Best Sydney Writers Festival Podcasts (2024)

1
Artist Mo'Ju fuses together funk, soul and R&B 7:14

2h ago7:14

7:14

Singer-songwriter Mo'Ju has been captivating audiences with their incredible voice for over two decades. This weekend, they will be performing in Melbourne for an intimate acoustic-style performance followed by a Q&A and Mo'Ju joined RN Breakfast to tell us what to expect. Guest:Mo'Ju, Australian Singer-songwriter…

1
'Let them speak': advocate urges state care reform to help prevent suicide 8:58

4h ago8:58

8:58

A warning this next story discusses suicide. A leading suicide prevention advocate in WA says law reforms are needed to allow children and families involved in state care to speak out about their situation. Gerry Georgatos says it's just one measure that needs to be acted upon as governments react to the death of a 10 year old boy by suicide last m…

1
Calls for a 'holistic approach' to combat DV 10:49

1h ago10:49

10:49

The NSW government is reviewing domestic violence-related bail laws after the horrific death of Molly Ticehurst earlier this week. Associate Professor Jane Wangman from the NSW Domestic Violence Death Review Team warns that while she "welcomes" the bail review the issue can't be separated into parts - and must be reformed "holistically". She says t…

1
Robyn Malcolm on why 'After the Party' is compellingly real 8:15

4h ago8:15

8:15

Robyn Malcolm has received international acclaim for her latest role - the complex and compelling 'Poppy' in 'After the Party'.While her character deals with the ripples of division following accusations of sexual abuse, the genesis of the story was borne from another burning fire.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Dutton sides with Elon over e-Safety Commissioner - Politics with David Speers and Samantha Maiden 10:02

1h ago10:02

10:02

This week we've seen the legal feud between Elon Musk - owner of X - and the E-Safety commissioner intensify.. And now the Opposition leader Peter Dutton has sided with Elon saying 'Australia 'can't be the internet police of the world' -- what impact will this have? Political Editor for news.com.au Samantha Maiden and ABC Political lead and host of…

1
AFL, A-league, rugby league and rugby union - Sport with Warwick Hadfield 5:11

1h ago5:11

5:11

In the AFL, Collingwood and Essendon have produced another Anzac Day Match from the top drawer.While in rugby league, at last a win for the Gold Coast Titans. And in football, Melbourne City will be missing a Matilda for the second leg of their A-League women's semi-final against the Newcastle Jets.Sports commentator and RN Breakfast legend, Warwic…

1
Experts are crying out for mental health reform, is it coming? 13:57

1h ago13:57

13:57

Australia is in the middle of a mental health crisis and the government is under increasing pressure to reform the sector. Dr Ruth Vine, Deputy National Chief Health Officer of Mental Health says while there is an acknowledgement of the pressures on the system and the need for the services to be more targeted, it takes time to "integrate and add" i…

1
Sydney counterterrorism raids: Five teenagers charged 6:46

1h ago6:46

6:46

Five boys, aged 14 to 17 have been charged with a range of terrorism offences after raids across Sydney and Goulburn this week. ABC Investigations has also revealed a former Islamic State supporter, known to police, was questioned during the counter-terrorism operation, but was not charged. Guest: Jamal Rifi, doctor in Sydney's West…

1
A looming crackdown on 'ghost guns' 6:32

2h ago6:32

6:32

'Ghost guns' - untraceable firearms, delivered in parts and assembled within minutes, could be slipping through Australia's tough gun regulations faster than ever before. But in the US, a coming Supreme Court decision could make it harder to buy one. So could that make it more difficult for criminals here as well?…

1
Is working from home bad for your career? 8:43

2h ago8:43

8:43

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, many companies have embraced hybrid working models. And with the added flexibility that comes with working from home, over a third of Australians are still working remotely. However, a leading career strategist has warned there may be hidden pitfalls to working from the kitchen table. Saying that while meetings can be c…

1
'Catastrophic': Situation in Haiti worsens 9:15

2h ago9:15

9:15

UNICEF's Executive Director Catherine Russell says the situation in Haiti is "catastrophic and grows worse by the day." In the past few hours, Haiti's Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation and has handed power to a transitional council. It comes as five and a half million people, including three million children, need immediate human…

1
Trump vs US: Supreme Court weighs presidential immunity claim 6:23

2h ago6:23

6:23

The US Supreme Court has begun hearing arguments over Donald Trump's bid for criminal immunity - as he appeals against a lower court decision rejecting his request for immunity on four election-related criminal charges relating to his time as President. It comes as some of Trump's most high profile allies - including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows …

1
The Dreggs release debut album with acoustic cover of 'Look To The Stars' 6:59

1h ago6:59

6:59

Australian indie-folk band The Dreggs are known for their electric live performances and sing-a-longs. Today, they release their debut album 'Caught In A Reverie' and are celebrating with a short album launch tour, followed by an Australian and New Zealand tour kicking off in June. Guests: Paddy Macrae and Zane Harris…

1
Legal row between Elon Musk and e-Safety Commissioner continues 7:02

1h ago7:02

7:02

The dispute between Australia's eSafety Commissioner and social media platform owner Elon Musk is set to continue, after the Federal Court rolled over an injunction yesterday. At the centre of the row is Bishop Mar Mari Emmanuel who was stabbed while giving a sermon in his church in western Sydney last week.The Federal Court has been told by X's le…

1
Thousands of lost letters from Anzacs now digitised 10:23

1h ago10:23

10:23

Fragile letters and diaries written by Anzac soldiers at Gallipoli have sat largely unread for decades, in Australia's War Memorial, until now. Researchers are digitising thousands of hand-written letters and diary entries and are hoping to find new links to those who fought on the front lines. Guest: Robyn Van Dyk, head of research at the Australi…

1
Are Veterans receiving the support they need? 8:34

1h ago8:34

8:34

Thousands of service men and women are gathering this morning to commemorate the ANZACS. ANZAC day is about remembering their sacrifices and helping the men and women who have served since, as rates of suicide among veterans remains too high, and the Royal Commission into those deaths prepares to hand down its findings later this year. Guest: Matt …

1
Three million Australians hit with HECS debt hike 10:06

1h ago10:06

10:06

For the nearly three million Australians with higher education scheme debts hanging over their heads, the latest quarterly inflation figures are bittersweet. HECS debts are indexed each year in line with inflation, and this year it's been calculated to 4.7 per cent based on March Consumer Price Index figures. This debt hike will hit hard given many…

1
Rosie Batty warns tightening bail laws doesn't guarantee safety 7:17

40m ago7:17

7:17

The NSW government is reviewing bail laws and domestic violence protection measures in the wake of the alleged murder of Molly Ticehurst. Former Australian of the Year Rosie Batty has long been a strong voice on family violence prevention, she told RN Breakfast the "onus of safety is still rests on the victim", but warns victims are "only truly saf…

1
Inflation figures and Elon vs the Government - Politics with Jacob Greber 5:43

1h ago5:43

5:43

The government says inflation has now almost halved since they were elected and the drop shows their policies are working. But analysts were expecting inflation to drop further in the March quarter than it did are these numbers good politically for the government? Senior Correspondent with the Australian Financial Review Jacob Greber joins RN Break…

1
The layered meaning of ANZAC day for veterans 11:26

1h ago11:26

11:26

In the build up to ANZAC Day, we've had grand announcements about weapons of the future, of geopolitical strategy, and speeches by politicians hailing the Defence Forces. But it's easy to lose sight of the deep and sometimes conflicting emotions this day can bring for so many people who have served in the military or have family members who have. T…

1
What do the latest inflation numbers mean for households and the budget? 13:21

1h ago13:21

13:21

Higher than inspected inflation figures released yesterday show the cost of living crisis is continuing to bite.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
UK announces first flights to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda 10:11

1h ago10:11

10:11

The UK government's controversial Rwanda Bill passed through parliament this week and British Prime Minister, Rishi Sunak has already announced the first flights to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda will take off in 10 to 12 weeks. On the panel set up to oversee the UK's plan to send migrants to Rwanda is former Australian foreign minister, Alexander…

1
Pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia Uni ignore deadline to disband 8:59

1h ago8:59

8:59

Pro-Palestine protests have been taking hold at university campuses across America.Yesterday, students at Columbia University, where the movement first started, were given a deadline to dismantle their encampment by the university's president. The deadline has now been extended as protesters refuse to back down so what can we expect next? Guest: Ba…

1
Gaza mass graves: UN calls for independent investigation 5:25

9h ago5:25

5:25

Horrific and incredibly troubling. That's how the discovery of mass graves near two hospitals in Gaza has been described by the UN High Commissioner and the US State Department. Palestinian authorities say hundreds of bodies - some covered in waste, some with hands tied, and some stripped of clothes - have been found.The UN's High Commisioner Volke…

