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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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 15min
Amy Remeikis on Australia's critical minerals bargaining chip
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.

10 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 14min
Weaponising AI: How chatbots are becoming tools for domestic abuse
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.

8 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 18min
Part 1: The road to Yoorrook
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.

7 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 14min
Part 2: The truth has been told
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.

Jun 30, 2025 • 18min
'A horrifying new pattern': Palestinians killed as they wait for aid
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.

Jun 30, 2025 • 4min
We love Read This
Dive into the world of literature with touching stories about beloved books. The show highlights fascinating conversations with authors, revealing the inspiration behind their works. Celebrate the profound impact of storytelling and the bond it creates among readers. With a bittersweet farewell, it's a tribute to the devotion of both the creators and their passionate audience. Rediscover the magic of books and the stories that unite us all.

Jun 29, 2025 • 16min
Are BYD cars Chinese spyware?
Richard McGregor, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute, dives into the rapid rise of BYD cars in Australia, highlighting their affordability and high-tech features. He unpacks the serious national security concerns over data privacy and surveillance linked to these vehicles, particularly regarding Chinese technology. McGregor contrasts Australia's technology security strategies with those of the U.S. and discusses the broader implications for trade relations and consumer privacy. The conversation reveals how modern cars are becoming data collection tools amidst geopolitical tensions.

Jun 28, 2025 • 30min
Read This: We Went to Helen Garner’s House
In this conversation, Helen Garner, a celebrated Australian author known for her evocative storytelling, opens up about her creative process and the inspiration drawn from her grandson's football training. She reflects on the joy of rediscovering music in the wake of personal challenges and highlights her experiences with youth dynamics and brotherhood. Garner also shares insights from her old diaries, touching on themes of aging, marriage, and the emotional depth that resonates with readers, especially women navigating their own journeys.

8 snips
Jun 26, 2025 • 16min
Why Albanese backed Trump’s Iran attack
In this discussion, Karen Middleton, a columnist for The Monthly and Inside Story, navigates the political landscape surrounding Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's backing of Trump's airstrikes on Iran. She highlights the silence from the Australian government and contrasts it with the Labor Party's historical anti-war stance. Middleton also analyzes the internal divisions in Labor regarding foreign policy and discusses the new direction of the Coalition under Opposition Leader Sussan Ley, who aims to reshape her party's identity and advocate for change.

Jun 25, 2025 • 15min
The widening gaps in Albanese’s climate promises
Climate scientist Joëlle Gergis, an IPCC lead author, shares her firsthand experience with Cyclone Alfred's unexpected reach, revealing how warming oceans are exacerbating cyclones and endangering coral reefs. She reflects on the glaring disconnect between government climate promises and ongoing support for fossil fuel projects. With the climate crisis accelerating, Gergis emphasizes the urgent need for Australia to take bold actions to bridge these widening gaps before the next disaster strikes.


