Long Distance Call

It's been an incredible week of news NOTE: We talk about rape in this episode, so skip the second half of this podcast if that's going to cause you distress. Sooo...it's been quite a week. The Attorney General Christian Porter declared that he is the sitting Cabinet minister who is the subject of historical rape allegations. And then Harry and Meghan decided to blow up the British royal family. This week, Eliza reflects on the culture at Parliament House. And Geraldine believes that the royal fairytale won't end well. Thanks for listening! Please leave us a review on iTunes or however you listen to your podcasts. Eliza will role out the podcast newsletter next week. 6 ancient female philosophers you should know about: The Conversation https://theconversation.com/wise-women-6-ancient-female-philosophers-you-should-know-about-156033 Don Russell on the governance crisis in Canberra https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/governance-crisis/13221138

What's happening in real estate as Australia emerges from the pandemic For years, LDC has tried to resist the urge of obsessing about real estate. But something strange is happening in the local economy. Auction clearance rates in some parts of Australia are their highest in years and homes are going for well over the guide price. So why now? Geraldine reveals that economists remain perplexed about what's driving this latest surge in the "bricks and mortar" sector. Also this week, the women share their dental dramas. And Geraldine declutters her kitchen. Thanks for listening! Let us know what you think of the podcast via email at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com New Amsterdam - drama series https://www.imdb.com/title/tt7817340/ And the reviews aren't great ... https://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2018/11/new-amsterdam-nbc-show-physician-distrust-bellevue/576712/ Mayflies - Andrew O'Hagan https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/Mayflies-Andrew-OHagan-9780571273690 Peter

A masterful polemic about climate change and extinction Eliza, Madeleine and Sarah discuss Richard Flanagan's The Living Sea of Waking Dreams. It's a brilliant - but bleak - tale about humanity and extinction in the modern world. It's five stars from Eliza, four stars each from Madeleine and Sarah. Please get in touch via email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com. The women will read out the correspondence at the March meeting. Next month LDC Bookclub is reading "Mayflies" by Andrew O'Hagan. Thanks for listening!

Time's up on the antics It was fun while it lasted, but it's time for Eliza and Facebook to go their seperate ways. This week, Eliza cracked it with Facebook's decision to cut its news feed and stop negotiating in good faith with the Australian government over the media content laws. But the split's been coming for a while. Eliza spends too much time on social media and wonders if that time could be better spent elsewhere. Unfortunately, that means the "Long Distance Callers" group - which was the site of rich conversation and community - will be de-activated. It will be replaced with a newsletter (or perhaps even a blog). If you'd like to receive more communication from Eliza and Geraldine, email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Also this week, Richard Flanagan's brilliant new book. The road from Obama to Trump. And Geraldine's search for forks at the ABC. America's Great Divide: From Obama to Trump - PBS https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/americas-great-divide-from-obama-to-trump/ The

The corporate cleanup is underway at Crown Resorts Back in 2012, Eliza was covering NSW politics for ABC News. At the same time, James Packer approached NSW Premier Barry O'Farrell with a proposal to build a casino, luxury hotel and entertainment complex at Barangaroo. The Labor Opposition supported the project which created loads of jobs and Sydney's second casino became a fait accompli. Almost a decade later, the casino has been build, but Crown Resorts has been deemed unsuitable to operate it because of poor corporate governance and the company's links to organised crime. It's a huge corporate scandal. Also this week, Geraldine falls in love with Sicily. And Eliza starts Season 3 of the French drama "The Bureau". Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" and email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com AFR: Crown report exposes "power of money" https://www.afr.com/companies/games-and-wagering/crown-report-exposes-power-of-money-and-lobbying-20210210

A military coup in Myanmar The Myanmar military has staged a coup d'etat and detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi. It’s the latest in a long list of fascinating (and dangerous) twists in Suu Kyi’s life. Eliza took a keen interest in the Myanmar leader when she took the stand at the International Court of Justice to defend her country in the Rohingya genocide case. Many found it difficult to understand how a woman who was viewed as a humanitarian icon could defend the military, rather than the oppressed Muslim minority. Now, the military is back in charge, Eliza wonders if Suu Kyi has any friends left with whom she can call in a favour? Also this week, Geraldine discusses her return to the office. And the joys of the Kindle. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com What happened to Aung San Suu Kyi? Ben Rhodes https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/09/what-happened-to-aung-san-suu-kyi/594781/ On Cha

