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The Morning Edition

The Age and Sydney Morning Herald

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.

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Yesterday · 23 min
Francis Fukuyama predicted Trump as a threat to democracy 34 years ago. Now he weighs in on the midterms
For 35 years, political scientist Francis Fukuyama has tracked the evolution, vulnerabilities and psychological backlashes within liberal democracies to help us make sense of profound societal shifts. So, who better to help us understand the broader implications of the Democrats sweep to power within the arc of history. And where it might take all of us? Today, Francis Fukuyama, one of the 21st century’s most important thinkers, on the “mortifying” evolution of his country, under Donald Trump. Whether autocratic countries might inevitably become democratic. And the growing threat of nuclear warfare. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Thursday · 22 min
A health check on Australia's democracy exposes deep divides
This week the 2026 McKinnon Index was released, and it showed what so many of us feel – that trust in federal politicians has fallen further – from 35.9 per cent of people to just 30.5 per cent, in one year. The McKinnon Index is an annual survey that tracks public perceptions of Australian democracy, and this year’s is full of juicy insights. Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss the findings is McKinnon Institute CEO and former South Australia Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close. Further reading: We can’t accept a political culture that discourages good people from serving their communities Trust in politicians plunges, new polling shows, as education divide splits Australian voters Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Wednesday · 20 min
Is Trumpism dead? What the Democrats sweep to power means for America and the world
It’s official – a political blue tsunami has hit the United States, with the Democrats gaining control of both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This is seismic change, with wins in many states that have upended decades of political loyalty. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher, discusses what this means for the US, whether "Trumpism" is dead, and if these results mark a national rebuke to the president, to billionaires, or if it’s something else altogether. Further reading: Democrats sweep to power at midterms in rejection of Trump, Republicans The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Tuesday · 12 min
A broken body clock has been linked to a new type of depression
In a study published in the British Journal of Psychiatry of over 11,000 Australians who’d been diagnosed with depression, researchers from University of Sydney have discovered about one in four participants met the criteria for what they’re calling "circadian depression." Today, lifestyle and health writer Sarah Berry on the sleep habits that may point to this type of depression, and how it can best be treated. Further reading: New research may change the way many people with depression are treated The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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November 2 · 18 min
An expected rate rise, and risk of recession
The Reserve Bank governor is expected to announce, today, the 17th rate rise under the Albanese government, in a bid to lower inflation. Today, senior economics correspondent Shane Wright on the risk of recession. And when we can likely expect these rises to stop. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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November 1 · 21 min
US midterm elections: Trump faces his toughest test yet
Americans head to the polls tomorrow to vote in the pivotal mid-term elections, which many view largely as a referendum on President Donald Trump. Polls suggest voters are shifting away from Republicans amid high fuel prices and a perception the president is not focused on their needs. But are the MAGA faithful still loyal to Trump? Today, North America correspondent Michael Koziol shares what he’s gleaned from weeks on the campaign trail talking to voters from all over the country. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 29 · 24 min
Is the PM at risk of "Albo derangement syndrome"?
This week, we take a look at Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's incorrect claim about a $6 million grant to his local golf club – which has become another instance of the government fumbling potentially trivial political issues. Plus, tensions between the Liberal and National parties, and mounting pressure on treasurer Jim Chalmers to tackle Australia's economic challenges – notably persistent inflation, rising interest rates, and a looming mid-year budget update. Further reading: The stink, the septic system and the $6m question: Inside Albanese’s Marrickville mess Cracks emerge in reunited Coalition over trade deal and AI Who would want to be Jim Chalmers right now? Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 28 · 20 min
Is the tide turning on strongman politics?
