Shows
Rights, Rorts and RantsBlue Mountains Refugee Support Group and Palm Sunday 2025.On 11 April Presenter Merran Maclaren interviewed Kathie Herbert, chairperson and Ann-Maree McEwan, committee member, both from Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group known as BMRSG, about the work of the group ahead of the annual Sydney Palm Sunday Rally and March on 13 April.Merran finishes the segment with a brief description of portrait Red Marie by Paul Standen which is a portrait of one of the founders of BMRSG, Marie Standen. As mentioned in the interview listeners can find out more BMRSG by going to bmrsg.org.auBlue Mountains Unions & Community pays its...2025-05-0329 minRights, Rorts and RantsMacquarie Alliance for ClimateOn Rights, Rorts and Rants on 11 April 2025 Merran Maclaren interviewed representatives from Macquarie Alliance for Climate (MAC). Shirley Lewis and Erst Carmichael spoke to Merran about what MAC is and some of the activities the organisation has organised to have conversations with the community about climate change and the cost of living.For more information about events, to get house signs on climate change or to volunteer you can chat at one of the group's Saturday street stalls or find out more by going to Macquarie Alliance for Climate's website https://www.macquariealliance.org and...2025-04-1918 minRights, Rorts and RantsA legislative push for whistleblower protectionsOn 14th March 2025 this segment of Rights, Rorts and Rants went to air. Mike Holland briefly covered three high profile whistleblowers who have been generally subjected to detrimental treatment, financial ruin, jail time and psychological suffering at the hands of their employers and the media. The ill-treatment directed at employees who bring cases involving wrongdoing into public light has led Senators Jacqui Lambie and David Pocock to address this by sponsoring a Senate bill on 11 February 2025 namely the "Whistleblower Protection Authority Bill 2025 (No. 2)". Dr Helen Haines MP and Andrew Wilkie MP also introduced the bill which will...2025-03-1910 minRights, Rorts and RantsDutton's nuclear thought bubble - an updateBroadcast on March 14, 2025 on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Mike Holland and Fran Dyson discuss the latest update on Dutton's nuclear thought bubble by looking into the overseas experience to gauge the efficacy of claims from the Liberal Party regarding cost estimates and construction times to build nuclear reactors for the first time in Australia. Mike also looks at who is building nuclear reactors overseas and how other countries and corporations deal with the burden of costs blow-outs. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by...2025-03-1618 minRights, Rorts and RantsUnion wins in 2024 and the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Act - the wage theft lawsFran Dyson and Mike Holland start 2025 with a look back over union wins in 2024. The discussion includes the Woolworths Distribution Centre UWU win that defeated an AI-surveillance work system that threatened to injure workers. Also discussed is new criminalised wage theft legislation that commenced on 1 January 2025 that means criminal penalties, including 10 maximum jail time, for bosses who intentionally underpay wages, superannuation and entitlements to their workers. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 31st January 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast was produced...2025-03-0833 minRights, Rorts and RantsHow will you vote in the Federal election 2025? RRR interviews Susan Templeman MP for MacquarieAs Australia races towards a Federal election in a matter of weeks Rights, Rorts and Rants' presenter Nick Franklin with his team of Peter Lammiman and Suzanne Rix interview the Member for Macquarie and candidate Susan Templeman MP.Susan was asked about a range of topics including where the government stood on the cost of living; climate change; 4-year fixed terms for Federal governments; increasing Australian and local manufacturing; community batteries for Macquarie; the housing crisis; election donation legislation and health and aged care. Listeners will find the interview comprehensive. RRR aims to inform listeners...2025-03-0450 min
The Book Maven: A Literary RevueFinding Truth in Memories with Jay Baron NicorvoWelcome back to season two! In this episode of the Book Maven: A Literary Revue, Bethanne Patrick sits down with Jay Baron Nicorvo to discuss accessing trauma while writing, differing points of view of traumatic events, and how our brain sorts through traumatic experiences. Bethanne touches on the highly anticipated Catcher in the Rye in this week’s Canon or Can it. Does she kick Holden Caulfield to the curb? Or let him stay with all of his teenage angst?Can Bethanne beat the clock? She gives us 6 Recs for our To Be Read lists. Ti...2025-02-2133 min
SFF AddictsTBRCon2025: Romantasy vs. Fantasy Romance (with Stacey McEwan, J.D. Evans & More)Every Friday, we’re highlighting a panel from the TBRCon2025 all-virtual SF/F/H convention, looking back on the incredible variety of discussions that we had the honor of hosting.This week, join moderator/author Stacey McEwan and panelists Chelsey Ann Tompkins, J.D. Evans, Juliette Cross and Analeigh Sbrana for a panel on “Romantasy vs. Fantasy Romance”.SUPPORT THE SHOW:-Patreon (for exclusive bonus episodes, author readings, book giveaways and more)- Rate and review SFF Addicts on your platform of choice, and share us with your friendsEMAIL US WITH YOUR QUESTIONS & COMMENTS:sffaddictspod@gmail.comFOLLOW SFF ADDICTS:2025-02-141h 37Rights, Rorts and RantsHousing - how the major parties' election policies compare : An unaffordable dream or source of wealth creation?On Rights, Rorts and Rants presenter Fran Dyson leads a discussion with co-presenter Mike Holland on the issue of housing non-affordability. A key issue hurting large sections of the community.The first part of the discussion includes an analysis of both the ALP and LNP housing affordability policies.The second part of the discussion explores how property tax benefits such as negative gearing translate enhance wealth through property for some.The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 31 January 2025 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The...2025-02-1337 minRights, Rorts and RantsAndrew Fowler on his book NukedThis episode of BMUC's Rights, Rorts and Rants takes as through a fascinating interview with the the author of "Nuked" investigative journalist Andrew Fowler who discusses his book "Nuked - the submarine fiasco that sank Australia's sovereignty" with Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Fran Dyson and BMUC member Peter Lammiman.
