7am

Elmo Keep, a writer for The Monthly, dives into the origins and impact of the cypherpunks, a group of Silicon Valley libertarians seeking to replace government with technology. They believed in a society governed by code, but their ideas have seeped into real-world politics. Keep discusses how figures like Assange, Thiel, and Musk embody this philosophy as they shape modern power dynamics. He critiques the notion that engineers can effectively redesign governance, while considering Australia's unlikely adoption of techno-libertarianism due to its egalitarian values.

In just one year, Donald Trump has transformed America's government and its institutions. His actions and agenda reflect a far more emboldened president in his second term – and the guardrails designed to keep a president in check, from the courts to Congress, are buckling. Trump’s success in reshaping the system raises deeper questions about exactly what kind of country the United States will become. Today, Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program, Dr Emma Shortis, on how Trump is remaking American politics – and whether there is any way back from here.   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: Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program Dr Emma Shortis Photo: ANP KOEN VAN WEEL /ANP/Sipa USSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After decades of spectacular growth built on property and heavy industry, China has tried to chart a new path – one driven by electric vehicles, green technology and AI.  But as those bets begin to falter, there are questions about whether China has reached its peak, with stubborn problems like high youth unemployment and an ageing population seemingly intractable. So as the new year begins, what is Xi Jinping’s plan to course correct? And if he can’t pull it off, what does that mean for Australia? Today, essayist, translator and author of eleven books on China, Linda Jaivin, on what’s next for one of the world's great superpowers.   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: Essayist, translator and author of eleven books on China, Linda Jaivin Photo: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/PoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Like so many of us, Chloe Hooper spent 2025 obsessing over the triple murder trial of Erin Patterson. It was different to the crimes she’s written about before, in her books The Arsonist and The Tall Man, which was about a death in custody. For Chloe, it was the domesticity of the mushroom killings, the family dynamic, that drew her in. But why did this story captivate the country at-large? And what does it say about us, particularly about women, that we are drawn to true crime? These were some of the questions that drove Chloe, and her friends and colleagues, the writers Helen Garner and Sarah Krasnostein, as they began traveling to the town of Morwell to watch Erin Patterson’s trial. What followed is The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder – a book that wrestles with ideas about power, money, marriage and murder. Today, Chloe Hooper on what our collective fascination with Erin Patterson tells us about who we are as a country in 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: Writer and co-author of The Mushroom Tapes: Conversations on a Triple Murder Chloe Hooper Photo: AAP Image/Anita LesterSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this discussion, Rachel Withers, a political commentator for Crikey, dives into the Greens' shocking losses in the 2025 election, including the ousting of key MPs. She analyzes how Labor preferences swayed voters away and critiques Max Chandler-Mather's confrontational style. With Larissa Waters now at the helm, they aim for a more cooperative approach with Labor on environmental legislation. Rachel also highlights the need for the Greens to broaden their agenda and secure tangible wins to maintain support, especially among young voters.

Amy Remeikis, a political reporter and contributing editor at The New Daily, delves into Anthony Albanese's year in office. She discusses the government's achievements, like tackling Medicare and environmental laws, but highlights significant retreats on gambling and housing reforms. Amy also analyzes how U.S. tariffs helped bolster support for Medicare and the electoral advantages Labor gained from Peter Dutton's culture-war rhetoric. She assesses future challenges that could test Labor's commitment to transformative change.

Rad Yeo, a video games critic and tech journalist at the ABC, shares her insights on the gaming renaissance in 2025, highlighting how small studios are breaking into the mainstream. She dives into her top five games, including the highly anticipated *Hollow Knight: Silksong*, praising its challenge and beautiful orchestral score. Rad also discusses *Hades 2*, emphasizing its expanded mechanics and mythic art, before revealing excitement for *Clair Obscure Expedition 33*, a compelling debut from a small studio. Each game showcases the diverse and evolving landscape of gaming.

Ruby Jones, a dedicated journalist and host, shares her top journalistic podcast picks of 2025. She delves into Anne Connolly's gripping investigation into unexplained deaths in aged care. Ruby also highlights new media critiques from Jan Fran and Antoinette Latouf, and Oz Farouki and Scott Mitchell, examining the future of journalism. She sings praises for the narrative series Expanse: Nowhere Man and reflects on In the Dark’s probing of the White House Farm murders, all while recognizing Louis Theroux's insightful interview style.

Kate Jinx, a feature film programmer at the Melbourne International Film Festival and avid film critic, shares her top five films from 2025. She highlights Paul Thomas Anderson's politically charged epic and Kelly Reichardt's humorous heist flick set in the 1970s. Jinx discusses Eva Victor's debut that balances PTSD and comedy, Mike Leigh's rehearsal-based dark comedy, and a charming documentary about a Scottish porridge competition. Get ready for cinematic gems that blend humor, politics, and heartfelt storytelling!

It’s been a heavy year in many ways. And when you work in news, there’s no shying away from that. But music can be a respite – something to help process the heaviness, and something that brings escape and joy. When we asked Head of Music at SXSW, Claire Collins, to pick her favourite albums of the year, both the heaviness and the joy were reflected back at us. She’s picked five albums for you to blast this summer, as you prepare for the year ahead.   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: Claire Collins, head of music at SXSW Photo: Ian West/PA WireSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.