The Monthly Hour

Schwartz Media's new daily podcast 7am launched a few weeks ago. Search for 7am in your favourite podcast app to subscribe and keep listening. Sacking Scott Morrison Before entering parliament, Scott Morrison ran Tourism Australia. He was sacked by the minister, but the details of what happened have never been made public. Karen Middleton on the clearest picture yet of his time in the office. Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton.  For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au

Schwartz Media's new daily podcast 7am launches today. Search for 7am in your favourite podcast app to subscribe and keep listening. Surprise: the status quo election Scott Morrison’s surprise win last weekend was the status quo election no one saw coming. The vote was actually a repeat of 2010, and the country has been stuck on that divide ever since. George Megalogenis on how Australia was fractured and what to do next. Guest: Author and journalist George Megalogenis. For more information on today’s episode, visit 7ampodcast.com.au.

Nick Feik, editor of The Monthly and host of The Monthly Hour, introduces Schwartz Media's new podcast, 7am. Hosted by Elizabeth Kulas, 7am is a daily news show from the publisher of The Monthly and The Saturday Paper. Hear from the country's best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.  Subscribe in your favourite podcast app to hear the first episode on Monday, May 27. 

Tim Winton talks about the fight to preserve a pristine wilderness: Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. We check in with our US correspondent, Richard Cooke, for his observations in the wake of the dramatic midterm elections. Writer Lola Button describes her experience working as a stripper in a Melbourne club. And acclaimed author and poet Nam Le reads the work of the legendary Les Murray. Produced by Sharon Davis, with theme music by Evelyn Ida Morris.

As the situation for asylum seekers on Nauru and Manus Island reaches appalling new lows, one brave person has decided to speak out. This former immigration official sees a way to break the political deadlock. We also reveal the plight of the thousands still trapped in Jakarta. Writer and columnist Sean Kelly, a former adviser to both Julia Gillard and Kevin Rudd, addresses the questions “Who exactly is Scott Morrison?” and “What does he stand for?” Victorian coroner Caitlin English talks about coping with a stressful, sometimes grisly job, and the expectations of loved ones seeking answers. And we hear from young women about how they navigate the streets at night. Produced by Sharon Davis, with theme music by Evelyn Ida Morris.

Writer and doctor Karen Hitchcock discusses the medicinal benefits of cannabis and other “mind-bending” drugs, and questions the logic of criminalisation. Producer and director Rachel Perkins celebrates the new golden age of Indigenous storytelling on Australian screens and in theatres. Rising singer-songwriter Mojo Juju talks about her music, politics and identity, and her celebrated new album, Native Tongue. And Justin Clemens tells the bizarre story of judge and colonial poet Barron Field, whose major historical error shaped the nation as we know it. Produced by Sharon Davis, with theme music by Evelyn Ida Morris.

Helen Garner visits the Broadmeadows Magistrates’ Court. Ceridwen Dovey explores the work of Australian geneticist David Sinclair, who has discovered a way to reverse ageing. Thornton McCamish follows the legend of Laurie Matheson, Australia’s James Bond. Andrew Ford traces the legacy of conductor and composer Leonard Bernstein. And Paul Connolly visits the outback NSW town of Moree, where an arts project has helped turn around an Indigenous rugby league club. Produced by Sharon Davis, with theme music by Evelyn Ida Morris.

Editor Nick Feik is joined by the writers and subjects that make The Monthly. This is an essential hour of news, culture and ideas, from each edition of Australia’s leading current affairs magazine. Produced by Sharon Davis, with theme music by Evelyn Ida Morris.