Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast

A measles outbreak in Texas and New Mexico has claimed at least two lives, according to reports. But Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr has been accused of downplaying the situation. Plus, why has the Trump administration defunded Columbia University to the tune of $400 million? 

History says that the first person to discover gold in Australia was Edward Hammond Hargraves. The truth, however, is a little murkier. In his new book, GOLD, historian Matt Murphy reveals that Hargraves was a charlatan and imposter who betrayed his fellow prospectors,GUEST: Author, Matt MurphyPRODUCER: Ali Benton

Less than two months after returning to the White House, U.S. President Donald Trump has abolished all diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives in federal agencies. The move dismantles decades of federal anti-discrimination policy in America. Advocates of these programs are now questioning where to go from here.GUEST: Shaun Harper, Provost Professor in the Rossier School of Education, and Founder of the Race and Equity Centre, University of Southern CaliforniaPRODUCER: Ali Benton

Despite substantial swings, WA Labor was easily returned to government at the weekend. What does this mean for federal Labor as the election approaches?

Robert Dessaix, author of 'Chameleon' and a prominent voice on life reflections, shares insights from his rich experiences in Hobart. He discusses the evolving perspectives on aging, art, and the embrace of death as a part of happiness. The conversation also touches on his journey through atheism, identity, and the societal pressures surrounding marriage for gay men. With a humorous recounting of a memorable lunch date and thoughts on loneliness, Dessaix invites listeners into his world of creativity and personal growth.

Has the rise of leaders like Orbán, Trump and Netanyahu finally put paid to the liberal fantasy that fascism, ultra-nationalism and xenophobia were symptoms of a political malaise consigned to the 19th century? Authors Wesley Lowery and John Crace join David Marr in front of a live audience at Adelaide Writers' Week. 

Veteran British journalist and editor Alan Rusbridger discusses Donald Trump’s attacks on the US press, Jeff Bezos’s editorial about-face at the Washington Post, the threats to the media in the West and how the industry should respond. Alan has been in Australia for events at Adelaide Writer’s Week and the Wheeler Centre in Melbourne. GUEST: Alan Rusbridger, Editor, Prospect MagazinePRODUCER: Catherine Zengerer

Julia Baird, a writer and biographer known for her work on Queen Victoria, Geraldine Brooks, an acclaimed author exploring societal insights, and Rachel Kushner, a celebrated novelist, dive into the shifts in community dynamics post-COVID-19. They discuss the rise of individualism and alienation, contrasting American and Australian responses. The conversation touches on the importance of reviving connections through shared cultural experiences, the impact of political divides on community, and how nature can foster resilience and empathy.

Has the myth of the Australian fair-go finally been broken? Are social divides deepening and widening? And in a time of great uncertainty, how does Australia see itself in the world? Bob Carr, Rick Morton and Rebecca Huntley join David Marr in front of a live audience at Adelaide Writers' Week. 

Alok Vaid-Menon, a comedian, poet, and performance artist, dives deep into the impact of Trump's executive orders on gender identity and the humor used to challenge societal norms. They explore the evolution of gender-inclusive language, share personal stories of trauma and resilience, and highlight the healing power of laughter in confronting identity politics. Alok discusses the intersections of fashion, masculinity, and the importance of empathy, advocating for a compassionate understanding of diverse identities in a binary world.