our government and welfare systems can do better to support those going without.
Rick Morton's new book is called On Money, and I also thoroughly recommend picking up his previous work, the incredibly moving memoir One Hundred Years of Dirt. Rick Morton is on Twitter @SquigglyRick, and you can find out more at rickmorton.com.au.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Mars w/ Dianne McGrath
For Dianne McGrath, this is a very real goal. Dianne is one of the remaining one hundred candidates vying for a position to travel to the Red Planet with Mars One in 2031, and never return to Earth. Imagine that - leaving everything you know behind bound for a planet where no person has ever set foot before, and still so much is unknown. I needed to better understand this situation, and so I connected to Dianne to ask, What Shall we Do About Mars, and discover why we as a human race are so infatuated with our neighbouring planet.
Keep up with Dianne McGrath on Twitter @liteandportable, and find out more at diannemcgrath.com.au.
More about Mars One: www.mars-one.com/mission/roadmap
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
Season 2 Coming Soon...
Hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts or 'follow' on Spotify for new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
50. Conspiracy Theories w/ Maz Compton
Conspiracy theories have always made for a fun deep dive, and with the dawn of the Internet, theories have been thrown around, debated, and even disproven. But more recently, conspiracy theories have become somewhat dangerous territory, with plenty sprouting around the origins of COVID-19. Even in the last week, QAnon, a baseless Internet conspiracy theory has been reaching news headlines. So, what shall we do about conspiracy theories, especially in the year 2020?
Maz Compton is a radio host and gym owner, who a number of years ago became obsessed with conspiracy theories. We spoke about the conspiracy theories she feels could be true, and also the importance of asking questions about the world around us.
Maz Compton can be heard alongside Gawndy on Hit NSW Breakfast, weekdays from 6-9am. You can see more of Maz's work at The Social Rebellion.
The article mentioned in this episode is 'The threads that don't connect: Covid gives Australian conspiracy theorists a common home' by Michael McGowan at The Guardian.
And a genuine thanks for your listens and downloads over the last 50 episodes. I'm absolutely thrilled to reach such a milestone after almost a year of consistent weekly episodes, and couldn't have done so without your support.
That said, this is the last episode of What Shall We Do About...? for a while, but stay subscribed for a few new episodes before the end of 2020, and another big season in 2021. I'm also working on a new podcast about a classic Australian television show, and I can assure you that you'll be the first to hear about it. So - keep connected and stay subscribed!
If you've enjoyed the show but haven't touched base, please shoot me an email at whatshallwedopod@gmail.com. I would love to hear your feedback.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
49. Compost w/ Costa Georgiadis
We all know that composting our food scraps is far better than throwing it into the bin, which makes it bound for landfill. But often we just don't know where to start when it comes to setting up our own composts at home, or we're put off by the idea of decomposing scraps in our kitchens and backyards. So, what shall we do about compost?
Thankfully, host of Gardening Australia and all-round legend Costa Georgiadis has stepped up to the plate to show us that composting is not only easy to do, but it's extremely beneficial to both us, and the world around us.
Costa can be seen on Gardening Australia, Fridays from 7:30pm on ABC TV, or anytime on iView. Costa is also on Twitter @CostasGarden and on Instragram @CostasWorld.
Here are some articles shared by Costa to help you take the next step in your composting at home:
Information on growing and composting in containers: Resourceful Renters
Story: www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/2020-series-31-episode-11/12158524
Factsheet: www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/resourceful-renters/12155080
Trench Composting; Burying scraps straight into the ground as a compost option
Story and Factsheet : www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/trench-composting/9438032
Story and Factsheet with Tino: www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/compost-trench/10213610
Re-purposing and Old Bathtub into a Worm Farm
www.facebook.com/ABCTV/videos/1608895892466383
www.abc.net.au/gardening/factsheets/worms-on-the-verge/9440978
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Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
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48. Space w/ Kirsten Banks
Well now, there seems to be a whole new fascination with space. Space tourism is starting to gain traction with Elon Musk's SpaceX finding success with its test flight earlier in 2020. This year is also seeing multiple attempts by different countries to reach the red planet of Mars. But I can't help but feel that space exploration is a rich person's game - so much so that we leave the wonder and marveling that we should all be able to enjoy, to those with the wealth and equipment to report back to us. Plus, it's a scary place riddled with space junk and black holes. So, what shall we do about space?
