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Lenore Taylor, Editor at The Guardian, and Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom at The Guardian, dive into the Sydney Harbour Bridge protest with a focus on its diverse interpretations and political ramifications. They discuss the stark differences between police and protester narratives and how media outlets shape public understanding. The conversation also touches on the implications of tightening protest laws on civil liberties and the evolving landscape of public dissent in Australia. This lively exchange highlights the complex interplay between activism and media.

Kenneth Roth, the former executive director of Human Rights Watch, shares insights from his three decades of activism in a compelling discussion. He emphasizes the need for pressure on governments, including Trump, to enhance human rights protections. Roth reflects on his personal history, urging public accountability for leaders and the impact of grassroots movements. The conversation dives into the challenges of international law, the urgency of diplomatic action in Gaza, and the search for viable solutions to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Ella Archibald-Binge, an Indigenous Affairs reporter for Guardian Australia, embarks on a compelling investigation into Tom Wills, Australia’s first sports hero and his controversial legacy linked to colonial violence. She explores the Cullen Laringo Massacre and its lasting impact on both Indigenous and settler communities. The podcast highlights the tension between historical narratives, the emotional journey of descendants seeking justice, and the importance of confronting uncomfortable truths about ancestry to foster healing and understanding.

Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter for The Guardian, and Cam Wilson, co-author of Conspiracy Nation, dive into Australia's growing conspiracy culture. They explore how fringe ideas, like anti-vaccine beliefs, have normalized in politics. The duo reveals the influence of global conspiracy movements on local narratives and the role of social media in spreading these theories. They also share insights on the emotional toll conspiracy beliefs take on relationships and emphasize the need for compassion to combat divisive ideologies.

Sarah Collard, an Indigenous affairs reporter for Guardian Australia, dives deep into Australia’s colonial past, igniting crucial conversations about its dark history. She unpacks Major Logue's coded diaries, revealing chilling truths about the Bootenal Springs massacre. Collard emphasizes the painful yet necessary journey of truth-telling, as descendants of victims and perpetrators grapple with their family legacies. Through personal narratives, the importance of reconciliation and healing within the community shines through, challenging colonial silence.

The discussion dives into Australia’s foreign policy on Palestine, debating the Prime Minister's potential shift in stance. It highlights the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the ethical responsibilities of leaders. Challenges in achieving net zero emissions are examined, alongside the Labor Party's project delays. The conversation also touches on youth voting rights, controversies around women in politics, and proposed bans on social media for kids under 16, showcasing the shifting dynamics of age and responsibility in modern society.

Patrick Keneally, Deputy Editor at Guardian Australia, and Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom at Guardian Australia, delve into Australia’s stance on recognizing Palestine. They discuss the recent international momentum for statehood recognition and its potential influence on Australian foreign policy. The pair highlight the pressures from grassroots movements and evolving attitudes within the government amid the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. They also explore the complexities of this geopolitical issue, envisioning what recognition could mean for the future.

In this engaging discussion, Andrew Dodd, a journalism professor and director at the University of Melbourne, delves into the drama between Donald Trump and Rupert Murdoch. They explore Trump’s controversial 2003 birthday letter to Jeffrey Epstein and its implications. The conversation turns to Trump’s surprising legal fight against Murdoch over critical reporting, analyzing the evolving dynamics of their relationship. Dodd also highlights the media’s role in shaping public perception amid these high-stakes confrontations, revealing the complexities of contemporary journalism.

In this engaging discussion, Michael Snyder, Director of the Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine at Stanford University, sheds light on the surprising non-linear nature of aging. He reveals that we age in bursts around the ages of 40, 60, and 80, driven by complex biochemical changes. Snyder emphasizes the critical role of lifestyle choices in managing health risks associated with aging, like cardiovascular disease. Innovative strategies, such as weight lifting and maintaining healthy social connections, play a vital role in extending our health span.

Joe Hinchliffe, Queensland state reporter for Guardian Australia, delves into the expulsion of Drew Hutton, a co-founder of the Australian Greens. The discussion highlights the clash over trans rights and free speech, with Hutton criticizing the party for being 'authoritarian.' Hinchliffe explores the internal divisions and generational conflicts that have emerged, examining how the party balances activism with member dissent. The conversation reveals the complex dynamics at play as the Greens navigate their identity and values in a changing political landscape.