Best Peter On Pole Podcasts (2025)

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Can American democracy withstand the dark enlightenment? 54:47

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1h ago54:47

54:47

Knowledge lies at the heart of a healthy democracy, and its many custodians include libraries, universities, cultural institutions, and a free and independent media. So what happens when these institutions are intimidated, dismantled or destroyed, as is happening in America right now, under the government of President Donald Trump? This event was r…

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Ep. 759: The Commercial Space Program 35:06

14h ago35:06

35:06

Astronomy Cast Ep. 759: The Commercial Space Program By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on Jun 9, 2025. Humanity has turned its focus back to the Moon, sending a fleet of spacecraft to the lunar surface. Some are run by the government, but there’s a whole new group of commercial landers bearing instruments to the lunar surface. Is this t…

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98: Peter Kaestner Interview - Seeing 10,000 Bird Species In The Wild! 1:34:04

1d ago1:34:04

1:34:04

This week, we have a truly special guest—Peter Kaestner, the first person in history to see over 10,000 bird species in the wild. It’s a mind-blowing achievement. Peter took us on an unforgettable journey through his life as a birder, and how his career as a diplomat allowed him to travel the globe. He shared incredible stories—like birding in Colo…

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“We are the evidence” — empowering change in Indigenous Australia 1:00:31

1d ago1:00:31

1:00:31

In 2017, the Uluru Statement called for Voice, Treaty and Truth as a roadmap to reconciliation. With the Voice defeated, what is the path now to meaningful reform that will improve the lives of Indigenous Australians? From the National Agreement on Closing the Gap, to Victoria's truth-telling Yoorook Justice Commission, two Indigenous leaders argue…

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From Bangalore to Balmain – Padma Raman’s lifelong advocacy for women and girls 54:39

5d ago54:39

54:39

The racism and resilience Padma Raman’s parents experienced lit a social justice fire in her early on. She landed on the sunny shores of Sydney in the 1980s and watched both her parents face racism and discrimination seeking work. She’s gone on to dedicate her career to making the world a better place for women and girls. It’s taken her to the hall…

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Fashion's fails — we can fix its toxic legacy! Kit Willow, Natasha Mitchell, and guests 58:10

6d ago58:10

58:10

Australians have a hardcore addiction to fast fashion. That means dyes in our waterways, microplastics in our bodies, and hundreds of thousands of tonnes of textiles dumped in landfill. Fashionista or not, do you feel powerless to change an industry dominated by global fashion giants making giant profits? Meet four passionate crusaders with fashion…

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Warren Ellis on why he bought a Sumatran wildlife sanctuary — with Justin Kurzel and Zan Rowe 54:06

7d ago54:06

54:06

Warren Ellis is best known as the charismatic violinist with legendary Australian instrumental rock trio Dirty Three and Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds. Justin Kurzel's new documentary Ellis Park is a both portrait of Ellis as he comes to terms with his Ballarat childhood, and a film about the devastating impacts of wildlife trafficking, and why Ellis…

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97: Orange-tufted Spiderhunter 35:10

8d ago35:10

35:10

We’ve got a fun one for you this week as we get ready for a very special guest: Peter Kaestner—the first person to see 10,000 bird species in the wild. We speak to him next week. To prep for that epic conversation, we're taking a closer look at the bird that earned him that milestone: the Orange-tufted Spiderhunter. Spoiler alert—Amanda was not imp…

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To infinity – who's in charge of outer space? 46:56

8d ago46:56

46:56

How do nations work together to control access to our vast universe, negotiate who gets what resources, or even who gets to set up new colonies on far away planets? And how do we ensure that we don’t just export earthly conflicts on take-off? ‘Unlocking Cooperation: Space Diplomacy’ is a talk from the Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Af…

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Being Jewish after the destruction of Gaza — with Peter Beinart and Sarah Schwartz 55:06

