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Today, Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly.It’s called ‘War of Error’. It explores the failures of the United States in Afghanistan, and the folly of Australia’s unquestioning support.Guest: Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When NITRAM, a newly released film about the perpetrator of the Port Arthur massacre, was announced there was swift backlash from politicians and film critics who argued that the story was too painful and traumatic to tell. On today’s episode of The Culture we dissect the film, and explore the bigger questions it raises about how to tell stories about trauma and violence.Plus, we speak to the director of the film, Justin Kurzel and the film’s writer, Shaun Grant. Guest: Justin Kurzel, director of Nitram; Shaun Grant, writer of Nitram; Mahmood Fazal, writer, journalist and contributor The Saturday Paper and The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister Scott Morrison has returned from his trip to Washington, and is spending the next couple of weeks in quarantine at The Lodge in Canberra.But he’s already facing pressure over another international summit - the UN climate change conference in Glasgow next month.Scott Morrison is under criticism from the UK government, the hosts of the summit, over his unwillingness to confirm his attendance. But what’s really driving the Prime Minister’s reluctance to participate in the most important international climate event in years?Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the climate policy paralysis plaguing the Morrison government, and what it means for Australia’s international reputation.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Catholic Church has historically been one of the most powerful institutions in Australia, influencing both sides of politics.But now the Church is in steep decline with dwindling congregations and fewer and fewer donations. In response to its current crisis, a once-in-a-century meeting is being organised to discuss the future of Catholicism in Australia.This plenary is pitting church reformists against conservatives, with Cardinal George Pell making a surprise return to the country to try and influence the debate.Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the influence the Catholic Church has on Australia, and the battle for its future.Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The country's two largest states, NSW and Victoria, now have clear roadmaps out of the pandemic and towards a future where we live with COVID-19.Those pathways, as well as the national plan, are heavily influenced by modelling conducted by the Doherty Institute, which estimates case numbers, hospitalisations and deaths as the country reopens.But the Doherty Institute isn’t the only organisation modelling our future. There are other, highly influential, bodies projecting their own numbers that contradict the national plan.Today, senior reporter for The Saturday Paper Rick Morton on the models deciding our future and who we should trust. Guest: Senior Reporter for The Saturday Paper, Rick Morton.Background reading: Covid figures: Splits emerge in government health models in The Saturday PaperStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Throughout the pandemic health experts and human rights advocates have been warning about the risk of a Covid-19 outbreak in the prison system. Now it’s happened.Hundreds of prisoners in NSW have contracted Covid-19 in recents weeks, with the worst of the outbreak centred at Parklea, a private correctional center.Family members of those inside Parklea are now speaking out about their concerns over the level of care and treatment Covid positive patients are receiving.Today, Denham Sadler on what happens when you test positive for Covid-19 inside prison, and how this outbreak could have been prevented.Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Denham SadlerStay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In October last year Simon Rice found himself in an unusual situation. As a law professor at the University of Sydney, he’d gone to observe a rally on campus with his students. But then police moved in, and Simon was physically restrained, arrested and fined. When he tried to challenge the fine, he discovered a serious lack of accountability at the heart of the New South Wales Police Force.Today, contributor for The Saturday Paper Professor Simon Rice on the loophole that lets police avoid scrutiny, and their creeping authoritarian role.Guest: Professor of Law at the University of Sydney, Simon Rice.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Have you ever wondered how long you would last if you were dropped into the wilderness with just a hunting knife, a shovel, and a sleeping bag? A day? A week? That’s the premise of a show called ‘Alone’. Think ‘Survivor’, but on steroids.Contestants are isolated with nothing but a camera for company. They take on grizzly bears and hunt wildlife. And the last person standing wins a cash prize. It’s like a real life ‘Hunger Games’, complete with the discomfort of watching people struggle against the elements for our entertainment.This week on The Culture, Osman Faruqi is joined by The Saturday Paper’s TV critic Sarah Krasnostein to talk about why we’re so obsessed with ‘Alone’, and what that says about what we’re all grappling with as a society right now.Plus, Sarah shares what she’s been watching, reading and listening too.Guest: Sarah Krasnostein, TV critic for The Saturday Paper.Follow The Culture on InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the final episode of Everybody Knows, Ruby Jones unpacks what she’s learnt about the rise and fall of MeToo in Australia, and why holding perpetrators accountable still feels so hard.To help answer that question, Ruby speaks to two people who have thought deeply about the problems in the music industry.The first is Dorothy Carvello. She worked for major labels in the US, and is now blowing the whistle on decades of abuse in the industry.The second is Deena Lynch, also known as Jaguar Jonze. She’s an Australian musician who went public about being sexually assaulted a few months ago.Together, the three of them explore what the cost is of speaking out, and whether it's worth it. And what real, genuine, accountability might look like in the music industry and beyond.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scott Morrison has hailed Australia’s military alliance and new submarine deal with the United Kingdom and United States as a landmark achievement.But it’s already led to a global diplomatic standoff, pitting Australia against a number of European countries as well as further deepening tensions with China.Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno on the fallout from Australia’s nuclear submarine deal and why the President of France won’t return Scott Morrison’s phone calls.Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.Stay in touch with us on Twitter and InstagramSee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.