This Changes Everything

RTRFM
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Western Australia is one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world, but as the globe gets warmer, what’s being done to protect it? Join Brad Bowden and Monica Main as they explore the existential threats to WAs natural environment and meet the green thumbs, problem solvers and cage rattlers working tirelessly to protect it for the next generation. This is a podcast for and by young people; the people who face this challenge and hold the potential to make change. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Executive Producers: Danielle Raffaele & Danae Gibson. Artwork by Olive Coakley. Theme by The Bures Band.

Episodes

  1. 16/12/2025

    Black Cockatoos

    Western Australia’s sky is home to the call of the black cockatoo. The Baudin’s, Carnaby’s and Red-tailed Black Cockatoos (or Karak in Nyoongar language) are icons of the Australian bush, but all three species are now endangered. Their decline in numbers tells a bigger story about habitat loss, climate change and the choices we make about our forests and landscapes. Monica Main learns more about the plight of the black cockatoo with University of Western Australia adjunct research fellow Dr Christine Groom while Danae Gibson speaks with life-long environmental activist and independent documentary film maker Jane Hammond about ways we can work to save this unique species. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  2. 09/12/2025

    Water

    Water is critical for our way of life. But rising temperatures, population growth and a reduction in rainfall is putting pressure on aquatic ecosystems. Today, Brad Bowden speaks with University of Western Australia ecohydrologist and research academic Sally Thompson and marine scientist and spacial ecologist Sharyn Hickey about the significance of marine environments, the importance of preserving water and water quality.

  3. 02/12/2025

    Deforestation

    Deforestation poses a serious threat to Western Australia’s beautiful landscape and unique wildlife. Today, Brad Bowden speaks with WA Forest Alliance organiser Emma Heyink and University of Western Australia lecturer Daniel Jan Martin about the impact of deforestation and the role of activism in protecting WA’s southern Jarrah forests. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  4. 25/11/2025

    Fire

    It’s getting hot in WA, which means bushfires. Today, Brad Bowden speaks with WA Forest Alliance senior campaigner Jason Fowler about what causes fires, how fire benefits our environment and how we can be better prepared for fire this Summer. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at cbf.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  5. 19/11/2025

    Artificial Intelligence and the Environment

    Whether it’s Netflix recommending you a new show, your phone unlocking itself, or Google Maps finding you the best route, AI is part of our everyday lives. Although AI can make life easier, its systems use a lot of electricity and water to keep them cool and people worry this is harming the planet. Monica Main speaks with Curtin University Data Science Innovation Hub director Alex Jenkins and University of Western Australia’s Senior Lecturer and geospatial scientist Dr X (Qiaoyun Xie) about how local experts are working with AI for positive climate outcomes. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more you can visit cbf.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  6. 11/11/2025

    Designing for Trees

    Who on earth decides where trees get planted? Along your street, there might be a tree outside each house, at your local park, or around the perimeter of an oval. Today, Brad Bowden speaks with local ‘tree expert”, architect, consulting arborist and founder of Grafted Studio, Caine Holdsworth, to discuss the role and location of trees in our urban landscape and how we can incorporate them into our homes for improved climate outcomes. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find our more at cbf.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  7. 06/11/2025

    Polyphagous shot-hole borer

    The invasive polyphagous shot-hole borer has been wrecking havoc across Western Australia’s landscape for the last several years, following its arrival from Southeast Asia. This sesame seed-sized beetle has been tunnelling into the trunks of WA’s trees, devastating Perth’s already dwindling tree canopy. Today, Monica Main speaks with forest pathologist and executive director at the Harry Butler Institute Treena Burgess and population biologist Ben Phillips about the fight to eradicate the shot-hole borer and the opportunity it presents to restore native landscapes. She also speaks with the WA Tree Recovery Programme project manager Julie Rutherford about local efforts to replace trees and canopy lost due to the shot hole borer. This programme was made possible by support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at cbf.com.au. Listen via iTunes. Listen via podfollow.

  8. 28/10/2025

    Trees

    Trees are an overlooked yet essential part of a flourishing ecosystem. From producing fresh air, to providing an abundant habitat for local wildlife, trees are the lifeblood of our environment. Today, Brad speaks with Bush Heritage Australia executive manager of science and conservation Dr Bruce Webber and Gondwana Link Ltd chief executive Keith Bradby about the wonder and importance of trees in Western Australia! This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  9. 21/10/2025

    Farming

    Agriculture is a vital part of the West Australian economy. But in the process, farming is damaging the environment, with land clearing, soil degradation and greenhouse gases contributing heavily to climate change. Monica Main speaks with Regen WA programme manager Bonnie Jupp about the benefits of regenerative farming and the importance of working with the land rather than against it. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  10. 14/10/2025

    Coral Bleaching

    This year, WA experienced what experts are calling a ‘catastrophic’ bleaching event along the World Heritage-listed Ningaloo Reef, risking the diversity of ecosystems and decimating centuries-old coral colonies. Today, Monica Main speaks with Curtin University Associate Professor Zoe Richards and Malgana woman and artist Bianca McNair about how the impacts of coral bleaching can be mitigated in Western Australia and how scientists and activists are paving a path forward alongside First Nations knowledge systems. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  11. 07/10/2025

    Mining

    Located in WA’s North West, the Pilbara is home to the world’s largest collection of rock art. These carvings are more than just drawings on stone, they’re living records of culture, history and identity that connect people to Country across generations. Yet, mining poses a significant threat. The recent destruction of sacred sites, and the threat agains sites such as Murujuga on the Burrup Peninsula, raise tough questions about land use and the state government’s complicity. Monica Main explores some of these questions and the powerful role of activism with Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation director Vince Adams. We also hear from Joana Partyka from Disrupt Burrup Hub and Save Our Songlines founder Raelene Cooper. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts. Listen via podfollow.

  12. 30/09/2025

    Fracking

    Imagine a huge drill driving through layers and layers of red rock and sand on the hunt to find some of out nation’s most precious and limited resources – oil and gas. This process, known as fracking, requires a lot of water and results in devastating environmental impacts from water pollution, to habitat and wildlife destruction and chemical waste. Fracking is banned in much of WA, but in the Kimberley it’s still allowed. Brad Bowden speaks with Environs Kimberley CEO Martin Pritchard and LOCK THE GATE WA coordinator Simone van Hattem about the impacts of fracking and the grassroots organisations advocating for change on the first episode of This Changes Everything. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Listen via Apple Podcasts.  Listen via podfollow.

  • 12 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Western Australia is one of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world, but as the globe gets warmer, what’s being done to protect it? Join Brad Bowden and Monica Main as they explore the existential threats to WAs natural environment and meet the green thumbs, problem solvers and cage rattlers working tirelessly to protect it for the next generation. This is a podcast for and by young people; the people who face this challenge and hold the potential to make change. This programme was made possible with support from the Community Broadcasting Foundation, find out more at CBF.org.au. Executive Producers: Danielle Raffaele & Danae Gibson. Artwork by Olive Coakley. Theme by The Bures Band.

Information

  • Creator
    RTRFM
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    12
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright RTRFM - For Personal Use Only
  • Show Website
    This Changes Everything