7am

Dr Stephanie Westcott, Monash University misogyny researcher, studies online misogyny, the manosphere and impacts on young people. She discusses why Louis Theroux’s film missed the real danger. She explains how manosphere ideas have gone mainstream, how algorithms target vulnerable boys, and how schools and students are affected and need better responses.

In late 2023, Australia signed a landmark treaty with Tuvalu – a low-lying Pacific nation threatened by climate change – promising a special visa pathway, disaster support and closer security ties. The deal is now in force. The first climate refugees have begun arriving in Australia, and this year, Tuvalu will help host key Pacific climate talks ahead of COP. But the questions at the heart of this agreement have not gone away. As rising seas threaten the future of one of our smallest neighbours, is Australia offering a genuine lifeline – or using the climate crisis to deepen its own influence in the Pacific? Today, Mike Seccombe, on the agreement between Australia and Tuvalu – and whether Australia is helping them, or themselves.This episode first aired in November 2023.   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: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP Image/Mick TsikasSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Waleed Aly, columnist, academic and broadcaster known for Australian political commentary. He unpacks the South Australian backlash, One Nation’s surprising surge and how preferences and three‑cornered contests reshaped results. He considers whether this signals a new political order, the limits of the shift and the tests ahead in other states.

Steve Herman, former chief national correspondent for Voice of America, brings sharp analysis of Pete Hegseth, U.S. militarism, and Christian nationalism. He traces Hegseth’s TV-ready persona, evangelical influences, and the push to recast the military as a culture war force. Herman also flags how religion and media spectacle shape debates around Iran and wartime messaging.

Chris Bowen, Australia’s Federal Energy Minister responsible for national energy policy, discusses fuel reserve readiness and how stockpiles are being reformed. He outlines contingency plans like rationing and emergency laws. Bowen also tackles whether windfall taxes should hit gas companies and explains Australia’s reasons for supporting action against Iran.

Australia’s tobacco wars are fuelling violence, with fire bombings and arson attacks spanning across the east coast. Now the federal government wants to treat these organised crime syndicates like ‘drug lords’ by going after them with wire tapping and seizing their assets. And the tobacconists are in trouble too, with calls to ban tobacco stores and only sell cigarettes in supermarkets. Today, Criminologist Dr James Martin, from Deakin University on how to reign in the multi billion dollar black market that’s created a gangsters paradise   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: Criminologist Dr James Martin, Deakin University Photo: AAP Image/Joel CarrettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Blackburn, former Deputy Chief of the RAAF and chair of the Institute of Economic Research Australia, outlines Australia's fragile fuel system. He discusses real petrol shortages, wider supply impacts on fertilizers and helium, the role of poor government messaging in sparking panic, and proposals like bilateral refinery deals and diversified fuel strategies.

Hamish Macdonald, ABC journalist and documentary presenter known for investigating media and misinformation. He explores how viral social posts and deepfakes spread falsehoods, the blurred line between misinformation and disinformation, and the geopolitical use of online lies. He also discusses public overconfidence in spotting fakes and practical ways to build media literacy.

It’s been one year since dead fish began washing up on South Australian beaches, as the largest algal bloom in Australia’s history spread along the coast. Marine ecologist Dr Scott Bennett was part of the team that first surveyed the bloom – coming face to face with the algae’s devastating impact. Twelve months on, the bloom is still there, the damage has spread, and many of the warnings scientists made in those early days have proved well founded – particularly the damage to marine life. Today, we’re bringing you an episode from 2025 with marine ecologist Dr Scott Bennett, on what caused the bloom, what he saw beneath the surface, and what it means for the fate of the ocean.This episode first aired in August 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: Marine ecologist Dr Scott BennettSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

South Australia does not usually wake up on election day at the centre of the national mood. But this morning, a contest that looks settled on paper is carrying a much stranger energy. Peter Malinauskas is expected to win comfortably. The real movement is happening elsewhere; in the noise around One Nation, the protest vote in the middle of a cost-of-living crisis gathering around the once marginal party, and the possibility that a state election could end up telling us something bigger about where Australian politics is heading.  Today, Editor of InDaily SA, Belinda Willis, on the state election that may be a whitewash for Labor, but a warning for everyone else.    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: InDaily SA Editor Belinda Willis Photo: AAP Image/David MariuzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.