7am

Jason Koutsoukis, a national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, delves into the political fallout from the Coalition's recent electoral disaster, focusing on the controversial lobby group Advance. They invested heavily in a confrontational campaign, yet failed to sway voters as Labor gained 17 new seats. Koutsoukis discusses how Advance's aggressive tactics might have alienated undecided voters and led to internal tensions within the Liberal Party. Amid blame-shifting, the future of their partnership remains uncertain.

Karen Barlow, Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, interviews Sussan Ley, the pioneering first female leader of the Liberal Party. Ley shares her inspiring journey from challenging physical labor to high-flying politics, defying underestimation at every turn. She discusses her commitment to reconnecting with voters, particularly women and young people. The conversation dives into the importance of empathy in leadership and the balance between urban and rural political dynamics as she charts a path for the Coalition's future.

Join Kevin Wilson, a New York Times bestselling author from Tennessee, as he dives into the wonderfully weird world of his writing. He discusses his latest novel, 'Run for the Hills,' and unpacks the complexity of flawed characters like Charles Hill. Kevin shares insights on embracing weirdness in parenting and how unique experiences foster deeper connections. He also reflects on the transformative power of childhood reading and how personal narratives can shape creativity while resonating with audiences.

Karen Middleton, a seasoned press gallery journalist and Inside Story columnist, delves into the recent reshuffle of the Coalition's shadow ministry led by Opposition Leader Sussan Ley. She discusses the raw wounds still visible in the party dynamics and the concessions made by Nationals Leader David Littleproud, raising questions about his future. Additionally, Middleton highlights Labor's internal debates on Gaza and the push for tougher actions, revealing the complex political landscape ahead and where battle lines may be drawn in Parliament.

Paola Totaro, a seasoned UK correspondent and contributor to The Saturday Paper, dives into the turbulent feud between neuroscientist Philip Low and Elon Musk. Low's bold criticisms—branding Musk as a 'narcissist'—trigger a discussion about their complex past. The dialogue shifts to Low’s $250 million legal push against social media's censorship claims and the evolving dynamics of friendships in tech. Totaro highlights how Low seeks to champion free speech and accountability in a climate rife with challenges, making it a compelling exploration of rivalry and activism.

Heidi Pett, a correspondent based in Damascus, shares her insights from a meeting with Syria's transitional leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa. Once a rebel fighter and enemy of the U.S., he is now forging a new political path. The conversation delves into al-Sharaa's transformation, his audience with Trump, and the potential lifting of sanctions on Syria. Pett highlights the dire economic realities facing the population amidst his cautious approach to governance and the complex challenges of uniting a fractured nation post-Assad.

Jason Koutsoukis, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into the shadowy influence of Tony Abbott and Peta Credlin on the Liberal Party. He reveals how a phone call in Dubai sparked a political shakeup, exposing factional tensions and internal strife. Koutsoukis discusses the party's handling of women's rights amid controversy and examines the lasting impact of Abbott's leadership, which many insiders regard as a 'cancer' hindering the party’s progress. It's a revealing look at the ongoing political maneuvering within the Coalition.

In this discussion, Mike Seccombe, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into the critical challenges facing Australia’s new environment minister, Murray Watt. They explore Watt's urgent need to reform outdated environmental laws while balancing powerful mining interests. A key focus is the controversial extension of Woodside Energy's gas project, which could unleash a tremendous carbon footprint. Seccombe sheds light on the conflicts between preserving ancient cultural heritage and the push for industrial development, calling for immediate government action.

Jessica Stanley, a London-based Australian author known for her romantic comedy 'Consider Yourself Kissed,' dives into the intricacies of love and identity. She discusses how our bookshelves reflect our personal journeys and emotional lives. Jessica shares her insights on the realities of modern romance, the impact of cultural identity, and the challenges of being an outsider. The conversation also highlights the transformative power of reading, illustrating how literature can shape relationships and perspectives.

Karen Barlow, Chief Political Correspondent for The Saturday Paper, dives into the surprising revival of the Coalition. She discusses the crucial choices facing Sussan Ley and debates about trust between the Liberal and National parties. The conversation explores their negotiations around key issues like nuclear power and the implications of a potential breakup ahead of the 2028 elections. Barlow also highlights the struggle for party unity as the Liberals seek to modernize while balancing core values.