Trump’s midterm reckoning

Russell Brand is off to jail for a very long time.  The once powerful comedian turned Christian influencer has been sentenced to ten years and six months for the rape of one woman, and the sexual assault of three others. It all happened at the peak of his career – when Brand was able to use his power and fame to prey on women and get away with it. Now he’s finally been brought to justice  Today, host of the BBC’s ‘Fame under Fire’ podcast, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty on how Brand was able to hide in plain sight, the trial that finally exposed him, and why the reckoning may not be finished just yet. 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: Host of BBC’s ‘Fame under Fire’ podcast, Anoushka Mutanda-Dougherty Photo: James Manning/Press AssociationSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The submarines are still years away, but the decisions reshaping Australia’s defence posture are already being made. That’s one of the central warnings from the AUKUS Public Inquiry, which last week called for the submarine deal to be scrapped.  Its lead commissioner, former environment minister Peter Garrett, says the consequences of AUKUS go well beyond its cost – it’s also about Australia’s growing role in America’s military strategy, and our ability to make decisions for ourselves. Today, lead Commissioner for the AUKUS inquiry Peter Garrett, on what the inquiry revealed about the deal Australia signed, and why he says the government owes Australians an explanation.   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: Lead Commissioner for the AUKUS Inquiry Peter Garrett Photo: AAP Image/Con ChronisSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Western Australian police recently finished trialling a technology that can identify people as they walk past – revealing they scanned nearly 1.4 million faces, over a period of five months. Police say the cameras helped them make 122 arrests and they’re now considering whether to use the technology more widely. But is catching 122 people worth putting nearly 1.4 million others under surveillance? And how much privacy should Australians be expected to give up in the name of public safety? Today, we revisit our conversation with UNSW cyber security expert Professor Richard Buckland, on the dangers of live facial recognition and what happens when police surveillance powers expand. This episode first aired in June, 2026.   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: UNSW cyber security expert Professor Richard Buckland Photo: WA PoliceSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Interest rates are keeping the pressure on household budgets, and on the Albanese government. The prime minister’s trip to the Carribean for the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting while economic pain was being exacted back home has given his opponents another opportunity to question his priorities.  Meanwhile, One Nation is distancing itself from MAGA following the seismic repudiation of Trump in the US midterms. But the economic discontent that helped turn Americans against their government exists here too. Today, Chief political correspondent at SBS Anna Henderson, on the week in politics, and why the economic anger that punished Trump should worry Canberra.   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 political correspondent at SBS Anna Henderson Photo: PA/AlamySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

For generations of Australians, David Jones was somewhere people would dress up to go shopping: the Christmas windows, the fashion parades, and the excitement of taking home something special in those black and white houndstooth bags. Now, after 188 years, the department store has entered voluntary administration. Its stores are still trading, but thousands of workers face an uncertain future. And the new owner, if one can be found, will have to decide how much of the business can survive.  Today, ABC business reporter Daniel Ziffer on a retail institution overtaken by changing habits, what it says about the economy, and whether Australians still want what department stores have to offer.   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: ABC business journalist Daniel Ziffer Photo: AAP Image/Dan HimbrechtsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s the election result Democrats almost didn’t dare to dream of.  But with anger mounting over the cost of living amid Trump’s war with Iran, traditionally conservative states across America flipped blue.  Democrats have now taken control of both the US House and Senate in a stunning win that’s being seen as a direct rejection of President Trump.  Today, editor-at-large of The National Interest, Steve Clemons on where Trump went wrong, what the Democrats will do with their new powers in Congress, and whether this spells the end of MAGA.   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: Editor-at-large of The National Interest Steve Clemons Photo: EPA/Olga FedorovaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It’s been nearly two decades since Australians have felt the sting of interest rates this high. Reserve Bank governor Michele Bullock says persistent inflation has forced the RBA to hike the official cash rate for the fifth time this year. But some experts fear the bank may have gone too far – risking tipping Australia into a recession. Today, Australia Institute chief economist Greg Jericho on why the RBA may have got it wrong, and the big corporate inflation-driver no one seems to be talking about.   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: Australia Institute chief economist, Greg Jericho Photo: AAP Image/Dean LewinsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democracy Now! founder Amy Goodman has spent decades trying to hold power to account. From wars to humanitarian crises – she’s covered the biggest events of our time.  Now, she’s sharing her insights on the future of media and politics, and the Australian stories that have stayed with her.  Today, Amy Goodman on the new documentary detailing her life's work, how she refuses to trade truth for access, and the future of the media in the Western 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: Democracy Now! Founder Amy Goodman Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

When Donald Trump returned to the White House, he promised Americans a new era of prosperity. Now, as Americans prepare to vote in midterm elections, that promise is being tested, and the voters who put Trump in power could determine how much of that power he has left. With polls showing Democrats well placed to retake the House, and the Senate also within reach, Republican candidates are wrestling with the political cost of the president's unfulfilled promises, while Democrats hope to turn disillusionment into a political comeback after years of MAGA. Today, Director of the Australia Institute’s International and Security Affairs Program, Emma Shortis on an election that will test how deeply Trump has changed America, and whether another vision of the country can take hold.    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 Affairs Program, Emma Shortis  Photo: AP Photo/Alex BrandonSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shenane Hogg spent nine months in a coma after suffering abuse at the hands of her partner. During her recovery, she discovered her abuser had amassed $56,000 of debt in her name. Shenane’s story is just one of many that was heard at a parliamentary inquiry into how the financial system can be used to abuse women. The inquiry heard chilling evidence of a sharp rise in financial abuse that can manifest as offensive and threatening messages in streams of bank transfers, raiding of a partner’s super benefits, or making them liable for joint debts. This month, the Albanese government finally responded to that parliamentary inquiry, saying it supports, or supports in principle, 58 of the inquiry's 61 recommendations – but many of the proposed reforms are yet to be implemented. Today, journalist Karen Barlow on the cost of financial abuse, and why we’re failing to prevent it. This episode first aired in July, 2024.   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 political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Barlow. Photo: AAP Image/Diego FedeleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.