12d ago55:06

55:06

What's happening in Gaza is horrifying and shocking. As the world watches on, how are different Jewish communities reckoning with a war being waged in their name by Israel, against Hamas and the Palestinian people? This event was recorded at The Wheeler Centre on 27 May 2025 in partnership with the Jewish Council of Australia. Speakers Peter Beinar…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #228 Producer David Z 39:47

13d ago39:47

39:47

You may not know the name, but you know his sound. From his work as a member of Lipps, Inc, to producing with Prince to bands like Fine Young Cannibals and Big Head Todd and the Monsters, David Z has created a sound that, literally, everyone has danced to. For more information on David and his fascinating career, check out his website.…

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We asked for workers and got people — inside the temporary visa scheme putting food on your plate 1:06:04

13d ago1:06:04

1:06:04

A workforce we rarely hear about, lives in limbo, and stories from the coalface. From economic gains and cultural exchanges to exploitation and absconding, what are the successes and problems of the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme? Who picks and processes those yummy strawberries you're about to put in your shopping trolley, or the …

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The unbearable intimacy of voicing someone’s words — with Forced Entertainment 1:00:01

14d ago1:00:01

1:00:01

Words can mean everything, or nothing at all: it all depends on how they're delivered. This relationship between writer, script, actor and audience creates a particular tension that lies at the heart of performance. Who gives meaning to the words, interprets the creative material, who holds the power? This is a lecture, but not as you know it, by m…

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Ep. 758: Non-Roving Rovers 31:03

15d ago31:03

31:03

Astronomy Cast Ep. 758: Non-Roving Rovers By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on May 26, 2025. Some of our favorite robots are rovers currently roving around the surface of the Moon & Mars. But there’s some pretty tricky terrain out there and engineers are scheming up clever ways to explore other worlds inspired by life that crawls, slith…

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96: Black-capped Chickadee - Cute Bird with a Mighty Brain 58:01

15d ago58:01

58:01

In this episode of Birds of a Feather Talk Together, we dive deep into the fascinating world of the Black-capped Chickadee—one of North America's most beloved birds. Discover the secrets behind the chickadee's distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call, its remarkable memory, and how this tiny bird survives harsh winters with clever food-storing habits…

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Gina Chick on what dark nights of the soul can teach us about life and living 55:06

15d ago55:06

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Gina Chick made her name as the inaugural winner of Alone Australia, but her story begins a long time before that. It involves unimaginable hardship, death grief, illness and injury. How has she learnt to sit with all that life has thrown at her, and remain joyful and true to herself, in the face of adversity? This event was recorded at the Athenae…

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Safe at home – who profits when you’re afraid of your neighbours? 54:04

19d ago54:04

54:04

Your personal safety is big business, so much so that it’s given rise to “security capitalism”, a phenomenon where attempts to buy personal safety shape the world around us. As security becomes just another status symbol, do these gadgets make us safer or do they create a whole new list of anxieties – a self-fulfilling prophecy of perceived threat …

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Rock n Roll Grad School #227 Firefall's Jock Bartley on their "Friends & Family, Vol 2" 30:13

20d ago30:13

30:13

We talked with guitarist Jock Bartley when Firefall released their first "Friends & Family," and he's back to talk Vol 2. And, sure we talk about the record, but there's so much more to discuss. "Friends and Family, Vol 2" is available right now. For more information, check out Firefall's website.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

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The ghosts are here — Tasma Walton, Darren Rix, Craig Cormick, Anthony Sharwood with Natasha Mitchell 56:43

20d ago56:43

56:43

The ghost people arrived by boat. They never left. But the stories of first encounters and what came next live large, 250 years later, in First Nations families and communities. An ambitious journey to reclaim the names and stories disappeared by Captain James Cook, but never lost. A deeply personal excavation of herstories and the women wrenched f…

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Words to sing the world alive — waking up First Nations languages 54:05

21d ago54:05

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At the time of colonisation, there were more than 250 Indigenous languages spoken in Australia, but these days, all are considered endangered. Many First Nations people are working hard to revive and reclaim their mother tongues. In the anthology, Words to Sing the World Alive: Celebrating First Nations Languages, 40 Indigenous Australians share wo…

