The Radio National Hour
ABC
A weekday magazine-style current affairs program hosted by one of Australia's pre-eminent and loved interviewers. Drawing on Fran's extensive current affairs and cultural knowledge, The Radio National Hour takes a thoughtful, deep dive into the important and challenging issues, and brings insightful and engaging conversations with big names in the arts, sport and culture.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 5, 2026 • 55min
Medical specialists accused of behaving like 'cartels' with fee schedule
Brendan Murphy, former Chief Medical Officer and health policy expert, breaks down rising specialist gap payments. Kimberley Grimer, lived-experience advocate with Chronic Pain Australia, shares how fees force families to delay care. Rose Gottemmola, former New START negotiator and security academic, explains the treaty's role in limiting nuclear arsenals. Short, sharp conversations on costs, transparency, policy levers and global arms control.
Feb 4, 2026 • 55min
Herzog visit to honour Bondi victims divides Jewish Australians
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Feb 3, 2026 • 55min
'Silence is violence' - Indigenous leaders call for proper recognition of Perth attack
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Feb 2, 2026 • 55min
Has One Nation's moment finally come?
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Jan 30, 2026 • 55min
Australia's ice comeback at the winter games
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Jan 29, 2026 • 55min
Its getting hot in here - why dismal town planning makes heatwaves more deadly
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Jan 28, 2026 • 55min
Rose Byrne's on-screen flex, playing a loathsome mother
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Jan 27, 2026 • 55min
Divining the meaning of Xi Jinping's latest leadership purge
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Jan 26, 2026 • 50min
Rethinking bovine intelligence - there's more at steak than you think
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Jan 23, 2026 • 55min
Could the alcohol-free fad undo thousands of years of human evolution?
Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
