Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

Rohan Howitt, an environmental historian from Monash University and author of ‘The Southern Frontier,’ delves into Australia's historical claims on Antarctica. He discusses how early explorations, like those by Cook, fueled aspirations for an empire in the Southern Ocean. The conversation tackles the economic foundations of colonial Australia through whaling and sealing, and highlights the environmental concerns behind strict mining regulations. Howitt also examines the geopolitical landscape and Australia's ambitions in this frozen frontier.

Vincent Bevins, an author and journalist specializing in the Landless Workers Movement (MST) in Brazil, shares insight on this influential group of 1.5 million members. He explores their bold methods of land occupation as an act of civil disobedience against land inequality. The discussion highlights the MST's resilience in adapting during challenging political times, their shift towards organic food production, and how they've emerged as a cultural trend among Brazil's elite. The movement’s ongoing fight for land rights under the Lula administration illustrates a complex battle against agribusiness interests.

Dr. Robert Macfarlane, a distinguished Professor at Cambridge and acclaimed nature writer, dives into the revolutionary concept of rivers as living entities in this engaging discussion. He shares heartfelt childhood memories tied to rivers and how their legal recognition in places like Ecuador marks a pivotal shift in environmental advocacy. The conversation critiques the impact of global capitalism on ecosystems, emphasizing the vital need for an ecocentric approach to conservation. Macfarlane ultimately advocates for deeper connections between communities and their waterways.

Join Antony Loewenstein, an independent journalist and filmmaker currently in Berlin, as he unveils the intricate web of international arms sales to Israel. He sheds light on the surprising scale of UK and Australian arms exports while stressing the dominance of the U.S. and Germany as key suppliers. The conversation dives into ethical dilemmas faced by these nations amidst allegations of human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Loewenstein also reflects on the shifting dynamics in Israeli-American relations, making for a thought-provoking discussion.

Piers Kelly, a linguist and anthropologist from the University of New England, and Alwyn Doolan, a Gooreng Gooreng and Wakka Wakka man, dive into the fascinating world of message sticks. They discuss these powerful communication tools in Aboriginal culture, their historical relevance, and modern journeys linking traditional voices with political dialogue. They reflect on missed opportunities to recognize their significance and advocate for ethical engagement with Indigenous communities while emphasizing the revival of these cultural artifacts.

John Boyce, an Irish freelance journalist specializing in water security, highlights the impending crisis in Spain due to water scarcity. He discusses how a massive data center from Meta in Talavera de la Reina could worsen this situation, driven by climate change and outdated infrastructure. The podcast dives into the local grassroots resistance against the project and the broader implications for Europe, where tech companies' demands are overwhelming water resources. Boyce emphasizes the urgent need for sustainable practices and the political tensions surrounding water management.

Ian Dunt, a political commentator and co-host of the Origin Story podcast, dives into Keir Starmer's tough new immigration strategy. They discuss the divisive nature of Starmer's rhetoric and its likely backlash from voters. Dunt highlights the enduring influence of political narratives on immigration fears, particularly post-Brexit. The importance of immigrants in sectors like healthcare is underscored, alongside critiques of how political strategies distort public understanding. They also explore the troubling implications of new legislation on protests and civil liberties.

Rocco Fazzari is a Sydney-based illustrator and courtroom artist, navigating the fascinating yet challenging world of courtroom sketches. He delves into the impact of the Erin Patterson murder trial, where visuals are vital due to camera bans. The discussion highlights the evolving art tools and techniques used to convey emotions, guilt, and innocence through illustrations. Fazzari also reflects on the unique challenges of capturing flamboyant courtroom figures and debates the role of camera presence in legal settings and its influence on trial dynamics.

Zongyuan Zoe Liu, an economist and senior fellow specializing in the Chinese economy at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses a surprising trade agreement between the U.S. and China. She highlights the strategic negotiations that led to a temporary rollback on tariffs. Liu explores China's shift towards domestic consumption to mitigate international pressures and its diversification of trade relations. She also critiques the 'wolf warrior' diplomacy style and examines the impact of these dynamics on future agreements and U.S.-China relations.

Laura Tingle, political editor at 7.30, dives into the recent reshuffling of Labor's front bench, uncovering why prominent MPs like Ed Husic were sidelined. She analyzes the impact of factional politics within Labor, particularly the tensions around Husic's comments on Gaza. Additionally, Tingle explores the Coalition's struggle to redefine its identity post-elections, especially regarding climate policies. Her insights reveal the intricate power dynamics shaping Australia's political landscape and the challenges both parties face.