If You're Listening

On 26 September, a series of underwater explosions destroyed a cluster of natural gas pipelines on the bottom of the Baltic Sea.The pipes were designed to deliver gas directly from Russia to Germany, and the explosions exacerbated the already dire energy crisis in Europe.Everyone agrees it was sabotage, but nobody can agree on who did it. Today: the mystery of the Baltic Sea bubbles, and the story of how Germany’s plan for peace-through-capitalism blew up in their face.Featuring:Dr James Henderson - Chairman of the Gas Research Programme at the Oxford Institute for Energy StudiesMichael Bociurkiw - Global Affairs Analyst and former spokesperson for the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe

Two soldiers, one Ukrainian and one Russian, share their experiences on the battlefield and shed light on Russia's mistakes and Ukraine's hidden strength. The podcast explores the transformation of the Ukrainian military, the aftermath of a failed mission and the horrors of Russian occupation. Additionally, a soldier gives insights into the challenges of fighting on the Eastern Front.

Vladimir Putin's plan for a three day takeover of Ukraine relied on a quick strike to take out Volodymyr Zelenskyy - to kill him, to capture him, or to make him flee. Putin assumed that Zelenskyy was weak, but on the very first day of the invasion, two events showed that Putin was wrong, and led to the transformation of a man into a symbol of defiance against Russian tyranny.Guests:Simon Shuster - Reporter for Time Magazine; author of an upcoming biography of Volodymyr ZelenskyyZoya Sheftalovich - contributing editor for POLITICOPhilip Short - Former BBC Moscow Correspondent; Author of Putin: His Life and TimesDr Paul Dibb - Emeritus Professor of Strategic Studies at ANU; Former Director of the Australian Joint Intelligence OrganisationPOW interview audio courtesy of Volodymyr Zolkin

Former BBC Moscow Correspondent and author of Putin: His Life and Times, Philip Short, discusses how war weakened strongman Putin on this episode. They explore Putin's aggressive history, his invasion of Ukraine, and his perspective on the war. They also touch on the parade celebrating Ukrainian independence and Ukrainian President Zelensky's policies and challenges with oligarchs.

This podcast explores the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the personalities of Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky. It discusses the messaging skills of the leaders and teases upcoming episodes.

Dr Alan Finkel, former Australian Chief Scientist, and other energy experts discuss the missed opportunities in Australia's transition to renewable energy. They explore topics such as the rapid shutdown of coal-fired power stations, achieving a zero emissions electricity system, the debate on Australia's net-zero emissions target, exporting solar energy, and the challenges and opportunities in Australia's transition to renewable energy.

Over the last five years, politicians in Australia and around the world have regularly tried to blame renewable energy whenever something goes wrong with our electricity supply.But lately whenever something catastrophic has happened to our energy supply, it’s been old technology at fault.This is the story of a series of disasters that show how the system we’ve always relied on to deliver electricity is faltering.Guests:Dr Alan Finkel - Commonwealth government energy advisor and former Australian Chief ScientistWendy Farmer - Latrobe Valley resident and founder of “Voices of the Valley”Alison Reeve - Deputy Program Director of Energy and Climate at the Grattan Institute; former Commonwealth energy policy advisor; author of the National Hydrogen PlanDarren Chester - Federal MP for GippslandDr Kerry Schott - Independent chair of the Energy Security BoardScott Hamilton - Australia-German Energy Transition Hub & former energy policy advisor to federal and Victorian governmentsIan Macfarlane - Chief Executive of Queensland Resources Council & former federal resources ministerGraham Richardson - Former Federal Environment Minister

Exploring Australia's historical involvement in uranium mining and the potential of nuclear power to reduce carbon emissions. The debate surrounding energy in Australia, including the role of coal, clean coal technology, carbon capture and storage, renewable energy sources, and natural gas. The growth and impact of natural gas in Australia and the need to transition to renewable energy sources. The challenges of replacing coal, oil, and gas with zero emission sources to address climate change.

For more than a decade, Australian politicians have discovered - the hard way - that climate policy is a dangerous game. But as the Federal Parliament tore itself apart, the rest of the world moved on, finding new ways to understand the effects of climate change, and deal with it. This is the story of how Australia fell behind the rest of the world, and why we might finally be ready to catch up.Guests:

The podcast explores how the understanding of climate change in Australia shifted over the years due to misinformation and influential individuals. It touches on controversial speeches, the battle over land rights, the recognition of Indigenous land rights, the delay in ratifying the Kyoto Protocol, and the rise of climate skepticism.