Andrew Fowler was recognised with a prestigious Walkley Award for Nuked.
The interview was first broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants by Blue Mountains Unions and Community (BMUC) on 17 January 2025 on community radio station Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM and presented by Fran Dyson with podcast...2025-01-2247 minRights, Rorts and RantsRising Tide "Protestival" - Port of NewcastleThis podcast brings you an 11 minute recording of three short speeches from the 2024 Rising Tide "Protestival" on Friday 22 November 2024. Recorded by Renee Lees and broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains by presenter Merran Maclaren that afternoon.
The speakers in order are 12 year old Frankie Kelly, 21 year old Alexa Stuart and community activist Bev Smiles from Wollar, NSW. Bev's home town. A small Hunter Valley town containing the Wilpinjong coal mine which operates 1.5 kms from the village of Wollar.
The recording was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 22 November 2024 by...2024-11-2911 minRights, Rorts and RantsQuentin Dempster, distinguished journalist, in conversation with Nick FranklinRights, Rorts and Rant's Nick Franklin took the opportunity to interview distinguished political commentator, former ABC political and investigative reporter, former TV current affairs presenter Quentin Dempster at the Wentworth Falls School of Arts before Quentin gave a speech to Blue Mountains ABC Friends on 9 November 2024.
Nick Franklin, also a former ABC journalist, asks Quentin about the ABC's role in the era of misinformation, disinformation, Trumpism and Murdoch media. Nick asks about the importance of a well funded independent public broadcaster and how ABC supporters can enhance the 92 year old ABC.
In this interview listeners...2024-11-2017 minRights, Rorts and RantsWorld Animal Day with Teya Brooks PribacMerran Mclaren interviewed Teya Brooks Pribac on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Oct 4 2024 ahead of the inaugural World Animal Day Event to be held locally - which will take place on Oct 5 at the Planetary Health Initiative Katoomba.
Teya speaks about the upcoming event, the history of World Animal Day & the benefits of plant based cuisine.
She also outlined her plant inspired community cooking project that will be launched at World Animal Day. Details about the project can be found at plantinspired.com.au
Teya Brooks Pribac, PhD, is a scholar, author and...2024-10-2914 minRights, Rorts and RantsKinchela Boys Home Kempsey - Uncle Terry Grimes' storyOn Survival Day 2024 at North Katoomba's Bureau Park those attending were privileged to visit the Kinchela Boys Home Mobile Education Centre run by the Kinchela Boys Home Aboriginal Corporation (KBHAC) and attended by Terry Grimes and his son. Rights, Rorts and Rants spoke to Uncle Terry Grimes and recorded this interview with him about his experiences at KBH after being kidnapped by the Aboriginal Protection Board and taken there as a 9 year old in 1963.
Terry's story is difficult to hear but it is important for listeners to know the truth of what happened to him, his family...2024-10-0909 min
Rights, Rorts and RantsWar & Peace a community conversation Q & AThis is the Q & A session of War & Peace a community conversation, held at Lawson Mechanics Institute, NSW on 13 September 2024.
War & Peace was organised by Blue Mountains Peace Collective.