1
Irish musical comedian David O'Doherty heads off on Australian tour 9:37

1h ago9:37

9:37

Fresh from his stint at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Irish comedian David O'Doherty is heading to Sydney, Brisbane and Perth with his trusty keyboard. Infusing songs into his comedy sets, David O'Doherty stopped by the RN Breakfast studio to perform a song dedicated to his parents. Guest: David O'Doherty…

1
Large fire ant discovery in the Murray Darling Basin 6:17

1d ago6:17

6:17

A large number of fire ants have been found on defence land in the Murray Darling Basin. Due to the size of the discovery, experts believe the outbreak has gone undetected for some time and there's concern about what this means for Australia's national eradication program.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Greens Senator backs Sydney Uni pro-Palestine protest 7:34

1h ago7:34

7:34

As pro-Palestinian protests at America's University of Columbia enter their seventh day, Australian students are following suit. Students at Sydney University are currently protesting on the campus, opposing what they claim are the university's ties to Israel. Federal Greens Senator David Shoebridge has attended the protest and is supporting the st…

1
What would a 'circular economy' look like in Australia? 5:47

1h ago5:47

5:47

For government and businesses there's currently no model, framework or incentive to reduce, reuse and recycle, and create a "circular economy". Last year the government created the Circular Economy Ministerial Advisory Group and today it hands down its interim report with recommendations on how to formalise a circular economy in Australia. Guest: P…

1
Elon Musk in the hotseat as Tesla and X under fire 8:16

41m ago8:16

8:16

Entrepreneur Elon Musk is making news for all the wrong reasons this week. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labelled Musk an "arrogant billionaire who thinks he is above the law" while Tesla's share price has tanked, Cybertrucks have been recalled due to dangerous malfunctions and global EV sales have dropped. Guest: Stephen Bartholomeusz, Sydne…

1
Molly Ticehurst's murder prompts NSW review 10:29

1h ago10:29

10:29

Molly Ticehurst was found dead in the early hours of Monday morning and her former partner, Daniel Billings, has been charged with her murder. It has been revealed that at the time of the alleged murder, Billings was on bail for rape and stalking charges against Ms Ticehurst. The NSW government is expected to announce details of an urgent review ex…

1
'Devastated':Victoria backflips on second injecting room 5:23

1d ago5:23

5:23

Four-years ago, then-Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews promised Melbourne a second medically supervised injecting room, such was the demand for the city's first facility. But that promise has now been broken by his successor Jacinta Allan - despite two Government commissioned reports recommending a new facility and years of work looking to establish…

1
Politics with David Crowe 3:22

1h ago3:22

3:22

The chief political correspondent for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age David Crowe joins RN Breakfast to discuss the latest developments in federal politics.Guest: David CroweBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Government's battle with X over stabbing video intensifies 14:51

1h ago14:51

14:51

A video ban has turned into a global battle between the Australian government and Elon Musk. The Federal e-Safety commissioner is seeking to permanently remove the video of the Sydney church stabbing from X after a court injunction ordered the social media platform to take down the video for two days. Guest: Michelle Rowland, Communications Ministe…

1
Atlassian scraps meetings to get more work done 8:05

2h ago8:05

8:05

Atlassian's co-founder Scott Farquhar has released new data showing the company has saved 3.75 million minutes by scrapping unnecessary meetings since acquiring video company Loom for $1.5bn last October. So, how does Atlassian work out which meetings are actually worth having? Guest: Dom Price, Work Futurist, Atlassian…

1
Could an American Supreme Court ruling criminalise homelessness? 6:58

2d ago6:58

6:58

The US Supreme Court has heard a case on whether cities can criminalise homelessness. The constitutional case is based on one city that's issuing fines to rough sleepers for camping in parks and on public property, and in some cases enforcing jail terms for repeat offenders.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
North Koreans secretly working on major TV shows 8:13

2h ago8:13

8:13

Researchers say North Koreans have secretly animated major TV shows for streaming services including Amazon. Cybersecurity experts say a server provided a glimpse into one of the ways the Hermit Kingdom evades international sanctions.Spokespeople for the streaming services say they do not work with North Korean companies and are investigating. Gues…

1
Rocket and drone attacks on US bases in Syria and Iraq 8:00

1h ago8:00

8:00

Two U.S bases - one in Syria and one in Iraq - have faced separate rocket and drone attacks in the space of 24 hours. It's the first time American military bases in the region have been targeted after a near-three month pause from Iranian-backed militias. Guest: Farhad Alaaldin, Foreign Affairs Advisor to Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Suda…