Strong man populism has grown so much over the years that analysts have expressed despair about whether democracy could have a future. Even former US president Barack Obama, a famously hopeful politician, recently resorted to trolling Donald Trump in a bid to call out the current president’s alleged corruption. And yet, events of this week suggest we may be witnessing a new political trend. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the burst of democratic support around the globe, and advice from the world’s most famous political scientist on how politicians can counter rising populist anger. Further reading: Australia is approaching American levels of anger. Here’s how we defuse the bomb The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 27 · 19 min
‘Cracking the facade’: The unravelling of the Sam Wood empire
For more than a decade, Sam Wood was one of the greatest success stories to come out of the reality TV series, The Bachelor. He met the love of his life, Snezana, on the show. And he built a hugely popular, multi-million dollar fitness franchise, geared at women, off the back of their joint fame. But now the 46-year-old faces charges of domestic violence against Snezana, including an allegation that he strangled her, after police were called to their luxury beachfront apartment during a recent holiday. Today, senior reporters Angelica Snowden and Christine Lacy reflect on the unravelling of Sam Wood’s empire, and what led up to these allegations. ... And just a note, the domestic violence allegations against Sam Wood are now before the court. Wood's lawyer has said his client would defend the charges. The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 27 · 42 min
Inside Politics bonus: ‘I should make more time for my colleagues’: Chalmers on party tensions
The treasurer's position is known to be one of, if not the, most difficult spots in any Australian cabinet in modern history, and the current climate is no exception. On the domestic front, interest rates are at a 15-year high, which could become an 18-year high if the RBA jacks them up again on Cup Day. Overseas, Donald Trump's war is keeping prices elevated. All this is happening as Labor comes under considerable political pressure from a grumpy electorate demanding more and more spending, and a persistent populist insurgence. Jim Chalmers is in the middle of all of it, as signs of tension emerge in the cabinet over Labor's economic stewardship. Chalmers' at times testy relationship with Anthony Albanese has also been in the spotlight. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 26 · 24 min
Israel votes: Is Netanyahu's leadership over?
After the October 7 attacks, Benjamin Netanyahu’s prime ministership seemed in ruins. His government repeatedly looked on the verge of collapse. Today, Israelis head to the polls for Israel’s first national election since that harrowing day three years ago. So, how are they viewing the prime minister now? Today, foreign affairs and national security correspondent Matthew Knott reports from Israel on the key issues tearing Israelis apart, and the surprising bloc of voters who may be the kingmakers in this election. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 25 · 22 min
A 'moon landing moment': The new cancer drug therapy that could change medical thinking
It's being hailed as a cancer breakthrough so monumental, the lead scientist is describing it as a “moon landing moment”. And it's not just any scientist, but Professor Georgina Long - the Australian oncologist already credited with boosting the survival rate of advanced melanoma from 5 to 50 per cent. In a world first, a stage three clinical trial led by Long has shown success in using a personalised therapeutic vaccine to dramatically cut the risk of melanoma recurrence and death, after a tumour is removed. Today, Professor Georgina Long, medical director of Melanoma Institute Australia, on when we might have access to this treatment. And how it might impact the treatment of other cancers. The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 22 · 31 min
Morality first, politics second – Waleed Aly on political violence
After the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, it's been a real horror week in Australian politics. Last week SMH and The Age columnist Waleed Aly wrote a column titled, "More Australians believe in political violence than go to church each week. This won't end well". Given the chilling prescience of that column and its title, Aly joins Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics this week to discuss the issue of political violence. Further reading: A politician’s job is to listen. It’s becoming increasingly dangerous to do so ‘Don’t let violence win’: McGowan’s plea as Haines fights for life Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 21 · 21 min
Donald Trump is becoming Vladimir Putin: Hartcher
An increasing number of commentators and American politicians - including Republicans - are becoming vocal in their opposition to Donald Trump’s assistance of Russia, and the country’s dictator, Vladimir Putin. They say, variously, that Ronald Reagan would be rolling in his grave, and that Trump is “just plain evil”. Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher, on how Donald Trump is not only coddling Vladimir Putin. He is becoming Vladimir Putin. The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 20 · 14 min
