Overnight With Michael Mclaren

Phil is joined by astrophysicist and science communicator Kirsten Banks to talk about an exciting discovery — astronomers have spotted an interstellar object speeding through our solar system.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Phil O’Neil chats with Russell Setright, Australia’s best known Naturopath & author of ‘Get Well in the Golden Years, to get the latest in health and well-being news.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Mike speaks with Senator Pauline Hanson, leader of One Nation, who accuses both major parties of ignoring young Australians struggling to buy a home. She blames record-high immigration under Labor for worsening the housing crisis, with median house prices in capital cities now over $1 million—well out of reach for average full-time workers. The Senator says both Labor and the Coalition are more focused on marginal seats than real solutions, accusing Labor of “buying votes with handouts” and the Liberals of avoiding tough issues.  She argues mass immigration is driving up housing demand, straining services, undercutting wages, and leaving Australians “at the back of the queue in their own country.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike speaks with Paul Nicolaou, Executive Director of Business Sydney, who is urging the government to engage a 'housing commissioner' to address Sydney's rising amount of homeless. With homelessness rates back to record levels amid the cost-of-living crisis, Nicolaou says it’s “disturbing” to see so many back on the streets during winter. He calls on the government and City of Sydney to work together to repurpose older buildings for crisis accommodation, warning, “If societies are judged by how they treat the vulnerable, we are clearly failing.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike chats with Dr Marny Lishman, Health & Community Psychologist, about how to stay hopeful in a world full of fear. With constant bad news, it’s easy to feel like Chicken Little, convinced the sky is falling. Our brains are wired to focus on danger—but that can leave us anxious and disconnected. Dr Lishman suggests we shift our mindset: surround ourselves with supportive people, seek out uplifting stories, and embrace “tragic optimism” — finding meaning, growth, and hope even in tough times. It’s not about fake positivity. It’s about being like Tigger: choosing light without denying the dark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike is joined by Julian Leeser MP, Shadow Attorney-General and Federal Liberal member for Berowra, to weigh in on Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s apparent effort to distance Australia from the United States in a recent Sydney speech. Mr Leeser criticises the PM for not doing enough to strengthen ties with the US, noting that months after Donald Trump’s inauguration, Albanese has yet to secure a face-to-face meeting with the president. Referencing Australia’s historic alliance with the US, Leeser warns that shifting toward a more independent stance could unsettle Washington.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Mike Jeffreys chats with Dale Sinden for the story behind today’s National Days for 7th July.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mike Jeffreys talks movies and entertainment with Alex First, editor of itellyouwhatithink.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Phil O’Neil is joined by Brendan O’Neill, journalist & Editor of Spiked / Host of the Spiked podcast & author of ‘After the Pogrom: 7 October, Israel and the Crisis of Civilisation’, to dissect the stories making headlines in the U.K. & the world over the past week.  You can keep up to date with Brendan’s most recent work by visiting the ‘Spiked’ website www.spiked-online.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Qantas appears to have learned some lessons from past crises, taking the initiative in communicating about a cyber-attack that’s impacted six million customers. The airline, on the rebound from slumping into the list of Australia’s most distrusted brands, proactively contacted customers and the media to outline the extent of the breach and the action it’s taking.  Communication and credibility expert Dr Neryl East tells Phil unlike Optus and its infamous mishandling of a 2022 data breach, Qantas communicated early, acknowledged the impact and outlined next steps. It’s a solid start from the national carrier; time will tell if its approach earns reputation brownie points from a wary public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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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 catches up with Aussie actor and singer Tom Burlinson, best known for his iconic role as Jim Craig in the 1982 classic The Man from Snowy River and for bringing Frank Sinatra to life on stage in Frank – A Life in Song. A talented performer, Burlinson has won praise for his Sinatra-style vocals and has also starred in other Aussie favourites like Phar Lap and The Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Phil speaks with Dr Joe Kosterich, a GP who says Australia’s crackdown on vaping has backfired badly. He compares it to alcohol prohibition in the 1920s, claiming the only winners are criminals. While smoking kills around 20,000 Australians a year, nicotine itself isn’t the main danger—it’s the chemicals from burning tobacco. But instead of focusing on harm reduction, he says politicians have waged war on nicotine, fuelling a black market for cigarettes and vapes and over 100 firebomb attacks. His solution? Follow New Zealand’s lead—make vaping as accessible as cigarettes to reduce both smoking rates and crime.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to the Full Show Podcast  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.