Joining the podcast to discuss is Kirsten Banks, a 23 year old astrophysicist who loves inspiring others to get into a headspace for space, including on TikTok. We spoke about space tourism, the dangers of the universe, and whether there's life out there...
Kirsten can be found on Twitter @astrokirsten and on Instagram @astrokirsten. You can also read more of her work at astrokirsten.com.au.
The article mentioned in this episode is 'Why are so many nations blasting off to Mars?' by Sherryn Groch at The Sydney Morning Herald.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
47. Screen Time w/ Lauren Bonner
Enter Sydney comedian Lauren Bonner, who joined me to chat about her experience with screens. Together we discussed the perils of screen addiction, the ways in which phones affect mental health, and whether there are actually ways we can reduce screen time.
Lauren Bonner is on Twitter @laurenybonner and Instagram @laurenybonner.
The article mentioned in this episode is 'We've Got the Screen Time Debate All Wrong. Let's Fix It' by Robbie Gonzalez at Wired.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
46. Curiosity w/ Corey Tutt
My guest this week is Corey Tutt. Corey is a Kamilaroi man who is working hard to help kids - particularly indigenous Australian kids - have their curiosity stoked. Named the NSW Young Australian of the Year for 2020, Corey founded Deadly Science - an initiative that provides remote schools with scientific resources and access to mentors working in STEM.
You can keep up with Corey and Deadly Science on Instagram @deadlyscience_ltd, and if you would like to contribute to the excellent work of Deadly Science, you can do so at deadlyscience.icu.
Thank you so much for listening! Hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so if you enjoyed listening! I'm always keen to hear from you.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
45. Crosswords w/ David Astle
To discuss, I connected with English enthusiast and word nerd David Astle, who you may know as the dictionary keeper on the cult SBS game show Letters and Numbers. David has been creating crossword puzzles for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age for nearly 40 years, and has written a number of books devoted to the black and white grid. We discussed the history of the crossword puzzle, and found that my presumptions about the demise of the crossword might well be wrong.
David Astle can be found on Twitter @dontattempt. He can be heard on ABC Melbourne weeknights from 7pm, and his books Cluetopia: The Story of 100 Years of the Crossword, and Rewording the Brain are available now. You can read more about David at his website, davidastle.com.
For more of David's tips on solving cryptic crosswords: 'Cryptic crosswords too confusing? Decipher them with these seven common clue recipes' by Simon Leo Brown at ABC Melbourne.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
44. Trivia w/ Cheryl Toh
These are fun little facts you pick up and can pull out at parties, or even trivia nights. But sometimes the fun of trivia can be upturned by competitiveness, or someone at your table who dominates and ruins the fun for the rest of the team. When did learning stuff about the world become a chore?
Joining me to discuss is Cheryl Toh - better known as Tiger Mum - one of the Chasers on game show The Chase Australia. Her job is to know more trivia than those who face her, and she has a great passion for knowledge and learning new things about the world around her.
Cheryl Toh can be seen on The Chase Australia, weeknights from 5pm on the Seven Network. And keep an eye out for Beat the Chasers, coming soon to primetime.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
43. Our Carbon Footprint w/ Craig Reucassel
Greta Thunberg addressed the UN with her now famous 'How Dare You' speech, school students marched through capital cities, and the summer's devastating summer bushfires showed that something needs to be done. But since our world has been gripped by a pandemic, the discussion around climate change has taken somewhat of a backseat.
And honestly, it can feel like the discussion is too big for us to personally help save the planet. With so many around us with relaxed attitudes to climate change, we can wonder how our own little changes can make a difference. So, what shall we do about our carbon footprint?
