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.

In this very special episode of Totally Cooked, <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> sit down with one of Australia's most beloved science communicators: <a href="https://drkarl.com/">Dr Karl Kruszelnicki</a>. 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&rsquo;s social media battlegrounds, ask whether you really need to &lsquo;dumb things down&rsquo; 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&rsquo;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.

Holiday Special with Dr Karl Kruszelnicki

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.

Can the human body survive climate change? That&rsquo;s the burning question in this episode of Totally Cooked. With the world already experiencing more frequent and intense heatwaves, we sit down with <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/medicine-health/about/our-people/academic-staff/ollie.jay.html">Professor Ollie Jay</a> from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/">University of Sydney</a> to explore how our bodies respond to extreme heat, and what happens when they can&rsquo;t keep up.
Ollie walks your co-hosts <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> through the science of sweating, hydration, and heat stress, and explains the critical tipping points between heat exhaustion and deadly heatstroke. We discuss who&rsquo;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&rsquo;s like to sit in a room set to 54&deg;C, and why your fan might not be helping as much as you think.
Plus, it&rsquo;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&rsquo;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.

Can humans survive a future of extreme heat?

 

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.

&nbsp;
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&nbsp;<a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> are joined by <a href="https://about.uq.edu.au/experts/839">Professor Ove Hoegh-Guldberg</a>, marine biologist, climate advocate, and one of the world&rsquo;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&rsquo;ve snorkelled the Reef, seen it on screen, or simply care about our planet&rsquo;s future, this episode is for you. We explore the science behind what&rsquo;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: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>
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.

Can we save the Great Barrier Reef?

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/

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&rsquo;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 <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and science communicator <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a>, 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 <a href="https://research.unsw.edu.au/people/professor-ben-newell">Professor Ben Newell</a>, a Professor of Behavioural Science in the School of Psychology at <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/">UNSW Sydney</a>, and Director of the <a href="https://www.unsw.edu.au/research/icrr">UNSW Institute for Climate Risk &amp; Response (ICRR)</a>.&nbsp;
Ben&rsquo;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:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>

Understanding the psychology of the climate crisis

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.

Australia&rsquo;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&rsquo;s weather resources, and what it means for our future resilience.
Whether you&rsquo;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: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>
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.

Australia runs on weather

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/

Australia&rsquo;s fossil fuel industry has long argued that its projects are &ldquo;too small to matter&rdquo; when it comes to global <a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/engage/glossary#climate-change">climate change</a>. But new research led by 21st Century Weather proves otherwise.&nbsp;
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&rsquo;s climate.
This episode of Totally Cooked: The Climate &amp; Weather Podcast breaks down what the numbers really mean. Hosts <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> speak with contributing authors <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/profile/andrew-king">Andrew King</a> and <a href="https://researchers.adelaide.edu.au/profile/georgina.falster">Georgy Falster</a> about the study&rsquo;s findings: 876 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions, 0.00039 &deg;C of additional global warming, and real-world consequences for people and ecosystems. We explore how <a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/engage/glossary#heat-wave">heatwaves</a>, 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/

Research Special: Measuring the impacts of new fossil fuel projects

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/

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&rsquo;s triggering.
Our special guest, Dr Zo&eacute; Koenig from University of Troms&oslash; &ndash; 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&rsquo;t stay in the Arctic.
Pack your survival suit and a rifle, but let&rsquo;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: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>

How will an ice-free Arctic change our planet? With Dr Zoé Koenig

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.

What happens when Hollywood takes on climate science? In this movie special of Totally Cooked, hosts <a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/profile/sarah-kirkpatrick">Professor Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick</a> and <a href="https://21centuryweather.org.au/profile/iain-strachan">Iain Strachan</a> 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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s nostalgic, nerdy, and Totally Cooked.To find out more, go to: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>
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.

Movie Special: The Day After Tomorrow (2004)

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.

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&rsquo;s hope for weathering the next cyclone season in a rapidly changing climate.
To find out more, go to: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>
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.

Is climate change making storms & cyclones worse?

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.

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&rsquo;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&rsquo;s eventful time in the crib.
To find out more, go to: <a href="https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/">https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/</a>
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.

What does it take to become a climate & weather scientist?

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.

Totally Cooked: The Climate & Weather Podcast

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