Saturday Magazine

Our last guest today, John Cook, Senior Research Fellow, Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, The University of Melbourne Do Middle‑earth and Westeros make sense? Climate scientists modelled them to find out…. https://theconversation.com/do-middle-earth-and-westeros-make-sense-climate-scientists-modelled-them-to-find-out-277232 “For a world to be truly immersive and believable, readers apply what is known as the “principle of minimal departure”. This assumes anything not explicitly magical, such as a planet’s weather or gravity, must adhere to the laws of the real world. In this spirit of rigorous worldbuilding, we just published a new study where we merged the disparate disciplines of literary worldbuilding and climate modelling. We used complex computer programs – the same ones used to forecast Earth’s future warming scenarios – to simulate the climates of famous fantasy settings such as Tolkien’s Middle-earth, the continents of Westeros in the Game of Thrones, and the far-future Earth in The Wheel of Time series. We also built a model for a fictional world developed by one of us.” John Cook is a research assistant professor at the Centre for Climate Change Communication at George Mason University. He has a PhD in cognitive psychology from the University of Western Australia. He founded Skeptical Science, a website which won the 2011 Australian Museum Eureka Prize for the Advancement of Climate Change Knowledge and 2016 Friend of the Planet Award from the National Centre for Science Education. J ohn co-authored the college textbooks Climate Change: Examining the Facts with Weber State University professor Daniel Bedford. He was also a co-author of the textbook Climate Change Science: A Modern Synthesis and the book Climate Change Denial: Heads in the Sand. In 2013, he published a paper analysing the scientific consensus on climate change that has been highlighted by President Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. In 2015, he developed a Massive Open Online Course at the University of Queensland on climate science denial, that has received over 25,000 enrolments. He currently co-hosts a podcast Evidence Squared on the science of science communication The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: John Cook, Snr Research Fellow, School of Psychological Sciences, MelbUni; Do Middle‑earth and Westeros Make Sense? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Brendan Donohoe, a distinguished journalist and former 7NEWS Melbourne State Political Editor for 30 years, is a recurring moderator at the Sorrento Writers Festival. Donohoe, veteran Australian journalist who served as the State Political Editor for 7NEWS Melbourne for 30 years, from April 1990 to April 2020. Over his 42-year career in journalism, he became one of Victoria’s most respected political reporters, covering 11 Victorian Premiers from John Cain to Daniel Andrews. Donohoe is a the moderator for this seminar at the Sorrento Writer’s Festival. From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian conservative? Sean Kelly, Amy Remeikis, Don Watson with Brendan Donohoe At a time when political pundits are questioning the Liberal -National Party alliance and its capacity to win government, our panel dissects the past, present and future of conservative politics in Australia. http://From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian conservative? The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Brendan Donohoe, Fmr State Political Editor, 7 News Melbourne; From Menzies To Pauline, Turnbull To Taylor: What is an Australian Conservative? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Guy Morrow, Assoc Prof, Arts & Cultural Management, Uni of Meb, Is Spotify’s AI ‘killing’ Australian music? Guy Morrow is an Associate Professor of Arts and Cultural Management at the University of Melbourne, Australia. His research interests include artist‑centred approaches to cultural management and the impact of digitalisation, datafication and artificial intelligence on music artists within music ecosystems. His work combines academic rigour with arts sector collaboration to develop actionable insights for artists, managers and cultural organisations. He is also the current president of the International Music Business Research Association (IMBRA). Guy’s current contract research project is examining digital platform interactions to assess the performance of Australian artists on Spotify’s algorithmic playlists for the Victorian Music Development Office. One of his previous research contracts explored the shifting ground beneath music artist manager remuneration for the Association of Artist Managers in Australia while another developed an impact framework for the Science Gallery Network. Guy is also part of a project that has received AU$100,000 in proof-of-concept funding from Research, Innovation and Commercialisation at the University of Melbourne, ArtCert, which is developing an innovative response to shortcomings in current artwork authentication practices. The project aims to use blockchain and computational methods to validate the authenticity of painting collections. Guy also has a vast record of achievement in the creative and cultural industries and has worked with many of Australia’s best-known musicians within various popular music scenes through direct management, and also through music and design work. Guy was the founding co-manager of the band Boy & Bear and in this capacity