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Today, author Don Watson will be reading his piece from the June issue of The Monthly, reflecting on WW2 ace pilot Sir Douglas Bader.

Bader was a remarkable Royal Air Force pilot in the second world war. Brazen and courageous, he managed to escape death countless times, scored dozens of victories, and was even redeployed as a pilot after having both legs amputated.

However, in the words of Don Watson, Sir Douglas Bader was also a bit of a ‘stinker’, and an ‘unreconstructed racist’. Yes, it turns out Bader is a classic 20th century hero, who is ripe for a classic 21st century cancellation. 

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Guest: Author Don Watson

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The world’s richest man, Elon Musk, has a new pet project. He is reinventing, and possibly destroying, the site formerly known as Twitter.

Now known simply as X, the iconic blue bird logo is no more. But Musk’s rebrand isn’t purely for aesthetics. It's the beginning of the billionaire’s vision to create a ubiquitous ‘everything app’ of the future. 

Could this ambitious plan to centralise communication, shopping, banking and social media be brazen enough to work? Or will x.com be an expensive mistake? 

Today, Reuters financial journalist and long-time watcher of Elon Musk’s business empire, Antony Currie, on Elon’s plan to disrupt the global financial system. 

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Guest: Financial journalist and editor at Reuters Breakingviews, Antony Currie.

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Environmental groups such as the World Wildlife Fund and the Australian Conservation Foundation are some of the biggest recipients of donations from Australians who want to make a difference for the planet.

But increasingly the biggest groups are working with the government and corporate Australia – instead of resisting them.

What does that shift mean? Will it help or hinder the fight against climate change? And what does it mean for the future of environmentalism?

Today, writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo on why the environmental movement is divided – at a time when we need it most.

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Guest: Writer and contributor to The Saturday Paper Ben Abbatangelo and former leader of the Australian Greens, Christine Milne.

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Who would axe a campaign to promote consent on university campuses?

We know that sexual assault of students is an enormous problem, and a national campaign designed by experts is exactly the kind of thing you’d expect to be part of the solution.

Well, not if you’re one of the university vice-chancellors who put a stop to it.

Today, journalist and contributor to The Saturday Paper Kristine Ziwica reveals why a vocal minority killed a new push to make universities safer – to the surprise of experts involved.

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Guest: Journalist Kristine Ziwica

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In recent days, there has been speculation over whether the government should abandon the referendum and instead legislate the Voice through parliament.

Campaigners say legislating the Voice – rather than enshrining it in the constitution – would weaken its standing and risks repeating mistakes of the past. 

Today, business leader and author of the new book ‘On The Voice to Parliament’, Nyikina man Charles Prouse, on cutting through the noise of the campaign and why he still believes in the power of a referendum.

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Guest: Author of the new book ‘On The Voice to Parliament’, Charles Prouse.

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It started with PwC, but now accusations are being levelled at the other big consultancy firms in Australia.

Over the last 10 years, more and more government decision-making has been outsourced to multi-billion dollar firms in lucrative contracts. 

Now, the firms’ relationships with government and their level of influence are under close scrutiny in Canberra. 

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper Karen Middleton on the big four consultancies – and why one contract between Deloitte and the Home Affairs department had to be terminated.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Middleton

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Anthony Albanese concedes support for the Voice to Parliament has slipped.

Polls taken around this time last year showed more than 60 per cent of respondents in favour of the Voice. Now, it’s as low as 41 per cent. 

Each side of the debate has just published their official argument for voting ‘yes’ or ‘no’, which will be posted to every Australian household ahead of the referendum. 

Today, columnist for The Saturday Paper Paul Bongiorno, on the official cases and why Anthony Albanese is feeling the need to go on a media blitz.

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Guest: Columnist for The Saturday Paper, Paul Bongiorno.

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The FIFA Women’s World Cup kicks off tonight, with the Matildas playing Ireland in Sydney.

The 83,500-capacity Stadium Australia is completely sold out, making it one of the biggest crowds in the history of women’s football.

But, as the game’s popularity explodes and the players cement themselves as household names, the Matildas are still fighting for basic rights – like equal pay.

Today, writer and Matildas fanatic Sarah Krasnostein on the Women’s World Cup – and the impact the Tillies will have on Australian sport. 

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Guest: Writer, Sarah Krasnostein

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The international criminal court in the Hague looks at some of the gravest war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Now, Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie has asked it to investigate senior Australian Defence Force commanders for alleged war crimes.

She says the Brereton report, which found credible information about 39 alleged murders in Afghanistan involving members of the Australian special forces, let senior commanders off the hook.

Today, Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie on why her experience as a veteran convinced her to make a referral to the Hague.

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Guest: Independent Senator Jacqui Lambie.

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The Reserve Bank of Australia is getting a new governor: Michele Bullock.

It’s an historic appointment. Michele Bullock is the first ever woman to hold the position. She was, until now, second in charge.

It comes after the controversial term of Philip Lowe, who provoked public anger for suggesting interest rates wouldn’t rise until 2024, and then hiking them 12 times in just over a year.

So will a new boss at the RBA make a difference to mortgage holders, or does the appointment of an insider mean nothing much will change?

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper Mike Seccombe on the task ahead for Michele Bullock and what this change of governance will mean.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe.

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