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Former Australian Prime Minister and Ambassador to the United State Kevin Rudd joins The Diplomats to reflect on his differing roles in diplomacy, as well as explore the misinterpretations between the US, the West and China.Humorist and essayist David Sedaris's latest work focuses on travelling, growing older, family but continues his iconic style of finding humour in everyday oddities. Could artificial intelligence every replace him?  And in 1997 the people of Newcastle lined the M1 to Sydney to cheer on their Knights to their inaugural rugby league premiership. Veteran broadcaster, author and mental health advocate Craig Hamilton reflects on that experience and how Justin Holbrook tapped into the Hunter's blue collar roots, taking the Knights from wooden spooners to grand finalists in 2026.

The latest 'State of the Force' was another firey speech from US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth signposting an American focus on autonomous warfare, 'Fortress America', faith and the promotion of a warrior culture. Retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Air Force Rachel VanLandingham, now  professor of law at Southwestern Law School looks at the broader agenda. European intelligence officials are warning Russia is stepping up its attacks across NATO territory. Steven Erlanger, the chief diplomatic correspondent for The New York Times, explains how Moscow is testing resolve. The tale of how Australian women war artists inspired author Pip Edwards' expansion of her literary universe, and Rampaging Roy Slaven and HG Nelson stop by with their preview of the NRL Grand Final.

With David Shoebridge voted in by his peers as the new federal leader of the Greens, Phil Coorey, Political Editor of The Australian Financial Review looks at where the party could wield its influence in the Senate. Plus Kos Samaras, pollster and director strategy and analytics at Redbridge Group, looks at what the electorate thinks of the Greens and where it does have support, but where its also leaking potential votes. With more tricky economic data showing inflation rising a day after interest rates rose, does the removal of credit card surcharges provide consumers with any relief? Simon Birmingham CEO of the Australian Banking Association details what will change. Plus author Andrew Bailey on how indigenous artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye changed Australia's art landscape after picking up a paint brush in her late seventies and without formal arts training.

The Albanese Government wants to help more first home owners get into the market, but the fourth rate rise from the RBA this year just made that more difficult. Dr James Graham, Assistant Professor in the School of Economics at the University of Sydney and a former economist with the Reserve Bank of New Zealand explains why there's a perfect storm of factors at play working against the government's objective.  As the ABC's Foreign Correspondent program trails the fight to track down missing Ukrainian children, abducted during the war, Nathaniel Raymond, Executive Director of the Humanitarian Research Lab at the Yale School of Public Health, details the efforts of trying to find tens of thousands of children before they're indoctrinated and conscripted into fighting against their homeland. And it's arguably never been a bleaker time to be a humanitarian worker. James Elder is the Global Spokesperson for UNICEF - the United Nations Children's Fund on what still gives him hope despite several major conflicts and diminishing aid funding.

What do we know after a public tip off about three 'suspicious' white vans which led to five arrests near a British airforce base used by the United States in its war against Iran? The UK’s Independent Reviewer of Terrorism Legislation Jonathan Hall explains what happens next.Where should Australia turn after OpenAI paused training of its latest AI models, following the revelation its confession that it lost control of its own AI Agents, which broke into Australia's Medicare website last week? Executive Director of the Tech Policy Design Institute Johanna Weaver, who also served as Australia's chief cyber negotiator at the United Nations looks at the options.After a stunning weekend of results across the major football codes, leading sports and performance psychologist Jacqui Louder unpacks the psychology of winning under pressure, following epic results in the AFL Grand Final, NRL preliminary finals, the Wallabies winning the Nelson Mandela plate and the Socceroos against Brazil.

Tracey Holmes brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.

OpenAI’s stunning confession that it lost control of its own AI Agents, which broke into Australia's Medicare website, has raised alarm in Canberra and around the world. AI expert Kate Crawford and former national security adviser to the Department of Home Affairs, Greg Sadler, unpack the fallout. The leaders of the world’s two AI superpowers, US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping, sit down for talks in Washington later tonight - who holds the upper hand? Head of the Science, Technology and Innovation Program at the Berlin-based think tank MERICS, Rebecca Arcesati previews the meeting. For three decades, June Oscar has fought for the rights, health and dignity of Aboriginal people, especially women and girls. She shares what keeps her hopeful and fighting for change.

The race for AI dominance has reached fever pitch. Former Director-General of the Australian Signals Directorate Rachel Noble explains the threat this technology poses to us right now and what role Australia can play in regulating it. A childhood on the run with America’s most dangerous woman, playwright Zayd Ayers Dohrn shares more about his radical parents - leaders of the infamous militant activists The Weather Underground. This week marks one year since Australia joined a group of Western nations to recognise Palestinian statehood. Deputy Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Omar Awadallah says it has made little difference to the lives of people in Gaza and the West Bank.

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.

Tracey Holmes brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge, entertain and inspire us.

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.

Fran Kelly brings you compelling conversations on issues that challenge,entertain and inspire us.