Uncommon Sense RRR

25/08/2025

And why not catch up on this year’s Radiothon show after? With Mel Fulton, Clem Bastow, Linda Jaivin, Nick Feik, Gregory Day, and Yeo! Deep and meaningful’s, plus banter guaranteed: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/34922-uncommon-sense-19-august-2025

18/08/2025

It’s my annual 9th Radiothon show on Tuesday from 9am til noon and I can’t wait to be joined by six brilliant people who I admire and appreciate. They’ve been part of the show or station and its history in some way and they’ll be asking you, just like I will, to subscribe and support Triple R - 3RRR 102.7FM for another year. Why? Because live independent community radio that is produced by a diverse bunch of passionate volunteer broadcasters is a rare and beautiful thing that must be treasured, watered, and tended to in order for it to not only survive, but thrive. Triple R is that beautiful 🌻 sunflower in my life. It’s the oxygen I breathe, it’s the mycelium connecting the ideas in my brain, and I have no doubt it means a lot to so many of you too, for a range of reasons. I want to know why, so please let us know and leave a message when you subscribe and/or donate during the show between 9am and noon. We will read out your name and message if you choose to share your thoughts and dosh with us 💵.

Joining me will be talented Triple R broadcasters Mel Fulton of Literati Glitterati and Clem Bastow of Superfluity. Former and regular guests who I’ve had the pleasure and joy of speaking with more than once will also return to the show; author Linda Jaivin, editor and writer Nick Feik, poet, musician, and writer Gregory Day, and local musician Yeo – whose music I’ve played on the show since it began in January 2017!

Thank you for supporting my show by listening & thinking critically, always. The best part about presenting my show is knowing that every one of my listeners is an astute, switched on person who, when presented with something new, interesting, deep, or thought-provoking, from one of my guests, will ponder it, stretch their minds and souls, and think for themselves. It might catalyse something new for them, just like it did for me too. That’s all I can hope for when I spend time digging deeper into these issues & subjects with long-form interviews. Thank you again for supporting a slower-paced, mindful, kind of radio that 3RRR fosters 👩‍🌾

I am privileged to have 3 hours that can be utilised in the way that I am able to on this stellar medium of radio, at the greatest station on the planet, with the loveliest and most talented people I know and have ever met, and more importantly, the ones I probably haven’t met – the people listening.

12/08/2025

Listen back to today’s show on Triple R - 3RRR 102.7FM! https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/34827-uncommon-sense-12-august-2025

A special panel chat first up about the humanities in crisis at Australia’s universities and the Australian Historical Association’s open letter, campaign and petition to reverse the Morrison-era Job-Ready Graduates scheme, which doubled the cost of Arts degrees to $50,000. Professor of Public Humanities and Director of the ANU’s Humanities Research Centre Dr Kylie Message-Jones and Professor of History at the ACU Dr Kate Fullagar delve into the issues. Petition: https://www.openpetition.org/au/petition/online/repeal-job-ready-graduates-policy-now-restoring-equity-in-higher-education

Then, hear about the Heide Museum of Modern Art’s new winter exhibition, Man Ray and Max Dupain, now open, with Co-curator and Heide’s Artistic Director, Lesley Harding joining us.

This landmark exhibition places the contemporaneous photographs of American-born, Paris-based Man Ray (1890-1975) and Australian Max Dupain (1911-1992) side-by-side for the first time, offering insights into their unique yet aligned visual languages and their contributions to international modernist photography.

Man Ray and Max Dupain examines these artists’ works across the figure, still life and portraits, fashion and advertising, and offers insight into these artists’ unique yet aligned visual languages and their mutual impact on international modernist photography and surrealism.

Image Credit: Max Dupain, Homage to Man Ray, 1937, gelatin silver photograph, Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide, Contemporary Art Acquisition Fund of Visual Arts Board 1980.

30/06/2025

Tune in to Triple R - 3RRR 102.7FM from 9am til noon on Tuesday! Amy is back on air and speaking with two deep-thinking, brilliant writers on two very different subjects. First up is Professor James Curran, historian of modern history from the University of Sydney and the Australian Financial Review’s International Affairs Editor. James talks about how Australia and a federal Labor government can deal with a declining and highly unpredictable “American Empire” under the second Trump administration, and maintain its defence sovereignty, among other things. We discuss James’ essays in the Australian Foreign Affairs journal (March 2025, Black Inc.) “Continental Gift: Trump and Australia’s Place in the World,” and in the July edition of the Australian Book Review, “Balance Sheet Blues," and his latest columns for the AFR. What will result from the US’ “review” of the AUKUS deal?

Secondly, Alyx Gorman, Lifestyle Editor for the Guardian Australia, journalist, and author speaks about her debut book, All Women Want, which examines the vast, persistent (and measured!) or**sm gap that exists in heterosexual relationships and sexual experiences for Australian women, and cis-heterosexual women in general. Alyx has approached the subject as a journalist travelling the world and researching the subject. She speaks about the multi-faceted aspects of sexual pleasure for partnered and single heterosexual women, what they really want, and how we can as individuals and a society create more affirming experiences to bridge the pleasure and or**sm gap. It’s published by HarperCollins Books Australia. Alyx will be in Melbourne at the The Wheeler Centre this Friday night for a special event – 'Up Late: Pursuits of Pleasure' (event link on episode page): https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/34313-uncommon-sense-1-july-2025 Stream or listen live via rrr.org.au or 102.7FM.

21/04/2025

Tune in to Triple R - 3RRR on Tuesday from 9am to noon to hear from two of my favourite people on the planet – brilliant, kind, and talented, multi-award winning thinkers and authors; Professor Cordelia Fine and Gregory Day.

Cordelia Fine will discuss her new book in-depth, ‘Patriarchy Inc.: What We Get Wrong About Gender Equality and Why Men Still Win at Work.’ (Atlantic Books, Allen & Unwin Books) Cordelia explains how the status quo is harming us all and why targets and economic arguments for gender equality in life and the workplace will not create equality or change the world of work for women and men. She describes what will.

is a Professor in History and Philosophy of Science, at the School of Historical and Philosophical Studies, Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne. Cordelia’s books include ‘Testosterone Rex,’ which won the Royal Society Science Book Prize in 2017 and ‘Delusions of Gender,’ which was listed in ‘Ten books about women that will change your life.’ Cordelia was awarded the Edinburgh Medal 2018, a prestigious award that recognises scientists who have excelled in their field and contributed significantly to our understanding of humanity. She received the award for her work in challenging gender bias in science for her contributions to public debates about gender equality.

Writer, poet, and musician Gregory Day will join Amy to delve into his new book of poems, ‘Southsightedness’ – a collection of poetry 20 years in the making – and foundational to his other artistic and writerly pursuits. Southsightedness “celebrates the ongoing wonders of the earth and sea while calling time on the superficial divisions we have created between ideas of nature and culture.
Southsightedness offers a way of being as well as seeing.” Transit Lounge Publishing

is a writer and musician from the west coast of Victoria, Australia. He lives on Wadawurrung tabayl. Gregory is a winner of the Patrick White Award, the Australian Literature Society Gold Medal and the Nature Conservancy Australia Nature Writing Prize. He has twice been shortlisted for the Miles Franklin Award, most recently in 2024 for The Bell of the World.

14/04/2025

Tune in on Tuesday from 9am til noon on Triple R - 3RRR! https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/33374-uncommon-sense-15-april-2025

Dr Euan Ritchie, Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation at Deakin University, Melbourne and Dr Yung En Chee, Applied Ecologist and Senior Research Fellow at The University of Melbourne’s School of Agriculture, Food and Ecosystem Sciences, reunite for an in-depth conversation about the environmental and conservation policy issues at stake at this election. What are the parties’ track records on the environment, extinctions, and more, and what does the science say we need to protect our mega-diverse continent? With an extensive Biodiversity Council poll demonstrating that 96% of Australians think more action is needed to look after Australia’s natural environment, this topic and the science behind it, deserves our attention. And yes, those cuties are baby dingoes that Euan is holding 🧡

British comedian Josh Berry joins Amy to talk about his career in comedy and new stand-up show, BEST MAN, running at The Greek Centre (18-20 April) for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, and later in Sydney (23-24 April). Josh, a self-described “male feminist,” will mansplain mansplaining 😛, and share what positive masculinity and men expressing emotions in a healthy way might look like in the modern world. His Instagram videos have made his highly original comedy and uncanny impersonations popular across the world. Fortunately, my hours of scrolling Instagram over the years has meant I am very well prepared for this interview.

Stream the show live at rrr.org.au or the Triple R app. Also on your radio live at 102.7FM Melbourne.

