Now That's an Idea

About Now That's an Idea

Now That’s an Idea is a place where we stop grumbling and start scheming. Each edition pitches one way to make something better, usually with insights from someone who actually knows their stuff, occasionally from my own crackpot imagination. Why? 1. There are many problems Humans have a remarkable tendency to notice what’s wrong with the world. And we’re good at spotting problems. If food tastes bad, we complain. If traffic is slow, we grumble. But that’s only half the conversation: what are the solutions? 2. We need better answers It’s too easy to follow the path well walked. We live in a ever changing world with a flood of ideas, knowledge and answers. This blog is a chance to dive deep into ideas that are worth digging into. Each month I’ll wrangle a interviews and find folk with a ideas worth sharing. Join me in this mild attempt to make the world ever so slightly better. One idea at a time. Jack

Publisher

Jack

Category

news · science

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

7 Sept 2025

Latest episode

3 Dec 2025

Latest episodes

22 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Dec 2025

   Radio. The Unkillable Cockroach of Media - Scott Casley #22

   In this conversation, Jack and Scott Casley discuss the significance of amateur radio, particularly in emergency situations. Scott shares insights about the Gisborne Radio Club, the importance of radio communication during disasters, and the technical aspects of radio wave propagation. They explore the global connections made possible through amateur radio, the necessity of licensing, and the community's involvement in emergency communications. The discussion also touches on the evolution of radio technology, the relevance of Morse code, and the cultural impact of radio communication. More about the Gisborne Radio Club here: https://www.zl2aa.nz/ (https://www.zl2aa.nz/) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Gisborne Radio Club 02:57 The Importance of Amateur Radio in Emergencies 05:28 Understanding Radio Communication and Propagation 08:22 Global Reach of Amateur Radio 10:51 Licensing and Regulations in Amateur Radio 13:48 Emergency Communications and Community Involvement 16:26 The Evolution of Radio Technology 18:56 Learning Morse Code and Its Relevance 21:52 The Future of Radio and Digital Communication Keywords Amateur Radio, Gisborne Radio Club, Emergency Communication, Radio Waves, Morse Code, Long-Distance Communication, Radio Technology, Community Involvement, Licensing, Radio History Music by Lenny Lawns

2. 

   18 Nov 2025

   $500 Per Tonne?! The True Cost of Waste in Tairāwhiti - Sam Rowland #21

   In this episode, I sit down with Sam Rowland, General Manager of the Tairāwhiti Environment Centre, to talk about the future of the Coast — from forestry and erosion to food waste, recycling, and the big environmental opportunities sitting right in front of us. We dig into the region’s bold plan to transition 100,000 hectares of highly erodible land into permanent vegetation, and the complex mix of partners involved: iwi, foresters, ecologists, council, and community groups. Then we talk waste. Tairāwhiti sends some of the most expensive rubbish in the country to landfill, nearly 40% of it is food waste that could become nutrient-rich compost instead of dead weight in a black rubbish bag. We discuss about their plan to create community compost hubs, the push for a resource recovery centre, and how rethinking waste could save the region money while restoring the soil beneath our feet. Music by Lenny Lawns Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 01:03 Plans for Permanent Vegetation 07:18 Funding and Financial Mechanisms 08:37 Understanding Carbon Credits 12:00 Tairawhiti Environment Centre Initiatives 12:34 Waste Minimization and Community Resilience 22:58 Recycling Challenges and Solutions Keywords environment, forestry, carbon credits, waste management, community initiatives, biodiversity, composting, sustainability, ecological restoration, resource recovery

3. 

   11 Nov 2025

   The East Coast’s Most Audacious Company - Paul Naske & Panapa Ehau | #20

   In this conversation, Jack speaks with Paul Naske and Panapa Ehau from Rua Bioscience about their journey in the cannabis industry, focusing on sustainable economic development for their community. They discuss the evolution of the company, the transition to a capital light model, and the current state of their sales and market presence. The conversation also touches on their share raise initiative, advocacy for decriminalisation of cannabis, and the broader societal implications of cannabis legalisation. Throughout, they emphasise the importance of community impact and intergenerational wealth. Rua's Captial Raise: https://www.ruabio.com/news/capital-raise (https://www.ruabio.com/news/capital-raise) Rua's Push to Decriminalise: https://www.ruabio.com/tell-parliament-decriminalise (https://www.ruabio.com/tell-parliament-decriminalise) Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Ruhr Bioscience 01:10 The Journey of Ruhr Bioscience 07:41 Founders' Perspectives and Company Values 12:02 Pivoting Business Models in Cannabis 15:52 Current Market Strategies and Sales Growth 22:12 Future Aspirations and Share Raise Discussion 24:26 Intergenerational Goals and Community Impact 28:10 Investment Opportunities and Company Growth 33:21 Navigating the Cannabis Market: Medical to Recreational 36:27 Advocating for Decriminalization and Social Acceptance 42:35 The Unique Mission of the Company: Beyond Profit Keywords Rua Bioscience, cannabis industry, economic development, medicinal cannabis, share raise, decriminalization, sustainable business, community impact, intergenerational wealth, New Zealand cannabis Music by Lenny lawns.

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