Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast

In this very special episode of Totally Cooked, Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan sit down with one of Australia's most beloved science communicators: Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. With his signature mix of curiosity, clarity and charisma, Dr Karl has spent decades explaining the universe, one radio segment, podcast, and bestselling book at a time. He joins hosts Iain Strachan and Prof Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick for a conversation about climate change, misinformation, science storytelling, and why making facts fun still matters. We trace the arc of his science communication career from the 1980s to today’s social media battlegrounds, ask whether you really need to ‘dumb things down’ to reach an audience, and discuss what it takes to talk about global warming in a world that sometimes seems to prefer fiction over fact. For listeners around the world, Dr Karl is Australia’s answer to Brian Cox, Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson rolled into one, an icon of scientific clarity in chaotic times.Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and emerging and recognise their unqieu and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Can the human body survive climate change? That’s the burning question in this episode of Totally Cooked. With the world already experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, we sit down with Professor Ollie Jay from the University of Sydney to explore how our bodies respond to extreme heat, and what happens when they can’t keep up. Ollie walks your co-hosts Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan through the science of sweating, hydration, and heat stress, and explains the critical tipping points between heat exhaustion and deadly heatstroke. We discuss who’s most at risk, why heat is often overlooked as a killer, and what governments, communities and individuals can do to stay safe in a hotter world. We also find out what it’s like to sit in a room set to 54°C, and why your fan might not be helping as much as you think. Plus, it’s quiz time: from Death Valley to the Ashes, the FIFA World Cup to the Sahara, we put Sarah and Ollie to the test with a scorcher of a quiz on record-breaking heat. If you’ve ever wondered whether climate change is cooking us alive (and how long we can keep turning up the thermostat) this episode has the answers. Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

  The Great Barrier Reef is one of the most extraordinary natural wonders on Earth, a vast, living ecosystem visible from space and home to thousands of species. But it is also one of the most vulnerable. As ocean temperatures rise and marine heatwaves intensify, this Australian icon faces an uncertain future. In this episode of Totally Cooked, recorded in Cairns, we ask a confronting question - can we save the Great Barrier Reef? Your hosts Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan are joined by Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg, marine biologist, climate advocate, and one of the world’s leading experts on coral reefs. Ove has spent decades at the forefront of reef science, from uncovering the mechanisms of coral bleaching to shaping global climate policy through the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). He brings both deep scientific knowledge and an unwavering sense of both hope and realism to a conversation that spans reef resilience, climate tipping points, and what Australia must do next. Whether you’ve snorkelled the Reef, seen it on screen, or simply care about our planet’s future, this episode is for you. We explore the science behind what’s happening to the Reef, the efforts to protect it, and why Ove still believes, despite the odds, that we can turn things around. A minor correction for the sharp-eared among you. Around 35m7sec, Ove meant to say carbonate ions rather than calcium ions - Iain To find out more about Totally Cooked, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate grief is a real and growing psychological phenomenon. Around the world, people are grappling with the emotional weight of the climate crisis, from anxiety about the future to mourning the loss of places, species, and a sense of stability. So how do we live a meaningful life and stay resilient in the face of such an overwhelming, collective challenge? How do we hold on to hope and contribute to change when others in our communities, our politics and our families seem indifferent or even hostile to climate action? More broadly, what’s stopping us from acting faster, and at scale? Why does society struggle to respond, even when the science is clear? What role do social norms, economic systems, political incentives, and psychology itself play in shaping our collective actions? Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and science communicator Iain Strachan, this episode explores not just individual emotions, but the deep systemic barriers, including economic short-termism, political inertia, and institutional design, that hold us back from meaningful climate progress. Our guest for this episode is Professor Ben Newell, a Professor of Behavioural Science in the School of Psychology at UNSW Sydney, and Director of the UNSW Institute for Climate Risk & Response (ICRR).  Ben’s work brings together behavioural science, climate science, economics, and governance to understand how people and institutions make decisions, and how they can do better in the face of climate risk. Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s economy, lifestyle, and ecosystems are powered by the weather, but climate change is reshaping this vital resource. In this episode, we dive into the science behind rainfall, sunshine, and wind as natural assets that fuel agriculture, energy, tourism, and daily life. Climate scientist Associate Professor Ailie Gallant joins your co-hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan to unpack how drought, shifting rainfall patterns, and solar variability are transforming Australia’s weather resources, and what it means for our future resilience. Whether you’re curious about climate models, renewable energy, or the hidden value of everyday weather, this episode will change how you think about weather. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia’s fossil fuel industry has long argued that its projects are “too small to matter” when it comes to global climate change. But new research led by 21st Century Weather proves otherwise.  