The Radio National Hour
ABC listen
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
Oct 3, 2025 • 55min
The Radio National Hour
Michael Rowland brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.
Oct 2, 2025 • 55min
'The Jane Tarzan should have married' - remembering Jane Goodall
Compelling conversations on issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.
Oct 1, 2025 • 55min
Too fat, too hairy and too much feeling - US military ordered to harden up
America’s defence secretary has gathered his nation’s generals to declare war on feelings, and wokeism - telling them to cut their beards, get fit, and focus on taking the fight to their enemies.
Sep 30, 2025 • 55min
The Radio National Hour
Donald Trump says it’s one of the greatest days ever in civilisation. But will the putative “peace deal” he declared today alongside Benjamin Netanyahu ever be realised?
Sep 29, 2025 • 55min
Confidence rises in AUKUS, despite Trump administration shadow
Confidence in AUKUS runs high despite review from the Trump administration; where to next for Australia's Republican movement; Australian pharma readies itself for steep US tariffs, and Lee Kernaghan on three decades at the top of country music.
Sep 26, 2025 • 55min
China's climate target underwhelmed, but it's complicated
China’s slow and steady emissions reduction target has disappointed climate change experts, but is it better to under-promise and over deliver?
Sep 25, 2025 • 55min
The battle for Bradfield is over
For four months now there’s been a lingering battle for Bradfield - the Sydney seat that delivered achingly close results at the Federal Election. Today the Liberal party candidate, Giselle Kapterian, has withdrawn her challenge to the result, which Teal Independent, Nicolette Boele won by a mere 26 votes.
Sep 24, 2025 • 55min
'Very strong towards NATO', Trump sanctions force against Russian incursions
US President Donald Trump has abruptly changed his tune on Russia saying he thinks European forces should 'shoot-down' Russian aircraft if they violate NATO airspace.
Sep 23, 2025 • 55min
'An itch that's hard to scratch' - PM unlikely to meet with President Trump
Will he, won’t he? Is it a snub or just a scheduling snafu? Donald Trump’s Presidential schedulers have left Australia hanging, throwing that much anticipated meeting with the Anthony Albanese leader into doubt.
Sep 22, 2025 • 55min
Is Palestinian recognition a hollow gesture?
Australia has joined the UK, Canada and Portugal in recognising a Palestinian state, in defiance of allies like the United States. Is it more than a symbolic gesture?
