7am

A look at how a misogynistic online influencer has seeped into school life and shaped teenage boys' views. Discussion of research showing many boys view him as a role model and how classroom dynamics change. Accounts of female teachers feeling unsafe and some leaving the profession. Exploration of policy responses and ideas for teaching history and critical thinking to push back.

Karen Middleton, seasoned press gallery journalist and political commentator, breaks down Canberra shakeups. She discusses Matt Canavan’s new leadership and policy priorities. She covers Dennis Richardson’s exit from the antisemitism royal commission and its fallout. She also outlines the Robodebt final report and the challenges of securing accountability.

John Bolton has spent years arguing that bombing Iran isn’t just justified but necessary.  For decades he has argued that American military force can solve the problem of hostile regimes in the Middle East. He backed the Invasion of Iraq, championed some of the most disastrous American interventions of the modern era, and despite that, he is still arguing more force, more intervention and more regime change will bring stability to the Middle East. Now, as the US escalates again, Bolton’s worldview is back at the centre of the debate. A worldview, that when it comes to Iran, our government shares.  Today, former Trump national security adviser John Bolton, on the strikes on Iran, and on why a man who backed the invasion of Iraq still sees bombing as the answer.    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: Ambassador John Bolton, Former Trump National Security Advisor Photo: PA/AlamySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Arash Azizi, an Iranian-born journalist and author in New York, breaks down who really holds power in Iran. He explores Mojtaba Khamenei's symbolic rise and why real authority is shared. He maps the IRGC as competing networks, outlines strategic options like compromise or defiance, and explains Tehran's delicate balancing with Gulf neighbours.

On Sunday night, after Iran’s final game of the Women’s Asian Cup on the Gold Coast, protesters surrounded the team bus, banging on the windows and shouting “let them go”. Later, five members of the Iranian squad broke away from their minders. By Tuesday, the federal government had confirmed they had been granted humanitarian visas. The move followed days of concern about what the players might face if they returned to Iran, after several were denounced on Iranian state television for refusing to sing the national anthem at the start of the tournament. The government says the same option remains open to the rest of the team, but for now they look set to return to a war zone. Today, former Socceroo and human rights advocate Craig Foster on what this moment says about football’s failure to protect women players when they needed them most.   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: Former Socceroos captain and human rights advocate, Craig Foster Photo: AAP Image/Dave HuntSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Independent MP Monique Ryan can remember a time in Australian politics when small breaches could cost a career.  Now she says we’ve been gradually conditioned to tolerate corruption and the loss of transparency in parliament. Over recent years, there has been a marked increase in the number of lobbyists with access to Parliament House. Literally thousands move through the building, meeting politicians and staffers; often leaving little public trace of who they’ve spoken to and why.  Today, Independent MP, Monique Ryan on the thousands of lobbyists roaming the halls of Parliament House and the system she says allows them to influence, behind closed doors, the decisions that affect us all.   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: Dr Monique Ryan, Independent MP Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Wroe, senior analyst at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute who studies defence and tech policy. He walks through the Anthropic-Pentagon clash and its fallout. He discusses OpenAI’s entry, limits on surveillance and autonomous weapons. He breaks down how AI is already shaping strikes, drones, robodogs and the debate over who should control powerful military AI.

It’s been revealed this week that Monash IVF has paid millions of dollars in secret settlements, after two nightmare mixups saw women implanted with the wrong embryos – one of them giving birth to a stranger’s baby. At least three families have now received compensation for the bungle, which was caused by human error. But these mistakes – at one of the oldest and most reputable clinics in the country – have had devastating consequences that reach far beyond the affected families, damaging the confidence of anyone relying on fertility treatment in Australia. In this episode, which first aired in June 2025, Ruby Jones speaks with writer and public health campaigner Hannah Bambra on why the IVF industry is so vulnerable to human error.   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: Hannah Bambra, writer and public health campaigner Photo: AAP Image/Dean LewinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bernard Keane, political editor at Crikey who critiques Australian politics and media, discusses Anthony Albanese’s shift toward reflexive support for US military action. Multiple short takes explore parallels with past governments. Conversation covers international law being sidelined, political calculations behind quick backing of US strikes, and domestic risks if conflict drags on.

Jasmine El-Gamal, former White House adviser and founder of Averos Strategies, brings US Middle East and defence experience. She discusses how the US strikes have risked wider regional war. She explores competing motives behind the campaign. She warns about mission creep, allies’ tightrope, and erosion of international law.