7am Meet our new host!
Jan 12, 2026
Nicole Johnston, a veteran foreign correspondent with nearly two decades of experience across diverse global hotspots, joins Daniel James to share her captivating journey. She recounts living in Gaza during conflicts and the dramatic moments of Egypt’s military coup. Nicole reflects on the emotional Gilad Shalit prisoner swap and her immersive year in China covering geopolitics. With a passion for international stories, she aims to bring unique insights to Australian listeners while embracing life beyond the newsroom.
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Year Living In Gaza
- Nicole Johnston spent a year living in Gaza reporting daily during major incidents like the Mavi Marmara attack.
- She covered both conflict and human stories, including the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap that produced a rare positive outcome.
How A Single Event Changes A Beat
- The Mavi Marmara incident thrust Gaza into constant global coverage and shaped Nicole's early reporting there.
- High-profile events can rapidly transform a correspondent's local posting into an international focal point.
On The Ground In Cairo During The Coup
- Nicole was based in Cairo shortly after the Arab Spring and witnessed the military coup that ousted Mohamed Morsi.
- She remembers seeing military helicopters over Tahrir Square and feeling the surreal weight of history.