The opening scene of Chris Flynn’s fourth and latest novel, Orpheus Nine, came to him in a dream. Not long after, he had the whole story down from start to finish. On this week’s episode of Read This, Chris and Michael sit down for a conversation about the falsity of certitude, how trauma can re-shape a community, and what The Exorcist, the Bible, and Winnie the Pooh all have in common.

Paul Bongiorno is one of the 1.2 billion Roman Catholics who mourned the loss of Pope Francis this week. As he read tribute after tribute of the impact of the Pope’s life, he noticed what wasn’t on the front page – Peter Dutton’s last-minute policy announcements. “The Pope is a world figure… and of course, it swamped the world’s media, including here in Australia. So it’s not surprising that the death of this pope would overshadow anything that our leaders were doing in the election campaign. In fact, it would blow the campaign out of the water for a few days.” Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on how the Pope’s death changed the election.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno. Photo: AAP / Domenico Stinellis

In January, Donald Trump signed an executive order targeting the trans community by banning some medical care for minors. The move has had a chilling effect across the United States, as doctors withdraw their services for fear of being prosecuted and parents stop accessing medication for their children.  But many are fighting back. In one red state, we spoke with a doctor driving across state lines, at great personal risk, to give patients the care she says is needed to save their lives. Now, trans healthcare is also under attack in Australia – with the Queensland government announcing a ban on state-funded gender-affirming care for minors on the same day of Trump’s directive. Today, 7am’s senior producer Cheyne Anderson, on the ordinary people pushing back against Trump’s war on trans people, and how Queensland became the testing ground for bans in Australia.    Warning: this episode discusses suicide.  If you need support, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14. You can also call QLife on 1800 184 527. Support is also available at:  Switchboard, Queerspace, Transcend Australia, Transgender Victoria and Minus18.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest:7am’s senior producer Cheyne Anderson Photo: AAP / Dean Lewis

When Scott Morrison lost his job as prime minister, it was women who sacked him. A review commissioned by the Liberal Party after the 2022 election found that a decline in support among women was a decisive factor in their loss. The report outlined ways the party might win women back. But three years on, that hasn’t happened. Today, contributor to The Saturday Paper Bri Lee, on what women want – and why they’re not getting it from the Liberal Party.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Contributor to The Saturday Paper, Bri Lee. Photo: Supplied.

When Peter Dutton’s son, Harry, fronted the media to talk about his dream of home ownership, it was an attempt by the opposition leader to seem relatable. The 20-year-old apprentice said he was “saving like mad”, but it’s unlikely he’d be able to save enough in the near future.  But it seems his father may have failed to anticipate the obvious question: would he help his son with a deposit? As reporter Mike Seccombe observed, “if he said he wouldn’t help Harry, he would look mean and/or untruthful – and if he said he would help, it could be seen as an admission that despite his promises to fix the housing affordability crisis, his son, and by extension other people struggling to get into the housing market, still couldn't achieve home ownership without parental help”. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe, on why both major parties have policies that will see house prices rise – and what it means for the housing crisis.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe Photo: AAP Image/Dean Lewins

In a coastal corner of Australia, scientist Saul Griffith has been quietly working away on a plan to turn 500 households completely off fossil fuels. He hopes that what he achieves there can act as a blueprint for the rest of the country.  But for that to become a reality, the federal government would need to drastically increase their commitment to renewable energy.  Today, chief scientist at Rewiring Australia, Saul Griffith, on the electrification already underway – and what both sides of politics are promising for our energy future.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chief scientist at Rewiring Australia Saul Griffith  Photo:

As a child refugee in India, Harini dreamt of making it to Australia to study medicine and become a doctor. She arrived in Australia in 2013 when she was 10 years old, leaving behind her two siblings and mother. Harini did not realise her visa status made her different to her classmates until she received a university offer for a biomedical science degree that required her to pay international student fees of nearly $100,000. After attempting to self-fund her studies and falling a year behind in payments, the university disenrolled Harini in 2023 – four months before she was set to complete her degree. Today, Harini Rathnakumar on how her promise of a better life in Australia was shattered, and the many others stuck in visa limbo. This episode was originally published in September 2024. Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Harini Rathnakumar Photo: AAP Image/Bianca De Marchi

Over four decades Niall Williams has made a name for himself as one of Ireland’s leading novelists. In his latest novel, Time of the Child, Niall returns to the fictional village of Faha, in west Ireland, the setting of his previous book, This Is Happiness. Time of the Child centres on the notion of familial love, and as he explains to Michael in this week’s episode, Niall couldn’t have written it without becoming a grandfather himself.

At one point during this term of government, Indigenous affairs dominated national debate. Politicians, pundits and the public couldn't stop talking about it.  But since the Voice referendum failed, it’s become something of a taboo. Labor is eager to move on, while the Coalition is more focused on scoring points than offering a plan.  Now, with the election weeks away, there are glimpses of what might come next. Labor says it’s about delivering jobs. The Coalition says it’s about cutting waste. Today, contributor for The Saturday Paper, Ben Abbatangelo, on what the major parties are really offering – and what it all means for First Nations people around the country.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Contributor for The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo Photo: AAP Image / Lukas Coch

Last year, reporter Mike Seccombe looked into the divide between Australia’s richest and poorest schools to find out why this gap keeps widening. What he found was a broken system. Rich parents are able to get huge tax breaks by donating to opulent building projects at their kids’ private schools.  It’s a practice that goes way back, despite many arguing the tactic has become outdated. Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper and a proud state school boy, Mike Seccombe, on why we need an overhaul of the charitable giving system that delivers some kids castles. This episode was originally published in July last year.    If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe. Photo: Taylor Construction

