Long Distance Call

The new food trend in Australia is fasting. Eliza has returned home to find people skipping meals in an effort to reduce their overall calorie intake. Initially she was shocked, wondering how people function without breakfast? But she's also noticing that portion sizes in Australia are bigger than Indonesia and Lebanon. Geraldine is adamant that this new eating trend is helping people keep weight off. The conversation about food stretches to motherhood, to men & their battles with weight and the effort to have a healthy attitude towards food. The women also discuss the Indonesian election and some new finds on Netflix. Get in touch via the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Tiger cubs at Taronga Zoo https://taronga.org.au/media-release/2019-04-01/three-rare-tiger-cubs-debut-taronga-zoo-sydney Are we witnessing a new Arab Spring in Africa? https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/are-we-witnessing-a-new-arab-spring/11019658 Turn Up Charlie: Idris

This week's conversation takes place in Geraldine's living room. Eliza is back from Beirut with her family to help her mother-in-law Anne recover from a hip replacement. The podcast begins with a discussion about Jonathan Holmes' new essay "On Aunty" https://www.mup.com.au/books/on-aunty-paperback-softback It then shifts to a broader chat about politics and Geraldine's ongoing obsession with finding the 'sensible centre' of the community. Eliza is becoming increasingly evangelical about Australia the longer she lives overseas. The women discuss this article from the New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/08/opinion/australians-have-more-fun.html and muse about the problems facing Australia. Some of the problems being the cost of living and housing, as discussed in this new book by Peter Mares https://www.textpublishing.com.au/books/no-place-like-home-repairing-australia-s-housing-crisis Who's going to win the next election? The polls suggest it's a done deal for Labor, but the women aren't so sure.

What kind of a week are you having? Geraldine & Eliza aren't winning. There's the lost makeup bag at the movies, the missing Medicare card and the early call from the childcare centre to pick up a supposedly sick child. But both women have been keenly following the various upcoming elections around the world. Indonesia, India, Israel and Australia will go to the polls soon. There's a vague chance that there'll be another general election in Britain to deal with the Brexit crisis. Geraldine thinks Theresa May needs to field a cross-party Government of National Unity. Eliza thinks the Prime Minister is doing a poor job and must listen to the people rather than pushing on with her current position. Get in touch and tell us your thoughts at the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com -- Hotel Mumbai trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8IxhVslvro Hotel Mumbai review - The New Yorker https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2019/03/25/hotel-mumbai-and-the-problem-with-terrorism-mov

In this special 'bonus' episode of LDC, Eliza interviews her husband Adam about covering the last days of ISIS. Adam spent three weeks reporting in Eastern Syria as the American-backed Kurdish forces reduced the militant group to a shell of itself. So what goes into covering a story like this? How exciting is it to be on the frontline of history? What happens after the adrenaline runs out? And how long does it take to feel normal once you return home?

Geraldine interviewed Australia's top spy this week. Nick Warner is a veteran civil servant of over 40 years. Over that time, the threats confronting Australia have changed and become more diffuse, which makes tackling the problem even harder. Eliza is still very upset by the Christchurch massacre. It's prompted her to question whether Australia has a bigger racism problem that she thought? She also believes that comparing New Zealand to Australia doesn't necessarily help the conversation. The women also look back at Jakarta and discuss the joys of a "time affluent" life. Let us know your thoughts at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com or join the conversation at "Long Distance Callers" facebook page. Australia's top spy Nick Warner brings business in from the cold: AFR https://www.afr.com/news/policy/foreign-affairs/australias-top-spy-nick-warner-brings-business-in-from-the-cold-20181002-h163wt Building resilience post Chritchurch: ABC Saturday Extra https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/building-r

This week's episode is heavy on geo-politics. The so-called Islamic State Group is on the cusp of defeat in Syria. Eliza wonders if it's time to properly recognise it as a 'state'? After all, it had all the hallmarks of one: a functioning bureaucracy, control of civic functions like waste disposal, its own currency and the ability to launch military operations. But Geraldine still maintains that giving I-S formal statehood is giving it a power and notoriety it doesn't deserve. The women also discuss how to moderate social media in troubling times like this. And finally, the restorative power of a good hair colour and cut. Let us know your thoughts at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com or join the conversation at "Long Distance Callers" facebook page.

