7am

Jonathan Pearlman, the world editor of The Saturday Paper and editor of Australian Foreign Affairs, dives into the escalating tensions in the Middle East, focusing on the recent rocket attacks from Hezbollah and Israel's retaliatory strikes. He discusses the precarious balance between both parties, emphasizing their reluctance to plunge into full-scale war. The podcast also explores Hezbollah's substantial military presence in Lebanon, its ties to Iran, and the implications for regional alliances, including its support for Hamas amidst ongoing geopolitical complexities.

Ngarra Murray, co-chair of the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria, discusses the historic pathway to treaty negotiations following last year's referendum setback. She highlights the Assembly's pivotal role in uniting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples for self-determination. Critical topics include the necessity of truth-telling in negotiations, and the establishment of Victoria’s Europe Justice Commission for addressing historical injustices. Murray emphasizes cultural empowerment and the significance of embedding Indigenous principles in ongoing discussions.

Roxane Gay, a prominent author and cultural critic, engages in a thought-provoking discussion about the role of public intellectuals in today's society. She reflects on her memoir 'Hunger,' exploring themes of body image and trauma. The conversation delves into the evolution of opinion journalism, the dangers of conflating opinions with facts, and the shifting dynamics of trust in writing. Gay emphasizes the importance of authentic dialogue and the responsibilities that come with expressing personal beliefs in the public arena.

In this discussion, veteran broadcaster Jon Faine reflects on the recent resignation of David Anderson, the former Managing Director of the ABC. He shares insights into the leadership challenges faced during Anderson's time and the implications for the ABC's future. Kim Williams, the new chair, is poised to drive institutional renewal, tackling declining audiences and criticism of editorial choices. Faine also speculates on potential successors and the need for improved content quality in a rapidly evolving media landscape.

Elon Musk, the visionary CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, and Donald Trump, former U.S. president, discuss their surprising alliance. Dana Mattioli of the Wall Street Journal reveals Musk's covert fundraising efforts for Trump's campaign, raising millions while trying to maintain secrecy. The conversation dives into Musk's political evolution, shifting from Democratic support to backing Trump, and examines Silicon Valley's growing acceptance of controversial endorsements. It’s a fascinating look at the intersection of tech and politics.

In this engaging discussion, former QANTAS CEO Alan Joyce reflects on his dramatic fall from grace after a series of controversial decisions and a striking $9 million bonus cut. Reporter Marc Moncrief sheds light on Joyce's ethics missteps amidst record profits and legal challenges, including the ACCC's actions over canceled flight tickets. They explore the implications for QANTAS’s reputation and the urgent need for rebuilding trust under new leadership. Insightful analysis reveals how the airline aims to restore its image while navigating the complexities of public relations.

Peter Dutton, a political figure known for his hardline views on national security and immigration, dives into the controversial ban on Palestinians fleeing Gaza. He discusses the historical context of Australia’s refugee policies and how they impact community dynamics today. Abul Rizvi, former Deputy Secretary of the Department of Immigration, counters Dutton's perspective, elaborating on the complexities of the visitor visa screening process and the inherent contradictions in Australia's approach to different refugee crises, particularly comparing responses to Ukrainians and Gazans.

Jason Koutsoukis, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, digs into the strategies of the hard-right group Advance and their campaign against the Australian Greens. He reveals how Advance is amassing funds to target progressive voters, especially women, by framing the Greens as a threat to freedom and security. The discussion highlights the group's origins, financial backing, and the challenges journalists face in exposing their operations. Koutsoukis also examines how these political maneuvers could impact the upcoming federal election.

In this conversation, Bruce Pascoe, a prolific writer known for his impactful book 'Dark Emu,' discusses his new novel, 'Imperial Harvest.' He reflects on the importance of messy democracy and the complexities of historical narratives. The dialogue touches on themes like war and identity through a tale set in 13th century Mongolia, as well as highlighting the unseen heroes of colonialism. Listeners engage with stories from coastal communities and the resilience of towns like Malacuda as they navigate change and loss.

The rise of therapy apps like BetterHelp promises easier access to mental health support but raises significant concerns. A clinical psychologist discusses the limitations of these digital platforms and the ethical implications of turning mental health professionals into gig workers. Issues of data privacy and sustainability for psychologists are also highlighted. The episode emphasizes the need for caution when using these apps and encourages users to carefully assess both their mental health needs and the credentials of providers.