The attack on Helen Haines and what we know
It was only last week that independent MP Helen Haines spoke about why Australians were so angry – citing the cost of living, insurance premiums, the price of groceries, and fuel. And, for people living in regional areas like hers, access to healthcare was a massive issue. Now many are wondering how such a popular, uncontentious MP could have become the target of what appears to be an act of political violence. Today, national correspondent Rob Harris, reporting from Wangaratta in Victoria, on the attack on Haines. Further reading: 'He seemed normal': Tracking the path of the accused Haines attacker The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 19 · 15 min
On the ground in France after widespread riots
Riots broke out across France on the weekend, said to be the worst in decades. The violence began on Saturday after more than half a million people attended rallies to protest about the cost of living and school standards, with masked rioters setting fire to cars and buildings. Today, Europe correspondent David Crowe reports from Paris on what makes these protests and riots so different than the revolutionary 1968 student protests. Further reading: Nothing left to loot: Parisians ponder the real cost of another night of riots The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 18 · 20 min
The Exclusive Brethren and the rare public grilling of its ‘Man of God’
On Friday, Exclusive Brethren world leader Bruce Hales gave evidence before a federal parliamentary inquiry. This was a significant moment in a story with many twists and turns about power and influence in Australian politics. Today, senior writer Michael Bachelard on the Exclusive Brethren, now called the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and its "Man of God", Bruce Hales. Further reading ‘Tail, film, heckle’: Inside the Brethren’s secret election influence plot with the far-right The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 15 · 27 min
Jim Chalmers’ facts, an ordinary voter’s feelings and the political reality
This week – again – is all about the economy, which includes a visit from a ghost of the past in the form of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg. But the big topic for today is current treasurer Jim Chalmers and a speech he gave this week, in which he warned progressives not to mock One Nation voters. The far-right strategy to divide people was working, he said, and although facts could push back on sensationalism and misinformation, “facts don’t beat feelings”. Chalmers also acknowledged that voters’ dissatisfaction with the government was primarily linked to the economy and cost-of-living pressures. He asked people to give him more time and, in a year, things would get better. But are voters done? Will people give him another 12 months without further damaging support for Labor? Senior columnist Jacqueline Maley is back in the hosting chair and today’s guest is senior economics correspondent Shane Wright. Further reading Frydenberg: A grateful son or a relentless self-promoter? So many people are angry. It’s becoming clear where this comes from Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 14 · 22 min
A public execution and a Russian deal – will Trump’s midterm distractions work?
The Pentagon’s plans to livestream the execution of a former US army psychiatrist who murdered 13 soldiers at an army base has been met with disbelief in many quarters. Even so, the plan, which would mark the first US military execution by firing squad since the end of WWII, was overshadowed by even more destabilising announcements by President Donald Trump over the last week. Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher talks about what Trump is doing to distract voters from the bashing Republicans are likely to get in the midterm elections in less than three weeks. Further reading: When Trump gets a thrashing at the midterms, four words will come back to haunt him Update: On Friday, Australian time, Donald Trump said the Pentagon will no longer livestream the firing squad execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan. The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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October 13 · 23 min
The ‘glass cliff’ and why the McKinsey saga shows it still exists
A senior Australian partner at global consultancy firm McKinsey made global headlines this week when he was stripped of a key leadership position after deriding the so-called “glass cliff” for women at work. Chris Bradley, who remains a senior partner at the firm, was dumped from a leadership role after he said on LinkedIn that the glass cliff was a “very convenient way to always be a victim in the rain”. Gender equality expert Dr Michelle Ryan coined the term more than 20 years ago to describe a trend of women being more likely to be appointed to leadership roles in times of crisis. Ryan, now the director of the Australian National University’s Global Institute for Women’s Leadership, is today's guest on The Morning Edition. Further reading McKinsey strips Australian partner of leadership role after ‘glass cliff’ comments The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts. Subscribe to The Age & SMH: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/ See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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