Recently, Spotify’s founder, Daniel Ek, announced he’s stepping back from running the company.

He leaves as one of the richest men in his home country of Sweden – with Forbes estimating his wealth at $9.6 billion.

In a departure note to staff, Ek said he wants to focus on creating more European “supercompanies” – companies he described as “developing new technologies to tackle some of the biggest challenges of our time”.

The move comes months after Ek’s involvement in the global defence industry was revealed, prompting an artist backlash, with some pulling their music from the platform.

Today, we’re bringing you an episode we recorded in July with author and journalist Liz Pelly, which exposes Ek’s investments in AI-based military technology and Spotify’s embrace of AI in music.

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Guest: Author and journalist Liz Pelly

Photo: Janerik Henriksson, TT News Agency, File

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Labor is trying to land one of its toughest reforms – an overhaul of Australia’s environmental laws.

Environment Minister Murray Watt says he wants to speed up housing and energy project developments, make it clear where construction can and can’t go ahead, and create a federal environment watchdog.

After a failed deal with the Greens in the last parliament, Labor is now dealing with the Coalition.

So what will that mean for the environment?

Today, contributing editor at The New Daily, Amy Remeikis – on Labor’s wheeling and dealing – and the Coalition’s continued identity crisis.

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: Contributing editor at The New Daily, Amy Remeikis

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Almost two years to the day since October 7, Israel and Hamas have agreed to the first phase of Donald Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.

The agreement involves the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, with Israel pulling back its troops to an agreed-upon line and allowing aid into Gaza.

The first hostages are expected to be released as soon as this weekend.

Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom, on the negotiations that got us here – and what the future of Gaza looks like.

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: Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom

Photo: Lenin Nolly/Sipa USA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.