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Jon Favreau, former Obama head speechwriter and political commentator. He discusses threats to free and fair elections, concerns about federal agents and accountability, why Democrats lack a compelling leader, and the need for bolder, clearer economic and social policies. Short, urgent conversation about messaging, democratic risks and practical political strategy.

Moira Donegan, Guardian US columnist who has tracked the Epstein files, breaks down the scale and challenges of the recently released documents. She urges caution in interpretation and discusses troubling language about victims. The conversation covers whether more files will surface and what transparency and justice might look like for survivors.

Ed Husic, Labor MP for Chifley known for work on social cohesion and anti-racism, discusses opposing an Isaac Herzog visit and why protests should be protected. He weighs whether the visit could help peace or deepen divisions. He warns against scapegoating communities, calls for equal accountability, and stresses compassionate leadership to prevent rising prejudice.

Greg Jericho, chief economist at the Australia Institute and Guardian columnist, critiques the RBA’s recent rate rise as almost cowardly. He discusses whether December’s inflation spike will drive more hikes, how travel and the Ashes lifted prices, the tradeoffs of acting now versus waiting, and policy levers like gas taxes and targeted support to ease pressure.

Tom McIlroy, political editor and commentator, breaks down the Coalition split and its rare parliamentary consequences. He maps the Nationals’ internal talks and leadership tensions. He explores whether this chaos gives Labor room to pass big reforms and flags rising One Nation support and the key policy challenges now in focus.

Sarah Collard, Indigenous affairs correspondent who reports on issues affecting First Nations communities, discusses shock and fear in Perth after a suspected homemade bomb at an Invasion Day rally. She recounts witness accounts, the device's construction and the chaotic evacuation. She also explores community outrage over muted official and media reactions and the tense meetings between police and Indigenous leaders.

Graeme Base, acclaimed author-illustrator known for Animalia and The Eleventh Hour, talks about his journey from dyslexia to bestselling picture books. He recalls creating intricate alphabet art, hiding puzzles and codes, international breakout moments and surprise longevity. He also reflects on inspirations from travel, Australian fauna and the craft of hand-drawn typography.

George Conway, lawyer, Lincoln Project founder and congressional candidate in New York. He digs into Minnesota’s ICE controversy and the collapse of official narratives. He dissects Republican fractures over immigration, Stephen Miller’s enduring influence, debates over funding or abolishing ICE, and the risk of diversionary tactics from Trump’s circle.

David Smith, Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, offers sharp political reporting on US politics and national security. He discusses the Minneapolis raids and near point-blank killings. He explores how the White House reframed victims, the role of citizen video evidence, and the wider questions about enforcement tactics, political consequences, and whether these events mark a turning point.

Peter Lewis, Executive Director of Essential Media and veteran pollster, breaks down a new Guardian Essential poll. He explores a One Nation surge reshaping the two-party dynamics. He traces voter flows from the Coalition, compares the rise to global populist shifts, and discusses public reactions to the Bondi attack and leadership optics.