Geraldine is back in Beirut for her second visit to the Middle East. Eliza was meant to be in Rome to watch her Mum address a diplomatic crowd on International Womens Day. But the last gasp of the so-called Islamic State in Syria has taken Eliza's husband Adam away on assignment. This week the women discuss the importance of institutions in helping women thrive. Geraldine's also impressed by East Beirut and Eliza discusses the politics of green space in her new city. We'd love you to join the conversation at the "Long Distance Callers" Facebook page or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com. LINKS Robert Fisk on environmental destruction in Lebanon https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/lebanon-mountains-environmental-destruction-quarrying-construction-industry-beirut-why-a8388006.html Julia Banks interview https://womensagenda.com.au/latest/it-became-a-house-of-horrors-julia-banks-reveals-on-the-project-truth-about-her-exit-from-the-liberal-party/ Siobhan McKenna: The woman calling the shots at NewsCorp https://www

This week Geraldine & Eliza discuss the politics of the boardroom. The ABC boardroom. Ita Buttrose is the new chair of the ABC and Geraldine believes she'll be a good advocate for the Corporation. Eliza and her Mum discuss the relationship between the Chair and the Managing Director and why a difference of opinion can be important at the upper echelons of power. Mike Willesee, a giant of Australian life, has died. Geraldine's late husband and Eliza's step-Dad, Ian Carroll, worked closely with Mike Willesee during his career in journalism. Geraldine uses this opportunity to impart some of Willesee's wisdom. And finally, Eliza had a small parenting fail at school today. One of those moments that remind you to check the school emails in the morning. Thanks for listening! Please send us your feedback via the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" or the email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Ita Buttrose is the new Chair of the ABC Board https://www.smh.com.au/politics/federal/australians-trust-ita-scott-morrison-announc

Geraldine is in Victoria for a special interview with the indigenous opera singer Deborah Cheetham. Geraldine loved the interview and the natural beauty of the country that Ms Cheetham nominated as her 'sacred space'. The three days away in rural Victoria highlighted some uncomfortable truths for Geraldine: she was carrying bias and prejudice that she hadn't previously confronted. The podcast then moves to discussion of women move onto discussion of the Middle East and Eliza admits she needs a bit more help at home on the domestic front. Please contact us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com with any feedback or join the Facebook page at Long Distance Callers. Thanks for listening! Deborah Cheetham https://shortblackopera.org.au/about-2/deborah-cheetham-ao/ Shtisel https://www.netflix.com/lb-en/title/81004164 Australian Government hacked https://www.abc.net.au/news/2019-02-18/prime-minister-scott-morrison-cyber-attack-hackers/10821170

It’s been a bright week for journalism amidst an otherwise bleak landscape. Money is being pumped back into the industry from various philanthropic sources in Australia to support investigations and inquiry. Eliza is reading about one of the legends of the job, Seymour Hersh. He broke the story about the horrific My Lai massacre in the Vietnam War, the first of many groundbreaking investigations. It prompts Eliza and her Mum Geraldine to discuss their heroes and the future of the industry today. Please join the conversation at the Facebook page “Long Distance Callers” or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com Crikey’s new investigations team https://thenewdaily.com.au/news/national/2019/02/11/fairfax-investigative-news-website/ The Neilson Foundation https://neilsonfoundation.org.au Commentary on the Neilson Foundation https://www.theguardian.com/media/2018/nov/28/philanthropist-judith-neilson-to-fund-a-100m-institute-for-journalism-in-sydney Lowy Institute https://www.lowyinstitute.org Seymour Hersh – Killing B

