Sex and intimacy expert Esther Perel has attracted a global following of millions of women and men who turn to her wisdom to keep their relationships alive and repair them after infidelity.
On the eve of her Australian tour, the Belgian-born psychotherapist talks about why couples ask themselves, “Is this it?” – and whether they need to create a new life with a new partner or a new story with the partner they already have.
Perel talks about how to defy the intimacy-draining effects of family life and why what people do between 5-11pm can be a passion-killer.
Today’s conversation is hosted by senior writer for The Age, Wendy Tuohy.
And just a heads-up, this episode contains some strong language.

Sex and intimacy expert Esther Perel has attracted a global following of millions of women and men who turn to her wisdom to keep their relationships alive and repair them after infidelity. On the eve of her Australian tour, the Belgian-born psychotherapist talks about why couples ask themselves, &ldquo;Is this it?&rdquo; &ndash; and whether they need to create a new life with a new partner or a new story with the partner they already have. Perel talks about how to defy the intimacy-draining effects of family life and why what people do between 5-11pm can be a passion-killer. Today&rsquo;s conversation is hosted by senior writer for The Age, Wendy Tuohy. And just a heads-up, this episode contains some strong language.

‘Is this it?’ Intimacy expert Esther Perel on keeping love alive – and when to leave

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/f1a09dba-687b-4a9e-b2ff-b50000346c6f/transcript

This week we’re talking about the sense of drift in the major parties. The government is assessing how it can reset over summer, the Coalition hasn’t exactly gone backwards – or forwards – and One Nation’s popularity has plateaued.

Also this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jetted overseas for the United Nations’ climate change conference, but not before he announced a set of new regulations to police AI.

Meanwhile, our chief political correspondent and co-host Paul Sakkal broke a series of stories with investigative reporter Nick McKenzie that lifted the lid on how One Nation operates internally. The Coalition has  continued to capitalise on the chaos, with leader Angus Taylor trying to prove they are sensible ‘marriage material’ in comparison.

Today’s episode is hosted, as usual, by Jacqueline Maley.

 

Further reading
Covert tapes expose One Nation turmoil, Rinehart influence claims
Albanese defends Australia as climate leader after being pushed on world stage to do more

 

Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday.

This week we&rsquo;re talking about the sense of drift in the major parties. The government is assessing how it can reset over summer, the Coalition hasn&rsquo;t exactly gone backwards &ndash; or forwards &ndash; and One Nation&rsquo;s popularity has plateaued.
Also this week, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese jetted overseas for the United Nations&rsquo; climate change conference, but not before he&nbsp;<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/criminal-penalties-for-big-tech-but-openai-to-avoid-fines-after-medicare-hack-20261110-p61cxh.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">announced a set of new regulations to police AI.</a>
Meanwhile, our chief political correspondent and co-host Paul Sakkal&nbsp;<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/really-shady-place-top-adviser-claims-one-nation-sacked-him-when-he-raised-rapist-underworld-concerns-20261108-p61bls.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">broke a series of stories </a>with investigative reporter Nick McKenzie that lifted the lid on how One Nation operates internally. The Coalition has&nbsp; continued to capitalise on the chaos, with leader Angus Taylor trying to prove they are sensible &lsquo;marriage material&rsquo; in comparison.
Today&rsquo;s episode is hosted, as usual, by Jacqueline Maley.
&nbsp;
Further reading
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/really-shady-place-top-adviser-claims-one-nation-sacked-him-when-he-raised-rapist-underworld-concerns-20261108-p61bls.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">Covert tapes expose One Nation turmoil, Rinehart influence claims</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/fossil-fuels-must-go-the-way-of-the-dinosaurs-un-boss-pushes-australia-to-go-further-20261112-p61dfw.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">Albanese defends Australia as climate leader after being pushed on world stage to do more</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, every Friday.