The Q & A was broadcast on Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 27 September 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree McEwan.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio...2024-10-0229 minRights, Rorts and RantsAirwatch air monitor project launchBMUC's Ann-Maree McEwan and presenter Merran Maclaren discuss the upcoming launch of the Airwatch project where 20 Air monitors have been installed throughout the Greater Blue Mountains region.
You can book a free ticket to the launch here.
BMUC's community Airwatch campaign is covered. Ann-Maree explains some of the science of how the monitors work. From the launch onwards BMUC wants everyone to access air quality using these monitors by searching the Purpleair map at map.purpleair.com and looking for your nearest location.
The interview illustrates the importance of a campaign that involved...2024-09-2722 min
You're BookedBella Mackie - You're BookedWe're back! And we're kicking off series 16 in style with the brilliant author, journalist and broadcaster Bella Mackie! Bella is the author of the inspirational running book Jog On, the bestselling How To Kill Your Family and her highly anticipated latest What a Way To Go. We talked to her about the importance of Judy Blume, funny books, finding the right book at the right time and vanishing chickens. Find out more about all the books mentioned by visiting our Bookshop.org store. Order your copy of Daisy's new novel Pity Party RIGHT HERE and see book tour dates and v...2024-09-2353 minRights, Rorts and RantsPostcard from Middlesbrough, UKHaving just landed in Sydney from the UK for a holiday in Australia, Savita Sathe kindly came on Rights, Rorts and Rants. Savita articulately provided listeners with background from her perspective on what is happening in Middlesbrough and the UK more generally.
Savita talks about the recent UK elections, political vacuums, Local Councils in deficit, the reasons behind recent riots around Middlesbrough and what positives have come from the riots' aftermath.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 13 September 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast...2024-09-1623 minRights, Rorts and RantsDisrupt Land Forces anti-war protest with Bruce CornwallOn the 13 Sept 2024 Rights, Rorts and Rants show presenter Fran Dyson asked Bruce Cornwall for some background on the Disrupt Land Forces anti-war protests in Melbourne across the three days of the Land Forces Expo from 13-15 Sept.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 13 September 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan.
The views of our guests are not necessarily the views of BMUC.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, whi...2024-09-1607 minRights, Rorts and RantsCFMEU update from Bruce Cornwall.CFMEU update. On 13 September 2024 Fran Dyson and Bruce Cornwall discussed what's been happening for CFMEU officers and members on Rights, Rorts and Rants brought to you by Blue Mountains Unions and Community.
This is a follow up to Bruce's earlier chat about the CFMEU Ranting About CFMEU Allegations.
Hear the podcast - https://spotifyanchor-web.app.link/e/rKs4pcsuVMb
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 13 September 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree McEwan.
The views expressed...2024-09-1519 minRights, Rorts and RantsVenezuela: A post election analysis from Dr Rodrigo AcuñaOn 23 August 2024 on Rights Rorts and Rants Peter Lammiman and Dr Rodrigo Acuña discuss the current post election situation in Venezuela. Dr Acuña described Venezuela as "a country under siege" with over 900 American sanctions against Venezuela.
Dr Acuña also touches on other Latin and South American countries and the historical background in the US Venezuela relationship in his analysis.
Something for the diary
Listeners can find out more about the current political situation in Venezuela by attending a documentary screening at NSW Teachers Federation auditorium in Surry Hills on 21st Sept...2024-09-0226 minRights, Rorts and RantsA local solution for a local problem. Older women's homelessness in the Blue Mountains with Heather ShepherdAfter reading a recent Blue Mountains Gazette story about a unique solution to address the significant issue of home insecurity and homelessness among older women in the Blue Mountains, RRR Presenter Merran Maclaren contacted Heather Shepherd from the Older Women's Network (OWN) Blue Mountains who was mentioned in the Gazette and asked her into the studio along with co-presenter Peter Lammiman, on Rights, Rorts and Rants.
Heather Shepherd is part of a volunteer group of older women namely the Older Women's Network (OWN) NSW.
Heather explains how this amazing project was created by the local...2024-09-0126 minRights, Rorts and RantsSarah Redshaw - Greens Local Government Elections 2024, Blue Mountains City CouncilAhead of the Local Council election on 14 September Merran Maclaren and Peter Lammiman interviewed Greens Candidate for Ward 1 Sarah Redshaw about what she and other Greens candidates across 4 Wards stands for, and what are her priorities in running for another term on Council.