Last night, Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton went head-to-head in the second leaders’ debate of the campaign. The difference between the two leaders’ visions for the country was stark. Albanese talked about his “optimism” for the future, while Dutton asked voters to reflect on whether they are better off now than they were three years ago, suggesting that most people are not. But Albanese and Dutton were united on one thing: neither leader really landed a blow – and neither leader won the night. Today, 7am co-host Daniel James on the biggest moments from the debate – from energy, to housing, to diplomacy and defence – and why Dutton has had to admit another mistake.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Writer and co-host of 7am, Daniel James Photo: AAP Image/Dan Himbrechts, Mick Tsikas

Donald Trump’s presence looms large on the campaign trail, as both leaders face questions about how they would handle his trade war. The market chaos and escalating tensions between China and the US may have once seemed like the last thing Labor needed during an election campaign. But insiders now believe they’ve been granted a rare opportunity: to hold firm in the face of uncertainty and prove that changing government in this global political climate is too great a risk.  Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on Anthony Albanese’s Trump strategy – and how Peter Dutton is fighting back.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis. Photo: Aaron Schwartz/Sipa USA

In January, Jonathan Holmes met with the ABC’s then managing director, David Anderson.  Jonathan and his colleagues at ABC Alumni wanted to know if Anderson was concerned about funding cuts under a Dutton-led government.  Successive Coalition governments have made cuts to the national broadcaster over decades. Now, as Peter Dutton signals he’s looking to cut anything he deems to be “waste” at the ABC, alarm bells are once again ringing. Today, chair of ABC Alumni and former host of Media Watch, Jonathan Holmes, on the Coalition’s plans for the ABC, and whether it’s possible to truly shield the national broadcaster from outside interference.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chair of ABC Alumni and former host of Media Watch, Jonathan Holmes. Photo: AAP Image/Danny Casey

As a scientist, Tim Flannery says he’s seen climate change kicked around parliament for decades. Australians are now paying for the years of denial, distraction and delay from our politicians, with a decade’s worth of warming just in the past couple of years. While the last election sent the major parties a clear message that Australia should act on climate change, he says this election is all about how. And he says he’s optimistic that this could actually be the last climate election. Today, chief councillor of the Climate Council Tim Flannery on the choice Australians are facing – between expanding renewables, or repeating the mistakes of the past.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chief councillor of the Climate Council Tim Flannery  Photo: PA/Alamy

Turkish-born, Paris-based writer Ayşegül Savaş’s third novel opens with a young, ex-pat couple who are apartment hunting. Both foreigners in the city they live in and unburdened from the usual familial obligations, their days are marked by small pleasures: shopping at a local flea market, drinking coffee together before work, and taking long walks in the park. Like so much of Ayşegül’s writing, The Anthropologists is interested not just in foreignness, but what it means to establish traditions and rituals when you are starting anew. On this episode of Read This, Michael chats with Ayşegül about this latest novel and why she is trying to make foreignness the status quo.

Peter Dutton says he’ll cut migrant numbers by 100,000 people a year as soon as he gets into office. He says it’s part of his plan to free up housing for Australians, but it could also impact the workforce needed to build new homes.  Dutton is putting a number to his plans just days after immigration dominated the first leaders’ debate. Abul Rizvi was a senior official in the Department of Immigration from the early 90s to 2007, until he left while serving as deputy secretary. He says our current discourse ignores the need for a long-term population plan, addressing how big our country should be – and why. Today, Abul Rizvi on the politics of population growth and the real impact of immigration on the housing crisis.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Former deputy secretary of the department of immigration, Abul Rizvi. Background Reading:If I was immigration minister, I would develop a population plan Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch

Elon Musk is pressing NASA to abandon its planned journeys to the moon – projects that have been decades in the making, with billions already spent and contracts already signed. Despite backlash from NASA insiders and politicians on both sides of Congress – who view his plans as costly, disruptive and politically toxic – Musk remains resolute. Today, Wall Street Journal reporter Emily Glazer, on whether the SpaceX CEO can really upend NASA’s return to the moon. This is part two of a two-part series.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest:Wall Street Journal reporter, Emily Glazer. Background Reading:Elon Musk’s Mission to Take Over NASA—and Mars Photo: Yichuan Cao/Sipa USA

Donald Trump wants to write the next chapter in US spaceflight history. With billionaire tech CEO and SpaceX founder Elon Musk by his side, he’s outlined an ambitious agenda: to land the first humans on Mars before he leaves office. Whether or not that goal is achievable, the plan would massively reshape America’s space program to the benefit of Musk’s company. NASA has already suffered from Musk’s efforts to gut the federal government through the Department of Government Efficiency – and key SpaceX officials have been gaining power at the space agency. Today, Wall Street Journal reporter Emily Glazer, on Elon Musk’s plan to take over NASA.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest:Wall Street Journal reporter, Emily Glazer. Photo: Sipa USA / Scott Schilke

Anthony Albanese won the first leaders debate of the election campaign last night. But it was a tight contest, with both leaders well prepared and polished, as they faced undecided voters in Western Sydney. Anthony Albanese spoke of a country rallying in spite of difficult global conditions. For Peter Dutton, it was about painting a dire picture of economic pain – and blaming Albanese for it.  Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper Jason Koutsoukis on the biggest moments of the first debate – and what it tells us about the next stage of the campaign.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis. Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

“We made a mistake” are tough words for any politician, but in the heat of an election campaign, they can really hurt. In a spectacular reversal, Peter Dutton has walked back his policy to sack 41,000  public servants, saying he’ll now wait for people to quit and will no longer force those who remain back into the office. Dutton’s backtracking doesn’t just raise questions about sincerity – it also leaves the opposition with a giant black hole when it comes to funding their other election promises. Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on the panic inside the coalition – and what it means for Peter Dutton’s leadership.   If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.   Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis. Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas