Mark Seymour is an artist who has lived many musical lives. He was the founder and frontman of notable Australian rock band Hunters & Collectors, but he started out in his family choir. He’s sung solo acoustic gigs, and inadvertently created one of the great sporting anthems from a song inspired by a Jeanette Winterson novel.
Soon Seymour will bring his old hits to life with a full symphony orchestra for a one-off concert in Melbourne.
Seymour tells special correspondent Stephen Brook what keeps him writing, what his religious parents thought of his music and whether he is still in touch with his old bandmates.
And after he is done talking, as a special treat for Good Weekend Talks listeners, Seymour serenades us with an acoustic version of one of the Hunters’ much loved ballads.

Mark Seymour is an artist who has lived many musical lives. He was the founder and frontman of notable Australian rock band Hunters &amp; Collectors, but he started out in his family choir. He&rsquo;s sung solo acoustic gigs, and inadvertently created one of the great sporting anthems from a song inspired by a Jeanette Winterson novel. Soon Seymour will bring his old hits to life with a full symphony orchestra for a one-off concert in Melbourne. Seymour tells special correspondent Stephen Brook what keeps him writing, what his religious parents thought of his music and whether he is still in touch with his old bandmates. And after he is done talking, as a special treat for Good Weekend Talks listeners, Seymour serenades us with an acoustic version of one of the Hunters&rsquo; much loved ballads.

Mark Seymour on a complicated legacy – and not being in the Hunters & Collectors WhatsApp group

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/528ed67b-60cb-401c-bd9b-b4e900a2192f/transcript

After the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, it's been a real horror week in Australian politics. Last week SMH and The Age columnist Waleed Aly wrote a column titled, "More Australians believe in political violence than go to church each week. This won't end well".

Given the chilling prescience of that column and its title, Aly joins Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics this week to discuss the issue of political violence.

 

Further reading:
A politician’s job is to listen. It’s becoming increasingly dangerous to do so
‘Don’t let violence win’: McGowan’s plea as Haines fights for life

 

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.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods. 

After the attack on Independent MP Helen Haines, it's been a real horror week in Australian politics. Last week SMH and The Age columnist Waleed Aly wrote a column titled, <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/more-australians-believe-in-political-violence-than-go-to-church-each-week-this-won-t-end-well-20261016-p615tp.html">"More Australians believe in political violence than go to church each week. This won't end well".</a>
Given the chilling prescience of that column and its title, Aly joins Jacqueline Maley on Inside Politics this week to discuss the issue of political violence.
&nbsp;
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-politician-s-job-is-to-listen-it-s-becoming-increasingly-dangerous-to-do-so-20261022-p617b2.html">A politician&rsquo;s job is to listen. It&rsquo;s becoming increasingly dangerous to do so</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/don-t-let-violence-win-mcgowan-s-plea-as-haines-fights-for-life-20261021-p617ih.html">&lsquo;Don&rsquo;t let violence win&rsquo;: McGowan&rsquo;s plea as Haines fights for life</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.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-politics/id1738365431"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/29UKjyueywTgAL0Pk4Er8v"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your pods.&nbsp;

Morality first, politics second – Waleed Aly on political violence

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/2432c956-a52d-423b-938d-b4eb00613992/transcript

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/c24299a0-4401-4ff5-92b1-b4eb005a8a13/transcript

An increasing number of commentators and American politicians - including Republicans - are becoming vocal in their opposition to Donald Trump’s assistance of Russia, and the country’s dictator, Vladimir Putin.

They say, variously, that Ronald Reagan would be rolling in his grave, and that Trump is “just plain evil”.

Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher, on how Donald Trump is not only coddling Vladimir Putin. He is becoming Vladimir Putin.

 

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.

An increasing number of commentators and American politicians - including Republicans - are becoming vocal in their opposition to Donald Trump&rsquo;s assistance of Russia, and the country&rsquo;s dictator, Vladimir Putin.
They say, variously, that Ronald Reagan would be rolling in his grave,&nbsp;and that Trump is &ldquo;just plain evil&rdquo;.
Today, political and international editor Peter Hartcher, on how <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/north-america/donald-trump-is-not-only-coddling-vladimir-putin-he-is-becoming-vladimir-putin-20261020-p616rh.html">Donald Trump is not only coddling Vladimir Putin. He is&nbsp;becoming Vladimir Putin.</a>
&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.

Donald Trump is becoming Vladimir Putin: Hartcher

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/b727efab-b389-41bd-be38-b4ea00633db4/transcript

It was only last week that independent MP Helen Haines spoke about why Australians were so angry – citing the cost of living, insurance premiums, the price of groceries, and fuel.

And, for people living in regional areas like hers, access to healthcare was a massive issue.
Now many are wondering how such a popular, uncontentious MP could have become the target of what appears to be an act of political violence.

Today, national correspondent Rob Harris, reporting from Wangaratta in Victoria, on the attack on Haines.


Further reading:
'He seemed normal': Tracking the path of the accused Haines attacker

 

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.

It was only last week that independent MP Helen Haines spoke about why Australians were so angry &ndash; citing the cost of living, insurance premiums, the price of groceries, and fuel.
And, for people living in regional areas like hers, access to healthcare was a massive issue. Now many are wondering how such a popular, uncontentious MP could have become the target of <a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/helen-haines-attack-live-updates-indi-mp-in-critical-condition-after-attack-outside-wangaratta-office-43-year-old-man-in-custody-20261020-p616vw.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">what appears to be an act of political violence</a>.
Today, national correspondent Rob Harris, reporting from Wangaratta in Victoria, on the attack on Haines.
 Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/suspect-in-helen-haines-attack-named-20261020-p616zq.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">'He seemed normal': Tracking the path of the accused Haines attacker</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.

The attack on Helen Haines and what we know

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/487a3a73-50e5-445f-b39e-b4e9003b8a58/transcript

Riots broke out across France on the weekend, said to be the worst in decades.

The violence began on Saturday after more than half a million people attended rallies to protest about the cost of living and school standards, with masked rioters setting fire to cars and buildings.

Today, Europe correspondent David Crowe reports from Paris on what makes these protests and riots so different than the revolutionary 1968 student protests. 

Further reading:
Nothing left to loot: Parisians ponder the real cost of another night of riots

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.

Riots broke out across France on the weekend, said to be the worst in decades.
The violence began on Saturday after more than half a million people attended rallies to protest about the cost of living and school standards, with <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/macron-to-address-nation-after-riots-looting-as-trump-says-france-is-burning-20261019-p616jl.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">masked rioters setting fire to cars and buildings.</a>
Today, Europe correspondent David Crowe reports from Paris on what makes these protests and riots so different than the revolutionary 1968 student protests.&nbsp;
Further reading:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/world/europe/nothing-left-to-loot-parisians-ponder-the-real-cost-of-another-night-of-riots-20261019-p616lw.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">Nothing left to loot: Parisians ponder the real cost of another night of riots</a> 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.</li>
</ul>

On the ground in France after widespread riots 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/30db0c81-23bd-44e8-a6c2-b4e800bca64d/transcript

On Friday, Exclusive Brethren world leader Bruce Hales gave evidence before a federal parliamentary inquiry. This was a significant moment in a story with many twists and turns about power and influence in Australian politics.
Today, senior writer Michael Bachelard on the Exclusive Brethren, now called the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and its "Man of God", Bruce Hales.

Further reading
‘Tail, film, heckle’: Inside the Brethren’s secret election influence plot with the far-right

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.

On Friday, Exclusive Brethren world leader Bruce Hales<a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/exclusive-brethren-hearing-live-updates-church-leader-bruce-hales-to-appear-over-allegations-church-campaigned-in-2025-election-paid-neo-nazi-associates-to-harass-pm-20261016-p6162k.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom"> gave evidence before a federal parliamentary inquiry. </a>This was a significant moment in a story with many twists and turns about power and influence in Australian politics. Today, senior writer Michael Bachelard on the Exclusive Brethren, now called the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, and its "Man of God", Bruce Hales. Further reading
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.theage.com.au/politics/federal/exclusive-brethren-hearing-live-updates-church-leader-bruce-hales-to-appear-over-allegations-church-campaigned-in-2025-election-paid-neo-nazi-associates-to-harass-pm-20261016-p6162k.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">&lsquo;Tail, film, heckle&rsquo;: Inside the Brethren&rsquo;s secret election influence plot with the far-right</a> 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.</li>
</ul>

The Exclusive Brethren and the rare public grilling of its ‘Man of God’

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/6ecad1ba-d941-4665-814f-b4e500697d0a/transcript

The 2000-year-old philosophy of stoicism is having a moment – and no one has popularised it for a modern audience more than American author Ryan Holiday.