Sarah talks about issues important to the Greens such as balancing Labor on Council due to the Liberals not being able to be elected this election and balancing the needs of the community, tourism and the environment.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 30 August 2024 by Blue Mountains...2024-09-0127 minRights, Rorts and RantsAUKUS : Will Australia acquire AUKUS nuclear submarines?BMUC member and well know peace activist Bruce Cornwall shares up to date research into opinions across the Australian political spectrum about AUKUS - the Australian nuclear submarine contract with the USA and United Kingdom. This is an enlightening and thought provoking discussion between Bruce and Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Fran Dyson.
Bruce traverses various issues with the AUKUS deal including doubt about the Americans' ability to deliver the agreed submarines to Australia and the staggering ongoing economic cost to Australia.
A view Bruce quotes in the interview is "The idea that we will...2024-08-3020 minRights, Rorts and RantsDaniel Myles, Independent - Local Government Elections 2024, Blue Mountains City CouncilOn 23 August 2024 on Rights, Rorts and Rants Fran Dyson and Peter Lammiman interviewed Independent Candidate for Ward 3 Daniel Myles about what he stands for and what are his priorities in running for another term on Council. He reflects on the effective team currently on Council.
Daniel believes every vote counts and participation by residents ensures the best outcomes for the Blue Mountains.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 23 August 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson and Peter Lammiman. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree McEwan.
2024-08-2735 minRights, Rorts and RantsSuzie Van Opdorp, ALP - Local Government Elections 2024, Blue Mountains City Council Part 1 Part 1 Suzie Van Opdorp
Local Government Elections will take place on 14 September. Rights, Rorts and Rants presenter Debra Smith interviewed candidate for Blue Mountains City Council Suzie Van Opdorp on Tuesday August 13, 2024.
Debra played the interview on RRR 16 Aug show as a way for Blue Mountains Unions Council to give voters more insight into some of the candidates running for Council and local council issues.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 16 August 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith. The podcast was produced by Ann-Maree...2024-08-1910 minRights, Rorts and RantsSuzie Van Opdorp, ALP - Local Government Elections 2024, Blue Mountains City Council Part 2Part 2 Suzie van Opdorp
Local Government Elections will take place on 14 September. Rights, Rorts and Rants presenter Debra Smith interviewed a candidate for Blue Mountains City Council, Suzie Van Opdorp, on Tuesday August 13, 2024.
Debra broadcast the interview on Rights, Rorts and Rants' 16th August show as a way for Blue Mountains Unions & Community to give voters extra insight into some of the candidates running for Council and local council issues.
More candidates will be interviewed in coming weeks.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 16 August 2024 by Bl...2024-08-1927 minRights, Rorts and RantsA new industrial manslaughter offence for NSW - with Unions NSW's Natasha FloresOn the 9 August 2024 Rights, Rorts and Rants show Ann-Maree McEwan interviews Natasha Flores, an Industrial Officer for Unions NSW specialising in Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) and Workers Compensation about tougher industrial manslaughter laws recently passed in NSW.
The Work Health and Safety Amendment (Industrial Manslaughter) Act 2024 No 43 was passed on 24 June 2024 to create an offence of industrial manslaughter in NSW.
In the podcast Natasha explains the background to the amendments, outlines penalties of up to $20 million dollar fines and imprisonmnet for up to 25 years and clarifies what Parliament and unions hope to achieve by...2024-08-1128 minRights, Rorts and RantsThe rise of the right in the 2024 European Union Election with Peter LammimanOn BMUC's radio show Rights, Rorts and Rants, BMUC's Peter Lammiman presents his research and analysis of the 2024 EU elections in an interview with Presenter Merran McLaren.
Peter's particular focus is the success of the Right in the 2024 EU elections held from 6-9 June 2024.
Peter traverses research on the trends evident in the election results in individual European countries and why many European voters supported politicians from the Right when they voted. Factors such as the Ukraine War, Covid-19, nationalism and immigration are all covered, and Peter's conclusion is that Europe is in a period...2024-07-2731 minRights, Rorts and RantsAfrica's last colony : West Saharan activist and journalist Mohamed Mayara on his Australian speaking tourOn Rights, Rorts and Rants Merran McLaren broadcast an interview with Mohamed Mayara who was a special guest at a film screening and discussion aboutAfrica’s last colony – a desert for journalistsLeura Uniting Church.Screening of 3 Stolen Cameras (17 mins) in which members of Equipe Media fight to keep their cameras in Western Sahara – followed by a panel discussion and Q&A with Mohamed Mayara, Kamal Fadel, Western Sahara Representative in Australia and New Zealand, and Kathie Herbert, Chairperson of the Blue Mountains Refugee Support Group.Supported by Australia Cuba Friendship Society and APHEDA on Sat...2024-07-1229 minRights, Rorts and RantsThe 2024 United Kingdom general election with Nick FranklinBlue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) member and regular political commentator on Rights, Rorts and Rants, Nick Franklin, has recently returned from the United Kingdom.
