Episodes
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With Donald Trump back in the White House early next year, there’s a real possibility he’ll ignite a trade war with Beijing.
Given Australia does so much trade with China, that could have big consequences for our economy.
Today, we explore what could be in store for inflation, interest rates and our wider economy once Trump’s back in charge.
Featured:
Dr Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics at the University of South Australia
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The government wants to ban under 16s from social media saying it’s harming children and parents need support.
It’s a move that has the support of the federal opposition and many parents, but does an outright ban risk cutting off important support and sources of information for young people?
Today, we explore some alternative ideas to help make social media safer with a cyber safety expert and an advocate for better mental health for young people.
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Kriti Gupta, youth mental health advocate with ALLKND
Susan McLean, Cyber Safety Solutions
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Elon Musk played a huge role in Donald Trump’s campaign, throwing at least $130 million at it.
But what role will the richest man in the world really play when Trump steps into the White House next year?
Today, political scientist Geoff Kabaservice from the Niskanen Centre in Washington DC on the people Trump will need if he wants to rule like a dictator, even for one day.
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Geoff Kabaservice, Vice President for political studies at the Niskanen Centre
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Donald Trump won the election, so what should we expect once he’s in the oval office next year?
Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during the Reagan and George H W Bush administrations, says presidents can feel ‘unleashed’ during their second term.
Today, she explains why voters chose to ignore all of Trump’s flaws and embrace his populist pitch.
She says Trump’s victory is a fundamental shift for America, driven by voters prioritising economic concerns.
Kim Hoggard also discusses Trump's policies, including mass deportations and sweeping tariffs, that could reshape America’s future.
She warns that Trump’s second term could bring significant ideological shifts and increased authoritarian tendencies.
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Kim Hoggard, a former staffer during Reagan and George H. W. Bush administrations
Key Topics:
Donald Trump election victoryPopulist politics in AmericaEconomic concerns Illegal immigrationPresidential power -
In this update from Washington DC, Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening: America’s Last Election, brings you an update on all the events from overnight Australian time.
In a spectacular comeback, Donald Trump has won the US election to become the 47th President of the United States.
Matt is joined on the ground by Emma Shortis from The Australia Institute to explain where the Democrats went wrong and the Republicans went right - and what a more emboldened Trump with the support of the House, the Senate and the Supreme Court means for America.
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Emma Shortis, director of the international and security affairs program at The Australia Institute
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This is a Wednesday evening update on the US election.
Donald Trump is in a strong position as vote counting continues, he’s already won some swing states and is ahead in others.
ABC global affairs editor John Lyons joins Sam from Washington DC with the latest on the vote count.
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John Lyons, ABC global affairs editor
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Donald Trump and Kamala Harris have made their final pitches to the American people and voting is finally underway in the United States after a tumultuous campaign.
So, when the polls close, how long will it take for the votes to be counted and a winner to be declared?
Today, the ABC’s US election analyst Casey Briggs explains how it could unfold, when to pay attention and what to watch out for.
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Casey Briggs, ABC US election analyst
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With just hours until election day starts in America, we’ll just have to wait and see whether Donald Trump or Kamala Harris will win the presidency.
The opinion polls have been inconclusive, with the Democratic and Republican candidates neck and neck in the US states expected to be key.
Today, the ABC’s North America correspondents Barbara Miller and Carrington Clarke join me from Pennsylvania.
They’ve been travelling across the United States throughout this brutal campaign, meeting dozens of voters and they’ll explain what’s behind Trump’s enduring popularity.
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Barbara Miller, ABC North America correspondent
Carrington Clarke, ABC North America correspondent
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Big interest rate rises since May 2022 have finally seen house prices begin to drop in our most populous cities.
In the latest Corelogic data for October, Sydney home prices fell 0.1% in a month, while Melbourne was 0.2% down.
It’s still a mixed picture across the country, with national home values up 6% for the year, 1.9% down in Melbourne, 3.7% up in Sydney and a massive 22.6% rise in Perth.
With home price rises slowing in some cities, how long will that slump continue and what happens when interest rates begin to fall?
Today, the ABC’s Chief Business Correspondent Ian Verrender explains why home buyers should not get too excited about falls.
He says that despite slight declines, prices remain near record levels in many areas.
Ian Verrender discusses the impact of population growth on housing demand and the challenges of affordability due to stagnant wages and rising costs.
He also says that any future interest rate cuts could quickly reignite demand, potentially pushing prices higher again.
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Ian Verrender, ABC Chief Business Correspondent
Key Topics:
Interest ratesHouse price trendsCorelogic dataHousing affordabilityPopulation growthHousing supply and demandSydney and Melbourne housing marketsPerth housing market -
Michigan is a key swing state in the US election and there’s a big divide in voting intentions between its biggest city, Detroit, and much of the rest of the state.
Detroit is set to strongly back Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump has compared the city to a developing nation.
With just days until the US election, host of America’s Last Election podcast series Matt Bevan is in Michigan where he’s been gauging the mood of voters.