The end-of-year drift is upon us, and the Coalition’s ‘marriage material’ long game

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/76d40cde-7191-4fc0-80bc-b500004e1115/transcript

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/9e105a13-b9eb-43e8-b2a9-b500004c9fd3/transcript

Melanie Chisholm shot into the global stratosphere in the mid-1990s as Sporty Spice, one-fifth of the pop juggernaut that redefined girl power and British celebrity. But these days, she is practically an honorary Australian, splitting her time between London and Bondi after quietly tying the knot with her Aussie husband, winning The Voice Australia, and hitting dance floors worldwide as a touring DJ. With the release of her club-heavy ninth studio album, Sweat, she comes full circle back to her teenage roots in UK rave culture.

In this episode, Chisholm reflects on the pressure she faced during the height of Spice mania, why she feels more confident in her own skin in her 50s than ever before, the enduring bond (and multiple WhatsApp groups) between the Spice Girls, and the joy of getting behind the decks.

Today’s conversation is hosted by deputy lifestyle editor Courtney Thompson.
Melanie C is appearing at The Tivoli in Brisbane as part of the MELT festival on November 14, and at Sydney's Enmore Theatre on November 15.

 

Melanie Chisholm shot into the global stratosphere in the mid-1990s as Sporty Spice, one-fifth of the pop juggernaut that redefined girl power and British celebrity. But these days, she is practically an honorary Australian, splitting her time between London and Bondi after quietly tying the knot with her Aussie husband, winning The Voice Australia, and hitting dance floors worldwide as a touring DJ.&nbsp;With the release of her club-heavy ninth studio album,&nbsp;Sweat, she comes full circle back to her teenage roots in UK rave culture.
In this episode, Chisholm reflects on the pressure she faced during the height of Spice mania, why she feels more confident in her own skin in her 50s than ever before, the enduring bond (and multiple WhatsApp groups) between the Spice Girls, and the joy of getting behind the decks.
Today&rsquo;s conversation is hosted by deputy lifestyle editor Courtney Thompson.
<ul>
<li>Melanie C is appearing at The Tivoli in Brisbane as part of the MELT festival on November 14, and at Sydney's Enmore Theatre on November 15.</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Mel C on reclaiming her boundaries after the Spice Girls – and thriving in her 50s

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/a2713cca-689d-414b-9ab3-b5000032da1c/transcript

The mood at the United Nations’ annual climate conference is often tense, even accusatory. But this year, the war with Iran is looming over the event, as is the prospect of US President Donald Trump, who has long championed fossil fuels, becoming the world’s accidental climate saviour.

Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the hopeful progress we don’t often hear about, and why Australia has copped a serve at the talks.

 

Further reading:
How Donald Trump could become an accidental climate saviour
35-by-35: A catchy slogan, a mammoth negotiation and a plan to save the world

 

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

The mood at the United Nations&rsquo; annual climate conference is often tense, even accusatory. But this year, the war with Iran is looming over the event, as is the prospect of US President Donald Trump, who has long championed fossil fuels, becoming the world&rsquo;s accidental climate saviour.
Today, international and political editor Peter Hartcher on the hopeful progress we don&rsquo;t often hear about, and why Australia has copped a serve at the talks.
&nbsp;
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/how-donald-trump-could-become-an-accidental-climate-saviour-20261110-p61ckx.html">How Donald Trump could become an accidental climate saviour</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/environment/climate-change/35-by-35-a-catchy-slogan-a-mammoth-negotiation-and-a-plan-to-save-the-world-20261108-p61b1x.html">35-by-35: A catchy slogan, a mammoth negotiation and a plan to save the world</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Trump has boycotted the UN climate talks. Even so, he just might become a climate saviour

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/557a43d4-8990-4cda-8b50-b4ff00558358/transcript

The end was months in the making, but David Jones’ eventual collapse was dramatic. High-end designers fled the store and shelves were stripped bare, while the jobs of thousands of staff suddenly hung in the balance.

So does David Jones’ collapse into administration signal the end for the 188-year-old department store?

Today, business reporters Colin Kruger and Jessica Yun on David Jones’ downfall and what happens next.


