The Feed: Aug 3 -7

This week The Feed explores the industrial hemp industry, a serious coal mine spill in the Blue Mountains and Marc Fennell sits down with actor Jamie Bell plus Trainwreck leading man Bill Hader (pictured).

Unfit for Consumption
Industrial hemp has been used since the dawn of time for everything from ropes, clothes, oils and paper. It is also legal to be sold for human consumption everywhere in the world, except Australia and New Zealand it. In Canada alone the hemp food industry is worth an estimated $500 million. Hemp farmers, political leaders and hemp consumers claim the current laws regulating the Australian hemp industry are holding back a very lucrative trade, whilst denying Australian consumers a highly nutritious and sustainable super food.

Centennial Coal Mine Spill
Tonnes of black waste from a coal mine has been spilt into a World Heritage listed wilderness area in the Blue Mountains West of Sydney. Water scientists say the recent spill is a good thing as it brings attention to the coal mine it deserves. The Centennial Coal company supplies almost half of NSW’s coal fired energy needs (46%) and locals say the mine is paramount for the local economy and jobs. But scientists say the Blue Mountains mine at Clarence also discharges up to 25 mega litres of toxic waste water into the ‘pristine’ river system every single day and has done for the past 30 years.

Bill Hader
Bill Hader is one of America’s most gifted sketch comedians with famous stints on SNL and more recently his new film Trainwreck – but the story of how he got there is where the real laughs are. Hader landed in Hollywood with hopes of doing something else entirely. His first job in TV involved porn stars and, well, if you want to know more, you’ll just have to tune in…

Jamie Bell
Billy Elliot is all grown up and is now a new dad. He opens up to Marc Fennell about the challenges of single-parenting and how the iconic role of Billy Elliott shifted a fundamental understanding about himself. Bell also talks about his new blockbuster Fantastic Four. Reportedly a very troubled
production with rumours that director Josh Trank had a falling out with producers and the studio, Bell explains what really went on behind the scenes.

7:30pm weeknights on SBS 2.