Nick gives listeners his insights into the upcoming United Kingdom general election, 6 days away on 4 July 2024.
Nick also provides an assessment of the state of the United Kingdom, challenges for the new government, the UK election process, the election contenders and much more.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 28 June 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community (BMUC) and presented by Merran McLaren. The podcast was...2024-07-1117 minRights, Rorts and RantsThe lost Palestinian Film ArchiveBMUC member Peter Lammiman's research has uncovered a true story of the lost Palestinian Film Archive. The Film Archive contained over 100 films, including documentaries, made from before 1948 to the 1980's, and was lost during the Israeli bombardment of Beirut in 1982. It remains lost to this day.
Peter shares a research article with presenter Merran McLaren and Rights, Rorts and Rants listeners at this time of more catastrophic loss for the Palestinian people. The paper is by Hend Alawadhi titled On what was, and what remains: Palestinian cinema and the Film Archive. Published in the International
...2024-07-1009 minRights, Rorts and RantsHousing density and the Blue Mountains environment with Blue Mountains Conservation SocietyOn the 7th June 2024 Rights, Rorts and Rants Presenter Merran McLaren interviewed two special guests from the Blue Mountains Conservation Society (ConSoc) : President Annette Cam and Land Use Committee member Lyndal Sullivan.
The interview arose from ConSoc's open letter to the NSW Premier published in the Blue Mountains Gazette and the Sydney Morning Herald that outlined concerns about the environmental and human impact of increased housing density in Blue Mountains towns.
The interview is an informative discussion about the issues ConSoc sees with multiple aspects of the strategy including the "cookie cutter" approach as it...2024-07-0325 minRights, Rorts and RantsMr Dutton's nuclear energy solution updateIn this interview selected from our Rights, Rorts and Rants show on 23rd May Mike Holland provides an update on the feasibility of the Liberal National Coalition's nuclear energy option following the release of CSIRO's GenCost report. Nick Franklin highlights the political realities of plans to build a nuclear power plant in your electorate. The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 24 May 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith. Podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan. If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show...2024-06-0812 minRights, Rorts and RantsWar in Palestine: Part 3 Australia's stance and local divisionsIn this part of the interview on Rights Rorts and Rants on 31 May Fran Dyson discusses with Alana Lentin her views on local reactions to the War in Palestine in Sydney and nationally. Alana raises the decision announced in May 2024 by the Australian Human Rights Commission to lead an anti-racism study into universities with an emphasis on anti-semitism. Listeners are urged to be vigilant about what this research throws up.
The need to protect university students of Arabic background in Western Sydney from the ramifications of the genocide on them and recognise the destruction of schools and...2024-06-0326 minRights, Rorts and RantsWar in Palestine: Part 2 ZionismIn this part of Fran Dyson's interview with Alana Lentin, Alana explains the ideology and place of Zionism from its origins to the present.
The interview was first broadcast on the Rights, Rorts and Rants show on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 31 May 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson. Podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
Apply to be a guest on our radio show, Rights, Rorts and Rants on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM, Fridays from 4pm to 6pm or livestreamed vi...2024-06-0306 minRights, Rorts and RantsWar in Palestine: Part 1 Introduction.In this interview played on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on Rights, Rorts and Rants, BMUC's Fran Dyson presents an extended interview with Alana Lentin on her analysis of the War in Palestine.
Alana Lentin is a scholar of race from Western Sydney University.
In this part of the interview Alana Lentin refers to a periodical article by Max Ajl. For listeners who'd like to read the article it was published in Ebb, Issue 1, For Palestine, on 1 Jan 2024.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 31 May 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions...2024-06-0316 min
The Mookse and the Gripes PodcastEpisode 81: AudiobooksLooking to fit even more books into your life? We think audiobooks are a great solution. This week we chat about reading in different formats and settings and hen and how we both read audiobooks. We also share some of our favorite audio experiences, books, and authors!Summer Book ClubThe book for the Mookse and the Gripes Summer Book Club 2024 has been chosen! It was pretty darn close!The episode discussing The Story of Lucy Gault will be Episode 86, coming out on August 8.ShownotesBooks* The...2024-05-301h 21Rights, Rorts and RantsBlue Mountains Women's Health ForumIn the show presenter Debra Smith reports on a Women's Health Forum held on 6 Mach 2024 in Katoomba, NSW as part of International Women's Week. She is joined in the discussion by RRR regular Peter Lammiman.