Further reading:
The billionaire who’s a winner from David Jones’ collapse
Behind closed doors: Inside the $5 million meeting that sealed the downfall of David Jones

 

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

The end was months in the making, but David Jones&rsquo; eventual collapse was dramatic. High-end designers fled the store and shelves were stripped bare, while <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/administrators-appointed-to-david-jones-store-closures-expected-before-christmas-20261105-p61bh2.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">the jobs of thousands of staff suddenly hung in the balance</a>.
So does David Jones&rsquo; collapse into administration signal the end for the 188-year-old department store?
Today, business reporters Colin Kruger and Jessica Yun on David Jones&rsquo; downfall and what happens next.
 Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/the-billionaire-who-s-a-winner-from-david-jones-collapse-20261105-p61bn2.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">The billionaire who&rsquo;s a winner from David Jones&rsquo; collapse</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/business/companies/behind-closed-doors-inside-the-5-million-meeting-that-sealed-the-downfall-of-david-jones-20261107-p61bjg.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">Behind closed doors: Inside the $5 million meeting that sealed the downfall of David Jones</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Behind the downfall of David Jones

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/b1227b94-6730-4bd3-9308-b4fe0053aea8/transcript

One Nation has gone from being a minor irritant to a major player and third-party force. But with power comes expectation and scrutiny. A joint investigation between our mastheads and 60 Minutes reveals allegations of links between a One Nation candidate and bikie figure, while a whistleblower who was part of the party’s inner sanctum described it as "weirdly incompetent" and "chaotic".

Today, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie on who really wields power in this famously secretive party and whether the latest allegations will affect its popularity at the upcoming Victorian state election.

Further reading
‘They don’t have a clue’: Covert tapes expose One Nation turmoil, Rinehart influence claims 
‘Really shady place’: Top adviser claims One Nation sacked him when he raised rapist, underworld concerns 

The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, weekdays from 5am.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

One Nation has gone from being a minor irritant to a major player and third-party force. But with power comes expectation and scrutiny. A joint investigation between our mastheads and 60 Minutes reveals allegations of links between a One Nation candidate and bikie figure, while a whistleblower who was <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/they-don-t-have-a-clue-covert-tapes-expose-one-nation-turmoil-rinehart-influence-claims-20261107-p61bl4.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">part of the party&rsquo;s inner sanctum described it as "weirdly incompetent" and "chaotic".</a> Today, investigative journalist Nick McKenzie on who really wields power in this famously secretive party and whether the latest allegations will affect its popularity at the upcoming Victorian state election.
Further reading
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/they-don-t-have-a-clue-covert-tapes-expose-one-nation-turmoil-rinehart-influence-claims-20261107-p61bl4.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">&lsquo;They don&rsquo;t have a clue&rsquo;: Covert tapes expose One Nation turmoil, Rinehart influence claims&nbsp;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/really-shady-place-top-adviser-claims-one-nation-sacked-him-when-he-raised-rapist-underworld-concerns-20261108-p61bls.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">&lsquo;Really shady place&rsquo;: Top adviser claims One Nation sacked him when he raised rapist, underworld concerns&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
The Morning Edition brings you the story behind the story with the best journalists in Australia. Join host Samantha Selinger-Morris, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, weekdays from 5am. If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/channel/smh-the-age/id6442611511"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/1v0tWOA2mdi5WU9hvjJ3da?si=f4b8d7fafdf5495d"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your podcasts.

Inside Nick McKenzie's investigation into the ‘darker corners’ of One Nation

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/2709b60b-ab96-43f2-bc83-b4fd0051e615/transcript

For 35 years, political scientist Francis Fukuyama has tracked the evolution, vulnerabilities and psychological backlashes within liberal democracies to help us make sense of profound societal shifts.

So, who better to help us understand the broader implications of the Democrats sweep to power within the arc of history. And where it might take all of us?

Today, Francis Fukuyama, one of the 21st century’s most important thinkers, on the “mortifying” evolution of his country, under Donald Trump. Whether autocratic countries might inevitably become democratic. And the growing threat of nuclear warfare.