received five Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Awards, as well as Gold and Platinum Awards from ARIA. https://theconversation.com/is-spotifys-ai-killing-australian-music-what-we-found-from-analysing-more-than-2-million-tracks-276984 “The objective of streaming platforms is to maximise user engagement. Spotify does this by allowing users to discover new music in various ways, including through manual search and exploration, editorial (human-made) playlists, and AI-recommended playlists. Algorithms have been criticised for amplifying the influence of superstars – and the corporate interests that support them – while also potentially narrowing listeners’ musical preferences. Spotify’s AI does have a significant influence on the listening habits of its subscribers. But is this a problem?” The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Guy Morrow, Assoc Prof, Arts & Cultural Management, Uni of Meb, Is Spotify’s AI ‘killing’ Australian Music? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John talk to Chris Doyle, Assistant Professor, Medieval History in the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Galway, about the mystery of the ‘second’ Saint Patrick. Chris Doyle is an Assistant Professor (Lecturer Above the Bar) in Medieval History in the School of History and Philosophy at the University of Galway. His interests are varied and include the cultural and social history and material culture of early medieval Ireland, Europe, North Africa and the Near East. https://theconversation.com/saint-patricks-day-and-the-mystery-of-the-second-patrick-277404 “Celebrated every year with swathes of green and pints of Guinness, Saint Patrick is the most famous of Ireland’s trio of patron saints (the others are Brigid and Colm Cille, aka Columba). Saint Patrick’s story is well known. Not just because of the annual global phenomenon his feast day has become, but also thanks to a considerable body of original written evidence. Chief among this are his personal writings – the Confession and Letter to the Soldiers of Coroticus. But there are also many others – annals, biographies, hymns, poems – written centuries after his lifetime”. “One of the earliest references to two Patricks is Saint Fiacc’s Hymn on the Life of Patrick. It was written in the 5th or 6th century but survives in an 8th-century manuscript. Fiacc, a professional royal poet turned bishop, wrote: “When Patrick departed [died], he went to visit the other Patrick and together they ascended to Jesus Son of Mary.” The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: The Mystery of the Second, St. Patrick, Chris Doyle, Asst. Prof. Medieval History, School of History and Philosophy, Uni of Galway. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena and John are joined live on air by Bill Shorten, the current Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra (UC). He assumed the role on 14 February 2025, following a 17-year career in federal politics. The Royal Commission into the Robodebt Scheme, reporting in July 2023, delivered a damning assessment of the former Coalition government’s automated debt recovery program, describing it as a “shameful,” “crude and cruel” mechanism that was neither fair nor legal. As Minister for Government Services, Shorten played a central role in driving the inquiry and pursuing accountability, labelling it a “war on the poor” and a massive failure in public administration. Bill Shorten was a leading figure in the push for the Royal Commission, promising the investigation while in opposition and subsequently managing the government’s response to the findings. In August 2023, Shorten moved a motion in the House of Representatives to accept the report’s findings, expressing deep regret and apologizing to victims and frontline Centrelink staff. Shorten accused the previous government of “gaslighting” victims and the public by defending the scheme even after its illegality became known. Shorten has consistently criticised opposition leader Peter Dutton for a “deafening” lack of remorse and for defending former colleagues involved in the scheme. Following the report, Shorten announced the government’s acceptance of all 57 recommendations, focusing on ending the use of external debt collectors and strengthening the public service. Shorten has continued to urge for the “sealed section” of the report to be unsealed to ensure transparency, arguing it is not sustainable for it to remain secret forever. Legal and Financial Fallout In 2021, the Federal Court approved a final settlement of $1.8 billion, which involved dropping debt claims and refunding unlawful debts. As of 2025, a new settlement, deemed the largest in Australian legal history at $548.5 million, is under consideration to provide further compensation, with NACC investigations into the referrals ongoing. https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-11/anti-corruption-investigation-into-robodebt-findings/106440278 The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Prof the Hon Bill Shorten, Vice -Chancellor & President Uni of Canberra, Robodebt, NACC Investigations and Findings appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

