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Guardian Australia's daily news podcast. Every weekday, join Guardian journalists for a deeper understanding of the news in Australia and beyond. You can support The Guardian at theguardian.com/fullstorysupport
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 26, 2025 • 18min
Gina: The DNA request – update episode
The podcast explores the ongoing claims surrounding Lang Hancock's unacknowledged daughters. Nadine, the daughter of one claimant, shares her family's painful history and pleads for DNA testing to confirm relationships. She reflects on the impact of recognition on inheritance and the trauma of forced removals from Mulga Downs. The conversation pushes for truth-telling and reconciliation in Australia, urging a return of Mulga Downs to the Banjima people. Hancock Prospecting's responses and heritage agreements are also discussed.

Dec 25, 2025 • 1h 13min
Gina: The portrait – episode 5
In this engaging discussion, Bruce Johnson-McLean, a curator of First Nations art at the National Gallery of Australia, delves into the viral portrait of Gina Rinehart. He explores how the artwork reflects power dynamics and colonial history, while offering insights into the gallery's decision to retain it despite backlash. The conversation also touches on Rinehart's influence in sports sponsorship and its implications on athlete advocacy. Bruce highlights the importance of art in challenging wealth and power, and connects it to the legacy of Vincent Namajira.

Dec 24, 2025 • 45min
Gina: The first-born son – episode 4
John Hancock, the first-born son of Gina Rinehart, shares a candid look at his tumultuous relationship with his mother and the legal battles that have ensued. He reflects on the last positive dinner they shared nearly two decades ago and how he felt sidelined after supporting her in earlier disputes. John discusses discovering family trust issues, seeking to remove Gina as trustee, and a multi-billion dollar claim against Hancock Prospecting. He also reveals his motivations, personal growth, and how he aims to protect his children from a toxic family legacy.

Dec 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
Gina: Love and money – episode 3
John Langley Hancock, the first-born son of mining magnate Gina Rinehart, shares candid tales of family life and bitter disputes surrounding the Hancock fortune. Joined by advertising legend John Singleton, they dive deep into the dynamics of the Hancock family and the complex relationships at play, especially with the controversial Rose Porteous. Investigative journalist Debbie Marshall adds rich context on legal battles and Gina’s transformation into a self-made mining powerhouse, sparking discussions on wealth, legacy, and rivalry.

Dec 23, 2025 • 53min
Ashes Weekly: how Australia won the Ashes in 11 days
The panel delves into Australia's stunning victory in the Adelaide Test, raising questions about England's strategy and choices. Key moments are dissected, revealing missed opportunities and questionable decisions. England faces serious issues with squad depth and coaching approaches, particularly criticizing McCullum's influence. The discussion also highlights Jofra Archer's individual brilliance amidst team struggles. As they speculate on potential changes for the next match, there's cautious hope for England's future performance.

Dec 22, 2025 • 57min
Gina: Like father, like daughter – episode 2
In this discussion, Michael Yabsley, a former political adviser, shares his fascinating insights on Gina Rinehart's political maneuvers, stemming from her father Lang Hancock's legacy. He paints Gina as a complex figure, both driven and controversial. Ken Henry, a former Treasury Secretary, elaborates on the Resource Super Profits Tax and its disastrous political fallout. The conversations delve into how Gina's early experiences and her father's strategies shaped her approach to influencing politics, culminating in the modern mining lobby's challenges.

Dec 21, 2025 • 48min
Gina: Becoming Mrs Rinehart – episode 1
This episode features insights from Brian Tucker, Debbie Marshall, and Tony Holt Cramer, who provide a vivid tapestry of Gina Rinehart's life and influence. They discuss her transformation from a child on a vast Pilbara station to Australia’s wealthiest individual. The conversation highlights her complex relationship with her father, Lang Hancock, and his influence on her political and business ambitions. Speculation about Gina's potential political future unfolds alongside her ties to Trump-era politics and the ongoing evolution of Mulga Downs.

Dec 19, 2025 • 29min
Trump in the White House: is it time to call it corruption?
Janine Wedel, a distinguished professor and expert on corruption at George Mason University, joins Jonathan Freedland to dissect controversial practices during Donald Trump's presidency. They delve into what constitutes corruption, exploring ancient definitions and how they connect to modern governance. Wedel highlights troubling financial ties with the UAE and Qatar, discusses the blurred lines between business and diplomacy through figures like Jared Kushner, and critiques the alarming trend of pardons favoring allies, painting a portrait of systemic corruption.

7 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 22min
The free birth influencers radicalising women around the world
Shirin Kale, an investigations correspondent for The Guardian, dives into her year-long investigation of the controversial Free Birth Society. She discusses the alarming links between the society and tragic outcomes, including maternal harm and baby deaths. Kale explores how the group promotes unassisted births, appeals to women through narratives of empowerment, and undermines medical professionals. The episode also addresses the rise of free birth due to trauma and distrust, and warns about the dangers of misinformation in maternal care.

8 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 14min
The Bondi attack suspects and what we know so far
Nino Bucci, a justice and courts reporter with a keen focus on legal matters, delves into the tragic Bondi terror attack. He reveals that Naveed Akram, one of the suspects, has regained consciousness and discusses the intriguing details of his and his father's recent trip to the Philippines. Nino highlights the potential Islamic State inspiration behind the attack and shares insights into the recovery of IS-related materials. The conversation touches on Naveed's unusual behavior leading up to the incident and the implications for broader security concerns.


