The Morning Edition

40/20 is a brand new NRL podcast from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. During this year's State of Origin and Finals series we'll be breaking down the biggest stories from across the game with the best journalists and NRL insiders from around the country. We'll be giving you press pass access as we breakdown the latest news, controversy and performances from the biggest matches in the Rugby League calendar. To listen to our episodes as soon as they drop follow 40/20 wherever you listen to podcasts.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It is one of life’s agonising scenarios; your puppy gets hit by a car. Or your cat develops a tumour. Of course, you want the best care. But what if you’re being quoted $10,000?  Or more? And why do prices vary so much from vet to vet? Today, senior reporter Henrietta Cook and national science reporter Liam Mannix on why veterinary bills have skyrocketed over the last few years. And the people who have to sell their furniture, or struggle to make rent, in order to care for their beloved pets.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, the leader of the Australian Labor Party, for an insightful chat with political correspondents David Crowe and Paul Sakkal. Albanese introduces his concept of 'progressive patriotism' and discusses how it aims to unite Australia’s diverse communities. He shares personal anecdotes about his Catholic faith and emphasizes kindness in politics. The conversation also touches on Labor’s commitment to workers, the shifting landscape of opposition leadership, and how media perceptions impact political narratives.

Peter Hartcher, an insightful international and political editor, delves into Indonesia's tumultuous political climate. He discusses Prime Minister Albanese's crucial visit amid rising protests against President Prabowo Subianto, who has transitioned from a controversial figure to a popular leader. Hartcher highlights the youth-led resistance against government policies threatening democracy and the alarming resurgence of military influence in governance. He also explores the delicate balance Australia must maintain in nurturing its relationship with Indonesia while advocating for democratic values.

For years, Sean “Diddy” Combs was a music mogul unlike any other; once described as a “zeitgeist-dominating colossus” who helped hip hop become a global cultural force. But peppered throughout his years of living to extraordinary excess, were allegations of violence, and misconduct. He managed to escape much time in custody, until September, when he became inmate 37452-054 at a Brooklyn detention centre, after he was charged with federal crimes. Today, we speak to North America correspondent Michael Koziol, who’s on the ground in New York City, where he has attended the first day of Diddy’s trial, and learned what the prosecution, and defence, plan on arguing in one of the biggest celebrity trials of the decade.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Pope may seem like a distant figure. But the newest one has wasted no time making waves. It’s not just the social media posts riffing on what vibe a Pope who originally hails from the south side of Chicago might bring to the Vatican. Because, even before Pope Leo the 14th slid the Papal ring on his finger on Friday, he launched something of an attack on American vice president JD Vance, angering many within the MAGA movement. And in Australia? Many Catholics have already begun questioning how the Pope’s personal views will impact our churches, and even school curricula. Today, chief reporter Jordan Baker on what we can expect from Pope Leo the 14th. And how he may - or may not - intervene in our local religious stoushes, as the Vatican has done, in the past.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For nearly 20 years, Besha Rodell has used all kinds of schemes to hide who she is. And it worked. As a renowned, anonymous food critic for The New York Times, the LA Times and our mastheads, she has stripped away the artifice and marketing from restaurants’ offering, in order to judge their real value, and in doing so, she’s reached the top of her industry, earning a James Beard Foundation Award - the so-called Oscar of the food world. Today, Besha Rodell joins me to discuss why she’s unmasking herself now. And the confronting epiphany she’s had about Australia, since returning seven years ago.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It will go down as one of the most resounding victories in Australian political history. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese out-performed the expectations of just about everyone last weekend, decimating the Liberal party to the extent where even its leader lost his own seat. So, what next for Labor? As the caucus gathers in Canberra on Friday, we look at the new faces in the team and discuss which are the ones to watch. Also, we try to decide whether the teals have gone backwards or consolidated power with their results. Chief Political Correspondent David Crowe, and Political Correspondent Paul Sakkal join Jacqueline Maley to discuss.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Since the Liberal Party’s election wipeout, Liberals, and their media allies, have turned to sources of conservative wisdom, including Margaret Thatcher, in search of guidance.  But, as our political and international editor, Peter Hartcher, writes: “I haven’t seen any of them citing Thatcher’s 1975 observation: ‘In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman'." Today, Peter Hartcher joins me to discuss when the Liberal Party’s women problem first began. And whether the party is destined for extinction.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This election was always going to be the test for the Greens.  For the first time, there were more young people voting than baby boomers, and the previous election had shown there was strong support for the party from younger voters. And, the thinking had for so long been that any election after a Labor government’s first time, would be the party’s moment. So what happened to the Greens this election? Today, national affairs editor James Massola argues the Greens’ dream of more seats turned, instead, into a nightmare.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.