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George Conway, lawyer, Lincoln Project founder and congressional candidate in New York. He digs into Minnesota’s ICE controversy and the collapse of official narratives. He dissects Republican fractures over immigration, Stephen Miller’s enduring influence, debates over funding or abolishing ICE, and the risk of diversionary tactics from Trump’s circle.

David Smith, Washington DC bureau chief for The Guardian, offers sharp political reporting on US politics and national security. He discusses the Minneapolis raids and near point-blank killings. He explores how the White House reframed victims, the role of citizen video evidence, and the wider questions about enforcement tactics, political consequences, and whether these events mark a turning point.

Peter Lewis, Executive Director of Essential Media and veteran pollster, breaks down a new Guardian Essential poll. He explores a One Nation surge reshaping the two-party dynamics. He traces voter flows from the Coalition, compares the rise to global populist shifts, and discusses public reactions to the Bondi attack and leadership optics.

Graham Readfearn, environment and climate correspondent who reports on dingoes and K’gari ecology, discusses the aftermath of Piper James’s death. Conversations cover the government’s cull decision and its impact on a unique, isolated dingo population. He highlights cultural harm to the Butchulla people and explores alternatives like better management, visitor limits, and long-term conservation concerns.

Malcolm Turnbull, former Australian prime minister with a background in law, banking and politics, reflects on the Coalition split and leadership questions. He dissects tensions between Liberals and Nationals. He weighs the rise of One Nation, the challenge of winning urban voters, and how international affairs reshape Australia’s strategy.

Timothy Roberts, president of the NSW Council for Civil Liberties and civil liberties lawyer, critiques Labor’s new hate speech laws. He explains how vague designation powers, limited judicial review and criminalisation risk sweeping up legitimate cultural, religious and political expression. He argues the laws empower the executive, were rushed, and may not prevent violence.

Ben Quilty, a celebrated Australian painter known for bold figurative work and cultural commentary, questions whether Australia values its artists. He discusses why being an artist can feel risky, how schools and funding squeeze creativity, the Adelaide Writers’ Week controversy, free speech versus harm, and the need for a culturally brave, truth-telling nation.

Ashley Parker, Pulitzer Prize–winning reporter at The Atlantic who covers Trump and US politics. She recounts rapid U-turns like the Greenland flap. She unpacks Trump’s improvisational speaking style and who he is really performing for. She coins and explores “Trump exhaustion syndrome” and whether the midterms might snap Americans out of political fatigue.

Guest Allegra Spender, an Independent MP for Wentworth, dives into the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, discussing community grief and support. She critiques the rushed gun and hate-speech laws, emphasizing the need for comprehensive consultation. Allegra warns about the dangers of scapegoating migrants during this tumultuous time and stresses the importance of addressing extremist radicalization. She also expresses disappointment over stalled vilification protections, advocating for strong leadership in safeguarding social cohesion.

Join political editor Tom McIlroy as he dives into the fallout from Labor's controversial hate speech legislation that has shattered the Coalition. With the entire Nationals front bench resigning from Sussan Ley’s shadow cabinet, Tom analyzes the implications for her leadership. He discusses potential challengers, including Angus Taylor and Andrew Hastie, alongside the underlying tensions that have fueled this split. As the Coalition grapples with its chaos, Tom sheds light on how this scenario could benefit Labor and reshape political dynamics in Australia.