London-based Australian author Jessica Stanley’s second novel, Consider Yourself Kissed, opens with all the beats of a classic romantic comedy – a meet-cute, a grand gesture, instant attraction – but what follows is a book about the next bit, the day to day reality of just living. But Jessica writes it with grace and wit and compassion, finding the romance in what comes next when two people decide to be together. In this episode of Read This, Michael sits down with Jessica for a conversation about life, love, and the importance of what’s on your bookshelf.

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Yesterday we were saying “rest in peace” to the Coalition – but today there are signs it could be reborn.

The Liberal and National parties are back at the negotiating table to see if they can repair their broken bond.

How Sussan Ley handles this moment will say a lot about the future of the Liberal Party under her leadership. It’s a choice between a strained partnership or a future free from the constraints of compromise.

Today, chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow, on why the Coalition might suddenly be reforming and whether they can ever really trust each other again.

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Guest: Chief political correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Karen Barlow.

Photo: Mick Tsikas/AAP Image

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Just a week after taking charge in the wake of the Liberals’ disastrous election result, Opposition Leader Sussan Ley now finds herself without a coalition partner.

Nationals leader David Littleproud says he walked from the agreement after the Liberals refused to lock in a list of policy commitments, while Ley accused the Nationals of holding the agreement “hostage”.

The split is a major setback for the Liberals, but it may be worse for the National Party – now relegated to a minor party on the crossbench.

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on why the Coalition broke up and what it will take to bring them back together.

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis.

Photo: AAP Image/Lukas Coch; Mick Tsikas

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Thousands of children from South Korea have been adopted by Australian families over decades.

In many cases, these children were raised to believe they were orphans – and their adoptive families believed they were doing something loving and selfless by giving them a home.

But a much more sinister truth has been laid bare: South Korea’s own Truth and Reconciliation Commission exposed how many of those adoptions were built on falsified orphan records, and traced trafficking and forged documents back to the agencies involved.

Today, associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray, on the trafficking of fake orphans, and whether Australia is finally ready to confront its role in the trade.

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Guest: Associate editor for The Saturday Paper, Martin McKenzie-Murray.

Photo: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

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Two weeks ago, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced his plans to step up his country’s attacks on Gaza, with “extensive ground operations”. Israeli officials have described the strategy as “conquering” and occupying the strip.

That plan is now underway, with ground operations in the north and in the south.

In the past week, hundreds of Palestinians have been killed, making it one of the deadliest periods in Gaza since ceasefire negotiations broke down in March.

Last week, Donald Trump visited the Middle East – but didn’t go to Israel.

Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom, on Trump’s role in the conflict – and what it would take for the war to end.

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Guest: Middle East correspondent for The Economist Gregg Carlstrom

Photo: EPA/Abir Sultan

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Larissa Waters is the new leader of the Australian Greens.

She steps in as the party reels from its election wipe-out, losing three of its four seats in the House of Representatives – including that of Adam Bandt.

Senator Waters’ task is to repair the Greens’ image: Labor has painted the party as obstructive and militant, and that perception has cost the Greens votes.

Today, national correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe, on Larissa Waters – why she won, and whether she can rebuild the Greens.

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Guest: National correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Mike Seccombe

Photo: AAP / Joel Carrett

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Josephine Rowe’s writing has been described by the New York Times as “gorgeous” and “precise”. This is particularly evident in her latest novel, Little World; a slender book that offers a deeper, denser exploration of ideas than its modest page count might suggest. This week on Read This, Michael sits down with Josephine to discuss the genesis of Little World and why a library card might be her most prized possession.

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When Labor insiders are asked who was responsible for their thumping election victory, one name keeps coming up: Paul Erickson.

Even though Erickon likes to keep a low profile, Anthony Albanese made a point of thanking him in his victory speech on election night.

So, who is Paul Erickson? And what is next for the quiet force behind Labor’s landslide win?

Today, special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis, on the electoral battles that shaped Paul Erickson and whether he has a future in parliament.

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

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Guest: Special correspondent for The Saturday Paper, Jason Koutsoukis

Photo: AAP Image / Mick Tsikas

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