Everyone's talking about the Banking Royal Commission in Australia this week. Geraldine has covered it closely. She hates the "gotcha" news cycle and feels much of the coverage has been populist and lacked context. But Eliza had a very frustrating experience with her bank recently. She understands people's frustrations and the notion that bankers have been greedy while real wages stalled. In Lebanon, there are concerns about a run on the banks because the economy is so fragile. Eliza tells her mum about the new Lebanese Government and the latest in Middle Eastern politics. And then there's the normal LDC chat about TV, movies and podcasts. Join the conversation online at the "Long Distance Calllers" Facebook page or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com. And if you're so inclined please vote for us at the Australian Podcast Awards! australianpodcastawards.com Lebanon Forms New Government - NYT https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/31/world/middleeast/lebanon-new-government-hezbollah.html The Angel - Netflix https://ww

This episode follows on from last week's conversation about Normal People by Sally Rooney. Eliza loved it! She got all the cultural references and believed that the intimate scenes told us so much about the immature young lovers. As opposed to Geraldine who thought the book was good, but certainly not great. "Normal People" and its themes of about society and class division sparked a broader conversation about childhood in the 21st century. Geraldine read a special report in the Economist about childhood (it's available on the Facebook page Long Distance Callers). That report cited evidence to show that childhood has changed radically, radically altering life as a parent too. Finally, Geraldine has a rant about the narrow use of the english language and Eliza wonders if Ottolenghi is all he's cracked up to be. Join us for more discussion online at Long Distance Callers (facebook) or email us at ldcpodcast1@gmail.com. Thanks for listening! Normal People - Sally Rooney https://www.amazon.co.uk/Normal-People-S

Geraldine has returned to work this week and everyone is talking Kondo. But neither Geraldine or Eliza are sure about this method of personal makeover. Might it add to people's sense of domestic failure? Is it a sustainable model in the busy modern world? The verdict is out. And please don't suggest throwing out books. This is a heresy to both women. Geraldine has just returned from a holiday to Tasmania where she finished the bestseller "Normal People" by Sally Rooney. People are raving about it but Geraldine thought it was a bit lazy. She wonders whether the sex was a distraction from the character development? Eliza cites the Bernhard Schlink book "The Reader" as an example where sex was crucial to the story, but didn't swamp it. Let us know your thoughts over email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com or the Facebook page "Long Distance Callers". Thankyou for listening! The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning - Margareta Magnusson https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Gentle-Art-of-Swedish-Death-Cleaning/Margaret

It's cold, it's wet, it's wintery, the schools are closed ... and Eliza is having a whinge about her new city. Geraldine is just back from a wonderful holiday in Queensland and will jet off to Tasmania in the coming week. The women also talk about the latest from Brexit and the big political shifts in the Middle East. Please log onto Long Distance Callers on Facebook for the shownotes & links which Eliza will post when the schools re-open. Thanks for listening!

Christmas is approaching! In this episode, Eliza and Geraldine discuss their "Best Of" 2018 covering books, podcasts, journalism, tv and music. Eliza is limping to the finish line with a few days remaining before she boards the flight home. Forget the challenge of moving countries, the biggest headache has been dealing with her Australian mortgage lender from afar. She's most satisfied by seeing her children making friends and happily settling in to their new city. Geraldine has successfully moved house with her sanity intact. Just. But she loves her new place and feels a great sense of satisfaction with the move behind her. Thankyou for listening and please give us your thoughts via the website longdistancecall.com.au or the Facebook call “Long Distance Callers” Rise and Kill First – Ronen Bergman A Legacy of Spies – John Le Carre Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine – Gail Honeymoon The Library of Ice by Nancy Campbell – https://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/the-arctic-and-a-poet,-s