The forum was organised by Susan Templeman MP Member for Macquarie with invited guest Ged Kearney MP Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care with participation by a range of women interested in health.
Topics discussed at the forum included bias against women in medical research or medical misogyny - The Women's Health Advisory Council - endometriosis-practicality of telehealth and...2024-05-091h 06Rights, Rorts and RantsHousing Insecurity in the Blue Mountains with Sue WildmanSue Wildman is interviewed by Merran McLaren and Peter Lammiman about the effects of housing security in the Upper Blue Mountains.
Sue Wildman is a psychological therapist who, with others, created a community project resulting in the song Somewhere to Live (available on YouTube). Sue works with people who are living with homelessness.
The show contains Somewhere to Live and audio clips recorded at a housing insecurity rally in Katoomba held on Friday 22 March 2024.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 15 April 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented...2024-04-2232 minRights, Rorts and RantsWe will be judged on how we treat our elderlyA Registered Nurse working in Aged Care, a member of the Australian Nursing and Midwivery Association Jocelyn Hofman shares her insights on what's needed in Aged Care. Jocelyn also provided a witness statement in the Fair Work Commission salary case. In this interview Jocelyn discusses the importance of urgent reform to the Aged Care Act 1997 .
Jocelyn spoke with Peter Lammiman live in the Radio Blue Mountains studio along with Merran McLaren and fellow guest Sue Wildman.
Blue Mountains Unions & Community pays its respect to and acknowledges, the Darug and Gundungurra First Peoples...2024-04-2121 minRights, Rorts and RantsThe importance of being in a union.Two recent industrial examples highlight the absolute importance of being in a union.
Mike Holland and Presenter Fran Dyson discuss a significant salary win in the Fair Work Commission on 15 March 2024 by the Health Services Union NSW and members working in Aged Care. HSU Secretary Gerard Hayes said the win came after work by many determined people and persistence by the Union since November 2020.
The interview then moves to the Transport Workers Union which has filed a dispute with the Fair Work Commission on behalf of food delivery rider Zhuoying Wang employed by Hungry Panda...2024-04-1616 minRights, Rorts and RantsMr Dutton's nuclear energy solutionMike Holland spoke with RRR Presenter Fran Dyson with his analysis of the Federal Opposition's nuclear energy proposal on Rights, Rorts and Rants.
Mike uncovers some of the realities (including disposal of waste, workers' rights and the eye watering cost) behind builds of both small-scale and large-scale nuclear power operations overseas including the UK, USA and United Arab Emirates.
The conclusion? The Dutton nuclear proposal doesn't stack up.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 22 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Fran Dyson...2024-04-1417 minRights, Rorts and RantsJulian AssangeMike Holland shares his research and legal perspective on Julian Assange's February hearing concerning his extradition to the USA, with RRR's presenter Fran Dyson. Mike supplies listeners with a brief chronology from the start of WikiLeaks' publications to the February 2024 hearing to put it all in perspective for listeners.
The interview illustrates the personal ordeal for Assange and concerning gaps in legal protections and transparency for Assange, the media and potentially other Australians.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 22 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented...2024-04-1227 minRights, Rorts and RantsOrigin story of International Women's Day (IWD)For the Rights, Rorts and Rants International Women's Day show feminist and Blue Mountains Unions & Community member Peter Lammiman chats to Debra Smith about the fascinating origins of IWD. We learn how IWD started in Europe in 1857 and spread to Sydney in 1928 to become an annual celebration of women world-wide.
The show was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM on 8 March 2024 by Blue Mountains Unions & Community and presented by Debra Smith and Peter Lammiman. Podcast produced by Ann-Maree McEwan
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our...2024-04-0605 minRights, Rorts and RantsGed Kearney on aged careRights, Rorts and Rants' International Women's Day 2024 show included this interview by Debra Smith with Ged Kearney. Ged is with Susan Templeman after a Women's Health Forum held in Katoomba on 6th March which all had attended. Debra Smith asks Ged some questions about Aged Care.
Ged is Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, and former President of the ACTU and the first MP to raise menopause in Parliament. Susan is Member for Macquarie.
