The Morning Edition

Kate Aubusson, a health reporter, dives into the significant changes allowing gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals to donate blood in Australia. She discusses the historical stigma rooted in the 1980s HIV crisis and why this shift has been overdue. The conversation emphasizes the positive impacts on the LGBTQIA+ community and the importance of inclusivity in blood donation. With advancements in testing technology, the conversation highlights how this new policy expands the donor pool during a critical time for patients in need.

Natassia Chrysanthos, a Federal political correspondent, and Mike Foley, a climate and energy correspondent, dive into the recent G7 summit where Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was ghosted by Donald Trump. They discuss the fallout from this diplomatic snub, especially concerning the AUKUS pact and US tariffs on Australian goods. Foley highlights how rising oil prices and internal Liberal Party conflicts complicate the political landscape, while Chrysanthos touches on the party's struggle to adapt in the wake of recent electoral defeats. The conversation captures the intricacies of international relations and domestic politics.

Political and international editor Peter Hartcher discusses the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran amid increasing U.S. tensions. He examines Trump’s self-styled role as a peacemaker and his surprising openness to involving Putin as a mediator. Hartcher highlights the complex interplay between Trump's unconventional diplomacy and Putin's growing influence, and what this dynamic might mean for U.S. foreign policy. The conversation raises critical questions about the implications for international alliances and the future of diplomacy in the region.

'Train by day, podcast by night' is the catchphrase of the ‘Joe Rogan Experience’ podcast which has 50 million-odd downloads a month worldwide with a huge male listenership including in Australia. The American host's message, while compelling, can be rambling, unpolished, and often delve into conspiracy theories. Today, Chief Reporter, Jordan Baker on Joe Rogan’s influence on Australian men and whether it’s something to be concerned about.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Some of Victoria’s top restaurants and most celebrated chefs have come under fire recently, as allegations about bullying and harassment mount from former employees. Similar such allegations have seen heads roll at hospitality giants like Swillhouse in Sydney.  And now, allegations about a popular Melbourne restaurateur, from those who have worked with him closely, an alleged incident of indecent exposure and aggressive behaviour. Today, investigative reporter Charlotte Grieve on how the spotlight in the hospitality industry has turned on those in positions of power, and why employees at high-profile venues across the country are speaking up now.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When news broke, 11 days ago, that one of Australia’s oldest and largest fertility services implanted the wrong embryo in a woman in Melbourne, it, naturally, made headlines around the country. But for those of us following the story, that was just the beginning. Because this mistake occurred only two months after another woman, in Queensland, gave birth to another couple’s baby, after an embryo mix up at Monash IVF. Today,  senior reporter Grant McArthur on why this industry, which offers the promise of desperately wanted children, is leaving  people to feel heartbroken.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese gave a big speech at the National Press Club in Canberra, and used it to dangle the prospect of economic reform.During its first term, the Albanese government was criticised for not being bold enough in its agenda. So is the PM signalling he will use his huge majority to institute major reform? What would a daring economic reform agenda look like? And are Australians ready for it?Plus, Jacqueline Maley, Paul Sakkal and Shane Wright discuss the hardening of the government’s stance on Israel, after it imposed  sanctions on two Israeli ministers.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Hartcher, the international and political editor, shares insights on the alarming events unfolding in Los Angeles. Discussing federal actions and Trump's call for military deployment, he highlights the rise of protests and the escalating tensions between state and federal authorities. Hartcher warns about the dangerous implications of labeling citizens as threats and the unprecedented increase in presidential power. The conversation raises critical questions about constitutional norms and the potential shift towards authoritarian governance in America.

New York Times bestselling Author Michael Lewis is, as one interviewer recently put it, “a kind of guru of our age”. This is because, in books like Moneyball, The Big Short and Going Infinite, not to mention his own podcast, he has chronicled some of the big social and economic seachanges of our time - from the global financial crisis, to the cryptocurrency market, and how online gambling companies have managed to wage something of a “war against young men”. Sometimes, he even seems to anticipate the sea changes. Last year, he all but predicted Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s DOGE manifesto, when he decided to investigate what American civil servants actually do. And the catastrophic risks that might come from decimating the federal government. Today, Michael Lewis, on all of this, and what he thinks comes next for the American government. Plus, whether he thinks our own prime minister is “gutless” for delaying a ban on TV gambling advertising.Michael Lewis’ new book is Who Is Government: The Untold Story of Public Service is out now.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Australia has marked the King’s Birthday long weekend and with it comes honours for 830 people. But there’s one that stands out: former prime minister Scott Morrison’s appointment as a companion of the order of Australia has proved divisive. So why did Morrison get the honour? Does he deserve it? And who are some of the other awardees on the list? Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright joins Nick Bonyhady on the people Australia chooses to recognise.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.