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The Weekend Read
The Weekend Read
Listen to Australia's best writers and thinkers read out longform essays from The Monthly magazine, the country's leading publication on politics, current affairs and culture.
Episodes
Patrick Dodson makes his case for the Voice
Today’s episode is a very special edition of Weekend Read. Patrick Dodson is a respected Aboriginal elder, a federal Senator, and widely known as the Father of Reconciliation. He is a fierce advocate for the Voice to Parliament, but Patrick Dodson has spent most of the campaign out of the spotlight, while he undertakes cancer treatment for his recent diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recently, Senator Dodson was able to record this episode in his country, the lands of the Yawuru people, in Broome, Western Australia. In this episode, Patrick Dodson reads his moving piece from a recent edition of The Monthly about his lifelong fight for a better Australia. We would like to thank the staff in Patrick’s office for making this possible. Patrick will now read his piece, ‘A firelight stick on the hill’. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senator Patrick Dodson
Patrick Dodson makes his case for the Voice
Today’s episode is a very special edition of Weekend Read. Patrick Dodson is a respected Aboriginal elder, a federal Senator, and widely known as the Father of Reconciliation. He is a fierce advocate for the Voice to Parliament, but Patrick Dodson has spent most of the campaign out of the spotlight, while he undertakes cancer treatment for his recent diagnosis of Hodgkin's lymphoma. Recently, Senator Dodson was able to record this episode in his country, the lands of the Yawuru people, in Broome, Western Australia. In this episode, Patrick Dodson reads his moving piece from a recent edition of The Monthly about his lifelong fight for a better Australia. We would like to thank the staff in Patrick’s office for making this possible. Patrick will now read his piece, ‘A firelight stick on the hill’. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Senator Patrick Dodson
49:10
22 Sep 23
When music journalism meets an MRI scan
Today on the show, Mark Mordue reads his piece from The Saturday Paper. MRI scans are infamously claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing procedures. During his own MRI, the author was surprised to find solace and inspiration in the barrage of sounds he was subjected to lying within the machine. The cacophony of the equipment presented an opportunity to expound on the musical genres that are its antecedents, and those that are, perhaps, its legacy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer, poet and journalist, Mark Mordue
When music journalism meets an MRI scan
Today on the show, Mark Mordue reads his piece from The Saturday Paper. MRI scans are infamously claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing procedures. During his own MRI, the author was surprised to find solace and inspiration in the barrage of sounds he was subjected to lying within the machine. The cacophony of the equipment presented an opportunity to expound on the musical genres that are its antecedents, and those that are, perhaps, its legacy. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer, poet and journalist, Mark Mordue
21:00
8 Sep 23
New nipples with tattoo ink
A clinic inside Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital is quietly changing lives through the power of tattoos. The Combined Breast Service offers breast reconstruction, including making nipples anew with tattoo ink. It’s an offering that empowers post-mastectomy patients and breast cancer survivors, who often grapple with accepting their new chests. Today, author Katherine Wilson will be reading her piece from the May issue of The Monthly. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author Katherine Wilson Background Reading: Making a point
New nipples with tattoo ink
A clinic inside Melbourne’s Royal Women’s Hospital is quietly changing lives through the power of tattoos. The Combined Breast Service offers breast reconstruction, including making nipples anew with tattoo ink. It’s an offering that empowers post-mastectomy patients and breast cancer survivors, who often grapple with accepting their new chests. Today, author Katherine Wilson will be reading her piece from the May issue of The Monthly. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author Katherine Wilson Background Reading: Making a point
20:36
25 Aug 23
Christos Tsiolkas on pieces of fiction that stay with us forever
