Best Particle WA Podcasts (2026)

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Episode 3: Wa vs. Ga? Ni vs. He? Japanese Particles Made Simple (+ Quiz!) 51:27

Play Pause

11d ago51:27

51:27

In this episode, we break down some of the most confusing parts of Japanese grammar: particles. From は (wa) vs. が (ga) to に (ni) vs. へ (he), we explain what each one really means, how they’re used in everyday conversation, and how choosing the right particle can change the nuance of a sentence. We even have a small quiz in the end where you can try…

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What's Up In The Sky? January 2026's Stellar Stargazing Guide 30:50

2h ago30:50

30:50

Happy New Year! This month, join the Please Look Up team for this special episode of reflection - looking back on our favourite moments from the year of 2025. Leon and Alyshia will be back in February well rested and ready to return to regular space news programming. But fear not! We wouldn't leave you without your monthly dose of space news. If yo…

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Special Episode: New Year in Japan: Traditions, Customs, and Fresh Starts 56:49

2d ago56:49

56:49

In this episode, we explore how New Year is celebrated in Japan and why it’s considered the most important holiday of the year. From hatsumōde to osechi and temple bells, we take a closer look at the customs that shape the Japanese New Year experience. If you’ve ever wondered how Japanese people welcome the new year, what traditions they follow, or…

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Special Episode: What Makes Japanese Christmas Different? (Couples, Cake & KFC!) 45:42

9d ago45:42

45:42

In this special Christmas episode, we look at how Japan celebrates the holiday in a completely different way from the West. From romantic Christmas Eve dates and strawberry shortcake traditions to the famous KFC boom, we dive into why Christmas in Japan feels more like a celebration for couples than families, and how the holiday became what it is t…

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Episode 2: Japanese Greetings Explained (Konnichiwa, Mata ne, Okaeri & More) 52:43

18d ago52:43

52:43

In this episode, we take a closer look at some of the most common greetings in Japanese. From konnichiwa and ohayō to mata ne, okaeri, and more, we explore what these expressions really mean, when to use them, and how their nuance changes depending on formality, relationship, and everyday context. If you’ve ever wondered how Japanese people choose …

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What’s Up In The Sky? December’s Stellar Stargazing Guide 51:02

28d ago51:02

51:02

Join Leon and Alyshia in a look through the December night sky. Enjoy the last faint glimpses of the milky way for the year and cast your eyes instead on Jupiter which is shining brightly this month. If you whip out a telescope you may even be able to see Saturn and Neptune to add to your planet tally! And Pisces gives you your monthly dose of myth…

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Episode 1: Watashi? Boku? Omae? — The Many Ways to Say “I” and “You” in Japanese 59:23

28d ago59:23

59:23

In our very first episode, we break down the many ways to say “I” and “you” in Japanese. From watashi, boku, and ore to anata, kimi, and omae, we explore what these pronouns really mean, when to use them, and how they can change depending on gender, personality, and social context. If you’ve ever wondered why Japanese has so many options, or which …

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What's Up In The Sky? November's Stellar Stargazing Guide 49:17

2M ago49:17

49:17

Join Leon and guest host Alyshia as they rocket into the November night sky and explore all the latest space news including: Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No... it's a supermoon! Grab a mirror because November is the best month to look at Uranus. Leon's namesake meteor shower. It's raining space junk, but has anyone ever been hit by it? How Leon bro…

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What's Up In The Sky? October's Stellar Stargazing Guide! 45:48

3M ago45:48

45:48

What's up this month? The October sky is just like Leon's resting heart rate... chill as hell. There's still stuff to see though! The milky way, triangles (like, official ones, not just three random stars connected), meteors and not to mention it's the best time of year to see Mercury! Additionally, Leon and guest host Alyshia embark on side quests…

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What's Up In The Sky? September Stellar Stargazing Guide! 51:17

4M ago51:17

51:17

This episode contains Sexual References Coarse Language viewer discretion advised Morgan joins Leon this episode, & asks all the hard hitting (not silly) questions. Theres a Total Eclipse of the Blood Moon to look out for. The oddly named Scutum is the constellation of the month & UY Scuti could swallow our entire solar system. Recapping the epic N…

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Alcohol 101 13:08

4M ago13:08

13:08

Alcohol has been central to culture, art and societies for thousands of years. How far we’ve come to vomiting in a bin somewhere in Northbridge. In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces three Particle stories, written by Emily Evans, Thomas Crow and Alex Dook and read by Cat Williams. Where did alcohol come from, is the ‘seal’ a real thing, …

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Are the enhanced games enhancing sport? 8:02

5M ago8:02

8:02

Step aside Olympic Games, a much smaller, potentially more dangerous worldwide sporting event is upon us. Enter: the Enhanced Games. Join host Morgan Knoxlee as we seek to understand what the Enhanced Games are, and what it could mean for sport. The article in this episode was written by Owen Cumming and read by Cat Williams. For more stories like …

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What's Up In The Sky? August's Stellar Stargazing Guide! 43:42