For 35 years, political scientist Francis Fukuyama has tracked the evolution, vulnerabilities and psychological backlashes within liberal democracies to help us make sense of profound societal shifts.
So, who better to help us understand the broader implications of the Democrats sweep to power within the arc of history. And where it might take all of us?
Today, Francis Fukuyama, one of the 21st century&rsquo;s most important thinkers, on the &ldquo;mortifying&rdquo; evolution of his country, under Donald Trump. Whether autocratic countries might inevitably become democratic. And the growing threat of nuclear warfare.

Francis Fukuyama predicted Trump as a threat to democracy 34 years ago. Now he weighs in on the midterms

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/917da5ba-3074-4c35-940c-b4fa00588164/transcript

Pia Miranda has been a fixture on Australian screens for more than 25 years, winning Australian Survivor, starring in the TV series Mustangs FC, heading back to her Sicily homeland with Shaun Micallef, and now, co-hosting Recipe of the Year with Adam Liaw. But it's for her breakout role in the 2000 film, Looking For Alibrandi, that she is best known and most loved. In this episode, she talks with senior culture writer Karl Quinn about the ups and downs of a life lived so publicly, the online bullying she endured after winning Survivor, her diagnosis with the skin pigmentation condition vitiligo, her sometimes-ambivalent relationship with food, and the role that changed her life.

Pia Miranda has been a fixture on Australian screens for more than 25 years, winning Australian&nbsp;Survivor, starring in the TV series Mustangs FC, heading back to her Sicily homeland with Shaun Micallef, and now, co-hosting Recipe of the Year with Adam Liaw. But it's for her breakout role in the 2000 film, Looking For Alibrandi, that she is best known and most loved. In this episode, she talks with senior culture writer Karl Quinn about the ups and downs of a life lived so publicly, the online bullying she endured after winning Survivor, her diagnosis with the skin pigmentation condition vitiligo, her sometimes-ambivalent relationship with food, and the role that changed her life.

Pia Miranda on food, fame – and life after Looking for Alibrandi

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/951d4f2f-bd21-4e9c-9454-b4fa001cebb7/transcript

This week the 2026 McKinnon Index was released, and it showed what so many of us feel – that trust in federal politicians has fallen further – from 35.9 per cent of people to just 30.5 per cent, in one year. 

The McKinnon Index is an annual survey that tracks public perceptions of Australian democracy, and this year’s is full of juicy insights. 

Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss the findings is McKinnon Institute CEO and former South Australia Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close.

 

Further reading:
We can’t accept a political culture that discourages good people from serving their communities
Trust in politicians plunges, new polling shows, as education divide splits Australian voters

 

Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, every Friday.

This week the <a href="https://mckinnon.co/index">2026 McKinnon Index</a> was released, and it showed what so many of us feel &ndash; that trust in federal politicians has fallen further &ndash; from 35.9 per cent of people to just 30.5 per cent, in one <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/young-people-most-likely-to-see-political-views-as-dealbreaker-for-friendship-20251107-p5n8n2.html">year</a>.&nbsp;
The McKinnon Index is an annual survey that tracks public perceptions of Australian democracy, and this year&rsquo;s is full of juicy insights.&nbsp;
Joining Jacqueline Maley to discuss the findings is McKinnon Institute CEO and former South Australia Deputy Premier Dr Susan Close.
&nbsp;
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/we-can-t-accept-a-political-culture-that-discourages-good-people-from-serving-their-communities-20261102-p61ae2.html">We can&rsquo;t accept a political culture that discourages good people from serving their communities</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/trust-in-politicians-plunges-new-polling-shows-as-education-divide-splits-australian-voters-20261102-p61aag.html">Trust in politicians plunges, new polling shows, as education divide splits Australian voters</a></li>
</ul>
&nbsp;
Cut through the noise of federal politics with host Jacqueline Maley and chief political correspondent Paul Sakkal on Inside Politics, from the newsrooms of<a href="https://www.smh.com.au/"> The Sydney Morning Herald</a> and<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/"> The Age</a>, every Friday.

A health check on Australia's democracy exposes deep divides

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/e52c4cea-456e-4119-b00f-b4f9004ba1ed/transcript

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series. 

New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series.&nbsp;

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