Rephonic
Artwork for Afternoon Light
Robert Menzies
Australia
World War II
Australian History
Robert Menzies Institute
Australian Politics
Democracy
Labour Party
Ten Pound Poms
New South Wales
Cold War
Multiculturalism
World War I
Labor Party
Australian Migration Policy
Liberal Party
Gough Whitlam
Federation
United States
Margaret Thatcher

Welcome to the Afternoon Light Podcast, a captivating journey into the heart of Australia’s political history and enduring values. Presented by the Robert Menzies Institute, a prime ministerial library and museum, this podcast illuminates the remarkable legacy of Sir Robert Menzies, Australia’s longest-serving prime minister. Dive into the rich tapestry of Menzies’s contemporary impact as we explo... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes296Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HistoryNewsPolitics

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Artwork for Afternoon Light

Latest Episodes

Are the English-speaking-peoples still bound together, as we were during the greatest struggles of the 20th century?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks with Andrew Roberts, fresh off delivering the 2026 Menzies Oration, for a wide... more

YouTube

What did a Japanese spy, straight out of spy-school, make of 1940s Australia?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer and guest Craig Collie tell the fascinating and oft times humorous story of Major Sei Hashida. A haplessly conspicuous figur... more

YouTube

Is Australia really just a 'middle power', or are we underestimating our ability to influence world affairs?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer sits down for a lively discussion with Allan Behm and Emma Shortis, exploring and testing the... more

YouTube

Is multiculturalism the cornerstone of Australia's modern identity, or a Canadian import reflecting a society that was always more divided than our own?

On this week’s Afternoon Light Georgina Downer speaks to Henry Ergas about the history of multic... more

YouTube

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Recent Guests

Craig Collie
Historian, author of Major Hashida's Notebook, A Japanese Spy's Mission to Australia in World War II
Historian
Episode: Seeing Australia through the eyes of a Japanese Spy
Emma Shortis
Director of the International & Security Affairs Program at the Australia Institute
Australia Institute
Episode: More than Middling: Australia’s role in the construction of a new global order
Allan Behm
Advisor at the Australia Institute's International & Security Affairs Program
Australia Institute
Episode: More than Middling: Australia’s role in the construction of a new global order
Henry Ergas
Australian economist and public policy thinker
Independent commentator and author
Episode: Henry Ergas: What has multiculturalism done to Australia?
Belinda Murrell
Award-winning, internationally published children's author
Author of The Hidden War
Episode: Bringing ANZUS to Life: Belinda Murrell on the power of historical fiction
Andrew Godwin
Professor of Commercial Law at Melbourne Law School and editor of William Ah Ket, His Life and Times
Melbourne Law School
Episode: Australia's first Asian Barrister
Nick Bisley
Professor of International Relations, Pro Vice Chancellor for Research at La Trobe University
La Trobe University
Episode: Nick Bisley on how globalisation made & may unmake Asia: "The world looks quite different"
Paul Kelly
Editor-at-large and former editor-in-chief of The Australian; author of The Twilight of Exceptionalism
The Australian / Author
Episode: Paul Kelly & Alexander Downer on the frustration & legacy of the Abbott-Turnbull-Morrison Governments: "We don't know what they stand for"
Michael Wesley
Professor of International Relations and Deputy Vice Chancellor, University of Melbourne
University of Melbourne
Episode: Michael Wesley on Australia's need to recommit to Southeast Asia: "In historical terms"

Host

Georgina Downer
Host of Afternoon Light Live; affiliated with the Robert Menzies Institute.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 28 ratings
  • Never boring

    I look forward each week to hearing the latest discussion, well done

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BB Oakleigh
    Australia3 years ago
  • My go to Australian political history podcast

    Love this show. They have really interesting guests across lots of topics in Australian political history. I learn something new each week. Never miss an episode

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    HistoryBuff29
    Australia3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Never boring. I look forward each week to hearing the latest discussion, well done
Love this show. They have really interesting guests across lots of topics in Australian political history. I learn something new each week. Never miss an episode

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#209
India/History

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Henry Ergas: What has multiculturalism done to Australia?
Q: What can younger listeners do to resist the politics of rage?
Join supportive networks like the Menzies Early Career Network, seek diverse and thoughtful peers, and commit to rigorous study and brave civic engagement to influence public discourse.
Henry Ergas: What has multiculturalism done to Australia?
Q: What is the current status of multiculturalism in Australia—are we moving away or rediscovering integration?
The guest suggests Australia is at a moment of debate and decision, with a possible re-emphasis on integration over identity-based nationalism, but acknowledges complexity and evolving public discourse.
Henry Ergas: What has multiculturalism done to Australia?
Q: How might political leadership have changed the trajectory of the politics of rage?
Leadership could have set clearer boundaries on tolerating non-violent political dissent and pushed for stronger incentives to hold institutions accountable, potentially dampening the norm of extremism by reinforcing civil norms and supporting traditional liberal principles.
Nick Bisley on how globalisation made & may unmake Asia: "The world looks quite different"
Q: Nick, welcome to Afternoon Light.
A warm greeting that leads into the discussion about Bisley's book and the core themes of globalization, Asia's evolving role, and strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific.
Michael Wesley on Australia's need to recommit to Southeast Asia: "In historical terms"
Q: If China invades Taiwan tomorrow, what are the first three things the Australian government should do?
Prioritize national defense planning for direct Chinese threats, consider Australia's role in supporting the US alliance carefully, and assess regional or global shifts post-conflict, including the impact on trade and security architectures.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About Afternoon Light

What is Afternoon Light about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This program consistently explores Australian political history through expert interviews, archival context, and nuanced discussions of leadership, democracy, and national identity. Recurring topics include Menzies's legacy, education, civil liberties, international relations (including alliances like ANZUS), and the evolution of language and culture in shaping national storytelling. A notable strength is the focus on scholarly yet accessible analysis, with guests ranging from historians and educators to policy researchers, providing depth on historical interpretation, governance, and civic engagement. Listeners can expect thoughtful, evidence-based conversations that connect past ideas to present-day democratic values and public policy.

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Which podcasts are similar to Afternoon Light?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Afternoon Light:

1. Lowy Institute
2. John Anderson: Conversations
3. Chanticleer
4. Conversations
5. The National Security Podcast

How many episodes of Afternoon Light are there?

Afternoon Light launched 5 years ago and published 296 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on Afternoon Light?

Recent guests on Afternoon Light include:

1. Craig Collie
2. Emma Shortis
3. Allan Behm
4. Henry Ergas
5. Belinda Murrell
6. Andrew Godwin
7. Nick Bisley
8. Paul Kelly

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