5M ago43:42

43:42

The Night Sky! Stuff we will see: It's all about the Milkyway in August (just look up!) Stuff we won't see: Southern Hemisphere misses out on the Perseid meteor shower (lucky you if you're in the north!) Planets: Jupiter and Venus get close and personal in the morning of the 12th & 13th August. Something something optics, physics. Constellation of …

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The Battle Against Buffel Grass 8:04

5M ago8:04

8:04

Invasive species are a known threat to biodiversity in Australia. But lesser known is the humble Buffel grass. Buffel's threat is equal to that of feral cat and fox predation, so why isn't it better known? Introduced over a century ago, Buffel can spread rapidly and is currently threatening not only Aussie animals and biodiversity, but it’s also th…

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The Pasta Paradox: Unravelling the Mysteries of Maths 13:28

6M ago13:28

13:28

The word ‘maths’ means a lot of things for a lot of different people. In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces three Particle stories, written by Owen Cumming and Kassandra Zaza, and read by Cat Williams. The sum of these three great stories might divide you. We hope you have a good time(s) listening and maybe enjoy a take-away while you’re …

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How do you interview a plant? 1:03:38

6M ago1:03:38

1:03:38

While Word for Word is on break, we’re bringing you an episode from The Particle Podcast where big ideas meet curious minds. In this conversation, we explore the world of science communication. What is it, really? Why does it matter? And how can we make science more relatable, more accessible… and maybe even more fun? Whether you’re a science nerd,…

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Elements: Fire, Water and a Shifting Climate 25:37

7M ago25:37

25:37

This week on Word for Word, we’re featuring an episode from Elements, a powerful audio series hosted by Owen Cumming. In this story, we explore Western Australia’s deep relationship with water. From bushfires to floods, droughts to deluges, this episode traces how water moves through our landscape… and what happens when the climate begins to shift.…

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Please Look Up: A Journey Through Our Night Sky 59:27

7M ago59:27

59:27

While Word for Word takes a short break between seasons, we’re sharing something special from the Particle universe. This episode comes from Please Look Up our cosmic podcast hosted by Leon and Beth. From constellations to cosmic events, they explore what’s happening above us and why it matters down here. It’s science, it’s stargazing, and it’s all…

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Season One Wrap-Up: What’s Next for Word for Word? 1:18

7M ago1:18

1:18

Season one of Particle Word for Word has officially wrapped! While we take a short break, we’re not leaving your feed empty. In this episode, Morgan reflects on the stories we’ve shared, the voices we’ve heard, and what’s coming next. You’ll also hear how we’re keeping things fresh with a few surprise episodes from across the Particle universe. Got…

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Renewable Energy 101: Sun, Sea and Sky 11:29

7M ago11:29

11:29

The future of energy isn’t flashy... it’s elemental. In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces three Particle 101s written by Emily Evans and read by Cat Williams, diving into the natural forces that have powered human life for thousands of years: sun, sea, and sky. From ancient windmills to WA’s biggest solar farms, and waves off Albany with…

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What's Up in the Sky? July's Stellar Stargazing Guide! 1:07:23

7M ago1:07:23

1:07:23

This week on Please Look Up, we’re climbing 2700 metres above sea level to check out a telescope so powerful it’ll basically binge watch the universe. The Vera Rubin Observatory has a 3.2 gigapixel camera (yes, gigapixel) and a mission to scan the entire night sky every three days for the next decade. Total cost? A cool $1 billion. Worth it? We thi…

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June 2025: Wolves, Rockets, and the Great Stonehenge Conspiracy 59:05

7M ago59:05

59:05

Beth and Leon are back with your monthly galaxy guide and a cracking mix of cosmic banter, dodgy Latin puns, and eyebrow raising Aussie aerospace news recorded at SciTech on Whadjuk Noongar land. In this episode: What's Up This Month? [01:00] Beth and Leon spin left for winter skies, chasing the Milky Way across the southeast and spotting Venus on …

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Can drying them out stop the cane toads’ invasion of WA? 7:44

7M ago7:44

7:44

These warty little invaders are marching west and scientists in WA are fighting back with a surprisingly simple strategy: cutting off their water supply. In this episode, host Morgan Knoxlee introduces a story written by Cat Williams and read by Evan Thyer, diving into a bold new approach to one of Australia’s most toxic pests. It’s smart, it’s low…

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Turtle Camp: Engaging Kids on Country 7:19

7M ago7:19

7:19

What if the best classroom didn’t have walls at all? In this episode of Particle Word for Word, we head to Turtle Camp a hands-on conservation program blending science, culture, and connection to Country. Written and read by Cat Williams, this story explores how kids in the Pilbra are learning to track turtles, monitor nests, and care for their env…

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Of Woolly Mice and Mammoths 23:06

8M ago23:06

23:06

In this episode of Particle Word for Word, we dive headfirst into the fascinating, futuristic and sometimes fraught world of de-extinction. What happens when you splice a woolly mammoth gene into a lab mouse? What if extinction wasn’t the end of the story, but just... an intermission? Join us as we explore the sharp, speculative science behind resu…