Chaser member Craig Reucassel has moved on from his War on Waste to a brand new ABC series, The Fight for Planet A. He joined the podcast to discuss some simple changes that lead to a big impact, while communicating to politicians and energy providers that our planet matters.
Craig Reucassel is on Twitter @craigreucassel, and Craig's series The Fight For Planet A: Our Climate Challenge starts tonight on ABC TV at 8:30pm - and of course you can catch up on it anytime on iView.
Websites referenced in this episode:
Green Vehicle Guide
'This New App Calculates The Carbon Thumbprint You Generate By Hanging Out On Your Phone' by Matt Hopkins at Pedestrian.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
42. Cats w/ Lewis McKirdy
But - maybe I'm wrong. Perhaps I just need to change my tone. So, what shall we do about cats?
To find a solution, I phoned the UK to speak with Australian expat, former radio guy, and certified cat fan Lewis McKirdy. Since hanging up the headphones at triple j in late 2016, Lewi has moved to London and has spent time driving an Animal Ambulance for injured cats. Yes, really. And as you might expect from Lewi, our conversation took some surprising turns, including a foray into musical theatre.
Lewis McKirdy is on Twitter @lewimckirdy and on Instagram @lewimckirdy. You can hear his podcast Animal Ambulance wherever you listen to podcasts.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
41. TikTok w/ Josh Hawkins
But as many of the estimated 500 million worldwide TikTok users have suggested, many of whom are teenagers, isn't it all just a bit of harmless fun?
To help talk through this conundrum, I've invited Josh Hawkins - better known as Hi Josh - on to the show. Josh came to fame on YouTube throwing stuff over his shoulder, but has since branched out with videos on Facebook, Instagram, and yes, TikTok. In total, his videos have been viewed more than 350 million times, including a couple million on TikTok. Together we discussed the popularity of TikTok, the risks involved, and the way in which the platform has been defending itself among the Australian public.
Find Josh Hawkins on Instagram @hijosh, Facebook @hijosh, and on YouTube at @hijosh. As you might have gathered, he's also on TikTok @hijoshtiktok. Find out more about Josh at hijosh.com.
The articles referenced in this podcast are 'Is it time to delete TikTok? A guide to the rumors and the real privacy risks.' by Geoffrey A. Fowler at The Washington Post; and 'TikTok uses newspaper ads in campaign to ease privacy concerns' by Mariam Cheik-Hussein at AdNews.
Thank you so much for listening! Hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so if you enjoyed listening! I'm always keen to hear from you.
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
40. Vegetarianism w/ Zach Mander
Enter return guest Zach Mander, who joined me all the way back in Episode 2 to fix the problems of gardening. Zach and his wife Sarah made the leap to becoming vegetarians a few years ago, and has plenty of thoughts about the conversation around vegetarians, as well as the rising popularity of plant-based products.
Zach Mander can be heard on the Collective Noun podcast, and is on Instagram @zachmander. And if you did miss them the first time around, don't forget to catch up on Zach fixing gardening in Episode 2, and Alice Zaslavsky fixing vegetables in Episode 20.
The articles referenced in this podcast are 'Surge in Aussies eating vegetarian continues' at Animals Australia, and
'Veganism And Vegetarianism Are Changing Fast Food' by Panos Mourdoukoutas at Forbes.
And thank you so much for listening. I'm blown away that we've reached 40 episodes, and there's still more in the tank. Hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so if you enjoyed listening!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
39. Drawing w/ Matt Cosgrove
I discussed all of this with Matt Cosgrove, Sydney-based author and illustrator of the hugely successful Macca the Alpaca picture books. His illustrations are gorgeous, and he is very passionate about seeing kids develop a love for drawing that extends well beyond their youth. We also spoke about his new book, his previous work drawing cartoons for game show Burgo's Catch Phrase, and how best to discover or re-discover a love of drawing, no matter your age.