Today, he discusses hot dogs, a close-ish encounter with Kamala Harris and why Michigan was key to Trump’s last attempt to overturn the election result.
Matt Bevan highlights the strategic importance of voter turnout in Detroit for the Democratic Party and the tactics used by Donald Trump to depress it.
He shares insights from voters on their concerns about the election and the potential for post-election violence.
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Matt Bevan, host of If You’re Listening: America’s Last Election
Key Topics:
Michigan swing stateKamala HarrisDonald Trump2020 election result challengesUS election voter sentiment -
We’d all like to fly business class, but most of us end up at the back.
So, no wonder claims that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arranged personal flight upgrades directly with the boss of Qantas has caused a furore.
Today, Sean Johnson, founder of the Open Politics website and former lobbyist and Liberal party staffer on political gift giving and why it needs to end.
He explains the exclusive nature of the Qantas Chairman’s Lounge and its implications for political transparency.
He highlights the potential conflicts of interest that arise when politicians accept such perks.
Sean Johnson also discusses the broader culture of gift-giving in politics and its impact on public trust.
He proposes a complete ban on gifts and sponsored travel to mitigate these issues.
Editor’s note: After this episode was recorded, the prime minister’s office put out a statement denying that Anthony Albanese ever called former Qantas CEO Alan Joyce to ask for flight upgrades.
Featured:
Sean Johnson, founder of Open Politics
Key Topics:
Anthony Albanese flight upgradesQantas Chairman’s LoungePolitical gift-givingConflicts of interest in politicsPublic trust in politiciansTransparency in governmentPolitical perks and privilegesAnti-Corruption measuresPolitical culture -
Donald Trump says he’s the opposite of a Nazi and his opponent Kamala Harris is a fascist, not him.
But what do his own words and actions show us?
Today, Jennfier Mercieca, historian of political rhetoric from Texas A&M University on how Trump’s language can be likened to Hitler’s and how he uses it to win over his supporters.
She says Trump’s campaign strategy involves terrorising voters into supporting him by exploiting their fears.
She highlights how Trump’s rhetoric includes derogatory comments and fear appeals to create a sense of loyalty among his followers.
Dr. Mercieca also notes that Trump’s repetition of key messages mirrors tactics used by historical fascists to manipulate public perception.
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Dr Jennifer Mercieca, historian of American political rhetoric
Correction: This episode includes a comment that Hitler was a propagandist during World War One. In fact, Hitler joined the newly formed Nazi Party following World War One in September 1919 and took charge of party propaganda in 1920.
Key Topics:
Donald TrumpKamala HarrisFascismPolitical rhetoricFear appealsAuthoritarianismElection campaign strategiesAdolf Hitler -
More than two and a half years into the war in Ukraine, Russian President Vladimir Putin has gone to an ally for help.
Several thousand North Korean troops have arrived in Russia and are expected to join the fight.
Today, Russia expert Matthew Sussex from the Centre for European Studies at the ANU on what it means for the war.
He explains that the North Korean troops are likely to be used in rear-area roles initially, freeing up Russian soldiers for front-line combat.
He highlights that this move is a significant escalation, as it involves a country from Asia sending troops to Europe.
Professor Sussex also discusses the potential benefits for North Korea, including military modernisation and enhanced missile capabilities.
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Matthew Sussex, an associate professor at the Centre for European studies at the Australian National University
Key Topics:
Ukraine warRussia-North Korea allianceNorth Korean militaryVladimir PutinKim Jong-unRussia-China relationsSouth Korea -
Artificial Intelligence chatbots have come such a long way in a really short time.
Each release of ChatGPT brings new features, like voice chat, along with updates to the training data fed into the systems, supposed to make them smarter.
But are more leaps forward a sure thing? Or could the tools actually get dumber?
Today, Aaron Snoswell from the generative AI lab at the Queensland University of Technology discusses the limitations of large language models like ChatGPT.
He explains why some observers fear ‘model collapse’, where more mistakes creep in as the systems start ‘inbreeding’, or consuming more AI created content than original human created works.
Aaron Snoswell says these models are essentially pattern matching machines, which can lead to surprising failures.
He also discusses the massive amounts of data required to train these models and the creative ways companies are sourcing this data.
The AI expert also touches on the concept of artificial general intelligence and the challenges in achieving it.
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Aaron Snoswell, senior research fellow at the generative AI lab at the Queensland University of Technology
Key Topics:
Artificial IntelligenceChatGPTLarge Language ModelsModel CollapseAI Training DataArtificial General IntelligenceResponsible AI DevelopmentGenerative AI -
With less than two weeks until Americans vote, Donald Trump’s campaign keeps getting stranger.
From playing music instead of taking questions from supporters, to commenting on the genitalia of a dead golfer, and suggesting he’d deploy the military against his ‘enemy within’ the United States.
But still the polls are neck and neck.
Today, we talk to Rina Shah, a former Republican strategist, about the race to the finish line.
She speaks about the importance of Pennsylvania in the upcoming election, noting that both campaigns are heavily focused on this key swing state.