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The fight to save Rockingham’s little penguins 11:47

8M ago11:47

11:47

Written and read by Cody Robinson In this episode, Cody Robinson takes us to Garden Island, a restricted naval base off Western Australia’s coast, where one of the state’s northernmost little penguin colonies is quietly fighting for survival. Away from the crowds of Penguin Island, Cody joins marine biologist Dr Belinda Cannell on a survey mission,…

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May 2025: Moon Quarters, Lion Kings, and Neptune’s Festival 1:04:29

8M ago1:04:29

1:04:29

Join Leon and Beth for your monthly dose of stargazing tips, mythological deep dives, and cosmic commentary, recorded at SciTech on Whadjuk Noongar land. *Content Warning: This episode includes discussion of sexual assault and a survivor’s experience. This content occurs between 40:00 and 52:40. In this episode: What’s Up This Month? [01:00] Celebr…

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Spelunking for Spiders 9:17

8M ago9:17

9:17

Written and read by Tom Gurn Deep beneath Western Australia's Nullarbor Plain, scientists are uncovering a hidden world of rare cave-dwelling spiders. In this episode, Tom Gurn takes us underground to explore the eerie silence, delicate ecosystems, and the surprising discoveries that come with searching for life in total darkness. These blind, pale…

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The Megafauna Mystery 9:47

8M ago9:47

9:47

Giant wombats. Marsupial lions. Thunderbirds. Australia’s ancient landscapes were once home to massive megafauna creatures as strange as they were enormous. But around 40,000 years ago, they vanished. In this episode, we explore the mystery behind their extinction. Was it climate change? Human hunting? Or something more complex? With new fossil evi…

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Where have all the women STEM role models gone? 9:49

9M ago9:49

9:49

The achievements of women scientists are non-existent in the Australian high school curriculum.By Particle WA

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Cancer-curing Sea Sponges 9:49

9M ago9:49

9:49

They don’t move, don’t make noise, and don’t have brains but sea sponges might just help cure cancer. In this episode, we dive into the hidden world of marine sponges and the incredible promise they hold for modern medicine. With research happening right here in Western Australia, scientists are uncovering powerful chemical compounds inside these a…

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April 2025: Saturn's Moons, The Media, and Blueberry Cheese 1:20:00

9M ago1:20:00

1:20:00

Please Look Up Podcast | April Edition Join Leon and Beth (with special April Fool's guest Producer Morgan!) for your monthly dose of space news, astronomy tips, and cosmic commentary—recorded at SciTech on Whadjuk Noongar land. In this episode: What's Up This Month? [01:00] Beth guides us through the southern sky as the Southern Cross returns, mar…

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Are we drowning out the sounds of the sea? 10:13

9M ago10:13

10:13

The ocean is full of sound, from the haunting calls of whales to the crackling of coral reefs. But now, those natural voices are being drowned out by noise pollution. Ships, sonar, oil rigs, and even tourism are changing the underwater soundscape, making it harder for marine animals to communicate, navigate, and survive. In this episode, we explore…

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Promiscuous Girls 12:07

10M ago12:07

12:07

For far too long, women have been seen as secondary to men under the patriarchal rule of human society. Yet, humanity’s existence has been a minor blip in the history of the Earth, where females are the dominant sex of many species. The differences between men and women are far greater culturally than biologically. In animals like the noolbenger/ho…

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Word for Word 0:27

10M ago0:27

0:27

Science journalism, straight to your ears! Welcome to Particle Word for Word, the podcast that brings compelling science stories to life. Hosted by Morgan Knoxlee, each episode features a reading of an article from Particle WA. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a curious mind, or just enjoy great storytelling, tune in and explore the wonders of …

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March 2025: Equinox, Asteroid Worries, and the Hare in the Sky 49:14

10M ago49:14

49:14

Join Leon and Beth for this month’s PLU Podcast, your ultimate guide to the night sky over Borloo! As the warm evenings of Bunuru continue, March offers stunning celestial sights, with Mars and Jupiter shining bright in the north. Meanwhile, Saturn, Venus, and Mercury stay hidden in the Sun’s glare, slowly making their way back into view—though the…

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February 2025: Planet Parade, Orion’s Hunting Dogs, and Volcanic Moons 55:59

11M ago55:59

55:59

February’s night sky is putting on a show! This month, Leon and Beth guide you through a rare planetary parade, where every planet—including Mercury—is visible at once. Learn how to spot Venus at peak brightness, Jupiter ruling the northern sky, and Orion’s celestial hunting dogs, Canis Major and Canis Minor. Plus, we debunk the myths around planet…

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January 2025: Cosmic Wonders – Mars, Planets in Line, and a Starry Treat! 1:02:03

12M ago1:02:03

1:02:03

Get ready for a spectacular January night sky! This month, we’ll take you on a stargazing journey featuring Mars at opposition, a rare planetary parade visible from Perth, Western Australia, and the stunning constellation of Gemini. Find out why Venus and Saturn are cozying up in the west, when to catch Earth at perihelion, and why Mars is shining …