On War (Volume 1) by CLAUSEWITZ, Carl von

It’s starting to feel a lot like an election season. In the last month, three senior government MPs have declared they will not contest the next election. There’s rumours of more to come. But as the prime minister flew through Queensland this week, he urged political watchers not to underestimate him. Scott Morrison is determined to fight this election on the economy, arguing a Bill Shorten government would drive Australia into recession. The bottom line will certainly be top of mind for most voters, but as this stinking hot January draws to a close, another issue burns. Listen to us on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts,Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts. While you're there, check out other great podcasts from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age: Wrong Skin, Phoebe's Fall, Bold Businesses and the Real Footy Podcast.

The cliches about our identity get rolled out every Australia Day. But in recent times, what, and more importantly, who counts as Australian has been co-opted by far-right fringe groups with a view to exclusion. Undeniably, Australian pride is not as simple as many would like to think. This week on Please Explain, national editor Tory Maguire examines Australian identity in 2019 and how Australians might redefine what it means to be proud of their country. Guests:  Lisa Davies - Editor of the Sydney Morning Herald. Stan Grant - ABC's Global Affairs and Indigenous Affairs analyst. He is about to release his book Australia Day. Michelle Simmons - 2018 Australian of the Year and quantum phsyicist at the University of New South Wales. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Sydney Morning Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/  

No deal, no confidence and no plan. On March 29, Britain is scheduled to depart the European Union officially after 46 years. After this week's failed vote, and the clock ticking down to d-day, our latest episode of Please Explain looks at the best - and worst -  case scenario for the Brits, and the EU. Guests: Nick Miller: Europe correspondent, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. James Chessell: Executive Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age and former London Correspondent for the Australian Financial Review. John McDuling: business, media and technology writer for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Sydney Morning Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

Australian house prices have finally ceased their extraordinary run and started falling back down to earth. Meanwhile, having sat on its hands with interest rates at record lows for more than two years, the Reserve Bank is keeping watch for signs it can begin raising rates to normal levels. This week on Please Explain, guest host Jessica Irving assembles a crack team of economic experts to help you make sense of what’s to come for your wealth, your mortgage and your paypacket. Guests: Ross Gittins,  Economics Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald Shane Wright, senior economics writer in Parliament House, Canberra Martin North, Principal of Digital Finance Analytics Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Sydney Morning Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

It's summer - and that means some serious book time. It just so happens three of our best reporters wrote, or are writing, some great long form yarns. This episode you'll hear three interviews about three huge stories that captured the nation last year. South East Asia correspondent James Massola and fixer Veena Thoopkrajae take us behind the scenes of the incredible underground retrieval of 12 Thai boys and their coach, in the book The Great Cave Rescue.  Senior Sydney Morning Herald journalist Helen Pitt won the 2018 Walkley Book Award for her ode to the Sydney Opera House, The House, which was released just in time for the Everest racing scandal debate. And, Walkley award-winning reporter Adele Ferguson gives us a sneak peak at her forthcoming book Banking Bad: How greed and broken governance conspired to break our trust in corporate Australia.   Please Explain - from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, a weekly podcast that cuts through the noise to give you insight into the stories that drive the nation. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Sydney Morning Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

What stories defined 2018? This week, Please Explain listeners get a peek into our exclusive subscriber-only events where journalists and editors are themselves in the hotseat in front of a live audience to field all manner of questions about the state of the world, and reflect honestly on their work. Please Explain - from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, a weekly podcast that cuts through the noise to give you insight into the stories that drive the nation. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

Sued, gagged and broke: nobody does defamation quite like Australia. It has provided some of the best-read and most colourful cases in our legal history - but defamation law is so bedevilled with complexities and anachronisms that it leaves many lawyers and judges shaking their heads. In the latest episode of Please Explain, investigative journalist Kate McClymont, Larina Alick, editorial counsel for The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age,  and group executive editor James Chessell delve into the risks of publishing, including the social media dangers that most users of Facebook and Twitter are completely unaware of. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

Ever had a full-blown case of the post-holiday blues? Here's how to cope with everyday life after the best trip of your life.