Today on the show, author Christos Tsiolkas with a recent piece from The Monthly. “The Past is a foreign country: they do things differently there” – is the memorable opening line of L.P. Hartley’s 1953 novel, The Go-Between. It’s a line that has stuck with Christos Tsiolkas since he read it in high school - and a sentiment that has made him reflect on his life, his migrant parents’ lives, and the value of creating foreign worlds through fiction. Christos Tsiolkas will read his story, ‘The Past is a Foreign Country’, after a short conversation with 7am host Ange McCormack. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author, Christos Tsiolkas
Christos Tsiolkas on pieces of fiction that stay with us forever
Today on the show, author Christos Tsiolkas with a recent piece from The Monthly. “The Past is a foreign country: they do things differently there” – is the memorable opening line of L.P. Hartley’s 1953 novel, The Go-Between. It’s a line that has stuck with Christos Tsiolkas since he read it in high school - and a sentiment that has made him reflect on his life, his migrant parents’ lives, and the value of creating foreign worlds through fiction. Christos Tsiolkas will read his story, ‘The Past is a Foreign Country’, after a short conversation with 7am host Ange McCormack. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author, Christos Tsiolkas
17:43
11 Aug 23
Don Watson on cancelling a war hero
Today, author Don Watson will be reading his piece from the June issue of The Monthly, reflecting on WW2 ace pilot Sir Douglas Bader. Bader was a remarkable Royal Air Force pilot in the second world war. Brazen and courageous, he managed to escape death countless times, scored dozens of victories, and was even redeployed as a pilot after having both legs amputated. However, in the words of Don Watson, Sir Douglas Bader was also a bit of a ‘stinker’, and an ‘unreconstructed racist’. Yes, it turns out Bader is a classic 20th century hero, who is ripe for a classic 21st century cancellation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author Don Watson
Don Watson on cancelling a war hero
Today, author Don Watson will be reading his piece from the June issue of The Monthly, reflecting on WW2 ace pilot Sir Douglas Bader. Bader was a remarkable Royal Air Force pilot in the second world war. Brazen and courageous, he managed to escape death countless times, scored dozens of victories, and was even redeployed as a pilot after having both legs amputated. However, in the words of Don Watson, Sir Douglas Bader was also a bit of a ‘stinker’, and an ‘unreconstructed racist’. Yes, it turns out Bader is a classic 20th century hero, who is ripe for a classic 21st century cancellation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author Don Watson
15:06
28 Jul 23
John Safran on lessons from his friend, Father Bob Maguire
Today on the show, writer and filmmaker John Safran, with his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. Father Bob Maguire was an icon in his own right, but for many, they knew him through his years of conversation with John Safran on TV and their Sunday Night radio show. Father Bob passed away earlier this year and received a state funeral in Melbourne and today we feature John’s writing about his friend. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and filmaker, John Safran
John Safran on lessons from his friend, Father Bob Maguire
Today on the show, writer and filmmaker John Safran, with his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. Father Bob Maguire was an icon in his own right, but for many, they knew him through his years of conversation with John Safran on TV and their Sunday Night radio show. Father Bob passed away earlier this year and received a state funeral in Melbourne and today we feature John’s writing about his friend. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and filmaker, John Safran
13:49
14 Jul 23
Carrie Tiffany on sugar, family and loss
Today on the show, author Carrie Tiffany, with her piece from the Monthly. After the death of her mother, Carrie reflects on the hold of sugar upon her family’s health and history. Carrie will read her piece, ‘Sweet Regret’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author, Carrie Tiffany
Carrie Tiffany on sugar, family and loss
Today on the show, author Carrie Tiffany, with her piece from the Monthly. After the death of her mother, Carrie reflects on the hold of sugar upon her family’s health and history. Carrie will read her piece, ‘Sweet Regret’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author, Carrie Tiffany
21:53
30 Jun 23
Esther Linder on food insecurity
