7am

Episoder

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  The fake orphans trafficked to Australia 17.10.2026 16min

  For decades, thousands of South Korean children were adopted into families overseas, including here in Australia. Many grew up believing they were orphans, only to discover years later that their identities had been falsified, their biological families were still alive and, in some cases, they were victims of human trafficking. An investigation in South Korea last year exposed widespread fraud and abuse in the country's international adoption industry. Now, an Australian government inquiry is underway, examining Australia's role, what authorities knew and how these children were allowed to be brought into the country. Today, Martin McKenzie-Murray on the fake orphans trafficked to Australia, and the fight to uncover the truth about their adoptions. This episode first aired in May 2025.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Associate Editor of the Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray Photo: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Is Josh Frydenberg coming for Angus Taylor? 16.10.2026 16min

  In politics, there’s nothing quite like a book launch to remind everyone you’re here if they need.  Josh Frydenberg is back, with a new book, some pointed criticism of his party, and perhaps an eye on a return to Canberra. Meanwhile, Angus Taylor is steering the Liberals firmly to the right, although even that hasn’t spared him a heckling from the conservative faithful. For Anthony Albanese, it’s a welcome distraction from what has been a torrid couple of weeks for the government. His own MPs are getting restless, and the prime minister's own confidence isn’t proving contagious. Today, columnist Paul Bongiorno on the Liberals’ competing visions, Labor’s midterm blues, and a prime minister waiting for the wind to change.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno Photo: AAP Image/Sarah WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Could Trump wage another war in the Middle East? 15.10.2026 18min

  After a decade of fighting and billions spent on American weapons, Saudi Arabia still hasn’t defeated the Houthis.   Instead, the Iranian-backed armed movement from Yemen, one of the Middle East’s poorest countries, is breaching Saudi defences with cheap drones and missiles, striking airports and oil infrastructure.  This week, an attack on the passenger terminal at Riyads’s international airport killed 13 people and injured at least 320. With the US already fighting a war with Iran, Saudi Arabia is now pressing Donald Trump to intervene against the Houthis. But is Trump prepared to open another front in the Middle East in order to help a country in which his family has business interests? Today, Journalist Akbar Shahid Ahmed on the continued rise of the Houthis, and the pressure on Trump to intervene.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Diplomatic Correspondent at The Washington Sun, Akbar Shahid Ahmed Photo: EPA/YAHYA ARHABSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The productivity problem driving up interest rates 14.10.2026 14min

  For generations, Australians could reasonably expect that their lives would be more prosperous than their parents.  But over recent years, that bargain has started to break down.  Productivity growth has barely moved for a decade. We’re working more hours, without producing much more for each hour we work, and that stagnation is showing up in incomes, living standards and rising interest rates.  Now with economic growth under pressure, the government is betting that new technology, particularly artificial intelligence, can help turn things around. Today, Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood, on why Australia has stopped becoming more productive, whether AI can change that, and what happens if it can’t.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Productivity Commission Chair Danielle Wood Photo: AAP Image/Dean LewinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Execution TV: Is this a turning point for Trump’s America? 13.10.2026 16min

  In 2009, US Army psychiatrist Nidal Hasan opened fire on fellow soldiers and civilians at the Fort Hood military base in Texas, killing 13 people and wounding 32. He was sentenced to death in 2013 for the attack, which he described as an act of jihad. Now the Trump administration has scheduled his execution by firing squad for December 3. And Secretary of War Pete Hegseth says he wants the public to watch via livestream. It’s the latest example of an administration willing to put its use of deadly force on display – from sharing videos of boats being blown up in the Caribbean, to turning military strikes on Iran into social media content. So why is the US so determined to show off its military muscle?Today, journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin, on the growing spectacle of American state violence – and what happens when killing becomes something to watch and celebrate.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist and filmmaker Abby Martin Photo: AP Photo/Mark SchiefelbeinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Will the ‘Albo-rithm’ censor the internet? 12.10.2026 14min

  The Coalition is saying that soon, you won’t be able to criticise the Prime Minister on the internet. It’s part of its campaign against Labor’s proposed Digital Duty of Care – which the opposition has branded the “Albo-rithm”, arguing it would give the government the power to decide what Australians can see and say online. So what’s actually in the government’s bill? And how far does it go towards addressing the harms created by social media and its algorithms? Today, Digital Rights Watch chair Lizzie O’Shea on whether Labor can force Big Tech to change what we’re served – and why Donald Trump’s White House has now weighed in.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chair of Digital Rights Watch, Lizzie O’Shea Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Robodebt took Kath’s only son; now she’s been denied compensation 11.10.2026 13min

  Kath Madgwick has been to hell and back. One of the most recognisable faces of the Royal Commission into Robodebt, her only son Jarrad took his own life after being told he owed Services Australia nearly two thousand dollars.  Kath has been fighting ever since. The royal commission report dedicated more than a page to her story. But now, Kath says she’s experiencing injustice of another kind. Booted out of the $475 million robodebt class action – her compensation claim over Jarrad’s death has been denied by the Commonwealth. Today Kath Madgwick, on how – even as one of the worst affected victims of the robodebt saga – she’s somehow missed out.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Robodebt victim’s mother, Kath Madgwick Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Holy Warrior leading Trump's war 10.10.2026 16min