31/03/2025

Tune in on Tuesday 📻 Triple R - 3RRR 9am til noon – 102.7FM or at rrr.org.au! Greg Jericho, Chief Economist at The Australia Institute and columnist for the Guardian Australia, and Rachel Withers, freelance writer and political commentator for publications like Crikey, The Big Issue Australia, and Meanjin Quarterly join Amy to analyse the Labor government’s federal budget and the opposition’s budget reply, as well as the start of the election campaign and status of policies being released with the usual politicking thus far over cost of living, inequality, energy, Medicare, and more.

Zena Cumpston, Barkandji woman, artist, writer, researcher, and curator, will be delivering a lecture as part of the Darebin Arts Molly Hadfield Social Justice Oration - ‘Darebin Women in Art share their stories,’ held on Wednesday 2nd April, free (booked) entry, with the event held from 6.30pm at Darebin Arts Centre, 401 Bell St, Preston.
Zena will return to chat with Amy about the ways in which social justice, and injustice, have influenced her creative practice, and how much have things really changed since Molly Hadfield’s time.
Local Darebin artists Zena Cumpston, Sheena Mathieson and Nadine Christensen will share insights into their work, stories, and practice on the night.

It’s also the start of April Amnesty, a time when we ask for your support, if you can, to keep this independent community radio station going. If you didn’t get to subscribe during Radiothon, or your subscription is up for renewal, or if you are new to the station, here’s your chance! Thanks for your continued support and community kindness 🫶✨

24/03/2025

Tune in on Tuesday, 9am til noon on Triple R - 3RRR 102.7FM (102.7FM or at rrr.org.au): https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/33128-uncommon-sense-25-march-2025 Dr Emma Shortis, historian and Director of the The Australia Institute’s International & Security Affairs Program talks about the latest in US politics, covering issues and topics arising since the second Trump Presidency began, and their impact on Australia and the world.

It’s the 10th year of Piano Day (March 29) this year and 5 years of in Melbourne hosted by FLOAT at Tempo Rubato. There will be two special performances on March 31 at Tempo Rubato. To talk all about the day and their upcoming performances are founder of float and host Sofia Ilyas with pianists and composers Jordi Fornies (artist) and Christina Higham 🎹🖤🤍

Christina Higham is an award-winning post classical composer/pianist based in Melbourne/Naarm, known for her emotive and transcendent live performances. Her intimate, carefully crafted recordings have captured the imagination of listeners around the globe and her pieces have been played by piano players worldwide.

Jordi Forniés is a restless soul and a creative visionary. Born in small-town Spain, he has lived in several major cities and studied a dizzying number of professional disciplines. He is deeply passionate about exploring the intersections of the visual and the sonic.

10/03/2025

Tune in on Tuesday from 9am till noon on Triple R - 3RRR for my first show back for 2025! https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/32962-uncommon-sense-11-march-2025 Dr Lisa Heap, labour lawyer and senior researcher at The Australia Institute tells us why cutting the Australian Public Service is the wrong thing to do and does not save money, Nick Feik, writer and former editor of The Monthly talks and . Professor Andrew Walter, expert in international relations from the Faculty of Arts at the University of Melbourne talks about the latest in international, EU, and UK politics – and that Trump / Zelenskyy meeting that has led to UK PM Starmer stepping in and up diplomatically. Plus plenty of chilled music for your morning too 🎶

30/12/2024

On air now, 9am-noon www.rrr.org.au - NYE music special! 🫶🪩🤍📻

Today's show and playlist is up: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/32094-uncommon-sense-31-december-2024