Today, journalist Esther Linder will be reading her piece from the May issue of The Monthly. While Australians often can’t skip a rent payment, they can skip a meal. And as the cost of living soars, more and more Australians are going hungry. Through the lens of hunger, Linder looks at economic inequality, Australia’s failure to perceive the growing gaps in wealth Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist Esther Linder
Esther Linder on food insecurity
Today, journalist Esther Linder will be reading her piece from the May issue of The Monthly. While Australians often can’t skip a rent payment, they can skip a meal. And as the cost of living soars, more and more Australians are going hungry. Through the lens of hunger, Linder looks at economic inequality, Australia’s failure to perceive the growing gaps in wealth Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist Esther Linder
28:02
16 Jun 23
Michael Williams on The Monthly’s 200th edition
To mark the 200th edition of The Monthly, the editor of the magazine, Michael Williams, joins us – to read a piece by the late-Mungo Maccallum from the debut issue nearly 20 years ago. Mungo was a totally unique character of Australian journalism – once described by Gough Whitlam a "tall, bearded descendant of lunatic aristocrats" – he could deftly bounce from the funny and odd to the great stories and issues of our times. We very much hope you enjoy us revisiting his first essay for The Monthly: ‘From nation to now’ Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
Michael Williams on The Monthly’s 200th edition
To mark the 200th edition of The Monthly, the editor of the magazine, Michael Williams, joins us – to read a piece by the late-Mungo Maccallum from the debut issue nearly 20 years ago. Mungo was a totally unique character of Australian journalism – once described by Gough Whitlam a "tall, bearded descendant of lunatic aristocrats" – he could deftly bounce from the funny and odd to the great stories and issues of our times. We very much hope you enjoy us revisiting his first essay for The Monthly: ‘From nation to now’ Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram
18:27
2 Jun 23
Sasha Gattermayr on an obsession with carnivorous plants
Today on the show, Sasha Gattermayr, with her piece on the fascination with carnivorous plants from The Monthly magazine. Sasha takes us inside a band of collectors whose obsession with plants such as the venus fly trap turned into a lifelong devotion to plants that devour their prey. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer Sasha Gattermayr Background reading: Little club of horrors
Sasha Gattermayr on an obsession with carnivorous plants
Today on the show, Sasha Gattermayr, with her piece on the fascination with carnivorous plants from The Monthly magazine. Sasha takes us inside a band of collectors whose obsession with plants such as the venus fly trap turned into a lifelong devotion to plants that devour their prey. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer Sasha Gattermayr Background reading: Little club of horrors
14:54
19 May 23
Quentin Sprague on shocking reports in the Aboriginal art industry
Today, writer Quentin Sprague, with his piece from The Monthly. He examines the recent revelations of “white hands on black art” – reports of White gallery figures instructing and even working on the canvases of Indigenous artists – and examines how white Australia applies the idea of ‘authenticity’ onto the work of Indigenous artists. Quentin will read his story, ‘White privilege and black disadvantage in the Aboriginal art industry’ after a short conversation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer, Quentin Sprague
Quentin Sprague on shocking reports in the Aboriginal art industry
Today, writer Quentin Sprague, with his piece from The Monthly. He examines the recent revelations of “white hands on black art” – reports of White gallery figures instructing and even working on the canvases of Indigenous artists – and examines how white Australia applies the idea of ‘authenticity’ onto the work of Indigenous artists. Quentin will read his story, ‘White privilege and black disadvantage in the Aboriginal art industry’ after a short conversation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer, Quentin Sprague
26:49
5 May 23
Richard King on how ChatGPT is changing how knowledge is shared
