Saturday Magazine

Our last guest today,  John Cook, Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Do Middle‑earth and Westeros make sense? Climate scientists modelled them to find out…. https://theconversation.com/do-middle-earth-and-westeros-make-sense-climate-scientists-modelled-them-to-find-out-277232 “For a world to be truly immersive and believable, readers apply what is known as the “principle of minimal departure”. This assumes anything not explicitly magical, such as a planet's weather or gravity, must adhere to the laws of the real world. In this spirit of rigorous worldbuilding, we just published a new study where we merged the disparate disciplines of literary worldbuilding and climate modelling. We used complex computer programs – the same ones used to forecast Earth's future warming scenarios – to simulate the climates of famous fantasy settings such as Tolkien's Middle-earth, the continents of Westeros in the Game of Thrones, and the far-future Earth in The Wheel of Time series. We also built a model for a fictional world developed by one of us.” John Cook is a research assistant professor at the Centre for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University. He has a PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Western Australia. He founded Skeptical Science, a website which won the 2011 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for the Advancement of Climate Change Knowledge and 2016 Friend of the Planet Award from the National Centre for Science Education. J ohn co-authored the college textbooks Climate Change: Examining the Facts with Weber State University professor Daniel Bedford. He was also a co-author of the textbook Climate Change Science: A Modern Synthesis and the book Climate Change Denial: Heads in the Sand. In 2013, he published a paper analysing the scientific consensus on climate change that has been highlighted by President Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. In 2015, he developed a Massive Open Online Course at the University of Queensland on climate science denial, that has received over 25,000 enrolments. He currently co-hosts a podcast Evidence Squared on the science of science communication The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: John Cook, Snr Research Fellow, School of Psychological Sciences, MelbUni; Do Middle‑earth and Westeros Make Sense? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Brendan Donohoe, a distinguished journalist and former 7NEWS Melbourne State Political Editor for 30 years, is a recurring moderator at the Sorrento Writers Festival.  Donohoe,  veteran Australian journalist who served as the State Political Editor for 7NEWS Melbourne for 30 years, from April 1990 to April 2020. Over his 42-year career in journalism, he became one of Victoria’s most respected political reporters, covering 11 Victorian Premiers from John Cain to Daniel Andrews. Donohoe is a the moderator for this seminar at the Sorrento Writer’s Festival. From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian conservative? Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis, Don Watson with Brendan Donohoe   At a time when political pundits are questioning the Liberal -National Party alliance and its capacity to win government, our panel dissects the past, present and future of conservative politics in Australia. http://From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian conservative? The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Brendan Donohoe, Fmr State Political Editor, 7 News Melbourne; From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian Conservative? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Guy Morrow, Assoc Prof, Arts & Cultural Management, Uni of Meb, Is Spotify's AI ‘killing' Australian music? Guy Morrow is an Associate Professor of Arts and Cultural Management at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research interests include artist‑centred approaches to cultural management and the impact of digitalisation, datafication and artificial intelligence on music artists within music ecosystems. His work combines academic rigour with arts sector collaboration to develop actionable insights for artists, managers and cultural organisations. He is also the current president of the International Music Business Research Association (IMBRA). Guy’s current contract research project is examining digital platform interactions to assess the performance of Australian artists on Spotify’s algorithmic playlists for the Victorian Music Development Office. One of his previous research contracts explored the shifting ground beneath music artist manager remuneration for the Association of Artist Managers in Australia while another developed an impact framework for the Science Gallery Network. Guy is also part of a project that has received AU$100,000 in proof-of-concept funding from Research, Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of Melbourne, ArtCert, which is developing an innovative response to shortcomings in current artwork authentication practices. The project aims to use blockchain and computational methods to validate the authenticity of painting collections. Guy also has a vast record of achievement in the creative and cultural industries and has worked with many of Australia’s best-known musicians within various popular music scenes through direct management, and also through music and design work. Guy was the founding co-manager of the band Boy & Bear and in this capacity received five Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Awards, as well as Gold and Platinum Awards from ARIA. https://theconversation.com/is-spotifys-ai-killing-australian-music-what-we-found-from-analysing-more-than-2-million-tracks-276984 “The objective of streaming platforms is to maximise user engagement. Spotify does this by allowing users to discover new music in various ways, including through manual search and exploration, editorial (human-made) playlists, and AI-recommended playlists. Algorithms have been criticised for amplifying the influence of superstars – and the corporate interests that support them – while also potentially narrowing listeners' musical preferences. Spotify's AI does have a significant influence on the listening habits of its subscribers. But is this a problem?” The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Guy Morrow, Assoc Prof, Arts & Cultural Management, Uni of Meb, Is Spotify's AI ‘killing' Australian Music? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Chris Doyle, Assistant Professor, Medieval History in the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Galway, about the mystery of the ‘second’ Saint Patrick. Chris Doyle is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer Above the Bar) in Medieval History in the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Galway. His interests are varied and include the cultural and social history and material culture of early medieval Ireland, Europe, North Africa and the Near East. https://theconversation.com/saint-patricks-day-and-the-mystery-of-the-second-patrick-277404 “Celebrated every year with swathes of green and pints of Guinness, Saint Patrick is the most famous of Ireland's trio of patron saints (the others are Brigid and Colm Cille, aka Columba). Saint Patrick's story is well known. Not just because of the annual global phenomenon his feast day has become, but also thanks to a considerable body of original written evidence. Chief among this are his personal writings – the Confession and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus. But there are also many others – annals, biographies, hymns, poems – written centuries after his lifetime”. “One of the earliest references to two Patricks is Saint Fiacc's Hymn on the Life of Patrick. It was written in the 5th or 6th century but survives in an 8th-century manuscript. Fiacc, a professional royal poet turned bishop, wrote: “When Patrick departed [died], he went to visit the other Patrick and together they ascended to Jesus Son of Mary.” The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: The Mystery of the Second, St. Patrick, Chris Doyle, Asst. Prof. Medieval History, School of History and Philosophy, Uni of Galway. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John are joined live on air by Bill Shorten, the current Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra (UC). He assumed the role on 14 February 2025, following a 17-year career in federal politics. The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, reporting in July 2023, delivered a damning assessment of the former Coalition government's automated debt recovery program, describing it as a “shameful,” “crude and cruel” mechanism that was neither fair nor legal. As Minister for Government Services, Shorten played a central role in driving the inquiry and pursuing accountability, labelling it a “war on the poor” and a massive failure in public administration. Bill Shorten was a leading figure in the push for the Royal Commission, promising the investigation while in opposition and subsequently managing the government’s response to the findings.   In August 2023, Shorten moved a motion in the House of Representatives to accept the report’s findings, expressing deep regret and apologizing to victims and frontline Centrelink staff.  Shorten accused the previous government of “gaslighting” victims and the public by defending the scheme even after its illegality became known. Shorten has consistently criticised opposition leader Peter Dutton for a “deafening” lack of remorse and for defending former colleagues involved in the scheme.  Following the report, Shorten announced the government's acceptance of all 57 recommendations, focusing on ending the use of external debt collectors and strengthening the public service. Shorten has continued to urge for the “sealed section” of the report to be unsealed to ensure transparency, arguing it is not sustainable for it to remain secret forever.  Legal and Financial Fallout In 2021, the Federal Court approved a final settlement of $1.8 billion, which involved dropping debt claims and refunding unlawful debts. As of 2025, a new settlement, deemed the largest in Australian legal history at $548.5 million, is under consideration to provide further compensation, with NACC investigations into the referrals ongoing.  https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-11/anti-corruption-investigation-into-robodebt-findings/106440278 The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Prof the Hon Bill Shorten, Vice -Chancellor & President Uni of Canberra, Robodebt, NACC Investigations and Findings appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

First up this week we have Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Nevena and John discuss with Peter, where  Where are things heading with Iran?  Are facing a 70’s style fuel crisis? And some updates from his electorate. As of March 2026, Peter Khalil, the MP for Wills and Assistant Minister for Defence, views the situation with Iran as extremely volatile, characterized by aggressive actions from the Iranian regime, including attacks on regional neighbours and the targeting of civilian. Khalil has emphasized that Iran is a “destabilising force” through its missile programs, support for proxies, and acts of intimidation. In his role as Assistant Minister for Defence, he noted that Australia has provided defensive support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against missile attacks, including deploying E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and air-to-air missiles. Khalil has defended Australia's involvement in the Middle East, stating it is “purely defensive” to protect lives and not an act of aggressive war, while acknowledging the conflict is a “fluid dynamic”. Khalil has strongly condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for attempting to harm Australian citizens and engaging in acts of violence. He has supported designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. He has expressed solidarity with the Iranian-Australian community in Melbourne and their anxiety for families in Iran, noting his hope for a shift away from the “oppressive” Iranian regime. Regarding demands for further military involvement, Khalil has stated he is not aware of a specific request for Australian warships to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining that operational decisions are made by the National Security Committee. Khalil's position aligns with the broader Australian government stance, which involves implementing targeted sanctions against the Iranian regime and supporting diplomatic pressure against its actions. The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Where are things heading with Iran? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena is back in the hosting seat this week with long time friend of the show John Safran as they discuss the news, views, reviews of the week that was and what’s coming up in this week’s programme. Nevena Spirovska and Australian satirist/author John Safran are co-hosts on the Saturday Magazine program on JOY 94.9, covering news, politics, and culture. They have appeared together for weekly wrap-ups and special segments, with John providing his signature humorous commentary on social issue The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and John Safran appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is one of Australia's most versatile and enduring entertainers. Todd McKenney has done just about everything in show business — from starring in some of the biggest musicals ever staged in Australia, including The Boy From Oz, Wicked, Cabaret, Cats and 42nd Street, to becoming a household name after more than two decades as a judge on Dancing With the Stars. He's also part of Australian film history, appearing in Baz Luhrmann's iconic Strictly Ballroom — a film that helped launch a new era of Australian cinema and went on to win multiple AFI awards and international acclaim. But Todd has a brand-new role in his life — proud dog dad. He's recently adopted a beautiful greyhound named Fred through the Greyhound Racing Victoria adoption program. Todd joins us now along with Damien Ractliffe from Greyhound Racing Victoria to talk about Fred, greyhound adoption and why these dogs make such wonderful companions. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Todd McKenney – Entertainer, Damien Ractliffe, Greyhound Racing Victoria, GRV Greyhound Adoption Program appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The Oscars are just around the corner and film fans around the world are speculating about who will take home the biggest awards in Hollywood. Our own JOY film critic Glen Charlie Dunks joins us with his predictions on the eve of the Academy Awards. Glenn Charlie Dunks is an award-winning film critic from Melbourne, Australia. He is the founder and writer behind the reDocumented website, launched in May 2025. For ten years, Glenn has been an active part of the Australian film scene as a critic and journalist. Getting his start with the Geelong/Surf Coast-based street press Forte Magazine, he progressed to writing regularly for Trespass and Onya Magazine as well as his personal blog. In 2010, Glenn began writing film reviews and features for Australian print institution The Big Issue. In the following decade, he has contributed to world-renowned publications such as The Guardian, Vanity Fair and The Film Experience where he covers documentary film on a weekly basis. In Australia, his work has been published across outlets including Metro Magazine, ScreenHub, Flicks Australia, Junkee, SBS Film, SBS Sexuality, Broadsheet, Quickflix, Concrete Playground and the online edition of Overland Journal. He is also the regular film critic for Air Nuigini's Paradise Magazine. His work has been republished by IndieWire's Women and Hollywood blog and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance union's quarterly print publication The Equity Magazine. He has also been spotlighted by The Age. In 2013 he sat on the FIPRESCI Jury for the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival alongside Vincent Musetto and Mario Abbade, awarding their top prize to Sébastien Betbeder's Nights with Théodore. In 2014, he joined the FIPRESCI Jury of the 25th Stockholm International Film Festival alongside Quirijn Foeken and Dieter Wieczorek, with the award going to Savario Costanzo's Hungry Hearts starring Adam Driver. In 2020, Glenn joined the ‘virtual' DOK Leipzig festival with Yun-hua Chen and Hrvoje Puksek, awarding Dario Doria's Vincenta. Later in 2016, he was on the competition jury for the 2nd Czech & Slovak Film Festival of Australia alongside Hayley Inch and Tom Clift, awarding Marko Skop's Eva Nova. Additionally, he has worked as a programming consultant for the San Francisco International Film Festival and the Sydney Underground Film Festival. In 2019, he moderated an industry panel Q&A at the Environmental Film Festival of Australia for the film Grit. Glenn has also been a judge on the ATOM Awards documentary selection panels across four separate years. In 2022, he became a voter for the Golden Globe Awards. In 2023, he was once again accepted as an international voter for the awards. Glenn has attended and/or covered a further variety of other festivals including Sundance, New York, Tribeca, DOC NYC, NewFest, BAMcinemaFest, Dances with Films, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne Queer, Mardi Gras Film Festival, and a variety of local cultural film events including the Russian, French and Spanish film festivals and AFI/AACTA Awards. In 2013 he also attended and covered the Twin Peaks Festival in North Bend, Washington State. As an interviewer, Glenn has spoken to some of the most accomplished and respected names in film in Australia and the world. Filmmakers and artists including Tim Burton, Amy Adams, John Waters, Margaret Cho, Guy Maddin, Isaac Julien, Neil Armfield, Rachel Perkins, Sam Neill, Jamie Babbit, Grímur Hákonarson, Stephen Dunn, Andrew Ahn, Grant Scicluna, Matt Sobel, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter, Sophie Hyde, Bentley Dean, Sara Jordenö, Max Gogarty, William Fairman, Nickolas Bird, Poppy Stockell, Charlie Hill-Smith, Nick Eynaud, Lucy Fry and John Jarratt. Major Oscar Categories – Nominees Best Picture Anora The Brutalist A Complete Unknown Conclave Dune: Part Two Emilia Pérez Nickel Boys The Substance Wicked I’m Still Here Best Director Sean Baker – Anora Brady Corbet – The Brutalist James Mangold – A Complete Unknown Jacques Audiard – Emilia Pérez Coralie Fargeat – The Substance Best Actor Adrien Brody – The Brutalist Timothée Chalamet – A Complete Unknown Colman Domingo – Sing Sing Paul Giamatti – The Holdovers Sebastian Stan – The Apprentice Best Actress Cynthia Erivo – Wicked Karla Sofía Gascón – Emilia Pérez Mikey Madison – Anora Demi Moore – The Substance Saoirse Ronan – The Outrun Best Supporting Actor Kieran Culkin – A Real Pain Robert Downey Jr – Oppenheimer Ryan Gosling – Barbie Mark Ruffalo – Poor Things Sterling K Brown – American Fiction Best Supporting Actress Emily Blunt – Oppenheimer Danielle Brooks – The Color Purple America Ferrera – Barbie Da'Vine Joy Randolph – The Holdovers Jodie Foster – Nyad The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Glen Charlie Dunks Film Critic – JOY 94.9, Oscars Prediction appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nick Sharp  is a fitness expert with Strong Nation, a global fitness program that combines high-intensity interval training with music-driven workouts designed to build strength and endurance. From cold plunges and intermittent fasting to high-intensity workouts and wearable tech, the world of fitness is full of trends and fads. Nick Sharp from Strong Nation join us now to separate the facts from the hype when it comes to staying healthy and fit. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Nick Sharp Fitness Expert– Strong Nation, Fads Vs Facts in Personal Fitness appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Rachel Westaway is the Victorian Liberal candidate for Prahran and serves as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and Hospitality. She has been a prominent advocate for small business owners and the hospitality sector in Victoria. Rachel Westaway is the Liberal candidate for Prahran and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and Hospitality. She joins us live from the campaign trail ahead of the upcoming Nepean by-election as political attention turns to what the result could mean for Victorian politics. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Rachel Westaway, Lib. MP, Prahran, Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and Hospitality, Nepean by-election appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Chris Lewis is the founder of Lyric Finance, a Melbourne-based finance and advisory firm that works with individuals and businesses to improve financial strategy, lending structures and long-term financial resilience. With interest rates, inflation and economic uncertainty continuing to affect households and small businesses, staying financially fit has never been more important. Chris Lewis is the founder of Lyric Finance and joins us to talk about how people can manage their finances in the current economic climate. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Chris Lewis, Founder – Lyric Finance, Keeping finance-Fit In The Current Climate appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our first guest this week  is Alex Makin, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip here in Melbourne. Councils across Victoria are warning that more and more responsibilities are being pushed onto local government without the funding to match — a practice known as cost-shifting. Mayor Makin joins us to explain what that means for councils and for local ratepayers. Alex Makin is the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip in Melbourne's inner south. He has served multiple terms as a councilor and is known for advocating strongly on issues affecting local government, community infrastructure and the financial sustainability of councils. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Alex Makin, Mayor – City of Port Phillip, Cost-Shifting, from Government to Local Councils appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news that was this week, views and reviews and what’s coming up on this week’s programme. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Kenny. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Veteran Australian Journalist and Broadcaster, Neil Mitchell, best known for his dominant 34-year career at Melbourne talkback station 3AW, joins Macca, Kenny and Jack as they discuss the Kyle and Jackie-O meltdown and the subsequent fallout to the ARN and KIIS FM brand, and where media and radio are heading in 2026. The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Neil Mitchell, Veteran Australian Journalist and Broadcaster, Kyle and Jackie-O Meltdown and Where Radio is Heading in 2026 appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Arunn Jegan, Humanitarian Affairs Lead – Médecins Sans Frontières, (Doctors Without Borders); about the “Insidious Normalisation of Horror” in Gaza and Israel’s blockade of Humanitarian Aid. Arunn Jegan works with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as their Humanitarian Affairs Lead. He is an experienced Head of Mission and Emergency Coordinator and has worked in occupied Palestinian Territories, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Bangladesh. Prior to Joining MSF, he worked in Afghanistan, Sri-Lanka, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey in senior management positions for other international NGOs over his 15-year career. While he specialises in humanitarian crisis coordination during public health emergencies, he has been exploring relational approaches to advocacy using co-design, creative practice, and community engagement through the Creative Advocacy Partnership. The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Arunn Jegan, Humanitarian Affairs Lead – Médecins Sans Frontières; the “Insidious Normalisation of Horror” in Gaza and Israel’s blockade of Humanitarian Aid appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM’s chief of staff. Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM’s chief of staff. From 1998-2009, Bruce was a senior executive at Fairfax Media in Sydney. Bruce is author of Trump’s Australia, an examination of Donald Trump’s possible return to the presidency and the issues presented to Australia (Allen & Unwin, 2023), The Committee, a study of President Obama’s legislative agenda in Congress (University of Michigan Press, 2018, 2d Edition September 2021) and Lobbying Congress: How The System Works (Congressional Quarterly Books, 1990, 1996. In a recent article. Wolpe was quoted as saying, “Trump has a few weeks to renew voter confidence in him — and that’s amid a risk of unintended consequences like friendly fire incidents and American casualties”. “They’re going into a war in which most people don’t want,” he told SBS News from the United States. “I think there’s a burden on Trump, and he has to do a lot to get a better outcome as far as the standing with the American people.” “Trump came into office with the promise of an end to America’s cycle of forever wars. Before his election, he promised in 2024 to “turn the page forever on those foolish, stupid days of never-ending wars”. Now he’s seeking to justify a broad, open-ended war on Iran, though he initially projected the war on Iran to last four to five weeks. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/trump-approval-iran-war/ac8wk6g8r The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow, US Study Centre, Do most Americans support the Iran action? AG Pam Bondi to testify on Epstein + Trump fires Kristy Noem appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Macca talk to Professor  Peter Greste,  an award-winning journalist, author and academic who spent fifteen years with the BBC before he joined Al Jazeera as East Africa correspondent. In 2013, he went to Egypt to help cover the unfolding political crisis but two weeks into the assignment, security agents raided his hotel room and arrested him and two colleagues. They were charged with terrorism offences, and in the subsequent trial they became champions of press freedom. All three were eventually convicted and sentenced to between seven and 10 years in prison, before being released under intense international pressure. Peter saw his trial and conviction as an extreme example of the way journalism was being attacked in the War on Terror globally, and wrote about his experience in The First Casualty, He joined the University of Queensland as UNESCO Chair in Journalism and Communication in 2018 where he continues to campaign for the freedom of journalists. In honour of his campaigning, Peter has been given numerous awards including a Walkely (2014); the British Royal Television Society's Judges Award (2015); the Australian Human Rights Council Medal (2016); the RSL's ANZAC Peace Prize (2016); and the Australian Press Council's Press Freedom Medal (2018). The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Prof. Peter Greste, Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom; State of Press Freedoms and State of Affairs in the Middle East. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Josh Burns, ALP MP Macnamara, Federal Politics Update: Iran War, Cost of Living and Trump’s latest controversies. The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Josh Burns, ALP MP Macnamara, Federal Politics Update: Iran War, Cost of Living, and more appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca, Kenny and Jack are joined live on air by Australian Motor Sport Legend, Mick Doohan as they discuss tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix and Mick gives us his predictions. Image courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz.com.au The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Mick Doohan–Melbourne Grand Prix 2026. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to ABC Journalist, Maddison Connaughton, Maddison Connaughton is an investigative reporter for Background Briefing. She has also worked at the ABC programs Four Corners and Media Watch. Prior to the ABC, she was editor of The Saturday Paper and a senior editor at Vice. Her reporting has also appeared in The Guardian, New York Times, The Observer, Foreign Policy and more. Looksmaxxing refers to a subculture focused on maximizing physical attractiveness. While some aspects involve standard self-care like grooming and fitness, the trend often moves into extreme and hazardous territory, particularly within online communities.  