Debra's report on the forum is below -
Draft Report on the Forum docx file
The sh...2024-04-0605 min
The Bookshop PodcastAnn Seaton: Co-Executive Director, California Independent Booksellers AllianceSend us a textIn this episode, I chat with Ann Seaton, Co-Executive Director of the California Independent Booksellers Alliance. Anne brings the narrative of indie bookshops to life, highlighting how they serve as cultural hubs in their communities.Discover the steadfast mission of CALIBA to bolster the diverse fabric of independent bookstores, and learn why your choice of where to buy books can be a powerful statement in sustaining local gems. We also delve into the Mosaic Committee's efforts to foster inclusivity and representation in literature, celebrating BIPOC bookstores and their enriching contributions.2024-03-1822 min
ViewpointsViewpoints 96February is Black History Month and we’ll have a great story for you. Canada Post honours Mary Ann Shadd, an activist, publisher, lawyer, teacher and journalist who was influential in the Underground Railroad movement. A new stamp was revealed in honour of her accomplishments. One of her descendants shares her excitement with us.Ottawa caps international student permits. Changes will mainly affect BC, Quebec and Ontario. We’ll then turn to British Columbia to see what it means for the University of the Fraser Valley. And to Ontario, where the Ludmila Art Gallery, which focusses on women arti...2024-02-0229 min
The Mookse and the Gripes PodcastEpisode 72: Characters on HolidayBooks and holidays go together perfectly, and not just for those of us doing the reading. This week, we talk about our favorite stories where the characters are on vacation—a perfect recipe for exploring exotic settings, quenching vicarious wanderlust, romance, adventure, and plenty more!We also announce the winner our latest giveaway!Shownotes* Germinal, by Émile Zola, translated by Peter Collier* The Sin of Abbé Mouret, by Émile Zola, translated by Valerie Minogue* A Love Story, by Émile Zola, translated by Helen Constantine* January, by Sara Gallar...2024-01-251h 28
LohikäärmeradioJakso 41 - Tsemppiä, tekoäly-ylivaltiaamme!Hyvä chatGPT! Huristelkaa kuljetusrobotit! Vielä hetken kun jaksatte opetella, ehkä saavutatte singulariteetin ja sitten voimme tylsistyä utopiassa tai kuolla tuskallisesti robottisodan liekeissä.
Tänään jakson aiheena ovat siis tekoälyt ja niiden herättämät lukuisat huolenaiheet. Noudatetaanko missään enää robotiikan lakeja? Kuka meille tulevaisuudessa laskee avaruuslentoradat ja ylläpitää miehistön elintoimintoja, jos tekoälyt kirjoittavat romaaneja? Pystyykö juontajaparimme eläytymään tekoälyn sieluntoimintaan? Miten käy Susikoira-Roi -vitseille, jos ihmiskunta tuhoutuu?
Ihmettelemme myös, miksi tekoälyt kirjoittavat meille puheita ja tarkkailevat ihmisiä valvontakameroissa. Harjoittelevatko ne tulevaisuuden uraansa ihmiskunnan ylivaltiaana?
Kuka ne näihin hommiin on valjastanut? Kuka ta...2023-11-301h 55
Paralegals on Fire! with Ann PearsonParalegal Mentors Can Have Such a Big Impact In this episode, Ann interviews Ashley Stasiewich, a former paralegal turned full-time paralegal instructor. She discusses the importance of mentorship and the impact it can have on aspiring paralegals. Ashley also highlights the need for research on effective legal education for non-lawyers, particularly paralegals. She emphasizes the value of practical experience through internships and the role of educators in preparing students for the workforce. Ashley's dedication to supporting future legal professionals shines through her teaching and mentorship. About The Guest: Ashley Stasiewich is a former paralegal turned full-time paralegal instructor at McEwan University in C...2023-11-0636 min
Well-ReadWell-Read Episode 124 - Books We Wish We Could Read Again for the First TimeYou know the feeling…you finish a book you adored and instantly wish you could read it again for the first time. These are the books we wish we could experience again, and boy was it hard to pare them down!
Books and other media mentioned in this episode:
The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern (buy from Bookshop)
Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (buy from Bookshop)
Sorrow and Bliss by Meg Mason (buy from Bookshop)
In the Woods by Tana French (buy from Booksho...2023-08-1456 minRights, Rorts and RantsZombies and Crocodiles - Councillor Romola HollywoodThirty odd years ago an application to build a crocodile park in Wentworth Falls was approved and this zombie application has risen from the dead in a new and possibly scarier incarnation.
Blue Mountains City Ward 2 Councillor Romola Hollywood who discusses Council's response with Merran and Ann-Maree McEwan.
You can find more information and links to the proposal via this link.
You can also hear the concerns of Rod Provis and Murray Matin of the Bodington Hill Wildlife Resort Action Group in a separate podcast via this link.
If you'd like to...2023-05-2726 minRights, Rorts and RantsZombies and Crocodiles in the Blue MountainsThirty odd years ago an application to build a crocodile park in Wentworth Falls was approved and this zombie application has risen from the dead in a new and possibly scarier incarnation.
