Long Distance Call

Long Distance Call

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Long Distance Call episodes

  • Is Trump Being Played?

    Eliza and Geraldine are international news junkies so this week's episode is all about the Trump-Kim summit in Singapore.

    Is this the end of diplomacy as we know it? Is Trump being played by a murderous thug? Should we care as much as we do? What are the chances that it prompts change on the ground in North Korea?

    The Singapore meeting comes on the back of Trump's disastrous outing at the G7 in Canada.

    Just as the women were getting warmed up...the internet cut out. And so did Skype. So unfortunately this is a shorter episode than normal.

    Eliza and Geraldine will have to wait a week to talk about the absence of good chardonnay on the shelves in Australia. Until then, thanks for listening!

    20 min
  • Farewell Season

    It's moving season in the expat world. And in Indonesia the city is frantically busy in the final few days before Islamic New Year. Eliza and Adam have one more month in Jakarta before they move to Lebanon.

    Geraldine has been for a sobering visit to her financial planner.

    And she's so engrossed in the Americans TV show that she's breaking a habit of a lifetime and binge-watching tv.

    35 min
  • Next stop: Beirut!

    Eliza and her family are moving to Beirut! Her husband Adam will start his new job as the ABC's Middle East Correspondent based in Lebanon in August.

    There's a lot to organise before then.

    Geraldine is in Jakarta for one last holiday and the women discuss Indonesia and the lessons learnt over the past three years.

    Tune in!

    49 min
  • A family who plays together stays together

    Do we allow enough time in our busy lives to play together as a family?

    Not enough, is the conclusion. It's hard when the news cycle is whirring away. Geraldine is back in Jakarta on the weekend for a visit and will be doing lots of hide and seek with the grandkids.

    But Eliza and Geraldine did make time to watch the royal wedding. Geraldine didn't see enough of Idris Elba for her liking. Eliza thinks it's been a welcome distraction from the bleak news in Indonesia for the past fortnight.

    And what a time it's been in Malaysia. Finally a good news story out of the region.

    Bishop Michael Curry stole the show at the Royal Wedding

    https://www.vox.com/identities/2018/5/17/17361848/michael-curry-episcopal-priest-royal-wedding-sermon

    Who is Michael Curry?

    https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/19/royal-couples-chosen-minister-is-campaigner-on-equal-rights

    ABC News Malaysia coverage

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-11/malaysia-election-mahathir-mohamad-sworn-in-as-prime-minister/9749230

    ABC Saturday Extra

    Mothers to Bombers: the underrated threat of Indonesian women extremists
    http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/mothers-to-bombers:-the-rise-of-indonesian-women-extremists/9776458

    Teen suicide bomber seen crying uncontrollably before bombings says witness

    https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/asia/surabaya-attack-teen-suicide-bomber-seen-crying-inconsolably-10244778

    Step Vaessen Al Jaz on Tommy Suharto

    https://youtu.be/youhGQvikbQ

    Margaret Scott - Indonesia: the Saudis are Coming

    http://www.nybooks.com/articles/2016/10/27/indonesia-the-saudis-are-coming/

    33 min
  • Indonesia weeps

    Indonesia is in mourning after a string of particularly brutal terror attacks over the weekend. Whole families, including young children, embarked on suicide missions in the city of Surabaya. The barbarity has stunned the country in the lead up to the holy month of Ramadan.

    But life goes on in Jakarta. Eliza is trying not to alter her daily life as a protest against groups who want to spread fear.

    Geraldine saw a thought provoking movie about motherhood this week. The women discuss how young women talk about the challenges of motherhood now as opposed to thirty or even fifty years ago.

    And keeping your digital life under control.