https://theconversation.com/looksmaxxing-is-the-disturbing-tiktok-trend-turning-young-men-into-incels-221724 The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Maddison Connaughton – ABC Journalist, ‘Looksmaxxing’ and its Bizarre Side Effects appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John speak to Rachel Payne -Legalise Cannabis MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan, about her  recent article in the New Matilda, about a lack of class in politics. Rachel Payne is a prominent Australian politician and a key figure in the Legalise Cannabis Victoria party. Since her election to the Victorian Legislative Council in 2022, she has consistently advocated for comprehensive cannabis law reform, focusing on decriminalisation, medicinal access, and road safety https://newmatilda.com/2026/02/25/why-im-an-mp-who-cant-use-the-c-words-often-enough/ The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Rachel Payne -Legalise Cannabis MP for South-Eastern Metropolitan-The C-word (class) In Politics appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

John Safran discusses some observations in media and some life hacks that happened to him recently The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Observations with John Safran appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Cat Woods, about what’s hot on TV and Film. Cat Woods, is an Australian freelance journalist and editor based in Melbourne, with over 20 years of experience. She specializes in music, arts, culture, fitness and women’s wellbeing. The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Cat Woods – Freelance Journalist, What’s Hot, what’s not on TV and Films, Nicole Kidman’s Scarpetta, Angelina Jolie in Couture appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Mark Nielsen – Associate Professor, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Punch and his Plushie, Attachment Theory A baby macaque monkey named Punch has gone viral for his heart-wrenching pursuit of companionship. After being abandoned by his mother and rejected by the rest of his troop, his zookeepers at Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan provided Punch with an orangutan plushie as a stand-in mother. Videos of the monkey clinging to the toy have gone viral worldwide” “But Punch's attachment to his inanimate companion is not just the subject of a heartbreaking video. It also harks back to the story of a famous set of psychology experiments conducted in the 1950s by US researcher Harry Harlow. The findings from his experiments underpin many of the central tenets of attachment theory, which positions the bond between parent and child as crucial in child development. What were Harlow's experiments? Harlow took rhesus monkeys from birth, and removed them from their mothers. These monkeys were raised in an enclosure in which they had access to two surrogate “mothers”. A viral monkey, his plushie, and a 70-year-old experiment: what Punch tells us about attachment theory Mark joined the School of Psychology in 2002 as a UQ Postdoctoral Research Fellow after completing his PhD at La Trobe University. His research interests lie in a range of inter-related aspects of socio-cognitive development in young human children and non-human primates. His current research is primarily focused on charting the origins and development of human cultural cognition. He is: – Senior Research Associate, University of Johannesburg, South Africa – a member of: Association for Psychological Science; Society for Research in Child Development; Australasian Human Development Association – an Associate Editor: Journal of Experimental Child Psychology; PLoS ONE 0 an Editorial Consultant: Child Development; Developmental Science The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Mark Nielsen, Associate Professor, School of Psychology, The University of Queensland, Punch and his Plushie, Attachment Theory appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John speak to Michael Galea MP, State Member for S E Metro Region: Parliament Update Michael Galea is an Australian Labor Party member of the Victorian Legislative Council, representing the South-Eastern Metropolitan Region since his election in 2022. Based on parliamentary records from 2026, he serves as Deputy Chair of the Legal and Social Issues Committee and is active in committees covering economy, infrastructure, and the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Michael Galea MP, State Member for S E Metro Region: Parliament Update appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

On the 18th of February 2026, the Victorian Greens will today move to establish a powerful parliamentary inquiry into the scale and scope of anti-LGBTQIA+ hate crimes across the state, following a disturbing string of attacks on gay and bi+ men. This comes following a troubling string of attacks on gay and bi+ men which have seen them lured to public places through fake online dating profiles and violently attacked. The inquiry, to be conducted by the Legal and Social Issues Committee, would examine how anti-LGBTQIA+ influencers and hate groups operate online, including far-right, misogynistic, and homophobic ‘alpha-male' content, and explore strategies to protect young people from this influence. It would also look at the adequacy of existing responses to preventing these crimes, and the support available to victim survivors. The inquiry would examine ways to improve LGBTQIA+ community safety and support victim survivors of these and other hate crimes, as well as look into ways to combat anti-LGBTQI+ influence on young people particularly through hateful online content. The Greens are urging all political parties to support the inquiry, which is due to report by 1 September 2026. Quotes attributable to the Victorian Greens equality spokesperson, Aiv Puglielli: “No one should have to fear for their safety because of who they love. “We are seeing gay and bi+ men being lured to public places through fake online dating profiles and violently attacked just for being who they are. As a queer person, it is genuinely terrifying to see this terrifying escalation of violence towards my community happening before our eyes. “This doesn't come out of nowhere. We know there's a “manosphere” of anti-queer influences and far-right “alpha-male” networks that are grooming and radicalising young men online, building these hate networks and fuelling this very real hatred and people are being seriously harmed. “We can't look the other way while LGBTQIA+ people are being harassed, threatened, and terrorised. Enough is enough. We need to get to the root of this.” https://greens.org.au/vic/news/media-release/victorian-greens-move-establish-inquiry-lgbtqia-hate-crimes The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Aiv Puglielli MP, Greens rep for Nth Eastern Metro, Hate Crimes Enquiry; Victorian Greens move