In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune investigates the language of how words shape the doctor–patient relationship, and what’s at stake when communication fails. He’s joined by Dr. Sarah J. White, a conversation analyst and Director of Bedside Manners, and Dr Mary Dahm, a health communication expert and lecturer at Deakin University. Together, they reveal how even well-meaning language can confuse, and how subtle shifts in phrasing can make all the difference. Rune also explores how cultural differences affect care from a linguistic point of view. You’ll learn how medicine is just as much a language game as it is a science, and why better conversations might just save lives.
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35:42
How Voice Actors Talk
In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune wants to understand how some people make words leap off a page, and into our ears. Rune dives into the world of professional voice acting with voice coach and voice actor Abbe Holmes, who has spent decades helping people turn flat scripts into vibrant, believable performances. Together, they explore how voice actors bring life to language - from manipulating pitch and rhythm to working with (or against) clunky copy. Abbe explains how authenticity is often crafted, not spontaneous, and why the difference between sounding “real” and reading aloud is all in the breath, pauses, and intention. You’ll hear how voice acting plays with trust and emotion, how actors fix poor writing mid-performance, and why sounding natural takes more skill than it seems.
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37:44
How humans talk to dogs
In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune heads to the park to chat with dog owners, speculates with scientists, and barks up a storm with his furry friends. Alongside for the journey is University of Melbourne animal welfare scientist Dr Mia Cobb, who explains the nine different ways we communicate with our canine companions. From playful baby talk and stern commands to quiet, soothing whispers. Together they explore what our speech reveals about our relationships with dogs, and why the way we talk to animals says just as much about us as it does about them.
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33:12
Why do we curse and swear: #!@*&% ?
Rune Pedersen is on a mission to understand the power, and the pleasure, of profanity. In this episode of How Humans Talk, Rune explores swearing as more than just colourful language. From cheeky insults to taboo breakers, curse words carry history, emotion, and even a little magic. Teaming up with renowned linguist Professor Kate Burridge from Monash University, we're going to be taken on a deep dive into the psychology and sociology of swearing. They unpack everything from Aussie larrikin slang to ancient blasphemies, from the science behind pain relief through profanity, and why we swear less when things get really serious. Please note: This episode contains strong language. Listener discretion is advised—but also encouraged.
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32:37
How DO Humans Talk?
Rune Pedersen has a new challenge. After becoming a father, and being cooped up at home on parental leave he's relearning how to talk - so to speak. In the first episode of How Humans Talk, Rune dives headfirst into the intricacies of human communication. Guided by speech pathologist and voice expert Dr Sarah Lobegeiger de Rodriguez, he discovers the untapped power of the human voice, exploring why we often undervalue something so essential to our identity and relationships. Rune also chats with Dory Wang, who went from being a TV presenter in China to starting from scratch in Australia, armed with just a handful of vegetable names and some pleasantries. Together they unpack the emotional and social complexities faced by multilingual speakers, from battling accent biases to rethinking what belonging truly means.
How Humans Talk is a series exploring how people connect, persuade, and make sense of one another through language. Join host Rune Pedersen as he navigates the quirks, nuances, and hidden meanings of everyday conversations. Uncover the subtle ways our words shape identities, relationships, and the world around us. Listen in for chats with communication specialists, cultural commentators, and some delightfully curious minds.
Australia