Today on the show, writer Richard King, with his piece ‘Machine Learning’ about the AI chatbot ChatGPT. He begins his story with discourse sweeping a university campus as AI reaches the hands of ordinary students and teachers. How will this technology – still only a few months old – change not only teaching and marking, but the very nature of the transfer of knowledge? This is the question he sets out to answer, and it’s a compelling one as we stand on the precipice of a new age of technology. Richard will read his story from the latest edition of The Monthly after a short conversation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer Richard King. Background Reading: Machine learning
Richard King on how ChatGPT is changing how knowledge is shared
Today on the show, writer Richard King, with his piece ‘Machine Learning’ about the AI chatbot ChatGPT. He begins his story with discourse sweeping a university campus as AI reaches the hands of ordinary students and teachers. How will this technology – still only a few months old – change not only teaching and marking, but the very nature of the transfer of knowledge? This is the question he sets out to answer, and it’s a compelling one as we stand on the precipice of a new age of technology. Richard will read his story from the latest edition of The Monthly after a short conversation. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer Richard King. Background Reading: Machine learning
17:36
21 Apr 23
Lucianne Tonti on the battle to stop wasting brand-new clothes
Today on the show, author of ‘Sundressed’ and fashion editor for The Saturday Paper Lucianne Tonti reads her piece on confronting the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing condemned to landfill every year. The Australian fashion industry is a major cause of the 227,000 tonnes of waste clothing generated each year — much of it never worn before being discarded. Non-profits are attempting to curb the issue, redirecting and recycling the waste clothing – but the problem lies at the source: overproduction. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Fashion editor for The Saturday Paper and author of ‘Sundressed’, Lucianne Tonti
Lucianne Tonti on the battle to stop wasting brand-new clothes
Today on the show, author of ‘Sundressed’ and fashion editor for The Saturday Paper Lucianne Tonti reads her piece on confronting the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothing condemned to landfill every year. The Australian fashion industry is a major cause of the 227,000 tonnes of waste clothing generated each year — much of it never worn before being discarded. Non-profits are attempting to curb the issue, redirecting and recycling the waste clothing – but the problem lies at the source: overproduction. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Fashion editor for The Saturday Paper and author of ‘Sundressed’, Lucianne Tonti
17:17
7 Apr 23
Sophie Cunningham on the cost of native logging
Today on the show, author Sophie Cunningham on why we’re still logging native forests. She begins her story with the last sheafs of white office paper to ever be produced in Australia – the final sheet rolled off the mill in January of this year before it closed for good. What follows is her reporting on how and why native forests are still being cut down, despite our knowledge that this is not the best or most efficient way for us to source timber in this country. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author Sophie Cunningham
Sophie Cunningham on the cost of native logging
Today on the show, author Sophie Cunningham on why we’re still logging native forests. She begins her story with the last sheafs of white office paper to ever be produced in Australia – the final sheet rolled off the mill in January of this year before it closed for good. What follows is her reporting on how and why native forests are still being cut down, despite our knowledge that this is not the best or most efficient way for us to source timber in this country. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author Sophie Cunningham
15:47
24 Mar 23
The late Robert Adamson on fishing the river he loved
Today, a tribute to publisher, poet and memoirist Robert Adamson. Robert died late last year and to mark that moment, The Monthly decided to posthumously republish two of his essays on a subject very dear to him: fishing. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Publisher, poet and memoirist, Robert Adamson.
The late Robert Adamson on fishing the river he loved
Today, a tribute to publisher, poet and memoirist Robert Adamson. Robert died late last year and to mark that moment, The Monthly decided to posthumously republish two of his essays on a subject very dear to him: fishing. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Publisher, poet and memoirist, Robert Adamson.
