The Morning Edition

Wendy Tuohy, a senior writer focusing on maternity and health issues, discusses the alarming rise of freebirthing in Australia. She explains how freebirth, or giving birth without medical support, is becoming popular despite its risks. Wendy highlights tragic cases, including a recent death linked to this practice. She also delves into the role of birth influencers promoting these ideas, the complications arising from unassisted births, and the cultural context surrounding women's choices in reproductive rights.

Science reporter Angus Dalton dives into alarming research on male fertility, highlighting the role of PFAS, or 'forever chemicals,' in declining sperm counts. He explains how pollutants like air toxins and microplastics contribute to this downfall. Angus discusses potential epigenetic effects on embryos and the challenges of translating animal studies to human health. He critiques extreme predictions of 'spermageddon' and emphasizes the need for more male-focused fertility research, while also offering practical lifestyle tips for men to enhance their reproductive health.

Independent MP Alex Greenwich, a vocal advocate for LGBTQ rights, shares his harrowing experiences following a vicious tweet from Mark Latham. He reveals the profound personal impact this had, leading to targeted abuse, panic attacks, and feelings of internalized shame. Greenwich discusses his legal victory against Latham, his motivation to publicly celebrate his identity, and the lessons learned from the crisis. He advocates for necessary legal reforms to protect LGBTQ individuals in politics, aiming to reclaim narrative and promote positive visibility.

Paul Sakkal, Chief Political Correspondent, offers sharp insights into the Albanese government's weaknesses amidst its international successes. He discusses the alarming economic challenges, including rising inflation and unemployment rates, and the pressure on energy policies affecting regional jobs. Sakkal also unpacks the controversy surrounding Albanese's T-shirt and the ineffective political strategies of the Coalition, revealing a landscape where culture clashes often overshadow substantial policy debates.

Jacqueline Maley, a senior columnist and commentator on British royalty, dives deep into the sordid saga of Prince Andrew and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. She unpacks the resurgence of scandal, driven by Virginia Giuffre's memoir and new allegations. The discussion reveals leaked emails contradicting Andrew's claims and highlights the public's increasing scrutiny of royal finances and privileges. Maley posits that the ongoing crisis might be an existential threat to the monarchy, exposing systemic issues of entitlement and abuse within the institution.

Calum Jaspan, a media writer, shares insights about Siobhan McKenna, the key player behind Lachlan Murdoch's control of their media empire. They dive into her humble origins in Canberra, her swift rise from McKinsey consultant to power broker, and her critical role in managing Lachlan's business conflicts. Interesting discussions include her strategic influence over major media investments and political appointments, hinting at her potential as the most powerful woman within the Murdoch dynasty.

You sure can tell a lot about a person by what they eat. Actor Marilyn Monroe once said that she was told her eating habits were “absolutely bizarre”, to which she replied, “I don’t think so.” (Her daily breakfast was a cup of hot milk with two raw eggs whisked in.) Well, today, you can now judge the tastes of those across the nation. Because the results from the 2025 Good Food Guide Awards are in. Today, Good Food head Sarah Norris, national restaurant editor Callan Boys and Melbourne restaurant editor Emma Breheny, on the restaurants you can’t miss. What this year’s dominant food trends say about what we value - and no longer care for. And the affordable must-order dish that our team says is the “undersell of the year”.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

You couldn’t escape last week without hearing the ad for Kim Kardashian's latest rage-bait release: a so-called micro thong with faux pubic hair.Of course, Kardashian has called her thong - a pair of tiny underwear that comes in 12 shades - “the ultimate bush”. She’s capitalising on the latest trend.Today, lifestyle writer Lauren Ironmonger on the shame women are feeling now, as a result of being convinced to treat their bodies as trends. And whether anyone is actually buying their pubic hair back, after being told, since puberty, that they must get rid of it.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The week in federal politics could not have been more fun. We had Prime Minister Anthony Albanese travel to Washington, finally, for his meeting with US President Donald Trump. The meeting was a total hit, and Albanese came home with a deal on critical mineral supply and reassurances on the AUKUS submarine pact.Jacqueline Maley is joined by chief political correspondent, Paul Sakkal and special guest Bill Shorten, former opposition leader and a cabinet minister. Bill Shorten is now Vice Chancellor at the University of Canberra.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Peter Hartcher, a senior political commentator and journalist specializing in geopolitics, dives into the shifting dynamics of US-China relations. He discusses the long-predicted but elusive moment of China's supremacy and highlights recent political turmoil within China that hampers this ambition. Hartcher also examines the implications of Trump's failed tariff threats, Xi Jinping's internal power struggles, and Australia's newfound role through a critical minerals deal with the US, potentially elevating its status from middle power.