<p>This is a very special episode of Sci_Burst – our first ever live recording!!!</p><p>Press play to learn about third places, the science and hope of community, and accessible futures.</p><p>Thanks to our live audience, videographer, and Woden Library staff for making this such a cosy and special recording xx</p><p>This project is supported by Inspiring Australia ACT and the ACT Government. Our equipment for this live recording was also made possible by YWCA Canberra. </p><p><br></p><p>Episode time stamps:</p><p>0:00 Episode intro</p><p>2:53 What are third places?</p><p>14:06 The science of community and third places</p><p>34:23 Hopeful community futures</p><p>45:27 Good News segment</p><p><br></p><p>Want more? Here are some things we spoke about in this episode that we recommend:</p><p><em>- The Great Good Place </em>(1989) by Ray Oldenburg</p><p>- Closure of ‘third places’? Exploring potential consequences for collective health and wellbeing (<a href="https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135382921930735X" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135382921930735X</a>)</p><p>- Integrating the environmental and genetic architectures of aging and mortality (<a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03483-9" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03483-9</a>)</p><p>- What are Third Places and Why Do They Matter? (<a href="https://www.shankerinstitute.org/blog/what-are-third-places-and-why-do-they-matter" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.shankerinstitute.org/blog/what-are-third-places-and-why-do-they-matter</a>)</p><p>- &#39;Third places&#39; are good for your wellbeing and wallet. Here is how to find yours (<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-14/third-spaces-benefits-wellbeing-and-wallet/103577022" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-14/third-spaces-benefits-wellbeing-and-wallet/103577022</a>)</p><p>- Libraries are becoming &#39;community living rooms&#39; keeping regional Australians connected (<a href="https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-31/libraries-offer-safe-space-and-inclusion-in-regional-communities/105312932" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-31/libraries-offer-safe-space-and-inclusion-in-regional-communities/105312932</a>)</p><p><br></p><p>Good News Stories:</p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/feb/02/prioritize-friend-relationships-loneliness-health" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/feb/02/prioritize-friend-relationships-loneliness-health</a></p><p><a href="https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/13/playing-thriving-reef-sounds-underwater-speakers-save-damaged-corals" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/13/playing-thriving-reef-sounds-underwater-speakers-save-damaged-corals</a></p><p><br></p><p>#scicomm #community #thirdplaces #hopefulfutures #solarpunk #libraries #walkablecommunities #accessibility</p>