Open House With Stephen O'doherty

The future truly is right now. University of Newcastle Physics Professor, Paul Dastoor, spoke to Open House about the super lightweight, printable, recyclable solar cells his team have invented. 300 times lighter than ordinary solar cells they have been 15 years in the making but represent a huge energy revolution.

The death of US Senator John McCain from brain cancer marked the end of life of public service for a man whose faith helped him endure five and a half years as a Prisoner of War in Vietnam. He was eulogised by all the living US Presidents, most of whom attended his funeral service. He had many long term friendships, many with political opponents. However, there was one person he never got along with, current President Donald Trump. The animosity was mutual which was made clear by the funeral arrangements and the official White house response to Senator McCain's passing.

In a world where illness seems to be everywhere, where does failing biology stop and personal responsibility begin? On Open House author of Unwell, Mike McRae, explored the nature of illness and disease.

Christian  movement Common Grace is inviting Australians to share in the wonder of creation with a series of reflections and other resources from their climate justice team. On Open House, Common Grace CEO, Scott Sanders talked about the 'Overview Effect'. It is the name given to the experience astronauts have when they leave the Earth and look back to see the planet hanging in space.

An expert explains how good - or bad - coffee really is. And why the coffee dependents among us get a headache if we miss our morning cuppa.

Weedkiller glyphosate, better know by the trade name Roundup, has been in use globally for about 40 years. What will be the impact of a multi-million dollar judgement in favour of a man claiming the chemical caused his cancer. Is the chemical dangerous or is fake news at work? Professor Jim Pratley told Open House the chemical is safe when used correctly and that banning glyphosate would severely impact world food supply.

Catholic leaders have published a report responding to the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. They have vowed that the Church’s shameful history will never be repeated. Father Frank Brennan is a Jesuit Priest, outspoken social justice advocate and also a lawyer. He told Open House that calls to end the secrecy of confession misunderstand the nature of Catholic confession.

Scott Morrison's former pastor says Christians are perfectly entitled to comment on the actions of Australia's new PM, but they should first pray for him. his office and his colleagues.

A new study led by The Australian National University (ANU) has found government policies around the world that aim to reduce water consumption through improved irrigation efficiency in agriculture may actually be having the opposite effect. Professor Quentin Grafton told Open House the irrigation paradox means governments must act now or face a global water tragedy.

In Australia, children in state care leave care when they turn eighteen. Legally they are adults, but are we expecting too much of them and setting them up for a life of failure and disadvantage? On Open House, Paul McDonald of Anglicare Victoria and chair of The Home Stretch explained that within a year, half of care leavers will be homeless, in trouble with the law or a new parent. 

The Catholic church is facing sexual abuse crises in several countries, Pope Francis has issued an unprecedented letter to all Catholics about sexual abuse. The Pope asked "the People of God" to help root out "this culture of death" and vowed there would be no more cover ups. "We showed no care for the little ones; we abandoned them,” the Pope said. Open House talked to Fr Brian Lucas about the impact of abuse scandals in Australia and globally.

Photographs of children who have spent their entire life on Nauru were released at the launch of the #KidsOffNauru Coalition. CEO of World Vision, Claire Rogers told Open House the coalition of humanitarian, refugee, church and human rights organisations want to see the 119 children currently on Nauru released by Universal Children’s Day, November 20, at the latest.

With a new Prime Minister in Canberra what sort of leadership values should we expect from a man who is so publicly and avowedly Christian? On Open House, author and theologian, Brian Harris, outlined the five 'S' qualities of Christian leadership.

Catholic theologian Reverend Dr Michael Trainor, has a wide ranging conversation on Open House about Catholic belief and practice. He believes Protestantism has given Catholics many gifts and Catholics should receive them with an open heart.

Bruce Baird, the former Liberal MP who has opened doors for Scott Morrison, chats about the new PM, his faith, and his tough stance on refugees.

Professor John Warhurst, Emeritus Professor of politics from ANU and regular commentator talks Open House through the change of federal leadership.