With bushfires continuing to be a major threat to Australia’s ecology and rising sea levels posing a particular risk for the country’s coastal cities, the topic of climate change is more relevant than ever. Podcasts have proven to be an effective tool for exploring this vital topic, and this category is for those shows that tackle it with nuance.
Winner: GRIT (One Road In, One Road Out)
The South Coast regions of New South Wales were hit especially hard by the 2019-20 bushfires, and Beyond Empathy’s eight-part podcast GRIT (One Road In, One Road Out) looks at the lives of disadvantaged young people in Shoalhaven affected by the crisis. It gives audiences first-hand insights into how communities build resilience, adapt and thrive in the face of tragic circumstances.
As the podcast’s name suggests, the region covered is accessible by a single road, and, as such, is quite isolated as a community. The podcast is built upon truly compelling interviews with residents on topics such as climate, trauma, isolation, community and their connection to the country.
Built with consultation from experts in trauma recovery, mental health and emergency response, the GRIT podcast is a heartfelt and emotional listen about our relationship with the natural world.
