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Marieke Hardy is a writer, broadcaster and former panelist on the ABC’s First Tuesday Book Club. Marieke’s passion and enthusiasm for the books she loves is contagious. But she’s also direct and unapologetic when a book isn’t for her, so you always know that when she recommends something, it’s going to be worth your time. Her list of favourite books starts with a sprawling novel about friendship and love – and winds its way through so many other huge themes: grief, violence, war, and how the internet has ruined us. Today, Marieke Hardy with her five favourite books of 2025. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Writer and literary critic Marieke HardySee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sarah Krasnostein has had a huge year. She’s teamed up with Helen Garner and Chloe Hooper to write The Mushroom Tapes – a true-crime book about Erin Patterson’s triple murder trial that asks what our fascination with the case says about us. She’s also continued her work as a television critic, watching a hell of a lot of TV. In her list of the best TV of 2025, Sarah Krasnostein is drawn to shows that feel uncomfortably close to real life – from teenage boys pulled into the manosphere to post-apocalyptic worlds shaped by AI. And for her, even the bleakest series this year are ultimately hopeful: they’re less about what’s been destroyed than about what could be rebuilt, and the chances that still exist to step in before things go wrong. Today, she’s picked her top 5 shows for you to binge over the summer. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Author and critic, Sarah Krasnostein Photo: AppleSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the aftermath of the Bondi terror attack, the country is grieving. It's a moment that calls for unity and for leadership. But what we’ve seen is something else. Within days, political lines hardened. A former prime minister stepped in. The opposition shifted its message. And international leaders joined the chorus. With political venom so close to the surface, the moment has revealed something deeper about how crisis is now handled in Australian politics. Today, press gallery veteran Paul Bongiorno, on the gap between who we want to be – and who we are. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Press gallery veteran Paul BongiornoSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Two months ago, Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of a ceasefire plan for Gaza. But since the truce began on October 10, Gaza authorities say Israel has carried out nearly 800 attacks, killing almost 400 people – including in a recent strike targeting a senior Hamas commander. Israel, meanwhile, says militants have repeatedly violated the ceasefire, killing at least three Israeli soldiers. And as Hamas refuses to disarm, Washington seems to have gone silent. Today, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg Carlstrom, on why plans for peace have stalled – and who may end up running Gaza. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Middle East correspondent for The Economist, Gregg CarlstromSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the country tries to understand how a Hanukkah gathering in Bondi ended with 15 people dead, more details about the alleged shooters have come to light. Authorities say the attack was inspired by Islamic State. The two gunmen had recently travelled to the Philippines for military-style training. The surviving gunman, now in custody, had been known to ASIO since 2019. And yet the attack still went ahead, raising fresh questions about the limits of Australia’s counter-terrorism systems – and how hard it is to detect and stop lone-actor violence before it happens. Today, Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, Professor Greg Barton, on how a mass attack like this can still happen in Australia, even when intelligence agencies are on high alert. If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at 7ampodcast.com.au/support. Socials: Stay in touch with us on Instagram Guest: Chair in Global Islamic Politics at Deakin University, Professor Greg Barton Photo: AAP Image/Lukas CochSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.