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Ep. 757: CubeSats 33:13

22d ago33:13

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Astronomy Cast Ep. 757: CubeSats By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on May 19, 2025. Computers are getting smaller, faster and more capable, which has enabled an entirely mew class of satellites: CubeSats. A mission small enough that you can hold it in your hands, and yet powerful enough to even travel to other planets and send messages …

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95: Ruby-throated Hummingbird Revisited 35:45

22d ago35:45

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In this episode of Birds of a Feather Podcast, we revisit one of our favorite past episodes all about the ruby-throated hummingbird—a truly fascinating and fast-flying species known for its shimmering feathers and incredible migration. Join hosts John Bates and Shannon Hackett, along with RJ Pole and Amanda Marquart, as we dive back into the world …

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From vulture bone flutes to ‘organised sound’— Andrew Ford's short history of music 52:45

22d ago52:45

52:45

Music has been around for at least as long as humans, and possibly even longer. How have forces like religion, the economy, society and technology, shaped music over time? And why, in lullabies and concert halls, songlines and streaming services, have humans always been irresistibly drawn to making it? This event was recorded at Sydney's Gleebooks.…

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If it bleeds it leads – Bruce Shapiro on documenting the violence of modern life 54:39

26d ago54:39

54:39

From wars with global consequences to violent crimes in the suburbs, trauma underpins so much of the news cycle. It’s something award-winning journalist Bruce Shapiro came to understand intimately when, as a young crime reporter, he was stabbed. It changed his whole perspective on his profession, dedicating a large part of his career to the questio…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #226 Writer Gary Graff on the 501 Essential Albums of the 80s 47:43

27d ago47:43

47:43

Gary Graff has done it again. With a cadre of writers, Gary pulled together a list of 501 albums that he feels are the most indicative of the 1980s. (We talked with Gary before about his list of albums of the 90s.) And, while we don't get as heated as we did then, there is still some lively debate to go around- and that's the point. 501 Essential A…

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Live to 150? David Sinclair on why we age — and why he thinks we don't have to 1:07:03

27d ago1:07:03

1:07:03

What if we could turn back time on our biological clock and slow down — even reverse — aging? High profile Harvard scientist David Sinclair is co-author of the New York Times bestseller Lifespan: Why We Age and Why We Don’t Have To. His lab’s work is as ambitious as it is controversial. He wants to radically change the way we live our lives — and p…

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Australia and the spectre of war — from Vietnam to today 1:00:04

28d ago1:00:04

1:00:04

It's been 60 years since then Australian Prime Minister Robert Menzies sent Australians to fight in the Vietnam War. Since that time, the defence force has been involved in many armed conflicts and peace keeping missions around the world — but with varying degrees of public support. So how have successive Australian governments managed public conse…

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Ep. 756: SphereX 28:21

29d ago28:21

28:21

Astronomy Cast Ep. 756: SphereX By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on May 12, 2025. NASA’s newly launched SphereX mission is up & operational and has completed its initial checkout and “first light”. Everything looks good! And now it’s starting its science operations. And that’s good enough for Pamela! And THAT means we can talk about it…

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94: Blackpoll Warbler Revisited - Epic Migration and More About Warblers 40:53

29d ago40:53

40:53

This week, we're revisiting a listener favorite all about Blackpoll Warblers—tiny birds with an absolutely epic migration. Whether you're new to warblers or already a seasoned birder, this episode is packed with fascinating facts and fresh insights. John and Shannon dive into what makes the Blackpoll Warbler’s journey so mind-blowing, and John give…

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Australia votes — what message should we take from this election result? 54:57

29d ago54:57

54:57

If democracy is the will of the people, what does this federal election result say about Australia? In his election night victory speech, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said Australians had voted for Australian values, claiming these were fairness, aspiration and opportunity for all. But is this right message we should take from the election resul…

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What are you wearing? Why we aren’t buying Australian made fashion 54:11

1M ago54:11

54:11

Australians are now the biggest consumers per capita of clothes in the world. But just three per cent of clothing is made here in Australia. So is it time for a fashion rethink? This event was held at the Melbourne Museum as part of Melbourne Fashion Festival's Fashion Talks program on 4 March 2025. Speakers Tara MosesChief Operating Officer, RM Wi…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #225 Author Sean Egan on Bob Dylan's "Decade of Dissent" 41:22

1M ago41:22

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In the 1960's Bob Dylan changed the world. How? And in what ways are we still dealing with the monumental changes that the future Noble prize winner kicked off? Sean Egan has written a new book about Dylan called "Decade of Dissent- How 1960's Bob Dylan Changed the World." It's a fascinating look at the creation and evolution of one of the world's …

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Mark Zuckerberg claims corporations are culturally neutered — are they? Men, women, work, and the manosphere 54:03

1M ago54:03

54:03

Meta's Mark Zuckerberg has said “a lot of the corporate world has become culturally neutered” and that it needs more “masculine energy”? Has it and does it? At Meta, he recently shut down initiatives that promote equity and diversity in his workplace. In the USA, so has Ford, Mcdonalds, Walmart, and the Trump administration. But in Australia, less …

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History lessons — historians Orlando Figes, Bettany Hughes, Matthew Longo and Dava Sobel with Annabelle Quince 55:53

1M ago55:53

55:53

Democracies in retreat, attacks on science, border disputes, death and destruction. It can feel like we are living in unprecedented times - but here's the thing: world history has a habit of repeating itself. So what lessons does history teach us about this moment in which we find ourselves? Do we humans learn anything from the past, or are we dest…

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Ep. 755: Intermediate Mass Black Holes 31:55

1M ago31:55

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Astronomy Cast Ep. 755: Intermediate Mass Black Holes By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on May 5, 2025. Hosted by: Fraser Cain and Dr. Pamela L. Gay. There are stellar-mass and supermassive black holes. But very little evidence of anything in between. Where are all the intermediate-mass black holes that should be the building blocks of …

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93: Great Potoo, we also talk Prothonotary Warbler and Answer A Question on Robin's Eggs 51:48

1M ago51:48

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This week, we dive into the weird and wonderful world of the Great Potoo—a mysterious nocturnal bird with haunting eyes and an even stranger call. Ever wondered why robin eggs are blue? We’ve got the answer! Plus, we spotlight one of North America’s most stunning songbirds: the Prothonotary Warbler, known for its brilliant yellow plumage and swampy…

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Chatting with 2025 Grammy winner Ruthie Foster 53:49

1M ago53:49

53:49

After five nominations, Ruthie Foster has taken home the 2025 Grammy Award for Best Contemporary Blues Album - affirming her status as an American music legend. In this intimate conversation, she shares what made her want to be a singer; the roles of her grandmother and mother in her life; why faith is so important to her and why she wants to sing …

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Vladimir Putin’s Russia — with exiled journalist and author Mikhail Zygar 52:17

1M ago52:17

52:17

The exiled founder of Russia's only independent television news channel, Mikhail Zygar, takes us inside Vladimir Putin's Russia, with a firsthand account of how the President has successfully silenced the media, opposition and Kremlin critics, to cement his hold on power. The 2025 AN Smith Lecture: Journalism against autocracy: Putin, Trump and the…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #224 Save Ferris' Monique Powell 33:24

1M ago33:24

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Monique Powell and her band Save Ferris are back out on the road. (When are they not?) And on top of that, they have a new single, "Get Dancing," which, on top of being a fun song is good life advice. To find out when they are playing near you, check out their website.By Heidi Hedquist/Luke Poling

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Rituals, rats, and reeded vertebrae! The mysteries of Machu Picchu and Ancient Peru revealed 53:24

1M ago53:24

53:24

A story of continents crashing and cleaving apart, the making of a civilisation, the language of the dead, and ... a mummified rat makes a cameo too. The Incan empire was vast and sophisticated. It built the stunning citadel in the clouds of Machu Picchu in the Andes mountains. But within a century its people were catastrophically wiped out by the …

