Late Night Live — Full program podcast

Simon Winchester has appeared on Late Night Live many times over the years to discuss his bestselling books. Now he and Phillip discuss Simon's own phenomenal life - from entering boarding school in England at the age of 4 to having his beehives in Massachusetts raided by bears. 

Art historian Ben Lewis'  new book The Last Leonardo: The secret lives of the world's most expensive painting.John Connell reflects on life as a shepherd in rural Ireland.

Ian Dunt on whether Nigel Farage’s Reform party could take a big chunk out of the conservative vote in the upcoming UK election. Plus Wade Davis on how anthropology can help us deal with the many problems we face as a human species. 

Laura Tingle discusses the highs and lows of the Chinese Premier's visit - and what it really means for Australia. Then Phillip's successor David Marr makes a surprise appearance, and Minister for Indigenous Affairs Linda Burney joins Phillip for a frank conversation about her life and reconciliation after the Voice referendum. 

In his new book, George Monbiot says the trend towards neoliberalism began in the 1930s, and has so dominated the political narrative that its now seen as the natural way of things. So as the far-right once again marches to power, is this moment a political tipping point in the direction of fascism? And can this be reversed before the planet reaches its own ecological tipping point? 

Geoffrey Watson SC had high hopes for the new National Anti-Corruption Commission, but its first decision on Robodebt has left him disappointed. Nicholas Thomas looks back on the life of celebrated artist Paul Gauguin and tries to answer the question about whether you can separate the artist from his work.

Bruce Shapiro gives his analysis of the peace deal that has the support of the UN Security Council, but still has not got approval from Israel and Hamas. Jonathan Schroeder tells the story of a fugitive slave from America, John S Jacobs,  who managed to publish his anti-slavery treatise in a Sydney based journal back in 1855. 

Kay Kinane was a school-teacher from Perth who went on to become Deputy Director of the ABC’s Education Department in the 1960s – the first woman to hold such a position. And she did it with cheek, determination, and a remarkable eye on the future of broadcasting.

Iran has shown remarkable restraint in responding to Israel's attacks on Gaza. Professor Ali Ansari says the country is not only caught up in internal issues following the death of its president, but also has a long and not well-known connection with the Jewish community. Plus, how acting quickly on pulling methane from the atmosphere could make a difference to climate change. 

Narendra Modi has won his third successive election in India, but journalist Atul Dev tells the backstory of his feared and influential wingman, Amit Shah. And author Regan Penaluna tells the story of some of the women philosophers whose names should be better known - like Mary Astell.