Saturday Magazine

Dr Brad Tucker is an internationally recognised astrophysicist and cosmologist at the Australian National University (ANU). Based at the Mt. Stromlo Observatory, he is a leading Australian authority on space, frequently providing expert commentary for major media outlets on topics ranging from supernova explosions to the Artemis Moon missions. Brad is leading programs using NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope and TESS to understand why and how stars blow up. He’s also building a network of ultraviolet telescopes in the upper atmosphere, and is involved in a search to find Planet 9, as well as issues surrounding the mining of asteroids. Brad frequently gives talks to school groups and the public about astronomy and has regular segments on various radio and TV stations. He has also developed a series of Astronomy coins with the Royal Australian Mint, consulted on science fiction movies, and has been featured in TV specials. He is currently in the process of writing his first popular book and developing an online astronomy course. Brad’s areas of interest include asteroids, comets, black holes, meteor, space junk, supernova, and big bangs. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Dr Brad Tucker, Astrophysicist & Cosmologist, ANU, Artemis II-What it means for Space Exploration? appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our second-last guest this week is Award-winning musical comedian Gillian Cosgriff, joining Macca and Paul live on air to talk about her current show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Gillian Cosgriff’s here to talk about life. Not just her life. Not just your life. Life as a concept. And time. As a concept. We’re living in an age of relentless productivity, where every second should be optimised. We’re also outsourcing our questions to technology more than ever. But you know who has lived experience of being alive? Other people! With original songs, existential questions and the kind of clever, lyrical joy only Gillian can deliver, Life, Oh Life is musical comedy for anyone who’s interested in life advice from people who have actually lived. https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/life-oh-life/ The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Gillian Cosgriff, Comedian and former winner of Most Outstanding Show at the MICF, ‘Life, Oh Life’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest on the line is Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute, as she discusses with Macca and Paul about the Sorrento Writer’s Festival and the panel she is on with Paul Kelly and Niki Savva with Natasha Mitchell, as they discuss ‘Dear Prime Minister, ‘Where are all the big ideas?’ Amy Remeikis is the Chief Political Analyst at The Australia Institute and a contributing editor for The New Daily. Amy is renowned for her incisive political commentary and extensive experience as a journalist, author and former political reporter for Guardian Australia. Amy regularly appears in national media and is celebrated for her powerful writing on gender, politics and social justice. Her work continues to influence public debate and policy discussions across Australia. She is the author of On Reckoning. Where It All Went Wrong is her second book. To secure tickets: http://Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute, Dear Prime Minister: Where are all the BIG ideas? Sorrento Writers Festival The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Amy Remeikis, Chief Political Analyst, The Australia Institute, Dear Prime Minister: Where are all the BIG ideas? Sorrento Writers Festival appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest to join Macca and Paul on air, is Laura Koefoed, Senior Journalist with QNews; as they discuss Meta deleting the accounts of marginalized groups, including BIPOC, Sex Workers and LGBTQIA+ performers. Laura Koefoed is a Senior Journalist based in Sydney, covering a range of topics and issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. She is passionate about writing on politics, social justice, current affairs, and entertainment, particularly where they intersect with queer culture, feminism, gender diversity, and tackling systemic oppression. “In January, QNews reported on a wave of Meta account removals targeting LGBTQIA+ performers, BIPOC creators, sex workers, and pole dancing communities — all falsely accused of “human exploitation” or “human trafficking.” At the time, those impacted described the experience as shocking, isolating, and inexplicable. This has been happening to BIPOC creators, sex workers, sexual health organisations, and queer folk for years. And, it’s only getting worse. More and more bans Since that initial reporting, more accounts have been removed, restricted, or permanently disabled — similarly, without warning, explanation, or any avenue for appeal. Sydney-based performer Basjia, who previously lost her main account and her platform The Pyramid, has since faced further account suspensions across multiple professional profiles. Queer artists, nightlife promoters and dancers continue to come forward to QNews, or share their stories online. “I and many other pole dancers, queer artists, and nightlife promoters have experienced the hardship that Meta has been causing,” performer Cleo Rapture told QNews”. https://qnews.com.au/metas-censorship-of-marginalised-communities-is-finally-getting-noticed/ The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Laura Koefoed, Senior Journalist with QNews, ‘Meta’s Censorship of Marginalized Groups’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is a regular contributor and guest on Saturday Magazine, Bruce Wolpe, Snr Fellow, US Studies Centre. Misha also remained in the studio to discuss issues in the US with Bruce. 