S3 E3: Science, Community, and Third Places

This is a very special episode of Sci_Burst – our first ever live recording!!!

Press play to learn about third places, the science and hope of community, and accessible futures.

Thanks to our live audience, videographer, and Woden Library staff for making this such a cosy and special recording xx

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.

Episode time stamps:

0:00 Episode intro

2:53 What are third places?

14:06 The science of community and third places

34:23 Hopeful community futures

45:27 Good News segment

Want more? Here are some things we spoke about in this episode that we recommend:

- The Great Good Place (1989) by Ray Oldenburg

- Closure of ‘third places’? Exploring potential consequences for collective health and wellbeing (https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S135382921930735X)

- Integrating the environmental and genetic architectures of aging and mortality (https://www.nature.com/articles/s41591-024-03483-9)

- What are Third Places and Why Do They Matter? (https://www.shankerinstitute.org/blog/what-are-third-places-and-why-do-they-matter)

- 'Third places' are good for your wellbeing and wallet. Here is how to find yours (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2024-03-14/third-spaces-benefits-wellbeing-and-wallet/103577022)

- Libraries are becoming 'community living rooms' keeping regional Australians connected (https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-31/libraries-offer-safe-space-and-inclusion-in-regional-communities/105312932)

Good News Stories:

https://www.theguardian.com/wellness/2024/feb/02/prioritize-friend-relationships-loneliness-health

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/mar/13/playing-thriving-reef-sounds-underwater-speakers-save-damaged-corals

#scicomm #community #thirdplaces #hopefulfutures #solarpunk #libraries #walkablecommunities #accessibility