7am

Exploring the financial struggles of St Vincent's Hospital in Sydney, concerns over its mission to care for the marginalized, and the allocation of funds within a major hospital organization. It also questions the justification of public funding for a religious organization and the need for transparency in healthcare management.

The podcast discusses the dire living conditions in Gaza, the humanitarian situation, and the potential for the Israel-Hamas war to last all of 2024. It explores the role of various countries in addressing the situation, the potential for the war to escalate into a regional conflict, and the challenges faced by Palestinian civilians in Gaza.

A nurse-led tattoo clinic in Melbourne empowers breast cancer patients with realistic nipple tattoos. The cultural significance of nipples, censorship, and societal expectations are discussed. The emotional impact of nipple loss and attitudes towards breasts and nipples are explored, highlighting the importance of body acceptance and representation.

Writer Richard King discusses the AI chatbot ChatGPT and its impact on the transfer of knowledge and education. He explores its various applications, the excitement it generates among teaching staff, and the divided opinions in academia. King also reflects on the need for caution with technology and raises concerns about online classes and a future dominated by thinking machines.

Author Christos Tsiolkas reflects on how a sentence from a novel influenced his life, discussing the role of books, film, and music in shaping his identity. He contrasts generations and access to information today, expressing frustrations with limited content curation on mobile apps. The curation of platforms and impact of teachers on a writer's development are explored. Christos shares a personal story about a motivating harsh criticism from his lecturer. Reflecting on the connection to LP Hartley's novel, he discusses the value of fiction in keeping us open to different perspectives.

Author Carrie Tiffany reflects on the impact of sugar on her family's health and history, expressing regret for past indulgences. She explores the connection between sadness, sugar, and the Marshmallow experiment. Tiffany delves into her mother's personal experiences, including poverty and dental problems. She also reflects on cleaning out her mother's belongings after her death and the connection between sugar and her family.

Writer and filmmaker John Safran talks about his late friend Father Bob McGuire, sharing anecdotes and life lessons learned from their relationship. They discuss the importance of honest discussions, nuanced understanding of crime and punishment, conflicting perceptions of Father Bob, and the lesson of loving people even if you don't like them.

Richard Flanagan, one of our greatest living novelists, discusses his latest novel, Question 7, and its personal nature. The podcast explores Flanagan's childhood memories and the power of writing, as well as the influence of parental and societal context on his work. It also delves into the relationship between literature and human experience, emphasizing the importance of understanding our own stories for a better future.

Australian author Melissa Lucashenko, known for her big ideas and brutal experiences, discusses her new book 'Edenglassie' and the revolutionary act of writing a love story. They explore historical references, the character Granny Eddy, stories of colonial Australia, and recommend new books like 'The Secret Hours' and 'Gumflower'.

Acclaimed writer George Saunders reveals the three words that made him a writer. He discusses his journey, including an influential Irish pub moment and the impact of James Joyce. The episode explores Saunders' success with 'Lincoln in the Barrow' and the shift from writing for oneself to writing for readers. It concludes with enthusiasm for new projects and recommendations for audiobooks and Chris Womensley's 'Ordinary Gods and Monsters'.