7am

In this engaging discussion, Alexis Wright, the winner of the 2024 Miles Franklin Award and author of the acclaimed novel Praiseworthy, shares insights about her literary journey. She delves into her experiences with themes of colonialism and Aboriginal sovereignty featured in her work. Alexis reflects on the powerful influence of her grandmother, emphasizing cultural heritage and environmental advocacy. The conversation also touches on the intersection of literature and nature, illustrating how storytelling can flourish like a well-tended garden.

The Manlygees, a passionate group of volunteers in Sydney, are dedicated to welcoming refugees. They share their touching story of greeting a Kurdish family from Syria, embedding them into the local community. The podcast explores vibrant cultural exchanges like a Syrian barbecue, which bridges language gaps. It discusses the challenges and triumphs of the Community Refugee Integration and Settlement Pilot (CRISP) program, highlighting emotional and bureaucratic hurdles. The guests assess CRISP's effectiveness and its potential to reshape attitudes towards refugees in Australia.

Andrew Forrest, a mining magnate renowned for his commitment to green hydrogen projects, joins Mike Seccombe, a national correspondent for The Saturday Paper. They discuss the rising skepticism surrounding hydrogen's viability in renewable energy. The conversation delves into the ambitious beginnings of hydrogen initiatives in Australia, the challenges posed by political tensions, and the critique of major energy ventures. As Forrest scales back his green hydrogen projects, they navigate the fraught landscape of energy policy and the shifting perceptions of hydrogen technology.

Lucia Osborne-Crowley, a journalist and author, brings an insider's perspective on Ghislaine Maxwell's high-profile trial. She highlights poignant survivor testimonies that reveal the complexities of grooming and coercion. Osborne-Crowley critiques Maxwell's apathetic demeanor during the trial and her defense's focus on discrediting victims. The discussion sheds light on the ongoing systemic issues and uncharged perpetrators still evading justice, emphasizing the urgent need for accountability and support for survivors.

Jason Koutsoukis, a special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into the PwC scandal that rocked the corporate world. He discusses how PwC used confidential government info to benefit clients and the myriad investigations that followed. Crucial questions linger regarding accountability among executives. Koutsoukis also touches on Senate inquiries into the CEO's salary inconsistencies and the challenges facing the new leadership amid this turmoil. The conversation paints a vivid picture of secrecy and the quest for transparency within a corporate giant.

Zoe Daniel, the independent member for Goldstein, sheds light on the teal wave's impact on Australian politics. She discusses how electoral changes could challenge newcomers and emphasizes the need for transparency in political donations. Zoe explores the grassroots fundraising efforts that propelled her campaign and the importance of reforming campaign finance laws. She also highlights the double standards of major parties and examines how the proposed spending caps might affect independent voices in the political landscape.

Geraldine Brooks, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author, reflects on her transformative journey from journalism to novelist. She shares insights on finding stillness in creativity and the powerful role of writing in navigating life's dualities. The discussion touches on the influence of history in her storytelling, especially in her latest work, 'Horse', and the emotional complexities of writing about Australian history and Indigenous experiences. Join her as she intertwines personal anecdotes with the art of literary creation.

Climate activist Katta O'Donnell discusses suing the Australian government for climate disclosure. She won but felt disillusioned, leading her to advocate for direct action. The podcast explores her legal journey, the groundbreaking lawsuit, and the impact of civil disobedience on climate issues.

Mike Seccombe, from The Saturday Paper, dives into the widening gap between rich and poor schools in Australia. Wealthy parents exploit tax breaks by donating to lavish school projects, sparking debates on fairness and reforming charitable giving. The podcast explores inequities in education funding, excessive spending at elite schools, and calls for removing tax benefits for private school donations.

Exploring the stark contrast between two towns on a remote island, one thriving while the other, home to the Anindilyakwa people, faces challenges near a manganese mine. The podcast discusses the controversial referral of the White Chief Executive for a potential conflict of interest, shedding light on the attempt to secure personal gain through a mining deal. It also highlights the intervention of a young lawyer to safeguard community interests and reveals financial mismanagement impacting the Inindo Yakua people.