This week on Breaking Waves, Hugh and Jac explore the natural world of Australia before taking a rather unexpected turn into the world of dentistry and wisdom teeth.

From the Royal National Park just south of Sydney to the very different landscapes of Kakadu and the Blue Mountains. Hugh and Jac look at how Australia’s national park system began and the importance of protecting forests, mountains, wetlands, wildlife and culturally significant natural places.

The conversation also covers some of the animals visitors might encounter in national parks, including kangaroos, wallabies, emus, crocodiles and magpies. Hugh and Jac share some personal experiences of Australia’s famously aggressive magpie swooping season and discuss why protecting habitats is so important for the country’s native plants and animals.

The second half takes a completely different route. Hugh and Jac turn their attention to wisdom teeth and dentistry. They discuss when wisdom teeth usually appear, why some people need them removed and what can happen when there isn’t enough room for them.

Jac also shares stories about having a grandfather who was a dentist in the Australian Army, leading to a conversation about dentistry, family history and some of the stranger myths associated with teeth.

From Australian wilderness and wildlife to wisdom teeth and family stories, this is another lively and unpredictable edition of Breaking Waves, with Hugh and Jac bringing curiosity, humour and plenty of unexpected detours to the conversation.