ARN’s iHeartPodcast Network Australia has launched a new podcast providing informative and entertaining advice on how to navigate family life and keep kids sane while living in isolation.
Presented by Brisbane 97.3 FM’s newsreader Monique Dews and Breakfast co-host Robin Bailey, Keeping Up With Corona, features the latest family-related Corona news, expert discussions covering a range of subjects, and real-life listener experiences, as the world locks down.
Monique Dews said: “As both mums and broadcasters, Robin and I have a unique take on the corona madness. We’re covering off on all the corona news you need to know, but also getting into the nitty-gritty of family life in iso, and how to manage it. We want to deliver a positive spin on the daily challenges, and a few laughs. I call it ‘isolation appreciation’.”
Robin Bailey added: “Many people will be feeling out of control during these uncertain times, and we’ll be sharing tips and tools, based on our experiences. Monique and I will also offer advice on beating the boredom during lock-down, which will be invaluable to any parent! We’re looking forward to sharing our journey with families across Australia.”
ARN’s Commercial Product and Audio Partnerships Director Corey Layton said: “Podcast consumption for coronavirus content has increased alongside a demand for light entertainment, and this new podcast delivers both. ARN continues to curate and create the most informative and entertaining podcast offering through the iHeartPodcast Network Australia. The new Keeping Up With Corona podcast will provide a much-needed space to discuss the topics that matter to families during these uncertain times.”
Upcoming episodes will feature a range of stories including:
- Dr Justin Coulson discussing the best techniques to get kids organised.
- Australian journalist Natalie Peters offering a unique insight into battling and surviving Corona Virus.
- Scientist Dr Hannah Sassi discussing how to handle groceries at the shops and home.
ABC RN’s Norman Swan and colleague Tegan Tailor have launched a podcast that examines the medical research and answers listeners questions.
Swan, a qualified medical doctor and long time host of ABC Radio’s Health Report, said: “The need for information about COVID-19 is huge. We’re getting about 1000 questions per day and they’re intelligent, probing and sensible... We’re doing what the ABC is meant to do. Giving the facts and evidence based analysis.”
The daily 15 minute show tackles questions ranging from, should you go to the gym, do face masks work, and should you get your flu shot early this year?
Swan’s practical advice is to wash your hands regularly to break down the fatty deposits which help the virus stay on your skin, and try not to touch your face. because eyes are a major portal of entry for pathogenic micro-organisms and potentially COVID-19.
One of the features of the podcast is that questions are answered with a solid research based explanation about the answer, not just a ‘you should do this’ approach.
Quarantine measures are important to slow the spread of the virus, but there is no need for panic according to health experts. On present indications, about 80% of people recover from the disease without any special treatment, within about 4 weeks, according to infectious disease specialist Dr William Rawlinson.
The BBC has also launched a Corona Virus podcast and there are hundreds of podcasts and radio programs covering the topic on the Apple or Google Podcast platforms and on Acast and Whooshkaa, as the world waits to judge how fast it will spread and how much damage it will cause.
AIB, the Association of International Broadcasting, has released guidance for broadcasters dealing with Corona Virus here, and has published a stats map from John Hopkins Hospital, which outlines the situation around the world as of last week.