Matt Cosgrove's new book Dharma the Llama is out now. Matt is on Facebook @mattcosgrovebooks, Instagram @matt.cosgrove and on Twitter @MrMattCosgrove. You can find more about Matt and his other books at his website, mattcosgrovebooks.com.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
38. Celebrity w/ Jeffrey Walker
Joining the podcast this week is actor turned director Jeffrey Walker. Debuting on our screens as Bronson on classic Australian TV show Round the Twist, Jeffrey also starred in Ocean Girl and The Wayne Manifesto. But more recently, he's been directing big shows in Hollywood - including Bones and Modern Family. Jumping between Australia and Hollywood, Jeffrey has plenty of experience working alongside big name celebrities in Hollywood.
Jeffrey Walker is on Instagram @jlwalk, and his interview series Blurring the Lines can be seen below:
Watch Blurring the Lines with Jeffrey Walker featuring Guy Pearce
Watch Blurring the Lines with Jeffrey Walker featuring Ty Burrell
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify to get new episodes in your feeds every Tuesday. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
37. Beaches w/ Trent 'Maxi' Maxwell
Trent Maxwell or 'Lifeguard Maxi', as he is more commonly known, is the youngest ever Professional Lifeguard to work at Australia's world-famous Bondi Beach. Maxi started life guarding as a 16-year-old trainee and his inspiring lifeguard career has been well documented across the last decade on Channel 10's Bondi Rescue. In this chat, recorded pre-COVID-19, we discuss the joys and dangers of the beach, and why water safety is necessary for all to learn.
Maxi is on Twitter @lifeguardmaxi and Instagram @lifeguardmaxi. You can see more of Maxi's work as well as order his Maxi the Lifeguard books at lifeguardmaxi.com.au.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
36. Birds w/ Chris Bath
Those feathered friends that screech at daybreak, poop on your back deck, and swoop you in springtime. OK - so maybe that's a harsh assessment, but I think it's how many of us think about birds. And yet - there are 10,000 different species of bird around the world ranging from tiny hummingbirds to massive ostriches. They are pretty astounding creatures. So how can we can better appreciate them?
I've brought in the biggest bird enthusiast I know - journalist and broadcaster Chris Bath. As she explains, she has been a keen birdwatcher for some time thanks to her son, and her passion for birds has taken her around the world to some very unusual places.
You can find Chris on Twitter @chrisbathtv, and see her many bird adventures on Instagram @chrisbath. Chris Bath hosts 10 News First, weekends from 5pm on the 10 Network.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
35. Parody Songs w/ Lindsay McDougall
For decades Weird Al has created witty parody tunes that have delighted both fans around the world, and the artists he spoofs. And yet, we've all had that moment at a 21st or farewell where someone has created a parody song that makes you cringe, your grandmother blush, or just wrecks the original song for you forever. So, what shall we do about parody songs?
Joining me to discuss is broadcaster and musician Lindsay 'The Doctor' McDougall (along with his guitar). For years Lindsay has played satirical tunes with his band Frenzal Rhomb, but has also dabbled in parody song writing in his time hosting triple j Breakfast and now on ABC local radio. Lindsay shares his love for the genre, and also reveals the key ingredients to a clever parody song.
Lindsay McDougall is on Twitter @doctormcdougall and on Instagram @doctormcdougall. You can also hear him on ABC Illawarra Drive, weekdays from 3pm.
And you can watch the video clip to BOB by Weird Al Yankovic, as discussed in this episode, here.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
34. Systemic Racism w/ Léonce Crump
33. Culture w/ Mitch Tambo
And so while this podcast usually sets out to solve the world's less pressing issues, I wanted to ensure that we acknowledge that systemic racism is a massive problem that should be talked about.
Mitch Tambo is a proud Gamilaraay man who has brought his First Nations culture to Australia's Got Talent, Eurovision: Australia Decides, and the massive Fire Fight fundraiser concert that took place back in February. Mitch is passionate about his own culture but also very keen to help others embrace theirs. Though this episode was recorded prior to George Floyd's death, Mitch's insights speak so well into the current climate - particularly the urgent need for understanding, respect and an ability to listen well.