Geoff Manchester and Darrell Wade were just a couple of backpackers who had a good idea, and that idea has transformed into a multi-million dollar business, Intrepid. Geoff talks to Ben Groundwater about how travel has change and how we can all continue to be good and sustainable travellers.

When it comes to Google and Facebook, you are the commodity.  That's what ACCC chair Rod Sims said of the Australian inquiry into the tech behemoths. "Their business is about gathering data about you and they do that in more ways than you think," he said.  In this episode of Please Explain our panellists national editor Tory Maguire, media and telecommunications reporter Jennifer Duke and technology reporter John McDuling discuss the broad and sweeping changes the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission recommend for the two tech giants. McDuling catches up with Sims himself and foreign and investigations editor Michael Bachelard takes time out while on assignment in Jordan to chat to Please Explain about his experiences in refugee camps near the border of Syria.  Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

From sunsets in Ha Long Bay to bustling Ho Chi Minh and cultural Hoi An, this is a travel guide for first-timers (and return travellers) to one of Asia's most loved destinations, Vietnam. Ben Groundwater, Annie Dang and Intrepid's Geoff Manchester talk sights, food, experiences and more.

As the last sitting week ends, the Liberal Party is in a "pretty volatile state".   The minority government has become more minor, it has lost control of the floor and the leadership change has bewildered foreign leaders at the G20 in Buenos Aires. But how far does it need to go to recover, and can it?  In this week's episode of Please Explain, Sydney Morning Herald and The Age's chief political correspondent David Crowe, political and international editor Peter Hartcher and Nine's political editor Chris Uhlmann join Tory Maguire to discuss what has led us to this point, and what we may see from the flailing party in the lead up to a possible May 2019 election. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

From peaks of Patagonia to the red deserts of Australia, these are the top places for an adventure in the outdoors (and you don’t need to be a nature lover to do it).

Whichever way you cut it, the Liberal Party is in serious trouble. With the Victorian Liberals banished to the political wilderness for the next four years, is the federal Liberal Party doomed to the same fate in the election next May? Is there a brand of conservatism that appeals to Victoria, NSW and Queensland all at the same time? How do they turn the ship around? Or, is it already too late? Joining host Jacqueline Maley this episode is former Liberal Party leader John Hewson, as well as our in-house politics heavy weights: Federal Editor and Canberra Bureau Chief Bevan Shields, and Associate editor and special writer based in Melbourne, Tony Wright. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

This week we take a look at must do highlights of a country that everyone seems to love - and find out why Canada is such a great destination for travellers.

The Holy City of Jerusalem seems a world away from Canberra, but for weeks now our politicians have become obsessed with the location of Australia's Embassy in Israel. Will our government follow the US in reversing decades of foreign policy and move its diplomats from Tel Aviv? Why has this come to the surface now? What is it really about? This week on Please Explain, The Herald and The Age’s Chief political correspondent  David Crowe and Nick O’Malley, senior writer and former foreign correspondent, join host Tory Maguire to unpick the motives behind a move. Vic Alhadeff, the CEO of the New South Wales Jewish Board of Deputies, and Sara Saleh, a Palestinian Australian human rights advocate and writer, also give Tory their five-minute pitches for and against such moving the embassy. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

This week we're not looking at the world, but at how the world looks at us. Sue Williams and Rob McFarland join host Ben Groundwater to discuss the things that might shock foreign visitors on their first visit to Australia.

When alleged sexual harassment victims are used for "political point scoring", the motivations of our politicians becomes questionable. Corrections Minister David Elliott's decision to air allegations against former opposition leader Luke Foley under parliamentary privilege, without the victim's consent, has led to Mr Foley's resignation, a defamation threat and a public apology. This week on Please Explain, The Age's social affairs editor Miki Perkins, Women’s Agenda contributing editor Georgina Dent and activist and campaigner Sally Rugg discuss the impact #metoo has on the powerful. Jacqueline Maley also speaks with senior crime reporter John Silvester on the devastating impact the Bourke St attack has had on Melbourne. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

We all travel for different reasons - for an adventure, to escape the daily grind, to eat the most amazing foods in the world. But does travel have the power to change who we really are? Ben Groundwater talks to Flip Byrnes and Rob McFarland.