Freddie Hubbard - Body And Soul
Duke Ellington & John Coltrane - In A Sentimental Mood
The Cosmic Tones Research Trio - Black Rest
Ari Lennox - Get Close
Jerome Thomas - Right There
Shura - Elevator Girl (ft. Ivy Sole)
Donny Hathaway - Someday We'll All Be Free (The Reflex Revision)
Two Another - One Night
Amo Amo - Canta
Noya Rao - Pina
Freedom Fry - Clint Eastwood (cover)
Kowloon - No Good For You
QUAILS - Lost In You
Tora - Why Won't You Wait
Ólafur Arnalds and RY X - Oceans
Parcels - somethinggreater (Live From Studio Pigalle, Paris)
Thomas Azier - Invisible - Take 1 (acoustic)
Lavinia Meijer - Sun (originally composed by hania rani)
Nils Frahm - A Place
Cosmo Sheldrake - Dunnock
Hideyuki Hashimoto - OR8
Jóhann Jóhannsson (ft. Air Lyndhurst String Orchestra) - A Sparrow Alighted Upon Our Shoulder
Mari Samuelsen - Glass (Arr. Knoth for Solo Violin, Piano & Strings, composed by Hania Rani)
Viktor Orri Árnason, Álfheiður Erla Guðmundsdóttir & The Reykjavík Orkestra - Ljóssins knörr
Rose Riebl - Over Salt Sea (Reykjavík Sessions)
Satu Vänskä, Richard Tognetti & The Australian Chamber Orchestra - Flying (from the film, 'Mountain')
Erland Cooper - With Silence (Mvt. 3) (Pt. 2 “wow and flutter of unearthed magnetic tape”)
Lavinia Meijer - Written on the Sky (originally composed by Max Richter)
RY X - Moths (Live at St. Paul’s Cathedral, ft. The London Contemporary Orchestra)
The Chopin Project (Ólafur Arnalds & Alice Sara Ott) - Nocturne in C Sharp Minor (originally composed by Frédéric Chopin, ft. Mari Samuelsen (violin))
Nick Mulvey - Begin Again (live, 7 Layers Session)
Rowena Wise - New Years (Live at Triple R Studio on Uncommon Sense)
The Orbweavers - Poison Garden (Live at Triple R Studio on Uncommon Sense)
Jonathan Bree - Kiss My Lips (ft. Princess Chelsea)
Gold Class - Rose Blind
Mac Miller - Dang! ft. Anderson Paak
Kylie Minogue - Tension

24/12/2024

Today's Christmas Eve music show playlist is up and you can listen back OnDemand too: https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/uncommon-sense/episodes/32008-uncommon-sense-24-december-2024

Merry Christmas and happy holidays x

PLAYLIST:
Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong - Now You Has Jazz (from "High Society")
The Beatles- She Loves You
The Kinks - All Day and All of The Night
Them- Gloria (ft. Van Morrison)
John Lee Ho**er- Boom Boom
Donny Hathaway - This Christmas
Curtis Mayfield - Move On Up (Mark Knight Remix)
Telenova - Power
Paradis - Garde Le Pour Toi
Leon Bridges - Coming Home
Marlon Williams - Dark Child
Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine
Mazzy Star - Fade Into you
Hannah Macklin - Stars
Agnes Obel - The Curse (live)
Mari Samuelsen, Scoring Berlin, Hannah Peel & Erland Cooper - Reverie (Arr. Knoth for Solo Violin, Strings and Electronics)
Jóhann Jóhannsson & Víkingur Ólafsson - Flight From The City (Víkingur Ólafsson Rework)
Snorri Hallgrímsson - Sandlóa
Erland Cooper - Then Be Content (Mvt. 2) (Pt. 3 “walking through heather and peat”)
Claire Deak - Dolce Tormento
Hypnotic Brass Ensemble - Soon It Will Be Fire (ft. Moses Sumney)
Rose Riebl - Mad World
hania rani - Silent Night
Jóhann Jóhannsson - Two is Apocryphal
Yann Tiersen - Rathlin From A Distance
Erland Cooper, Shards - Under Brinkie's Brae (feat. George Mackay Brown) (Poem Version)
Michael Nyman - The Other Side (from "Gattaca")
SCYLLA & Sofiane Pamart - Constellations
SCYLLA & Sofiane Pamart - Château dans le ciel
Lockhart - Femme Fantôme (avec Fishbach)
LEISURE - Back In Love
The Kinks - I Go To Sleep (Demo Version)

A Christmas Eve music special with Amy Mullins!

16/12/2024

Today from 9am on Triple R - 3RRR 102.7FM! Regular guests Dr Emma Shortis and Professor Chris Wallace join Amy for the end of year politics wrap for 2024, which includes US and Australian politics, among other world events.

Amy’s first ever interview for Uncommon Sense was with Peter Wohlleben about his debut book, The Hidden Life of Trees. To celebrate 8 years of episodes, you’ll hear Amy’s interview with German forester, conservationist, and best-selling author Peter Wohlleben discussing his most recent book, The Power of Trees: How Ancient Forests Can Save Us If We Let Them.

Amy and Peter delve into a wide-range of themes. He reveals how together trees can create their own climate and weather systems, how trees communicate with birds and insects to protect themselves, the fascinating ways trees respond in situations of unexpected drought, the intricate and unexpected relationship dynamics between fungi, bacteria, and trees, and why ancient or old growth trees will play a key role in combatting climate change. Peter Wohlleben discusses these topics and much more.