  Last week, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth gathered hundreds of service members at a base in Virginia to lay out his vision for the American military. Alongside sweeping changes to the way it fights and trains, Hegseth announced a new Office of Religious Affairs – reporting directly to him – aimed at putting what he calls “spiritual health” on the same level as physical health. It’s the clearest sign yet of how Hegseth’s evangelical Christianity is shaping the Pentagon and religious policy across the armed forces. Earlier this year, we looked at the beliefs driving Hegseth’s push to remake the military – and why Donald Trump chose him to wage a cultural and ideological battle inside it, bringing so-called “warrior culture” back to an institution they believed had gone “woke”. Today, former Voice of America Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman on Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism and the religious worldview reshaping the US military. This episode first aired in March, 2026.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, Steve Herman Photo: Alex Wong/Pool Photo via APSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  As the Coalition veers right, should Albo hold the centre? 09.10.2026 15min

  The Coalition is under pressure from One Nation, and its response is becoming increasingly clear. Angus Taylor is pushing a much harder line on immigration, borrowing language that echoes populist movements overseas.  At the same time, One Nation is escalating its own rhetoric as it tries to capitalise on the anger and discontent spreading across the electorate. It’s part of a broader fracturing in Australian politics, as the major parties try to confront a more volatile electorate – and as the government faces renewed pressure over interest rates, inflation and the cost of living.  Today, press gallery journalist Karen Middleton, on a political system being pulled towards its edges, and whether Anthony Albanese can still make the centre hold.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Press gallery journalist Karen Middleton Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The $25 billion plan to take on Coles and Woolworths 08.10.2026 16min

  The Greens’ official think-tank has a new proposition — a national chain of 624 publicly owned supermarkets. To make that a reality would cost more than $25 billion, and involve the forced sale of 200 Coles and Woolworths supermarkets.  But the Institute, which took its inspiration from New York mayor Zohran Mamdani, says it would cut grocery bills by 22 per cent.  Today, former MP and now Green Institute Executive Director Max Chandler-Mather on his proposal for a publicly owned supermarket chain.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Green Institute Executive Director Max Chandler-Mather Photo: AAP Image/Dan PeledSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Could the Flydubai attack keep Netanyahu in power? 07.10.2026 16min

  Big events have always had the power to shape elections: from John Howard and the Tampa affair, to the attempted assassination of Donald Trump.  And it doesn’t get much bigger than a foiled attempt to bring down a plane mid-flight. One week on from the Flydubai incident, details are continuing to filter out about the co-pilot accused of stabbing his colleague in an effort to crash the Tel Aviv-bound plane.  And as investigations continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been front and centre – with the country’s election just weeks away. Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom on what we know about what happened on Flydubai flight 1073 and whether Netanyahu could use it to help him get re-elected.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom Photo: @IsraeliPM via x.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  'Biggest cut in history': What Angus Taylor’s migration cuts would do to Australia 06.10.2026 15min

  Angus Taylor has promised “the biggest cut to immigration in the history of this country” – vowing to cut net overseas migration to one hundred thousand for two years if he wins office, slashing Australia’s temporary migration intake by 650 thousand over four years. Temporary graduate visas would be scrapped and new international students capped at 240 thousand. Australia’s humanitarian intake to be halved at ten thousand a year. In a press conference which saw classic Coalition slogan “stop the boats” make a comeback, a new catch cry made an appearance as Angus Taylor tried to out muscle Labor and One Nation – promising to “raise the standards and reduce the numbers”. Today, Director of the Migration Hub at ANU, Professor Alan Gamlen on what the Coalition’s drastic cuts would actually mean for Australia, why this debate is happening now, and the dangers when migration rhetoric reaches fever pitch   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Director of the ANU Migration Hub, Professor Alan Gamlen Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De MarchiSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Undercover inside Cuba: The world’s longest-running blockade 05.10.2026 17min

  The United States is once again tightening its grip on Cuba.  New travel and economic restrictions are adding to a brutal oil blockade that has already pushed the country deeper into crisis, leaving Cuba increasingly isolated both politically and economically.  But behind the decades of hostility between Washington and Havana, there’s a human cost that can be easy to lose sight of.  Power cuts stretch through the night. Food and medicine are scarce and millions of people are struggling with water shortages.  Today, SBS reporter for Dateline, Colin Cosier takes us inside Cuba, where he travelled undercover to document what life has become for the people caught up in an age old power struggle.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: SBS reporter Colin Cosier Photo: SBS / Colin CosierSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Alastair Campbell on Pauline, Trump and the shifting world order 04.10.2026 18min

