The Morning Edition

James Massola, Chief Political Commentator, brings sharp insights into the tense relationship between the Nationals and Liberals. He dives into the dramatic moments of a potential political divorce, only to see it paused for further negotiations. Discussions reveal the damaging impact of differing climate policies and shifting party dynamics. Massola also examines how internal negotiations could affect the coalition’s future and highlights recent clashes in the ranks, shedding light on the precarious nature of conservative politics.

In this engaging conversation, Tom Decent, a sports reporter from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, dives into the provocative world of the Enhanced Games, where athletes will compete explicitly using performance-enhancing drugs. He explores the ethical implications and motivations behind this controversial event, attracting top athletes like Olympic medallist James Magnusson. Decent discusses its potential impact on traditional sporting competitions as well as the changing landscape of athlete participation and health in a doping-accepting environment.

We know, we know, Donald Trump has gone gangbusters in the Middle east, inking hundreds of millions of dollars worth of deals left, right and centre.  But hidden within all the details about Trump’s whirlwind trip - the Qatari jet, his bromance with the Saudi crown prince - is one deal that you might have missed. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, on Donald Trump’s microchip deal with the UAE government. Its inherent risks, for the world. And potential opportunity, for Australia.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From afar, many of us saw the odd agitator pop up on the federal election campaign trail, where they yelled at politicians, or others, like an indigenous elder on Anzac Day. They looked like the actions of random ratbags. But watching on was crime reporter, Sherryn Groch, who discovered something unusual. A small but sophisticated group of people, involved in many of these incidents, had links to Neo-Nazis.  Today, Groch joins me to discuss the rise of neo-nazis in Australia. And the steps they’re taking to form a political party.Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.