7am

Last year, the federal environment minister approved Woodside’s plans to keep its North West Shelf project producing gas out to 2070. Both the government and Woodside claim that gas is a necessary transition fuel as the world decarbonises – but how convincing are their arguments? Today, investigative journalist and author of the Quarterly Essay Woodside vs the Planet, Marian Wilkinson, on how one company captured the country – and convinced us that we need the gas industry. This episode was originally published in September 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: Investigative journalist and author of the Quarterly Essay Woodside vs the Planet, Marian Wilkinson Photo: AAP Image/Supplied by Woodside EnergySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When one of the world’s most powerful families converged in a Nevada court room in 2024 to fight over the future of their empire, what unfolded was tightly guarded. Rupert Murdoch was attempting to change a decades-old family trust in order to install his chosen son, Lachlan, as heir apparent when he dies. But then, in a rare interview with The Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins, James Murdoch gave his account of the case and how it tore his family apart. Today, Coppins tells us why James spoke out to reveal the bitter details of the battle over the Murdoch empire. This is part one in a two part interview. It was originally published in February 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: Staff writer at The Atlantic, McKay Coppins Photo: Ron Galella / GettySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

One of the cardinal Murdoch family rules is never speak about the family outside the family. So, when journalist McKay Coppins got in touch with James Murdoch back in 2024, he really wasn’t expecting a reply. But Coppins was curious – what would happen to the Murdoch empire when Rupert died? And what it would mean for his youngest son, James, who was seemingly an outcast from the family? What he didn’t yet know was there was a secret high stakes legal battle going on – and James was ready to talk. This is part two in a two part interview. It was originally published in February 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: Staff writer at The Atlantic, McKay Coppins Photo: Ron Galella / GettySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As hard-fought gains in reproductive medicine, voluntary assisted dying and LGBTQI health care have been made – another story has emerged. One where religious pharmacists, doctors and hospital systems believe it's justifiable to withhold medication or support, often with devastating consequences. Now, one in five pharmacists in Australia will refuse you care if the medication you’re asking for doesn’t align with their beliefs – and in some parts of the country, that number is closer to half. Today, writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra on the unconscionable reality of conscientious objection. This episode was originally published in September 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: Writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra Photo: AAP Image/ABE MADDISONSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.