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). The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Bruce Wolpe, Snr Fellow, US Studies Centre, Latest from Washington, Is Trump in Trouble? Melania’s Press Conference. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our first guest for the week is long time friend of the show, Misha Ketchell, Editor of the Conversation. Misha joined Macca and Paul live in the studio. Misha and the team discuss reaction to the recently announced gambling reforms; are we at risk of recession?; Ben Roberts-Smith behind bars Misha is the Editor of The Conversation Australia and New Zealand. He has been an editor and journalist for more than 25 years. He was the founding editor of The Big Issue Australia and editor of Crikey, The Reader and The Melbourne Weekly. He was also a reporter and feature writer at The Age and also worked at the ABC where he was a TV producer on Media Watch and The 7:30 Report and an editor on The Drum. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Misha Ketchell, Editor, The Conversation, Gambling Reforms; Ben Roberts-Smith; Behind Bars appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Paul Horwell are in the hosting seats this week as they discuss the week that was in the news, views and reviews. Paul gives an update on what’s happening at the Victorian Pride Centre. The post Sat, 11th April, 2026: Weekly Wrap Up with Macca and Paul Horwell. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Iain Sinclair, about his new production ‘West Gate’ (from MTC). Award-winning director Iain Sinclair (A View from the Bridge) returns to Melbourne Theatre Company to helm this haunting and compassionate new work by Dennis McIntosh – a powerful retelling of a defining moment in Australian history. Screen veterans Steve Bastoni (Police Rescue, The Matrix Reloaded) and Daniela Farinacci (Lantana), as well as Darcy Kent (New Gold Mountain) and Rohan Nichol (Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith) lead a powerhouse cast in this searing retelling of a foundational Melbourne story. On 15 October 1970, dozens of workers were mid-construction on Melbourne’s West Gate Bridge when it collapsed in what is still Australia’s deadliest industrial accident. Thirty-five men were killed as countless more workers and families were left forever changed. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026; Iain Sinclair Director, West Gate (Melbourne Theatre Company) appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Virginia Haussegger AM is a passionate women’s advocate, and communication specialist with unique expertise in leading powerful conversations. She is also an award-winning television journalist, writer and commentator, whose extensive media career spans 30 years. Virginia will be one of the guest panelists at the Sorrento Writers Festival session: The Revolution Continues: Still fighting for rights in Australia Virginia has reported from around the globe, including Washington, New York and the Middle East, for leading current affair programs on Channel 9, the Seven Network and the ABC. She has anchored primetime national news programs and presented as state host in five capital cities, including 15 years as nightly anchor of the ABC’s flagship TV News in Canberra. Virginia has been widely published across Australian media including The Canberra Times; the Sydney Morning Herald; The Age; The Guardian; Australian Foreign Affairs; HQ Magazine; The Museum. She is Deputy Chair of the media think-tank PIJI, the Public Interest Journalism Initiative. A highly sought-after Speaker, Virginia hosts BroadTalk, a podcast about Women, Power and the Wayward World, in which prominent women speak intimately about the events that have shaped and influenced their leadership. https://sorrentowritersfestival.com.au/artfuel/program/666/show/the-revolution-continues-still-fighting-for-rights-in-australia The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Virginia Haussegger, Journalist, Author, Speaker, ‘The Revolution Continues’ appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny talk to Corrie Perkin, Founder and Director of the Sorrento Writers Festival, about this year’s festival programme. Corrie Perkin is the Founder and Director of the Sorrento Writers Festival a major literary event launched in 2023 in Victoria, Australia. An acclaimed journalist, former bookshop owner, and podcaster, she created the festival to connect readers and writers on the Mornington Peninsula. http://Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Corrie Perkin, Founder, Sorrento Writers Festival; April 23-26, 2026. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Corrie Perkin, Founder, Sorrento Writers Festival; April 23-26, 2026. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Our next guest is Dr. Kirsten Abernethy, Macca and Kenny discuss the funding failures across the political spectrum for domestic violence support. “National Legal Aid is deeply concerned about potential cuts to legal assistance for victim-survivors of domestic and family violence in the upcoming Federal Budget, after reports in The Sydney Morning Herald”, March 26 2026 https://nationallegalaid.org.au/news/budget-cuts-to-legal-assistance-will-put-women-and-children-at-risk-warns-national-legal-aid Dr. Kirsten Abernethy is a social scientist, researcher and educator with over 20 years’ experience working with coastal and seafaring communities across Australia, the UK, and the Pacific. Her work is grounded in feminist values, and her research and advocacy has been centred upon worker’s rights, looking deeply at the experiences of women, a demographic often underrepresented. Kirsten has led major research and sector-wide programs focused on women’s leadership, workplace inclusion and systemic reform. In 2017, she won the VIC AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award. In 2025 was appointed Executive Director of the Victorian Women’s Trust. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Dr. Kirsten Abernethy, Executive Director, Victorian Women’s Trust, Budget Cuts to Legal Aid for Domestic Violence Victims. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Next, Kenny and Macca have an extended chat with Georgie Purcell, while live on air, on the phone is Laurie Levy. Laurie Levy is a prominent Australian environmental activist and the founder and Campaign Director of the Coalition Against Duck Shooting, (CADS). For 40 years, as of March 2026, he has led a persistent campaign to end recreational duck hunting in Victoria. Despite his age (83 as of late 2024), Levy remains active in the field. In October 2024, he successfully defended himself in court after being fined for entering wetlands during the hunting season to rescue birds; the Magistrate rescinded the fine, acknowledging his commitment to animal welfare. Levy has consistently pressured the Victorian government, most recently criticising Premier Jacinta Allan for ignoring a parliamentary inquiry’s recommendation to ban the practice. Levy’s long-term campaigning has been a major factor in the decline of recreational duck hunting in Victoria. Since he began his work in 1986, the number of active duck shooters in the state has reportedly dropped from approximately 100,000 to around 20,000. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Georgie Purcell, and Laurie Levy Environmental Activist, Anti-Duck Shooting Campaigner appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca and Kenny are joined live in the studio by, Georgie Purcell is a Member for Northern Victoria with the Animal Justice Party and a leading advocate on animal welfare and regional issues. “Free public transport sounds like a great idea in inner Melbourne — but does it actually help people in regional Victoria where driving is essential?” “Policies that work in Richmond don’t always work in regional Victoria.” Some of the discussion topics for this week’s segment with Georgie Purcell include: The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Georgie Purcell Member for Northern Victoria, Animal Justice Party appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

The first guest today was Josh Burns, Federal ALP Member for McNamara he joined Macca, Kenny and John live in the studio with his new baby Lilah to discuss the current cost of living crisis and oil supplies. Josh Burns is the federal member for Macnamara here in Melbourne and a prominent voice on foreign policy and national security. The post Easter Saturday, April 4th, 2026, Josh Burns, MP Federal Member for Macnamara, Australian Labor Party, Cost of Living Crisis, Oil Supplies appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Macca’s back in the hosting chair this week Kenny’s in the co-hosting seat today. John’s behind the desk and we would like to welcome to the Sat Mag team, Agnes as production assist and helping with social media and photos etc. James the podcaster is doing his usual job. Macca and Kenny highlight what’s happening in this week’s show The post Sat, April 4th, 2026 Easter Saturday, Weekly Wrap Up, with Macca and Kenny. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Tom talk to Tim Wilson, member for Goldstein, is an Australian Liberal Party politician currently serving as the Shadow Treasurer and the Federal Member for Goldstein in Victoria. Re-elected to the seat of Goldstein in the May 2025 federal election, defeating independent Zoe Daniel by a narrow margin of 175 votes after a recount. Shadow Treasurer Re-elected to the seat of Goldstein in the May 2025 federal election, defeating independent Zoe Daniel by a narrow margin of 175 votes after a recount. Appointed to this senior opposition role in early 2026. He previously served as the Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Employment, and Small Business from May 2025. His current focus includes economic reform, pushing for fuel tax cuts to address cost-of-living pressures, and advocating for home ownership through the use of superannuation. The post Sat, 28th March, 2026: Tim Wilson, Liberal MP for Goldstein & Shadow Treasurer, Federal Politics Update appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Broden Kelly joins Kenny and Tom as they discuss his new show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Most Upsetting Guessing Game LIVE! returns to Melbourne International Comedy Festival in 2026! Join members of comedy group Aunty Donna (Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun – Netflix, Aunty Donna’s Coffee Café – ABC) and their favourite comedians from this year’s Festival for an hour of chaotically cooked improv. It’s had over two million views on YouTube, but exactly what is the Most Upsetting Guessing Game in the World? Think a Whose Line is it Anyway? and Thank God You’re Here hybrid – with the power to end friendships and get a TV network cancelled. Aunty Donna is an Australian surrealist comedy group formed in Melbourne in 2011. The group currently consists of performers and writers Mark Bonanno, Broden Kelly and Zachary Ruane, alongside writer and director Sam Lingham, director Max Miller and composer Thomas Zahariou (né Armstrong). Their work spans numerous live shows, a YouTube channel, podcasts, a