Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

Sarah Bilston, a Professor of English Literature and author of ‘The Lost Orchid’, dives into the wild world of 19th-century orchid mania. She discusses the rise of nurseries fueled by glass innovations and the thrill of plant hunting. Bilston shares the inspiring yet tumultuous friendship between naturalists William Hooker and William Swainson, highlighting their adventures in Brazil. The conversation also addresses the ethical dilemmas of orchid hunting, where beauty and exploitation collide, revealing the environmental and social consequences of this floral obsession.

Rutger Bregman, a provocative Dutch historian and author of *Moral Ambition*, challenges the complacency of the wealthy elite. He urges talented individuals to leave unfulfilling corporate jobs and tackle pressing global issues like climate change and disease prevention. Bregman discusses the importance of moral ambition, criticizing mere awareness without action. He also highlights Ralph Nader’s legacy, emphasizing strategic activism and the need to measure moral impact beyond just numbers, all while fostering environmental sustainability.

Nick Danforth, a fellow at the Century International research centre and contributor to Foreign Policy Magazine, discusses the curious world of political cartography. He highlights Donald Trump's whimsical map amendments, including his renaming of the Gulf of Mexico, and how these changes reflect deeper societal narratives. The conversation also examines how naming seas can influence territorial sovereignty and international relations. Danforth ties in historical mapping disputes, underscoring their impact on national identities and political landscapes.

Mona Jebril, a Research Associate at Cambridge and former lecturer in Gaza, joins Wesam Amer, Dean at Gaza University and visiting researcher, to discuss the catastrophic effects of conflict on education in Gaza. They explore how the bombardment has left universities in ruins and prevented thousands from pursuing their studies. They share heartbreaking stories of lost colleagues and the struggle to maintain academic integrity amidst chaos. Jebril and Amer emphasize the critical need for international support to preserve education in this war-torn region.

Film critic David Stratton pays tribute to the late Ted Kotcheff, whose influential horror classic 'Wake in Fright' captured the essence of Australian culture. They delve into the film's unique production journey, revealing behind-the-scenes stories. The discussion highlights the haunting narrative of a schoolteacher's unsettling experience in a remote town, shedding light on the film's raw themes and powerful imagery. Stratton also reflects on the recent restoration of the film, marking its significance in Australian cinema.

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.