7am

Shane Wright, senior economics correspondent for The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, breaks down the budget dilemma. He talks about how global shocks and an oil price spike drag policy into crisis mode. He explores trade-offs like the fuel excise cut, where savings might come from, productivity reforms and the politics of a gas windfall tax.

Kathy Lette, Australian novelist and broadcaster known for comic fiction and sharp cultural commentary, discusses the AI book scandal and what it means for writers. She talks about spotting AI-written prose, risks of everyday AI tools, calls for copyright protection, and ways to safeguard Australian creativity and young authors from tech overreach.

Ruaridh Nicoll, Havana-based journalist reporting on Cuban politics and society. He describes crippling oil shortages and daily blackouts. He discusses Cuba’s reliance on Venezuela and the shock of Maduro’s removal. He explores protests, the Morón incident, and fears stirred by Trump’s “Cuba’s next” rhetoric. He examines targeted US pressure and the limited international responses.

Jeffrey Hoffman, former NASA astronaut and MIT aerospace professor with five Space Shuttle missions, reflects on Artemis II and humanity’s return around the moon. He breaks down the mission profile and test‑flight logic. He discusses reliance on commercial lunar landers, US funding and politics, and a renewed space race as China advances toward lunar goals.

Trita Parsi, Iranian‑born executive vice‑president of the Quincy Institute and Iran specialist. He discusses US troop buildups and whether a ground invasion is likely. He explains why Iran may have the upper hand, regional fallout including Houthi involvement and oil risks, and the prospects and pitfalls of back‑channel diplomacy.

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.