The Nature Between Us

It's been three decades since the landmark Mabo decision overturned the concept of terra nullius - land belonging to no one - yet the idea of aqua nullius and the fight for restoring Aboriginal water rights remains. In this episode Tessa speaks to Wiradjuri Nyemba woman Dr Virginia Marshall about detangling the complex web of water management, the Royal Commission into the Murray Darling basin and the commodification of water. Virginia is a practicing lawyer and a duty solicitor specialising in intellectual property and traditional knowledge. She's also an Executive Officer of the Aboriginal Water Trust and was a member of the inaugural Indigenous Water Summit established by the National Water Commission. In addition she was the first Indigenous postdoctoral fellow with ANU and a winner of the Stanner Award with her thesis "A web of Aboriginal water rights: Examining the competing Aboriginal claim for water property rights and interests in Australia". Keep up to date with Virginias work via ANU School of Regulation and Global Governance : https://regnet.anu.edu.au/our-people/academic/virginia-marshall This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win one of TWO epic prize-packs head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com @thenaturebetweenuspodcast @tessadejosselin

Bees are infinitely important to our food production, plant pollination and ecosystem biodiversity. You've probably come across a European honeybee before, but did you know Australia has over 2000 different types of native bees? In this episode, Tessa speaks with Dr Tim Heard - an entomologist and ex CSIRO research scientist who focuses on stingless and native bees. The pair get chatting about the differences between native and introduced bees, the types of native species here in Australia, the challenges they are facing and what we can do to help our buzzy friends thrive. Keep up to date with Tims work at - https://sugarbag.net/ This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboards, For Purpose Recycling and Camp Cove Swim. To go in the running to win an epic prize-pack head to our website for more details www.thenaturebetweenus.com @thenaturebetweenuspodcast @tessadejosselin

In the first episode of season 2, Tessa sits down with one of Australia's most accomplished climate campaigners, Anna Rose. Anna is the co-founder of the Australian Youth Climate Coalition (AYCC) and Groundswell Giving. She's on the board for Farmers for Climate Action, a Governor of WWF Australia and co-star of the ABC documentary I Can Change Your Mind on Climate Change. With the upcoming federal election and increase in extreme weather events supercharging the climate conversation, Tessa wanted to hear from someone who's experienced political change first hand, and knows exactly how to turn the dial for good. The pair chat about her early climate win's, Earths tipping points, the upcoming election, why it's important to have governmental change, how you can vote effectively and have meaningful climate conversations. You can follow Anna's work on Instagram @climateactionanna or @youth4climatejustice and join the Groundswell movement at @groundswellgiving Wanna know how to vote better? Then check out Vote Compass: https://votecompass.abc.net.au/ This season is proudly supported by Spooked Kooks Surfboard, Camp Cove Swim and For Purpose Recycling. To win a prize-pack giveaway head to our website for entry details- www.thenaturebetweenus.com @thenaturebetweenuspodcast

This episode is all about creating art in the era of climate change. Specifically theater, which has the power to connect, provoke and inspire people far and wide. Which got Tessa thinking....could theater be the answer to climate anxiety, science communication or even just a subtle push for action? Today's guest is David Finnigan, a writer and theatre-maker who works with earth scientists to produce engaging performances about climate and global change. His plays include Kill Climate Deniers, You're Safe Til 2024, and 44 Sex Acts In One Week. Outside of being a playwright he is also a member of a number of theater ensembles which create interactive science-theater performances for festivals, conferences and schools. Boho in Australia, Coney in the UK and the Sipat Lawin Ensemble in the Philippines. Tessa came across David in Rebecca Huntley book How To Talk About Climate Change In A Way That Makes A Difference. If you've tuned into Ep6 you'll know all about the power of emotions and engagement, and this episode is some ways an extension of that conversation. We chat about David's plays and how he translates scientific research for the stage, why he was wrong about the fires, the power of theater and how we're crossing planetary boundaries. To sign up to David's newsletter, hit his website @ www.davidfing.com @thenaturebetweenuspodcast

