Analysis of current events to the hottest debates in politics, science, philosophy and culture.

Plus, we meet the 19th century scientists whose experiments with mind-altering drugs gave us modern medicine, psychology and philosophy. 

For our Pacific update, a special focus on deep sea mining, and some of the dilemmas it presents for Pacific countries. And what animal biology can teach us about staying well and recovery.

US political commentator David Frum reflects on Biden's second run for the White House in 2024, and on Trump's power in the GOP. Why the Doomsday Clock is closer to the symbolic midnight hour of global catastrophe than ever before. And the changing roles of Australia's botanic gardens. 

Hints abound a week out from the Budget. The factory fire that put the spotlight on the garment industry. And understandings of the heart.

In this episode we take a fresh look at Germany's formidable former leader Angela Merkel, and award-winning British author Angela Saini hunts down the roots of male domination and makes some surprising discoveries. 

An update on news from Japan and South Korea. A new documentary about Shirley Shackleton's investigations into what happened to the Balibo 5, the Australian journalists killed in East Timor in 1975, including her husband Greg Shackleton. And the hidden history of Rome's famous film studios, Cinecittà.

There's one story of Australian military history that doesn't get told on ANZAC Day – the story of First Nations resistance during the Frontier Wars. Plus, military historian Craig Stockings gives an account of Australia's intervention in East Timor that some have tried to sweep under the rug. 

Laura Tingle recaps Australia's landmark Defence Strategic Review and the push for long-range missile capabilities. Journalist Rik Rutten explains how the Dutch farmers party has evolved from a protest movement to a political powerhouse. And we uncover the mystery of 'fairy circles' in the Pilbara desert, thanks to First Nations knowledge and cross-cultural research. 

Syria is a culturally rich and complicated country battling war, corruption, political interference and Islamic insurrection.  Former Chief Middle East correspondent for the American ABC, Charles Glass, reflects on the lessons he has learned from his time there.