7am

Join bestselling crime writer Ian Rankin, creator of the iconic Detective John Rebus, in an engaging conversation about his latest novel, 'Midnight and Blue.' Rankin shares the transformation of Rebus as he faces a locked room mystery in prison, sparking profound moral discussions. He reflects on his unconventional path to becoming a crime writer and the inspirations behind Rebus. The enduring legacy of Rebus is explored, with humorous insights into his evolving character amid societal changes. It's a fascinating peek into crime fiction and character development.

Paul Bongiorno, a seasoned columnist at The Saturday Paper, delves into the fallout from Donald Trump skipping a pivotal G7 meeting with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Bongiorno analyzes the implications for US-Australia relations and the precarious nature of international agreements like AUKUS. He also discusses how Trump's absence could reshape geopolitical dynamics, particularly regarding Australia's sovereignty and its balancing act between its ally the US and economic ties with China amid regional tensions.

Jason Koutsoukis, a special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into how a U.S. executive order could make medications in Australia more expensive and less accessible. He explains the implications for the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme and raises concerns about drug companies pausing new listings. Koutsoukis investigates whether Australia's government has the leverage to resist this upheaval and how U.S. tariffs could reshape drug pricing. The discussion emphasizes the potential fallout on healthcare affordability and vital treatments for Australians.

Madison Griffiths, a writer and producer with a decade of experience in reproductive rights, discusses the troubling weaponization of abortion in Australian courts. She reveals how past abortions are used against women in custody battles, challenging their credibility and affecting their rights. Griffiths highlights the ethical dilemmas healthcare professionals face regarding personal medical histories and calls for legal reforms to protect women's privacy. The podcast emphasizes the ongoing stigma surrounding abortion and its implications for women's autonomy.

In a compelling discussion, Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, unpacks Israel's recent military operation against Iran. He explains Israel's 'pre-emptive' strikes targeting crucial nuclear sites and the rationale behind them amid stalled US-Iran negotiations. Carlstrom delves into Israel's strategic aims for regime change and how these actions could destabilize Iran's internal politics. The conversation also touches on the implications for regional alliances and the potential paths for de-escalation in this tense situation.

Rick Morton, a Senior reporter for The Saturday Paper, reveals the unsettling rise of consulting firms like Nous Group in Australian universities. He discusses how these firms are restructuring institutions, often without transparency. Morton raises concerns about the decision-making power they wield and the fragility of academic governance. The conversation also highlights the impacts of budget cuts and outsourcing on education, painting a grim picture of the future of higher education in the face of corporate influence.

Kaliane Bradley, author of the bestselling novel The Ministry of Time, blends time travel, romance, and espionage. She discusses the satirical themes of institutional control and government bureaucracy in her work. The conversation explores storytelling's structure, the balance of personal experiences and narrative integrity, and the importance of understanding audience needs. Bradley also delves into the influence of humor in writing, the complexities of world-building, and the challenge of merging historical accuracy with contemporary issues.

Karen Middleton, a prominent press gallery journalist and columnist for Inside Story, discusses the rocky waters of Australia’s defense pact AUKUS as Anthony Albanese heads to the G7 summit. She delves into the Trump administration's push for military spending and its repercussions on U.S.-Australia relations. The impact of Australia’s recent sanctions on Israeli ministers is examined, alongside trade negotiations in agriculture. Middleton also highlights how Albanese is navigating these diplomatic tensions while prioritizing national interests and fostering alliances.

Nick Robins-Early, a tech and power reporter for The Guardian, dives into the tumultuous relationship between Elon Musk and Donald Trump. Once allies, they now exchange barbs over social media, particularly concerning Trump's tax cut proposals. Their feud could jeopardize NASA missions and highlights the risks of surrendering critical services to billionaires. Robins-Early also discusses the implications of tech moguls wielding power in global politics, as seen with Musk's influence during the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Eric Cortellessa, a senior political correspondent for Time magazine, dives into the chaos triggered by Trump's mass deportations. He details the ICE raids in Los Angeles that sparked protests and clashes, and the controversial deployment of the National Guard to confront demonstrators. Cortellessa discusses the power struggles between Trump and California’s Governor Newsom, exploring legal implications and community responses. He underscores the broader effects of these immigration policies on society and the escalating tensions tied to Trump's administration.