In two weeks Eliza and her family will be boarding a plane to celebrate Christmas in Australia. So is Geraldine ready for the Silly Season? The answer is…sort of. Geraldine has had a busy month moving house. She’s planning to decorate the Christmas tree this weekend. Eliza tells her to chill and forget about the bells and whistles this year. Christmas is a different celebration in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s considered a small break, rather than the formal end of the working year. And therefore it seems less pressured than Australia. The women pivot from Christmas cheer to President George H Bush's funeral in America. His son, President George W Bush gave a terrific eulogy and Eliza believes the Trump era has prompted a re-think about the man once considered a bumbling fool. In a fortnight Eliza and her Mum will do a “Best of 2018” wrap. Please get in touch with your favourite books, tv shows and podcasts via the Facebook page (Long Distance Callers) or email ldcpodcast1@gmail.com with your list. Th

There's a bit of everything in this week's podcast. Indonesian authorities have determined that the Lion Air plane that crashed into the sea off Jakarta airport shouldn't have been allowed to fly. Geraldine and Eliza regret the horrible loss of life and discuss some of the perils of travelling in Indonesia. Back in Australia, the Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews crushed the Opposition at the weekend election. It was an emphatic victory for Labor and a vote against the Conservative's strategy. But Geraldine believes Australia is becoming more fragmented. She doesn't necessarily see the electoral trends from Victoria continuing through to the Federal Election next May. And then it's time Ferrante Fever. The Good Weekend Magazine in Australia published an article about the screen adaptation of Elena Ferrante's novel "My Brilliant Friend". There was some great feedback on the Facebook group. And it emerged that Geraldine didn't devour the trilogy as Eliza thought. Eliza and her Mum talk about women's friendships,

Geraldine was inducted into the Melbourne Press Club’s Journalism Hall of Fame last week along with other legends like Ray Martin and Andrew Olle. Geraldine reflects on the fun night and the path she’s taken to get to reach the pinnacle of the industry. Eliza consumes most of her journalism through newspapers and podcasts these days. But last week she tuned into the BBC World Service live and was reminded of the very high standard of its broadcasters. That prompts the women to get stuck down a rabbit hole about Brexit, before they come up for air and discuss Facebook and its flaws. Geraldine is still unpacking boxes and has promised to have watched some of the “The Bodyguard” on Netflix before next week’s call. To join the debate, just search for “Long Distance Callers” on your facebook page. Or drop us a line through the ‘contact’ section at longdistancecall.com.au Thanks for listening! Melbourne Press Club https://halloffame.melbournepressclub.com/article/geraldine-doogue Saturday Extra: Geraldine talks

Geraldine has spent her final night in the family home. She's feeling a bit sentimental but knows she's ready for the move. Meanwhile Eliza has finally received her shipment of furniture, almost five months after leaving her old home in Indonesia. It's such a relief. But her house is full of boxes. The discussion moves on to the US MidTerm elections, tribalism, what it takes to join the elite forces of the Australian army, ISIS and the new BBC miniseries that's gripping the world. Neil Prakash the Australian ISIS recruiter now in jail in Turkey https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-07-20/islamic-state-terrorist-neil-prakash-could-be-released-from-jail/10016444 The Bodyguard https://www.netflix.com/lb-en/title/80235864 Line of Duty https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Line_of_Duty Anne with an E https://www.netflix.com/lb-en/title/80136311 Extract from The Great Cave Rescue https://www.smh.com.au/world/asia/we-didn-t-expect-all-13-out-alive-inside-the-thai-cave-rescue-20181106-p50e84.html The Great Cave Rescue https://www

It's a special LDC this week because Geraldine and Eliza are together! Adam makes a guest appearance too. The trio eat at one of Beirut's best Italian restaurants https://www.zomato.com/beirut/tavolina-mar-mikhael and then it's onto a very cool cocktail bar. http://www.anisebar.com Check out our Facebook page "Long Distance Callers" for some pictures of Geraldine's trip.