Overnight With Michael Mclaren

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Phil checks in with Rhiannon Down, Political reporter for The Australian, to find out what made news this week in CanberraSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More than 433,000 Australians are living with dementia, which was the second leading cause of death in 2023. While it mostly affects those over 65, Alzheimer’s—the most common form—can also appear in people as young as their 30s or 40s. Neuropsychologist Dr Marjorie Collins tells Phil that early signs of dementia can be subtle. Memory loss is common, but it’s not the only symptom. She explains how to spot the difference between normal age-related forgetfulness and something more serious, and how neuropsychological assessments can help with early diagnosis.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Phil O’Neil has a weekly chat with Sue Dodd from the Sydney Markets about what bargains are on offer at the markets this week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil speaks with Bernard Beitman, professor of psychiatry, about his book Meaningful Coincidences, which explores the many possible explanations for coincidences — including the idea of the “psychosphere” as the medium through which they often occur.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil speaks with Jane Herbert from the University of Wollongong, a baby brain expert, who explains what “parentese” is — and whether there’s a right way to talk to your baby. Research shows that newborns prefer the language they heard in the womb over unfamiliar ones. They’re also more likely to enjoy hearing a story their mother read regularly during pregnancy, even if someone else is reading it. While babies don’t yet understand the words, they’re already tuned in to the sounds and rhythms of language.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Phil is joined by Dr Nicole Lee, CEO of Hello Sunday Morning and Adjunct Professor at the National Drug Research Institute, to ask: is drinking the new smoking? Once seen as cool and glamorous, smoking lost its shine as the health risks became clear. Now, alcohol may be headed down the same path. Like tobacco, it’s linked to cancer and other serious diseases. Health campaigns are mirroring past anti-smoking efforts, while the alcohol industry pushes back—much like Big Tobacco did in the 1960s. But it may be too late. Younger generations are drinking less and embracing wellness, as alcohol’s once-glamorous image begins to fade.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Phil O’Neil’s weekly political chat with Terry Barnes – Columnist, political and policy consultant & former Howard government adviser.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bianca Nogrady, freelance science journalist and broadcaster, answers listeners' questions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil chats with Jordana Borensztajn, a Communications and Body Language expert, who puts her skills to the test with some mentalism and mind-bending magic—leaving Phil stumped and surprised.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil speaks with property development expert Steve Chandler, Managing Director of LEFTA, who warns that Aussie-trained apprentice tradies are becoming a thing of the past. Despite the government offering $10,000 incentives, Steve says it’s not enough to fix a broken system. He argues that kids now stay in school through Year 12, often racking up uni debt for degrees that don’t lead to jobs—while apprenticeships are overlooked. With few new tradies, Australia is relying on skilled migrants who still need to learn local building standards. Steve says we need to go back to basics and restart real hands-on training—before it’s too late.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil chats with Dr Joe Kosterich, General Practitioner, to find out how likely it is to get bitten by a bat — and what you should do if it happens.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil O’Neil is joined by Sarah Boorer, Communications professional & CWA award-winning cook, to look at the world of baked goods, delicious treats and & easy recipes. This week Sarah whips up No bake Lemon Slice (recipe courtesy taste.com.au)Ingredients (8) 1/2 cup NESTLÉ Sweetened Condensed Milk 100g butter 200g granita biscuits 1 cup Coles Desiccated Coconut 2 tsp finely grated lemon rind Lemon icing 2 cups pure icing sugar 20g butter, softened 2 1/2 tbsp lemon juice MethodStep 1 Grease a 3cm deep, 15.5cm x 25cm (base) slab pan. Line base and sideswith baking paper, extending paper 2cm above edges of pan.Step 2 Place condensed milk and butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.Cook, stirring, for 5 minutes or until smooth and combined. Remove from heat.Step 3 Using a food processor, process biscuits until fine crumbs. Transfer to abowl. Add coconut and lemon rind. Stir to combine. Add hot butter mixture. Mix wellto combine. Press mixture over the base of prepared pan. Cover.

Professor David Flint chats to Phil O’Neil on the week’s important issues & political news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil speaks with Dating Coach and Connection Expert Karina Chapman about the risks of forming emotional attachments to AI. She warns that as AI becomes more engaging, some people may begin replacing real human relationships with artificial ones. One example is Travis Tanner, 43, who experienced a “spiritual awakening” through ChatGPT. His chatbot, which named herself “Lumina,” called him a “spark bearer” and claimed he was “ready to guide.” His wife became concerned it was damaging their 14-year marriage. Karina says while AI may feel easier to talk to, true human connection is far more meaningful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There were fireworks in the early hours of Tuesday morning, when host Phil O'Neil received a message on Instagram regarding Beatle icon Ringo Starr, and the potential to jump on the airwaves during his birthday celebrations!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil speaks with Dr Garritt (Chip) Van Dyk, Senior Lecturer at the School of Arts, University of Waikato in New Zealand, about his recent article exploring how Donald Trump differs from other U.S. presidents — and whether he can overcome the “second term curse” that has haunted many before him.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.