Tobacco taxes once poured A $16 billion a year into Australia’s budget; now that figure has halved. Meanwhile, the cost of treating smoking-related disease continues to climb. In this episode, Chris Tantchev unpacks the shifting balance between excise revenue, health expenditure, and illicit trade — and asks whether relying on smokers to fund public health is a sustainable model.

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Once the safest season for climbing, autumn in the Himalayas has turned perilous. A shock blizzard stranded hundreds of trekkers near Everest, signalling how warming air, extended monsoons, and westerly disturbances are colliding to transform the world’s highest peaks. In this episode, we explore the science behind the storms, the toll on local communities, and what a “wetting” Tibet means for the future of South Asia’s climate and water security.

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Gold has surged past US $4,000 an ounce, hitting record highs as global markets seek refuge amid U.S. fiscal chaos, lower interest rates, and geopolitical tension. In this episode, we explore why gold is booming, what it means for Australia’s economy, and how long the nation’s natural resources can sustain its export engine. Beneath the glitter lies a deeper question: how much longer can Australia keep digging before the ground gives way?

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The U.S. government has shut down after Congress failed to agree on a spending deal, sending hundreds of thousands of workers home, freezing public services, and shaking global confidence in American stability. In this episode, we unpack why the shutdown happened, who feels the impact first, what continues and what grinds to a halt, the economic and political consequences, and how long this standoff might last. Is this just another round of political theatre—or a deeper warning about America’s ability to govern itself?

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Australia’s medicines regulator has found alarming inconsistencies in imported melatonin products, with some containing none of the hormone and others carrying more than four times the labelled dose. As poison hotline calls hit record highs and Border Force begins seizing unregistered imports, families face tough choices about safety, access, and trust in the system. In this episode, we unpack what melatonin really is, why regulation matters, and what households and policymakers need to do next.

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The White House has announced a sweeping plan to end the Gaza war, free the remaining hostages, and set up an internationally supervised administration in the strip. Israel has signed on, but Hamas has not. In this episode, we unpack the proposal’s key details—from prisoner swaps and military withdrawals to the “Board of Peace” oversight body—and examine the risks, the regional reactions, and the humanitarian hinge that could make or break it. Is this truly a breakthrough moment, or just another fragile truce waiting to collapse?

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China has announced its first-ever absolute emissions reduction target: a 7–10% cut from peak levels by 2035. It’s a milestone in global climate diplomacy—but one that falls short of what science says is needed to stay within 1.5°C. In this episode, we explore the promise and the gaps. From record-breaking solar and wind buildouts to the coal conundrum, the expanding emissions trading scheme, and the role of energy storage, we break down what this means for China’s future, the global carbon ledger, and Australia’s export economy.

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Australia is racing ahead with AI adoption—but the rules, safeguards, and worker protections are lagging behind. In this episode, we unpack the ABC’s recent warning that the nation is in a “dangerous place” on AI. From job exposure data and corporate restructures to schools, skills pipelines, and global regulation, we cut through the hype and explore what’s really at stake. Can Australia bridge the gap between rapid deployment and responsible governance—or will we stumble into an AI future built on vibes alone?

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In this episode, we dive into the heated global debate about paracetamol use during pregnancy. Recent claims in the U.S. have suggested a link to autism and ADHD, sparking fear and confusion among parents-to-be. But Australian health authorities — including the TGA and Chief Medical Officer — say there’s no strong evidence to back those claims.

We unpack the science behind the headlines: what the research really shows, why association doesn’t equal causation, and how large studies — including a 2.5 million–child Swedish review — found no increased risk when genetic and family factors are considered.

Most importantly, we explore what this means for expecting parents today, the role of public health messaging, and why careful, evidence-based communication matters more than ever.

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