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Kate Lyons, senior reporter at The Guardian who investigates social policy, digs into sweeping 2026 NDIS reforms. She unpacks the new support needs assessment and the Thriving Kids shift. She highlights worries about eligibility definitions, real family impacts, and rising tribunal overturns. The conversation maps how policy changes could reshape supports and funding.

Caitlin Cassidy, an education reporter for The Guardian, sat through the much-maligned Melania documentary and reports back. She describes an almost-empty screening, confusions around ticketing and embargoes, and questions who the film was made for. She critiques the film’s pacing, staged White House moments, awkward interactions with Trump, and its parade of fashion and inauguration scenes.

Ankush Khardori, former federal prosecutor and Politico legal columnist, offers sharp legal and political perspective. He explains why Republicans pivot to the Clintons, what investigators seek from Bill Clinton, and why Hillary was pulled into the probe. He also covers the negotiation drama, risks of contempt and public depositions, and why Trump wants the story closed.

Jon Favreau, former Obama head speechwriter and political commentator. He discusses threats to free and fair elections, concerns about federal agents and accountability, why Democrats lack a compelling leader, and the need for bolder, clearer economic and social policies. Short, urgent conversation about messaging, democratic risks and practical political strategy.

Moira Donegan, Guardian US columnist who has tracked the Epstein files, breaks down the scale and challenges of the recently released documents. She urges caution in interpretation and discusses troubling language about victims. The conversation covers whether more files will surface and what transparency and justice might look like for survivors.

Ed Husic, Labor MP for Chifley known for work on social cohesion and anti-racism, discusses opposing an Isaac Herzog visit and why protests should be protected. He weighs whether the visit could help peace or deepen divisions. He warns against scapegoating communities, calls for equal accountability, and stresses compassionate leadership to prevent rising prejudice.

Greg Jericho, chief economist at the Australia Institute and Guardian columnist, critiques the RBA’s recent rate rise as almost cowardly. He discusses whether December’s inflation spike will drive more hikes, how travel and the Ashes lifted prices, the tradeoffs of acting now versus waiting, and policy levers like gas taxes and targeted support to ease pressure.

Tom McIlroy, political editor and commentator, breaks down the Coalition split and its rare parliamentary consequences. He maps the Nationals’ internal talks and leadership tensions. He explores whether this chaos gives Labor room to pass big reforms and flags rising One Nation support and the key policy challenges now in focus.

Sarah Collard, Indigenous affairs correspondent who reports on issues affecting First Nations communities, discusses shock and fear in Perth after a suspected homemade bomb at an Invasion Day rally. She recounts witness accounts, the device's construction and the chaotic evacuation. She also explores community outrage over muted official and media reactions and the tense meetings between police and Indigenous leaders.

Graeme Base, acclaimed author-illustrator known for Animalia and The Eleventh Hour, talks about his journey from dyslexia to bestselling picture books. He recalls creating intricate alphabet art, hiding puzzles and codes, international breakout moments and surprise longevity. He also reflects on inspirations from travel, Australian fauna and the craft of hand-drawn typography.