Listening and learning from First Nations Peoples is crucial to a healthy environment. In this episode Tessa speaks with Christian Hampson, a proud Woiwurrung and Maneroo Aboriginal man who is interweaving Indigenous knowledge and collaborative design thinking to walk a new path - away from conventional approaches. In 2019 Christian co-founded Yerrabingin, a commercial design organisation that creates environmentally conscious native landscapes enriched with Indigenous narratives. One such project was the world's first Indigenous rooftop farm, that hosts over 2,500 Australian native edible plants, and is located on top of Yerrabingin House in South Eveleigh, Sydney. Prior to Yerrabingin, Christian had 20 Years experience as a Senior Cultural Heritage Manager with NSW National Parks where he conserved, shared and celebrated Aboriginal Cultural Heritage. This episodes centers around Aboriginal Cultural Heritage, what it means to care for and acknowledge Country, and Indigenous land management both in rural and urban settings. Christian also touches on the importance of oral knowledge and community kinship, the new Yerrabingin farm currently underway in Bargo, native edible plants, and what we can keep an eye out for when foraging in Sydney! Follow Christian at @yerrabingin & @heathen_black and stay up to date with TNBU by subscribing and following @thenaturebetweenuspodcast

Talking about climate change can be riddled with pitfalls...and as it turns out - the scientific facts aren't necessarily the best place to start. In this episode Tessa speaks with one of Australia's best known social researchers and author - Rebecca Huntley. Along with degrees in Law and film studies, and a PHD in gender studies, Rebecca has written numerous books and essays, and is a regular commentator on radio and television. Having delved into some of our most complex social issues Rebecca recently turned her focus to helping the climate crisis and produced her latest book How To Talk About Climate Change In A Way That Makes A Difference. A remarkable study into which emotions are useful and which are not when it comes to climate change communication. In this episode we dig deep into the psychology of the human brain and explore how Australians really feel about climate change, why it's sometimes hard to engage, the perils of politicization and how best to tackle tricky and scary conversations.

In Australia, 71% of the population live in a major city - but how sustainable is this? And what exactly makes a city liveable? In this episode Tessa chats with Sydney City Councillor Jess Miller to find out. If you're a sydney local you might already know Jess. She was first elected to Council in 2016, and served as Deputy Lord Mayor from 2017-2018. She is currently the Deputy Chair of the Environment Committee, sits on the Cycling Advisory Committee, and is a big advocate for sustainable urban design and a diverse night time economy. Jess is also an Impact Strategist at the socially conscious Republic of Everyone. She breaks down what makes a city liveable, how Sydney City transitioned to 100% renewable energy, the power of trees and the importance of human connection to people and place. You can keep up to date with all her amazing projects on instagram @jessmillersydney, and stay up to date with TNBU by subscribing and following @thenaturebetweenuspodcast

Australia has over 600 national parks, taking up over 28 million hectares of land. Much of which was destroyed in the 2019-20 fire season. In this episode Tessa speaks with Peta Norris, a NSW National Parks veteran, who's worked in wildlife conservation, land management, fire prevention, and as a park ranger and professional firefighter. She breaks down what caused the catastrophic fire events earlier this year and why the tried and tested techniques failed to contain the blazes. We also discuss the recent Bushfire Inquiry Report, why wildlife conservation is key, and the importance of listening to First Nations People. Peta's clued up on environmental law too, so we touch on the recent Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 review, and discuss whos got the most 'clout' when it comes to environmental law in Australia. And in true national park style....there's a symphony of birds singing in the background. Chirp chirp! Stay up to date by subscribing, and following on TNBU socials @thenaturebetweenuspodcast

The Nature Between Us is a new podcast demystifying environmental issues in a bid to find solutions and positivity. Join host Tessa de Josselin in conversation with a variety of people working towards a healthier planet. These discussions are as much about unpacking climate change and sustainability issues, as it is about reigniting an appreciation for the natural world and how much we depend on it - as individuals, and humanity. This podcast is recorded and produced on unceded Gadigal and Bidjigal country of the Eora Nation, it acknowledges they are the traditional owners of this land, and pays respects to their elders past present and emerging. Stay up to date by subscribing, and following on socials @thenaturebetweenuspodcast