She highlights Trump’s unconventional campaign tactics, including his bizarre town hall meeting in Philadelphia that turned into a music fest.
Rina Shah also discusses Kamala Harris’s strategy of using Trump’s own words against him in her rallies, which seems to resonate well with voters.
Featured:
Rina Shah, political strategist, former senior Republican congressional aide and a former presidential campaign adviser
Key Topics:
Donald Trump campaign tacticsPennsylvania swing stateKamala Harris campaign strategyEarly voting trendsTrump’s town hall meetingElection 2024 pollsAbortion policyTrump’s comments on Arnold Palmer -
In 2018, Queensland decriminalised abortion up to 22 weeks’ gestation without a doctor's permission.
Now, the prospect of repealing those laws has become a major issue ahead of this weekend’s state election.
In South Australia too, the legality of abortion has been contested in the parliament.
So, why is abortion up for debate?
Today, Prudence Flowers from Flinders University on why what’s happening here can be linked to the United States.
Dr Flowers explains that the overturning of Roe v Wade in the US has sent shock waves globally, influencing debates in Australia.
She says the political landscape in Queensland is particularly volatile, with independent MP Robbie Katter pushing for a repeal of the decriminalisation law.
She notes the significant anti-abortion sentiment within the Liberal National Party, which could impact the outcome if they win the election.
In South Australia, recent legislative attempts to restrict abortion have narrowly failed, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue.
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Dr Prudence Flowers, senior lecturer at Flinders University
Key Topics:
Queensland abortion lawsSouth Australia abortion debateRoe v WadeRobbie KatterLiberal National Party and abortionUS influence on Australian politicsReproductive rightsPolitical strategies in electionsAbortion laws -
With the polls in the US neck and neck just a few weeks out from the election, money talks.
Elon Musk, the richest man in the world, is throwing it around for Donald Trump, even offering million-dollar cheques to voters who sign a petition set up by a Trump-friendly campaign group.
Today, Vittoria Elliot from WIRED on why Musk is so desperate for Trump to win.
Vittoria Elliot explains Musk’s shift from supporting Democrats to backing Trump, driven by business interests and regulatory concerns.
She highlights Musk’s significant influence on social media, particularly through X, where he amplifies right-wing talking points.
Elliot also discusses the legal grey areas of Musk’s financial incentives for voters and the potential implications for future elections.
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Vittoria Elliot, WIRED reporter covering platforms and power
Key Topics:
Elon MuskDonald TrumpUS Election 2024Early VotingPolitical Action Committees (PACs)Social Media MisinformationFree Speech -
The assassination of the Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar in Gaza, the architect of the October 7 attack, might have been an opportunity for a ceasefire.
Instead, Israeli airstrikes have intensified in the north and there is no sign Hamas will agree to the return of hostages.
Today, international relations expert Rajan Menon on what Benjamin Netanyahu hopes to achieve.
Professor Menon says that despite Sinwar’s death, Hamas remains resilient and continues to pose a threat.
He says the international community is closely watching the situation, with significant political and humanitarian concerns.
Featured:
Rajan Menon, professor emeritus of international relations at the City College of New York
Key Topics:
Yahya Sinwar assassinationIsraeli airstrikes in GazaHamas leadershipBenjamin Netanyahu’s strategyCeasefire prospectsHostage negotiationsGaza conflict Humanitarian impact -
The cost of toll roads for drivers and even rideshare passengers are hard to avoid and the price attached to each beep of the reader increases every year.
Transurban is the firm that dominates the industry on the east coast and in some states they can even use the criminal justice system to chase toll debts and fines.
The cost of toll roads is prohibitive for many drivers, forcing people to quit jobs across town and pushing truck drivers to use suburban roads instead.
Today, Four Corners reporter Pat McGrath on his investigation into the contracts that governments sign to get nice new toll roads.
He reveals how many contracts allow toll price increases pegged to the consumer price index or at least four per cent, leading to significant revenue for companies like Transurban.
He explores potential reforms and the need for government intervention to address these issues.
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Pat McGrath, Four Corners reporter
Key Topics:
Toll roadsTransurbanConsumer price indexToll debt enforcementGovernment contracts with toll companiesToll road reformsCost of living crisisTraffic congestion -
This week we learned that the Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will soon be a new home owner.
He’s bought a multi-million-dollar house, featuring sweeping ocean views, on the New South Wales central coast.
Some people think it’s a move from the PM that’s especially tone deaf, given the depths of the housing crisis, while others see the story as a complete beat up.
Today, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast, Patricia Karvelas, on why it has become a big problem for the PM.
Patricia Karvelas explains that the timing of the purchase is problematic, given the current housing crisis and the upcoming election.
She says there are concerns about the optics of this purchase, even within the Labor Party.
The episode delves into the public’s reaction and the media’s role in amplifying the controversy.
Featured:
Patricia Karvelas, host of Radio National Breakfast and The Party Room podcast
Key Topics:
Anthony Albanese Property market Housing crisisFederal politicsLabor PartyMedia coverage2025 Federal Election Political leadership - Show more