17:37
10 Mar 23
Erin O’Dwyer on how to design housing for happiness
As housing becomes less affordable and the search for adequate accommodation more desperate, Erin O’Dwyer investigates how we can escape from the urban sprawl. Erin looks at how the best intentions can go awry, as we try to build better homes. She makes the case that designing our homes doesn’t have to be a luxury and that as we build more and more of them to address the housing shortage, happiness for the people living in them shouldn’t be an afterthought. Listen to Erin read her piece, ‘Tree Change’, from The Saturday Paper. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist and writer, Erin O’Dwyer
Erin O’Dwyer on how to design housing for happiness
As housing becomes less affordable and the search for adequate accommodation more desperate, Erin O’Dwyer investigates how we can escape from the urban sprawl. Erin looks at how the best intentions can go awry, as we try to build better homes. She makes the case that designing our homes doesn’t have to be a luxury and that as we build more and more of them to address the housing shortage, happiness for the people living in them shouldn’t be an afterthought. Listen to Erin read her piece, ‘Tree Change’, from The Saturday Paper. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Journalist and writer, Erin O’Dwyer
12:28
24 Feb 23
Clem Bastow on borrowing life lessons from Dolly, Girlfriend and Seventeen
Clem Bastow reads her piece about borrowing teen magazines from the library. As a kid, Clem couldn’t afford the monthly price of Girlfriend Magazine, or Seventeen, or my personal favourite, Dolly. So the library became her gateway to fashion trends, makeup advice, and the hottest Home and Away stars. As Clem got older and earned her own money, her relationship to libraries evolved. In her piece, Clem writes about class and shame, teen magazines and hope, and the always alluring sealed section. Clem’s article Library learning with ‘Dolly’ was written for The Saturday Paper. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and critic, Clem Bastow Background reading: Library learning with ‘Dolly’
Clem Bastow on borrowing life lessons from Dolly, Girlfriend and Seventeen
Clem Bastow reads her piece about borrowing teen magazines from the library. As a kid, Clem couldn’t afford the monthly price of Girlfriend Magazine, or Seventeen, or my personal favourite, Dolly. So the library became her gateway to fashion trends, makeup advice, and the hottest Home and Away stars. As Clem got older and earned her own money, her relationship to libraries evolved. In her piece, Clem writes about class and shame, teen magazines and hope, and the always alluring sealed section. Clem’s article Library learning with ‘Dolly’ was written for The Saturday Paper. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and critic, Clem Bastow Background reading: Library learning with ‘Dolly’
14:56
10 Feb 23
‘A patch of land’: Gardening with Laura Tingle
On this Weekend Read, chief political correspondent for the ABC’s 7.30 program Laura Tingle, with her piece from the summer issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘A patch of land’, and in it she writes of the joys of tending and surrendering herself to a native garden, before bidding it a fond farewell after nearly 20 years. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for the ABC’s 7.30 program, Laura Tingle Background Reading: A Patch of Land
‘A patch of land’: Gardening with Laura Tingle
On this Weekend Read, chief political correspondent for the ABC’s 7.30 program Laura Tingle, with her piece from the summer issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘A patch of land’, and in it she writes of the joys of tending and surrendering herself to a native garden, before bidding it a fond farewell after nearly 20 years. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Chief political correspondent for the ABC’s 7.30 program, Laura Tingle Background Reading: A Patch of Land
13:19
13 Jan 23
Surfing the little breaks, with Sarah Walker
Today, on the Weekend Read, writer and artist Sarah Walker with her piece, “Little Breaks”, from The Monthly. It’s a story of joy and sadness in the ocean. She writes of her time in the water as a beginner surfer, finding glee in shallow breaks. But beyond the break, in the deeper water, there’s also loneliness, isolation and vulnerability. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and artist, Sarah Walker Background Reading: Little Breaks
Surfing the little breaks, with Sarah Walker
Today, on the Weekend Read, writer and artist Sarah Walker with her piece, “Little Breaks”, from The Monthly. It’s a story of joy and sadness in the ocean. She writes of her time in the water as a beginner surfer, finding glee in shallow breaks. But beyond the break, in the deeper water, there’s also loneliness, isolation and vulnerability. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Writer and artist, Sarah Walker Background Reading: Little Breaks
20:17
6 Jan 23
Sam Vincent on the overdue arrival of native Australian ingredients on our plates
Today, author and farmer Sam Vincent, with his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. It explores how native Australian ingredients have gone from novelty to gourmet; now featured in some of the most acclaimed fine dining establishments in Australia. But what does the rise of culinary nationalism mean for the way we think about Australian food? Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author and farmer, Sam Vincent Background Reading: Native foods in the Plate Southern Land
Sam Vincent on the overdue arrival of native Australian ingredients on our plates
