Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

Antonia Juhasz, a writer for Rolling Stone Magazine and investigative journalist, dives into the complex U.S.-Ukraine minerals deal amidst ongoing conflict. She unpacks the geopolitical implications and Ukraine's strategy to pivot away from fossil fuels. Antonia highlights the deal's roots in military support and critiques its potential impact on Ukraine's sovereignty. The conversation probes the motivations behind the agreement and questions whether it truly serves Ukraine's best interests, offering a nuanced look at international negotiations.

Juliette Kayyem, a national security analyst for CNN and former Obama administration official, discusses the chaos caused by fluctuating U.S. tariffs on Chinese imports. She highlights how these tariff changes are leading to uncertainty at U.S. ports and crippling small businesses. The conversation dives into the resilience of supply chains amid disruptions, the broader economic impacts, and the worrying signs of America's credit score downgrade. Kayyem emphasizes the need for sustainable trade policies amidst this turbulent landscape.

Laura Tingle, Political Editor for 7.30, dives into the recent split between the Nationals and the Liberal Party, outlining its potential ramifications for Parliament and the Labor Party. She discusses the tensions within the Coalition, especially over issues like nuclear power and regional funding. Tingle also highlights the evolving role of the National Party and its quest for policy flexibility amid shifting political dynamics in Australia. Moreover, she reflects on the Liberal Party's challenges and the need to engage younger urban voters for future success.

In this engaging discussion, Dame Harriet Walter, acclaimed actor from Succession and Killing Eve, shares her insights on Shakespeare's female characters. She reflects on her 50-year journey in theater, emphasizing the complexities of roles like Ophelia and Cleopatra. Walter critiques the constraints of gender roles in Shakespeare's time and highlights the emotional power of soliloquies. She also reads a poignant sonnet that connects love, identity, and freedom, showcasing the depth of women’s voices in the bard's plays through her book, She Speaks!

Laura Tingle, Political Editor of 7.30, discusses the shifting tides in Australian politics as the Liberal Party welcomes a new leader. She highlights the disconnect with voters in Bradfield, where centrist values are becoming increasingly important. Delving into the future of the Coalition, Tingle critiques the National Party and calls for a modernization to engage educated conservatives. She also uncovers the complexities of coalition agreements and the challenges of unifying diverse constituents while navigating leadership changes.

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.