Elements

Owen Cumming explores how the natural element of water interacts with the elements of air, fire and earth in the context of Western Australia.

Crystal Ngo explores the state of drinkable water in Western Australia. Are we headed towards a water crisis?

Crystal Ngo investigates the pros and cons of drinking sewage water.

Zaya Altangerel investigates the issue of coastal erosion. Is it just a problem for those with beachside mansions?

Thomas Crow looks into Western Australia's past, present and future to understand how water affects Western Australia's unique flora.

Madeleine Mitchell kicks off the second season of Elements by looking at the dramatically different ways fire can influence our lives.In Western Australia, the annual Blazing Swan festival culminates with the burning of a giant wooden effigy. The bonfire brings people together to provide them with a sense of awe and joy.But what happens when a fire is unplanned and uncontrollable? What do we feel then?Please be aware, the second half of this episode mentions PTSD and suicide. Take care while listening.If you are located in Australia, you can access 24/7 help through:Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.auBeyond Blue: 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au/forumsFull transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.CreditsHost: Beth MaskallProducer: Madeleine MitchellGuest experts: Hana Priest, Dr Wavne RikkersExecutive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya AltangerelSound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, Alyshia GataniVoice acting: Mita Hill, Caitlin McLeod, Evan ThyerCover artwork: Gabriel IbiasAnd a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.

Water, fire, earth and air. Each season of Elements is about one of the four classical elements, and how they shape the world around us. In season one, we demistified complex issues such as drought, desalination, recycling water, coastal erosion and more. As for season two, we’re going to get lit. Literally.In season two, we have five episodes, from five producers, all about fire. We’ll hear stories from all corners of Western Australia, covering everything from festival bonfires to devastating wildfires, from echoes of ancient knowledge to the technological possibilities of the future. Tune into season two of the Elements podcast now.

Gianfranco Di Giovanni explores the possibilities of what we could achieve if government and Noongar people can work together on bushfire management.Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.CreditsHost: Beth MaskallProducer: Gianfranco Di GiovanniGuest experts: Michael Pasotti, Lynette Knapp, Ursula Rodrigues, Dr Alison LullfitzExecutive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya AltangerelSound design: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, and Alyshia GataniCover artwork: Gabriel IbiasAnd a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.

Lawrence Drown takes a tour of a local fire station to uncover the influence of fire safety measures in unexpected places such as hiking boots and iconic architecture.Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.CreditsHost: Beth MaskallProducer: Lawrence DrownGuest experts: Mark Otto, Timothy Moore, Gavin MaundExecutive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya AltangerelSound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, and Alyshia GataniCover artwork: Gabriel IbiasAnd a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.

Cat Williams learns that humans aren’t the only species who use fire to their advantage. Some birds and cats know their way around a fire just as well.Cat also has some fun drawing a tenuous link between fire and ants. We promise it’ll make sense.Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are warned that this episode contains the name of a person who has died.Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.CreditsHost: Beth MaskallProducer: Cat WilliamsGuest experts: Dr Hugh McGregor, Mark Bonta, Reece PiantaExecutive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya AltangerelSound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, and Alyshia GataniCover artwork: Gabriel IbiasAnd a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.

Danni Stewart closes out the second season of Elements by taking us on a journey through Noongar Country to highlight how vulnerable it is to the effects of global warming.  Along the way, Danni learns how the ‘hyper local’ stories passed through generations of Noongar people carries ‘climate memory’ from the last Ice Age.  Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.   Credits  Host: Beth Maskall  Producer: Danni Stewart Guest experts: Dr Jatin Kala, Dr Cass Lynch, Dr Karen Filbee-Dexter Executive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel  Sound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, and Alyshia Gatani Cover artwork: Gabriel Ibias And a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.