Owen Cumming explores how the natural element of water interacts with the elements of air, fire and earth in the context of Western Australia.

Crystal Ngo explores the state of drinkable water in Western Australia. Are we headed towards a water crisis?

Crystal Ngo investigates the pros and cons of drinking sewage water.

Zaya Altangerel investigates the issue of coastal erosion. Is it just a problem for those with beachside mansions?

Thomas Crow looks into Western Australia's past, present and future to understand how water affects Western Australia's unique flora.

Water, fire, earth and air. Each season of Elements is about one of the four classical elements, and how they shape the world around us.

In season one, we demistified complex issues such as drought, desalination, recycling water, coastal erosion and more. As for season two, we’re going to get lit. Literally.

In season two, we have five episodes, from five producers, all about fire. We’ll hear stories from all corners of Western Australia, covering everything from festival bonfires to devastating wildfires, from echoes of ancient knowledge to the technological possibilities of the future.

Tune into season two of the Elements podcast now.

Madeleine Mitchell kicks off the second season of Elements by looking at the dramatically different ways fire can influence our lives.

In Western Australia, the annual Blazing Swan festival culminates with the burning of a giant wooden effigy. The bonfire brings people together to provide them with a sense of awe and joy.

But what happens when a fire is unplanned and uncontrollable? What do we feel then?

Please be aware, the second half of this episode mentions PTSD and suicide. Take care while listening.

If you are located in Australia, you can access 24/7 help through:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 or lifeline.org.au
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 beyondblue.org.au/forums

Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.

Credits

Host: Beth Maskall

Producer: Madeleine Mitchell

Guest experts: Hana Priest, Dr Wavne Rikkers

Executive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel

Sound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, Alyshia Gatani

Voice acting: Mita Hill, Caitlin McLeod, Evan Thyer

Cover artwork: Gabriel Ibias

And a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.

Lawrence Drown takes a tour of a local fire station to uncover the influence of fire safety measures in unexpected places such as hiking boots and iconic architecture.

Full transcription and citations for the episode can be found here.

Credits

Host: Beth Maskall

Producer: Lawrence Drown

Guest experts: Mark Otto, Timothy Moore, Gavin Maund

Executive producers: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel

Sound editing: Michelle Aitken, Zaya Altangerel, and Alyshia Gatani

Cover artwork: Gabriel Ibias

And a special thank you to Michael Gatt, Lisa Larsen-Henry and everyone who helped make this season possible.