to establish an inquiry into LGBTQIA+ hate crimes appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John Safran are in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news, views, reviews of the week and what’s coming up in this week’s programme. The post Sat, 28th Feb, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and John Safran appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Last segment of the week, Fiona and Macca are joined live in the studio by Josh Cox. Dir. Reptile Encounters, and his special friend Alba The Dingo. is a specialized wildlife education company and private zoo based in Burwood East, Melbourne, dedicated to connecting people with native Australian animals. They offer a variety of interactive experiences ranging from mobile “incursions” to behind-the-scenes tours at their headquarters/ The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Josh Cox, Reptile Encounters: Why he took Alba the Dingo to Parliament House this week appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca were joined live in the studio by Richard Keane is the Chief Executive Officer of Living Positive Victoria (LPV), a prominent community-based organisation in Australia representing people living with HIV. He has held this leadership position since June 2018, bringing decades of experience in health promotion and community development to the role. Richard Keane, CEO of Living Positive Victoria (LPV), launched a new edition of the HIV disclosure guide, “Disclosing your HIV Status: Your Rights and Responsibilities in Victoria,” on Wednesday, 11 February 2026. Richard Keane emphasized that the guide aims to provide a sense of personal agency and self-empowerment. He noted that being fully informed of one's legal rights and responsibilities is crucial for making decisions about when, where, and why to disclose, especially in a landscape where stigma and discrimination remain challenges The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Richard Keane, CEO – Living Positive, The launch of the new disclosure guide in partnership with the HIV/AIDS legal centre appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Fiona are joined live on air by Tim Reardon, Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Assoc (HIA), Is the government pulling on the right levers to when it comes to building more homes? Tim Reardon is the Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Association (HIA), where he leads the association’s economic research and policy advocacy for Australia’s residential building industry. In his most recent reports, Reardon identifies land supply as the primary constraint on Australian home building, rather than construction costs or interest rates.  Housing Industry Association | HIA +1 Land vs. Construction Costs: Since 2000, residential land prices have surged by over 500%, while construction costs and skilled labour have risen by approximately 150%. Infrastructure Taxes: He argues that government policies requiring developers to pay infrastructure fees upfront are “artificial” demand drivers that embed high costs into land prices, ultimately borne by home buyers. Cost of New Homes: HIA estimates that approximately $570,000 in various taxes, fees, and charges are embedded in the cost of a typical new house-and-land package.  Housing Industry Association | HIA +4 Releasing HIA's new report, Taxation of Housing and its Impact on Supply, Tim Reardon, Chief Economist of Housing Industry Association, said governments cannot make homes cheaper by taking more from them. “You don't fix a housing shortage by taxing housing harder,” Mr Reardon said. “And you certainly don't make homes more affordable by destabilising the tax settings that support new home construction.” The report finds that housing is already one of the most heavily taxed sectors in the Australian economy, with taxes applied at every stage of the housing lifecycle. Many of these taxes fall most heavily on new housing, directly increasing costs and reducing the feasibility of new projects. “The political reflex has been the same for decades,” Mr Reardon said. “First it was to blame investors. Then foreigners. Then foreign investors. Meanwhile governments quietly add more taxes, more charges and more costs to housing, and wonder why supply keeps falling short.” HIA's analysis shows that investors play a critical role in housing supply, commencing more than 40 per cent of new homes built in Australia, and an even higher share of apartments and rental housing. “When you discourage investors, you don't free up housing, you stop it being built,” Mr Reardon said. “Investors don't neatly switch from established homes into new construction when taxes rise. They leave the housing market altogether.” https://hia.com.au/our-industry/newsroom/economic-research-and-forecasting/2026/01/stop-taxing-housing-harder-if-you-want-more-homes-built-hia-warns?srsltid=AfmBOooQfowpfnhUyCDTwqExK1c2CmARBq5m-gcKQHUKra2ACDjQvc1g The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Tim Reardon, Chief Economist at the Housing Industry Assoc (HIA), Is the government pulling on the right levers to when it comes to building more homes? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca are joined live on air by the controversial academic and writer,  Marian Tupy, Centre for Independent Studies & visiting scholar in residence from Cato in the US: Super Abundance Is Australia getting more or less affordable? Are we heading toward resource scarcity — or an era of unprecedented abundance? Marian Tupy has spent 15 years crunching the data. Returning to Australia following his 2023 tour, Tupy brings the ideas behind his acclaimed book Superabundance — a rigorous, evidence-based challenge to the doom-and-gloom narrative dominating Western culture. Using “time prices” — a measure of how many minutes of work it takes to buy everyday goods — resources on average became 72% more affordable between 1980 and 2018, even as global population surged. Australia tracked slightly above that average. But not everything is getting cheaper. In Australia, housing, health, and education have become genuinely less affordable — and this is no coincidence. These are precisely the sectors where government regulation has suppressed competition and distorted prices. The solution lies not in more intervention, but in more freedom: up-zoning, deregulation, and trusting markets to do what they do best. Marian L. Tupy is the editor of Human​Progress​.org, a senior fellow at the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity, and co-author of The Simon Abundance Index. He specialises in globalisation and global well‐​being and politics and economics of Europe and Southern Africa. Tupy is the co-author of Superabundance: The Story of Population Growth, Innovation, and Human Flourishing on an Infinitely Bountiful Planet (2022) and Ten Global Trends Every Smart Person Should Know: And Many Others You Will Find Interesting (2020). His articles have been published in the Financial Times, the Washington Post, the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic, Newsweek, the U.K. Spectator, Foreign Policy, and various other outlets