In the wake of a near collision between US and Chinese warships in the South China Sea, defence and national security correspondent David Wroe said, in the interest of diplomacy, 'sooner or later somebody's going to have to back down'. Australia's diplomatic freeze, prompted in part by foreign interference laws introduced under Malcolm Turnbull, appear to be thawing as Marise Payne makes the first diplomatic trip by a foreign minister to Beijing in almost three years.  This week on Please Explain,  world editor Michael Bachelard and defence and national security correspondent David Wroe just how significant is this Beijing visit by our foreign minister really is. Tory also speaks to US correspondent Matthew Knott on the line from the US, where the midterms have just wrapped up. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

It’s a week of fear and loathing in United States democracy. On this episode, Tory Maguire calls up Matthew Knott in New York, and former US correspondent Nick O'Malley, to understand the ructions of America's midterm elections. And expert eye Steve Bartholomeusz reflects on the impact Trumpism and US politics are having on global markets. You can listen to all that right now, or even better, you can subscribe for free and have Please Explain arrive every week in your app of choice - Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.  Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

Some of them haunt the halls of parliament house. Quite a few of them run off to the Big Apple. You often find them lurking on twitter. They’re the ghosts of prime ministers past. From The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age - this is Please Explain - a weekly podcast where you and I get the full story on some of the most significant issues facing Australia, and a look inside the newsrooms that bring them to you. It’s a week of fear and loathing in United States democracy. On this episode, Tory Maguire calls up Matthew Knott in New York, and former US correspondent Nick O'Malley, to understand the ructions of America's midterm elections. And expert eye Steve Bartholomeusz reflects on the impact Trumpism and US politics are having on global markets. You can listen to all that right now, or even better, you can subscribe for free and have Please Explain arrive every week in your app of choice - Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.  Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

It’s the most important week of the year for the Federal Liberal Party. This Saturday the 103,000 people registered to vote in the Sydney electorate of Wentworth get to do two things - choose a replacement for Malcolm Turnbull, and decide if Scott Morrison gets to hold on to majority government or has to preside over a hung parliament. For new prime ministers by-elections are always high-stakes - but Wentworth is also high-cost. The Liberal Party is throwing everything at retaining the seat, including huge amounts of money, and even some unexpected foreign policy. It’s a week of fear and loathing in United States democracy. On this episode, Tory Maguire calls up Matthew Knott in New York, and former US correspondent Nick O'Malley, to understand the ructions of America's midterm elections. And expert eye Steve Bartholomeusz reflects on the impact Trumpism and US politics are having on global markets. You can listen to all that right now, or even better, you can subscribe for free and have Please Explain arrive every week in your app of choice - Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, or Spotify.  Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

This year Australia's people count ticked over 25 million - three decades earlier than experts planned. In this episode of Please Explain we're taking on the issue crying out to be addressed by Australians all over. From our car-clogged cities, to dusty farms, people want to know: what is the plan for our population? Host Tory Maguire is joined by Politics Editor Peter Hartcher and Chief Political Correspondent David Crowe to discuss the politics of population - in a nation buit on immigration. Producer David Estcourt looks at how overseas migration to small Australian country towns can work, and senior Herald writer and population expert Matt Wade talks us through the economics that drive where people choose to live. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

Rorts, fees for no service, charging fees from dead people, misleading regulators - and we're only half way through the commission. This week on Please Explain national editor Tory Maguire is joined by senior business journalist Adele Ferguson and senior columnist Stephen Bartholomeusz. What motivates the banks? And what contributed to such widespread misconduct? Business journalist Sarah Danckert talks us through the most dramatic moments of the commission, and NAB CEO Andrew Thorburn gives us an insight into how people inside of his bank are grappling with the revelations. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

It's a destination that divides - some vow never to go, others have been a dozen times or more. Here's what it's like to travel this Indonesian island beyond touristy Kuta.