    ABC News coverage of the Surabaya attacks

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-05-15/the-surabaya-police-officer-who-ran-to-save-8yo-after-attack/9764738

    More details on the terrorists

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/may/15/families-behind-indonesia-bombings-belonged-to-same-religious-study-group-suicide-attacks-east-java?CMP=share_btn_tw

    Tully

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tully_(2018_film)

    Borgen

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Borgen_(TV_series)

    34 min
  • Airbnb isn't worth the hassle (version 2)

    Geraldine is back from a mini-break in Adelaide. Her only gripe was the Airbnb on the outskirts of town.

    Eliza thinks Airbnb is a false economy. It claims to be cheaper, more convenient and the best way to travel. But she'd take a humble hotel room any day.

    While Geraldine was admiring the Impressionists in South Australia, Eliza was reading the latest about American politics. John McCain is dying but doing so with his indefatigable spirit.

    Calling all "Crown" fans out there -- they've announced the new actress to play the Queen. Geraldine isn't so sure. But she's able to watch most episodes without reaching for Google which is a step up from her daughter.

    Colours of Impressionism: Art Gallery of South Australia

    https://www.artgallery.sa.gov.au/agsa/home/Exhibitions/NowShowing/Colours_of_Impressionism

    At His Ranch, John McCain Shares Memories with Friends

    https://www.nytimes.com/2018/05/05/us/politics/john-mccain-arizona.html

    John McCain, Prisoner of War: A First-Person Account

    https://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2008/01/28/john-mccain-prisoner-of-war-a-first-person-account

    Katy Tur "Unbelievable"

    https://www.nytimes.com/2017/09/12/books/review/katy-tur-memior-unbelievable.html

    Recollections of a Bleeding Heart - Don Watson

    https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1932432.Recollections_of_a_Bleeding_Heart

    Olivia Colman is the new Queen

    https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/10/26/olivia-colman-play-queen-third-series-crown/

    Compass: Sacred Space #2 - Eddie Ayres

    http://www.abc.net.au/compass/s4830865.htm?site=newcastle

    33 min
  • Activewear is cruelty to women

    Geraldine had a depressing morning shopping for new activewear. Eliza likens the experience to buying a bikini. It’s no fun for anyone.

    Eliza LOL’d about Angela Shanahan’s opinion piece on the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. The funniest bit is when Shanahan referred to breastfeeding a “greenie left pursuit”. Just when you thought breastfeeding couldn’t get more political.

    Eliza and her mum discuss the huge identity shift that occurs after motherhood, from which Jacinda Ardern is not immune. The NZ PM seems like a welcome breath of fresh air in modern politics.

    Finally, Geraldine gives Eliza a “Banking Royal Commission for Dummies” tutorial.

    Tune in!

    Angela Shanahan: From here to maternity

    https://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/inquirer/from-here-to-maternity/news-story/4b980fc122fa15f1f0bd2d7975b8ca56

    Geraldine Doogue interviews Alan Kohler about the Banking Royal Commission

    http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/banking-royal-commission/9702648

    33 min
  • Little Aussie Dreamers

    What does Anzac Day mean to you?

    Eliza did a history degree but doesn't know much about the great Australian wartime leaders. Geraldine thinks it's time to make new myths about the defence of Australia. Just like the novellist Richard Flanagan, the women agree Australia is a nation of dreamers.

    Can you be a Republican and be excited about the new Royal? Of course you can. But just don't try to copy the Duchess & wear heels seven hours after you've given birth. She's a warrior.

    Film: Heroes - A critical look at the Anzac Legend

    https://www.sbs.com.au/yourlanguage/turkish/en/audiotrack/former-enemy-eyes?language=en

    https://johnmenadue.com/marilyn-lake-anzac-from-a-turkish-point-of-view/

    The Little Stowaway Vicki Bennett

    http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/the-hub-on-books/hub-on-books-24-april-2018/9687096

    Richard Flanagan at the National Press Club (text)

    https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2018/apr/18/richard-flanagan-national-press-club-speech-full-politics-black-comedy

    Video

    http://www.abc.net.au/news/programs/national-press-club/2018-04-18/national-press-club:-richard-flanagan/9672524