Today, author and farmer Sam Vincent, with his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. It explores how native Australian ingredients have gone from novelty to gourmet; now featured in some of the most acclaimed fine dining establishments in Australia. But what does the rise of culinary nationalism mean for the way we think about Australian food? Socials: Stay in touch with us on Twitter and Instagram Guest: Author and farmer, Sam Vincent Background Reading: Native foods in the Plate Southern Land
52:54
11 Nov 22
Cate Kennedy on the collective power of song
Today, author Cate Kennedy reads her piece from the latest edition of the Monthly. Beginning in the first months of lockdown, it asks the question: why did so many people turn to collective song and music, while stuck in isolation? Choirs conducted over video chat and jam sessions in the digital world might not be a perfect replacement for the connection of performing together in a room – but it seemed like there was something essential in the act of coming together to create music. So what is it about song that can pull us out of isolation? Cate will read her story, ‘How lockdowns rekindled our need to sing together’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. To hear more weekend reads, you can subscribe to 'The Weekend Read', in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Author, Cate Kennedy Background reading: How lockdowns rekindled our need to sing together
Cate Kennedy on the collective power of song
Today, author Cate Kennedy reads her piece from the latest edition of the Monthly. Beginning in the first months of lockdown, it asks the question: why did so many people turn to collective song and music, while stuck in isolation? Choirs conducted over video chat and jam sessions in the digital world might not be a perfect replacement for the connection of performing together in a room – but it seemed like there was something essential in the act of coming together to create music. So what is it about song that can pull us out of isolation? Cate will read her story, ‘How lockdowns rekindled our need to sing together’ after a short conversation with the Editor of the 7am podcast, Scott Mitchell. To hear more weekend reads, you can subscribe to 'The Weekend Read', in Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. Guest: Author, Cate Kennedy Background reading: How lockdowns rekindled our need to sing together
17:56
14 Oct 22
Jock Serong on the coral windows to our oceans’ past and future
Today, journalist and author Jock Serong will be reading his piece from the latest issue. It's called 'Front-row seats to the end of the Reef' - in it he chronicles his residency at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and what coral tells us about the past and future of our oceans. Guest: Journalist and author, Jock Serong Background reading: Front-row seats to the end of the Reef
Jock Serong on the coral windows to our oceans’ past and future
Today, journalist and author Jock Serong will be reading his piece from the latest issue. It's called 'Front-row seats to the end of the Reef' - in it he chronicles his residency at the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and what coral tells us about the past and future of our oceans. Guest: Journalist and author, Jock Serong Background reading: Front-row seats to the end of the Reef
12:14
2 Sep 22
Bronwyn Adcock on a terror suspect held for almost 20 years without trial
Today on the show, journalist and author Bronwyn Adcock will be reading her piece from the latest issue. It follows the fate of Encep ‘Hambali’ Nurjaman - a man arrested as a central figure in the Bali Bombings nearly 20 years ago - and interrogates his fraught path to justice in the War on Terror, through CIA black spots and Guantanamo Bay, torture and rendition, and bureaucratic obfuscation. Guest: Journalist and author, Bronwyn Adcock Background reading: The Trial in The Monthly.
Bronwyn Adcock on a terror suspect held for almost 20 years without trial
Today on the show, journalist and author Bronwyn Adcock will be reading her piece from the latest issue. It follows the fate of Encep ‘Hambali’ Nurjaman - a man arrested as a central figure in the Bali Bombings nearly 20 years ago - and interrogates his fraught path to justice in the War on Terror, through CIA black spots and Guantanamo Bay, torture and rendition, and bureaucratic obfuscation. Guest: Journalist and author, Bronwyn Adcock Background reading: The Trial in The Monthly.
28:40
5 Aug 22
Don Watson on how to be a prime minister
Today, author Don Watson will be reading his cover piece from the latest issue of The Monthly. It's called 'How to be a prime minister', and in it he discusses the task ahead for Anthony Albanese. How will the new leader restore the idea that governments should seek to make the country better? Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Don Watson
Don Watson on how to be a prime minister
Today, author Don Watson will be reading his cover piece from the latest issue of The Monthly. It's called 'How to be a prime minister', and in it he discusses the task ahead for Anthony Albanese. How will the new leader restore the idea that governments should seek to make the country better? Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Don Watson
23:31
15 Jul 22
Anna Goldsworthy on the importance of music and learning
Today, writer and pianist Anna Goldsworthy will be reading her piece from the latest issue. It's called 'The slow fade of music education', and in it she discusses the importance of music and learning, in an arts landscape eroded by nearly a decade of wilful neglect. Guest: Writer and pianist, Anna Goldsworthy.
