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Solstice Media
An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.
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8 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
Part 1: Victoria’s historic treaty
Ngarra Murray, a Royal Woman and co-chair of the First Peoples’ Assembly, and Rueben Berg, a Gunditjmara man, discuss the landmark treaty bill introduced in Victoria. They share the treaty's significance for reconciliation and formal apology, along with plans for integrating Aboriginal truth-telling into schools. They highlight traditional owner representation in negotiations and the potential of the treaty to transform Aboriginal affairs. The duo also emphasizes community advocacy's role in influencing government policy, aiming for meaningful structural reform.

9 snips
Sep 11, 2025 • 17min
Part 2: The politics and pushback
Indigenous leaders celebrate Victoria's groundbreaking treaty, establishing Gellung Warl, a body for First Peoples' consultation. While some advocate for this model in other regions, critics argue it may incite division and has political ramifications. The discussion delves into the historical context of Indigenous struggles, the complexities of public opinion, and the necessity of truth-telling. Ultimately, the treaty represents a hopeful shift for First Nations people, calling for a renewed relationship with broader communities.

Sep 10, 2025 • 14min
How AI is being abused to create child sexual abuse material
Grace Tame, an advocate for survivors of child sexual assault and director of The Grace Tame Foundation, highlights the alarming rise of AI-generated child sexual abuse material in Australia. She discusses the urgent need for specialized grooming prevention education and the potential for criminalizing harmful apps. Grace also confronts the tech industry's complicity in this issue, emphasizing the need for better governance and legislative reform to protect children. Her insights stress the critical importance of immediate actions from authorities to tackle the threats posed by AI.

Sep 9, 2025 • 16min
Part 1: How Trump is shaping the financial industry in crypto’s favour
Nick Robins-Early, a tech and power reporter for The Guardian, breaks down Trump's surprising pivot from crypto skeptic to a supporter. He discusses the administration's executive orders that now allow retirement funds to invest in cryptocurrencies, unlocking massive financial potential. The conversation explores the appointment of a 'crypto czar' and compares current policies to the previous administration's cautious stance. Additionally, the podcast touches on the implications of recent fraud cases in the crypto world and the evolving landscape of regulation.

5 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 13min
Part 2: How Trump built a crypto empire out of ‘thin air’
Nick Robins-Early, a tech and power reporter for The Guardian, dives into Donald Trump's surprising transformation into a 'pro-Bitcoin president' after initially claiming cryptocurrencies are based on 'thin air.' The discussion reveals how Trump's family has launched lucrative crypto ventures, possibly outpacing previous presidential earnings. Robins-Early explores the ethical dilemmas of a political figure intertwined with the crypto world and examines how Trump's interests shape Congressional regulation, raising questions about conflicts of interest.

Sep 8, 2025 • 17min
‘You inflicted untold suffering’: the Erin Patterson sentence
Lucie Morris-Marr, an investigative journalist and author, sheds light on the chilling case of Erin Patterson, who was sentenced to life in prison for murdering her in-laws with deadly mushrooms. The podcast delves into the unprecedented broadcasting of the sentencing, showcasing the emotional turmoil experienced by victims’ families. Morris-Marr discusses the calculated nature of Patterson's actions and the societal fascination surrounding such heinous crimes, pondering the question of whether justice can truly bring closure to those affected.

Sep 7, 2025 • 16min
Australia’s definitely-not-secret deal with Nauru
Denham Sadler, a journalist specializing in immigration issues, delves into Australia's contentious agreement with Nauru. He reveals the timeline and secretive nature of the deportation deal, which carries a staggering potential cost of $2.5 billion. Sadler discusses the legal ramifications of stripping natural rights from asylum seekers, addressing the harsh realities they face on Nauru. He highlights the growing political backlash and ethical concerns surrounding these policies, questioning Australia’s compliance with legal obligations regarding human rights.

Sep 4, 2025 • 16min
The political takeover of America’s public health
Chaos erupts at the CDC following the abrupt firing of Director Susan Monarez. Insiders warn that political agendas are compromising public health guidance, impacting trust in vaccinations. With funding cuts and controversial appointments, the agency faces a leadership crisis and declining morale. Misinformation, particularly anti-vaccine rhetoric, poses a significant threat to public health initiatives. As the political landscape shifts, the future of vaccine policy and its global implications remain uncertain.

Sep 3, 2025 • 17min
Kylie Moore-Gilbert on what Iran’s Revolutionary Guard thinks of Australia
Kylie Moore-Gilbert, a scholar of Middle Eastern and Islamic Studies, shares her harrowing tale of spending 804 days imprisoned by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on espionage charges. She delves into the IRGC's mindset and motives for perceiving Australia as a threat. Discussing its transformation into a dominant force in Iran, Kylie explores the implications of Australia designating the IRGC as a terrorist organization. Her insights shed light on the dangers faced by Iranian dissidents and the broader geopolitical tensions at play.

Sep 2, 2025 • 17min
How a mainstream protest gave cover to neo-Nazi violence
Daniel James, a writer and co-host of a notable podcast, delves into the alarming intertwining of neo-Nazi groups with recent protests in Australia. He discusses how these extremists led the so-called 'March for Australia', culminating in a violent attack on Camp Sovereignty, a sacred site for Indigenous communities. The conversation highlights the manipulation of public sentiment, the role of media, and the urgent need for political leadership to confront rising extremism while addressing genuine public grievances.