7am

In this conversation, Liz Pelly, author of 'Mood Machine: The Rise of Spotify and the Costs of the Perfect Playlist,' discusses Spotify’s surprising ties to the defense industry, including its founder's extensive investments in military AI technology. She highlights how these choices affect both artists and listeners. Pelly also dives into the challenges posed by generative AI, emphasizing its impact on copyright and fair pay for musicians. Additionally, she advocates for supporting independent artists directly to break free from the streaming paradigm.

Antoinette Lattouf, co-founder of Ette Media and a journalist, shares her remarkable journey of fighting back after being wrongfully terminated by ABC for a Human Rights Watch post on Gaza. The Federal Court's ruling in her favor has sparked discussions about media independence and lobbying influences in journalism. Lattouf candidly addresses the moral dilemmas journalists face and the need for more robust protections against censorship. Her victory not only vindicates her but also prompts a reevaluation of social media policies within major broadcasting organizations.

Investigative journalist Kate Wild, author of 'The Red House,' dives into the complex issues surrounding Kumanjayi Walker’s tragic death. She discusses the damning findings of the coroner's investigation, revealing institutional racism within the Northern Territory Police. Wild highlights the contrasting cultures within the police force and emphasizes the need for significant reforms. The conversation also shines a light on enhancing police-community relations and advocating for mental health support for Indigenous youth in the aftermath of this tragedy.

In this compelling conversation, Sarah Krasnostein, an award-winning writer and legal scholar, shares her firsthand insights from the courtroom during Erin Patterson's trial. She vividly recounts the emotional atmosphere as the jury delivered a guilty verdict for three counts of murder and one of attempted murder. Sarah discusses the challenges jurors faced over ten weeks, the impact of Erin's stoic response, and how the verdict reverberates in the Morwell community. She also highlights surprising developments regarding jury perceptions and potential legal implications.

Adele Ferguson, an investigative journalist renowned for her work on child safety, joins National Children's Commissioner Anne Hollonds to discuss alarming issues in Australian childcare. They delve into a recent case of sexual abuse that exposes systemic failures in protecting children. The conversation shifts to how profit-driven childcare centers compromise safety, highlighting the urgent need for stronger regulations and accountability. They emphasize that prioritizing child safety should be a national commitment, urging comprehensive reforms to safeguard vulnerable children.

Amy Remeikis, contributing editor at The New Daily, discusses Australia’s vital role as a supplier of critical minerals for clean technology amidst China's dominance in the market. The conversation highlights the strategic complexities of establishing independent supply chains and how Australia's broken climate promises hinder its influence in the Pacific. Remeikis also sheds light on Australia's efforts to deepen relations with Pacific nations facing climate change challenges, revealing the geopolitical stakes at play.

In this discussion, Madison Griffiths, a writer and artist focused on the intersection of AI and domestic abuse, reveals how abusers are manipulating chatbots to exert control. She shares Molly's harrowing experience with a generative AI performance review that deeply hurt her. The conversation dives into the alarming biases in AI that can inadvertently support abusers and explores the dual roles chatbots play in relationships, either exacerbating abuse or offering support for survivors. Griffiths highlights the critical need for ethical considerations in AI technology.

The podcast delves into the profound testimonies from First Nations elders, revealing the painful legacies of colonial history and the effects of systemic exclusion. It highlights the groundbreaking moment when the Victorian Premier confronted her role in historical injustices at the Indigenous Truth Commission. Key recommendations emerge, emphasizing the urgent need for treaty processes and cultural competence in education. The discussion also examines the ongoing quest for reparations and accountability as the community seeks to heal and reclaim its heritage.

For the first time in Australia, First Nations stories are being documented through a groundbreaking truth-telling process. A respected elder shares his powerful testimony, shedding light on trauma and healing. The historical roots of the Yoorrook movement reveal the activism against colonial injustices. The journey of the Yoorrook Commission exposes the state's inadequate responses, while advocates stress the need for transformative change and education to achieve justice for Aboriginal communities. Truth-telling emerges as a crucial step towards reconciliation.

Dr. Aziz Rahman, an American doctor who recently treated patients in Gaza, shares harrowing accounts of civilians shot while waiting for humanitarian aid. He highlights the dire realities faced by medical professionals in conflict zones and the emotional toll of treating severely injured patients with limited resources. The discussion reveals the deadly risks at aid distribution sites, described as inherently unsafe by U.N. officials. Dr. Rahman underscores the urgent need for unrestricted aid during this humanitarian crisis.