studio album, the Netflix produced Aunty Donna’s Big Ol’ House of Fun, the ABC produced series Aunty Donna’s Coffee Cafe and a picture book. The group also founded Haven’t You Done Well Productions together in 2018, through which they produce their own work as well as others. They have frequently collaborated with other comedians, including Michelle Brasier, Mish Wittrup, and Demi Lardner. Grouse House is a YouTube channel operated by Haven’t You Done Well Productions, intended to support up-and-coming comedians by hosting their absurdist, experimental comedy on the platform. Grouse House has produced several comedy webseries which are hosted on the YouTube channel Grouse House, including Hug The Sun (2021) directed by Aaron McCann and featuring Ben Russell and Xavier Michelides,[50] Hot Department: Dark Web (2022) featuring comedy duo Hot Department,[48] and Finding Yeezus (2022), a six-part documentary web series that revealed the identity of the creator of the 2013 video game Kanye Quest 3030 starring Cameron James and Alexei Toliopoulos and directed by Max Miller.[51][52][53] The five-part comedy Descent (2024), set on a submarine and featuring comedians Millie Holten, Madi Savage, and Ella Lawry, was also released on the channel,[54] as well as nostalgic TV parody series Gocsy’s Classics featuring Aaron Gocs. The Most Upsetting Guessing Game in the World (MUGG) is another of its outputs, featuring guests such as Daniel Sloss and Nick Cody. In 2025, Grouse House released So You Wanna Win a P*nis Pump? (SYWWAPP), a four-episode quiz show described as a mix between Taskmaster and Game Changer, hosted by Demi Lardner and featuring guests such as Paul F. Tompkins, Tom Cardy and Becky Lucas. Grouse House has released six different pilot episodes by comedian Greg Larsen. In August 2025, it was announced that a subscription service based on and named after Grouse House was to be trialled over the subsequent months and fully launched in early 2026. It would be similar in form to that of Dropout, a US streaming service derived from comedy company CollegeHumor. While the content already on the Grouse House channel is to remain available for free on YouTube, new content will only be available through this service.[49] Presently, Naimo has stated Grouse House’s focus on small-budget shiny-floor productions such as gameshows, improv and interview shows. Much of Aunty Donna’s proceeds from its Drem world tour are expected to go toward Grouse House. The post Sat. 28th, March, 2026: Broden Kelly, Aunty Donna and Grouse House: Most Upsetting Guessing Game LIVE! returns to Melbourne International Comedy Festival appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Tom talk to Chad Hughes, new CEO of Thorne Harbour Health. On January 2026, Thorne Harbour Health announced the appointment of Chad Hughes as its next Chief Executive Officer. With more than 25 years’ experience in global and community health, Chad Hughes has worked internationally to deliver public health programs focused on HIV, drug and alcohol harm reduction, and LGBTIQA+ health. He has served on numerous boards and advisory committees, including Thorne Harbour Health’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2020. “Thorne Harbour Health has an incredible history of leading the community response to HIV and expanding that legacy to meet the broader and evolving health needs of our communities. It is truly an honour to step into the role of CEO. I look forward to working alongside our communities, partners, and staff to advance the health and wellbeing of LGBTIQA+ people and people living with HIV”. Chad Hughes https://thorneharbour.org/sexual-health/ The post Sat, 26th March, 2026: Chad Hughes, New CEO, Thorne Harbour Health. CEO Updates appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Kenny and Tom talk to Tarsh Jago about Cherub, her show at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Cherub is the debut solo stand-up show from Palawa comedian Tarsh Jago. Inspired by a tweet that read, “You don’t look Aboriginal, you look like the cherub from the Pears soap”, this hour blends razor-sharp comedy with heartfelt storytelling about race, queerness and identity. Tarsh takes audiences on a hilarious and confronting journey through the contradictions of being Blak and queer, with punchlines that sparkle and stories that linger. Bold, cheeky and deeply personal https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/cherub/ The post Sat, March, 2026: Tarsh Jago Cherub, Melb. International Comedy Festival. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.

Tom and Kenny talk to Melbourne Comedian Alex Ward. Alex Ward is a comedian, writer, and presenter, best known for her whip-smart punchlines and regular appearances on Network Ten’s Have You Been Paying Attention? As a QLD’er living in Melbourne, Alex is always cold, which makes the warmth she brings to the stage all the more impressive. Alex is known for her personal, engaging and punch-line heavy comedy. Alex has appeared on Have You Been Paying Attention?, The Project, Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala, Upfront, ABC Comedy’s Up-late, Audible’s 2019 live stand-up series, Tonightly with Tom Ballard, Triple J’s Good Az Friday, and performed at Splendour In The Grass. Alex has written for various TV shows including The Project, Guy Montgomery’s Guy Mont-Spelling Bee, Monday’s Experts and more. https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/browse-shows/literally-anyone/?return=%2Fbrowse-shows%2F%3Fpage%3D2 The post Sat, March, 2026: Alex Ward, Comedian, Literally Anyone; Melbourne International Comedy Festival. appeared first on Saturday Magazine.