Totally Cooked: Episode 16 – How does the stratosphere shape our climate? (LIVE)

Join hosts Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and Iain Strachan of the Totally Cooked team for their very first live recording, as they take you up, up, and away into the stratosphere. To explore this mysterious and wonderful place far above the Earth’s surface, the hosts are joined by guest experts Professor Julie Arblaster (Monash University) and Dr. Martin Jucker (University of New South Wales).

In this episode, the LIVE panel explores what really happens above the clouds, how the ozone layer and jet stream shape our planet’s climate, and why the stratosphere matters for weather, warming, and life below. So hold your breath as the Totally Cooked team this week take your learning higher than ever before, into the stratosphere.

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.

Show Notes

In this episode, we look at:

• A warm welcome to the first live recording of Totally Cooked.
• What is the stratosphere?
• Prof. Julie Arblaster and Dr. Martin Jucker join the show!
• How does UV light becomes heat?
• What do the winds at the edge of the stratosphere do?
• Why changes above affect weather below.
• Live reactions and Q&A.
• Why understanding the stratosphere matters.

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Listen Now

This episode will be released and available to stream and download on Friday 6th March, 2026.

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Why listen to Totally Cooked?

Because it’s time to feel empowered, not overwhelmed. Totally Cooked is a science-backed, straight-talking podcast about weather, climate change, and what it all means for life on Earth – especially here in Australia.

Hosted by climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick and science communicator Iain Strachan, Totally Cooked breaks down how human activity is changing the Earth’s systems—from our skies to our seas—and what we can do about it.

From greenhouse gases to fire weather, supercomputers to Antarctic ice cores, this is climate science without the jargon, and where no subject is too complex or controversial.

Totally Cooked is for anyone who wants to understand the science of climate change—without needing a PhD. Whether you’re a high school student, policy maker, journalist, teacher, concerned citizen or just a little climate-curious, this podcast will give you the tools to think clearly and act confidently.

• Cut through the noise with clear, honest science.
• Understand the why behind climate change;
• Learn how climate change impacts real-world weather;
• Hear from the best researchers and scientists in their field and from around the world;

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We want to build a community of climate and weather nerds.

If can’t get enough of Totally Cooked, join our mailing list to receive episode alerts, show notes, information about our guests and behind the scenes content.

You can also suggest a guest or topic by emailing totallycooked@21centuryweather.org.au.

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