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Max Rushden hosts a lively discussion with Geoff Lemon, a seasoned Guardian Australia journalist, and Ali Martin, who provides expert cricket analysis. They dive into Australia's commanding victory in the Ashes, spotlighting Mitchell Starc's impressive performance. England's struggle continues, with critiques on their leadership and shot selection under pressure. The panel also debates the importance of county cricket experience and the tactical shifts needed for England to regroup in Adelaide. Will they find a path to recovery?

Ariel Bogle, an investigations reporter for The Guardian Australia, dives into the rise of a new right-wing group called Reform Australia. She reveals her firsthand observations from an anti-immigration rally where pamphlets touting this group were distributed. Sarah Basford-Canales, a political reporter, links the group to controversial political figures and discusses the implications for Australia's political landscape. They analyze how socioeconomic issues drive voters toward populism and explore the impact on major parties' policies.

Tory Shepherd, a Senior reporter at The Guardian, dives deep into the perplexing case of four-year-old Gus Lamont, who disappeared in the South Australian outback. She shares details about the extensive search efforts, including foot patrols and drone scans, that yielded no results. Tory highlights the harsh terrain and the family's resilience amid community distress. She also discusses the impact of misinformation on public perception and the investigation's status, leaving listeners with a haunting reflection on the mystery of Gus's vanishing.

Tom Phillips, The Guardian's Latin America correspondent, delves into the complex issues surrounding U.S. actions in Venezuela. He discusses Trump's motivations for targeting Maduro, from personal to geopolitical factors. Phillips highlights the disastrous migration crisis and the truth behind U.S. drug claims, questioning military strikes on Venezuelan vessels. He raises concerns about potential war crimes, critiques the inexperienced leadership of Pete Hegseth, and reflects on the regional impact of Trump's rhetoric on authoritarianism and xenophobia.

Barrie Cassidy and Tony Barry dive into the Coalition's controversial abandonment of net zero emissions, examining its implications for young voters. They discuss how this decision might alienate Gen Z and millennials, who prioritize climate authenticity. The hosts also analyze the rise of One Nation and Barnaby Joyce's potential influence on its support. With insights on urban-rural divides within the Coalition, they highlight the urgent need for outcome-focused leadership to regain lost youth support and navigate upcoming electoral challenges.

Lenore Taylor, Editor of The Guardian Australia, discusses the alarming trend of automation in public services, particularly regarding the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Joined by Mike Ticher, Head of Newsroom, and Deputy Editor Patrick Keneally, they explore the dangers of reducing human oversight in complex cases. Advocates warn this 'nightmare scenario' could lead to misjudged assessments. They also highlight the potential risks of automated systems based on past failures like RoboDebt, while debating how to balance efficiency with human empathy.

J. Oliver Conroy, a political culture reporter at The Guardian US, delves into the controversial figure of Nick Fuentes. He discusses Fuentes's rise as a radical livestreamer and his extremist ideologies, including open antisemitism and admiration for historical dictators. Conroy explains how Fuentes manipulates criticism of U.S.-Israel ties and has ignited a civil war within conservative circles, particularly around Trump's legacy. The impact of Fuentes's online presence and his controversial interview with Tucker Carlson also highlights the shifting dynamics within the Republican Party.

Kate Lyons, a senior reporter at The Guardian known for her investigative work on policy, discusses crucial changes to the NDIS. She explains how future funding plans will be automatically generated by a computer using the ICANN tool, dramatically reducing human involvement. This shift raises alarms for over 750,000 Australians reliant on the NDIS, with staff expressing concerns about limited appeal options and gaps in assessments. Advocates fear 'robo-planning' could compromise essential support, underscoring the need for careful consideration of participant needs.

Max Rushden chats with Geoff Lemon, a cricket analyst from Guardian Australia, Emma John, a seasoned commentator, and Sam Perry, a grade cricketer. They critically assess England's recent dismal loss and dissect the tactical implications of playing at the Gabba. The team debates the implications of Ben Stokes' recent interview and reflects on England's aggressive batting strategy. They also explore the challenges of the pink ball and its effect on visibility. Predictions lean towards Australia, but there's a hint of hope for resilient England.

Larissa Waters, the new leader of the Australian Greens and an environmental lawyer, shares her journey following the dramatic election loss of her predecessor. She discusses the recent deal with Labor for new environmental laws, highlighting the compromises made to secure these reforms. Waters emphasizes the importance of accountability in governance and the need for ambitious climate action. She also touches on the party's future priorities, including housing reform and the rise of One Nation, showcasing her pragmatic yet principled approach to political negotiation.