Best Particle WA Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

15d 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

22d 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

29d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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. In this episode: What’s Up This Month? [01:00] Celebrate Star Wars Day by heading outside on May 4th at exactly 7:13pm! Beth and Leon walk us through how to spot a perfect first quarter moon, loca…

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Spelunking for Spiders 9:17

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

6M 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 …

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December 2024: Meteor Showers, Star Clusters, and Celestial Wonders! 56:56

7M ago56:56

56:56

Get ready for a spectacular December night sky! This month, we’ll guide you through dazzling meteor showers, breathtaking star clusters, and other celestial wonders visible from Perth, Western Australia. From the brightest constellations to the most exciting planetary alignments, we've got you covered. Plus, stay up to date with the latest discover…

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November 2024: Mountains, Nebulae and Astrofest! 1:02:29

8M ago1:02:29

1:02:29

Join hosts Leon and Beth as they guide you through November's celestial highlights! This month features an exciting planetary lineup in the western sky, with Venus and Mercury putting on a show after sunset. Learn when to catch the Leonids meteor shower, explore the southern constellation Mensa, and discover the fascinating Magellanic Clouds. Plus,…

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October 2024: The Milky Way, Meteor Showers, and Subaru 1:06:13

9M ago1:06:13

1:06:13

Join us this October as we explore the night sky’s wonders, from the last glimpses of the Milky Way to the dazzling Orionid meteor shower. Plus, discover the celestial beauty of Subaru. Tune in for your monthly dose of stargazing insights.By Particle WA

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September 2024: Saturn’s Rings, Celestial Mechanics, and Space Mishaps 1:10:10

10M ago1:10:10

1:10:10

This month, Leon and Beth guide you through the night sky of Boorloo for September. Discover the planets Saturn and Venus, and learn about Saturn’s opposition and its upcoming equinox. The team also dives into the Deep Sky Dictionary, Space Picture of the Month, and the latest in space flight fails. Don’t miss out on the cosmic fun!…

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Special Edition: Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle 47:05

11M ago47:05

47:05

This month, Leon and Amanda delve into the fascinating story of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle debris that washed up in Greenhead in July 2023. Discover what this piece of space history is, how it got here, and its new home at Scitech. The team also explores the journey of the PSLV, its role in space missions, and the intricate process of prepa…

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August 2024: The Teapot, Galactic Wonders, and Space Oddities 36:00

11M ago36:00

36:00

This month, Leon and Amanda guide you through the night sky of Boorloo for August. Discover the constellations Scorpius and Sagittarius and learn why the “Teapot” is must-see. The team also dives into Space Flight Fails, Deep Sky Dictionary, and the Space Picture of the Month. Don’t miss out on the cosmic fun!…

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July 2024: Corvus The Crow, Lunar Research and Paralax 59:07

12M ago59:07

59:07

This month Beth and Leon take you through the night sky of Boorloo over July (As long as the winter clouds don't get in the way. The team then talks about the Constillation of the Month, Space Flight Fails, Deep Sky Dictionary and Space Picture of the Month. Head to our Instagram @particlewa to see photos from the episode. Show notes can be found o…

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June 2024: Scorpions, snakes, & rants about space tourism 48:04

1y ago48:04

48:04

Leon and Beth chat about what you'll see looking up at the sky in Boorloo in June. Featuring Antares (the moral enemy of Mars), Hydra (the giant snake) and Alphard (the lonely Librarian). Beth rants about space tourism, and Leon nerds-out over a "really cool graph." Discussed this month: The Winter Solstice Planets: Mercury, Saturn, Mars & Jupiter …

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May 2024: Blue last-quarter moon, why voyager got confused, and the creepy sound of pulsars. 47:49

1y ago47:49

47:49

Beth and Leon discuss what's in the night sky in May. Why Boeing starliner is having so many troubles, the oddly shaped radio telescope that was an important part of WA Broadcast history, and listen to the creepy sound of Vela's pulsar.By Particle WA

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April 2024: A lion with beans on its head, an eclipse you can't watch, and looking at earth from space 45:42

1+ y ago45:42

45:42

Beth and Leon are back to tell you what you need to know about space this month. First, what's in the sky this month, including an amazing solar eclipse that you'll be able to watch... over live stream, because it happens on the other side of the world. Space Flight Focus: How is SpaceX going with launching the biggest ever rocket? Well, Leon boldl…