Late Night Live — Full program podcast
News & Politics
About
Incisive analysis, fearless debates and nightly surprises. Explore the serious, the strange and the profound with David Marr.
Episodes
- Fintan O'Toole on Trump's brand of 'crazy,' plus how to escape the Taliban
Fintan O'Toole discusses Donald Trump's political power. The episode also features an interview detailing efforts to help an Afghan woman and her five daughters escape the Taliban.
- Netanyahu faces a new opposition party, plus the lives of those liberated from the Nazi camp Bergen-Belsen
Benjamin Netanyahu may face a new rightwing-centrist super coalition in upcoming Israeli elections. A new book by Australian writer Nadia Wheatley sheds light on the experiences of prisoners liberated from the Bergen-Belsen Nazi concentrat…
- Bruce Shapiro's USA, why community radio matters, and an historic Pitcairn Island document returned
This episode features Bruce Shapiro discussing recent political attempts to use defamation law against American media. It also covers the threat to Sydney community radio station 2SER and the return of a historic Pitcairn Island document t…
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, Kim Jong Un's comeback and classical marble statues - in colour
Anna Henderson reports on political events. Dr. Jung H. Pak discusses Kim Jong Un's return to prominence. Mark Bradley explores the use of color on classical marble statues.
- Australian writers celebrate David Malouf - friend, mentor, inspiration
Australian writers and peers, including Peter Goldsworthy, Nicholas Jose, Kate Grenville, and Omar Sakr, celebrate the life and influence of David Malouf, who was a novelist, poet, teacher, and mentor. They share their tributes and recomme…
- Ian Dunt on the King's speech to Congress, plus the scandalous life of Dick Meagher
This episode features Ian Dunt's analysis of King Charles' speech to US Congress. Also, Patrick Mullins details the life of Richard 'Dick' Meagher, an Australian solicitor involved in a scandal during the Federation era.
- Pakistan the negotiator, and reporting mass shootings
This episode discusses Pakistan's emerging role as a negotiator in US-Iran affairs, examining the influence of cryptocurrency and critical mineral deals. It also addresses the ethical considerations surrounding media reporting on mass shoo…
- How war fired up indigenous soldiers, and Japanese espionage - fact or fiction?
This episode of Late Night Live discusses Indigenous soldiers who fought in WW1 and their subsequent activism. It also explores the historical relationship between Australia and Japan, specifically focusing on pre-Pacific War espionage.
- Who are the British elite today? Plus, memories of polio in postwar Australia
This episode of Late Night Live features discussions on the British elite with Professor Sam Friedman and memories of polio in postwar Australia with Professor Catharine Coleborne. The program also includes a brief tribute to Australian wr…
- NZ PM's leadership struggle, and the Weintraubs Syncopators' sad end
New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon's leadership is discussed following a no-confidence vote. The episode also covers the end of The Weintraubs' Syncopators' career due to the Musician's Union of Australia.
- Bruce Shapiro's USA, Chernobyl's wildlife thriving and the great convict escape on the Catalpa
This episode features Bruce Shapiro discussing current events in the USA, including presidential actions and administration scandals. Germán Orizaola explores the thriving wildlife in the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. Tony Moore details the st…
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, how best to commemorate war, plus Lake Eyre tourists need fuel
This episode features Anna Henderson discussing Canberra politics, including polling and gas tax. Peter Stanley explores new approaches to war commemoration. The allure of Lake Eyre for tourists is also discussed, alongside concerns about…
- A Jewish Australian lawyer reckons with state violence. Plus, can corporate scandals be good for the world?
Marika Sosnowski, a Melbourne legal scholar, examines state violence in 1950s Palestine. Additionally, political scientist Pepper Culpepper discusses the potential for corporate scandals to restore democracy.
- Ian Dunt's UK, the Colombo plan, and AI publishing scams
Ian Dunt examines Viktor Orban's defeat in Hungary and questions surrounding Donald Trump's mental capacity. The episode also covers the historical Colombo Plan and addresses current AI publishing scams.
- Jon Lee Anderson on Trump's Cuba threats, plus how chokepoints like Hormuz have shaped history
This episode features Jon Lee Anderson discussing President Trump's threats towards Cuba amidst its humanitarian crisis. It also examines how maritime chokepoints, such as the Strait of Hormuz, have historically influenced societies.
- Australia's fuel import dependency, gay conservatives backing Trump, plus damaged treasures in Iran
This episode of Late Night Live covers Australia's fuel import dependency, gay conservatives supporting Donald Trump, and damaged cultural heritage sites in Iran and the Middle East. Guests include Professor Mark Kenny, Ed Williams, and Dr…
- The making of poet A.D. Hope, Australian literary giant
This episode explores the life of Australian poet A.D. Hope with biographer Susan Lever. It covers his journey from Tasmania to Oxford and his impact on Australia's literary scene.
