Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

Tirthankar Roy, a Professor of Economic History at the London School of Economics, dives into Kerala's remarkable transformation from one of India's poorest states to one of its richest. He discusses how migration to West Asia and remittances bolstered economic growth, alongside education and healthcare investments stemming from high literacy rates. Roy also explores the political shifts that fostered a supportive environment for private enterprise, revealing a unique model of development that contrasts state intervention with market dynamics.

Bruce Shapiro, a contributing editor for The Nation and executive director at the Dart Centre for Journalism and Trauma, dives into the tumultuous first hundred days of Donald Trump's presidency. He discusses the impact of controversial policies on minorities and academia, the chilling effects on the global economy, and the administration's struggles with public sentiment amid legal battles on immigration. Shapiro also examines the shifting strategies within the Democratic Party as they respond to Trump's aggressive agenda.

In this discussion, Nick Ryan, Senior wine writer at The Australian, dives into the declining state of the Australian wine industry. He highlights the impact of China's tariff removal and the worrying drop in exports overall. Ryan addresses changing consumer preferences, emphasizing a shift toward quality wines amidst discount trends. The conversation also touches on the quirky Australian game 'Goon of Fortune' and serious issues like the effects of climate change on Grenache vineyards, showcasing both the lighthearted and serious sides of winemaking.

Niki Savva, a political columnist and former advisor, teams up with Laura Tingle, ABC's political editor, to analyze Labor's recent electoral triumph and its implications for the Coalition. They dive into shifting voter sentiments, highlighting the Liberal Party's disconnect with everyday Australians and its struggle to address climate issues. The duo also critiques the waning influence of traditional media in politics and discusses the urgent need for robust leadership to navigate the party's future challenges.

Andres Veiel, the director of the documentary 'Riefenstahl,' dives deep into the complex legacy of Leni Riefenstahl, a filmmaker whose artistry was intertwined with Nazi propaganda. He reveals shocking insights from her extensive archives, challenging her claims of ignorance about Nazi atrocities. The discussion touches on Riefenstahl's innovative cinematography in 'The Triumph of the Will,' her controversial relationship with Hitler, and the ethical implications of her work, highlighting the ongoing struggle to reconcile art with moral responsibility.

Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, is hugely popular in her country, and gaining global admiration for winning both Donald Trump’s respect, and his apparent cooperation with her over tariffs. Guest: Maya Averbuch, Bloomberg journalist based in Mexico City for the last 8 years, covering Mexico’s economy and politics Producer: Ann Arnold

Despite growing intergenerational inequality, and numerous tax reviews and recommendations, there's been no major reform to Australia's taxation system since the introduction of the GST in the year 2000. From capital gains tax discounts, to superannuation concessions, is Australia's tax system unusually generous to the wealthy? And why is tax reform so politically difficult? Guest: Chris Evans, Professor Emeritus at the University of New South Wales, former head of the Australian Taxation SchoolProducer: Jack Schmidt

It's been a turbulent few years in Australia's arts sector - post-pandemic financial pain, to major leadership changes, shifting consumer tastes, and censorship over the war in Gaza. Brook Turner examines the drama inside some of Australia's oldest arts institutions. Guest: Brook Turner, freelance journalist, contributor to the Australian Financial Review, author of Turbulence and Transcendence: Biennale of Sydney: The First 50 Years Producer: Helen Pitt 

When Vladimir Putin launched his latest war on Ukraine in 2022 he thought it would take three days. To everyone's surprise Ukraine managed to maintain its resistance for three years. But with Trump now in power, can Ukraine continue to hold out?GUEST:  John Lyons, ABC Global Affairs Editor, author of “A bunker in Kyiv (with Sylvie le Clezio)”, published by Harper Collins PRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer

Ian Dunt, a columnist with the 'i' and co-host of the Origin Story podcast, dives into pressing issues in UK politics. He discusses the implications of the Supreme Court ruling defining women based on biological sex, sparking significant backlash. Dunt also critiques stalled reforms in the House of Lords, advocating for the removal of hereditary peers to enhance democracy. The conversation touches on the growing divide in the UK regarding gender identity and examines how historical contexts are shaping current debates.