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Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry dive into the Coalition's controversial abandonment of net zero emissions, examining its implications for young voters. They discuss how this decision might alienate Gen Z and millennials, who prioritize climate authenticity. The hosts also analyze the rise of One Nation and Barnaby Joyce's potential influence on its support. With insights on urban-rural divides within the Coalition, they highlight the urgent need for outcome-focused leadership to regain lost youth support and navigate upcoming electoral challenges.

Lenore Taylor, Editor of The Guardian Australia, discusses the alarming trend of automation in public services, particularly regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Joined by Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom, and Deputy Editor Patrick Keneally, they explore the dangers of reducing human oversight in complex cases. Advocates warn this 'nightmare scenario' could lead to misjudged assessments. They also highlight the potential risks of automated systems based on past failures like RoboDebt, while debating how to balance efficiency with human empathy.

J. Oliver Conroy, a political culture reporter at The Guardian US, delves into the controversial figure of Nick Fuentes. He discusses Fuentes's rise as a radical livestreamer and his extremist ideologies, including open antisemitism and admiration for historical dictators. Conroy explains how Fuentes manipulates criticism of U.S.-Israel ties and has ignited a civil war within conservative circles, particularly around Trump's legacy. The impact of Fuentes's online presence and his controversial interview with Tucker Carlson also highlights the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.

Kate Lyons, a senior reporter at The Guardian known for her investigative work on policy, discusses crucial changes to the NDIS. She explains how future funding plans will be automatically generated by a computer using the ICANN tool, dramatically reducing human involvement. This shift raises alarms for over 750,000 Australians reliant on the NDIS, with staff expressing concerns about limited appeal options and gaps in assessments. Advocates fear 'robo-planning' could compromise essential support, underscoring the need for careful consideration of participant needs.

Max Rushden chats with Geoff Lemon, a cricket analyst from Guardian Australia, Emma John, a seasoned commentator, and Sam Perry, a grade cricketer. They critically assess England's recent dismal loss and dissect the tactical implications of playing at the Gabba. The team debates the implications of Ben Stokes' recent interview and reflects on England's aggressive batting strategy. They also explore the challenges of the pink ball and its effect on visibility. Predictions lean towards Australia, but there's a hint of hope for resilient England.

Larissa Waters, the new leader of the Australian Greens and an environmental lawyer, shares her journey following the dramatic election loss of her predecessor. She discusses the recent deal with Labor for new environmental laws, highlighting the compromises made to secure these reforms. Waters emphasizes the importance of accountability in governance and the need for ambitious climate action. She also touches on the party's future priorities, including housing reform and the rise of One Nation, showcasing her pragmatic yet principled approach to political negotiation.

In this discussion, Tom McIlroy, political editor at The Guardian Australia, and Dan Jervis-Bardy, chief political correspondent, tackle the pressing challenges facing Prime Minister Albanese. They delve into his recent legislative wins, including the nature laws, while cautioning against the risks of inaction on inflation and housing. With rising far-right sentiment, they analyze the implications for Labor's future reforms. McIlroy and Jervis-Bardy also highlight the political turmoil within the Coalition and the potential impact of populism on Labor's strategy.

Ella Archibald-Binge, an Indigenous affairs reporter, takes listeners on a journey to revive First Nations languages in Australia. She shares insights from communities working to bring back the Gumbangir language through bilingual education. Students express pride in learning their mother tongue, while elders recall the challenges of language suppression. Ella explores her roots in the Gamilaroi language, emphasizing the deep connections between language, place, and identity. The podcast is a heartfelt look at the power of language revival and community resilience.

Sussan Ley, an Australian politician and opposition leader who once served as federal environment minister, shares insights on her challenging role within the party. She voices disappointment over the government’s deal with the Greens on outdated nature laws and discusses the implications for business and energy approvals. Ley highlights the importance of skilled visas to address workforce shortages, while also reflecting on her leadership journey, including addressing internal pressures and appealing to younger, environmentally conscious voters.

Erika Kirk – the widow of Charlie Kirk, the rightwing activist killed in Utah in September – has indicated she would be willing to support JD Vance in a 2028 presidential bid. Katie Miller, the wife of White House deputy chief of staff for policy Stephen Miller, invites senior Republicans on to her podcast for discussions with conservative women. And the Trump administration is developing baby-boom policies it hopes will help gain the backing of women in the midterm elections. Jonathan Freedland speaks to the Guardian columnist Arwa Mahdawi about the Republican drive to win over women