A fast-paced British thriller LDC Bookclub is back for 2021! Eliza is joined in conversation with fellow journalists Sarah Gerathy and Madeleine Genner. January's book is 'Three Hours' by Rosamund Lupton. It's a gripping, suspenseful thriller set in snowy country Somerset, England. A progressive, liberal school is under siege by a shooter. The headmaster has been shot. Authorities realise they've got three hours to work out the shooters' identity and save the kids. Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Thanks for listening! Here's a review: https://www.theguardian.com/books/2020/jan/08/three-hours-rosamund-lupton-review

We're back for another year Eliza and Geraldine are back for their fourth year of conversation, analysis and the (odd) disagreement! Over the summer, Eliza's been working hard and Geraldine has been enjoying a well deserved holiday. The United States withstood an armed insurrection to ensure the transfer of power to President Biden. Eliza and Geraldine have watched the Crown. And they're pondering power shifts in the digital world against Google in America and Australia. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com

Thrills and spills of a memorable year It's almost Christmas! COVID-19 remains a great challenge. But despite all the tests of this year, Eliza and Geraldine both feel there's lots to celebrate. Here's their pick of 2020: Olive, Again – Elizabeth Strout https://www.penguin.com.au/books/olive-again-9780241985540 Rodham – Curtis Sittenfeld https://www.penguin.com.au/books/rodham-9780857526137 A Promised Land – Barack Obama https://www.penguin.com.au/books/a-promised-land-9780241491515 The Designated Mourner – Fintan O’Toole on Joe Biden https://www.nybooks.com/articles/2020/01/16/joe-biden-designated-mourner/ Catch & Kill – Ronan Farrow https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-catch-and-kill-podcast-with-ronan-farrow/id1487730212 Intrigue, Mayday – BBC Radio 4. https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m000p6fd *Derry Girls https://www.netflix.com/au/title/80238565 *The Bureau https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/program/the-bureau The Circus https://www.stan.com.au/watch/the-circus There are m

Christmas is almost here It's the busy lead up to Christmas - so much so that Eliza has run out of time for the podcast show notes. Enjoy this episode and join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Thanks for listening!

The race to get things done before the 25th Eliza and Geraldine catch up at the tail end of a busy week. Eliza is feeling overwhelmed by housework and not ashamed to admit that she's putting TV before tidying up. Geraldine believes that 'putting your feet up' is the best way to maintain physical and mental wellbeing. Geraldine's been working hard too. She filled in on ABC RN Breakfast on Friday and had the pleasure of catching up with Andrew Potter, the man behind "Olive and Mabel" fame. Also this week, Eliza invests in a new computer. And Geraldine reveals the new thinking behind treating grazes. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Geraldine interviews Andrew Potter - ABC RN Breakfast https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/how-the-pandemic-made-two-labradors-global-stars/12949742 A Promised Land - Barack Obama https://www.penguin.com.au/books/a-promised-land-9780241491515 A Lonely Gir

A compelling insight into British history Season 4 of "The Crown" has been met with mixed reviews. But Geraldine is gripped, and so is Eliza, despite only being one episode in. Geraldine met Charles and Diana on their trip to Australia in the 80s. She found the prince intelligent and charming, while Diana was painfully shy and very beautiful. Also this week, Geraldine reflects on her interview with conservative British MP Rory Stewart. And the cliches and overused phrases that the women despise. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com The Crown podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-crown-the-official-podcast/id1485757121 A Lonely Girl is a Dangerous Thing - Jessie Tu https://www.allenandunwin.com/browse/books/fiction/A-Lonely-Girl-is-a-Dangerous-Thing-Jessie-Tu-9781760877194 Lord of Misrule - Rory Stewart reviews Tom Bower's book about Boris Johnson https://www.the-tls.co.uk/articles/boris-jo

Shifting focus away from America President-elect Joe Biden gives his first press conference and the world (well, outside America) breathes a collective sigh of relief. Eliza remembers the time before Trump when Rudy Guiliani and Mike Pompeo were respected public figures. Geraldine is shifting her focus from America to the UK, where conservative advisor Dominic Cummings has been banished from Downing Street. Also this week, Eliza shares her gripes about podcast conventions. Australia prepares for the public release of the war crimes report. The new season of The Crown has landed but neither Eliza nor Geraldine has watched (yet). And the 2020 social media phenomenon - Olive & Mabel - are published in time for Christmas. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com A Suitable Boy - Netflix https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81308413 The New Yorker Radio Hour https://www.newyorker.com/podcast/the-new-yorker-rad

Post-game debrief A post-election debrief with special analysis from Dr Darren Lim, senior lecturer in international relations at the ANU in Canberra.

