7am

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.

Amy Remeikis, author and political commentator who has traced John Howard’s legacy, provides historical perspective. She recounts how Mabo was reframed as a threat to suburban life. She outlines why an apology was resisted and how national identity was recast as white. She covers 9/11, Tampa, hardened borders and the normalisation of xenophobia.

Amy Remeikis, author and political journalist known for writing on Australian politics, discusses John Howard's economic revolution. She explores tax changes that fuelled housing investment. She examines the mining boom's role, the rise of middle‑class homeowner politics, and the GST’s fallout. Short, sharp takes on the policies that shaped modern Australia.

Amy Remeikis, contributing editor and author of Where It All Went Wrong, charts John Howard’s rise and eleven-year hold on power. She revisits his 1996 victory, the campaign that played to voter unease, and his strategies to curb unions, reshape identity politics and slow reconciliation. The conversation traces how those moves remade parties, media and national debate.

Dr Bader Mousa Al-Saif, Gulf politics expert and history professor at Kuwait University, gives a concise take on Iran and regional power shifts. He describes on-the-ground tensions in Kuwait and the impact of Khamenei's death. He discusses succession uncertainty, the role of the IRGC, prospects for US-led regime change, and how Gulf states might respond to escalating strikes.

Abul Rizvi, former deputy secretary in the Department of Immigration and long-time migration policy analyst. He explains why steep cuts to migration are impractical. He breaks down how student visas shape numbers and housing. He discusses why governments avoid population plans and what a proper long-term plan should address.

Richard Denniss, economist and Executive Director of the Australia Institute, explains why the 50% capital gains tax discount exists and who it helps. He talks about how it distorts housing, which vested interests resist reform, and whether politics are finally shifting. He also connects beer excise, gas taxation and fairness in resource revenues.