Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

As Australia marks 40 years since the introduction of HIV/AIDS testing, global health leaders are sounding the alarm over sweeping HIV funding cuts announced by Donald Trump, warning of devastating setbacks in the fight against the epidemic.GUEST: Bill Bowtell, Adjunct Professor at UNSW and Chief of staff to the Australian health minister, Dr Neal Blewett from 1983-1987.PRODUCER: Ali Benton  

A hundred years on from a landmark Supreme Court case about teaching evolution in American schools, the court paves the way for the Trump administration to dismantle the federal Department of Education.Guest: Bruce Shapiro, contributing editor with The Nation magazine; Executive Director of the Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma at Columbia University Producer: Catherine Zengerer 

Despite ambitious attempts, scientists have never been able to fully replicate the evolutionary wonder of the feather. However, avian inspired design has inspired new technologies such as anti-turbulence systems for aircraft, bio-inspired adhesives, and even quieter wind turbines.GUEST: Aerospace engineer and biologist Professor David Lentink, based at the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. PRODUCER: Ali Benton

Given a lack of regional cooperation and some members of the IDF refusing to forcibly re-locate Palestinians, how would Trump and Netanyahu realise their plans for the so-called “Humanitarian city”? GUEST: Irris Makler,  freelance journalist and analyst, specialising in the Middle East PRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer

In this engaging conversation, Annabel Crabb, ABC writer and political commentator, delves into the complex world of trade relations. She highlights Australia's diplomatic efforts with China while navigating U.S. pressures. Annabel entertainingly reveals how lobsters serve as a surprising lens into global tariff negotiations. Their influence on diplomatic ties is examined, shedding light on the broader implications for Australia's economy. Expect wit and keen insights on the intersection of seafood and international politics!

This nation’s past can be understood a whole lot better if indigenous perspectives on history are listened to. It means considering rock art and other forms of storytelling, and the experiences that First Nations people have when they walk on country. Guests: Jackie Huggins and Ann McGrath, historians and co-editors of ‘Deep history: country and sovereignty’ (UNSW Press) Producer: Ann Arnold

Science in the United States is in crisis. The National Science Foundation, a key research funding agency, has suffered devastating funding cuts under the current administration. Critics say the cuts risk losing an entire generation of young scientists.GUEST: Naomi Oreskes, Henry Charles Lea Professor of the History of Science at Harvard University in the US. PRODUCER: Ali Benton

There are plenty of theories about how the universe began. But what about the question of how it will all end? Humanity's final moments could be due to what's called vacuum decay, the big rip or heat death. Astrophysicist, Dr. Katie Mack, is obsessed with our cosmic future and says there's a certain freedom in knowing how it could all end.GUEST: Dr. Katie Mack, Hawking Chair in Cosmology and Science Communication at the Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, Canada.PRODUCER: Ali Benton

The Baltic countries are stunningly successful, and also right on the frontline of any possible attack from Russia. In fact all Europeans are vulnerable,  Oliver Moody argues, but most of them don't realise that.Guest: Oliver Moody, Berlin bureau chief for The Times. Author of ‘Baltic: the future of Europe’, published by John MurrayProducer: Ann Arnold

Not long ago, bogong moths were abundant in the caves of the Australian alps during summer, and in towns and cities like Canberra during their Spring migration. But since 2019, their numbers have crashed by as much as 99.5%. A research project lead by the Taungurung people in collaboration with the University of Melbourne is working to gather much-needed data on these culturally-significant moths - known as deberra in the local language. Guest: Matt Shanks, Nira-balluk man from the Taungurung Land and Waters Council