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There’s still a long road to go before a federal election and it’s already been pretty bumpy. Not only has Anthony Albanese delayed firing the starting gun because of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, we now have the prospects of a budget amid a fresh stoush between Donald Trump and Malcolm Turnbull. Political reporter Dan Jervis-Bardy tells Reged Ahmad what this latest argument between the US president and our former prime minister means for trade – and the delayed election

Ben Doherty, a former foreign correspondent and Guardian reporter, dives into the intricacies of the AUKUS submarine deal and its precarious future. He discusses the implications of Donald Trump's evolving presidency on U.S.-Australia relations, questioning the reliability of American commitments. Doherty highlights Australia's substantial investment in U.S. shipbuilding, addressing fears of a naval capability gap. He contrasts the AUKUS agreement with previous arrangements with France, exploring practical challenges and the broader strategic landscape in the Pacific.

Michael Safi travelled to north-east Syria to speak to IS foreign fighters imprisoned there. He discovered that a change in the US administration, and USAid funding cuts, means there is a growing fear of prison breaks

This week, Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry go back to the future to look at how history has given us an insight into what to expect in 2025 – and what lessons Anthony Albanese can learn from Bob Hawke.

In the past 20 years men have not increased the amount of housework they do, despite women’s workloads increasing. While they’re at work, women are still earning less than men. And as these inequalities continue to play out, Donald Trump’s assault on diversity and inclusion programs threatens to spill over into Australia. Bridie Jabour talks with the editor-in-chief, Lenore Taylor, the head of newsroom, Mike Ticher, and the national news editor, Josephine Tovey, about the gender pay gap, and why life for women and men is still not equal

We all deserve pleasure, so why don’t cisgendered women feel entitled to it? The orgasm gap shines a light on not only why strict social norms trap both men and women in unfulfilling sex lives, but how our current sex-positive era may not deliver the sexual liberation women have been waiting for. Guardian Australia lifestyle editor and the author of All Women Want, Alyx Gorman, explains to Reged Ahmad why too many women are having mediocre sex – and what can be done to fix it

The US is pausing military aid to Ukraine, days after the US president, Donald Trump, clashed with Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, in the Oval Office. Washington DC bureau chief David Smith tells Nour Haydar why the withholding of US military support is a ‘devastating blow’ to Ukraine and what it means for a changing international order

The abrupt dismissal of artist Khaled Sabsabi for the Venice Biennale has sparked outrage in the art world. Discussions dive into the chilling effects of censorship on artistic expression, especially concerning politically charged topics. The podcast also uncovers a provocative artwork that intertwines 9/11 footage with controversial commentary, raising questions about representation. Lastly, the fallout from this decision reveals a deeper crisis in communication and solidarity among artists, set against the backdrop of current political tensions.

Joining the conversation is Ian Sample, the Science editor at The Guardian, known for his insightful commentary on scientific issues. The discussion dives into the chaos that Trump's policies have wreaked on scientific research, from funding freezes to significant job cuts. They explore the erosion of trust in science and the dangers of misinformation. Additionally, Sample and Prof. Harold Varmus, a Nobel laureate, highlight the urgent need for advocacy and the role of independent journalism in bridging the gap between science and politics.

The podcast dives into the chaotic influence of Donald Trump as a major disruptor in political campaigns. It explores Australia's healthcare reforms and public sentiment towards them, particularly around affordability. The hosts discuss the strategic challenges political leaders face amidst voter indecision and shifting priorities like climate change. They also reflect on historical campaign disruptions, analyzing how past events shaped current political narratives. Moreover, the implications of international relations and foreign policy shifts are scrutinized as they pertain to upcoming elections.