In episode 2, Please Explain takes a look inside the tumult of our national broadcaster to ask what on earth is going on at Aunty? National editor Tory Maguire is joined by executive editor James Chessell and columnist Jacqueline Maley to get to the the heart of the matter. Plus, we hear from former host of ABC's Media Watch Jonathan Holmes on the exalted role the charter plays in the goings-on at the organisation, and entertainment reporter Broede Carmody tells us what it means for viewers and listeners of the ABC. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

There’s a misconception when it comes to gap years, and that is that you have to be young. But here’s the thing: you do not have to be young to do a year of travelling. You don’t have to be a school leaver, and you don’t have to be a uni student. You just need a desire to get away from it all.

Our first episode - “Is Democracy Dead?” - features Chief Political Correspondent of The Herald and The Age David Crowe, Nine’s Political Editor Chris Uhlmann and former Daily Telegraph editor David Penberthy. Subscribe to The Age: https://subscribe.theage.com.au/ or The Herald: https://subscribe.smh.com.au/

It's one of the finest destinations on the planet, but few Australians ever go there. Ben Groundwater and guests explain why that needs to change.

On this episode of Flight of Fancy, host Ben Groundwater is joined by fellow Traveller.com.au writers Ute Junker and David McGonigal to discuss their most memorable experiences trying to enter countries around the world.

It’s an idea that crosses everyone’s mind after a break-up – the need to escape and bury yourself in a corner of the world to find yourself again. But is travelling to heal a broken heart effective? Where should you go, what should you see and do?

From Scandinavia to Canada and Patagonia, why it’s worth ditching the swim suit for these cold climate destinations –a guide to the best thing to things to do while you’re there.

Why it’s worth visiting New Zealand - a travel guide on the best things to see and do, even if you're not an adrenaline junkie.

Bucket-list experiences, touristy attractions, call it what you may but these travel experiences, as common or as corny as they are, are worth doing.

There was no such thing as Google Maps,  iPhones  or event the Internet, but there was plenty of real adventure and unplanned fun to be had. If you didn't travel in the '80s or '90s, these are the things you missed out on.

Who you choose to travel with is one of the most important decisions any traveller makes.  But what makes someone a good or bad travel buddy? Ben and guests share anecdotes of their own choices in travel buddies, the good ones, the favourites and the ones they rather forget.  

The best dishes to eat in Italy  and where to eat them.

Not every city lives up to its bad reputation. These are the places most people won't visit, but here, you can have an experience that you'll never have anywhere else.

The tricks to travelling on the cheap: how to afford to do the things you love while also spending the bare minimum.

Fear of heights? Fear of Bollywood dancing? There are some things that are worth trying - even just once.

For travellers, beer is not just a drink. It's a culture. From Belgium to Japan, from Germany to the US, these are the countries that know what the tradition of beer really means.

From the Germans to the Japanese, these are the cultures that love taking their clothes off. Ben Groundwater and guests talk why, and share advice and tips on how to appropriately get nude without feeling awkward.

Stop crowding around the baggage carousel, put down that selfie stick - here are the travel experiences worth whinging about.

These are the destinations you should be travelling to in 2018.

Travellers will do pretty much anything to continue living the dream overseas, any job no matter how menial, or boring, or occasionally bizarre.

On this episode of Flight of Fancy, host Ben Groundwater is joined by fellow writers Ute Junker and Michael Gebicki to talk about haggling: the art of arguing over prices, of making deals, of paying the amount that you really desire.

Getting paid to travel to the most exciting and fascinating destinations is a pretty cool gig. Ben Groundwater and guests talk about how they got into the travel industry and share their tips and advice on the realities of working in travel.

Barcelona, Rome and Dubrovnik have always been a draw card for visitors, but lately it seems like it’s getting out of hand.  What makes these cities so popular? How do you cope if you visit them? What are some alternative destinations to avoid the crowds?

It's Chile, Brazil, Argentina, Peru and more. There's so much to love and so much to discover about this continent. Ben Groundwater chats to guests Greg Crater and Ute Junker about the ins and outs about travelling  South America.