7am

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. This episode was originally published in April 2025. 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: AP Photo/NASASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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. It was originally published in April 2025. 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: AP Photo/NASASee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the 1990s, a small group of men in Silicon Valley imagined a world without governments or rules – a world run by code. They called themselves the cypherpunks, and they believed technology could replace politics entirely. Those ideas didn’t stay online. They shaped the culture of the tech industry, which in turn has reshaped Western civilisation itself. Now, the billionaires behind it all are trying to remake democracy in their image. Today, writer and contributor to The Monthly, Elmo Keep, on how Silicon Valley’s most dangerous philosophy escaped the internet and entered the real world. 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 contributor to The Monthly, Elmo Keep Photo: REUTERS/Evelyn HocksteinSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In just one year, Donald Trump has transformed America's government and its institutions. His actions and agenda reflect a far more emboldened president in his second term – and the guardrails designed to keep a president in check, from the courts to Congress, are buckling. Trump’s success in reshaping the system raises deeper questions about exactly what kind of country the United States will become. Today, Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program, Dr Emma Shortis, on how Trump is remaking American politics – and whether there is any way back from here. 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: Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program Dr Emma Shortis Photo: ANP KOEN VAN WEEL /ANP/Sipa USSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After decades of spectacular growth built on property and heavy industry, China has tried to chart a new path – one driven by electric vehicles, green technology and AI. But as those bets begin to falter, there are questions about whether China has reached its peak, with stubborn problems like high youth unemployment and an ageing population seemingly intractable. So as the new year begins, what is Xi Jinping’s plan to course correct? And if he can’t pull it off, what does that mean for Australia? Today, essayist, translator and author of eleven books on China, Linda Jaivin, on what’s next for one of the world's great superpowers. 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: Essayist, translator and author of eleven books on China, Linda Jaivin Photo: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/PoolSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.