Blue Mountains residents Rod Provis and Murray Matin, representing the Bodington Hill Wildlife Resort Action Group discuss their concerns about this proposal with Merran MacLaren.
We then hear from Blue Mountains City Ward 2 Councillor Romola Hollywood who discusses Council's response with Merran and Ann-Maree McEwan.
You can find more information and links to the proposal via this link.
You...2023-05-2745 min
Book Fare: Book Club Fun, Wholesome Recommendations, Deep Discussions62-Can Literary Readers Enjoy Thrillers? Our Best Recommendations Here!You asked for it, you got it! This listener-requested genre has our hearts racing. We talk about what a thriller IS (is it even a real genre?), why we like it, and recommendations for every taste. Dive in!
Books Mentioned in this Episode:
The Firm by John Grisham
The Black Widow by Daniel Silva (also Gabriel Allon 5-9)
Run, Rose, Run; A Novel by Dolly Parton and James Patterson
BA Paris Novels
Winter Work by Dan Fesperman
Colleen Coble’s Thrillers
Beguiled by Dee...2023-05-0243 minRights, Rorts and RantsOwen Holmwood Part 3 of How Radio WorksOwen Holmwood has qualifications in electrical engineering, physics and science and has worked and taught at TAFE in these fields in Australia, Canada and Antarctica. He is a also passionate bush walker in the greater Blue Mountains.
In Part 3 of the interview (broadcast on Rights Rorts & Rants on 24 March 2023) Owen chats with presenter Ann-Maree McEwan to explain what Radio Blue Mountain's call signal 89.1 FM means, how radio can be used on mobile devices using Global Positioning Systems as a navigation aid, and he reflects on whether radio is dead or has a place in modern life. 2023-04-1108 minRights, Rorts and RantsOwen Holmwood Part 2 of How Radio WorksIn Part 2 of How Radio Works Owen Holmwood chats to presenter Ann-Maree McEwan about radio transmission, the politics and technology
of Radio Australia and ham radio, morse code and Summits on the Air. This interview was broadcast on Rights Rorts & Rants on 24 March 2023 on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1 FM.
2023-04-1117 minRights, Rorts and RantsOwen Holmwood Part 1 How Radio Works - AntarcticaOwen Holmwood has qualifications in electrical engineering (avionics), physics and science and has worked in related roles in Australia, Canada and Antarctica. Owen taught and led the Electrical Engineering department at Ultimo TAFE. He is a also passionate bush walker including in the greater Blue Mountains wilderness area. In these interviews (broadcast on Rights Rorts & Rants on March 24 2023) Owen chats with presenter Ann-Maree McEwan about how radio works and practical applications for radio physics.
In this episode Owen's chats about his radio research and work in Antarctica at Casey Station. 2023-04-1108 min
Rights, Rorts and RantsPolitics in the Pub - Money to BurnMany Australians are still trying to rebuild their lives after fires and floods in recent years, further complicated by COVID. It takes government support to both mitigate the potential impact of these disasters and to help communities recover afterwards.In the mountains we've seen an explosive increase in plant growth - fuel - and are expecting a dry winter, creating a dangerous risk in the upcoming fire season. This is further exacerbated by lengthening fire seasons caused by climate change.
How well prepared are we for future fire seasons?
And what was the effect when...2023-03-2051 minRights, Rorts and RantsGreg Keightley - Animal Justice Party Candidate for the Blue Mountains 2023Greg Keightley, Animal Justice Party candidate for the Blue Mountains electorate in the March 25th 2023 NSW state election talks to Ann-Maree McEwan and Jeanie Baxter about the policies of the Animal Justice Party.
If you'd like to add to the discussion, you can leave an audio comment about our show, which may be added to one of our podcasts.
This episode was first broadcast on Radio Blue Mountains 89.1FM on 24th February 2023.
Apply to be a guest on our show. Join a union - 1300 486 466 or join online. Join BMUC.
Rights, Rorts an...2023-03-0737 min
Red Fern Book Review by Amy TylerBooks Set in ParisSend us a textGeoff and Amy's trip to Europe Part Two. They are back home and reflecting on their recent trip to Paris. They discuss four books set in the City of Light including one book that pushes the podcast's PG rating! Books and Resources Discussed:Ticket to Paradise, movie 2022Earful Tower https://theearfultower.com/Marie Antoinette, movie 2006Henry and June by Anaïs NinMurder in Clichy by Cara BlackJacqueline in Paris: A Novel by Ann MahThe Margot Affair (debut no...2022-12-1638 min