Join hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan as they welcome historical climatologist Dr Linden Ashcroft and PhD candidate Ruchit Kulkarni, both from the University of Melbourne. This ep the panel dig through diaries, ship logs and colonial era weather stations in search of Australia's climate before the instrumental record began. What counts as a reliable weather observation from 1830? Why does a reference period matter for understanding today's extremes? And why is the Southern Hemisphere's climate history so much thinner than the Northern Hemisphere's? The episode traces how pre-Bureau of Meteorology data, from convict-era rain gauges to a lighthouse keeper's logbook on Gabo Island are rescued, digitised and quality-checked before it can be trusted. 

Deadly droughts, time-series analysis, historical data in research and the beauty of stories that stood the test of time and science. All part of this cooked up ep going back in time. So dust off the family diaries and tune in as Totally Cooked goes looking for Australia's climate in the historical record — and asks what two centuries of old numbers can tell us about the droughts and floods still to come. 

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.

Join hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan as they welcome historical climatologist Dr Linden Ashcroft and PhD candidate Ruchit Kulkarni, both from the University of Melbourne. This ep the panel dig through diaries, ship logs and colonial era weather stations in search of Australia's climate before the instrumental record began. What counts as a reliable weather observation from 1830? Why does a reference period matter for understanding today's extremes? And why is the Southern Hemisphere's climate history so much thinner than the Northern Hemisphere's? The episode traces how pre-Bureau of Meteorology data, from convict-era rain gauges to a lighthouse keeper's logbook on Gabo Island are rescued, digitised and quality-checked before it can be trusted. Deadly droughts, time-series analysis, historical data in research and the beauty of stories that stood the test of time and science. All part of this cooked up ep going back in time. So dust off the family diaries and tune in as Totally Cooked goes looking for Australia's climate in the historical record &mdash; and asks what two centuries of old numbers can tell us about the droughts and floods still to come. 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.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth — especially here in Australia.

Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate. 

With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.

From greenhouse gases and El Niño to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you’ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.

Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what’s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.

No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts — and a little hope.

Totally Cooked is a straight-talking, science-backed podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth &mdash; especially here in Australia.
Hosted by Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a leading expert in extreme weather, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, the show dives deep into the causes and consequences of our changing climate.&nbsp;
With clarity, curiosity and a touch of dark humour, Sarah and Iain unpack the science behind climate change, high-impact weather, and the urgent need for action.
From greenhouse gases and El Ni&ntilde;o to ice cores, heatwaves, and hail storms, Totally Cooked connects the dots between complex climate science and the everyday weather we all experience. Along the way, you&rsquo;ll hear from world-class researchers, policymakers, and frontline communities grappling with the climate crisis.
Whether you're feeling overwhelmed, confused, or just curious about what&rsquo;s really going on, this podcast will leave you better informed, more confident, and ready to face the future.
No jargon. No sugar-coating. Just the facts &mdash; and a little hope.