Anna Goldsworthy on the importance of music and learning
Today, writer and pianist Anna Goldsworthy will be reading her piece from the latest issue. It's called 'The slow fade of music education', and in it she discusses the importance of music and learning, in an arts landscape eroded by nearly a decade of wilful neglect. Guest: Writer and pianist, Anna Goldsworthy.
33:38
17 Jun 22
Richard Cooke on NFTs and digital art
Today, writer Richard Cooke will be reading his story from the latest edition of The Monthly. It’s called ‘Market of the apes: NFTs and digital art’, and in it, he explores how the art market has been transformed by NFTs, and how artificial intelligence might transform art itself. Guest: Contributing editor to The Monthly, Richard Cooke. Background reading: Market of the apes: NFTs and digital art in The Monthly.
Richard Cooke on NFTs and digital art
Today, writer Richard Cooke will be reading his story from the latest edition of The Monthly. It’s called ‘Market of the apes: NFTs and digital art’, and in it, he explores how the art market has been transformed by NFTs, and how artificial intelligence might transform art itself. Guest: Contributing editor to The Monthly, Richard Cooke. Background reading: Market of the apes: NFTs and digital art in The Monthly.
28:07
18 Mar 22
‘The first victim’
Today, Gina Rushton’s latest story for The Monthly magazine, ‘The first victim’ is voiced by Lucy Moir. The piece explores how victims of sexual assault are treated in courts of law - and asks whether the legal system in Australia puts people through unnecessary trauma. Warning: This episode contains details of sexual assault.
‘The first victim’
Today, Gina Rushton’s latest story for The Monthly magazine, ‘The first victim’ is voiced by Lucy Moir. The piece explores how victims of sexual assault are treated in courts of law - and asks whether the legal system in Australia puts people through unnecessary trauma. Warning: This episode contains details of sexual assault.
55:48
4 Feb 22
Mark McKenna on ‘The Stunted Country’
Today, Mark McKenna, professor of history at the University of Sydney, will be reading his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. It's called 'The Stunted Country', and in it, he argues that there can be no possibility of an Australian republic without constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. Guest: Mark McKenna, professor of history at the University of Sydney. Background reading: The stunted country in The Monthly.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Mark McKenna on ‘The Stunted Country’
Today, Mark McKenna, professor of history at the University of Sydney, will be reading his piece from the latest edition of The Monthly. It's called 'The Stunted Country', and in it, he argues that there can be no possibility of an Australian republic without constitutional recognition of Indigenous Australians. Guest: Mark McKenna, professor of history at the University of Sydney. Background reading: The stunted country in The Monthly.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
40:08
10 Dec 21
Richard Denniss on the worst policy failure in Australian history
Today, Richard Denniss, chief economist at The Australia Institute, will be reading his cover story from the latest edition of The Monthly. It's called 'The needle and the damage done', and in it, he argues that the federal government’s handling of the pandemic has been the worst public policy failure in Australian history. Guest: Richard Denniss, chief economist at The Australia Institute.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Richard Denniss on the worst policy failure in Australian history
Today, Richard Denniss, chief economist at The Australia Institute, will be reading his cover story from the latest edition of The Monthly. It's called 'The needle and the damage done', and in it, he argues that the federal government’s handling of the pandemic has been the worst public policy failure in Australian history. Guest: Richard Denniss, chief economist at The Australia Institute.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
39:27
5 Nov 21
Helen Garner’s lockdown diaries, 2021
Today, Helen Garner, one of Australia’s most acclaimed authors, will be reading her piece from the latest issue of The Monthly. It features entries from her diaries, covering her experience during this year’s lockdown in Melbourne. Guest: Helen Garner, acclaimed Australian novelist and nonfiction writer.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Helen Garner’s lockdown diaries, 2021
Today, Helen Garner, one of Australia’s most acclaimed authors, will be reading her piece from the latest issue of The Monthly. It features entries from her diaries, covering her experience during this year’s lockdown in Melbourne. Guest: Helen Garner, acclaimed Australian novelist and nonfiction writer.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
