Tasmanian writer Robert Dessaix is a man of many talents when it comes to the written form – from travel memoir and fiction to biography and philosophy, he’s done it all. He became a household name for many listeners to ABC Radio following a long stint hosting the beloved show Books and Writing. Now, at 81, Robert is back with a new memoir. This week, Michael is joined by Robert for a conversation about memory, dance, and being a chameleon.

Tasmanian writer Robert Dessaix is a man of many talents when it comes to the written form &ndash; from travel memoir and fiction to biography and philosophy, he&rsquo;s done it all. He became a household name for many listeners to ABC Radio following a long stint hosting the beloved show Books and Writing. Now, at 81, Robert is back with a new memoir. This week, Michael is joined by Robert for a conversation about memory, dance, and being a chameleon.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country’s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

An independent daily news show. We feature the country&rsquo;s best reporters, covering the news as it affects Australia. This is news with narrative, every weekday.

Read This: Robert Dessaix Is a Fox (Not a Hedgehog)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/d511a5da-f138-491b-968e-b2a70043d6a2/transcript

Last year, the Prime Minister was ambushed in his hotel lobby by far-right figures boasting of being fed “private intel” during the last election campaign. 

The incident was one of about a dozen stunts targeting Labor, the Greens and some Independents. 

It turns out, this wasn’t just about influencers trying to generate content. It was actually a co-ordinated campaign allegedly paid for by a wealthy Christian sect. 

Today, investigative journalist at The Age Sherryn Groch on the Exclusive Brethren, its bags of cash, and connections to the Liberal Party. 

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

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Guest: Investigative journalist at The Age & SMH Sherryn Groch

Photo: AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

Last year, the Prime Minister was ambushed in his hotel lobby by far-right figures boasting of being fed &ldquo;private intel&rdquo; during the last election campaign.&nbsp;
The incident was one of about a dozen stunts targeting Labor, the Greens and some Independents.&nbsp;
It turns out, this wasn&rsquo;t just about influencers trying to generate content. It was actually a co-ordinated campaign allegedly paid for by a wealthy Christian sect.&nbsp;
Today, investigative journalist at The Age Sherryn Groch on the Exclusive Brethren, its bags of cash, and connections to the Liberal Party.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Investigative journalist at The Age &amp; SMH Sherryn Groch
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Mick Tsikas

The “cult” church accused of paying far-right activists for election stunts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/c89235e3-2220-4b2d-8d35-b4b00061030a/transcript

Donald Trump has found a new way to make money. Trump Media and Technology Group is monetising the president’s social media posts, selling Wall Street firms early access to them for as much as $100,000 a month. And in the world of traders, a few milliseconds can mean millions of dollars.

Now, Trump is being sued over the arrangement, amid claims it gives paying customers preferential access to official presidential communications.

At the same time, Trump Media is also moving into prediction markets – a fast-growing corner of finance that can turn political events into betting opportunities. 

Today, Reuters journalist Anirban Sen, on the extraordinary collision of presidential power, private profit and a booming industry where almost anything can become a wager.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Reuters journalist, Anirban Sen

Photo: AP Photo/Evan Vucci

Donald Trump has found a new way to make money. Trump Media and Technology Group is monetising the president&rsquo;s social media posts, selling Wall Street firms early access to them for as much as $100,000 a month. And in the world of traders, a few milliseconds can mean millions of dollars.
Now, Trump is being sued over the arrangement, amid claims it gives paying customers preferential access to official presidential communications.
At the same time, Trump Media is also moving into prediction markets &ndash; a fast-growing corner of finance that can turn political events into betting opportunities.&nbsp;
Today, Reuters journalist Anirban Sen, on the extraordinary collision of presidential power, private profit and a booming industry where almost anything can become a wager.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Reuters journalist, Anirban Sen
Photo:&nbsp;AP Photo/Evan Vucci

The $100,000-a-month market for Trump’s posts

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/d09b7417-f284-4ebc-a650-b4ad0058cc45/transcript

Almost one year ago, the Supreme Court of Victoria allowed a television camera to broadcast a sentencing for the first time ever – the hearing for convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson.

Justice Christopher Beale imposed life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years for murdering three in-laws – and attempting to murder a fourth – by lacing their beef Wellingtons with poisonous death cap mushrooms in 2023.

Now, Patterson has been back in court appealing her convictions, while prosecutors argue her sentence is too lenient and that she should never be released.

Today, we revisit our conversation with investigative journalist and author Lucie Morris-Marr on the sentencing of Erin Patterson, the suffering her crimes caused, and how the judge decided her punishment.

This episode was first published in September 2025.

 

If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support.

 

Socials:Stay in touch with us on Instagram

Guest: Investigative journalist and author, Lucie Morris-Marr

Photo: AAP Image/Anita Lester

Almost one year ago, the Supreme Court of Victoria allowed a television camera to broadcast a sentencing for the first time ever &ndash; the hearing for convicted triple murderer Erin Patterson.
Justice Christopher Beale imposed life imprisonment with a non-parole period of 33 years for murdering three in-laws &ndash; and attempting to murder a fourth &ndash; by lacing their beef Wellingtons with poisonous death cap mushrooms in 2023. Now, Patterson has been back in court appealing her convictions, while prosecutors argue her sentence is too lenient and that she should never be released.
Today, we revisit our conversation with investigative journalist and author Lucie Morris-Marr on the sentencing of Erin Patterson, the suffering her crimes caused, and how the judge decided her punishment.
This episode was first published in September 2025.
&nbsp;
If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.
&nbsp;
Socials: Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a>
Guest: Investigative journalist and author, Lucie Morris-Marr
Photo:&nbsp;AAP Image/Anita Lester

‘You inflicted untold suffering’: the Erin Patterson sentence being appealed

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/35495b78-6d79-4e52-97ba-b4ad0043aaeb/transcript

Read This: Robert Dessaix Is a Fox (Not a Hedgehog)

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