1
UK passes controversial bill to deport asylum seekers to Rwanda 7:02

1h ago7:02

7:02

More than two years after it was first announced, the UK government's plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda has passed through parliament, after a marathon late-night session. The new legislation could mean the first flights to deport migrants could take off within days. The bill's passage comes as five people - including a child - died as they tri…

1
'Icons' Anthony Callea, Tim Campbell take on George Michael, Elton John 10:08

17h ago10:08

10:08

They're two of Australia's favourite performers, and now Anthony Callea and Tim Campbell are taking on two of the greatest artists of all time.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Writers' festivals fight to uphold free speech 9:14

4h ago9:14

9:14

Writers' festivals traditionally have been celebrated as forums of free speech and democratic debate. But in our fraught geopolitical and cultural climate is civilised and open public discourse under threat? Guest: Corrie Perkin, Journalist and Director of the Sorrento Writers FestivalBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
True-crime documentary 'The Jinx' returns for second season - TV with Wenlei Ma 4:23

16h ago4:23

4:23

In 2015, real estate heir Robert Durst was caught on a hot mic, seemingly confessing to three murders he had, to the point, gotten away with. Those five words, "killed them all, of course" were captured when he agreed to participate in a documentary series called The Jinx. It was a sensation, and after nine years, the filmmakers have returned with …

1
Pocock and Lambie put housing reforms back on the table 14:45

1h ago14:45

14:45

Housing is one of the single biggest issues for Australians right now as many struggle to find or keep a roof over their head.By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

1
Combatting suicide rates in Indigenous youths and e-Safety Commissioner takes on Elon Musk - Politics with Karen Middleton

4h ago

—

We've seen such a tragic death in Western Australia. It's clear the targets for preventing suicide and reducing out-of-home care for First Nations people are going backwards. What's the government doing now since the Voice was defeated to close the gap? Political Editor for the Guardian Australia Karen Middleton joins RN Breakfast to discuss the la…

1
'More questions than answers': Chinese Swimming Scandal fallout continues 6:54

1h ago6:54

6:54

The swimming world has been reacting to the news that 23 Chinese swimmers had tested positive for a banned drug before the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. The World Anti-doping Agency has continued to defend its decision, but how does this case compare with previous Games, where athletes have been found to have banned substances in their system?…

1
World Anti-Doping Agency defends itself and Kalyn Ponga to miss State of Origin - Sport with Warwick Hadfield 6:44

2h ago6:44

6:44

In swimming, despite the mounting criticism, the World Anti-Doping Agency continues to defend the way it handled the positive findings for 23 Chinese swimmers. While in rugby league, Kalyn Ponga will miss the State of Origin series after surgery on his injured foot. Sports commentator and RN Breakfast legend, Warwick Hadfield brings the latest news…

1
Linda Burney: Death of 10-year-old by suicide 'devastating' 12:12

2d ago12:12

12:12

The devastating death of a young 10-year-old Aboriginal boy, who died by suicide has many demanding answers. But data from the Closing the Gap targets show the underlying issues aren't improving. Linda Burney, Minister for Indigenous Australians says there "needs to be a greater focus on prevention", rather than waiting until a family gets to the "…

1
Helping veterans find purpose after military service 6:33

1h ago6:33

6:33

Veteran-led volunteer organisation Disaster Relief Australia (DRA) will announce the results of a two year study into protecting the wellbeing of veterans. It followed the experiences of almost 800 DRA members exploring the ways service can restore purpose and perspective. Results suggest that volunteering is a viable and sometimes lifesaving optio…

1
First Nations artist Archie Moore wins Golden Lion at Venice Biennale 9:39

1h ago9:39

9:39

Indigenous artist Archie Moore has won the Venice Biennale's Golden Lion Award for his monumental hand-drawn installation 'kith and kin'. The 54-year-old Kamilaroi and Bigambul artist from Brisbane beat artists representing 85 other countries to become the first Australian to take the gong.Guest: Ellie Buttrose, Curator, Australia's representation …

1
Is the future of commercial TV in trouble? 7:57

30m ago7:57

7:57

The free-to-air TV lobby says younger audiences are diminishing across its commercial networks, at a time when it had hoped the Federal Government would bolster safeguards for broadcasting Australian sport. Sport is one of the three key areas the sector has focused on broadcasting in recent years, but with the government also weighing up a junk-foo…

1
US poised to sanction IDF unit for human rights violations 7:53

40m ago7:53

7:53

The US is set to impose sanctions on an Israeli military unit accused of human rights violations against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank - a step the State Department has never taken before. It would band the transfer of US military weaponry or any other assistance to an all-male IDF infantry unit - made up of ultra Orthodox recruits. Israel…

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