In this fiery episode of Totally Cooked, hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, a Professor of Climate Science at the Australian National University, and Iain Strachan, a former journalist turned science communicator, dive headfirst into the scorching realities of droughts and fires.

Starting with Australia's dry and hot backyard, they unpack the science behind droughts and fires, explore how climate change fuels these phenomena, and discuss their devastating impacts on health, ecosystems, and economies. From the rising frequency of extreme fire weather to the intricate relationships between drought, fire, and climate change, this episode is a deep dive into some of Australia's most pressing climate challenges.

With surprising stats, real-world examples, and a touch of light-hearted banter, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the fiery intersections of climate and weather.

Grab your water bottle - this episode is an absolute scorcher!

To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Climate change is happening and the effects are already being felt around the world. But how do we know about global warming? How can we be sure it’s caused by human activity? And what can we do to address the problem?

In this episode of Totally Cooked, we’re going to unpack more than 200 years of advances in scientific knowledge about our climate and weather.

We’ll talk about the atmosphere, oceans, global average temperatures, ice cores and satellite images.

We’re also going to meet the people who first understood the greenhouse effect, predicted the consequences of burning fossil fuels, and who raised the alarm.

To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How is climate change impacting our weather? As the planet gets warmer, we’re entering uncharted territory for the climate and weather.

We’re already seeing temperature records broken regularly. High-impact weather is affecting people everywhere, and in some places normal, day-to-day weather patterns are changing.

In this episode of Totally Cooked, we’re going to talk about things like heat, rainfall and floods.

What factors determine the weather we experience here on the ground and up in the sky? And what can we expect from our weather as carbon emissions continue to rise?

To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You’ve all heard that we’re in a climate crisis. But how do we know why we’re in a climate crisis? When did global warming start? What’s the cause of the climate crisis? And what can you do about it?

In this episode of Totally Cooked, we’re going to learn when and how global warming and the climate crisis began. We’ll talk about the industrial revolution, fossil fuels, and what happens when large volumes of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide, are added to the atmosphere.

This is just the start of a fascinating, scary and sometimes darkly funny look at the biggest challenge humanity has ever faced.

To find out more, go to: https://www.21centuryweather.org.au/engage/totally-cooked-the-weather-climate-podcast/

Iain records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Bunurong People of the Kulin Nation. Sarah records Totally Cooked on the lands of the Ngunnawal and Ngambri people. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging and recognise their unique and continuing connection to the land, skies, waters, plants and animals.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Climate & Weather Podcast invites listeners behind the scenes of climate science to explore the big questions shaping our future. Hosted by Professor of Climate Science Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and science communicator Iain Strachan, this trailer introduces a show that cuts through the noise with straight-talking, evidence-based discussion about the climate crisis—from an Australian perspective.

This isn’t just another podcast about global warming. Totally Cooked digs deeper into the systems driving our weather, the science behind climate predictions, and the human stories at the centre of it all. In the trailer, Sarah and Iain offer a glimpse into what listeners can expect: topics ranging from Antarctica’s ice cores to ocean currents, fire weather, and the psychology of climate grief. With a mix of expert interviews, clear explanations, and a touch of dark humour, the show is designed to inform, empower, and spark action.

Whether you’re curious, concerned, or just trying to keep up with the science, Totally Cooked is your guide to making sense of a world in flux. Subscribe now—because the climate is changing, and so is the conversation.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.