Exploring Australia's asylum policy evolution, the unintended consequences of 'stopping the boats' policy, the transformative shift in border security policies post-2013, gender politics, crisis response strategies, globalized migration impact, and the ethics of aiding rough sleepers.

The civilian massacres in Israel on 7 October and the devastation inflicted on residents of Gaza both make claims on our humanity, on our capacity to recognise and respond to the deaths of others — but some find these claims mutually exclusive.

Philippa Collins, a Professorial Research Fellow at Western Sydney University, dives into the complexities of young political engagement. She explores the paradox of youth bearing the brunt of political decisions while lacking a voice. The discussion highlights growing disillusionment with traditional democracy, ageism, and the rising influence of young voters focused on climate change. Collins emphasizes the need for more inclusive political processes that reflect youth perspectives and the importance of issue-based activism to foster intergenerational solidarity.

The podcast delves into the moral implications of travel, questioning its impact on personal values and cultural authenticity. It explores the tensions between genuine cultural experiences and tourism commodification, while also highlighting the transformative potential of immersive travel experiences. From engaging with foreign cultures to debating the value of travel experiences, the discussion offers a thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of global tourism.

Miranda Fricker, Julius Silver Professor of Philosophy at NYU, explores the nuanced landscapes of blame and forgiveness. She discusses how cultural events like Yom Kippur shape our moral perspectives and the collective nature of repentance. Delving into various religious practices, she highlights the need for humility and recognition of faults. The conversation also touches on the challenges of communication surrounding forgiveness, especially in the context of historical injustices and collective guilt, advocating for accountability and compassion.

Andrea Carson, a Professor of Political Communication at La Trobe University and author of "Investigative Journalism, Democracy and the Digital Age," dives deep into the challenges facing democracy today. She discusses how social media has transformed political discourse, creating confusion and division. The conversation highlights the impact of misinformation, the fragmentation of audiences, and the evolving dynamics of political engagement. Carson emphasizes the necessity of media literacy and collaborative efforts to promote fact-based communication in a chaotic digital landscape.

The podcast explores society's focus on criticism over appreciation, delving into the challenge of expressing love genuinely. It discusses the importance of attentiveness in art interpretation and touches on issues like white appropriation in culture. The episode also explores the power of affirmation and worship in a culture saturated with criticism, while examining the essence of progressive and conservative politics.

Spanish painter Francisco de Goya’s depiction of Saturn eating his son is a haunting portrait of lust and the fear of one’s own finitude. Christos Tsiolkas joins Waleed and Scott to look into that darkness, and discover what looks back.

Celeste Little, an Arunda woman and passionate social commentator, shares her insights on the Voice to Parliament referendum. She dives into how referenda can create a divisive atmosphere, regardless of outcomes. The discussion addresses the ethical complexities of using referenda for political questions, particularly regarding marginalized voices. Little emphasizes the need for genuine representation in these processes, while also confronting Australia's colonial legacy and the impact of fear-driven narratives surrounding constitutional change.

Opposition leader Peter Dutton has recently reintroduced the prospect of nuclear power as part of Australia’s commitment to decarbonisation. But what is behind the push for nuclear, and does it make sense in a nation like this?