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Mental ill-health and the power of words 53:28

1M ago53:28

53:28

The language used to talk about mental ill-health can play a key role in reducing or enforcing stigma. And it's constantly evolving. But what terms should be used and when? And by whom? The wrong word can not only deeply hurt a person's feelings. It can end careers, destroy relationships, cut access to support systems. This special World Mental Hea…

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Ep. 754: K2-18b 32:51

1M ago32:51

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Astronomy Cast Ep. 754: K2-18b By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on Apr 28, 2025. You’ve heard the news! Astronomers are reporting the discovery of biosignatures at K2-18b. Is this proof of life or should we all be more skeptical? It's in the news and people are claiming aliens... but is it aliens? Let's see what the data actually says.…

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92: Wood Ducks: Nesting Behavior, Baby Ducklings & a Surprise Owl Sighting 1:03:39

1M ago1:03:39

1:03:39

In this nature-packed episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Wood Ducks—one of the most beautiful and iconic duck species in North America. Learn about their striking plumage, unique nesting habits, and the incredible moment when day-old ducklings leap from tree cavities to join their mother on the ground. We also share a recent encounter w…

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Worried about the future? A mosquito could help you to live in the present 54:05

1M ago54:05

54:05

What can a mosquito teach us about time? Noone likes a mosquito bite — but for a brief moment when it stings you, you know you are alive. Humans are temporal beings, but across cultures, our concepts of time are vastly different. This event explores what we can learn from science, philosophy and Indigenous perspectives that can alter experiences of…

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91: How NSF Budget Cuts Are Threatening U.S. Science – A Deep Dive with Ornithologists 31:18

1M ago31:18

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In this timely and urgent episode, we explore the devastating impact of recent budget cuts and defunding of the National Science Foundation (NSF) on the U.S. scientific community. Originally planning to discuss Wood Ducks, our conversation quickly shifted to the broader crisis facing science in America today. Join married ornithologists John and Sh…

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Australia votes— are our political parties on the nose? 54:05

2M ago54:05

54:05

This election has been described as a boring campaign, but with some fascinating contests. So just what is going on in the minds of voters as Australia heads to the polls this weekend? This event was recorded at the Sorrento Writers Festival on 27 May 2025. Speakers Frank BongiornoProfessor of History, Australian National UniversityPresident, Counc…

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Rock n Roll Grad School #223 Toby Sebastian 39:22

2M ago39:22

39:22

Toby Sebastian is a multi-hyphenate artist. And with his new album, he adds another chapter to an already impressive body of work. Yeah, he's an actor, but this is all about his talent as a singer and a songwriter. "Eyes Light Up" is available right now. For more information check out Toby's website.…

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Has the world lost the plot? John Lyons, Greg Sheridan, Emma Shortis, Josh Taylor with Natasha Mitchell 56:11

2M ago56:11

56:11

Are we living through a key turning point in world history? How do we make sense of this present moment, and what's on the horizon?Trump's trade wars, long-held alliances dismantled, the deadly conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine, the rise and rise of AI, the tech oligarch takeover, China's military build-up, NATO's demise, and much more. It's a confusin…

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The painting that changed Australia — the story of Blue Poles 56:03

2M ago56:03

56:03

It's been called a coming-of-age story for a nation. The Whitlam Government's purchase of Jackson Pollock's Blue Poles in 1973 helped to bring down the government. So how did this abstract expressionist masterpiece become the most famous, most controversial artwork in Australia? Then: how does political portraiture affect how we feel about politici…

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Ep. 753: Why is the Moon's South Pole So Interesting? 35:33

2M ago35:33

35:33

Astronomy Cast Ep. 753: Why is the Moon's South Pole So Interesting? By Fraser Cain & Dr. Pamela Gay Streamed live on Apr 21, 2025. I’m sure you’ve heard that all eyes are on the Moon’s southern pole. This is where various NASA and Chinese missions are targeting. What makes this region so special and what are the special challenges that explorers w…