

Saturday Extra - Full program podcast
ABC listen
Smart analysis, lively conversations, and great company. Understand Australia and the world with Nick Bryant.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 15min
The US Department of War and China's revisionist history
Harvard historian Rana Mitter, on China’s war experience and the parade in Beijing this week. One of America’s most seasoned diplomats, Nicholas Burns gives his perspective on the parade and President Trump's order to rebrand the Department of Defense to the Department of War. Big picture thinking to tackle the problem of invasive species in Australia with Jack Gough, from the Invasive Species Council. And Transylvania in a tutu - Joel Burke the director and choreographer of Dracula the ballet.

Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 18min
Maria Ressa: the Nobel Peace Prize laureate on democracy, facts and truth
Understand Australia and the world with Nick Bryant.

Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 15min
Famine declared in Gaza and US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell bites back at President Trump
This show features Catherine Benelpeg, Australia's first female astronaut, who shares her groundbreaking journey and the importance of encouraging women in STEM. Gershon Baskin provides gripping insights into hostage negotiations with Hamas amid a declared famine in Gaza. Rose Gottemoeller assesses the delicate situation between Russia and Ukraine, while economic experts Allegra Spender and Innes Willox discuss pressing reform initiatives. Lastly, Drew DeCavallo talks about AI's profound impact on voice acting, offering a glimpse into the future of the industry.

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 15min
Uncovering Trump's backchannel to Putin
Understand Australia and the world with Nick Bryant.

17 snips
Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 17min
Trump to meet Putin in Alaska to broker Russia Ukraine peace deal
Charles Kupchan, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses the skepticism surrounding Trump's potential peace talks with Putin and their implications for Ukraine's sovereignty. Glenn Kessler, a veteran fact-checker from The Washington Post, explores the evolving landscape of misinformation in politics, highlighting the challenges posed by social media. Meanwhile, award-winning playwright Susie Miller shares her insights on balancing justice and personal relationships, emphasizing the power of theatre to influence societal attitudes towards important legal issues.

Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 15min
Is Donald Trump winning his trade war?
Analysis of President Trump’s move impose worldwide tariffs; calls for the Federal Government to to scrap the "Job ready" university fee system, with the barrister and former broadcaster Steve Vizard; and the BBC's International Editor Jeremy Bowen on the latest in the Middle East.

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 15min
The truth behind Joe Biden's decline: Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson
Two of America's top journalists break down one of the most fateful decisions in American political history: Joe Biden’s run for re-election despite evidence of his serious decline. Plus, week one of the 48th parliament and a former French spy who turned his secret life into bestselling spy thrillers.

7 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 15min
Pentagon officials pull out of top security conference because event promotes “the evil of globalism"
Michael Fullilove, Executive Director of the Lowy Institute, shares insights from the Aspen Security Forum, where Pentagon officials withdrew due to concerns over globalism. Megan Benton discusses shifting migration policies in Europe, highlighting new approaches to repatriation. Carrington Clark delves into the tragic case involving Australian brothers in Mexico, while Alicia Bruce explores local resistance to Trump's golf course in Scotland. Newly elected Senator Corinne Mulholland discusses her ambitions as Australia prepares for a new parliament.

7 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 14min
How seriously should we take Elon Musk's America Party?
Louis Amistoy shares heart-wrenching stories of Texas flood recovery and the community's resilience. Marina Zhang discusses the significance of the Prime Minister's visit to China, balancing trade with geopolitical challenges. Bernard Tomas delves into Elon Musk's aspirations for a new political party, facing historical hurdles. Meanwhile, Jamie McLean recounts his adventurous journey across the Pacific, raising funds for clean drinking water. Together, they explore the evolving dynamics of global aid and philanthropy in today's world.

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 14min
Trump's big beautiful bill signed into law
President Trump has signed his big beautiful bill into law at a White House 4th of July celebration. Plus, analysis from the ABC's John Lyons on Hamas' response to ceasefire negotiations. Also on the show, after 148 years, Wimbledon replaces line judges with AI.