21:43
22 Oct 21
Hugh White on the folly of the War on Terror
Today, Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘War of Error’. It explores the failures of the United States in Afghanistan, and the folly of Australia’s unquestioning support. Guest: Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Hugh White on the folly of the War on Terror
Today, Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘War of Error’. It explores the failures of the United States in Afghanistan, and the folly of Australia’s unquestioning support. Guest: Hugh White, emeritus professor of strategic studies at the Strategic and Defence Studies Centre, Australian National University.See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
33:18
1 Oct 21
Scott Ludlam on Julian Assange
Today, Scott Ludlam, ICAN ambassador and former Australian Greens Senator, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘The Endgame’. It explores the trial of Julian Assange, and the powers fighting to extradite him, while his condition deteriorates in a UK prison. Guest: Scott Ludlam, ICAN ambassador and former Australian Greens Senator. Background reading: The end game in The Monthly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Scott Ludlam on Julian Assange
Today, Scott Ludlam, ICAN ambassador and former Australian Greens Senator, reads his cover essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘The Endgame’. It explores the trial of Julian Assange, and the powers fighting to extradite him, while his condition deteriorates in a UK prison. Guest: Scott Ludlam, ICAN ambassador and former Australian Greens Senator. Background reading: The end game in The Monthly See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
32:50
6 Aug 21
Richard Flanagan on why he writes
Today, Richard Flanagan, Booker prize winner and author of The Living Sea of Waking Dreams, reads his essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘To be free’ and it explores why he writes, and, in his words “the need to write against the dogmas of conformity”. Guest: Writer for The Monthly Richard Flanagan. Background reading: To be free in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Richard Flanagan on why he writes
Today, Richard Flanagan, Booker prize winner and author of The Living Sea of Waking Dreams, reads his essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘To be free’ and it explores why he writes, and, in his words “the need to write against the dogmas of conformity”. Guest: Writer for The Monthly Richard Flanagan. Background reading: To be free in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
26:16
2 Jul 21
Sarah Krasnostein on the most hated man
Today, Sarah Krasnostein, the best-selling author of ‘The Trauma Cleaner’, reads her essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘The most hated man’ and it explores the sentencing of Richard Pusey, who was convicted of outraging public decency after he filmed the horrific aftermath of a car crash that killed four police officers. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Sarah Krasnostein. Background reading: The most hated man in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Sarah Krasnostein on the most hated man
Today, Sarah Krasnostein, the best-selling author of ‘The Trauma Cleaner’, reads her essay from the latest issue of The Monthly. It’s called ‘The most hated man’ and it explores the sentencing of Richard Pusey, who was convicted of outraging public decency after he filmed the horrific aftermath of a car crash that killed four police officers. Guest: Writer for The Saturday Paper Sarah Krasnostein. Background reading: The most hated man in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
35:37
4 Jun 21
Bri Lee on consent and sex education
Author and activist Bri Lee regularly runs workshops on consent and sex in schools. In the upcoming issue of The Monthly Bri writes about those workshops in the context of a growing national conversation about sexual harassment and assault. In this weekend episode, Bri reads her article, 'Ill-informed consent'. Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Bri Lee. Background reading: Ill-informed consent in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Bri Lee on consent and sex education
Author and activist Bri Lee regularly runs workshops on consent and sex in schools. In the upcoming issue of The Monthly Bri writes about those workshops in the context of a growing national conversation about sexual harassment and assault. In this weekend episode, Bri reads her article, 'Ill-informed consent'. Guest: Contributor to The Monthly Bri Lee. Background reading: Ill-informed consent in The MonthlySee acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
41:12
30 Apr 21
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