Looking back at Trump; Biden to win In this special episode Geraldine and Eliza look back at the Trump era and discuss how it's changed America. In the Financial Times newspaper, the venerable commentator Martin Wolf articulates why this election matters to those outside the United States: America is the repository of western values. Thus democracy must thrive in the US in order for it to shine globally. Tune in for some commentary and analysis about foreign policy and about the power of money and greed to influence political parties. And...the final tips and predictions. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com US global role at stake in this election – Martin Wolf – Financial Times https://www.ft.com/content/61e731be-dc67-476a-bdd8-eab4e4d34007 The US electoral system is a shambles. They could learn a lot from Australia – Bob Carr – The Guardian https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/oct

Eliza returns to the ABC after five years overseas Eliza's first week back has been an exciting blur of catching up with old friends and learning the latest software. The prospect of navigating new technology makes Geraldine wince. Just this week she missed an update on her phone, which threw out her digital calendar and disrupted her day. In the meantime, she’s caught up with the brilliant Aaron Sorkin drama “The Trial of the Chicago 7”, while Eliza's watching Russell Crowe’s charisma and menace in “The Loudest Voice.” Also this week, how Syria’s disinformation wars destroyed the founder of an important humanitarian group called the White Helmets. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page Long Distance Callers or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com The Trial of the Chicago 7 - Netflix https://www.netflix.com/au/title/81043755 The Loudest Voice - Stan https://www.stan.com.au/watch/the-loudest-voice Bombshell - movie https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6394270/ How Syria’s disi

Eliza's shipment of furniture finally arrives from Beirut Eliza and her family have finally received their belongings, seven months after leaving Lebanon. She's most excited about a new metal artwork that depicts the gracious old homes and streetscape of Beirut. Amidst the boxes Eliza finds other reminders of her five years away: from Indonesia there's the electric mozzie bat and a guide about navigating culture shock. Also this week, Eliza and her Mum discuss the challenge of completing tasks before starting new ones. And what makes a good university education? Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page Long Distance Callers or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Links How to Think Like Shakespeare – Lessons from a Renaissance Education - Scott Nuwstok https://www.amazon.com.au/How-Think-like-Shakespeare-Renaissance/dp/0691177082

This week, Eliza and Geraldine discuss a perennial question which stirs up so much emotion: How do working women divide their time? Eliza wants the conversation around motherhood and its challenges to be sprinkled with more positivity, so as no... This week, Eliza and Geraldine discuss a perennial question which stirs up so much emotion: How do working women divide their time? Eliza wants the conversation around motherhood and its challenges to be sprinkled with more positivity, so as not to frighten young people to aspire to a family and a professional career. Geraldine's challenge this week is trying to not commit to too many projects. Also this week, the philosopher Martin Buber. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Martin Buber “I and Thou” 1983 https://www.amazon.com.au/I-Thou-Martin-Buber/dp/1578989973 Women in the Workplace - McKinsey Consulting https://www.mckinsey.com/featured-insights/diversity-and-

Two months ago a massive explosion tore through Beirut and wrecked Eliza's old home. On Monday 5th October, Adam's documentary on the blast went to air on the ABC's *4 Corners* program. Eliza watched the program and cried for everyone affected... Two months ago a massive explosion tore through Beirut and wrecked Eliza's old home. On Monday 5th October, Adam's documentary on the blast went to air on the ABC's 4 Corners program. Eliza watched the program and cried for everyone affected by the catastrophe. It's so hard to make sense of the ineptitude and corruption that lead to this point. Also this week, Geraldine reviews the latest non-fiction book by Australian writer Alex Miller. And Eliza buys Trent Dalton's new novel. Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Shock Wave – ABC 4 Corners (Youtube) https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLDTPrMoGHssDTF6wySxfL89TPt5LRezhz Max – Alex Miller https://www.allenandunwi

Geraldine's good friend and trailblazing feminist Susan Ryan died suddenly over the weekend. She was 77. Susan Ryan was the first Labor woman to sit at the Cabinet table in Bob Hawke's Government. The former ACT Senator was responsible for intr... Geraldine's good friend and trailblazing feminist Susan Ryan died suddenly over the weekend. She was 77. Susan Ryan was the first Labor woman to sit at the Cabinet table in Bob Hawke's Government. The former ACT Senator was responsible for introducing the Sex Discrimination Act in 1984. But Geraldine reveals that her friend was most proud of raising the volume of high school students who went on to finish Year 12. It's a short episode this week because Geraldine had to rush back into the ABC to appear on "The Drum". Thanks for listening! Join the conversation at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Geraldine interviews Paul Keating on RN Breakfast about Susan Ryan's death https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/pro