First up this week we have Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Nevena and John discuss with Peter, where Where are things heading with Iran? Are facing a 70’s style fuel crisis? And some updates from his electorate. As of March 2026, Peter Khalil, the MP for Wills and Assistant Minister for Defence, views the situation with Iran as extremely volatile, characterized by aggressive actions from the Iranian regime, including attacks on regional neighbours and the targeting of civilian. Khalil has emphasized that Iran is a “destabilising force” through its missile programs, support for proxies, and acts of intimidation. In his role as Assistant Minister for Defence, he noted that Australia has provided defensive support to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) against missile attacks, including deploying E-7A Wedgetail aircraft and air-to-air missiles. Khalil has defended Australia’s involvement in the Middle East, stating it is “purely defensive” to protect lives and not an act of aggressive war, while acknowledging the conflict is a “fluid dynamic”. Khalil has strongly condemned the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) for attempting to harm Australian citizens and engaging in acts of violence. He has supported designating the IRGC as a terrorist organisation. He has expressed solidarity with the Iranian-Australian community in Melbourne and their anxiety for families in Iran, noting his hope for a shift away from the “oppressive” Iranian regime. Regarding demands for further military involvement, Khalil has stated he is not aware of a specific request for Australian warships to assist in the Strait of Hormuz, maintaining that operational decisions are made by the National Security Committee. Khalil’s position aligns with the broader Australian government stance, which involves implementing targeted sanctions against the Iranian regime and supporting diplomatic pressure against its actions. The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Peter Khalil – MP for Wills & Asst Min. for Defence; Where are things heading with Iran? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Nevena is back in the hosting seat this week with long time friend of the show John Safran as they discuss the news, views, reviews of the week that was and what’s coming up in this week’s programme. Nevena Spirovska and Australian satirist/author John Safran are Saturday Magazine, covering news, politics, and culture. They have appeared together for weekly wrap-ups and special segments, with John providing his signature humorous commentary on social issue The post Sat, 21st March, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Nevena and John Safran appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is one of Australia’s most versatile and enduring entertainers. Todd McKenney has done just about everything in show business — from starring in some of the biggest musicals ever staged in Australia, including The Boy From Oz, Wicked, Cabaret, Cats and 42nd Street, to becoming a household name after more than two decades as a judge on Dancing With the Stars. He’s also part of Australian film history, appearing in Baz Luhrmann’s iconic Strictly Ballroom — a film that helped launch a new era of Australian cinema and went on to win multiple AFI awards and international acclaim. But Todd has a brand-new role in his life — proud dog dad. He’s recently adopted a beautiful greyhound named Fred through the Greyhound Racing Victoria adoption program. Todd joins us now to talk about Fred, greyhound adoption and why these dogs make such wonderful companions. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Todd McKenney – Entertainer, Greyhound Racing Victoria, GRV Greyhound Adoption Program appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The Oscars are just around the corner and film fans around the world are speculating about who will take home the biggest awards in Hollywood. Our own JOY film critic Glen Charlie Dunks joins us with his predictions on the eve of the Academy Awards. Glenn Charlie Dunks is an award-winning film critic from Melbourne, Australia. He is the founder and writ\er behind the reDocumented website, launched in May 2025. For ten years, Glenn has been an active part of the Australian film scene as a critic and journalist. Getting his start with the Geelong/Surf Coast-based street press Forte Magazine, he progressed to writing regularly for Trespass and Onya Magazine as well as his personal blog. In 2010, Glenn began writing film reviews and features for Australian print institution The Big Issue. In the following decade, he has contributed to world-renowned publications such as The Guardian, Vanity Fair and The Film Experience where he covers documentary film on a weekly basis. In Australia, his work has been published across outlets including Metro Magazine, ScreenHub, Flicks Australia, Junkee, SBS Film, SBS Sexuality, Broadsheet, Quickflix, Concrete Playground and the online edition of Overland Journal. He is also the regular film critic for Air Nuigini’s Paradise Magazine. His work has been republished by IndieWire’s Women and Hollywood blog and the Media, Entertainment and Arts Alliance union’s quarterly print publication The Equity Magazine. He has also been spotlighted by The Age. In 2013 he sat on the FIPRESCI Jury for the 56th San Francisco International Film Festival alongside Vincent Musetto and Mario Abbade, awarding their top prize to Sébastien Betbeder’s Nights with Théodore. In 2014, he joined the FIPRESCI Jury of the 25th Stockholm International Film Festival alongside Quirijn Foeken and Dieter Wieczorek, with the award going to Savario Costanzo’s Hungry Hearts starring Adam Driver. In 2020, Glenn joined the ‘virtual’ DOK Leipzig festival with Yun-hua Chen and Hrvoje