Mitch Tambo is on Facebook @MitchTambo and on Instagram @MitchTambo. His new song LOVE is out now on all streaming platforms.
Our conversation will continue in our next episode (dropping this Thursday) as we cross to the United States to discuss Black Lives Matter and systemic racism. So, be sure to hit subscribe.
Some further reading:
'How to be a good Indigenous Ally' by Summer May Finlay, NITV News.
'There cannot be 432 victims and no perpetrators...' by Amy McQuire, The Saturday Paper.
'Here are the practical ways you can support Aboriginal Lives Matter' by James Purtill, triple j's Hack.
'Indigenous issues can be daunting - here are 10 positive ways to engage' - triple j's Hack.
Listen and learn with the Black Lives Matter collection at SBS On Demand - SBS.
Thanks for listening to the show, I'm genuinely thankful that you did. If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. And leaving a rating and review really does help get the word out, so feel free to do so!
Connect with the show:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @
32. Fashion w/ Tali Aualiitia
Unlike many trends, David Bowie's 1980 song 'Fashion' hasn't gone out of, erm, fashion. Fashion is said to be a popular or the latest style of clothing, hair, decoration, or behaviour - but so often these things don't last. Think shoulder-pads, click-pants - heck, even socks and sandals were probably considered cool once.
Fashion can drain our bank accounts, and is really not great for our environment. So, what shall we do about fashion?
ABC Broadcaster Tali Aualiitia realised late in 2019 that she was addicted to fast fashion. So, she committed to buying no new clothes in 2020 - living out of her wardrobe of previous purchases, no matter what the fashion may be. And, as she shares in this episode, she's learning plenty about herself, and also learning some new skills in the process.
You can find Tali on Twitter @taliaualiitia, and watch the progress of her year on Instagram @nonewclothes.tali.
You can read more of Tali's thoughts in her article 'I'm buying nothing new this year to break my fast fashion addiction' at ABC Life.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
31. Reality Televison w/ Nick Iadanza
Whether it's home cooks putting their 'heart on a plate', punters trying to transform a derelict apartment block into a place for high-end living, or a down-on-his-luck guy looking for the love of his life - we've been glued to reality television, stripped across most nights. But, how real is reality television? And, how much is the action manipulated through editing - as many previous contestants have claimed?
Helping us navigate this is two-time contestant on Australian Survivor, Nick Iadanza. In the 'real world', Nick is a high school English teacher and a self-confessed reality television junkie. He lifts the lid on the genre, talks about being dubbed a 'snake' on Australian Survivor, and gives some tips to help us as viewers know what is real and what is heightened by producers.
You can find Nick on Twitter @nickiadanza and on Instagram @nickiadanza. And you can see Nick competing in both seasons 1 and 5 of Australian Survivor on Tenplay.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
30. Bees w/ Johanna Griggs
That sweet taste on toast in the morning providing that little kick of sugar to get you moving. We can often see its maker - the bee - as a nuisance, something that stings and buzzes, rather than provides. Sadly, bee populations around the world are in steady decline due to a number of factors, and this is a real problem - not just for honey lovers, but the entire population. It has been said recently, in a David Attenborough documentary no less, that if bees were to disappear from the face of the earth, humans would have only four years left to live. Scary thought, isn't it?
Well, what shall we do about bees? You might be surprised by the person I called to discuss this with: TV host Johanna Griggs, from Seven's long-running lifestyle show Better Homes and Gardens. She's a self-professed 'crazy bee lady' - and I have no doubt after hearing this episode you'll have a whole new respect for these yellow and black winged creatures.
You can keep up with Johanna's beekeeping adventures on Instagram @JohGriggs7 and on Twitter @JohGriggs7. Joh hosts Better Homes and Gardens, Friday evenings from 7pm on the Seven Network.
