7am

Directly after Donald Trump intervened in Venezuela, capturing president Nicolas Maduro and laying claim to the country’s oil industry, the US President set his sights on Greenland. Trump claims America “needs” Greenland for national security, and has asked his military chiefs to draw up plans to invade if neccessary. Meanwhile, a meeting between US Vice-President JD Vance, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Danish Foreign Minister Lars Rasmussen and Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt ended in a stalemate – with Trump doubling down, and Denmark asking for European back-up. Today, defence editor at The Economist Shashank Joshi, on the real reason Trump wants Greenland, and how his plan could change the world. 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: Defence editor at The Economist Shashank Joshi Photo: EPA/THOMAS TRAASDAHL DENMARKSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Is the world about to see the United States intervene in another country – this time, Iran? Since late December, Iran has been rocked by mass protests, and the government has responded with force. The internet has been cut for days at a time, making it difficult to verify what’s happening on the ground. Reports suggest a death toll in the thousands, with even larger numbers of protesters detained. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has been publicly encouraging protesters and declaring that “help is on the way”. Today, Iranian-born analyst and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Trita Parsi, on a regime fighting for survival – and on what Trump’s threats could mean for the entire Middle East. 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: Iranian-born analyst and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, Trita Parsi. Photo: AP Photo/Kin CheungSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adelaide Writers’ Week has been cancelled after the removal of Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah sparked a mass boycott of the event by more than 100 writers who were programmed to attend, as well as the resignation of the festival’s director. In a statement on Tuesday, Adelaide Festival apologised to Abdel-Fattah, but rather than reinstating her, they announced that Australia’s premier free literary event would not go ahead – and almost all remaining board members would stand down. The board described the cancellation as a “deeply regrettable outcome”. Today, InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak on questions of political influence – and what the cancellation means for the future of the arts. 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: InDaily journalist Helen Karakulak Background reading: https://www.thenewdaily.com.au/life/entertainment/books/2026/01/13/adelaide-writers-week-cancelled Photo: PR ImageSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ten days out from the American capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, the country faces an uncertain future. Pro-regime gangs with guns are roaming the streets, citizens are deleting their messages and search histories before going out, for fear of being searched and punished for being critical of the government. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump insists he will control the oil-rich nation. Today, we speak to a Venezuelan journalist who lives abroad. We aren’t using her full name as her family back home fear retribution. She talks about Maduro’s legacy, the reality on the ground after Trump’s intervention, and what comes next for the people of Venezuela. 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: Venezuelan journalist living abroad Photo: AP Photo/Cristian HernandezSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ruby Jones is taking some time off from 7am to report an episode of the ABC’s premier investigative news program, Four Corners. While she’s gone, Daniel James will be sharing hosting duties with journalist and foreign correspondent Nicole Johnston. Originally a country girl from regional NSW, Nicole has spent almost two decades reporting on the biggest events shaping our world. From the Middle East to Africa, Europe, the US and Asia, there aren’t many frontlines she hasn’t been on. In this bonus episode, she tells Daniel about some of the most impactful moments in her career so far, including living in Gaza for a year and witnessing Egypt’s military coup against the Mohamed Morsi government. “That was really for me one of those moments where you're sitting on the edge of history and thinking, I can't believe that I'm here.” 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: Foreign correspondent and 7am host Nicole Johnston Photo: SuppliedSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.