Using a robust scientific method adopted by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), our researchers have quantified how much additional global warming will be caused by emissions from the Scarborough gas project, a major new gas development approved off the coast of Western Australia. The study shows that no fossil fuel project is too small to make a measurable difference to the planet’s climate. This episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast breaks down what the numbers really mean. Hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan speak with contributing authors Andrew King and Georgy Falster about the study’s findings: 876 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, 0.00039 °C of additional global warming, and real-world consequences for people and ecosystems. We explore how heatwaves, coral bleaching, and mortality risks increase, and why this work fundamentally shifts how fossil fuel projects should be assessed in Australia and around the world. With governments setting ambitious net zero targets, the Scarborough case shows how new gas projects undermine climate goals. This groundbreaking research gives policymakers, regulators, and communities the tools to hold companies accountable for the warming their projects cause. Tune in to understand the science, the stakes, and the path forward for climate action in Australia. Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals. To find out more, go to: https://21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we explore what happens if (or when) the Arctic becomes ice-free during the northern summer - from global weather disruptions to sea level changes, ecosystem collapse, and the geopolitical scramble it’s triggering. Our special guest, Dr Zoé Koenig from University of Tromsø – The Arctic University of Norway, joins us to unpack the science, share her frontline experience in polar research, and explain that what happens in the Arctic doesn’t stay in the Arctic. Pack your survival suit and a rifle, but let’s try not to shoot the bear. Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What happens when Hollywood takes on climate science? In this movie special of Totally Cooked, hosts Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan revisit the 2004 blockbuster The Day After Tomorrow - a film that gave us wolves on a cargo ship, helicopters freezing mid-air, and catastrophic climate change unfolding in just a few days. Scene by scene, they unpack the film’s most iconic (and most absurd) moments, separating science from spectacle. Can global warming really trigger a new Ice Age? Could a superstorm freeze people solid in seconds? And why are the animals at the zoo losing it? With plenty of laughs, sharp commentary, and real climate facts, this is the Totally Cooked take on a disaster-movie classic. Whether you adore the film or still feel mildly traumatised by it, this episode explores how climate change has been portrayed on the big screen, and what that says about the challenge we face in real life. It’s nostalgic, nerdy, and Totally Cooked.To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons - whatever the name, these major storms are being reshaped by climate change. Warmer oceans and shifting atmospheric patterns are fuelling storms that are stronger, wetter, and potentially more destructive than ever before. In this episode of Totally Cooked, hosts Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan are joined by cyclone expert Professor Liz Ritchie-Tyo of Monash University and 21st Century Weather to explore the science behind these powerful systems. They unpack how cyclones form, why forecasting is so complex, and whether climate change is altering their frequency, intensity, or both. The conversation also looks at the human side of the story - how vulnerable communities can prepare, and how planning and communication can reduce the risks of future storms. With the right knowledge and action, there’s hope for weathering the next cyclone season in a rapidly changing climate. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Part 2 of this special Totally Cooked episode, the next generation of climate and weather scientists share more of their stories, and spring a few surprises. We open with one of Wil’s unforgettable tales from growing up in Peru. From there, the conversation explores the pathways that brought Wil, Rachael, and Bethan into climate research. Rachael recounts a journey through meteorology, NASA internships, and early-career challenges before landing in Australia to pursue more climate science. Along the way, the team unpacks the realities of imposter syndrome, the importance of mentors, and the persistence and good fortune required to break into elite scientific research. Finally, the discussion turns to the future, both for climate and weather science as a field, and for the young scientists themselves. How can research better serve communities, adapt to climate change, and stay optimistic in the face of denial and delay? Our guests share their hopes for more interdisciplinary, collaborative, and inclusive science in the decades ahead. And we close with one more dramatic tale from Wil’s eventful time in the crib. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today’s climate and weather researchers have grown up with the escalating climate crisis as a defining feature of their lives. Their education unfolded against culture wars about science, energy, and climate policy, with many inspired by voices like Greta Thunberg and movements such as the School Strike for Climate. This episode explores how those experiences are shaping the next generation of scientists. Hosts Prof. Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan sit down with three emerging researchers: Bethan White, Rachael Isphording, and Wil Laura. Together they talk about the motivations that drew them into climate science, from childhood experiences of hurricanes in Alabama to growing up in the Peruvian Andes. They share how their backgrounds, curiosity, and resilience are helping them carve out research careers in a rapidly changing world. The conversation dives into the challenges and joys of early research life, from pushing climate models to their limits to investigating “compound events” like heatwaves and wildfires, to benchmarking weather resources for renewable energy. Alongside science, the guests reflect on cultural influences, personal motivations, and the global networks that support their work. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hailstorms might be brief, but their impacts aren't. In this episode of Totally Cooked, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a Professor of Climate Science at the Australian National University, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, are joined by Dr Tim Raupach of UNSW to explore how hail forms, why it causes so much damage, and what climate change means for its future. We unpack the ingredients that make a hailstorm, why places like Canberra and the east coast of Australia are particularly at risk, and how hailstones grow into car-destroying chunks of ice. We also dive into forecasting challenges, billion-dollar insurance losses, and how new high-resolution climate models and machine learning are reshaping hail research. Whether you’ve had a smashed windscreen, love watching storms roll in, or want to understand how even short-lived weather events are being reshaped by climate change, this episode will give you a fresh perspective on the hidden risks falling from the sky. PS, if you finished Episode 5, you might have been expecting an El Niño episode this week. Don’t worry, we’ll be talking through everything ENSO with you soon enough. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Antarctica is one of the fastest-changing places on Earth. In this chilly episode of Totally Cooked, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a Professor of Climate Science at the Australian National University, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, are joined by Professor Nerilie Abram to explore how global warming is transforming the icy continent.   We unpack what makes Antarctica unique, why its melting glaciers and ice shelves matter for sea level rise, and how changes in the Southern Ocean and atmosphere are reshaping weather patterns, including in Australia. We also discuss krill, penguins, tipping points and why scientists say “what happens in Antarctica doesn’t stay in Antarctica. Whether you're curious about Antarctic science, concerned about climate impacts, or just want to understand how our coldest continent is connected to your daily weather, this episode will leave you better informed and ready to tackle the climate crisis. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this fiery episode of Totally Cooked, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a Professor of Climate Science at the Australian National University, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, dive headfirst into the scorching realities of droughts and fires.   Starting with Australia's dry and hot backyard, they unpack the science behind droughts and fires, explore how climate change fuels these phenomena, and discuss their devastating impacts on health, ecosystems, and economies. From the rising frequency of extreme fire weather to the intricate relationships between drought, fire, and climate change, this episode is a deep dive into some of Australia's most pressing climate challenges. With surprising stats, real-world examples, and a touch of light-hearted banter, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the fiery intersections of climate and weather. Grab your water bottle - this episode is an absolute scorcher! To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change is happening and the effects are already being felt around the world. But how do we know about global warming? How can we be sure it’s caused by human activity? And what can we do to address the problem? In this episode of Totally Cooked, we’re going to unpack more than 200 years of advances in scientific knowledge about our climate and weather. We’ll talk about the atmosphere, oceans, global average temperatures, ice cores and satellite images.   We’re also going to meet the people who first understood the greenhouse effect, predicted the consequences of burning fossil fuels, and who raised the alarm. To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is climate change impacting our weather? As the planet gets warmer, we’re entering uncharted territory for the climate and weather.  We’re already seeing temperature records broken regularly. High-impact weather is affecting people everywhere, and in some places normal, day-to-day weather patterns are changing. In this episode of Totally Cooked, we’re going to talk about things like heat, rainfall and floods. What factors determine the weather we experience here on the ground and up in the sky? And what can we expect from our weather as carbon emissions continue to rise? To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve all heard that we’re in a climate crisis. But how do we know why we’re in a climate crisis? When did global warming start? What’s the cause of the climate crisis? And what can you do about it? In this episode of Totally Cooked, we’re going to learn when and how global warming and the climate crisis began. We’ll talk about the industrial revolution, fossil fuels, and what happens when large volumes of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are added to the atmosphere.  This is just the start of a fascinating, scary and sometimes darkly funny look at the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced.  To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/ Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate & Weather Podcast invites listeners behind the scenes of climate science to explore the big questions shaping our future. Hosted by Professor of Climate Science Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and science communicator Iain Strachan, this trailer introduces a show that cuts through the noise with straight-talking, evidence-based discussion about the climate crisis—from an Australian perspective. This isn’t just another podcast about global warming. Totally Cooked digs deeper into the systems driving our weather, the science behind climate predictions, and the human stories at the centre of it all. In the trailer, Sarah and Iain offer a glimpse into what listeners can expect: topics ranging from Antarctica’s ice cores to ocean currents, fire weather, and the psychology of climate grief. With a mix of expert interviews, clear explanations, and a touch of dark humour, the show is designed to inform, empower, and spark action. Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just trying to keep up with the science, Totally Cooked is your guide to making sense of a world in flux. Subscribe now—because the climate is changing, and so is the conversation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.