- Sebastian Smee on being laid off by the Washington Post, plus the secret life of famous author Daniel Defoe
Pulitzer Prize-winning art critic Sebastian Smee discusses the state of the arts in Trump's America after being laid off by The Washington Post. The episode also explores Daniel Defoe's secret life as a spy before he became a famous author.
- Bruce Shapiro's USA, antibiotic resistance in India, plus Marralwanga's bark paintings
Bruce Shapiro talks about the US President's ultimatum for Iran. Professor Assa Doron discusses antibiotic resistance in India. Luke Taylor celebrates the artistic legacy of bark painter Peter Marralwanga.
- Henry Reynolds turns Australian history upside down
Henry Reynolds, historian and author, discusses how examining Australian history from north of the Tropic of Capricorn offers a different perspective on the country. He explains how this view can alter the understanding of Australia's past…
- Robert Reich's America, plus ten years since the release of the Panama papers
Robert Reich's memoir explores why Democrats lost the working class, paving the way for Donald Trump. The episode also examines changes in the global financial system since the Panama Papers' release ten years ago.
- Ian Dunt's UK, and the Shahs and Ayatollahs of Iran
This episode of Late Night Live discusses UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plan for fuel prices. It also delves into Iran's recent history, covering the Shah's party and the Iranian Revolution, with insights from Robert Templar.
- Western Australia's GST wins, Israel death penalty for West Bank, and mapping the wilderness
This episode of Late Night Live discusses Western Australia's GST wins, Israel's death penalty for West Bank Palestinians, and the mapping of Australia's shrinking wilderness. It covers financial, political, and environmental topics.
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, Ash Sarkar critques the modern Left, and should daylight savings be permanent?
Anna Henderson talks about Canberra. Ash Sarkar offers her critique of the modern liberal-Left. The episode also discusses whether daylight savings should be permanent, referencing British Columbia's decision.
- The struggle to get aid into the Middle East, plus a great Australian librarian retires
This episode discusses the challenges humanitarian agencies face in getting aid into the Middle East. It also features Marie-Louise Ayres reflecting on her career at the National Library of Australia.
- Bruce Shapiro's USA, Trump’s business in the Gulf, plus the Museum of Failure
Bruce Shapiro discusses Trump's potential exit from the war in Iran and the Pentagon's media rules. The New York Times' investigation into Donald Trump’s business dealings in the Gulf is covered. The episode also features a segment on the…
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, a tribute to Rhoda Roberts, and making floristry more sustainable
This episode discusses the South Australian election results, features a tribute to Rhoda Roberts focusing on the 'Welcome to country' backlash, and examines the sustainability efforts within the floristry industry. It covers political ana…
- Guns and God in the USA, plus fresh scrutiny on weedkiller Roundup
This episode features a discussion with journalist William J. Kole about the fusion of gospel and guns among white evangelicals in the United States. Also, the program examines the herbicide Roundup, focusing on new scrutiny regarding its…
- Please explain: Niki Savva, Paul Kelly and Antony Green on the resurgence of Pauline Hanson
This episode of Late Night Live features Niki Savva, Paul Kelly, and Antony Green discussing the resurgence of Pauline Hanson and the One Nation party. They examine her political career from her start in Ipswich to her current polling at 2…
- Ian Dunt's UK, Geoffrey Watson finds the NACC wanting and the power of presidential pardons
Ian Dunt discusses UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer's approach to the Middle East. Geoffrey Watson analyzes the National Anti-Corruption Commission's findings on Robodebt. A law professor considers the curtailment of presidential pardons in…
- The new Nationals' front bench, where Saudi Arabia sits in the Middle East war, and meet veteran protestor Mag Merrilees
This episode of Late Night Live features Anna Henderson discussing the new Nationals. Simon Mabon provides insight into Saudi Arabia's involvement in the Middle East conflict. Veteran protestor Mag Merrilees reflects on the importance of o…
- Acclaimed historian and author Antony Beevor on Rasputin, and Elon Musk's facilitation of making fake porn with unauthorised images
Antony Beevor examines Rasputin's relationship with Tsar Nicholas II and the 'great man' theory of history. The episode also discusses Elon Musk's X platform and its use of AI to generate unauthorized images.
- Funding Australian TV, and conspiracy theories in Irish politics
This episode discusses the funding of Australian television and the challenges it faces from new media, alongside an exploration of conspiracy theories within Irish politics.