    Richard Fidler interviews Richard Flanagan

    http://www.abc.net.au/local/stories/2013/10/24/3876175.htm

    Michael Hofmann's sharp review of Narrow Road to the Deep North

    https://www.lrb.co.uk/v36/n24/michael-hofmann/is-his-name-alwyn

    And the defence from the Booker Prize judge

    https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/jan/30/ac-grayling-buries-the-hatchet-job-michael-hofmann-richard-flanagan-booker-prize

    Foreign Correspondence Geraldine Brooks

    https://www.amazon.com/Foreign-Correspondence-Pals-Journey-Under/dp/0385483732

    BBC: Why did I go mad?

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOGhG0kRqFs

    This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

    28 min
  • Episode 11: Bali bliss

    Eliza has just returned from a minibreak in Bali. The island is beautiful, but its history is violent.

    Bali is also the setting for Eliza's first attempt at fiction. Think Liane Moriaty with crime, sex, drugs and bikies. What's not to like?

    Geraldine has done a big interview with Australian artist Ben Quilty in his 'sacred space' -- the NSW Southern Highlands.

    Eliza & Geraldine discuss a terrific article from their friend and colleague Brigid Glanville on her battle with post natal depression.

    Brigid Delaney Wellmania

    https://www.blackincbooks.com.au/books/wellmania

    New Yorker Fiction Podcast

    https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/fiction

    Brigid Glanville on her battle with postnatal depression

    https://www.smh.com.au/lifestyle/health-and-wellness/my-battle-with-postnatal-depression-20180412-p4z95n.html

    Film: Chappaquiddick

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chappaquiddick_(film)

    32 min
  • Episode 10: Opinion in the age of outrage

    Geraldine is settling back into a hectic working week after visiting Eliza in Jakarta.

    She believes more is being asked of reporters these days, which doesn't always lead to better journalism. The industry is increasingly dominated by opinion and outrage. Eliza thinks it takes a toll on all who participate.

    The women revisit an earlier discussion about John Le Carre's "A Legacy of Spies". Geraldine has stopped reading Ian McEwan and Eliza thinks it's time for her husband Adam to give "God of Small Things" another go.

    And more than a year on since the US Election, Eliza is finally willing to acknowledge Hillary Clinton was the wrong candidate for the Democratic Party.

    Gaza and the Great Return March - Saturday Extra

    http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/gaza-and-the-great-return-march/9619292

    Michael Ignatieff - Saturday Extra

    http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/orban-and-fdr:-two-very-different-leaders/9627792

    A Legacy of Spies: John Le Carre

    https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/sep/10/a-legacy-of-spies-john-le-carre-review

    The God of Small Things - Arundhati Roy

    https://www.amazon.com/God-Small-Things-Novel/dp/0812979656

    Dispatches - Michael Herr

    https://www.amazon.com/Dispatches-Michael-Herr/dp/0679735259

    Geraldine Doogue in conversation with Peter Greste

    https://griffithreview.com/queensland-conservatorium-tripathi-greste-doogue/

    Podcast: Imagine This

    http://www.abc.net.au/kidslisten/imagine-this/imagine-this-promo-episode/9602272

    The Conversation on Imagine This

    https://theconversation.com/imagine-this-a-new-podcast-tackling-tricky-questions-from-inquisitive-young-minds-94659

    Making Obama

    https://www.npr.org/podcasts/500692140/making-oprah

    Shattered: Inside Hillary Clinton's doomed campaign

    https://www.amazon.com/Shattered-Inside-Hillary-Clintons-Campaign/dp/0553447084

    Commentary on Shattered

    https://www.theguardian.com/books/2017/may/03/hillary-clinton-destruction-shattered-review

    This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm

    31 min

About Long Distance Call

From the publisher's feed

Eliza Harvey is an Australian journalist who spent five years overseas in Indonesia and Lebanon before returning home to Sydney in 2020. During that period she made a weekly call home to her Mum --…