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In Andrea Goldsmith’s ninth and latest novel, The Buried Life, she unpicks the relationships between people and the undercurrents of doubt and faith that define a life. But more than anything else this is a book that is first and foremost concerned with death. It’s a subject that has long fascinated Andrea, something she discusses deeply with host Michael Williams on this episode of Read This.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cyclone Alfred hits as we gear up for the federal election, bringing back memories of the floods and bushfires that tore through the country last time we voted. How Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton handle this moment could be crucial, as voters refocus on the increasing impact of climate change and closely scrutinise the plans both parties have to address it.  Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on the politics of natural disasters – and why every election is a climate change election.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia is heading into a federal election at a time when trust in politics and our institutions is eroding. Over the past two decades, satisfaction with the political system has collapsed, driven by economic inequality, housing stress and the rapid spread of disinformation across social media. Political parties are already preparing for a campaign that will lean heavily on negative messaging – an approach that has proven effective but intensifies division. With trust in both politicians and the media in decline, the upcoming election will test the resilience of Australia’s democracy. Today, journalist and broadcaster, Patricia Karvelas, on the forces undermining democratic trust and what it will take to rebuild it. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and broadcaster, Patricia Karvelas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One evening, two weeks ago, Natan Mwanza was stabbed and killed at a bus stop in Melbourne’s south-west. He was 24 years old. Natan’s family had migrated to Australia from the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008, and his death sparked an outpouring of grief from African diasporic communities in Australia. Historian and filmmaker Santilla Chingaipe also felt the impact of Natan’s death and sought to understand what had happened. But it soon became a story about how we write and report on crime – and how Black lives are treated in the media. Today, Santilla Chingaipe on the life of Natan Mwanza and how Black grief is rendered invisible.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Historian and filmmaker, Santilla Chingaipe Image credit: InstagramSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Arthur Sinodinos arrived in Washington as Australia’s ambassador to the United States in 2020, he was told the best way to get things done with Donald Trump was to go straight to the person in the White House handling the issue. In many cases, that wasn’t a typical official – it was a business figure, a loyalist, or even a family member. As Trump 2.0 takes shape, his administration is doubling down on an “America First” agenda, with key roles for long-time allies, Republican operatives and influential business figures. According to Sinodinos, Trump sees himself as having “unfettered power” to enact it. Today, Arthur Sinodinos on negotiating with a Trump administration and Australia’s place in an “America First” world.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Former ambassador to the United States Arthur Sinodinos.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with US President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance in the Oval Office on Friday, they were there to sign a deal that would give the US access to a significant share of Ukraine’s rare earth minerals. Instead, Trump and Vance berated and taunted Zelensky, before asking him to leave. The deal remained unsigned, and relations between the two countries are now in tatters, with military and aid support for Ukraine from the Trump administration in doubt. Meanwhile, Russian officials are working on their own set of deals with Trump.  Today, associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University David Szakonyi, on what Vladimir Putin is offering Trump, and the figures behind the Russian deal.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Associate professor of political science and international affairs at George Washington University David SzakonyiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Seccombe, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives deep into the salmon farming crisis in Tasmania. He reveals the alarming situation of rotting salmon along beaches and the inadequate response from authorities. The discussion highlights the role of warm waters and disease in this environmental disaster. As the Albanese government invests millions to sway votes amid an election, the political fallout intensifies. Seccombe sheds light on the challenges both the salmon industry and local ecosystems face, making this a critical moment for Tasmania.

In this conversation, Sean Wilson, a Melbourne-based author known for exploring dementia and family dynamics, delves into the heart-wrenching impact of memory loss. He discusses how his novel, You Must Remember This, employs unreliable narrators to reflect fragmented realities, and shares his own emotional journey through witnessing a loved one's decline. Sean highlights the importance of empathy and humor in navigating these challenges while also revealing how writing has reshaped his relationship with literature.

Geraldine Brooks, Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist and contributor to The Monthly, dives into the complexities of Anthony Albanese's leadership. She discusses his shrinking approval ratings and perceptions of ineffectiveness, contrasting them with his activist roots. Brooks emphasizes the challenges he faces regarding climate action and critical public narratives. She also reflects on how these factors will shape his legacy, highlighting the delicate balance between leadership and public opinion in today’s political landscape.

In a thought-provoking discussion, Karen Barlow, the Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, analyzes the controversy surrounding Khaled Sabsabi's abrupt removal as Australia's representative at the Venice Biennale. They explore the implication of political influence on artistic decisions and the ensuing crisis within Creative Australia. Barlow highlights Sabsabi’s contributions to addressing complex themes like migration and Arab culture, and the broader concerns about censorship and artistic freedom facing Australia’s arts community.