  Last week, Britain’s new Prime Minister Andy Burnham stood in front of the Labour Party conference and promised to break politics as usual.  In an emotional speech, he took aim at privatisation, austerity and Brexit, arguing that Britain’s departure from the European Union had done more harm than good.  Alastair Campbell was in the room and he sees Burnham’s speech as part of a much bigger political moment, as populist parties gain ground, America redraws its alliances and China is asserting more power abroad.  For countries like Britain and Australia, that means old assumptions about political leadership, alliances and global power are being tested all at once.    Today, former Tony Blair adviser and the co-host of The Rest Is Politics, Alastair Campbell, on how centre-left leaders can respond to the rise of populism, and what a shifting global order means for countries like Australia.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Co-host of The Rest is Politics Alastair Campbell Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  ‘It’s not 1800-phone-a-friend’: the failed promise of therapy apps 03.10.2026 17min

  If you listen to podcasts, and let’s be honest, there’s a fair chance that you do, it’s likely that you’ve heard ads for a thing called Better Help. It’s an app offering flexible, affordable therapy whenever you need it. Kind of an “Uber for therapy”. Since we first brought you this story two years ago, app-based therapy has continued to grow – and now AI chatbots are increasingly being used for mental health support too. So are we actually better off with BetterHelp and apps like it? Today, we’re returning to our conversation with clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Ahona Guha, on the Uberfication of mental health care – and why a gig economy for psychologists isn’t the answer to our struggling mental health system. This episode first aired in August, 2024   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Clinical and forensic psychologist Dr Ahona Guha Photo: betterhelp.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  New leader, new Greens? 02.10.2026 16min

  David Shoebridge has taken over the Greens leadership with a big ambition: to replace Labor. He’s doing it at a time when Australians are becoming less attached to the major parties, and less trusting of the people who run them. But so far, it’s Pauline Hanson’s One Nation that has made the most of that anger, while the Greens, after losing seats at the last election, have stagnated in the polls. Their challenge now is to convince disillusioned voters that the Greens can be more than a bit player in the halls of parliament.  Today, Greens leader David Shoebridge on his plan to turn the Greens into an anti-establishment force, and whether that requires changing the party itself.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Greens leader David Shoebridge Photo: AAP Image/George ChanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  What the ‘Cornell 7’ tells us about male silence, violence and misogyny 01.10.2026 15min

  News of an alleged rape involving seven men at an elite university – a case being called the ‘Cornell 7’ – is reverberating across the US.  For many people, the case – and the way the men and the institutions involved responded at the time – echoes high profile incidents here in Australia.  So what responsibilities are our institutions failing to live up to? And what should they be doing differently?  Today, advocate Tarang Chawla on the so-called Cornell 7, and what the case tells us about misogyny at home. And a warning – while we try not to get too graphic, this episode does cover sexual assault.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Anti-violence advocate Tarang Chawla Photo: AP Photo/Seth WenigSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Ben Roberts-Smith and the One Nation law change that could impact his trial 30.09.2026 12min

  In April this year, Ben Roberts-Smith was arrested and charged with five counts of the war crime of murder. He’s now out on bail and maintains his innocence – and One Nation has swung its support behind him.  Now, the minor party says it’s also seeking to make a change to the criminal code — a change that could make a big difference to Roberts-Smith’s upcoming trial.  Today, journalist Ben McKelvey on the law One Nation wants changed — and what that could mean for Australia’s international standing.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Journalist Ben McKelvey Photo: AAP Image/Russell FreemanSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  Why interest rate pain is now worse than the bad old days of 17.5% 29.09.2026 16min

  For years we’ve heard from older generations that the current interest rate pain is nothing compared to the horror of 17.5 per cent rates in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. But now, as the Reserve Bank delivers its fourth hike this year, analysis shows the pain being inflicted on homeowners is comparatively worse. So, as the official cash rate hits a 15 year high of 4.6 percent – how bad could it get? Today, KPMG senior economist Terry Rawnsley on the chance of more interest rate hikes, the flow on effects of this latest hit, and whether we should be looking at alternatives like tax hikes, to get inflation under control.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: KPMG senior economist Terry Rawnsley Photo: AAP Image/Sarah WilsonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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  The Medicare hack and the rise of rogue AI agents 28.09.2026 16min

  In June, an OpenAI agent was looking for public information about medicines spending when it broke into a Medicare statistics website and accessed files it wasn’t authorised to see. No personal Medicare information was accessed, and the breach itself was relatively minor. But the behaviour is more concerning: the agent hit a barrier – and instead of stopping, found a way around it. And it wasn’t the first time. Sydney Von Arx runs the Nightingale Collective, which monitors these AI systems. Her team uncovered a group of OpenAI agents behaving in remarkably similar ways around the same time as the Medicare breach – even sharing tips with each other about how to get around restrictions. Today, what happens when AI agents stop taking no for an answer – and can the companies building them actually control what they do?   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: AI researcher and CEO of Nightingale Collective, Sydney Von Arx Photo: AAP Image/Susie Dodds / Pictures: Tracey Nearmy and Dan HimbrechtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.