Puksek, awarding Dario Doria’s Vincenta. Later in 2016, he was on the competition jury for the 2nd Czech & Slovak Film Festival of Australia alongside Hayley Inch and Tom Clift, awarding Marko Skop’s Eva Nova. Additionally, he has worked as a programming consultant for the San Francisco International Film Festival and the Sydney Underground Film Festival. In 2019, he moderated an industry panel Q&A at the Environmental Film Festival of Australia for the film Grit. Glenn has also been a judge on the ATOM Awards documentary selection panels across four separate years. In 2022, he became a voter for the Golden Globe Awards. In 2023, he was once again accepted as an international voter for the awards. Glenn has attended and/or covered a further variety of other festivals including Sundance, New York, Tribeca, DOC NYC, NewFest, BAMcinemaFest, Dances with Films, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne Queer, Mardi Gras Film Festival, and a variety of local cultural film events including the Russian, French and Spanish film festivals and AFI/AACTA Awards. In 2013 he also attended and covered the Twin Peaks Festival in North Bend, Washington State. As an interviewer, Glenn has spoken to some of the most accomplished and respected names in film in Australia and the world. Filmmakers and artists including Tim Burton, Amy Adams, John Waters, Margaret Cho, Guy Maddin, Isaac Julien, Neil Armfield, Rachel Perkins, Sam Neill, Jamie Babbit, Grímur Hákonarson, Stephen Dunn, Andrew Ahn, Grant Scicluna, Matt Sobel, Christoph Waltz, Krysten Ritter, Sophie Hyde, Bentley Dean, Sara Jordenö, Max Gogarty, William Fairman, Nickolas Bird, Poppy Stockell, Charlie Hill-Smith, Nick Eynaud, Lucy Fry and John Jarratt. Major Oscar Categories – Nominees Best Picture AnoraThe BrutalistA Complete UnknownConclaveDune: Part TwoEmilia PérezNickel BoysThe SubstanceWickedI’m Still Here Best Director Sean Baker – AnoraBrady Corbet – The BrutalistJames Mangold – A Complete...

Nick Sharp is a fitness expert with Strong Nation, a global fitness program that combines high-intensity interval training with music-driven workouts designed to build strength and endurance. From cold plunges and intermittent fasting to high-intensity workouts and wearable tech, the world of fitness is full of trends and fads. Nick Sharp from Strong Nation join us now to separate the facts from the hype when it comes to staying healthy and fit. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Nick Sharp Fitness Expert– Strong Nation, Fads Vs Facts in Personal Fitness appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Rachel Westaway is the Victorian Liberal candidate for Prahran and serves as the Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and Hospitality. She has been a prominent advocate for small business owners and the hospitality sector in Victoria. Rachel Westaway is the Liberal candidate for Prahran and the Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and Hospitality. She joins us live from the campaign trail ahead of the upcoming Nepean by-election as political attention turns to what the result could mean for Victorian politics. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Rachel Westaway, Lib. MP, Prahran, Shadow Assistant Minister for Small Business and Hospitality, Nepean by-election appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Chris Lewis is the founder of Lyric Finance, a Melbourne-based finance and advisory firm that works with individuals and businesses to improve financial strategy, lending structures and long-term financial resilience. With interest rates, inflation and economic uncertainty continuing to affect households and small businesses, staying financially fit has never been more important. Chris Lewis is the founder of Lyric Finance and joins us to talk about how people can manage their finances in the current economic climate. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Chris Lewis, Founder – Lyric Finance, Keeping finance-Fit In The Current Climate appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our first guest this week is Alex Makin, Mayor of the City of Port Phillip here in Melbourne. Councils across Victoria are warning that more and more responsibilities are being pushed onto local government without the funding to match — a practice known as cost-shifting. Mayor Makin joins us to explain what that means for councils and for local ratepayers. Alex Makin is the Mayor of the City of Port Phillip in Melbourne’s inner south. He has served multiple terms as a councilor and is known for advocating strongly on issues affecting local government, community infrastructure and the financial sustainability of councils. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Alex Makin, Mayor – City of Port Phillip, Cost-Shifting, from Government to Local Councils appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the news that was this week, views and reviews and what’s coming up on this week’s programme. The post Sat 14th, March, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Kenny. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Veteran Australian Journalist and Broadcaster, Neil Mitchell, best known for his dominant 34-year career at Melbourne talkback station 3AW, joins Macca, Kenny and Jack as they discuss the Kyle and Jackie-O meltdown and the subsequent fallout to the ARN and KIIS FM brand, and where media and radio are heading in 2026. The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Neil Mitchell, Veteran Australian Journalist and Broadcaster, Kyle and Jackie-O Meltdown and Where Radio is Heading in 2026 appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Arunn Jegan, Humanitarian Affairs Lead – Médecins Sans Frontières, (Doctors Without Borders); about the “Insidious Normalisation of Horror” in Gaza and Israel’s blockade of Humanitarian Aid. Arunn Jegan works with Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) as their Humanitarian Affairs Lead. He is an experienced Head of Mission and Emergency Coordinator and has worked in occupied Palestinian Territories, Yemen, Syria, Venezuela, Bangladesh. Prior to Joining MSF, he worked in Afghanistan, Sri-Lanka, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkey in senior management positions for other international NGOs over his 15-year career. While he specialises in humanitarian crisis coordination during public health emergencies, he has been exploring relational approaches to advocacy using co-design, creative practice, and community engagement through the Creative Advocacy Partnership. The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Arunn Jegan, Humanitarian Affairs Lead – Médecins Sans Frontières; the “Insidious Normalisation of Horror” in Gaza and Israel’s blockade of Humanitarian Aid appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM’s chief of staff. Bruce Wolpe is a Senior Fellow (non-resident) at the United States Studies Centre. Bruce is a regular contributor on US politics across media platforms in Australia. In recent years, Bruce has worked with the Democrats in Congress during President Barack Obama’s first term, and on the staff of Prime Minister Julia Gillard. He has also served as the former PM’s chief of staff. From 1998-2009, Bruce was a senior executive at Fairfax Media in Sydney. Bruce is author of Trump’s Australia, an examination of Donald Trump’s possible return to the presidency and the issues presented to Australia (Allen & Unwin, 2023), The Committee, a study of President Obama’s legislative agenda in Congress (University of Michigan Press, 2018, 2d Edition September 2021) and Lobbying Congress: How The System Works (Congressional Quarterly Books, 1990, 1996. In a recent article. Wolpe was quoted as saying, “Trump has a few weeks to renew voter confidence in him — and that’s amid a risk of unintended consequences like friendly fire incidents and American casualties”. “They’re going into a war in which most people don’t want,” he told SBS News from the United States. “I think there’s a burden on Trump, and he has to do a lot to get a better outcome as far as the standing with the American people.” “Trump came into office with the promise of an end to America’s cycle of forever wars. Before his election, he promised in 2024 to “turn the page forever on those foolish, stupid days of never-ending wars”. Now he’s seeking to justify a broad, open-ended war on Iran, though he initially projected the war on Iran to last four to five weeks. https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/trump-approval-iran-war/ac8wk6g8r The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Bruce Wolpe, Senior Fellow, US Study Centre, Do most Americans support the Iran action? AG Pam Bondi to testify on Epstein + Trump fires Kristy Noem appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Macca talk to Professor Peter Greste, an award-winning journalist, author and academic who spent fifteen years with the BBC before he joined Al Jazeera as East Africa correspondent. In 2013, he went to Egypt to help cover the unfolding political crisis but two weeks into the assignment, security agents raided his hotel room and arrested him and two colleagues. They were charged with terrorism offences, and in the subsequent trial they became champions of press freedom. All three were eventually convicted and sentenced to between seven and 10 years in prison, before being released under intense international pressure. Peter saw his trial and conviction as an extreme example of the way journalism was being attacked in the War on Terror globally, and wrote about his experience in The First Casualty, He joined the University of Queensland as UNESCO Chair in Journalism and Communication in 2018 where he continues to campaign for the freedom of journalists. In honour of his campaigning, Peter has been given numerous awards including a Walkely (2014); the British Royal Television Society’s Judges Award (2015); the Australian Human Rights Council Medal (2016); the RSL’s ANZAC Peace Prize (2016); and the Australian Press Council’s Press Freedom Medal (2018). The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Prof. Peter Greste, Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom; State of Press Freedoms and State of Affairs in the Middle East. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Josh Burns, ALP MP Macnamara, Federal Politics Update: Iran War, Cost of Living and Trump’s latest controversies. The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Josh Burns, ALP MP Macnamara, Federal Politics Update: Iran War, Cost of Living, and more appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca, Kenny and Jack are joined live on air by Australian Motor Sport Legend, Mick Doohan as they discuss tomorrow’s Australian Grand Prix and Mick gives us his predictions. Image courtesy of: Mercedes-Benz.com.au The post Saturday, 7th March, 2026: Mick Doohan–Melbourne Grand Prix 2026. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.