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.

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Guest: Staff writer at The Atlantic, McKay Coppins

Photo: Ron Galella / Getty

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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.

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Guest: Staff writer at The Atlantic, McKay Coppins

Photo: Ron Galella / Getty

See 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.

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Guest: Writer and reproductive health advocate Hannah Bambra

Photo: AAP Image/ABE MADDISON

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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.

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Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter, Emily Glazer.

Photo: AP Photo/NASA

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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.

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Guest: Wall Street Journal reporter, Emily Glazer.

Background Reading: Elon Musk’s Mission to Take Over NASA—and Mars

Photo: AP Photo/NASA

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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.

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Guest: Writer and contributor to The Monthly, Elmo Keep

Photo: REUTERS/Evelyn Hockstein

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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.

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Guest: Director of the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program Dr Emma Shortis

Photo: ANP KOEN VAN WEEL /ANP/Sipa US

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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.

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Guest: Essayist, translator and author of eleven books on China, Linda Jaivin

Photo: REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov/Pool

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