- Bruce Shapiro's USA, Christian rhetoric in the US military, and Vanuatu's lost numbering system
This episode features journalist Bruce Shapiro discussing current events in the USA, including political scandals and military rhetoric. It also explores the recovery of a lost numbering system in Vanuatu.
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, Economist journalist Sophie Pedder on President Macron's support for Lebanon, and why the power of the mafia - in multiple cultures - still prevails.
Anna Henderson reports on Australia's positioning regarding the Middle East War. Sophie Pedder discusses President Macron's support for Lebanon. The episode also covers the continued influence of the mafia in various cultures, including Ja…
- Yanis Varoufakis on war and drugs, and 200 years of the State Library of NSW
Yanis Varoufakis, former Greek Minister of Finance, discusses the Iran war, Trump's tariffs, and recent drug charges. Richard Neville talks about the 200-year history of the State Library of NSW.
- In conversation with the UK's Ian Dunt
In this episode, Ian Dunt and David Marr discuss political developments in the UK and Australia, UK-US relations over the Iran conflict, and the recent Greens by-election win in a UK Labour seat. Ian Dunt is an iNews columnist and regular…
- Gideon Levy on Israel's objectives in Iran, the secret life of batteries, and Australia's earliest desert people
Gideon Levy discusses Israel's role in the Iran war and the possibility of peace in the Middle East. The episode also explores the science behind batteries and new research on Australia's early desert settlers.
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, Bruce Shapiro on the US attack on Iran, and when books go bad
This episode of Late Night Live covers Bruce Shapiro's insights on US leadership during the Middle East war and explores various scandals within the literary world.
- Bob Carr on suddenly losing his wife Helena
Former NSW Premier Bob Carr reflects on the sudden passing of his wife, Helena, and their shared life. He discusses his memoir "Bring Back Yesterday," which pays tribute to her life.
- Bruce Shapiro on Trump's State of the Union, Catholic Church High Court loss and do Australian cities have a guaranteed water supply?
Bruce Shapiro analyzes Trump's State of the Union address. This episode also covers the High Court's ruling on the Catholic Church's liability and the adequacy of Australia's water supply during extreme drought.
- Richard Ackland on the antisemitism Royal Commission, the biodiversity of the high seas, and Mawson's scrawled diaries
Richard Ackland discusses the Royal Commission on Antisemitism and Social Cohesion and the challenges facing the inquiry. A treaty to protect marine life on the high seas is examined, including why Australia has not ratified it. The episod…
- Anna Henderson's Canberra, and Helen Clark on the UN's missing senior women
Anna Henderson and Helen Clark are featured in this episode. Henderson discusses Australian values and political wrangling. Clark talks about the need for more women in leadership roles at the UN.
- A review of the Pacific labour scheme in Australia, and rethinking the gay rights movement
This episode reviews the Pacific Australia Labour Mobility (PALM) scheme, highlighting its problems and political discourse around immigration. It also discusses new sources of opposition to the gay rights movement, suggesting a need for t…
- Ian Dunt's UK, Germany rearms and politicians who dodge questions.
This episode features Ian Dunt discussing Keir Starmer's political future, UK asylum seeker policy, and Germany's military revamp. It also examines how politicians avoid answering questions.
- Gambling's grip on politicians, Cuba's invasion threat and greenwashing green burials
This episode discusses the lobbying power of the gambling industry in Australia, potential threats to Cuba, and concerns about the environmental impact of green burial practices. It covers various current affairs topics.
- Meet the new Liberal Party leaders, what future for Hong Kong, and making music from stars
Journalist Anna Henderson reports on the Liberal Party's future. Author Antony Dapiran discusses the changing situation in Hong Kong. Conny Aerts is featured for her work in making music from star vibrations.
- The US is run by meme lords, and Steven Pinker on common knowledge... and common delusions
This episode features Charlie Warzel discussing the US political landscape and "government-by-meme." Steven Pinker also shares his insights on "common knowledge" and how beliefs about shared understanding can be mistaken.
- Gaza is a nightmare, but once it was a dream
Julie Norman discusses the history of Gaza, from its past as a prosperous place to its current state. She explores the conflicts that have affected the region and the impact on the Palestinian people, drawing from her book "Gaza: The Dream…
- What the NSW State response to the Herzog protest represents, the challenge of digging through the Epstein files, and discovering a very old, very famous Italian artist
This episode discusses the NSW Police response to the Herzog protest, the challenges encountered when investigating the Epstein files, and the resolution of a 500-year-old mystery about a famous Italian painter. An Australian university li…