The article referenced in this podcast is 'Bees Are Dying - What Can We Do About It?' by Stephen Smiley at the ABC.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
29. Saxophones w/ James Valentine
When I was ten, I started learning how to play the alto saxophone. It was a relatively easy instrument to pick up, and I played it right through to my Higher School Certificate. I soon discovered, however, that outside of jazz and concert ensembles, the saxophone is a bit of a joke. People think of soppy music from Kenny G, or big raspy motifs from such 70s and 80s tunes like Smooth Operator and Baker Street. These days, saxophones show up as annoying hooks like on Thrift Shop and Jason Derulo's Talk Dirty. The exception: M83's epic Midnight City.
So, what shall we do about saxophones? Before COVID-19 shutdown kicked in, I paid a visit to the ABC to chat with fellow saxophone player and broadcaster James Valentine. We talked about the history of the saxophone, the art of improvisation, how music has changed, and as a treat he even brought his tenor saxophone along to the conversation.
James Valentine hosts Afternoons on ABC Radio Sydney (and across NSW) from 12:30-3:30pm weekdays. He is on Twitter @Valentine702.
The article referenced in this podcast is Where did all the saxophones go? by Kelsey McKinney at theoutline.com.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
28. Kindness w/ Ash London
Well, I've invited an old friend back to the podcast - one of my most popular guests so far - Ash London. In the middle of all of this she's managed to pull together a project that shines a light on kindness in the everyday.
You can find Ash's podcast Sunny Side Up! wherever you get your podcasts. Ash is on Instagram @ash_london, on Twitter @ash_london, and you can also hear her on Ash London Live, weeknights from 7pm across the Hit Network.
You can hear Ash's previous appearance on this podcast, tackling the topic of flying, here.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
27. Children's Television w/ James Sherry
Well, Australian children's programming on commercial television is under threat more than ever. Each TV network is required by law to produce a certain quota of TV for kids, but in recent years, it's been buried in obscure time-slots on multi-channels like 7TWO, 10Peach, and 9GO!. And earlier this year, some networks asked to have the quotas scrapped due to the amount of content on streaming services, and the high cost of production involved in local programming.
Joining me on the podcast this week is a man who hosted some children's shows on the Seven Network in the early 1990s, when the genre was highly valued. James Sherry was one of the original hosts of long-running cartoon block Saturday Disney, and then hosted one of the best kid's game shows ever created, A*mazing. We reflected on the popularity of the shows, our common history working on Saturday Disney, and whether the call to scrap quotas is a good thing or not.
James Sherry is on Twitter @thejamessherry.
The article referenced in this podcast is 'Broadcasters, producers at loggerheads over children's content quotas' by Karl Quinn and Zoe Samios at Sydney Morning Herald.
Since this episode was recorded, due to COVID-19, the Australian government has scrapped quotas on Drama, Documentary and Children's television for the remainder of 2020. Seven dropped their daily children's block immediately in favour of re-runs of old episodes of Auction Squad and Harry's Practice. You can read more at TV Tonight.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.
26. Trains w/ Alex Dyson
One man who knows this all too well is former triple j Breakfast host turned podcaster and author Alex Dyson. Alex ran for parliament in 2019 and public transport was high up on his list as far as changes were concerned. So, what shall we do about trains? We discussed this at length in this bumper episode, and hopefully Alex's cracking stories and experiences will give you a much-needed laugh in this COVID-19 world.
Alex Dyson is on Instagram @aedyson and on Twitter @AlexDyson. Alex's debut novel When It Drops is out today, and you can order a copy for yourself at Booktopia. You can also hear him weekly on the podcast Mirth.
You can also hear Alex's first appearance on this podcast, when we discussed COVID-19 and self-isolation here.
Thanks for listening to What Shall We Do About...?, it means a lot! If you enjoyed it, please hit 'subscribe' on Apple Podcasts, or 'follow' on Spotify. Reviews are always welcome and help get the word out.
Get in contact:
Instagram: @whatshallwedopod
Facebook: @whatshallwedopod
Twitter: @whatshallwepod
Email: whatshallwedopod@gmail.com
What Shall We Do About...? is hosted and produced by Sam Robinson, who is on Twitter @samsquareeyes.