7am

The podcast delves into Julian Assange's crucial court battle for extradition, discussing legal arguments and potential outcomes. It highlights political pressure, bipartisan support, and the global implications for journalism and press freedom.

Jon Ronson, author of The Psychopath Test, delves into the origins of culture wars, from left-wing activism to vaccine paranoia. He shares intriguing stories of conspiracy theories, psychic soldiers, and public shaming in the age of social media. Ronson discusses the surprising impact of individuals in shaping divisive social conflicts, including his undercover experience at Bohemian Grove with Alex Jones.

Discussions on the missing $80 million meant for asylum seekers in Papua New Guinea and the controversies surrounding offshore immigration detention. The exploration of accountability, political pressure on the Labour government, and harsh realities faced by asylum seekers. Revealing lack of due diligence in awarding contracts and the negative impacts of the Home Affairs Department.

Delve into the scandal surrounding the Bureau of Meteorology as senior executives are accused of lying in court. Learn about the internal struggles affecting weather forecasting and the implications for climate data. Uncover the challenges faced by the bureau in meeting international obligations and maintaining accuracy in weather forecasts.

The podcast discusses the aftermath of Brittany Higgins' allegations, the mistrial with Bruce Lehrmann, and how the inquiry turned into a media spectacle. It explores the texts, calls, and interactions between the inquiry head and a prominent journalist, raising questions about bias and ethical conduct in the legal system.

Exploring the friction between Labor and the Greens over negative gearing, and the potential for the Greens to push Labor to address the issue. The podcast also touches on the degraded state of question time in parliament and includes discussions on the help to buy scheme and a Taylor Swift conspiracy theory.

Explore the baseless conspiracy theory of Taylor Swift's alleged involvement in the US election. Understand the impact of right-wing politics and Taylor Swift's dating life on conservative beliefs. Discover why the Taylor Swift conspiracy attracts media attention and the public figures' response to it. Learn about the role of countering misinformation and humor in addressing conspiracy theories.

Disparities between public and private school funding in Australia are explored, with a focus on the perspective of the Federal Education Minister and the need for action. The concentration of disadvantaged students in public schools is highlighted, calling for more equitable funding. The lack of focus on school funding in the review of Australia's education system is discussed. The school funding deal in Western Australia is examined, with dissatisfaction and discrepancies in resource assessment. Obstacles in fixing public education, including lobbying and manipulation of perceptions, are explored.

Peter Dutton, Australian politician, discusses his strategy to win the next election and the challenges of being in the opposition. Topics include his tough stance on immigration, changing voter perception, and lessons from previous opposition leaders.

The podcast discusses the unexpected success of the teal independent candidates in the 2022 election and their plans to expand into regional Queensland. It explores the growing influence of Climate 200, a grassroots campaigning organization, and its impact on major political parties. The podcast also discusses the implications of independent candidates and their potential for greater accountability and action on climate change.