We’re revisiting a story that’s been sparking a lot of listener questions after last week’s discussion — the rise of algorithm-driven decision-making in Australia’s aged care at home funding system.

This week, we’re joined by Professor Hal Swerissen, Emeritus Professor of Public Health at La Trobe University, to unpack what’s actually happening behind the scenes.

The big question: when funding decisions for older Australians are increasingly shaped by algorithms, are we improving fairness and consistency… or quietly removing human judgement from care?

We’ll break it down:
• How the Support at Home system actually assigns care funding
• Why small scoring changes can mean thousands of dollars in support
• Concerns about “black box” decision-making with no manual override
• Why families are increasingly appealing assessments they don’t understand
• And whether this is efficiency — or a system now needing reform

At the centre of it all is a simple tension: standardisation vs individual care needs.

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This week with astronomer David Reneke, we’re covering the full spectrum of space activity — from a faint comet you can actually try to spot from Australia before sunrise, through to the next wave of global space missions, and even NASA’s early plans for a nuclear-powered Mars mission in 2028.

It’s a mix of what’s happening right above us… and what’s coming far beyond Earth.

We’ll break down:
• Comet C/2025 R3 (PanSTARRS) lighting up the pre-dawn sky (if you’ve got binoculars and patience)
• Why space exploration is shifting into a faster, more crowded “many missions at once” era
• NASA’s bold concept for nuclear propulsion and Mars helicopters
• And what all of this actually means for the next decade of space science

David, as always, helps cut through the hype and explain what’s real, what’s emerging, and what’s still just engineering ambition.

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Brent speaks with Jason Morrison for this week’s Morrison Brief, unpacking three major pressure points in national and global policy.

From rapidly shifting messaging on the Strait of Hormuz and rising geopolitical uncertainty, to growing questions around Australia’s immigration system and long-term visa overstays, the conversation examines whether systems are keeping up with reality or falling behind it.

They also look at Australia’s fuel security, as states begin exploring their own diesel reserves amid concerns about federal coordination and energy resilience.

A sharp discussion on credibility, enforcement, and what happens when national systems start operating in fragments rather than in alignment.

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Brent chats with Bree about one of her most popular viral recipes—stuffed potato skins.

With over 250,000 views online, this comfort food favourite combines crispy baked potato shells with melted cheese, bacon, sour cream, and fresh herbs for the perfect shareable snack.

Bree breaks down why it works, how to get the perfect crunch, and why this simple dish has become a go-to for easy entertaining.

For more information visit Bree facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/share/r/1KuWswGdYr/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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Brent speaks with Lina Goodman, CEO of Tyre Stewardship Australia, about a growing national issue: illegal tyre dumping and the hidden cost it’s creating for communities.

A new investigation highlights how some operators are charging disposal fees, then illegally dumping tyres—leaving councils to foot the bill for clean-up, and ratepayers effectively paying twice.

We unpack how the system is being exploited, the financial impacts, and why experts are calling for stronger national regulation and reform.

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This week on Lights, Camera, Leonie, Brent is joined by entertainment commentator Leonie Thomas to unpack a packed mix of celebrity culture, real-world struggles, and shifting Australian lifestyles.

They start with Aussie comedy icon Effie returning to the stage with her new tour Frigid to Feral, exploring how humour, boundaries, and audience expectations have changed over time — and why nostalgia still sells.

Next, they turn to Pamela Anderson’s ongoing reinvention, as she continues her shift toward a more natural, stripped-back public image and a different kind of fame built on authenticity rather than glamour.

From there, it’s behind the scenes at fashion week, including the reality of runway chaos, sustainability pressures, and the rise of DIY styling — including a very real “safety pin solution” moment that says a lot about modern fashion culture.

The conversation then turns serious, with boxing legend Shannon Taylor facing a stage 4 cancer diagnosis, sparking widespread community support and raising questions about life beyond sport and public identity.

It’s a wide-ranging episode covering entertainment, reinvention, resilience, and the changing way Australians are living day to day.

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Brent speaks with Mandy Mannix from Challenger about the latest Retirement Happiness Index.

Australians over 60 are reporting higher happiness and wellbeing than last year — driven by purpose, activity, and social connection.

But financial anxiety hasn’t gone away, with many still worried about rising costs, inflation, and whether their savings will last.

We unpack what’s driving the gains in happiness — and why money confidence is still lagging behind.

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Brent talks with D’Arcy Richardson about a confronting week of national issues exposing cracks across Australia’s systems.

From a regional NSW charity flying critically ill children for life-saving treatment now pushed to the brink by fuel costs, to billion-dollar government awareness campaigns questioned over whether they actually change behaviour. From debates over second chances in politics, to immigration oversight gaps and long-term overstays, the conversation cuts into how policy is working — and where it isn’t.

A straight look at the tension between intent, execution, and real-world consequences.

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Brent talks with Dr Andrew Cornwell, veterinarian and owner of Cardiff and Cameron Park Veterinary Hospitals, to explore a fascinating question many dog owners are starting to ask — when does strong play behaviour become too intense?

We look at why some dogs develop extremely high focus on certain toys or games, to the point where they are difficult to distract or settle afterwards. While often mistaken for “addiction”, this behaviour is better understood as a strong reward-driven response linked to natural motivation systems in the brain.

The discussion breaks down what this behaviour looks like in everyday pets, why it is more common in certain breeds and temperaments, and how training history can influence intensity over time.

We also explore the key difference between healthy, engaged play and behaviour that may signal frustration or welfare concerns — and what owners can do to create better balance at home through structured enrichment and rest.

It’s a practical, science-based conversation about how dogs experience play, reward, and focus — and how to make sure it stays healthy.

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Brent talks with Richard Atkinson, Head of Fraud and Identity for Experian Australia and New Zealand, to unpack the rapidly evolving world of online fraud and identity theft — and how artificial intelligence is changing the threat landscape.

New research shows fraud is no longer a rare or isolated issue, but a widespread everyday risk affecting more than half of Australians. With scams becoming faster, more convincing, and increasingly automated, criminals are now using AI to mimic voices, replicate writing styles, and target victims at scale.

We explore what types of scams are most common, why younger Australians are reporting higher victim rates, and which sectors are most exposed. We also look at the growing tension between trust and technology, with many Australians still uncomfortable with AI-driven security tools despite rising threats.

It’s a clear, practical conversation about how fraud is changing, who is most at risk, and what can realistically be done to stay protected in a digital environment that is becoming harder to trust.

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