Alok Vaid-Menon, a comedian, poet, and performance artist, dives deep into the impact of Trump's executive orders on gender identity and the humor used to challenge societal norms. They explore the evolution of gender-inclusive language, share personal stories of trauma and resilience, and highlight the healing power of laughter in confronting identity politics. Alok discusses the intersections of fashion, masculinity, and the importance of empathy, advocating for a compassionate understanding of diverse identities in a binary world.

In 1973, the highest price ever paid for a painting in the USA - US$2million - was offered by.. the Australian Government. The painting was Blue Poles, by Jackson Pollock. It created huge division in Australia, and would contribute to the downfall of the Whitlam Government.A new book revisits this important intersection of art and politics. Guest: Tom McIlroy, political correspondent and author. Producer: Ann Arnold

Orlando Figes, a leading historian and author on Russian history, offers deep insights into the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. He explains how Putin's beliefs about Ukraine's identity stem from a complex historical narrative. Figes discusses the historical roots of the Rus and Crimea's governance changes, shedding light on their relevance today. His reflections on the evolution of Russian society in the 1980s provide a personal touch, revealing the profound impact of these events on contemporary geopolitical tensions.

A new documentary follows hummingbird rehabber Terry Masear as she cares for sick and injured birds from her LA home. GUEST: Sally Aitken, director "Every little thing"PRODUCER: Helen Pitt

A number of decades-old mining operations in the remote Northern Territory - including Rio Tinto's bauxite operation on the Gove peninsula - will cease operations in the next 5-10 years. Indigenous Elders and landowners are concerned about what happens when the mining royalties dry up. Guest: Matt Garrick, reporter, ABC Northern TerritoryProducer: Jack Schmidt

As US President Donald Trump pressures Ukraine to make concessions for peace (and describes their President as a 'dictator') UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer says he is 'ready and willing' to put UK troops on the ground in Ukraine to help guarantee its security.Guest: Ian Dunt, columnist with i-news, co-host of the Origin Story podcast

Unearthing a mysterious figure from Australia's colonial times. Ferdinand von Sommer was Western Australia's first government geologist. He was also, in various parts of the world, a doctor, missionary, journalist, lecturer, naturalist and more. Was he a fraudster, or a genius? Guest: Professor Alexandra von Ludewig  Producer: Ann Arnold

In Britain, the US and the EU a fresh crop of young commentators are readily available for TV and radio interviews. They’re articulate, they’re polished and they’re clearly media trained. So who’s backing them? Answer: a talent agency backed by the ultra-conservative Koch think tank and the Atlas Network. GUEST: Olly Haynes, freelance journalist with the Byline Times and the GuardianPRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer

A new poll from AFR/Freshwater shows the Coalition has a 52-48 2PP lead, despite the recent interest rate cut. But other polls have a markedly different result. So which polls are reliable? And why doesn't Anthony Albanese seem too worried about them?GUEST: Laura Tingle, 7.30 Political EditorPRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer

Around the world last year, the cost of storms and cyclones alone was more than $400 billion US. In 2024 the planet was hit by 58 weather disasters with damages totalling more than a billion dollars. Not only are these events becoming more destructive and more expensive, they are increasingly happening back-to back in a phenomenon known as “weather whiplash”. And numerous insurance companies are either folding or limiting what they will insure. So who pays for the damage?GUEST: Paula Jarzabkowski, Professor of Strategic Management at the University of Queensland and as a Member of the OECD High Level Advisory Board for the Financial Management of Catastrophic Risks.PRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer