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Ella Archibald-Binge and Sarah Collard, Indigenous affairs reporters for Guardian Australia, delve into the state of Indigenous rights in Australia five years after the Black Lives Matter protests. They discuss the profound impact of tragic deaths in custody and the community's demands for justice, highlighting ongoing grief and resistance. The conversation also reflects on the need for meaningful change despite political stagnation, emphasizing the critical importance of accountability, truth-telling, and reconciliation initiatives for Indigenous communities.

Caitlin Cassidy, an education reporter for Guardian Australia, delves into the troubling rise of bullying and misogyny in Australian classrooms. She highlights the alarming statistics revealing how these behaviors are driving teachers, particularly women, out of the profession. The conversation spans the role of social media and toxic masculinity in shaping student behavior, the shifting dynamics between teachers and parents, and the need for new teaching methods to combat declining attention spans. Cassidy emphasizes the urgent need for community support to enhance teacher retention.

Join Donna Lu, Assistant news editor and antiviral columnist for Guardian Australia, as she navigates the wild world of viral sleep hacks like mouth taping and the kiwi trend. She critiques the popular claims about supplements like melatonin, emphasizing their mixed effectiveness. The conversation dives into orthosomnia, the anxiety around perfect sleep, and highlights the need for informed sleep hygiene. Forget TikTok's quick fixes; discover what truly matters for a restful night!

Greg Jericho is a Guardian columnist and chief economist at the Australia Institute. In this engaging discussion, he tackles the proposed super tax on superannuation earnings over $3 million, sparking debate over wealth inequality. He critiques the media's response, highlighting how it often overlooks the realities of economic disparity. Jericho emphasizes the need for reform to rectify biases favoring wealthy retirees and warns of potential voter discontent surrounding these changes in the tax break system.

Karen Hao, a technology journalist and author of "Empire of AI," spent five years observing OpenAI's evolution from its altruistic beginnings to a profit-driven tech giant. She uncovers the discrepancies between its public image and internal practices, revealing a culture of secrecy. The podcast delves into the ethical implications of AI development, highlighting the hidden costs faced by workers, particularly content moderators. Hao also discusses the environmental impact of AI and raises urgent questions about the need for accountability and regulation in this rapidly advancing industry.

The podcast dives into the challenges facing the re-elected government, highlighting the tensions between climate commitments and fossil fuel projects. It examines a controversial extension to a major polluter in Western Australia, raising questions for the Labor Party. Additionally, proposed tax reforms on superannuation accounts are discussed alongside Australia’s foreign policy complexities related to Israel. The dynamics within the Coalition party following recent elections, especially among younger politicians, reveal ongoing struggles with public sentiment and leadership consistency.

Dan Jervis-Bardy, a political reporter for Guardian Australia based in Canberra, delves into the recent reconciliation of the Liberal and Nationals parties. He discusses the challenges they face with net zero commitments and internal tensions despite their renewed unity. The episode highlights key policy debates, particularly around climate goals and leadership dynamics, revealing the complexities of maintaining cohesion within the coalition. Jervis-Bardy also reflects on the implications of their new shadow cabinet and the potential for leadership struggles ahead.

David Smith, Washington DC Bureau Chief, dives into the chaos of Trump's Oval Office meeting with South Africa's Cyril Ramaphosa over false claims of 'white genocide.' He discusses how conspiracy theories are not just distractions but weapons shaping political agendas. The conversation critiques Trump’s rhetoric, highlighting influential figures like Tucker Carlson, and explores the damaging effects of these narratives on America’s global diplomacy and credibility. Smith emphasizes the serious implications for race, crime, and public perception in both the U.S. and abroad.

In this engaging discussion, Adam Morton, the climate and environment editor for Guardian Australia, dives into the pivotal climate decisions facing the new Environment Minister, Murray Watt. With Labor's substantial parliamentary majority, Morton highlights the urgency for ambitious climate policies amidst a backdrop of rising public demand for renewable energy. He delves into the contentious proposal for extending a gas processing facility in Western Australia and argues for the establishment of a federal Environmental Protection Authority to better navigate future challenges in environmental decision-making.

Freelance journalist Michelle Duff, based in Wellington, reveals the mass exodus of New Zealanders seeking better economic opportunities abroad. She discusses the emotional complexities behind families leaving for permanent moves, as well as the impact on small towns facing job losses. The conversation dives into New Zealand's economic stagnation, high housing costs, and the struggles of local iwi to preserve culture amidst demographic changes. It's a candid exploration of the gap between New Zealand’s idyllic image and the harsh realities its residents are experiencing.