both in the United States and overseas. He has appeared on BBC, CNN, CNBC, MSNBC, Fox News, Fox Business, and other channels. Tupy received his BA in international relations and classics from the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg, South Africa, and his PhD in international relations from the University of St. Andrews in Great Britain. The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Marian Tupy, Centre for Independent Studies & visiting scholar in residence from Cato in the US: Super Abundance appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca are joined live in the studio by Rachel Westaway, as they discuss Victoria’s economy, CFEMU scandal and how the new Federal Liberal Leadership team is handling things so far. Rachel Westaway is the Liberal Member for Prahran in the Victorian Legislative Assembly, having won the seat in a historic February 2025 by-election. She is the first person of Thai heritage elected to the Victorian Parliament. The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Rachel Westaway, Lib Prahran, Shadow Asst Min Small Business + Hospitality: her take on the CFMEU scandal; how will Angus and Jane do in Canberra? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca, Katherine and Fiona talk to Georgie Purcell. Georgie is a good friend to Saturday Magazine,  is a Member of the Victorian Legislative Council (MLC) for the Northern Victoria Region, representing the Animal Justice Party (AJP). Elected in November 2022, she is currently the party’s sole representative in the Victorian Parliament. Why Minor Parties and Independents Matter Minor parties (like the AJP) and independents (collectively known as the “crossbench”) play a critical role in Australia’s democratic system by providing an alternative to the major party duopoly Balance of Power: When neither the Government nor the Opposition holds a majority—common in the Victorian Legislative Council and the Federal Senate—the crossbench decides whether legislation passes or fails. Specialised Representation: They give a voice to specific issues (e.g., animal welfare, environmental protection, or local community needs) that major parties may overlook to maintain broad appeal. Accountability and Scrutiny: Independents and minor parties can force detailed inquiries into government activity and extract amendments to bills that improve transparency and fairness. Diversity of Perspective: They represent the growing portion of the electorate (over 30% in recent years) that no longer feels aligned with the traditional Labor or Coalition blocks.  The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Georgie Purcell- Senator, N Vic. Animal Justice Party, Why Minor Parties and Independents matter in our Political System! appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Fiona and Macca are joined live in the studio by Katherine Copsey, Greens, MLC for Southern Metro, Katherine Copsey, is an Australian politician and lawyer currently serving as a member of the Victorian Legislative Council for the Australian Greens Victoria, representing the Southern Metropolitan Region. Elected in the 2022 Victorian state election, she assumed office on 26 November 2022. Since February 2023, Copsey has held several leadership roles for the Victorian Greens, including Deputy Party Room Chair and spokesperson for Justice, Gambling Harm Reduction, Animal Protection, and Major Events. As of February 2025, she serves as the spokesperson for Public Transport and Roads. Copsey's legislative priorities centre on environmental and social justice, advocating for renewable energy, increased affordable housing, improved public transport, and community-focused urban planning. The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Katherine Copsey, Greens, MLC for Southern Metro, Passing of the Vicarious Liability Bill appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca is back in the hosting seat and Jack’s back behind the panel and our very special guest host is Fiona Patten. Our first guest for this week is Cameron Doig, from the Law Firm, Arnold, Thomas and Becker, dissecting the news on the vicarious liability laws in Victoria. Cameron is a skilled and tested solicitor who has secured over 60 settlements for survivors of child sexual abuse and recovered over $40 million in total damages for his clients. He has secured settlements in excess of $1 million in a number of individual cases. He regularly brings claims for survivors of child abuse against government, religious, charitable, and sporting institutions as well as public and private schools. He is a clear communicator who enjoys making the legal system easy to understand for clients, walking them through the process, and explaining what they can expect. He is a practical and proactive litigator whose familiarity with the court process helps him level the playing field between vulnerable survivors and powerful institutions. Cameron's experience includes: • Settling 12 claims against the Victorian Government's Department of Education for victims of abuse by teacher Peter Sutton, including one claim for over $1.4 million; • Securing a $550,000 settlement against two Catholic religious orders for abuse of a former school student; and • Securing a $500,000 settlement for a man abused in Bayswater Boys Home and Turana. He has appeared in print and TV media discussing his clients' cases and issues confronting abuse survivors. He has volunteered at the Refugee Legal Night Service since August 2023. “Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine holding a party (often an employer) responsible for the wrongful acts or omissions of another (usually an employee) committed during the course of employment, even if the superior is not directly at fault. It is a form of strict liability, commonly applied in workplace discrimination, harassment, or negligence cases” https://humanrights.gov.au/resource-hub/by-resource-type/publications/sex-and-gender-rights/vicarious-liability If this story has affected you in any way please go to the Joy Support page to find support: https://joy.org.au/support/ The post Sat, 21st, Feb, 2026: Cameron Doig, Arnold, Thomas and Becker: Explaining the changes to legislation for Vicarious Liability in Victoria appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are joined live on air by Peter Khalil, – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Reaction to Lib spill; news from Coburg and sale of Defence sites across Melbourne The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Peter Khalil, – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Reaction to Lib spill; news from Coburg and sale of Defence sites across Melbourne appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Dr Monique Ryan, Indi MP for Kooyong, Update from Canberra + Australia’s Addiction Gambling Commercials As of late 2025 and early 2026, Dr. Monique Ryan, independent MP for Kooyong, has continued to heavily advocate for a total ban on gambling advertising in Australia, positioning the issue as a critical public health crisis.  Continued Pressure: Dr. Ryan has been consistent in challenging the Albanese Government over its delay in acting on the “Murphy Report” (June 2023), which recommended a comprehensive ban on online gambling ads. “Hard to Understand” Delay: She has highlighted the irony of the government moving to ban social media for children while failing to implement a similar ban on online gambling advertising that targets young people. Resignation from Parliamentary Sports Club: In October 2025, Dr. Ryan resigned from the Parliamentary Sports Club to protest its association with the gambling industry, stating the industry is “predatory and insidious”. Focus on Public Health: She argues that gambling addiction is a public health issue similar to drug addiction, driving domestic violence, family breakdown, and financial ruin. 2026 Legislative Focus: Her recent activities in 2026 have also centered on criticizing the government’s handling of HECS debt (Job-Ready Graduates scheme) and advocating for safer digital spaces. Australia’s Gambling Commercials Crisis The Problem: Australia is noted to have the highest per-capita gambling losses in the world, with roughly $32 billion lost annually. Targeting Children: Dr. Ryan has stated that children are being targeted by betting ads on social media, creating a “generation primed for addiction”. Call for Total Ban: She supports a total ban on gambling advertising across TV, radio, social media, and on sports uniforms. Government Response: Despite overwhelming public support (reported at 85%) for a ban, the government has been accused of acting too slowly due to pressure from media companies and sporting codes that profit from gambling partnerships.  Dr. Ryan continues to urge the government to adopt all 31 recommendations of the Murphy Report to reduce the impact of gambling on Australian families.    The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Dr Monique Ryan, Indi MP for Kooyong, Update from Canberra + Australia’s Addiction Gambling Commercials appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Macca talk to Konrad Benjamin from Punter’s Politics. Punter’s Politics is an Australian political commentary podcast and associated political movement with the goal of making Australian politics simpler for everyday people. The podcast was launched in June 2024 by former economics teacher Konrad Benjamin, and has since gained traction for exposing corporate influence in Australian politics. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DLg9ANGIggv/ https://www.punterspolitics.com/pages/media The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Konrad Benjamin, Punter’s Politics, Fighting the good fight for Aussie Punters appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Tim Burrowes. Publisher, Mumbrella, How ingrained is gambling advertising in the Australian Media landscape and why has Reform have stalled? Tim Burrowes is the publisher of Mumbrella and Unmade. He co-founded Mumbrella in 2008 and sister title Unmade in 2021. He’s worked in the UK, Middle East, Asia & Australia and has specialised in writing about the communications world for the last 25 years. He wrote the book Media Unmade, published in 2021, and became the presenter of MediaLand on ABC Radio National in 2025. The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Tim Burrowes. Publisher, Mumbrella, How ingrained is gambling advertising in the Australian Media landscape and why has Reform have stalled? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Macca are joined live on air by Dr Hector Georgiou, Melbourne IVF, New laws on Surrogacy Hector holds a PhD from Imperial College London in Reproductive Endocrinology. He undertook postgraduate training in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at some of the most prestigious hospitals in Oxford and London, including highly competitive subspecialist training in Fertility and Reproductive Medicine. In addition, he completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and IVF at the Royal Women's Hospital, Melbourne. Part of his enthusiasm for practicing medicine comes from seeing research translated into clinical practice. His research has been highly cited in respected medical journals and has been incorporated in professional society guidelines that influence global IVF practice. Hector holds a Clinical Senior Lectureship at the University of Melbourne, where his research focuses on luteal phase support and endometriosis. He is also leading a multidisciplinary team at the University of Oxford in the design and commercialization of a new egg collection needle, which has the capability to significantly boost egg numbers at IVF. His special interests include fertility treatment for LGBTQIA+ couples, egg freezing, onco-fertility, PCOS, recurrent implantation failure, ovulation induction, age-related infertility and unexplained fertility. Hector's patients appreciate his accessibility, compassion and evidence-based approach to care. Outside of work, Hector and his husband have recently adopted their beautiful Labrador Olive, and together they enjoy discovering new (doggie-friendly) brunch spots! http://@dr.hector.georgiou The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Dr Hector Georgiou, Melbourne IVF, New laws on Surrogacy appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Macca are joined live in the studio by Nina Taylor, Labor MP, Albert Park. Bill protecting intersex children from unnecessary medical, interventions that has just been passed by the Vic lower house The Victorian Government's Bill protecting intersex children from unnecessary and irreversible medical procedures without their consent has passed in the lower house. Intersex people are born with innate variations of sex characteristics that don't fit medical norms for female or male bodies. As the intersex community has grown more visible, we have learned how common unnecessary and irreversible surgeries are to individuals, particularly those who are too young to consent. It is believed that about 1.7 per cent of the population is born with an intersex trait. There are at least 40 known intersex variations. In October 2021, the Australian Human Rights Commission urged all Australian governments to implement measures that prevent harmful medical interventions on intersex people without personal consent.   In August 2025, the Australian Medical Association passed a motion calling for a deferral of surgical interventions for intersex people until they can give consent. The Health Safeguards for People Born with Variations in Sex Characteristics Bill 2025 passed the lower house without opposition on Thursday. The Bill prohibits deferrable medical interventions until a child can decide for themselves that they want that, introducing independent oversight of proposed treatment plans. The passing of the bill reflects decades of tireless advocacy by intersex people and community organisations, building on similar protections introduced in the ACT in 2023. https://qnews.com.au/intersex-reform-for-childrens-medical-interventions-passes-vic-lower-house/ The post Sat, 14th, Feb, 2026: Nina Taylor, Labor MP, Albert Park, Intersex Medical Intervention Reform for Children Passes Vic Lower House appeared first on Saturday Magazine.