The college dropout turned marketer has written 13 books, including The Obstacle Is the Way and Discipline Is Destiny, and his Daily Stoic email and social media accounts reach millions of people.

In this episode, we ask Holiday a few questions, including: What does Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius's book Meditations have to teach us about how to live in the 21st century? And what can we learn from the former slave Epictetus? Quite a lot, as it turns out.

Hosting our conversation today is Good Weekend senior writer Gay Alcorn.

The 2000-year-old philosophy of stoicism is having a moment &ndash; and no one has popularised it for a modern audience more than American author Ryan Holiday.
The college dropout turned marketer has written 13 books, including The Obstacle Is the Way and Discipline Is Destiny, and his Daily Stoic email and social media accounts reach millions of people.
In this episode, we ask Holiday a few questions, including: What does Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius's book Meditations have to teach us about how to live in the 21st century? And what can we learn from the former slave Epictetus? Quite a lot, as it turns out.
Hosting our conversation today is&nbsp;Good Weekend senior writer Gay Alcorn.

Stoicism is more than discipline, says author Ryan Holiday. It may save the modern world

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/97d8606d-b19a-43b2-a0fa-b4e400b72a31/transcript

This week – again – is all about the economy, which includes a visit from a ghost of the past in the form of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.

But the big topic for today is current treasurerJim Chalmers and a speech he gave this week, in which he warned progressives not to mock One Nation voters.

The far-right strategy to divide people was working, he said, and although facts could push back on sensationalism and misinformation, “facts don’t beat feelings”.

Chalmers also acknowledged that voters’ dissatisfaction with the government wasprimarily linked to the economy and cost-of-living pressures. He asked people to give him more time and, in a year, things would get better. But are voters done? Will people give him another 12 months without further damaging support for Labor?

Senior columnist Jacqueline Maley is back in the hosting chair and today’s guest is senior economics correspondent Shane Wright.



Further reading
Frydenberg: A grateful son or a relentless self-promoter?
So many people are angry. It’s becoming clear where this comes from

 

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.

If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on Apple, Spotify, YouTube or whichever platform you find your pods. 

This week &ndash; again &ndash; is all about the economy, which includes a visit from a ghost of the past in the form of former treasurer Josh Frydenberg.
But the big topic for today is current treasurer Jim Chalmers and <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/chalmers-warns-against-sneering-at-hanson-backers-ahead-of-12-months-of-pain-20261013-p61557.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">a speech he gave this week,</a> in which he warned progressives not to mock One Nation voters.
The far-right strategy to divide people was working, he said, and although facts could push back on sensationalism and misinformation, &ldquo;facts don&rsquo;t beat feelings&rdquo;.
Chalmers also acknowledged that voters&rsquo; dissatisfaction with the government was primarily linked to the economy and cost-of-living pressures. He asked people to give him more time and, in a year, things would get better. But are voters done? Will people give him another 12 months without further damaging support for Labor?
Senior columnist Jacqueline Maley is back in the hosting chair and today&rsquo;s guest is senior economics correspondent Shane Wright. 
Further reading
<ul>
<li>Frydenberg: <a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/a-grateful-son-or-a-relentless-self-promoter-20261013-p614se.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">A grateful son or a relentless self-promoter?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/so-many-people-are-angry-it-s-becoming-clear-where-this-comes-from-20261015-p615ij.html?utm_source=omny&amp;utm_medium=podcast_notes&amp;utm_campaign=the_morning_edition&amp;utm_content=&amp;utm_term=newsroom">So many people are angry. It&rsquo;s becoming clear where this comes from</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.
If you enjoyed this episode and want to hear more, rate, review and subscribe on<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/au/podcast/inside-politics/id1738365431"> Apple</a>,<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/29UKjyueywTgAL0Pk4Er8v"> Spotify</a>,<a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLrLulycax3584BxKI1ZqSySsouknCWiUa"> YouTube</a> or whichever platform you find your pods.&nbsp;

Jim Chalmers’ facts, an ordinary voter’s feelings and the political reality

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/e46d2b41-2b41-4254-aacc-b4e400461d45/transcript

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/88b564ea-a9a6-4751-910a-a5d800019396/clips/14bde045-9414-401c-bdc3-b4e4004497f5/transcript

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New episodes from ongoing Metro podcast series.&nbsp;

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