7am

Hannah Bambra, a writer and public health campaigner, shares her harrowing IVF journey and highlights a tragic mix-up at Monash IVF, where a woman accidentally gave birth to a stranger's child. The conversation unpacks the emotional toll of IVF errors and the systemic issues that affect vulnerable patients, particularly single and queer individuals. Bambra advocates for improved industry regulations, accountability, and compassionate care to restore trust and ensure that such catastrophic mistakes never happen again.

Shashank Joshi, author of The Permanent Crisis: Iran’s Nuclear Trajectory and defense editor at The Economist, dives into the recent U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. He discusses the precarious situation of escalating tensions and Iran's potential responses, emphasizing the strategic significance of the Strait of Hormuz. The conversation highlights the risks of further conflict and the complexities behind Trump's decisions. Joshi also examines the implications for regional stability and the challenges of achieving peace amidst ongoing military operations.

Jason Koutsoukis, a special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, discusses the controversial rise of Alex Antic within the South Australian Liberal Party. Antic's radical approach mirrors Trump's tactics, pushing the party towards hard-right ideology. This shift has created internal strife, especially regarding climate policies like the rejection of a net-zero emissions target. Koutsoukis highlights the fears of moderates who worry about the party's future and the ideological battles that could define its next steps.

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.